I mean seriously?!

How?!

When did that happen?!

Well according to the calendar I guess it happened 18 days ago but still . . . where has this year gone?!

October . . . already?!

I just can’t seem to wrap my head around it?!

And I’m not really sure how I feel about it?!

I mean Christmas is my all time fave but I’m having some mixed emotions because this time of year is when we usually take our annual Swanston Family Vaycay to our beloved home away from home, Denver, Colorado.

And as excited as I am to dig in and get all kinds of festive fun happening up in here I’m having a hard time because my heart is aching for fall. Cool crisp mornings, fresh mountain air and pumpkin spiced everything!!!!!

There is something truly magical about that humble looking, ombre’ beige, spice blend that not only tastes all kinds of incredible but it truly makes my heart all kinds of happy.

The smell alone has me feeling all of those warm, fuzzy Christmas-y feels!

Now, here in Australia for some reason we haven’t yet discovered the joy that is well, pumpkin spiced anything so what’s a girl to do when her heart aches for fall, and pumpkin spiced everything yet sadly there is no vaycay or pumpkin spiced anything on the cards?! Or is it in the cards!? Either way, it ain’t happening!

So what’s a girl to do?!

She gets creative in the kitchen and comes up with her own deliciously simple, quick and easy, healthy homemade {sugar free} pumpkin spice mix that’s what!

Problem, solved.

Well apart from the whole vacation thing but let’s not get into that!

Today’s recipe is one that is super quick and easy to prepare made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have tucked away in the back of your spice cabinet, ready and waiting, simply begging to be transformed into one purely magical, heart-warming spice blend.

Ahhh I love this spice mix so, SO much – it really is like a little jar of happiness.

Don’t you just love the way food, both taste and smell, has the ability to magically transport you to another time and another place and bring back the most incredible memories and feelings that are so strong, it’s as though you could almost reach out and hug them?!

Well that’s what this spice mix does for me?!

One smell and I am whisked away to my beloved home away from home, enjoying quality time with my nearest and dearest, holding a steaming cup of perfectly spiced coffee in my hands, feeling the cool crisp mountain air on the back of my neck as I gaze fondly at the most miraculous looking snow capped mountains you ever did see.

This healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix brings together all those familiar, nostalgic tastes and smells that come to mind when I think of Christmas (and Thanksgiving and well just all things fall for my American friends).

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and a pinch of cardamon – it’s chai spice meets gingerbread spice. . . doesn’t it just make you feel all warm and fuzzy even just reading that combination of spices all together in one delicious little sentence?!

The smell alone is enough to transport me to another time and another place where the air is crisp, the mountains are capped with snow and everything just seems to sparkle.

Wanna come?!

You totally can and I’d love to have you along for the ride

All you have to do is throw together a handful of spices and you’re ready to go!

Once you have your healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix ready, your kitchen smells like heaven and you’re feeling all of those warm and fuzzy Christmas-type feels you’re on your way.

Simply add a pinch to your morning coffee or your post workout smoothie.

Stir some into your yogurt and have for a yummy twist on a much loved, quick & easy, iconic snack!

Bake yourself a sweet potato, slather it in almond butter and sprinkle over a little of your pumpkin spice mix and have yourself one seriously tasty snack – trust me on this, just try it! You can thank me later

Or, you could add a heaping teaspoon to this {sugar free – paleo} maple vanilla banana bread, or these muffins, or these cookies, or this deliciously simple, perfectly roasted pumpkin for a sweet twist on a savory side dish . . .

All natural, quick and easy, deliciously simple, healthy, homemade, pumpkin spice mix . . .

A little jar of heaven scented happiness to call your very own;

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

 _________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite, warm and fuzzy food related, holiday flavor, scent or memory?

Feel free to share recipes, or links 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 healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix (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 Pumpkin Spice Mix first appeared on Better with Cake.

With Halloween just a few days away I wanted to make something fun and festive to mark the occasion and celebrating or not, these might just be the cookie (or should I say brookie) of. My. Dreams!

Please tell me I’m not the only one who dreams of such things . . .

Well just in case you don’t . . .

Imagine if a super fudgy, rich, dark chocolate brownie and a crisp and crunchy chocolate cookie had delicious little babies which we then smoosh together , because we all know babies are just so smooshable – and yes, smoosh / smooshable are real words, I know because I said so #justletme , sorry where was I . . .

Smooshing brookies together, right  . . .

Imagine if a super fudgy, rich, dark chocolate brownie and a crisp and crunchy chocolate cookie had delicious little brookie babies which we then smoosh together with the creamiest dreamiest perfectly spiced, peanut butter filling!

I mean . . . what more could one want in life?!

Cookies?

Brownies?

Chocolate?

Nut butter?

Pumpkin spice?!

Just add coffee and you have everything you could possible need . . .

Pumpkin haters stay with me here, I promise you these divine little brookie sandwiches do not contain pumpkin of any kind, the filling is simply mixed with a spice mix that I think is named pumpkin spice because in the USA it’s a blend of spices commonly used when make their famous Thanksgiving pumpkin pie (which a quick google search has confirmed is the reason!  Look at me knowing things!!!) .

If you’re unfamiliar with the magical deliciousness that is pumpkin spice mix, it’s very similar to chai – it totally tastes and smells like Christmas which of course makes my heart and belly all kinds of happy.

I super simple DIY pumpkin spice recipe mix so if you don’t have any you can make it your own in about 2 seconds. Then go ahead and add it to all of the things! Add a pinch to your morning coffee, or smoothie,  or pancakes, or banana bread, or cookie dough . . . but, if DIY isn’t your jam you can always just leave it out or just trusty ol’ cinnamon.

You do you, boo!

And now that’s out of the way, back to brookie making . . .

As always, our beloved brookies are simple to make, 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 1 spoon and bake up to delicious, delectable, devour-able perfection in just 6-8 short minutes!

But, remember there is a catch . . .

The trick to getting the best ever, super fudgy, nice and chewy brookie of your dreams will require a little patience.

The trick to getting that perfect chewy, brookie texture is that you have to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or you could speed it up and pop it in the freezer for 10-15 instead) !

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!

Soft baked brookie / life hack alert  –  you can chill the dough for longer than 30 minutes so if you’re seeing this and it’s nearing bed time here’s what I suggest you do . . . 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 incredible brookies you will get to devour when you wake up in the morning.

Side note – brookies are made primarily with eggs and nut butter and the fact that we are making them in to sandwiches means that they automatically become acceptable for breakfast consumption. #livingyourbestlife

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 and mixing up that brookie dough for your morning self to enjoy with a monster size cup of coffee because, yes!

And , if you’re reading this and it’s past breakfast time and you still have 45 minutes before bed then I’m not saying that you have to but, if you wanted to, stack em’ up and drizzle with a little (or a lot) of melted chocolate , I wouldn’t be mad about it, and I don’t think you would be either . . .

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

All natural, quick and easy, seriously chocolaty,  soft and chewy, super fudgy, flourless double stuffed pumpkin spiced peanut butter brookie sandwiches  . . .

100% worth it!

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

Flourless Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spiced Peanut Butter Brookie Sandwiches

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

Makes 6 deliciously indulgent, seriously chocolaty, perfectly spiced, soft and chewy, super fudgy, peanut butter stuffed brookie sandwiches

Ingredients –

For the cookies –

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

1/4 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

1 pinch of salt

Optional add ins;

1-2 scoops of unflavored collagen – for gut health

Reishi  boosts immunity, calms the nervous system & my busy brain

For the filling

1/2 cup of peanut (or almond) butter

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/2-1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix  – measure with your heart

1 Tablespoon of coconut flour – vanilla creamer or protein powder – more or less to desired consistency

a pinch of salt

Optional for serving –

Dark chocolate – melt for drizzling

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 and salt and 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, 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.

To make the filling –

1 –  Place all ingredients into a small bowl, stir to combine and set aside until your ready to use.

To assemble –

1 – Place a heaping Tablespoon of your pumpkin spiced, peanut butter filling on to the middle of half of your cookies, gentle spread to the edges.

2 – Top with another cookie, press to seal.

3 – Drizzle with melted chocolate, if you want ← you do!

4 – Devour.

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What would your dream cookie look like??

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 Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spiced Peanut Butter Brookie Sandwiches first appeared on Better with Cake.

You know what that means, it’s time for another round of fit Friday fun and boy are we gonna have some fun today!

So . . .

Raise your hand if you’re ready to get in and get good sweat on?!

Ok good because that is exactly what we are going to do today!

Today, I thought I’d we’d have ourselves a short and sharp, total body toning, tabata style workout that you can do anytime, anywhere,  in just 15 minutes, no equipment required!

Because some days you just need a short, sharp cardio blast am I right?!

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

So, here’s what we are going to do –

6 exercises;

Squats
Squat Jumps
Reverse Lunges
Burpees
Mountain Climbers &
Push Ups
Resting as needed

We will do 10 reps of each exercise (count reps per leg for lunges and mountain climbers) before moving on to the next then we repeat the entire sequence through for AMRAP (as many rounds as pretty) in 15 minutes,  resting as needed.

The aim is to move from one exercise to the next with minimal/no rest in between but, just because I’m not allocating any specific rest breaks in today’s workout but I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours!

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 bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

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!

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

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 –

 
– 15 Minute –

No Equipment

Total Body Tabata 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 this weeks smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, decadent, rich, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, anti-inflammatory, golden, pumpkin spiced iced chocolate sound?

Oh, you guys, this smoothie . . . insert all of the heart eyed emojis

I am seriously in love with it! I’m talking can not get enough! Those who follow along on my Insta-stories will know I’ve been having one of these babies just about every day for the last few weeks!

The decadent, richness of cacao combined with subtle sweetness of coconut yogurt, a splash of vanilla, that heart and belly warming hum of our healthy homemade pumpkin spice mix & a glorious pinch of turmeric = it really is heaven in a cup!

It also happens to be quite the a nutritional powerhouse!

It’s rich in antioxidants, a natural anti-inflammatory, it’s great for digestion, great for heart health, will help stabilize blood sugar, lower your risk of diabetes, improve brain function and boost your immunity! 

How is it possible that one deliciously indulgent little cup can pack such a serious nutritional punch and be all kinds of delicious?!

I honestly have no idea how it’s possible I just know that it is and I (and my tummy, brain and digestive system) are extremely thankful. One sip and I  know that you  will agree, no question!

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

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our delicious, nutritious, perfectly spiced, golden iced chocolate taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be vegan, dairy free, sugar free, BANANA FREE,  keto and paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you

Golden Pumpkin Spiced Iced Chocolate
{Vegan – BANANA FREE – Dairy Free – Sugar Free – Keto – Paleo Friendly}
Makes 1 all natural, light, fresh, creamy, dreamy, decadent, rich, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, perfectly spiced, anti-inflammatory, golden, gut healing iced chocolate

Ingredients –

1/4 cup coconut (or Greek style) yogurt

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

1 Tablespoon of Cacao

1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix

1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric

1 pinch of ground black pepper – this is important as the chemical compound in the black pepper is what helps and enables the body to absorb all of those important nutrients in the turmeric! You can’t taste the pepper, promise.

1 Tablespoon of cashew or coconut butter – sub 2 Tbsp raw cashews – soak in boiling water for 0 mins before blending if you don’t have a high powered blender

1 teaspoon of vanilla

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

For a sweeter smoothie feel free to add 1 pitted date or a teaspoon or two of raw honey or maple syrup.

Optional add in’s;

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance

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

1 scoop protein powder (vanilla, chocolate or unflavored would work best here)  – for extra protein

Optional for serving –

Coconut flakes

Cacao nibs

A pinch of turmeric

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 turmeric if desired.

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 15 Minute {No Equipment} Total Body Tabata Workout & A Golden, Pumpkin Spiced Iced Chocolate first appeared on Better with Cake.

Pumpkin Spiced, Salted Caramel Bliss Bites!

I know, I know there are a million and one different recipes out there for our beloved bliss bites but, you guys did you hear me . . .

PUMPKIN SPICED, SALTED CARAMEL BLISS BITES!!!!!!

I don’t mean to yell but you guys . . . yes, these pumpkin spiced salted caramel bliss bites  really are THAT good!

Plump and juicy, deliciously chewy caramel infused medjool dates are combined with buttery cashews, crisp, crunchy almonds, a splash of vanilla and a cheeky pinch of salt to make our insanely delicious, salted caramel, bliss bite base.

Next, we infuse our blissfully delicious, sweet, chewy, lightly salted, caramel base with a gentle hum of our healthy, homemade, heart and belly warming pumpkin spice mix.

The combination of our pumpkin spice mix with that deliciously buttery soft, chewy, salted caramel base is truly incredible!

One bite and you will think Christmas has come early and if you ask me, it kind of has because that’s exactly what these bliss bites taste like to me.

Blissfully soft, deliciously chewy, perfectly spiced, lightly salted, caramel infused bites of happiness.

So much deliciousness I can hardly stand it but . . .

Because I can’t seem to leave well enough alone, I thought it might be a good idea if we gave our deliciously simple, secretly healthy,  pumpkin spiced, salted caramel bliss bites a subtly sweet, deliciously nutty, crisp and crunchy coconut coating . . .

Spoiler alert . . .

Best idea, EVER!

Well, that was until I decided to try tossing them in a touch of cacao . . .

Ummmmm yep, also a very wise move on my part.

I mean, I think we can all agree that the addition of chocolate, in any way shape of form, really does make just about anything better, am I right?!

Oh you know I am. You’re so smart!

Not only does it add an incredible contrast in texture, with the coconut flakes adding a nice little crunch to the outside of our soft and chewy bliss bites where the cacao adds a touch of deliciously indulgent, decadent richness that marries so perfectly with the sweetness of our salted spiced caramel when you bite on in – it really is mind-blowingly delicious!

Which would you try first?!

Ah I seriously can not wait for you to try these bliss bites, I know you are going to love them!

And FYI – they also happen to be 100% gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, vegan and paleo friendly.

5 ingredients, 10 minutes in the making

Stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen, NOW!

All natural, quick and easy, soft and chew, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced, lightly salted caramel infused bliss bites;

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

Pumpkin Spiced Salted Caramel
Bliss Bites

{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 20 – all natural, quick and easy, crisp, crunchy, deliciously nutty, subtly sweet, blissfully soft, deliciously chewy, perfectly spiced, salted caramel bliss bites.

Ingredients –

1/2 cup cashews (I used raw, unsalted)

1/2 cup almonds (I used raw, unsalted)

3/4 cup medjool dates, pits removed – approx 7 large

1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract (or 8-12 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

1/2 of salt flakes

1 teaspoon of our healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix

1 scoop of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides optional

Optional for serving –

2-4 Tablespoons  of finely shredded coconut for coating.

2-4 Tablespoons of cacao

Method –

1 – Place almonds and cashews in your food processor/blender and pulse until crumbly, you want there to still be a few bigger chunks to give the bites some nice texture.

2 – Add dates and process until the mixture comes together to form a sticky “dough”.

3 – Add vanilla, salt flakes and spices and process again until combined.

4 – Using your hands, roll approx 1 Tablespoon of dough into little bite size balls then set aside.

I feel like I should mention that when I make my bliss bites I tend to make them way smaller than the ones you see in stores or cafes. I prefer to make them on the smaller side because I like being able to just pop one in my mouth on the down low so I don’t have to share I can go about my business. I would say you would probably need 3 of my bliss bites to make up the size of one of those store bought/cafe size bites. Feel free make them whatever size that tickles your fancy, just wanted to put that out there

5 – Place your coconut and cacao each into a small bowl (or even just a zip lock bag) then gently roll your bliss bites in the coconut or cacao for coating, gently but firmly pressing as you go.

6 – Once your bites have their delicious little coating, transfer directly to your mouth an airtight container (or even just a ziplock bag) and store in the fridge

Enjoy xo

• If you find your dates are a little dry you could try soaking them in some warm water for 10 mins before you begin, then drain and rinse and make as normal.

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Are you a fellow bliss bite 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 these bliss 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

__________________________________________

The post Pumpkin Spiced Salted Caramel Bliss Bites {Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

But, before I start gushing about how head over heels in love with this little jar of heaven I am, can we just stop for a second and talk about the fact that I find it really, and I mean REALLY, difficult coming up with recipe titles?!

Ugh!

Seriously why is this so hard for me?!

My poor friends and family get randomly bombarded with text messages (because who actually talks on the phone anymore?!) asking for opinions on recipe titles?!

I mean, I want them to be detailed enough so that when you look at the title you know exactly what it is that you’re getting. Well, unless it’s one of those recipes where I try to sneak in foods or ingredients that people think they don’t like – I’m such a trickster.

But, tricks aside – I try to keep the recipes titles informative and to the point. Short and snappy where possible but dude, I find it really hard!

I have no trouble what so ever coming up with recipe ideas.

I have pages and pages of note books filled with ideas, and soooooo many lists in the notes app on my phone as well as my computer.

I kid you not

So many ideas!

I seriously can’t stop!

But when it comes to coming up with official recipe titles, ugh the struggle is so real!!!!

Sorry, you really didn’t need to know about any of that but I just had to get it out.

*Sigh*

I feel much better now!

Thanks for listening.

You know I love you right?!  Such a good friend.

And to show you how thankful I am for you, your friendship and your awesome listening abilities I made you a little something extra special . . .

Espresso infused, pumpkin spiced almond butter.

Oh.

My.

Deliciousness you guys!!!!

Naming this recipe may have been one of my biggest challenges yet!

I even did a quick google search to see what else was out there and would you believe, as far as I could see, no one has ever made an espresso infused, pumpkin spiced almond butter before?!

I couldn’t!

Although, I must admit this recipe came about as a deliciously happy little accident.

You see, there I was, standing in the kitchen, minding my own business, drinking my coffee and enjoying a few cheeky spoonfuls of my healthy, homemade pumpkin spiced almond butter, as you do, and it hit me . . . why not combine these two incredible flavors into one delicious little jar of awesomeness!

And, um . . .  guys, this espresso infused, pumpkin spiced almond butter is exactly that, a little jar of awesomeness you can call your very own.

Creamy, dreamy, vanilla spiked almond butter with heart warming hum of your favorite holiday spices and gentle hint of espresso . . .

Seriously, you need this in your life, asap!

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 and it could not be easier to make!

Golden, delicious, nutrient rich almonds are lightly toasted then combined with a splash of vanilla, a spoonful of espresso, a sprinkling of our fun and festive, healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix (which is a combination of all your favorite holiday spices – think cinnamon, ginger, all spice, nutmeg, cloves & cardamon – it’s pretty much Christmas in a cup!) and a cheeky pinch of salt.

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

And, 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!

Seriously, stop what you’re doing. This needs to happen now!

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 sprinkling of instant espresso and cheeky pinch of salt –

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

Healthy, homemade, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, espresso infused, healthy, homemade almond butter for the win

I mean would you just look at those divine little flecks of flavor?!

Once you have your little jar of awesomeness ready and waiting in your hot little hand, go ahead and use it as you would any other nut butter, 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 you know that 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, perfectly spiced, espresso infused almond butter. .

And lose yourself in the deliciousness that you just created.

Creamy, dreamy, vanilla spiked almond butter with heart warming hum of your favorite holiday spices and gentle hint of espresso

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

 

Espresso Infused 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, espresso infused, perfectly spiced, healthy, homemade almond butter

Ingredients –

2 cup of raw almonds

1 Tablespoon of vanilla bean extract

1 teaspoon of instant espresso

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, instant espresso, 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

_________________________________________

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

__________________________________________

The post Espresso Infused, Pumpkin Spiced Almond Butter {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} 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

_________________________________________

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

__________________________________________

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