Almond Vanilla Chocolate Chip Bites

Almonds, vanilla and chocolate together...need I say any more. These are a nice easy treat anytime of day and meant to be enjoyed freely. Almonds are the most alkalizing nut, the more alkaline you eat the better. An alkaline (vs. acidic) system will help keep your system functioning at its peak! Almonds are also balancing, very nourishing, and contain high levels of potassium and vitamin E. In fact, nine almonds contain all the vitamin E you need for the day. Healthy meets delicious in these raw no-bake bites.

 Almond Vanilla Chocolate Chip Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup oats (I use GF)
• 3 tablespoons almond butter
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave
• 6 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons water, + plus more as needed
• pinch of mineral salt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, cacao or carob nibs, or raw chocolate

Place all ingredients in food processor except for chocolate chips. Blend, scrapping down the sides as needed, until combined. (I like to leave mine a little on the chunky side). Add 1 or 2 tablespoons more water as needed. Remove mixture and place in a medium size bowl, mix in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes, it will help the mixture stiffen a bit making it easier to handle. Roll into 1 inch balls or flatten like a cookie. If forming them into balls you may like to roll them in cacao powder, cinnamon or shredded coconut. I've done all three and all were great ! Makes approx. 12 - 18, depending on if your rolling or forming cookie shapes.

Store in fridge and enjoy within a few weeks. They also freeze well.

Optional add ins:
1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon or so of cinnamon

Enjoy !

Strawberry Chocolate Milkshake

Its strawberry season here in California signaling that spring is right around the corner. It's one of my favorite times of year, next to fall. I've been buying strawberries like crazy, freezing them just for times like these when I feel like making a shake. I don't about you but spring happens to be the season when I naturally tend to start eating a bit lighter, making shakes and smoothies a perfect way to get in a quick meal or healthy dessert. Full of good things in this milkshake, you can be sure you're giving your body lots of L-O-V-E...because you deserve it! 

Strawberries are full of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. These sweet ruby red fruits hold three major benefits to your health: they have the ability to protect and support the cardiovascular system, regulate blood sugar helping to prevent diabetes and protect certain forms of cancer from developing. They are also a rich source of vitamin C, manganese and fiber! It is recommeded that you eat at least one cup of strawberries for the full benefit of their nutritiousness. 

Cocoa is full of powerful anti-oxidants that may help prevent heart disease, cancer and aging effects. It can also be beneficial as an antidepressant with its natural 'happy' opiate effects giving you a feeling of elation. I have actually felt this myself after having a shake made with cocoa powder....feels pretty good! It is recommended that you purchase your cocoa/cacao powder 'organic' as it's less processed and contains more of the beneficial nutrients to keep you at your best. Just a note that cocoa is not included on the World's Healthiest Food List but is still beneficial and can be enjoyed in moderation.

  Strawberry Chocolate Milkshake

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa/cacao powder
• 1 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 scoop protein powder, optional 

optional toppings

• shredded coconut
• cacao nibs

Place ingredients in blender and blend until combined. Top with optional toppings. Serves one.

Notes:

Depending on the size or cut of your strawberries, you may need to add a little extra milk. Sometimes I have to add an extra 1/4 -1/2 cup.

Adjust the cocoa/cacao powder to suit your taste or protein powder. If using chocolate protein powder you may want to use less cocoa/cacao powder. Same goes for the sweetener. I use a Garden of Life Raw Protein Powder at the moment that doesn't contain any sweetener so I added a bit to mine (sometimes I use hemp protein powder instead). If your strawberries are super sweet you may not need any extra sweetener. With all this in mind, adjust ingredients depending on your circumstances.

Enjoy!