Healthy Root Beer Floats!

March 5, 2014 Arielle

There are a lot of things in my past that I often time bring up to my husband, and he will literally drop his jaw in disbelief.

Let's not go too far into thinking I was an exotic dancer of some sort. It's more like, I used to scarf down a whole chipotle burrito every thursday with my friends. (Sour cream + Cheese and all!) And every morning before school, I would have my second breakfast at a fast food place called Bakers. Hash browns. Enough said.

And sometimes, after a hard day at my highschool fashion club, I would pull up to my favorite drive through and order my most favorite bubbly beverage. Root Beer.

Holy heck, I love Root Beer. And if my day was extremely hard, (hard as in getting called Booty Booty every time I walked by someone in class-true story), then I treated myself to a Root Beer Float. Booty Booty deserved.

I know right now you are probably wondering how much I weighed in high school, but my lips are sealed. Let's just say, thank goodness skinny jeans & leggings weren't in. (More like overalls and flaired bottom pants.) But let's talk about Root Beer Floats.

I love making & sharing recipes that people might crave, like Root Beer Floats. I can remember so many times being pregnant wanting one so badly, and I can only imagine there are others out there who feel the same. THE NEED FOR THE ROOT. And ice cream. So the other day in the grocery store I spotted Root Beer Extract, and immediately I got really really excited! I knew I had to re-create my favorite high school beverage.

This is such an easy recipe, it's only FIVE ingredients. And I don't count calories, but if you do, I'm assuming its around 100. Yea. Awesome right?

Which leaves enough room left over to enjoy a hash brown bar in a greasy bag. So hungry now...

Root Beer Floats

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. sparkling water
1/2 tsp. root beer extract
liquid stevia (drops)-or other liquid sweetener
1 frozen banana
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

In a food processor, puree bananas and vanilla until ice cream consistency. (May need to add a few drops of non dairy milk.
Add ice cream to a small container with a lid and place in the freezer.
In a liquid measuring cup add sparkling water and root beer extract. Stir.
Add in a few drops of liquid stevia (any where from 6 +), and stir. You can use a liquid sweetener such as honey/agave/maple, etc. (It might change the taste.)
Remove ice cream from freezer and scoop ice cream into a drinking glass.
Add root beer on top! Enjoy!

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And if you must know, fashion club was extremely tiring. Not like a running track or playing sports, but seriously a lot of work. Fashion magazines and movies... I barely got an A.

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting

February 12, 2014 Arielle

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache, from The Diva Dish

Valentines Day is a national holiday in our household. (Well, unless your my husband. It's just a typical day for him....) :)

A day dedicated to love, chocolate, and the color pink...COME ON!! So badly I want to throw pink glitter in every direction, where a frilly pink tutu, and shove chocolate down my throat. (Note-I'm 25)

This year my 3 year old is starting to understand holiday's better, and I know this holiday will be well embraced in our household. Sadly this means that we won't be able to talk about Christmas anymore and use Santa Clause as a way to make our child behave. Hashtag Great Parenting.

SO in the spirit of chocolate and the color pink, I feel and probably always will, that chocolate cake is language of Love. And obviously a chocolate cake with four sticks of butter and sugar would be delicious, I've found a way around that.

A perfectly moist cake (hate that word), with the right amount of sweetness, topped with a delicious layer of rich chocolate ganache. Put on a frilly pink tutu and coat that cake with pink sprinkles. True Love.

Oh...and there's a nice serving of Beets inside the cake. You will love it, I promise!

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Prep time:

15 mins

Cook time:

30 mins

Total time:

45 mins

Although beets are frequently turned down by many, they are what make this cake incredibly moist! You won't even notice their taste, because the other ingredients do their part and make this cake any lovers dream!

Ingredients

(for the cake)
2 1/2 c. whole wheat white flour
1 1/2 c. coconut sugar
1 TB. cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2-3 medium beets
2 eggs
3/4 c. melted coconut oil
1 c. almond milk mixed with 1 TB. vinegar
1 TB. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 oz. water
(for the ganache)
1 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
1 c. full fat coconut milk

Instructions

(For the Cake)
Cute end of the beets and peel. Cut the beets up a little bit, and place in a steamer basket. Steam until beets are soft and poked with a fork.
Once the beets are soft, add them to a food processor and blend until they become a puree. Add a few TB. of water if needed.
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk together well.
In a separate bowl add the rest of the wet ingredients. Make sure the eggs and milk are room temp. so they don't solidify the coconut oil. Add in the beet puree. Whisk together well.
Add the wet to the dry and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
Add cake batter to greased pans of choice. (I chose a bundt pan, but a layer cake would taste fabulous!)
Bake for 30-35 minutes, of until the cake is baked all the way through.
Remove from oven and let sit in the cake pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
(For the ganache)
In a small pot at water and set over a heated stove. Add a large glass bowl on top of the pot to create a double broiler.
Add chocolate and milk and continue stir with a rubber spatula until chocolate is almost all the way melted.
Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is fully melted.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then pour over the cake. (If you made a layer cake, pour a little between layers and on top.)
Add your choice of toppings like sprinkles or chopped chocolate.
Enjoy!

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I was really nervous my kids wouldn't love this cake, but they haven't stopped begging for it! If you are ever nervous to give your kids a 'healthier' dessert option, there is nothing wrong with dressing it up a little with eye catching sprinkles!

You also wouldn't believe how incredibly moist this cake is! I plan to bake with beets more often, because it added to the cake so many wonderful things!

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting, from The Diva Dish

Happy Valentines Day my friends! Be sure to hug the ones you love and share a piece of chocolate cake with them!

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie w Coconut Whipped Cream

November 25, 2013 Arielle

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie-from The Diva Dish

Chocolate is a food group in our household.

It's consumed on a regular basis, and you can find some sort of chocolate in practically every room in the house. Besides the bathroom.

Recently our family has taken an obsession to chocolate coconut water. And by obsession I mean, my husband drank the last bottle this morning and I threw the biggest toddler tantrum EVER.

I've always loved the benefits of (plain) coconut water, I've just never been able to well...stomach it. Can I get a Amen?!

Then I tried chocolate flavored and i'm assuming you know how this story ends. It's a great cold or hot & topped w/ whipped cream, yummy in smoothies, and even perfect for sick babies when they don't seem to want to eat.

And who would have thought it does wonders in a pie?!

We all know Thanksgiving is this week, and when grandma brings out those platters of funeral potatoes, dessert is probably the last thing you should end that meal with. Which is why I really wanted to create something light, fresh, & healthy, but still giving your sweet tooth the satisfaction it deserves.

Don't EVER leave your sweet tooth hangin'...That just isn't right.

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie w/ Coconut Whipped Cream

It's a little sweet and perfectly filling! Along with a great dose of healthy nutrients to feel good about dessert!

Ingredients

(For The Chocolate Crust)
1 1/8 c. whole wheat flour
2 TB. cocoa powder
2 TB. coconut sugar
1/2 c. solid coconut oil
2-3 TB. cold water
(For The Filling)
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/3 c. + 2 TB. coconut sugar
3 TB. cocoa powder
2 c. canned coconut milk (full fat)
1 c. chocolate coconut water*
3.5 ounces chocolate (I used 85% dark chocolate bar)
1 tsp. vanilla
(For The Coconut Whipped Cream)**
1 can full fat coconut place in the fridge overnight (unopened)
powdered sugar or liquid sweetener
1 tsp. vanilla
chocolate shavings
*If you can't find chocolate coconut water, feel free to sub with an additional cup of coconut milk*
**Feel free to sub with regular fresh whipped cream made from cows dairy too!**

Instructions

(For the Crust)
Add flour, sugar, & cocoa powder to a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
Add in coconut oil, and pulse until find crumbs appear.
Pulse in 1 TB. at a time of cold water until mixture sticks together when pressed. You don't want it too dry or too wet.
Form dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Take the dough out and place a sheet of wax paper on your counter. Roll dough out on top of it to a circle the size of your pie pan.
Life the wax paper and slowly turn it over and place the dough on top of your pie pan.
Form dough into pie pan. Place a sheet of foil on top and add pie beads or dried beans so the dough keeps it's shape.
At 350, Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside at let cool.
(For the Filling)
Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder in a sauce pan. Over medium heat, whisk in milk & coconut water. Continue to whisk as the mixture comes to a boil. Whisk for an additional 2-5 minutes longer, until the mixture has thickened to pudding consistency. (Don't stop whisking! :) )
Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate and then vanilla.
Once melted pour into cooled pie crust.
Place in the fridge and let harden for at least 2 hours.
(For the Whipped Cream)
Remove cans of coconut milk from the fridge. Scoop out the thick cream part ONLY, and not the water on the bottom. Place the cream in a bowl. Add a few TB. of preferred sweetener, plus vanilla and beat for about 5 minutes until fluffy. (Note: By full fat good quality coconut milk. Also, I know that powdered sugar isn't exactly 'natural', but it does help make it more of a whipped texture.)
Spread on top of pie, top with chocolate shavings, and serve!

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Crust recipe adapted from Simply Scratch

Filling recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen.

The key to making the perfect coconut whipped cream is to buy a really good brand of coconut milk! Don't skimp on that! Also, don't be shy when it comes to beating the mixture...Just beat it. Just beat it...

I have to be honest and say that I've never been a 'Pie' person, but you really can't go wrong with chocolate crust, chocolate filling, and creamy topping!

All that's missing is a nice big glass of that last bottle of chocolate liquid gold to help that pie go down...

*A big THANK YOU to Ecos Brand Chocolate Coconut Waterfor sending me samples of their beverage. It's incredibly rich, creamy, and can satisfy ANY dessert craving. Let's not forget that it's made with COCONUT SUGAR! (My all time fav natural sugar!) Thanks again Ecos! Check them out HERE! (I was not paid to write this post. All opinions are my own.)*

Cinnamon & Caramel Swirl Ice Cream-Made w/ Greek Yogurt

October 23, 2013 Arielle

Cinnamon & Caramel Swirl Ice Cream-Made with Greek Yogurt & sweetened with dates and Maple syrup! thediva-dish.com

I'm having major writer's block for this post...

It's 630 in the morning and Mickey Mouse is playing in the background. My right arm is cuddling Sweet Pea, and my left hand is typing.

I am not a left handed typer person...fgj hgf 6ye gss5 h77,j uggghhhhhhh

This week Boo has been begging for ice cream, so I decided to take on the challenge of using her favorite yogurt and turn it into a favorite frozen treat! Greek yogurt is amazing! It's just so thick and creamy, full of protein, and incredibly kid friendly! If you want a vegan version, you could use a plain non dairy yogurt OR a few cans of full fat coconut milk!

Add a hint of maple, caramel, and cinnamon and I'd say even if it is November Ice Cream is still an acceptable treat!

(Plus it's going to be 81 today...It's basically summer...)

Cinnamon & Caramel Swirl Ice Cream

We all crave ice cream! Why not have an indulgent treat, packed with protein, with a taste of cinnamon and a burst of caramel? Yes...That sounds about right!

Ingredients

4 c. plain greek yogurt
3/4 c. maple syrup
2 TB. cinnamon
(For the Caramel Swirl)
10 pitted dates
1/4 c. maple syrup
1 TB. vanilla
water (roughly 1/2 cup)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, syrup, and cinnamon.
Add ingredients to an ice cream maker, and make ice cream according to directions.
While the ice cream is churning, make the caramel swirl.
In a small bowl add dates, and then water. Make sure there is enough water in the bowl/cup to completely cover the dates.
Let the dates soak for about 10 minutes.
In a blender, add soaked dates, plus 3 TB. of the date water. Then add the syrup and vanilla.
Blend together until combined, thick and creamy. (No date chunks.)
When the ice cream is done, remove from the ice cream make and place ice cream in a freezer safe container. Add caramel layer to ice cream and swirl it in.
Place in the freezer to harden, at least 30 minutes. (This is optional, otherwise the ice cream will be more soft serve like.)
Enjoy!

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Now my right arm is numb...I'm sure some ice cream could fix that.

Pumpkin Spice Bars

September 21, 2013 Arielle

I caved...

I told myself that I would wait until at least October until I purchased my first can of Pumpkin Puree. But of coarse down at the end of practically every isle at the store sits a tower of Libby's puree of Gold...

And then it seems like every time I'm on Pinterest there is either some incredible fall decor, painted and styled up pumpkins, or a recipe like this...Hello canoli, screw spinach!

So when it came to choosing what type of Pumpkin Recipe I wanted to try first, I decided started simple was best. Something easy with one bowl, one pan, and a crowd pleaser. One that you could bring to a fall or halloween party, and be like, "Yea...I made that. AND it's healthy!"

And most likely people won't like that it's healthy, and go for that King Size Snicker Bar that the Smith family brought to the party, and then you are pissed.

So, moral of the story...Egg the Smith's house.

(**For the buttermilk: You can use cows buttermilk, but to make your own dairy free kind just mix 2/3 c. coconut milk + 1 TB. Vinegar**)

Since my first Pumpkin Puree purchase, I've not stocked up at Costco...So I've got October through March covered...

Mini Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins

September 3, 2013 Arielle

Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins from The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com

Let's talk about life.

How come life can be so incredibly fast at one moment, and insanely slow the next?

For example...A workout on a tired day seems like an ETERNITY. Running errands with two babies seems like a lifetime. And trying to make my husbands 11 hour work days go quickly is practically impossible...

Then I realize that in just ONE day my sweet Boo will be attending Preschool three times a week for THREE hours. What? 3 days...3 hours...But she's only a baby! If there's anything that I wish could slow down it would be the rate my babies are growing up!

Sometimes I feel like the most amazing moments in life go by so quickly, and if we aren't careful, we miss them. Which is why I've decided to put boo back in diapers and start feeding her bottles. It's the only way to keep her young...

Or I could just make her chocolate muffins for her little pink lunch pail that fits neatly in her tiny pink backpack...And as I send her off to school I will make sure to hold on to that moment forever. Because before I know it I won't be packing a tiny pink lunch pail anymore...Instead she will be asking for 20 bucks to go get Starbucks with her girl friends.

On second thought...Diapers and bottles sound a lot better to me.

Mini Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins from The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com

Recipe adapted from :HowSweetItIs

Printable Version:Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins

Now If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go wrap my three year old in a blanket and rock her to sleep like she's 3 months old. :)

The BEST (Healthier) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

August 27, 2013 Arielle

Saying something is "The Best" basically makes me think...really??!! I mean, is it truly THE BEST or are you just saying that to rope me in and entice me? Are you a liar liar pants on fire, because if it's honestly THE BEST well, that's big. Huge. Crazy.

With that being said, these cookies really are...The Best.(I know..Really??) Let me just preface it by saying that The Best to me could be THE ultimate worst to someone else, and then you really will believe that I'm a big fat liar just trying to make friends. But if we have different levels of what taste good then maybe we should keep our relationship strictly frienemies. (Friends/Enemies). That's probably best.

You see, my idea of the perfect cookie is soft and chewy with barely any bite or crispy-ness. But others might like a little crisp. I've just always loved that certain brand of tiny cookies that you can buy from the grocery store that are so soft and melt in your mouth perfect. After 7-8 of those, I swear all my problems go away.

So as I was playing around in the kitchen, trying to find a cookie that had whole grains, minimal (natural) sugar, healthy fats, and VEGAN, I almost screamed out loud as I took my first bite.

And lucky You (and me), my beloved camera is broken and I don't have drool worthy pictures to convince you...(Insert sucky face here...)

But I filmed a VLOG for now, and as soon as my camera comes back I will do a post with drool worthy pictures!

I just couldn't wait to share...

The Best (Healthy) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Diva Dish

No Bake(Or Bake) Anytime Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

July 31, 2013 Arielle

No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com

Let's count the number of times a day my daughter asks me for a cookie...

While we are at it, let's also count the number of times a day that I WANT to be eating a cookie.

If you guessed the number 56, you are right. I'm assuming this is perfectly normal right?

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I mentioned putting together an Ecookbook of Kids Breakfast Foods. I've been working on recipes left and right, and yesterday I started working on breakfast cookies. I made three different kinds of cookies, and I ate about 2...plus 4.

I love anything quick that you can grab when you are running to the park, to the store, going on a road trip, etc. A sweet treat that's filling and full of wholesome ingredients. It's also the perfect treat for when you are watching grown men cry on the Bachelorette. That part has been tried and tested.

These started out as a No Bake treat, but I wanted to try it as a baked cookie as well. I'm going to state the obvi here and say that it's not your traditional crunchy super sweet cookie like you might be used to. It's thicker, full of oats, and sweetened with bananas and a touch of honey. You are more than welcome to add a little more sweetener too! :)

It's completely optional if you dip it in a jar of drippy creamy peanut butter...Actually that's not an option. It's a requirement. But watching a group of men and 1 woman experience an amazing roller coaster of emotions all for love IS an option...Shhhh...We all know that that's a necessity as well.

Printable PDF Here: No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's now 7 in the morning, so I think it's safe to say...

Time for a cookie!!

Chocolate Fudge Brownies

July 19, 2013 Arielle

Fudge Brownies (Healthy, All Natural Sugars, Whole Grain) From Ari @ The Diva Dish

I wish I could apologize for now posting within days of each other two rich chocolate desserts involving practically the same ingredients...But I just can't.

Truth is we've had visitors come and go in and out of our house for the past 3 weeks, and we are about to have more this coming week. I would say that the visitors love when my house is full of vegetables, healthy snacks, and water...But 1 day into my grandmother visiting and she went straight to Costco and loaded up on muffins and a large chocolate cake.

So I got the hint grandma. Way to be subtle.

I decided I probably should make some sweet treats to avoid my 3 year old asking for Costco Cake each meal of the day, and watching her great grandmother happily and secretly slice her one.

That made for a fun few days following great-grandma's visit...

Similar to the Chocolate Banana Bread these brownies are incredibly rich and dense. Nothing light and fluffy here.

To me, they are the perfect dessert to show off to guest. Or to give to your toddler as a 'prize' becuase she has done so well in not asking for cake for each meal.

Wait? Pretty sure I screwed up that parenting opportunity.

Printable Version:Chocolate Fudge Brownies

(Adapted from the amazing HowSweetItIs Avocado Brownies)

At least this one can't tell the difference between Costco Cake and healthier brownies...Yet.

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread w/ Diced Strawberries...(A.K.A. Feelings Bread)

July 8, 2013 Arielle

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread w/ Diced Strawberries from Ari @ The Diva Dish

There was this one time in college where I ate my feelings...

It was Valentines Day 2007. I was living in the middle of no where Idaho and it was negative 20 outside, I lived in the dorms, and I was single. Boo.

I'm sure that being single had nothing to do with the fact that the freezing weather had me eating on a every 20 minute basis in order to add some fat to my body to keep me warm...Or maybe it was because my roommates and I spent our weekends playing dress up and taking 'we think we are so sexy' pictures.

More like 'never ever take pictures like that again in your life' pictures.

So on that cold day in February, I had this bright Idea to make a chocolate cake. I'm pretty sure I made it straight from a box along with chocolate store bought frosting. What I remember the most though was buying a cake decorating gel tube that you could write on the cake with. After the cake was cooked and frosted, I took that pink died gel goop and wrote across the whole cake, "FEELINGS."

It was a clever way of saying, "Tonight Ladies, we will eat out FEELINGS!"

Skip to almost 6 plus years later, and I still refer to rich chocolate comfort food as Feelings Food. Because sometimes, when the day is hard and trash TV and a run on the treadmill aren't doing it for you...

Sometimes 'eating your Feelings' is the only solution.

Printable Version Here: Rich Chocolate Banana Bread w: Diced Strawberries

Side note:

This Rich Chocolate Feelings Bread goes great with a Nicolas Sparks movie...

Cinnamon Sugar Cups-For Ice Cream, Fruit, Etc.

July 3, 2013 Arielle

I'm going to tell you exactly how this recipe came about, and then afterwards you will basically understand why I'm not at all but kind of completely awesome.

Let's pretend for a second that I'm a totally-on-top-of-it blogger. I've got a book full of future ideas and recipes, and i've planned out how and when I will post them. I also post frequently and on a regular basis...

We can now stop that journey of pretending and enter the reality of my blogging lifestyle in which I admit that only a tiny bit of the above statement applies to me. I can honestly say that I've got that idea book. Yes, there are a few items scratched off that list of future posts/ideas, but the majority have yet to be accomplished.

One of those items written down months ago was planning a fourth of july menu. Oddly that item got scratched off the list due to the 4th being oh...i dunno...tomorrow.

I wish I could blame a tropical vacation for my procrastination, but truthfully and honestly I've failed at almost every attempt to make a remarkable July 4th menu.

Every frackin recipe I created and tried didn't turn out. Period.

Did you know you could screw up a salad? Apparently it's possible. Also, don't turn your freezer degrees all the way up to 'speed up the process'. Anyone have an ice scraper I can borrow?

It basically came to the point where I said, 'Holy Heck! I'm just going to buy a box of ice cream cones, a carton of ice cream, and a jar of sprinkles and call it Easiest Dessert Ever!'

But then I started to really think about ice cream, and waffle cones, and chocolate, then sprinkles, and then well...

This...

The Easiest Dessert Ever.

You know what the best part is? After all the filling has gone, it's time to eat the cup!

Happy 4th Everyone!!

60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake-Single Serving

June 8, 2013 Arielle

Some days things don't go your way and chocolate is the only solution.

Just when you think you are on a roll, strolling along and happy because of your accomplishments...BAM! Life hits you...Or in Sweet Pea's case...Every.Dang.Piece.Of.Furniture.

No matter how much you try, or push, certain things just won't budge and make your life a little bit easier.

In this case, one should probably just resort to chocolate.

Sure you could grab a handful of chocolate chips and then come back 7 times just to make all those problems go away.

And of coarse you could always resort to that jar in the back of your pantry that holds a large chocolate bunny from Easter. I'm almost positive that would make you happy...

But why not whip up something that's quick, easy, and gives you enough sweetness to almost feel like you gave up...But you really didn't.

That way no chocolate bunnies or 12 ounces of chocolate chips will need to be consumed, because honestly, that would cause a lot more problems...

60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake-Single Serving, Healthy. From The Diva Dish

Printable Recipe Here: 60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake

Topping with a dollop of chilled coconut cream is definitely an option but in all reality, it's totally a necessity!

And soon enough those mountains (or furniture) that get in our way sometimes don't seem like such a big problem any more...

Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies & Why I LOVE Coconut Flour

June 1, 2013 Arielle

Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish

Sometimes I want a particular thing, and I want it a certain way.

And despite what my husband might say, that doesn't happen on a regular basis. Every other day at the most. And usually always on weekends...

Like, why does every basketball game on TV HAVE to air the same time Real Housewives/Bachelorette is on? (Not to mention there is like 4 games at the same time...) Or why can't I just walk into a clothing store and find and item of clothing where my bum cheeks aren't hanging out?

Also, why is it bathing suit season? I just need like 1 more year and then I might be ready...

You see, I really wanted to make a peanut butter cookie out of Coconut Flour, just like I made this Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie. I didn't want to add any dry sugar and I wanted it to be super easy. I searched a lot of recipes, and then somehow I eventually ended up looking at these amazingly delicious looking Snicker Cupcakes. I almost said screw it.

I almost made cupcakes.

But then I remembered that if I made cupcakes those super short shorts wouldn't fit, and bathing suit season would need to be put off for at least another 3 years...

And I live in Vegas where it's 102 degrees this week and people live in their bathing suits, so obviously cupcakes weren't an option. (And turning on the oven for cookies really isn't either...) But for the sake of this blog post and those reading it, I made the cookies.

I ate 5 of them.

And I'm wearing my bathing suit. With Booty Shorts. And an oversized robe to cover it all up.

Printable Recipe Here: Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies

I love these cookies because you can either roll them up or flatten them out a little!

If you are wondering why I was trying so hard to bake with coconut flour, here are just a few of the many reasons why I LOVE it! :-)

See...having things exactly the way you want it is NEVER a bad thing....

:-)

Watermelon Milkshake-Bathing Suit Approved

May 21, 2013 Arielle

So I had this bright idea to buy a blow up pool.

It was pink and princess themed, and I KNEW that Boo would go crazy once she saw it. I planned the perfect day to set it up, and talked it up to the girls multiple times. We were so ready.

First things first. Don't get the girls in bathing suits and then decide you will blow up the pool. A blow up pool that requires as much air from that of 10 men is quite difficult to blow up.

Next thing. Make sure once the pool is blown up that you have a hose.

Haha isn't life hilarious.

Now, after the pool is blown, hose is purchased, and water is filled it is time to swim! And when that's all said and done, make sure you have enough ingredients for something refreshing and cool like a milkshake!

Because you don't want to send you husband to the store for that stuff too. After all, he blew up the pool, went and got the hose, and cleaned up the water mess.

What a gem!

Printable Recipe Here: Watermelon Milkshake

I was going to ask the husband to build a from scratch tree house that I saw on pinterest, but luckily I remembered we only own a hammer and rench. Oh, and we have no trees. Whew! Close one hubs, let's just stick to the impossible blow up pool for now ;-)!

Getting Outside & Chocolate Fudge-sicles! (W/ a Secret Veggie Inside!)

April 25, 2013 Arielle

Sometimes we get stuck in a mommy-rut...

Dishes, laundry, potty-training, needed to shower but needing to workout, cooking dinner, etc etc...It's easy to say, "Who has time to leave the house and play?"

I was totally inspired when I was reading THIS post from Missy's blog Pink Pistachio, about getting out with our children at least once a day and playing! Too many times it's easy to stay home and turn on a movie while you finally tackle that laundry. It's easy to serve a quick lunch on your dinning room table, instead of a picnic outside, so you can get those clean dishes put away.

And sometimes...You just haven't showered and the outside world should definitely never ever see you with greasy dirty hair.

It's easy to say, "Oh, but we were outside today! We went on a walk" A walk in the stroller, while one kid slept and the other dabbled on your phone...

Exercise and play time is JUST as important for adults as it is for kids.

Whether it's a picnic outside, a train ride at the mall, throwing pennies into a fountain, or simply drawing chalk on the sidewalk...Step away from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or if you are like us it's all about the movie Tangled, and say hello to the outside world and Play!

Who knows...You toddler might be so excited and full of energy, they may go crazy and full out dance in the middle of H&M for everyone to see!

Then when you come home you can laugh, be silly, and stuff your face with chocolate 'fidgesicle' popsicles!

Chocolate Fudge-sicles

Prep time:

5 mins

Total time:

5 mins

Serves:

3-4 large popsicles

Similar to the original fudge-sicles where eating one is just not enough. Only difference, these aren't pumped with sugar...and they contain beets! Great way to enjoy a sweet treat, and eat some veggies all at the same time!

Ingredients

1/3 c. non dairy milk, or other milk of choice
1/3 c. greek yogurt
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. steamed beets
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1 banana

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender, poor into popsicle molds, then freeze in freezer until done. (may be a few hours or overnight!)

3.2.1230

We recently added a new member to out kitchen family, the Zoku Pop Maker! Reason number 457 why we love it:

It makes popsicles under TEN minutes! It's perfect for those impromptu, "I want a popsicle' moments!

Another bonus to getting outside and playing:

A long nap afterward...

Of coarse followed by a 10 o'clock bedtime.

Now...Go outside and get some fresh air!

Sunday Activities & Cupcakes-Egg Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free Vanilla Cupcakes

April 22, 2013 Arielle

I declare that every Sunday should be spent like this from now on...

A day full of long naps, sweet cuddly baby, princess dress ups, mommy please do my makeup, walking around the LDS temple, and filling our bellies with cupcakes.

Vanilla cake Printable, Chocolate Frosting Printable

Homemade Whole Wheat Cake Flour Printable

Homemade Powdered Sugar-natural Printable

Have a great week everyone!!

3 Ingredient Homemade Samoas

March 28, 2013 Arielle

I was never a girl scout.

Honestly I don't really know the reason why, but I'm assuming it's because I related girl scouts to camping, which is like the worst recreational activity ever...

I know. I offended many of you. I don't even know if the girl scouts go camping, I could be totally wrong. But I figured the two went together, and the only place I lay my head down to sleep at night is either in a home or a hotel. A place without crickets, bats, and daddy long legs. AHH, my skin is crawling just thinking about it!

I know. I hate myself too.

Ok all diva-ness aside, I have this picture of me on a family camping trip wearing huge hiker books, short shorts, an oversized sweater, my hair divided into FOUR braids, rainbow colored braces, and dots all over my face. I had a huge smile on my face and a large s'mores in my hand.

Despite being completely happy in that picture, it scares the crap out of me. Those braids...Never again. Ever.

Where was I? Anyways, despite never being a girl scout I do love them. They are so sweet and innocent standing outside the store asking me to support their troops and buy their delicious cookies. A simple no is not easy, especially when your two year old notices what they are selling and screams, "I WANT COOKIES!!"

Then you feel bad as you pull your screaming daughter away from the box's of delicious-ness, meanwhile capturing a glimpse of the little girl scouts staring you down with pouty eyes like you just ruined their hopes and dreams and wishes.

So what do we learn from all this?

Don't go camping and always walk into the opposite side of the store from where the girl scouts are standing. Trust me on this one friends...Just trust me.

Homemade Somoas

Ingredients:

17 large dates

1/2 c. coconut flakes (unsweetened)

1/4 -1/3 c. chocolate(in bar or chocolate chip form-I used a 90% cocoa bar)

Directions:

1. In a food processor, process the dates until fully processed and a paste forms. Roll paste into 1 inch balls. Wet(wash) hands a little to make it easier to handle.(The dough will be a sticky!)

2. Place dough onto parchment paper and place in the freezer.

3. Turn your broiler on to the LOW setting. Spread coconut onto baking sheet and place under broiler for about 2-3 minutes to toast. Careful, it burns quickly!! See below...haha

6 minutes in Broiler

4. While coconut is toasting (or after it's done), melt your chocolate. Take out your dough balls from the freezer.

5. Wet the back of a spoon, then shake it off to remove access water. Flatten the dough balls till the make a flatter cookie. (Not completely flat.) Continue to wet spoon after each one. (If you don't wet the spoon, the dough will stick to the spoon.)

6. Next take the wet edge of the cookie and press it into the toasted coconut. Then flip the cookie over and drizzle a little melted chocolate on it. Place cookie coconut side down and let set until chocolate hardens. (You can make this happen faster by putting it in the fridge/freezer for a couple minutes.)

7. Turn the cookie over and drizzle remaining chocolate over the top. Let chocolate harden before eating.

Actually, shove the whole dang thing in your mouth...

Take that girl scouts! ;-)

FIRST Footage Friday Video & Chewy Chocolate Easter Egg Truffles

March 22, 2013 Arielle

I'm finally back after a week in the sickness world!

After waking up from the dreadful plague I realized, "Oh my gosh, It's almost Easter! I SWEAR it was just Valentines day!!"

I've had so much on my mind with this blog, but life does what it does and begins to take over. Then before I know it I'm all ready to present my fav Easter spring dish and by golly it's jolly ol' Christmas. Ba humbug.

But a week without tasting the flavor of food and wiping the noses of little ones got me to think about things more than usual. I've been tossing around an idea for a certain forever and I've finally got the courage to go ahead and do it! It's scary to start new things in the blogging world, because you never know what's going to come out of it. Putting yourself out there is hard to do, and trust me it's not always fun and easy! But the emails, comments, etc. that I get from YOU guys reminds me that I've got nothing but loving and trusting friends out there supporting me along the way!

So with out further ado...

Wait...First I have a little Easter treat... :)

Chewy Chocolate Easter Egg Truffles

(Make about 8 small truffles)

Ingredients:

1 c. raisins (if you don't raisins you could sub dates or prunes)

1/3 c. chopped chocolate, or chocolate chips

optional toppings: sprinkles, nuts, coconut, chia seeds, etc.

Directions:

1. Puree raisins in a food processor until a thick paste forms. (It will be VERY sticky and thick.) Using a rubber spatula, scrape paste out of processor and put in a bowl. Cover and set in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

2. While raisin puree is in the freezer, melt chocolate in microwave.

3. Take raisin puree out of the freezer and roll 1/2 in balls. (if it get's too stick then place back in the freezer for a minute or two.)

4. Roll and coat truffles in the melted chocolate and place on a non stick paper such as wax/parchment. Garnish with optional toppings.

5. Place in the fridge and let chocolate set for a few minutes.

6. Eat them. All of them. Do not share.

Side note...A little touch of sprinkles makes everything taste better!

Ok, where was I? That's right, the whole "let me introduce you to that thing I was talking about..."

I've been wanting to start this since before I was pregnant with Sweet Pea. No lie, I even have a video to prove it! But I kept thinking it was silly, bla bla, and never fully went through with it. But the other day it hit me that I just didn't want to be that girl behind the computer that shot out a post here and there about a healthy recipe. In my opinion, there is more to me than a witty post and a yummy recipe. I've got a beautiful family, a SUPER weird personality, and sometimes watching someone else in person is a lot more fun than reading it on the computer!

So starting on FRIDAY, I will posts videos. Not sure exactly what the video will be about, but it will most likely run along the lines of everyday life, healthy tips, exercise, recipes, cooking, silly stuff, etc.!

I really want you guys to get to know my family, out life! I want to develop a stronger relationship, not just a read and see pictures relationship! I hope you guys are as excited as I am!

So here is this weeks FIRST EVER Footage Friday!!

If you have any video suggestions or what you would LOVE to see, just leave it in the comment section below! Have a great weekend everybody!

Chocolate Chia Seed Truffles

February 13, 2013 Arielle

A holiday dedicated to chocolate and pink makes me all giddy inside.

I'm was so close to buying myself a box full of See's candy, you know the ones covered in those chocolate jimmy sprinkles? But then I had to remind myself that I've finally noticed my hips are somewhat shrinking from having baby number two...And I really really want to fit into a cute pair of colored jeans by spring. Pink ones preferably...with glitter. I think my 2 year old has a pair.

Cute?

So I figured I would make a truffle that would still give me that sweet taste without making my butt looking like a large pink jaw breaker in those pink skinny jeans...

And a what a jaw breaker that would be to see something like that...

Chocolate Chia Seed Truffles

makes 12-15 small truffles

Ingredients:

20 pitted dates

1/4 c. + 1 TB. chia seeds

1/8 c. cocoa powder

(For rolling)

grated chocolate-I used 90%

sprinkles

Directions:

1. In a food processor, blend all ingredients together until fully blended and a round ball of dough forms. Make sure there are so chunks.

2. Roll a ball of dough about 1 inch thick. Roll it in grated chocolate or sprinkles. Keep in air tight container in the fridge, or cool place.

If you ask me, Boo's definitely up to date with what's in style...

Pink glitter pants with sprinkled lips...Sounds like the perfect Valentine's Day look to me! :)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Puddin'/Mousse

February 7, 2013 Arielle

Nothing says Love more than a bowl full of puddin'...

Especially when you've got a your sweet lil' puddin' to make puddin' with you! :)

Puddin' Puddin' Puddin'.

Speaking of lil Puddin' we've decided to no longer have her take naps. It's like mommy suicide, but unfortunately we've had too many late night, "Mommy I'm awake..." moments.

So instead of a two hour window of trash tv and laundry folding, I'm excited to have one on one quality time with my growing girl.

Our favorite thing to do together is cook in the kitchen. We put on our matching aprons, she drags over her little tiny chair, stands on it and looks at me with her sweet and goofy smile.

It's pure bliss.

Most of our kitchen adventures involve chocolate, and by the end Boo has made her way into the pantry to find sprinkles to top it with. Whether it's hummus or a bowl of ice cream, you can bet it will have a colorful assortment of sugar specks. It always ends up delicious.

And if you can imagine the type of damage I do in the kitchen by myself, add a two year old to the mix and the whole downstairs has managed to be dusted with sprinkles, cocoa powder, and measuring spoons. It's a half a days work just to clean up the mess, but I'd make that mess over and over again.

I'm going to sound like a master card commercial here but...It's priceless.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding/Mousse

Ingredients:

2 avocados

1/4 c. peanut butter

1/3 c. liquid sweetener:Honey, maple syrup, agave

1/4 + 1/8c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 TB. vanilla

1 can full fat coconut milk-placed in fridge the night before

Directions:

1. Blend your avocado in a blender or food processor until creamy. Then add your PB, Sweetener, cocoa powder, and vanillla. Blend until all creamy. Place pudding in a large bowl and set aside.

Note: You may be tempted to eat pudding as is. A large spoon or your finger do the trick.

2. Remove your can of coconut milk from the fridge and open it. Using a spoon, scoop out the thick cream from the top of the can. Fold the thick cream into the pudding until smooth. There might be a few little bumps here and there. If you don't want the bumps, you could always whisk the coconut cream a little bit before you fold it into the pudding.

3. Eat at that moment or set in the fridge until ready to eat. Serve with berries, top with extra coconut cream, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, etc.