Maple Vanilla Baby Cakes

Sometimes people ask me for recipes and then I realize that the only thing I have that's remotely like what they are looking for is way too complicated and esoteric. Ugh. So, when an awesome neighbour (who usually bakes with very traditional ingredients) asked me for a cupcake recipe that was sweetened with maple syrup, I could have sent her a recipe that involved 12 different types of flour. But I thought that would be mean. So instead I came up with this one, that uses kamut flour and tapioca starch. Simpler. Few ingredients. Quick to mix up. Super tasty. Taste Testers: The Kid and The Husband (who by the way never leaves his socks lying around) snarfed 3 of them before I could ask them how they were. In my husbands words: "They were so terrible I had to have another just to make sure. And then another. Terrible."

They are this perfect mix of plain and delicious.

equipment:

1. kettle
2. mixing bowl
3. mixing spoon
4. whisk
5. measuring cups
6. measuring spoons
7. cupcake or muffin cups -- I use the silicone ones on a baking sheet, but you can use a muffin pan lined with papers if you prefer!
8. oven


ingredients:

a)
1 1/2 cups of water (warmed up a little but not hot)
2 tbsp coconut oil (the warm water will melt it)
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp raw apple cider vinegar

b)
1/2 cup tapioca starch
1 1/2 cups kamut flour

c)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground vanilla bean (optional but awesome)
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
(you can use 2 tsp baking powder instead of cream of tartar and baking soda)



directions:

1. preheat the oven to 345!
2. in a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and coconut oil and let the coconut oil melt
3. add the rest of the ingredients from part a)
4. using a whisk, mix in the ingredients from part b)
5. still whisking, mix in the ingredients from part c)
6. scoop the batter into muffin cups, leaving room for them to rise
7. bake at 345 for 25-30 minutes, or until the top springs back when gently pressed

made 20 quite small cakes

Allow to cool and then store in an airtight container!

Cacao and Hemp Energy Balls -- delicious whole food fuel for vegans

My son calls these snowballs. The coconut on the outside is mostly so they won't be sticky. Crushed pecans or almonds would work too, but we were keeping it all nut free. One of my son's friend's has an allergy to nuts, and we like to have snacks he can enjoy too. These are delicious, balanced, snackable, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. I hope you like 'em as much as we do!

ingredients:

1 cup hemp hearts
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2  cups shredded coconut

1/4 cup ground chia

3/4  cup raw cacao
1/2 tsp sea salt
1  tsp ground vanilla bean

1 1/2 cups pitted honey dates -- picked through

1 or 2 tbsp vanilla extract or water

directions:

For this recipe you will need a food processor or something that can also function like a food processor.

1. process hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, ground chia, raw cacao, sea salt, and ground vanilla until perfectly reduced to dust.
2. add dates and pulse until combined well. Or until you lose your mind.
3. add vanilla and as little water as possible whilst running the processor until a thick dough forms. (Do not add too much water. If it isn't stuck together in a blob and is crumbly or sandy  looking, you need more water. If it's like a paste, you've added to much, and you won't be able to make it into balls. Press it into a silicone pan and chill, then cut into small squares if you end up adding too much water. It will still be delicious.)
4. let sit for a while
5. roll into balls, and roll the balls in shredded coconut. 

Chocolate Ripple for Vanilla Date Ice Cream -- A vegan, nut free, sugar free, whole foods dessert

So, this happened. This sensual and charismatic marriage of two disparate -- but not desperate -- parts. The perfect and lyrical union of resonant, vocal, insistent chocolate, and mellow, rich delectable vanilla. We used to adore our chocolate ice cream -- so dark and creamy and in-your-face chocolatey ... And then we got on our Vanilla Date ice cream kick, somehow suggestive of caramel and naughty deliciousness. But then the voices in my  head -- the voices that say 'what if', not the ones that say to do bad things -- suggested the vanilla date might be great with a ripple of fudge running through it ... Actually, it was my son who made me think this. He'd take a little vanilla and a little chocolate in his bowl and then sort of let them melt a little and then smoosh them together (smoosh is a word, right?) Well, this fudge swirl is a little thicker to give it substance and difference of texture. More like a deep and decadent fudge kick than chocolate ice cream. This spontaneous fudge swirl is the perfect partner for such a spunky vanilla. The result: a rich, creamy, wonderful taste treat. Vegan, gluten free, sweetened with date and coconut nectar, full of such wonders as cacao and coconut milk. Amazing. Genius. We've done it again.

fudge swirl:

ingredients:
1  cup hot water
1 cup pitted dates
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup raw cacao

1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract

directions:

1. combine the ingredients
2. let sit for at least 10 minutes to fully soften dates and melt oil
3. puree with a hand blender
4. let cool


vanilla date ice cream:

ingredients:

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup coconut oil

1 cup dates (pitted or take the pits out)
1 can coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut nectar


2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt


directions:

1. In a large bowl, pour 2 cups boiling water.
2. add your coconut oil
3. add your dates, followed by the coconut nectar
4. let the whole thing sit for 10 minutes to soften
5. using a hand blender or a blender, blend until perfect homogenized and smooth
6. add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and coconut milk
7. process a little more
8. let cool fully
9. freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturers directions



Now for the fun part -- you'll either need a container large enough to contain all of the above, or you can use 2 containers like I did.

Divide the ice cream into the two container (or one container), and add the fudge. Then, randomly fold or swirl. But don't mix!!

Freeze!!!!!!!

Eat!!!!!!

Swoon ....


:)

Peanut Butter and Date 'fudge'

Oh man oh man I'm addicted. I had to make a third batch. Yes, three.

I don't know if you've ever tried date with creamy peanut butter. We get these dates from 'Parnoosh'. Sometimes they are dry and unappealing to eat as is, but still suffice for baking. Sometimes they are soft and creamy and kind of delectable. I opened a fresh box to make a lovely vegan date and vanilla ice cream, and my son requested four dates filled with our fave organic smooth peanut butter.  They were so soft and so creamy that I too decided to try one. And I realized just how decadently fabulous date and peanut butter are together. I might have known this before, but my memory being what it is, I might also have forgotten.

Date and peanut butter -- an out of this world combination. Unless you hate peanut butter. Or date. Or both. In which case, you have my sympathies but that's it. And, as my darling Bubbi Edith used to say: "More for me."

(I read the above as: I had to make it to third base. I don't know if you've ever tried to date creamy peanut butter. Now THAT would be a different movie entirely.)

ingredients:

2 cups shredded coconut
1/4 cup ground chia
1 cup hemp hearts

1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp ground vanilla bean

1 cup dates

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup water


directions:

1. put the coconut, ground chia, hemp hearts, ground flax, sea salt, and ground vanilla bean into the food processor
2. process until completely pulverized and homogenous
3. add the dates and pulse until completely processed
4. add the peanut butter and pulse until fully combined, adding the water as the food processor is running to form a thick dough
5. press into 2 square silicone baking pans and chill in the freezer
6. when firm, turn onto a cutting board and cut into small bars -- I do 8 by 4, resulting in 32 pieces per pan
7. store in the freezer!

Vanilla Date Ice Cream

This is the story of an ice cream named Vanilla Date who had a bit of an identity crisis, because people got the wrong impression when they heard the name vanilla date. I mean, who, really, equates dates with a decadent ice cream? But vanilla date was decadent. Rich, creamy, sweet, delectable, sophisticated, and ready for a long term relationship.

Unfortunately, we are already in a long term relationship with chocolate. But then we kind of broke up. And guess what? There was vanilla date, ready to pick up the pieces of our shattered dreams. A respite from chocolate, absolutely.

Not that there is anything wrong with eating chocolate ice cream often. Very very often. But just in time, along came this chocolate alternative. Something fresh, and just a little bit naughty. The hit is vanilla, but somehow there is a little caramel tease going on. Not sure where that comes from.

The texture is light and soft and incredibly creamy. A new family fave. No complaints here from anyone.

ingredients:

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup coconut oil

1 cup dates (pitted or take the pits out)
1 can coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut nectar


2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt


directions:

1. In a large bowl, pour 2 cups boiling water.
2. add your coconut oil
3. add your dates, followed by the coconut nectar
4. let the whole thing sit for 10 minutes to soften
5. using a hand blender or a blender, blend until perfect homogenized and smooth
6. add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and coconut milk
7. process a little more
8. chill
9. freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturers directions
10. serve by itself, make into ice cream sandwiches, use to top brownies ...

Gooey Chocolate Icing

ingredients:

1 cup pitted honey dates
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup unrefined cacao butter
1/2 cup coconut nectar

2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp stevia



1 cup raw cacao

1 can coconut milk



directions:
1. combine the hot water, dates, and coconut oil and cacao butter. If the cacao butter isn't melting, heat everything up a little. Let sit for 10 minutes to fully soften dates.
2. puree with an immersion blender until beautifully smooth
3. mix in the coconut nectar, cacao, vanilla, sea salt, stevia, and coconut milk
4. cool

Creamier Vegan Fudge

Colin loves this. Now, with more chia and no flax. You know. I use the term fudge loosely. This bears no resemblance to condensed milk and corn syrup. It's a dense, lovely, sweet, delicious, rich, chocolate concoction that will uplift your spirit and entrance your taste buds. You'll think you're eating candy. You'll think you're dancing with the devil. But you won't be. You'll be feeding your body and your spirit with good real food that truly grows on this amazing planet of ours. Namaste.

I can't keep this stuff in the house. It's loaded with stuff that is amazing for you, and a piece or two makes a fantastic treat when you are in need of something chocolate and decadent.


ingredients:

2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup cacao

1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp ground vanilla bean ( I did 4 tbsp one time but I do admit I'm insane)
1 tsp stevia powder optional

1/2 cup ground chia seeds


1 cup dates

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla extract


directions:

1. put coconut, cacao, salt, vanilla, stevia, ground chia in your food processor
2. process!!!
3. add 1 cup dates -- pick them over to make sure there are no pits or you will definitely regret it.
4. process!! pulse!!!
5. add 1/2 cup coconut oil
6. pulse!
7. add  1/4 cup water and vanilla and whirl until smooth
8. scoop into 2 square silicone pans and press flat
9. Chill partially then score into pieces
10. chill thoroughly
11. break apart and store in an airtight container. I like it in the freezer, but that's just me.

Vegan Chocolate Fudge Icing/ Ganache/ Truffle ...

I made this ganache type cake frosting to use as a filling between layers this time. An inch thick. Yup, that's how I roll. This is only a double layer cake. It is has a third layer in the middle that is purely ganache ... Last time, it was the icing on the baby cake, literally. It makes gorgeous truffles, too, and my son and husband are crazy about it. Fabulosity.

ingredients:

1 cup pitted honey dates
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup unrefined cacao butter
1/2 cup coconut nectar

2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp stevia



1 cup raw cacao

directions:
1. combine the hot water, dates, and coconut oil and cacao butter. If the cacao butter isn't melting, heat everything up a little. Let sit for 10 minutes to fully soften dates.
2. puree with an immersion blender until beautifully smooth
3. mix in the coconut nectar, cacao, vanilla, sea salt, and stevia
4. cool
5. use. Or eat by the spoonful. I dare ya.

The Perfect Chocolate Muffin -- vegan, gluten free, sugar free, nut free, and AMAZING

A few little tweaks here. No flax this time. Only chia. Some people (who shall remain nameless) seem to be sensitive to flax. As in it doesn't agree with their digestive system. These are a powerhouse of superfoods and gorgeous ingredients. And remarkable for what they don't have. No dairy. No eggs. No refined sugar. No gluten. No nuts. No grains. 

These are a great snack -- full of reliable and body-friendly energy sources. Give 'em a try. You won't regret it. The are "delicious". I put the word delicious in quotations because that was a quote from one of my two main muffin tasters.

ingredients:

1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil (organic and unrefined)

1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup date sugar

2 cups hot water

1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 cup raw cacao

1 tbsp ground vanilla bean

1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp stevia powder
2 tbsp carob powder

4 tsp egg replacer + 1 cup water

1 cup shredded coconut -- ground fine
1/2 cup hemp hemp hearts, ground

1/2 cup ground chia seeds

1/2 cup ground pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup ground sunflower seeds

2 tbsp coconut flour
1/2 tsp baking soda

directions:

1. combine the coconut oil, and hot water. Let sit for 10 minutes. 

2. add the cacao, carob, vanilla, salt, stevia, hemp seeds, shredded coconut, and mix

3. add the egg replacer mixture

4. stir in the ground chia seeds, ground sunflower seeds, ground pumpkin seeds, followed finally by the coconut flour. Then add the baking soda

5. scoop into prepare muffin cups and bake at 345 for 60 minutes

makes 24 amazing muffins. Amazing.

Sticky Kids Stuff -- Vegan Fudge the new revolution

Well, I had my food processor out this morning to make green noodles. Yep, it's that kind of day. Chickpea noodle soup instead of chicken noodle soup for us tonight. Eyeing my food processor I thought ... what if ... what if ... what if ... and before I knew it I was throwing some stuff in and making this sticky amazing fudgey delight that has no crap and no sugar and no gluten and no nothing bad for you and holy hannah it's like eating chocolate frosting in the 70s ... Anyway, I had a couple of pieces after lunch ... after my salad of shredded carrot, tomato, and sauerkraut. Yes, I know I'm weird. But you love me anyway. xoxo

It has that glossy gorgeousness and that intense chocolateyness that screams I can't possibly be good for you ... but alas it is. Yahoooooooooooooo.

ingredients:

2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup cacao

1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp ground vanilla bean
1 tsp stevia powder optional

1/4 cup ground chia seeds
1/4 cup ground flax seeds

1 cup dates

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla extract


directions:

1. put coconut, cacao, salt, vanilla, stevia, ground flax, ground chia in your food processor
2. process!!!
3. add 1 cup dates -- pick them over to make sure there are no pits or you will definitely regret it.
4. process!! pulse!!!
5. add 1/2 cup coconut oil
6. pulse!
7. add  1/4 cup water and vanilla and whirl until smooth
8. scoop into 2 square silicone pans and press flat
9. score into pieces
10. chill
11. break apart and store in an airtight container. I like it in the freezer, but that's just me.

Sweet potato muffins v 2.0 -- coconut sugar instead of coconut nectar

You know me, I like to mix it up. Here's another recipe for sweet potato muffins, this time using coconut sugar instead of coconut nectar. My husband loves these too. My son has said they are his favourite -- yes, chocolate has been dethroned ...

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 cup raw whole milk
1 cup water
2 organic eggs (use 3 if they are tiny)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp ground vanilla bean


2 cups fine kamut flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cup shredded sweet potato


1. combine the ingredients in the order listed
2. scoop the batter into 24 prepared muffin cups -- optional: sprinkle a little extra coconut sugar on top of each muffin before baking. Just for fun ...
3. bake in a preheated oven at 345 for 35 minutes

Sweet Potato muffins

Now that my husband can't eat any fruit except for sweet potato, delicious apple muffins are out. However, delicious sweet potato muffins aren't. These are loved and loved well by all who have tried them.

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup coconut nectar
1 cup raw whole milk (or water if you prefer)
2 organic eggs (use 3 if they are tiny)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground vanilla bean


1 3/4 cup fine kamut flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cup shredded sweet potato -- I use a hand grater (one with big holes, not tiny ones)


1. combine the ingredients in the order listed
2. scoop the batter into 24 prepared muffin cups
3. bake in a preheated oven at 345 for 30 minutes

Raw Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream V 2.0-- rich, creamy, smooth, and delicious

Version 2. What can I say? I'm addicted. Sublime. Subliiiiiiiiiime.

ingredients:

1 cup pitted honey dates
3 cups hot water
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup unrefined cacao butter
3/4 cup raw cacao
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 tsp stevia

1/2 cup coconut nectar




directions:
1. combine the dates and the hot water, the cacao butter, and the coconut oil, and allow to sit for 10 minutes
2. add the coconut nectar then puree with an immersion blender (or in your blender if you have one!!!)
3. add the rest of the ingredients and mix well
4. chill thoroughly!!

This is rich and smooth and velvety and tastes amazing. Prepare to be amazed!

Just to be super crazy this time around, I did  a full cup of cacao and a full tsp of stevia. Turbo chocolate for true chocolate lovers only.