And you know what that means, 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 just 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 –

6 execises;

Squats
Walking Lunges
Sumo (Plie’) Squats
Curtsy Lunge
Reverse Lunge
Squat Jump – or pulse if jumping isn’t your thing

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

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 –
“All fired 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 for our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice, tall, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, creamy, dreamy, chocolate hazelnut latte sound?!

So good, right?!

It’s basically tastes like you’re drinking coffee while eating spoonfuls of nutella – please tell me I’m not the only one who does this?!

Subtly sweet, seriously chocolaty, espresso infused with a hint of nutty sweetness!

So, SO yum!

And, not only does our dreamy little smoothie taste like straight up heave in a cup but, it also happens to be Sugar free, BANANA FREE, DATE FREE , dairy free (if you want), low carb, vegan, keto , paleo friendly & whole 30 compliant!- so much to love I tell you and love it you will !

But, most importantly, it really is just down right delicious, the perfect way to treat yo’ self on this fabulous Friday (or any day really because, yummmmmmm)

Enjoy xo

Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Latte
Makes 1 nice subtly sweet, deliciously nutty, seriously chocolaty, espresso infused latte

Ingredients –

1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup vanilla almond milk  (or milk of choice) – more or less to desired consistency

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1-2 teaspoon of instant espresso (or a shot or 2 of your fave brew) – Can omit if you don’t like coffee

1-2 Tablespoons of cacao – depending on how rich you want it

1 Tablespoon of hazelnut butter (sub 1 Tablespoon of hazelnut meal or 2 Tablespoons of hazelnuts, soak in boiling water for 10 mins – then drain – if you don’t have a high powered blender)

A pinch of pink salt

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

If you prefer a sweeter brew add 1/2 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener (coconut sugar or sweetener of choice) – more or less to taste

Optional add ins;

1 Tablespoons of melted dark chocolate to swirl your glass  – pure happiness

1/2-1 cup cauliflower or zucchini (pre-steamed & frozen works best) Keto friends sub 1/3-1/2 an avocado – a great way to get an extra (undetectable) serve of veg & make your smoothie extra thick

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance

1 teaspoon of uplift food – daily dose of prebiotics

1 teaspoon of flaxmeal – ground flax- healthy fats & extra fiber

1-2 Tbsp Hemp seeds – Plant based protein, omega 3’s, vitamins, minerals & essential amino acids

1 Tablespoon of vanilla or chocolate creamer – makes it extra lush

1-2 scoops of collagen – for  gut healing goodness

1 scp protein powder – for extra protein (vanilla, chocolate, unflavored or even coffee flavored would work in this recipe)

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 – I love to use coconut shreds & cacao nibs, always.

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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Question of the day –

Tell me, upper body, lower body, total body – what’s your fave workout??

Feel free to share tips, tricks and/or links to your fave workouts 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 Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Latte & a 20 minute {NO Equipment} Lower Body Workout first appeared on Better with Cake.

For my gluten free – grain free – low carb – keto – paleo – vegan friends

Or ,just those of you who enjoy eating dessert for breakfast, which if you ask me is ALWAYS a good idea!

Chocolate for breakfast  = winning at life

And let me tell you, there is so much to celebrate about these oat-less oats , including the fact that both my oatmeal loving husband and oatmeal loathing daughter LOVE them, so I’m thinking we need to throw them a parade! The oats not my family.

Firstly, some of you may (or may not) be aware, that I have always wanted to love overnight oats. Or just oatmeal in general but try as I might I just haven’t been able to do it.

It’s a texture thing.

I had the same issue with chia pudding, I wanted so much to love it but the texture just weirded me out so I would always blend it – until this happened! I finally cracked the code!

But, one can not live on chia pudding alone.

And if you, like me, are looking for a deliciously simple , seriously nourishing way to change up your breakfast (lunch/snack or dessert) game and eat (your body weight) in cake batter (without the fear of contracting salmonella) then look no further friend, these quick and easy, brownie batter “oats” are the answer!

Come to think of it, even if you’re not actively looking, and I don’t even think it matters what the question is , this, right here, this lush and creamy, seriously chocolaty, secretly healthy cup of deliciousness is the answer!

Need a quick and easy, mix & make/grab and go breakfast  – Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

Mid morning pick me up? Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

Lunch time dessert (doesn’t everyone do that?!) – Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

330itis? Brownie batter {oat-less} oats to the rescue!

Rough day at work? Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

Pro-procrastinating doing laundry (why does it never end?!) Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

Craving something sweet after dinner ? Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

Bed time snack? Brownie batter {oat-less} oats

See, no matter the question, brownie batter {oat-less} oats is always the answer!

Proof that chocolate really does fix everything.

And let me tell you, these brownie batter “oats” are everything!

They are thick, creamy, luscious, rich, deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolatey, yet secretly healthy, and seriously nourishing!

They’re hearty and rich but light at the same time so they won’t leave you feeling sluggish and heavy!

They’re packed with protein, fiber, heart healthy fats and those all important omega 3’s so they’re guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and energized ready to take on that mountain of laundry you’ve been procrastinating your day .

And they could not be easier to make!

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

Simply throw all your ingredients in to a bowl, give it a stir and voila’ = breakfast is served!

Serve them hot, serve them cold (my fave) , topped with fresh berries, coconut (or Greek style yogurt) and a sprig or 2 of mint (gotta get those greens in) and regardless of when you choose to make them (please do it in the next 5 !!) you my friend are in for a real treat!

All natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, creamy, dreamy, seriously chocolatey, oat-less oats!

Gluten Free – Dairy Free (if you want) – Grain Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto – Paleo friendly but , most importantly, they really do taste all kinds of magical – (brb just going to check and see if my letter from Hogwarts has arrived yet) a chocolate lovers dream . . .

The only thing that’s left to decide is how will you have yours?!

1 bowl – 2 minutes in the making . . .

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

Brownie Batter Overnight {Oat-less} Oats
Low Carb – Keto – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Refined Sugar Free – Vegan

Makes 1 serve of deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, seriously chocolaty, creamy, dreamy oat-less oats!

Ingredients –

1/4 cup of almond meal

1 Tablespoon of flaxmeal (ground flaxseed)

1 Tablespoon of chia seeds

1 Tablespoon of cacao

1 Tablespoon of monk fruit sweetener – or sweetener of choice

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon of finely shredded coconut

1 teaspoon of cacao nibs

1 pinch of salt

1/2-1 teaspoon of instant espresso (or a shot of your fave brew) – optional to help enhance the richness of the chocolate

1/2 cup of vanilla almond milk – or milk of choice – more or less depending on how thick/thin you like your “oats”

Optional add ins –

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance

1-2 Tbsp Hemp seeds – Plant based protein, omega 3’s, vitamins, minerals & essential amino acids – I love My Hemple –  EMSWAN10 = 10% off

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

1 scp protein powder  – for extra protein

Optional for serving –

Coconut / Greek style yogurt

Raspberries

Mint

Extra chocolate

Method –

1 – Place all of your oatmeal ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine.

Note – If you add protein powder you will need to add an extra 1/4 cup (possibly more depending on which type/brand you use ) of liquid – water or milk, whichever you prefer.

2 – Let it sit for a minute or two to thicken.

3 – Top with toppings of choice

4 – Devour

Notes –

* I like to eat mine cold but, you can totally serve them hot if you prefer. Just pop everything into a pot and heat on the stove (or in the microwave).

** The longer they sit, the thicker they get so, if you are making them ahead of time (such as the night before) you make need to add some extra milk before serving.

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Are you a fellow overnight oat lover? What’s your favorite flavor combination?

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 creamy, dreamy, oatless oatmeal (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 Brownie Batter Overnight {Oat-less} Oats – Low Carb – Keto – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Refined Sugar Free – Vegan first appeared on Better with Cake.

these cookies . . .

YOU NEEEEED.

Hands down THE BEST COOKIES I have made all year!

Not even kidding!

Crisp and crunchy, but not to crunchy, seriously chocolaty, with a gentle hum (or loud rev if you prefer) of espresso & a hint of minty freshness!

I mean can we just take a minute . . .

Yes, yes just yes!

1 bowl – 1 spoon – 7 ingredients – 15 minutes, done!

No kneading, no chilling, no rolling, no cutting, nadda.

Mix – shape – bake – drizzle – sprinkle –  devour!

Perfect to make as a last minute gift, perfect to make and leave out for Santa , perfect for fueling all the festive fun!

These cookies are everything I love in life all served up in one delicious little mouthful!

And not only insanely (and I mean INSANELY) delicious , but, they are naturally free of all of the things!

Gluten Free Dairy free EGG FREE Grain free Refined sugar free Low Carb Paleo Keto & Vegan friendly

If you do one extra thing today, please, please, PLEASE let it be baking these!

Coffee + Chocolate + Cookies = all of the yes!

All natural, quick and easy, secretly healthy, crisp and crunchy, dark chocolate peppermint mocha cookies . . .

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas love bugs

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

Flourless Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha Cookies
{Gluten Free, Dairy Free, EGG FREE, Grain Free, Refined Sugar Free,  Keto, Vegan  & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 10-12 deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, seriously chocolaty, espresso infused cookies with a hint of minty freshness.

Ingredients –

1 cup Almond butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/4 tsp peppermint extract – more or less to taste

2 Tablespoons of cacao

1-2 teaspoons of espresso – depending on how strong you like it

3 Tablespoons of plant based sweetener of choice –  I use Nuiva – sub monk fruit sweetener or 1/4 C of coconut sugar

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

A pinch of salt

3-4 Tablespoons of roughly chopped dark chocolate  for drizzling

Optional add in’s;

2-4 scoops of  Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – Optional for gut healing goodness – vegan friends omit

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance

1 – 2 scps protein powder – for extra protein – I use Proganics Vanilla whey – you can use EMS10 to get 10% off

Crushed Candy Canes & flaky sea salt for serving

Method –

1 – Pre-heat oven to 175’C/350’F

2 – Line a baking sheet with baking/parchment paper and set aside.

3 – Place all ingredients apart from the chocolate into a medium size bowl (or just throw it all in your trusy ol’ food processor or blender) and stir until well combined.

4 – Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place a small portion of cookie dough onto your prepare baking sheet. Then use your hands and roll into balls and use a fork to gently press down (and make a pretty pattern on top if you like)

Note – If you want a thinner, crispier cookie then feel free to press them out nice and flat.

Feel free to make them as big, small, thick or thin as you like just remember you may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the shape and size you choose

5 – Repeat until all the mixture has been used.

6 – Once you have all your cookies shaped bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops are just set and the edges are slightly crisp.

Note – they will firm up as they cool so be careful not to over-bake.

7 – If you’re going to add the chocolate drizzle simply melt chocolate by your preferred method, drizzle over the top and finish with a sprinkling of pink salt and crushed candy canes if desired.

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

If you had to choose, what would be your ultimate 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

__________________________________________

The post Flourless {EGG FREE} Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha Cookies first appeared on Better with Cake.

A deliciously wonderful, magical, marvelous, did I mention, delicious thing?!

I made a {small batch} of flourless brownies that may just be the best brownies that I have ever tasted!

Ever!

And . . .

Wait for it  . . .

Wait for it . . .

They are made with just 5 ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in 1 bowl in a matter of minutes!

And, and, they also happen to be secretly healthy!

Although, no one would ever guess!

These brownies are on. the. money! Believe me when I say they are not for the faint of heart, they truly are, a chocolate lovers dream!

They are decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent, subtly sweet, super fudgey (as a good brownie should be), seriously chocolaty and well just all kinds of incredible!

Initially I made them small batch because i was just testing the recipe and ain’t no body got time for wasting ingredients (and time) on recipe fails – plus when it comes to brownies portion control can be a bit of a tricky thing to navigate so, making a small batch helps in that department but, you guys, these brownies  . . . I know I keep saying that but, YOU GUYSSSSSSSS . . .

THESE BROWNIESSSSS!!!!!!

We have taken to referring to them as crack brownies because, well . . . they are seriously addictive.

Or is it addicting?!

I never get that right . . . either way they are seriously yum and you need them in your life because, BROWNIES!!!!!

I know I keep saying that these brownies are yum but to be honest, saying they are yum doesn’t even come close to doing them the justice they deserve.

They are so much more than yum!

They are next level yum! I’d even go as far as saying that they are exquisite!

Seriously, obsessed!

So obsessed that I may or may not have (← read, I totally did) make them 3 times in one week because, well . . . I had to keep testing, testing (and re-testing) to make sure they were as delicious as I thought they were the first time around, you know, for quality control, as you do. I gotta make sure things are juuuusssttttt right before I share with my internet BFF (FYI – that’s you) But, you guys . . . sure enough, it was no fluke, these brownies are as delicious as I initially thought and , if it’s even possible, I fall a little more in love with them every time I make them!

They’re just so good!

Sugar free – Dairy free – Gluten free – Grain free – Low carb – Keto – Paleo & Vegan Friendly . . .

I mean, would you just look at them . . .

Insert all the heart eyed emojis, here!!

1 bowl – 5 ingredients – 10 minutes  . . .

You’re welcome

Super Fudey, 5 Ingredient {Small Batch} Flourless Chocolate Brownies
{Sugar Free – Dairy Free – Low Carb – Keto – Paleo}

Makes 4-8 decadent, rich, deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolaty, super fudgey, secretly healthy, chocolate brownies.

Ingredients –

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp Cacao*
1/4 cup of almond meal
1 egg – vegan friends sub a flax/chia egg or your fave egg replacer
3 Tablespoons cashew or almond butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of instant espresso – optional this really helps enhance the richness of the chocolate
A pinch of flaky sea salt + extra for serving
2 scoops of  Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – Optional for gut healing goodness
1-2 Tablespoons of dark chocolate, chopped – optional

Note – if you prefer a sweeter brownie you might want to add a Tablespoon or 2 of your fave sweetener – maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, stevia or monk fruit.

* I’ve also made these VERY successfully using 1/2 cup of Perfect Keto Choc MCT oil powder in place of the cacao

Method –

1 – Pre-heat oven to 175’C/350’F

2 – Grease/line a mini loaf pan with coconut oil/ghee or baking/parchment paper and set aside.

3 – Place all ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine. If your batter is a little thick, add a splash or two of almond milk (or milk of choice) 1 Tbsp at a time to reach a smoother consistency.

4 – Pour into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick has just a few moist crumbs attached when inserted into the centre.

5 – Cool – slice – devour!

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite 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 brownies (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 Super Fudey, 5 Ingredient {Small Batch} Flourless Chocolate Brownies {Sugar Free – Dairy Free – Low Carb – Keto – Paleo} first appeared on Better with Cake.

I mean it is my birthday month after all which gives me just the excuse I needed (as if I really need one?!) to make a brand new, insanely delicious, seriously indulgent, yet secretly healthy, nut butter obsession to share with you.

And ummmmmm this right here . . .

This little jar of heaven aka – chocolate pistachio almond butter . . .

It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

It’s decadent and rich, subtly sweet, velvety smooth, seriously creamy, deliciously indulgent and simply divine.

Something about the subtle, slightly savory, flavor profile of those pretty little oven roasted pistachio’s combined with our buttery almonds, a sweet splash of vanilla, the decadent, richness of our cacao and that cheeky pinch of salt . . .

I mean, I thought the original, salted pistachio almond butter we made was all kinds of awesome (which it really, REALLY is!) but, this chocolate version is next level!

I think we can all agree that a touch of chocolate just makes everything better, am I right?!

Oh you know I am!

And this right here, this chocolate pistachio almond butter we’re making . . . is in a world of it’s own!

It’s thick and creamy, deliciously buttery, subtly sweet, seriously chocolatey, lightly salted and well, like you,  all kinds of incredible!

Honestly, I don’t know what else to tell you . . .

Ahhhhh I’m just so excited for you to try it because I know you are going to just love, love, love it!

It’s chocolate and nut butter, two of my greatest loves combined, what’s not to love?!

Just look at it?!

Heaven in a jar I tell you!!

No words needed!

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.

No weird preservatives, additives, fillers, hidden sugars or unpronounceable ingredients here people –  just almonds, pistachios, vanilla, cacao, a cheeky pinch of salt and a little bit of love is all you need!

5 ingredients, 10 minutes in the making = deliciously winning on soooo many levels!

Oh and FYI – this little jar of awesomeness also happens to be naturally vegan, gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, keto and paleo friendly  but, most importantly, it’s I N S A N E L Y delicious and you need it in your life, ASAP!

I don’t know about you but I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday (or any day for that matter) than by diving head first into this jar of deliciousness and eating my way out.

Who am I kidding, birthday or not that sounds like an absolute dream!

All natural, quick and easy, velvety smooth, creamy, dreamy, decadent and rich, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, lightly salted, seriously chocolatey, healthy, homemade chocolate pistachio almond butter . . .

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

Chocolate Pistachio Almond Butter
{Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Keto & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 2 1/2 cups all natural, quick and easy, deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolatey creamy, dreamy, velvety smooth, lightly salted, healthy, homemade, chocolate pistachio almond butter

Ingredients –

2  cup of raw almonds

1  cup of pistachios, shelled

2 Tablespoons of cacao

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

1/2 (heaping) 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) then add your almonds and pistachios, making sure they are spread evenly – aka not crowded.

3 – Roast your nuts for 7-10 minutes, until gloriously golden, deliciously fragrant and lightly toasted.

4 – Pour your golden, delicious roasted nuts into the bowl of your food processor or blender, add salt and process until smooth and creamy (or your desired consistency). Initially the almonds would 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 – Add cacao and vanilla and process to combine then have a cheeky taste (or two) and adjust as needed.

Note – If you prefer a thinner consistency feel free to add a drizzle of coconut oil to thin it out.

6 – Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 2 weeks – but I highly doubt it will last that long! (← seriously, good luck with that )

Enjoy xoxo

_________________________________________

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 chocolate pistachio 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 Pistachio Almond Butter {Sugar Free – Gluten Free – Keto – Paleo} first appeared on Better with Cake.

1 – Hello chocolate,

need I say more?!

2 – Making my own chocolate fudge is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long, long, loooonnnngggg time but, for some reason I built it up in my mind to be this be complicated ordeal that required specialist equipment (think Bunsen burners, thermometers, protective eye equipment and lab coats) but you guys . . . I could not have been more wrong!

Making your own chocolate fudge is so ridiculously easy, I’m kicking myself for not trying it sooner.

Honestly, the hardest part about making this fudge is having the patience to wait for it to set! That in itself just takes 10-15 minutes if you pop it in the freezer but still, #thestruggleisreal

Trust me, as far as recipes go, it doesn’t get much easier than this!

Just 5 ingredients – cacao butter, cacao, tahini, vanilla, a pinch of salt and sprinkling of instant espresso which which is totally optional (but highly recommended). I find adding a touch of espresso really helps to elevate, enhance and intensify the richness of the chocolate

5 minutes in the making –  melt, stir, set, eat!

Yes, it really is that easy!

No reason to be scared or intimidated in the slightest, you can (and should!!) totally do this! 

Now, I should warn you . . . this deliciously simple, secretly healthy dark chocolate fudge that we’re making today is not for the faint of heart, it’s decadent and rich, deliciously indulgent and seriously, and I mean
S E R I O U S L Y, intensely chocolaty.

A dark chocolate lovers dream!

For those of you who prefer your chocolate on the sweeter side feel free to bump up the amount of vanilla you use, or you could go ahead and add in a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you prefer – the trick is to taste as you go and customize as needed.

That’s another thing I love about making your own homemade treats – not only is it a lot better for you ( our fudge is made with no refined flours, sugars, weird fillers or unpronounceable ingredients)  and it’s 100% customizable.

Don’t like tahini  you crazy thing use in sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) instead?! Or, feel free to go ahead and sub in your fave nut butter – I bet almond, cashew or macadamia butter would work really well here in place of the tahini but keep in mind it would no longer be nut free and, it would also alter the flavor. I have no doubt it would still be absolutely delicious, just different is all. (I personally love that subtle, sweet nuttiness that tahini leaves lingering on your palate) but play around, have some fun and make it just the way you like it!

And, not only is our dark chocolate fudge much healthier and totally customizable but, I think our healthy, homemade fudge tastes a million times better than just about anything you’d buy from the store.

One taste and I think you’ll agree.

Just in case you need a little more convincing . . . this deliciously simple, dark chocolate fudge we’re making is not only seriously yummy but, it’s also packed with nutritional value!

Our dreamy dark chocolate tahini fudge bites are rich in antioxidants, heart healthy fats and  packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

They also happen to be nut free, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, vegan, keto and paleo, friendly.

Deliciously winning on so many levels

And did I mention the yum . . .

So fudgey, so decadent, so rich, so indulgent, so chocolaty, so simple to throw together, so don’t know what else I need to tell you . . .

All natural, quick and easy, deliciously simple, secretly healthy, decadent, rich, raw dark chocolate tahini fudge bites . . .

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

 

Dark Chocolate Tahini Fudge Bites
{Dairy Free – Sugar Free – Gluten Free –
Vegan – Keto & Paleo}

Makes approx 16 deliciously indulgent, decadent and rich, seriously chocolaty, tiny but mighty, dark chocolate tahini fudge bites.

Ingredients –

1/4 cup cacao butter

1/4 cup cacao

1/4 cup tahini

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or 10-12 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

1/4 teaspoon instant espresso – optional but recommended

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

1 pinch of salt + extra for serving

Method –

1 – Place cacao butter into a medium size bowl and melt by your preferred method. I like to do mine on the stove top, double boiler style, by placing the bowl on top of saucepan filled with just a few inches of water.

2 – Once your cacao butter has melted, add remaining ingredients and stir until smooth and well combined.

3 – Pour (or spoon) your melted fudge mixture into a chocolate mould tray (or you could just place some paper cupcake cases on to a baking sheet, or use a mini muffin tray instead)

4 – Place into the fridge or freezer to set.

5 – Once set, sprinkle with a little sea salt and voila’

Enjoy xo

Note – These beauties are best stored in the fridge (or freezer) as they tend to soften in warmer temperatures

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Question of the day –

Are you a fellow fudge lover? What’s your favorite flava flave?

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 decadent and rich, dark chocolate tahini fudge bites (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 Dark Chocolate Tahini Fudge Bites {Dairy Free – Sugar Free – Gluten Free – Vegan – Keto – Paleo} first appeared on Better with Cake.

I have been sitting here, staring at my computer screen for what feels like hours trying to think of something to tell you  . . .

I got nuthin’

Unless you want to hear about the annoying little cold I seem to have thanks to all this crazy weather we have been having in Sydney lately?!

Yeah, didn’t think so.

Or I could tell you all about how our annual Swanston family vaycay is just around the corner and I am seriously excited!

We fly out 2 weeks today and I (we) can. Not. Wait!

Actually, I think that may be why I’m having such a hard time trying to write . . . my brain is already in vacation mode.

So how about I just stop trying to make small talk and make us something to drink?

How about a nice tall glass of iced tea?

But not just any ol’ run of the mill iced tea, I’m thinking we should have ourselves something a little bit special just because we can.

Let me introduce you to my latest obsession – cranberry, pomegranate, mint and lime iced tea

It’s all natural, light, fresh, cool, crisp, subtly sweet and simply divine.

It’s iced tea, but not as you know it.

Plus it’s all kinds of pretty and although it looks a little bit fancy it could not be easier to make.

Simply boil the kettle, pour in the water, add in a cheeky squeeze of lime, a handful of ice, throw in a sprig or two of mint and you are good to go.

And it’s pink! (← yes I am that girl)

But most importantly it’s down right delicious.

I love the slight zip and zing that our cheeky squeeze of lime brings to the party. It cuts through the natural sweetness of our berry-licious tea just perfectly and the fresh mint adds an element of freshness that leaves you feeling seriously satisfied, oh so refreshed and thirsty for more.

I don’t know what it is but when I’m sick I struggle to drink water.

Like really, really struggle.

Doesn’t matter how ice cold the water is, I just can’t do it. The taste, the texture . . . just no.

But this is a total game changer, not only does it help to sooth my dry sore throat but it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the strongest of thirsts.

I warn you now, do not to turn your back on your pretty pink glass of deliciousness, or leave it unattended, not even for a single second because the moment you do, you will lose it!

Not even kidding . . .

You may want to go ahead and make yourself a double batch, at least! One sip and you will be hooked, line and sinker.

All natural, subtly sweet, cool, crisp, light and fresh cranberry, pomegranate, mint and lime iced tea – guaranteed to satisfy even the strongest of thirsts.

Make it. Drink it. Love, love, love it.

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Question of the day –

What tricks do you have for making water a little more fun?

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 once you have made your Iced tea (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 Berry Mint & Lime Iced Tea first appeared on Better with Cake.