Sweet Potato Bisque

From Forks Over Knives ­— The Cookbook Serves 6 This sweet and savory soup could almost be a dessert soup, as ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon are spices you find in many sweet potato and pumpkin pie recipes. The onion and garlic temper the sweetness, however, with a savory boost in this comforting recipe. Ingredients:  • 1 large onion, peeled and diced • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced • 1 tablespoon grated ginger • 1 tablespoon thyme • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced • 6 cups Vegetable Stock or low-sodium vegetable broth • Zest and juice of 1 orange • 1½ cups unsweetened plain almond milk…

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No Bake Chocolate Energy Bites

My sister found this recipe on Facebook and enhanced it with Juice Plus Complete plant-based Chocolate Drink Mix.  She is so smart and these are so delicious! 1 c gluten-free oats   1/2 c mini chocolate chips 1/2 c almond butter or sunflower butter 1/3 c ground flax seed 1/3 c Chocolate Plant-based nonGMO Protein Powder ( we use Juice Plus Complete) 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla Mix all and shape into balls. Place on wax paper and place in refrigerator until firm. These are highly addictive so be careful!

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Chocolate Energy Bites

Need a sweet healthy treat to take to an event that you can make in minutes, no bake chocolate energy bites is the recipe you want. I bring this to most events and now those who have tasted them, request me to bring! You don't need much of the sweetener as the chocolate chips provide that. I've put as little as 2-3 Tablespoons of pure maple syrup and they are still delicious. I also use the organic no sugar added chocolate chips from Hu Kitchen to reduce the sugar.  It is key to read labels on ingredients as sometimes healthy items such as protein powders can contain high…

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German Chocolate Cherry Cake Shake

German Chocolate Cherry Cake 1 scoop (1/3 c) Chocolate plant-based protein powder  (my favorite is Juice Plus+ Dutch Chocolate Complete Drink Mix) 1/2 cup frozen cherries 1/2 cup almond milk 2 teaspoons almond butter 1/4 cup water 2 teaspoons unsweetened raw cacao powder, optional Optional: For additional sweetness use organic Stevia or other natural sweetener. Add organic dark chocolate (over 70% cocoa) shavings to top with fresh sweet cherries.  Blend ingredients for 30-40 seconds in a high speed blender or Vitamix.

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Wheat-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:   ⅓ cup maple syrup ⅓ cup sunflower or grapeseed oil ⅓ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon molasses 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup spelt flour 1 cup quinoa flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup dark chocolate chips   Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together first five ingredients.  Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until smooth.  Add chocolate chips.  Do not over stir.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on a baking sheet.  Bake 7 minutes for a chewy cookie, 8-9 minutes for a crispy cookie.  Do…

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Basil Pesto with Cashews

Basil Pesto with Cashews. It's vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. According to WebMD, basil has numerous health benefits. So Basil Pesto with cashews is a perfect addition as a complement to a salad or get-together appetizer. Basil is a powerful antioxidant Basil contains antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come not only from these antioxidants but from its essential oils. Basil is simple to grow inside or out. Growing indoors is one way to enjoy it all year long. Garlic is a Superfood Of course, garlic is a powerhouse antioxidant as well as antiviral, antibacterial food. I always recommend buying organic when…

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Vegan Basil Pesto with Cashews

A large bunch of basil (about 3-4 cups of leaves) 3 cloves of garlic (add more or less depending on taste) 1/3 to 1/2 cup roasted or raw cashews 1/3 cup Nutritional yeast 1/2 cup good quality olive oil Dash of Sea salt Place all in a Vitamix or food processor and mix until smooth.  Serve with gluten-free crackers or bread. Store in the refrigerator as it will keep 5-7 days.  You may freeze as well and keeps for 3-4 months.

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Fudgy No Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies

I found a couple recipes while looking to satify my chocolate cravings, combined them and added some of my favorite healthy ingredients.  These are delicious! 2/3 c pure maple syrup 1/4 c coconut oil 5 T cocoa 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 c almond butter (or other nut butter) 1 c gluten-free oats 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 c ground flax seeds 1/2 c unsweetened cococnut flakes (optional but I LOVE coconut) Mix all together and scoop by tablespoon on wax paper and refrigerate. Caution...highly addictive and healthy.  

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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

  4 cups of cooked chickpeas or 2 cans (drained and rinsed) low-sodium chickpeas Juice of one lemon 2 heaping tablespoons sesame tahini 4-6 cloves of minced garlic 3/4 tsp teaspoon raw sea salt 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1 small jalapeno pepper (option if like extra spicy) 2 roasted organic red peppers (roast yourself or buy organic in jar) Approximately 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Blend in food processor or blender and serve with assorted organic vegetables or gluten-free crackers/breads.

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Video demonstration: How to make a simple green smoothie

Video demonstration: How to make a simple green smoothie A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was reported in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research (2004). Subjects who received a green drink daily for 3 months had significant improvements in energy versus those who received a placebo. Statistical trends were observed for improvement in mental health, vitality, well-being, and overall health among the green drink users. Ever wonder about green smoothies? They are a great way to get the nutrients your body needs, you can add what fruits and vegetables that appeal to you (or that contain the nutrients you need) and enjoy a tall glass anytime. It really…

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