1 – I’m having some serious technical difficulties over here, my laptop keeps freezing or randomly shutting down so I don’t know how much time I have to actually get this typed up and published for you before it happens again!

2 – Who wants to listen to/read my ramblings when there are deliciously simple, secretly healthy dark chocolate hazelnut cashew butter cups to be enjoyed!

Cool crisp, decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent, dark chocolate cups encasing a luscious and creamy, deliciously dreamy, velvety smooth, secretly healthy, chocolate hazelnut cashew butter center that literally oozes with awesomeness when you bite on in.

I mean really . . .

Do I need to say anymore?!

Creamy

Dreamy

Simply divine!

Made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in a matter of minutes!

They also happen to be naturally gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, keto and paleo friendly but, most importantly, they are taste like an absolute dream!

They are decadent and rich, seriously creamy, and deliciously indulgent, without being overly sweet.

The richness of the dark chocolate combined with that subtly sweet, buttery smooth chocolate hazelnut cashew butter filling really is a match made in heaven.

Ahhh you guys I am so in love with these little treats, I want to shout it from the roof tops!

Seriously, obsessed. I can not wait for you to try them for yourself because, one taste, and I know you will be as head over heels in love with them as I am.

They really are bonkers delicious, a perfectly portioned, delectable little mouthful of, secretly healthy, edible awesomeness and you need them in your life, asap!

All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, decadent, rich, creamy, dreamy, dark chocolate hazelnut cashew butter cups . . .

I wonder if Apple will trade a new computer for a box of these bad boys?! Can’t hurt to ask right?

2 ingredients

10 minutes in the making – stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen now!

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

Healthy, Homemade, 2 Ingredient
Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cashew Butter Cups
{Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Keto & Paleo Friendly}

Makes 12-14 Deliciously simple, seriously indulgent, decadent and rich, salted dark chocolate cups stuffed with creamy, dreamy, chocolate hazelnut cashew butter

Ingredients –

1/3 cup of healthy, homemade, chocolate hazelnut cashew butter

*  You could always use a pre-made/store bought cashew butter & add 1 Tbsp of cacao and 1/2 tsp of vanilla & 1/2 tsp of hazelnut extract in place of the homemade if you prefer

1/2 cup of good quality dark chocolate – I use dairy free

1 Tablespoon of flaky sea salt

Optional add in’s;

1 teaspoon of maca powder – For hormone balance

1-2 Tablespoons of MCT oil – brain boosting energy

2 scoops of collagen ( I Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides ) – for gut healing goodness

1-2 scoops of protein powder (vanilla, chocolate or unflavored would work best in this recipe) – for extra protein – I use Progenies organic whey  – you can use EMS10 to get 10% off

Method –

1 – Melt chocolate by your preferred method. I like to do mine broiler style by placing my chocolate in a small bowl  over a pot of simmering water.

2 – Use a teaspoon to drizzle some melted chocolate into a chocolate mold (or can use mini paper or silicone cupcake/muffin cases if you prefer) and spread to coat evenly. Don’t use all your chocolate, remember you want to save about 1/4 of it to spread on top once our chocolate cups are filled.

3 – Place your chocolate cups in the fridge or freezer to set.

4 – Once set, remove  your chocolate cups from the fridge or freezer, fill each chocolate cup with a spoonful of your chocolate hazelnut cashew butter, (stir in your optional extras before filling ) then use the back of your spoon carefully smooth out the top and firmly but gently press the filling down into the chocolate cups.

5 – Once all your cups are filled with creamy, dreamy chocolate hazelnut cashew butter, top with a little extra chocolate, smooth it all the way to the edges to the filling is completely covered then sprinkle with salt  and place them back into the fridge (or freezer) to set.

These delicious little cups will keep well in the fridge for several weeks but can also be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months!

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite flavor nut butter?

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 chocolate hazelnut cashew butter cups (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 2 Ingredient, Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cashew Butter Cups – {Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Keto & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

2 things . . .

1 – Can we just stop for a minute and talk about the fact that it’s June already.

And not just the beginning of June, the middle of June.

Already?!

Ummmm, how?!

Didn’t we just celebrate Christmas last week?

Seriously, 2018 slooooowwwww down!

2 – How is it the middle of June already and I’m only just sharing my first nut butter recipe for the year?!

Who even am I?!

You guys . . . when it comes to sharing new nut butter recipes I’ve been slacking but trust me, this recipe I’m sharing with you today more than makes up for it.

Promise.

Are you ready . . .

Allow me to introduce you to my latest love . . .

Chocolate hazelnut cashew butter.

You guys . . .

This nut butter  . . .

Next level deliciousness!

Not. Even. Kidding!

Decadent, rich, subtly sweet, seriously chocolaty, deliciously creamy, secretly healthy, buttery smooth, chocolate hazelnut-cashew butter . . . 

Honestly, I’m not even sure what more there is to say . . .

Cashews and hazelnuts are oven roasted then blended with a handful of almonds, a splash of vanilla, a sprinkling of cacao, a pinch of salt. So simple but so insanely delicious that it’s kind of ridiculous.

The way the subtle sweetness of hazelnut blends with those buttery cashews and the decadent, intense richness of cacao – swoon!

The neutral flavor profile of our golden little almonds help to cut through the richness of those stronger flavors and the end result is nothing short of perfection!

I love that you can really taste all the different layers of deliciousness in each and every decadent spoonful –  the subtly sweet hazelnuts, the buttery smooth cashews, those gloriously golden almonds, the gentle hum of vanilla, the decadent richness of cacao  . . .

I’m trying to find a way to describe the way it tastes but I’m struggling to find words to do it the justice it deserves. I mean, saying it’s outrageously delicious, even though it really, REALLY, is doesn’t even come close to doing it the justice it deserves.

It kind of reminds me of the delicious, gooey center of those dreamy lindt or ferrero rocher balls . . . but better. Smoother, richer and so much creamier.

This healthy, homemade chocolate hazelnut cashew butter really is edible awesomeness personified and I can not wait for you to taste it for yourself because I know that you, like me, are going to love, love, love it!

As always out healthy, homemade nut butter is made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and it comes together in a matter of minutes.

No added sugars, no weird fillers or unpronounceable ingredients – just pure goodness baby!

It really is a little jar of heaven right here on earth.

It’s sugar free – dairy free – vegan – keto and paleo friendly but, most importantly it tastes like an absolute dream!

5 ingredients, 10 minutes in the making stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen now!

All natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, subtly sweet, seriously chocolaty, deliciously creamy, secretly healthy, buttery smooth, chocolate hazelnut-cashew butter . . .

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

Chocolate Hazelnut Cashew Butter
{Sugar Free – Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Vegan – Keto & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 2 cups of all natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, seriously chocolaty,   deliciously dreamy, secretly healthy, subtly sweet, buttery smooth chocolate hazelnut cashew butter

Ingredients –

1/2 cup of raw skinless hazelnuts

1/2 cup raw cashews

1 cup of raw almonds

1 heaping Tablespoon of cacao

1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract or 10-12 drops of Vanilla Cream Stevia – I use Sweet Leaf Stevia

1/2 teaspoon of salt flakes

1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso – optional but recommended – it helps to enhance the flavor and richness of the cacao

1 scoop of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides optional for an extra boost of protein and gut healing goodness

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 your almonds and hazelnuts on, making sure they are spread evenly – aka not crowded.

3 – Roast your nuts for 10 minutes, until lightly roasted and slightly golden.

If you are unable to get skinless hazelnuts simply roast them on a separate tray and once they are roasted, place on a clean dry hand towel and fold it in half. Rub it gently between your hands and the skins should come loose. Once the hazelnuts have shed their skins, discard the skins and proceed with the recipe as normal.

4 – Pour your roasted nuts into the bowl of your food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy (or your desired consistency). Initially they will 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 cacao, salt, vanilla along with the collagen and espresso, if using, then process until combined.

6 – Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly – add a little extra salt or more vanilla (or stevia)  if you feel the need and if you prefer a thinner 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

_________________________________________

Question of the day –

What are some of your favorite holiday treats and eats? 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 this creamy, dreamy vanilla hazelnut 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

__________________________________________

The post Healthy, Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Cashew Butter {Sugar Free – Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Vegan – Keto – Paleo} first appeared on Better with Cake.

F-F-Friday baby!!!

Again.

Already?!

Can you even believe it?!

The first week of March is done and dusted and Easter is just a few short weeks away!

Sloooowwwwww downnnnn!

Anyways, another Friday is upon us and you know what that means . . .

It’s time for another round of Fit Friday Fun!!!!

And boy are we going to have some fun today!

You see, today I thought we have ourselves a short, sharp, 10 minute, no equipment, total body workout that you can get in and get done, anytime, anywhere and is guarenteed to get your heart rate pumping, metabolism firing and leave you feeling like an absolute rock star.

1 exercise
10 minutes
40 seconds on
20 seconds off
x as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes
  Boomshakalocka, done

I know, I know we all love to hate the good ol’ burpee but deep down you know you really do love them!

When they’re done anyways

This one little exercise ticks all the boxes – it’s great for cardio – HIIT – Tabata style training but it’s always an incredible strength/resistance and endurance exercise too!

So – 1 exercise – 40 seconds on – 20 seconds off – repeat for as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes . . . are you up for the challenge?!

Nothing overly complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective total body workout that will leave you feeling like an absolute rock star when your done!

You show those burpees whose boss baby!

I guarantee after this workout you will be feeling strong and energized ready to take on the rest of your day!

Now, I know I said we work 40 seconds and rest 20 but  I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and feel free to take extra rest as needed.

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. Do what you gotta do, OK?!

Catch your breath, grab a drink then get straight back into it as soon as you can, deal?

I want you to really push yourself, but 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
“Burpee Burn Out”
Total 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 bonus smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, decedent, rich, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, creamy, dreamy, chocolate hazelnut matcha latte sound?

You guys may or may not have noticed that I am kind of obsessed with this flavor combination at the moment.

I love the way the earth tones of that magnificent matcha marries with the richness of the cacao and the deliciously buttery, hint of sweetness our hazelnut extract – it’s decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent, and just perfectly sweet  – absolute perfection!

Not only does it taste like heaven in a cup but, it also happens to be packed with protein and heart healthy fats. As well as being rich in antioxidants, high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and fiber.

It’s a natural anti-inflammatory.

Great for stabilizing blood sugar, balancing hormones, enhancing mood, aid concentration and restoring energy levels (both mental and physical).

And it’s also great for post work out recovery, gut health as well as the health of your hair, skin and nails!

Super smoothie say whaaattttt?!

So much goodness in one deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolatey, creamy, dreamy little cup!

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our decadent and rich, creamy, dreamy, seriously chocolatey, nutritional powerhouse of a super smothie taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be vegan, gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, keto and paleo friendly!!!

So much to love I tell you

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.

Iced Chocolate Hazelnut Matcha Latte
Vegan – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Sugar Free – Keto &  Paleo Friendly
Makes 1 nice tall, decadent, rich, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, seriously chocolatey, secretly healthy, super smoothie

Ingredients –

1/3 cup coconut or Greek style yogurt

2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 a frozen banana

1 Tablespoon of coconut butter

1 Tablespoon of cacao

1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder

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 – teaspoon of vanilla (or 4-6 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

1/2 teaspoon of hazelnut extract (or 2-4 drops of hazelnut stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

A pinch of salt

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

Optional for serving –

Cacao nibs

Coconut flakes

Matcha powder

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 coconut flakes, cacao nibs and dust with matcha if desired.

You could also add in a scoop of protein powder (chocolate, vanilla or unflavoured would work really well in this recipe for an extra, extra boost of protein if you’re into that kinda thing – do what you feel baby

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

_________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite way to refuel after a workout?

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 10 Minute “Burpee Burn Out” Total Body Workout & A Iced Chocolate Hazelnut Matcha Latte first appeared on Better with Cake.

I did a terrible thing . . .

A deliciously wonderful, terrible thing

And by terrible I really just mean wonderful . . .

And you know what?!

I’m not sorry about it.

Not even a little bit.

I mean, if making deliciously simple, seriously indulgent, decadent and rich, salted dark chocolate cups stuffed with creamy, dreamy, healthy, homemade, chocolate hazelnut almond butter is wrong then, I don’t think I wanna be right?!

Whose with me?!

You guys . . . did you hear me?!

Healthy, Homemade, 3 Ingredient – Salted dark chocolate hazelnut almond butter cups!!!

3 ingredients – 10 minutes and all this could be yours!

And you guys,

These deliciously simple, healthy, homemade, 3 ingredient – salted dark chocolate hazelnut almond butter cups . . .

I have no words.

These babies are out of this world!

Cool crisp, decadent and rich dark chocolate cups encase a luscious and creamy, deliciously dreamy, chocolate hazelnut almond butter center that literally oozes with awesomeness when you bite on in.

Creamy

Dreamy

Simply divine!

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

I can not handle the deliciousness.

I mean really . . .

would you just look at them?!

Like I said, oozing with awesomeness.

Just like you

Ah you guys I am so excited about this recipe and I can not wait for you to try them for yourself because I know they are going to rock your world!

They really are incredible!

They kind of remind me of those fancy Lindt – Lindor chocolate balls. You know the ones I mean?! Prefect little spheres of chocolate with that slightly soft, creamy, dreamy center?!

Well these are kind of like that.

But in cute little cups instead of spheres.

FYI – They also happen to be way better for you too – these babies are made with no refined flours or sugars with just 3 real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

They also happen to be naturally gluten free and paleo friendly and could easily be made vegan depending on what kind of chocolate chips you use but, most importantly, they are taste like an absolute dream!

They are decadent, rich and deliciously indulgent without being overly sweet.

They really are a perfectly portioned, delicious little mouthful of pure perfection and you need them in your life, asap!

I’m thinking our delicious little chocolate hazelnut almond butter cups would make the perfect homemade gift to make for friends and family (or even just your fine self) this Easter (or any day for that matter because, chocolate!!)

Just quickly before you go, I used my healthy, homemade chocolate hazelnut almond butter to fill these babies and I strongly (STRONGLY) suggest you do the same but, that being said,  any kind will work here so feel free to sub in your favorite, just do yourself a favor and promise me you’ll make them!

And soon.

Serve them simply as they are with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt or if you’re feeling fancy top them with a couple of extra hazelnuts.

However you choose to do it, you really can’t go wrong because, again, chocolate!!!!!

All natural, quick and easy, deliciously simple, seriously indulgent, decadent and rich, cool crisp, salted dark chocolate cups, stuffed with creamy, dreamy, healthy, homemade, chocolate hazelnut almond butter.

3 ingredients

10 minutes.

Seriously, just do it already!

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

 

Healthy, Homemade, 3 Ingredient – Salted Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Almond Butter Cups {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

Makes 12-14 Deliciously simple, seriously indulgent, decadent and rich, salted dark chocolate cups stuffed with creamy, dreamy, chocolate hazelnut almond butter

Ingredients –

1/3 cup of healthy, homemade, chocolate hazelnut almond butter

*  You could always use a pre-made/store bought chocolate hazelnut butter in place of the homemade if you prefer – I suggest Mayver’s – Justin’s or Buff Bake if you want to add a cheeky hit of protein

1/2 cup of good quality dark chocolate chips

1 Tablespoon of flaky sea salt

Method –

1 – Melt chocolate by your preferred method. I like to do mine broiler style by placing my chocolate in a small bowl  over a pot of simmering water.

2 – Use a teaspoon to drizzle some melted chocolate into a chocolate mold (or can use mini paper or silicone cupcake/muffin cases if you prefer) and spread to coat evenly. Don’t use all your chocolate, remember you want to save about 1/4 of it to spread on top once our chocolate cups are filled.

3 – Place your chocolate cups in the fridge or freezer to set.

4 – Once set, remove  your chocolate cups from the fridge or freezer, fill each chocolate cup with a spoonful of your chocolate hazelnut almond butter, then use the back of your spoon carefully smooth out the top and firmly but gently press the filling down into the chocolate cups.

5 – Once all your cups are filled with creamy, dreamy chocolate hazelnut almond butter, top with a little extra chocolate, smooth it all the way to the edges to the filling is completely covered then sprinkle with salt  and place them back into the fridge (or freezer) to set.

These delicious little cups will keep well in the fridge for several weeks but can also be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months!

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite Easter 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 chocolate hazelnut almond butter cups (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, Homemade, 3 Ingredient – Salted Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Almond Butter Cups {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.