Honestly, Im not sure I want to drink my coffee any other way from now on?!

Especially at this time of year when I’m needing all of the coffee to try to do all the things (and then some!) please tell me I’m not the only one?!

This right here, is everything I want, all day every day on repeat (by IV) between now and Christmas . . . then on Christmas I’ll be wanting a double-double please and thank you.

Subtly sweet, seriously creamy,  spiked with the perfect hit of espresso and a heart and belly-warming hum of gingerbread spice. It’s SOOOO good!

No one would ever know that this one also happens to be seriously good for you!

Packed with protein, naturally sweetened and loaded with gut healing goodness!

I won’t tell if you don’t!

Healthified or not, I can’t think of a better way to start, end or fill the day than cozied on the couch, binge-watching Christmas movies with a cup of this deliciousness! Which is where you’ll find me, on the couch, tonight at 830 pm . . . cozied up in my comfiest PJ’s watching “The Santa Clause” or “Home Alone” I cant decide which one Im feeling today?! But, you’re welcome to join me!

Serve it hot, serve it iced, however you choose to do it you really can’t go wrong!

Dairy free (if you want),  BANANA FREE, DATE FREE, Sugar-free, Low Carb, Paleo, Keto & 100% Vegan friendly – so much to love I tell you and love it you will!

Seriously, so good! Starbucks who?!

Please note I like mine spicy so feel free to adjust accordingly …
Enjoy

_________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your go-to coffee order?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your secretly healthy, sugar-free gingerbread latte  (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Healthy {Sugar-Free} Gingerbread Latte first appeared on Better with Cake.

Gingerbread season has arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Insert all the exclamation points and fun, festive happy dancing, here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could I be anymore excited?!
Please tell me you read that in the voice of Chandler Bing (hello, Friends for life), if not, go back and read it again . . . I’ll wait . . .

And just in case you weren’t sure, the answer is no, I could not be any more excited – choosing to ignore the fact that gingerbread season means that Christmas is just around the corner and I haven’t even come close finish my Christmas shopping yet . . . am I stressed . . . little bit but . . .

I have a fresh batch of gingerbread muffins so I’m choosing to focus on that.

Please tell me I’m not the only one who is crazy excited for all things gingerbread?!

I don’t know what it is about that combination of spices, it just makes me feel all the fun and festive feels (just in case you didn’t know, Christmas is my absolute favourite) and warms me down to the depths of my soul.

Maybe it’s because gingerbread is not something we have everyday. The acceptable window for gingerbread consumption is just a few short weeks, really just the month of December, so I think that helps to make it extra special.

Speaking of extra special . . .

You guys, these gingerbread muffins . . . where do I begin ?!

Aptly named the best ever/ my absolute fave because they really truly are. By December 4th and I may have made them 3 times already . . . Im sorry it took so long for me to share them with you, life has been cah-razy, I know you get it . . . but, one bite of these light, fluffy, perfectly spiced gingerbread muffins and all will be forgiven . . .

Yes, they really are THAT good!

Soft, tender, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced and just all kinds of wonderful.

Made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and can be ready to devour in less than 20 minutes!

Serve them simple as they are, drizzle with a traditional powdered sugar glaze or a little melted coconut butter. Extra cinnamon for me please!

Or you totally serve them with this whipped vanilla cream cheese frosting, or this espresso cream cheese frosting or even this dark chocolate espresso ganache – or make a platter with some of each! ← this will be happening!!

However you choose to do it you really can’t go wrong!

Perfect to have on hand to fuel the frenzied, frantic , last minute Christmas shopping or just because IT’S GINGERBREAD SEASON!!!!!!!

And just when you thought you couldn’t love them anymore, this recipes makes just 6-9 delicious little muffins so it’s perfect for those moments when you’re craving a slice of gingerbread (or 2) but don’t want to bother baking, or can’t be trusted with (←we’ve all been there) an entire loaf (or batch of 12-24)

And, these babies are 100% freezer friendly so you can totally get a head of the game, and make them now, pull them out of the freezer on Christmas Eve, Christmas brunch, sorted!

1 bowl + 7 ingredients ( a handful of spices) and 20 minutes and you too could be devouring this deliciousness!

Gluten Free – Dairy free – Grain free – Refined sugar free –  Low Carb – Paleo – Keto  – Vegan friendly !!

All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, soft and tender, perfectly spiced gingerbread muffins . . .

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

Let the festive fun, begin!!!!!!!

• I used Macro Mike limited edition caramel popcorn plant based almond protein powder ! Its gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, boosted with probiotics & truly tastes all kinds of incredible. Its hands down without question the smoothest, most delicious, elite tasting protein power (plant based/dairy free or otherwise!!) I have ever tried. And I have tried A LOT!  Use AMB-EM to get a cheeky discount if you want to try it & believe me, you do!
• You “can” sub 1/2 tsp coconut flour in place of the protein powder but the flavour & nutritional boost the protein pwd adds really make  these muffins extra magical!

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Question of the day –

What’s your fave festive treat??

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your muffins (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Classic Style Gingerbread Muffins first appeared on Better with Cake.

Because 1, YUM!

And, 2 – Is it even the Fourth of July if we don’t have some festive treats?!

I know American Independence day is not something we celebrate here in Australia but, an excuse to make (& let’s be real, EAT) some fun and festive treats, I am here for it!

You with me?! Of course, you are, you’re cool like that!

Let me tell you, these dark chocolate peanut butter s’mores are 100% worth celebrating anytime you make them! Pleeeeaaaasssssse let it be today!

Subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, crisp and crunchy peanut butter cookies slathered with a layer of espresso-infused dark chocolate then topped with ooey, gooey, roasty, toasty marshmallows!

And yes, if you’re not into espresso you can absolutely leave it out, they will still be all kinds of incredible without that hint of espresso, just not quite as magical in my opinion but, you do you baby xo

Now, a word or warning . . . as simple as they are to make (hello just 6 basic pantry staples!! 4 to make the cookies & 2 more to put your low carb, gluten free s’mores together) they are dangerously addictive! Or is it addicting?! I can never decide?! Either way, they are super yum but the real warning I wanted to give here is that they are also, kind of messy to eat but also, very VERY #worthit

Super simple, seriously delicious they come together in 1 bowl with 1 spoon and can be ready to devour in less than 20 mins!!!

Gluten Free – Dairy free – Grain free – Refined sugar free –  Low Carb – Paleo –  Keto – Vegan friendly.

1 bowl + 6 ingredients . . . .

The only thing that’s left to decide is 1 marshmallow or 2?!

Make mine a double pls, HBU ?

Enjoy xo

*NOTE – if you want to go all in and make your own gluten-free marshmallows here are two amazing looking recipes by two of my all time fave ladies –

Steph Gaudreau has a dreamy-looking recipe for chocolate marshmallows (her recipe is actually choc mint but you could skip the mint) which she adapted from The urban poser – OG recipe here! Double choc peanut butter s’mores sound like a VERY good time to me!

And the amazing Danielle Walker @ against all grain has an incredible classic style {gluten free} marshmallow recipe here if you want to keep things more traditional.

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Question of the day –

Would you rather . . . classic- style rustic camping or are you more a glamping (aka nice cozy hotel) person?!
the reason I ask is when I think s’mores I think summertime camping (even though camping is not something I’ve ever really done, its what they do in the movies so . . . that’s where my mind goes . . . you too?

And please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your 6 ingredient {low carb – gluten free} dark chocolate peanut butter s’mores (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) don’t forget to take a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or you can just tag me on Instagram ( I’m @emsswanston ). Sharing is caring remember and it makes my heart so happy to see you re-creating and enjoying my recipes. Truly brings me so much joy!

Do it, do it You know you want to xo

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The post S’mores! first appeared on Better with Cake.

I’m sorry for skipping out on you last week. Life just got the better of me. Eve’s schooling was intense, spunky husbands work was intense, life was just in. tense! And boy did I have the headache to go with it!

And now, to be honest, I don’t really even know where to begin writing this post . . .

With everything that’s going on in the world – the riots – the anger, the hurt, the outrage and so much suffering, my heart is aching, my head is spinning and I just don’t even know what to say?! I understand that I will never understand but please know that I see you, I feel you, I am with you!

I wish I could just bake the world a big batch of cookies and make the pain just go away. Cookies + chai = something sweet to soothe your soul, even if just for a moment or two,  I think it’s we could all do with right about now.

So, who wants a cookie (or 2)?!

But not just any ol’ cookie, the ultimate comfort cookie aka my super simple, secretly healthy,  chai spiced snickerdoodle .

For those of you who may not be familiar with the edible awesomeness that is the snickerdoodle – a snickerdoodle is basically a classic style sugar cookie that gets rolled in a mix sugar and cinnamon before you bake them. We also add a pinch of baking soda in to the mix so they get thick and fluffy when you bake them – not all crisp and crunchy) like your standard sugar cookie. They’re crispy on the edges, soft and fluffy in the middle and just all kinds of wonderful!

Now, I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything but, I think these could possibly be one of my best cookie creations yet! *Toot * toot *

Don’t let their humble , yet sparkly, exterior fool you, these cookies are kind of life changing!

A simple but magical combination of flavors that makes my heart (and belly) all kinds of happy and even though they also happen to be secretly good for you,hear me when I say,  no one would ever know!

They’re subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced and just all kinds of wonderful!

Made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in 1 bowl with one spoon but, there is a catch . . .

The trick to getting that magical, soft and chewy snickerdoodle of your dreams will require a little patience . . .

You see, the trick to getting that perfect chewy texture is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or you could speed it up and pop it in the freezer for 15) !

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! Sorry for yelling but this is very, VERY important!

Chilling the dough is what helps your cookies hold their shape and get that perfect, thick, fluffy, soft and chewy texture!

Will waiting be a little difficult? Possibly for some (some being me).
Will it be worth it . . . absolutely,  100%, without question, so, SO worth it!

Note – you can chill the dough for longer than 30 minutes so if you’re seeing this and it’s nearing bed time stop what you’re doing . . . head to the kitchen, mix up your snickerdoodle dough, it will take 2 minutes, cover it up then pop it in the fridge. Tuck your fine self into bed, have an amazing sleep dreaming about the magical, life changing cookies you will get to devour when you wake up in the morning.

And yes, because our secretly healthy snickerdoodles are made primarily with eggs, nut butter and chai, they are totally acceptable for breakfast consumption! You’re welcome.

Upon waking, turn on your oven, have yourself a nice hot shower, roll, coat & bake your cookies, 6 – 8 minutes later your current chai spiced snickerdoodle cookie eating self will totally be high five-ing your last nights self for doing the work , mixing up the dough for your freshly showered morning self to enjoy with a monster size cup of coffee because, cookies + coffee + chai = all of the yes! Living your best WFH life here baby!

I mean would you just look at that texture?!

Crispy on the edges, thick, fluffy and deliciously chewy in the middle . . . hello dreamy!

Subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced secretly healthy soft and chewy chai spiced snickerdoodles .

Gluten Free – Dairy free – Grain free – Refined sugar free –  Low Carb – Paleo – Keto  – Vegan friendly  but, most importantly, they really are edible awesomeness persondified.

Something sweet to sooth your soul. Warm and comforting and I hope you love them as much as I do. Which just in case you didn’t catch it is, a lot!

1 bowl + 7 ingredients and a handful of spices  . . .

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

Soft and Chew Chai Spiced Snickerdoodles Cookies

Makes 10-12 subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, soft and chewy, soul soothing cookies!

Ingredients –

1 egg – or flax egg

1/2 cup of almond butter

1 Tablespoon of maple syrup

1 teaspoon of coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 cup of almond flour/meal

1/4 cup of monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1-2 teaspoon of chai spice mix – more or less to taste.

1 pinch of salt

For coating coating –

1/4 cup of monk fruit sweetener

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Method –

1 – Place egg, almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla in to a bowl and stir until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Add almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, chai spice and salt then stir to combine.

3  –  Now comes the hard part – place your cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill (or freezer for 10-15) DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP this is what helps your cookies maintain their shape and ensures they get that dreamy chewy texture!

Note – You can chill for longer then 30 minutes,  you can even mix it up and leave it covered in the fridge chilling over night if you like.

Once your dough has chilled – and you’re ready to bake –

4 – Preheat your oven to 175’C / 350’F line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper (or a silpat mat) and set aside.

5 – Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out your dough and roll into desired shape and size.

Note – they don’t spread a lot but will puff up a little so shape them roughly how you want to eat them but make sure you give them a little room to breathe on the baking tray.

6 – Combine 1/4 C monk fruit sweetener and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and stir to combine.

7 – Gently press each cookie into the cinnamon sugar, toss to coat and place on to your prepared baking sheet.

* Repeat until all cookies have been coated.

8 – Bake smaller cookies for 6-8 minutes – larger cookies for 8-10

DO NOT OVER BAKE – they will still be slightly soft, that’s what you want – set them aside for 2-3 minutes to cool – they will now be crispy on the edges and soft and chewy in the middle.

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your fave kind of cookie??

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your cookies (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

__________________________________________

The post 1 Bowl Soft Baked Chai Spiced Snickerdoodles first appeared on Better with Cake.

It’s that time again, time for another round of fit Friday fun!!!!

And boy are we going to have some fun today!

Today I’m sharing a short, sharp lower body workout that you can get in and get done in around 20 minutes , with or without equipment, totally your call.

You guys know how how much I love, love, love my lower body workouts, The lower body is where your powerhouse muscles are (I’m looking at you quads, glutes and hamstrings) which means you get a serious bang for your workout butt, I mean buck!

So, here’s what we are going to do –

Just 4 exercises –

Step Up
Reverse Lunge
Goblet Squat
Burpees – you know you love them

Aim to do 10 reps of each exercise (count reps per leg) then repeat the entire sequence through for a total of 4 rounds (or as many rounds as pretty in 20 mins), resting as needed. Sound good?

Keep in mind that just because I’m not allocating any specific rests breaks in today’s workout does not mean you push through without taking any rest!

I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and anytime you feel like you need to take a break to catch your breath and grab a little drink then by all means please do so, and take all the time you need. However, if possible try to wait until you get to the end of each set or the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

If you feel like you need to stop, grab a drink and catch your breath, by all means do so, take all the time you need,  then get straight back into it and repeat for a total of 3 rounds, deal?

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective lower body workout that will leave you feeling strong and energized ready to power through the rest of your day!

Now, for those of you who are just getting started or may not have access to a gym of any kind of weights you can absolutely do with workout without any added weight and let me tell you, you will be feeling it.

Not even kidding, this was me the day my first attempt at this workout –

Just because you’re “only” using your body-weight as resistance doesn’t not make this an easy workout. Your quads and glutes will be burning by the final round and you will definitely be feeling the effects of it tomorrow I assure you.

You have been warned!

For our fully functioning/more advanced lifters who might be looking to make things a little more challenging – grab yourself a weapon of choice – a set of dumbbells, a barbell, kettlebells, your EmPack, some resistance bands or any combination you like. Make sure you choose something appropriate for your strength but, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Although, we want quality not quantity, always! Never compromise your form, ever! If your form starts to fail your done, got it?

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

20 Minute

“Step it Up”

Lower Body Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now onto our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, subtly sweet, creamy, dreamy, perfectly spiced caramel latte sound?

You guys, this smoothie might just be the smoothie of my dreams!

It pretty much tastes like Christmas in a cup and I am here for it!

Not only does it taste all kinds of magical but it also happens to be secretly healthy, packed with protein and loaded with gut loving goodness!

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our delicious, nutritious latte taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be Dairy free (if you want),  BANANA FREE, DATE FREE, refined sugar free, Low Carb, Vegan, Keto and Paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you and love it you will!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self on this fabulous Friday.

Cinnamon Spiced Salted Caramel Latte
{Dairy Free – BANANA FREE – DATE FREE – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto – Paleo }

Makes 1 subtly sweet, secretly healthy, deliciously nourishing, perfectly spiced, salted caramel latte

Ingredients –

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

1 Tablespoon of Maple syrup – sub caramel sauce – keto friends use caramel stevia – more or less depending on how sweet you want it.

1 Tablespoon of cashew butter – sub 2 Tablespoons of raw cashews, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes before blending if you don’t have a high powered blender

1 teaspoon of vanilla

Cinnamon – measure with your heart

1 teaspoon of instant espresso – or a shot or 2 of your fave brew – optional

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency.

Optional add ins;

Melted dark chocolate to swirl your glass  with happiness

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance

1-2 scoops of  collagen – for gut healing goodness

1 Tablespoon of vanilla creamer – makes it extra lush

1 scoop protein powder  – for extra protein ( I think vanilla or unflavored would work best in this recipe)

1/2-1 cup cauliflower or zucchini (pre-steamed & frozen works best)  – a great way to get an extra (undetectable) serve of veg & make your smoothie extra thick

Method –

1 – Place all smoothie ingredients into your blender and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar then top with toppings of choice.

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go, and remember;

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

_________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s workouts are you loving lately?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this smoothie (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Cinnamon Spiced Caramel Latte & A 20 Minute Lower Body Workout first appeared on Better with Cake.

Those of you who have been visiting this blog of mine for regularly over the years (or even just the last few weeks) will know how much I LOVE chocolate and chai!

A simple but magical combination of flavors that makes my heart (and belly) all kinds of happy.

I mean, chocolate on it’s own = happiness am I right?! You know I am!

And, chai just warms me down to the depths of my soul. I don’t know what it is about that  combination of spices, maybe it’s because it reminds me of Christmas (which is my absolute fave) – the smell alone just makes me all kinds of happy, and when you put the to together, you get pure magic.

And that my friend is exactly what we have here!

Subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolatey spiked with the perfect heart and belly warming hum of chai inspired spices.

Crispy on the edges, soft, chewy and super fudgy in the middle , and choc full of choc chips.

I mean, does it get any better?!

Chocolate + chai + brownie meets cookie . . .

My life is now complete.

Wait, eating these while drinking coffee = life, complete!

Made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in 1 bowl with one spoon but, I must remind you, there is a catch . . .

The trick to getting that magical, super fudgy, soft and chewy brookie of your dreams will require a little patience . . .

You see, the trick to getting that perfect chewy texture is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or you could speed it up and pop it in the freezer for 15 instead) !

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!

This is what helps your brookies hold their shape and get that game changing texture!

Will waiting be a little difficult? Possibly for some (some being me).
Will it be worth it . . . absolutely,  100%, without question, so, SO worth it!

Note – you can chill the dough for longer than 30 minutes so if you’re seeing this and it’s nearing bed time stop what you’re doing . . . head to the kitchen, mix up your brookie dough, it will take 2 minutes, cover it up then pop it in the fridge. Tuck your fine self into bed, have an amazing sleep dreaming about the magical, life changing brookies you will get to devour when you wake up in the morning.

And yes, because our brookies are made primarily with eggs and nut butter and also have a pinch of espresso and lots, and lots of chai, they automatically become acceptable for breakfast consumption. OoooO yes!

Upon waking, have yourself a nice hot shower, turn on your oven, bake up your cookies, 6 – 8 minutes later your current , brookie eating self will be totally high five-ing your last nights self for doing the work , mixing up that brookie dough for your morning self to enjoy with a monster size cup of coffee because, yes!

Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Grain Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Keto – Paleo – Vegan Friendly

All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, seriously chocolaty, perfectly spiced soft and chewy, super fudgy, flourless chai spiced almond butter brookies . . .

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them!

{Flourless} Chai Spiced Choc Fudge Almond Butter Brookies

Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Grain Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb  – Keto – Paleo – Vegan Friendly

Makes 10-12 deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolaty, perfectly spiced, soft and chewy, super fudgy almond butter brookies

Ingredients –

1 egg – or flax egg

1/2 cup of almond butter

2 Tablespoons of coconut oil, melted and cooled

2 Tablespoons of maple syrup

1 teaspoon of vanilla

3/4 cup of almond flour/meal

1/4 cup of cacao

1 Tablespoon of chai spice mix
Or 2 tsp ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp ground ginger – 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg, cardamom, cloves & a pinch of black pepper.

1/4 cup of monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2-1 teaspoon of instant espresso – optional to help enhance the richness of the chocolate

Dark chocolate – chips or chopped – measure with your heart

1 pinch of salt

Optional add ins;

1-2 scoops of unflavored collagen – for gut health

1 teaspoon of maca – hormone balance

Method –

1 – Place egg, almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla in to a bowl and stir until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Add almond flour, cacao, instant espresso (if using),  baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt and stir to combine.

3  –  Fold in your chocolate , if using. Now comes the hard part – place your cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill (or freezer for 10-15) DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP this is what helps your cookies maintain their shape and ensures they get that dreamy, fudgy, chewy, brookie texture!

Note – You can chill for longer then 30 minutes,  you can even mix it up and leave over night if you like.

Once your dough has chilled – and you’re ready to bake –

4 – Preheat your oven to 175’C / 350’F line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper (or a silpat mat) and set aside.

5 – Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out your dough and roll into desired shape and size.

Note – they should not spread much so shape them roughly how you want to eat them.

6 – Bake for smaller cookies for 6-8 minutes – larger cookies for 8-10

DO NOT OVER BAKE – they will still be slightly soft, that’s what you want – set them aside for 2-3 minutes to cool – they will now be nice and chewy.

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Do you prefer crisp and crunchy or soft and chewy cookies??

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your brookies (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

__________________________________________

The post {Flourless} Chai Spiced Choc Fudge Almond Butter Brookies first appeared on Better with Cake.

–

I hope you’ve had your coffee boys and girls because today we are going to have ourselves a short, sharp total body HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout that you can get in and get done in just 10 minutes, no equipment required!

Get in, get it done, and get on with living!

So, here’s what we are going to do –

5 exercises;

Squat
Reverse Lunge
Push Ups
V-Ups
Burpees

We will do each 10 reps of each exercise before moving on to the next and repeat the entire sequence through, resting as needed, for as many rounds a pretty in 10 minutes.

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective total body workout.

And remember, we want quality not quantity, always! Never compromise your form, ever! If your form starts to fail your done, got it?

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

 
– 10 Minute –

Total Body

HIIT Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now onto our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, decadent, rich, subtly sweet, secretly healthy, seriously chocolaty, espresso infused, minty fresh iced peppermint mocha sound?

You guys, this smoothie . . . it’s one of my all time fave holiday flavor combinations and just makes my Christmas lovin’ heart all kinds of happy.

The decadent richness of cacao combined with that gentle hum (or loud rev if you prefer) of espresso and that subtle hint of minty freshness  . . .

So good!

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our deliciously indulgent, creamy, dreamy, fun and festive super smoothie taste like straight up Christmas in a cup but, it also happens to be vegan, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, BANANA FREE , keto and paleo friendly!!!

So much to love I tell you and love it you will

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self and refuel and re-energize that beautiful body of yours on this fabulous Friday.

 Sugar Free Iced Peppermint Mocha
Makes 1 nice tall, decadent, rich, subtly sweet, secretly healthy, seriously chocolaty, espresso infused, minty fresh iced peppermint mocha.

Ingredients –

1/4 cup vanilla coconut or Greek style yogurt

3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/3-1/2 an avocado – optional – makes it extra creamy and lush

1 Tablespoon of cacao

1 teaspoon of instant (or 1-2 shots of) espresso

1/4 tsp of peppermint extract – or 1 drop of peppermint oil ot 1 Tbsp fresh mint leaves

A pinch of salt

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency

Note – for a sweeter coffee feel free to add in a splash of vanilla, stevia or sweetener of choice.

Optional add in’s;

1 teaspoon of maca powder – optional for hormone balance

1-2 scoops of  Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – Optional for an extra does of protein and gut healing goodness

1 scp protein powder – for extra protein (chocolate, vanilla or unflavored would work best in this recipe) – I use Proganics Vanilla whey – you can use EMS10 to get 10% off

Method –

1 – Place all smoothie ingredients into your and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar then top with toppings of choice

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go;

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

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The post 10 Minute {No Equipment} Total Body HIIT Workout & A Sugar Free, Iced Peppermint Mocha first appeared on Better with Cake.

Although they sound (and look) all kinds of fancy and a little intimidating to make, hear me when I say they are sooooo easy!

Like really, truly, super easy!

No rolling, no kneading, no pre-baking, nadda.

It’s as simple as – Mix Scoop Press Bake Melt Stir Fill Sprinkle (if you want)  Devour

8 main ingredients, 20 minutes work and you’re done.

Super simple, super delicious – 100% worth it.

The hardest part about making this recipe is , well, there isn’t really a hard part at all?! Only harboring enough self control to not devour the entire batch in one sitting  . . .

Deliciously buttery, crisp and crunchy, vanilla spiked shortbread is stuffed with a decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent, silky smooth, espresso infused, lightly salted dark chocolate ganache . . .

#thestruggleisreal

To be honest, I had no real intention of sharing this recipe, actually I didn’t even plan on making it! But, I got a craving/idea that could not be ignored and then I shared a snap of it over on Instagram and hundreds of you very loudly politely demanded requested that I share the recipe, ASAP!

So,  I quickly set about re-testing the recipe ( the things I do for you ) just to make sure that they were in fact, as insanely delicious ( and super simple to throw together)  as I originally thought and not , as I feared, a once in a life time fluke   . . .

I tested not once, not twice but thrice just to be sure and can now officially confirm, with unwavering confidence that they are, in fact, 100% legit and I know you are going to just love, love LOVE them!

Luscious, creamy, deliciously indulgent, espresso infused,  chocolate ganache +  crisp and crunchy, vanilla spiked shortbread  . . .

What’s not to love?!

And would you just look at them?!

That texture tho!!!!!

Vegan Gluten Free Dairy free Grain free  EGG FREE Refined sugar free Paleo Keto Deeeeeelish

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them!

 

Dark Chocolate Espresso Ganache Tarts
{Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto – Paleo}

Makes approx – 10  deliciously indulgent, silky smooth, espresso infused, lightly salted dark chocolate ganache filled tarts

Ingredients –

For the base –

1/4 cup COLD ghee or grass-fed butter – must be cold – very important!
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup arrowroot (tapioca)
3 Tablespoons of plant based sweetener of choice –  I use Nuiva – sub monk fruit sweetener or 1/4 C of coconut sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 pinch of salt

For the filling –

1/2 cup coconut cream – regular cream works too
1 block (1/2 cup) dark chocolate
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2-1 teaspoon of espresso – more or less depending on how strong you like it
1 pinch of salt

Optional add ins-

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance
1-2 scoops of collagen – I love to use Vital proteins collagen peptides – for a gut healing goodness – omit if vegan (or sub marine collage if pescatarian)

Method –

For the base –

1 – Pre-heat oven to 175’C/350/F

2 – Line a muffin/cupcake tray with paper cases and set aside.

3 – Place all ingredients into a bowl a beat with an electric mixer (I used the paddle attachment on my stand mixer) until creamy and well combined.

3 – Spoon into your prepared muffin tray, use a small spoon, or your thumb, or a small shot glass/measuring cup to press a small indent into the centre.

4 – Bake for 6-8 mins until golden. Note they will crisp up as they cool.

For the filling –

1 – Melt chocolate by your preferred method – I like to do mine on the stove, double broiler style but a microwave will work just fine too.

2 – Add espresso, vanilla, salt & stir to combine.

3 – Add the coconut cream to your espresso infused chocolate and stir until well combined.

4 – Spoon into your tart cases.

To serve –

5 – Dust with cacao, drizzle with a little a extra coconut cream

6 – Devour!

Tarts can be kept at room temperature, the ganache will set quite firmly when stored in the fridge so you may want to bring them out / up to room temp before serving.

Enjoy xo

The post Dark Chocolate Espresso Ganache Tarts {Gluten Free – Dairy Free – EGG FREE – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto – Paleo} first appeared on Better with Cake.

Healthy, homemade pumpkin spiced almond butter.

You guys . . .

I honestly don’t know what to tell you . . .

I really think I may have out done myself this time . . .

This, right here . . .

This is a little jar of heaven on earth.

Seriously!

I knew it was going to be good, two of my great loves combined, I mean how could it not be?!

Golden, delicious, nutrient rich, buttery almonds are lightly toasted then combined with a splash of vanilla, a heart warming hum of our fun and festive, healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix (which is a little jar of awesomeness all on it’s own made with just cinnamon, ginger, all spice, nutmeg, cloves & cardamon – it’s pretty much Christmas in a cup!) and a cheeky pinch of salt.

I mean come on now, what’s not to love?!

But you guys . . . I was not prepared for just how incredible this pumpkin spiced almond butter would actually be!

Not even close!

After my first tasting I actually laughed out loud at because I just could not believe how ridiculously delicious it was!

Then a few hours later I still couldn’t quite believe it so I figured I’d best have another little taste (or two, or threee, or four).

You know, just to be sure that my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me and that this pumpkin spiced almond butter was, in fact, as delicious as I believed it to be when I was licking the blades of the food processor clean tasting it earlier.

And yep, it was. Actually, I think it was better second time round once it had cooled and the flavors of our spices had a chance to settle in really infuse those creamy, dreamy, buttery almonds.

Yep, delicious! No question!

Honestly though, this healthy, homemade pumpkin spiced almond butter is so insanely delicious that saying it’s delicious does it no justice what so ever!

Not even close!

I wish I could find a better way to describe it but I just can’t!

I can not seem to find any words descriptive enough to tell you just how incredible this pretty little jar of nut butter tastes.

And you know how I love to use alllll of the words.

I even googled synonyms for delicious to see if I could find anything that I hadn’t already thought of to help me describe it to you! ← Yes really!

It gave me suggestions like;

Tasty, flavoursome, flavourful, delectable, inviting, very enjoyable, luscious, scrumptious, delish, scrummy, yummy, moreish, exquisite, delectable and lovely.

All very accurate but still not enough!

One taste and you will think all your Christmases have come at once and if you ask me, they totally did!

It really is THAT good!

This healthy, homemade pumpkin spiced almond butter is so much more than “just” delicious and I know you are going to lose your pretty little mind once you get a chance to taste it for yourself!

As always our healthy, homemade almond butter is made with no refined flours or sugars, using just a handful of real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

Once you’ve roasted those golden delicious, nutrient rich almonds you’re divine little jar or perfectly spiced almond butter comes together in under 10 minutes!

It also happens to be vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly but, most importantly, it’s insanely (and I mean I-N-S-A-N-E-L-Y) delicious and you need it in your life like, yesterday!

Here’s how you do it –

Start off by giving our golden, delicious, nutrient rich almonds a quick little roast in the oven – toasting our nuts before we blend our butter helps to give it a more decadent and rich depth of flavor – please don’t skip this step. Yes it’s an extra 5-10 minutes but, trust me – it’s absolutely, 100% worth it!

Now, once our almonds are nicely toasted, and your house smells like heaven, all you have to do is toss those golden nuggets of deliciousness into your food processor or blender and you’re pretty much done!

Initially your nuts will get all chunky, then after a minute or two they will break down into a fine looking flour, then the real magic happens, the heat and friction from all that blending will extract the natural oils from our almonds and in a matter of minutes,

You will witness one of the most beautiful transformations of all time as your almonds are whipped into a creamy, dreamy golden, delicious nut butter right before your pretty little eyes . . .

Once that’s done we simply add our vanilla, pumpkin spice mix along with a cheeky pinch of salt –

give it one final blendy mcblend and voila’ – there you have it;

Healthy, homemade, creamy, dreamy, pumpkin spiced almond butter for the win

Once you have your little pot of deliciousness go ahead and use it as you would, business as usual – dive head first into the jar and eat your way out . . .or you be a little more refined and get yourself a spoon . . .

do what you feel, no judgement here

And I’m not saying that you have to but, I strongly suggest that you do . . .grab yourself a big ol’ block chunk of your fave dark chocolate then add a generous spoonful of your creamy, dreamy, pumpkin spiced almond butter. . .

and maybe even sprinkle over an extra cheeky pinch of that heart-warming pumpkin spice mix . . .

And lose yourself in the deliciousness that you just created.

All natural, quick and easy, thick and creamy, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, healthy, homemade pumpkin spiced almond butter

Pumpkin spice allllll of the things!!!!

Make it. Eat it. Love, love, love it.

 

Healthy, Homemade Pumpkin Spiced Almond Butter
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 1 1/2 heaping cups of all natural, quick and easy, creamy, dreamy, delicious, nutritious, perfectly spiced, healthy, homemade almond butter

Ingredients –

2 cup of raw almonds

1 Tablespoon of vanilla bean extract

1 teaspoon of healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix

1/2 teaspoon of salt flakes

Method –

1 – Preheat your oven to 175’C (350’F)

2 – Line a large baking sheet with baking/parchment paper (or a non stick silpat mat) and pour on your almonds, making sure they are spread evenly – aka not crowded.

3 – Roast your almonds for 10 minutes, until lightly toasted and deliciously golden.

4 – Pour your roasted almonds into the bowl of your food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy (or your desired consistency). Initially the almonds wil grind down into a powder, give it a minute or two and the oils will extract and it will become deliciously, thick, rich and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

5 – Once you have blended to your desired consistency, add your vanilla, pumpkin spice and salt then process until well combined.

6 – Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly – add a little extra salt or more vanilla or pumpkin spice if you feel the need and, if you prefer a thinner/more runny consistency feel free to add a drizzle of coconut oil to thin it out.

7 – Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 2 weeks – if it lasts that long! (← seriously, good luck with that )

Enjoy xoxo

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Question of the day –

Are you a fellow nut butter addict? What’s your fave flavor? Or brand? Or recipe? And your fave way to eat it?! Straight up by the spoonful, with fruit, on toast, on chocolate?! Tell me . . . details please

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your pumpkin spiced almond butter (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Healthy, Homemade Pumpkin Spiced Almond Butter {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.