Marvelous Smoothie Crack: Mocha Beet Frappuccino

August 12, 2013 By Laura

Crack is whack.

Thank you, Whitney Houston for that insightful quote.

After a long hiatus, I am jumping back into Heather‘s Meatless Monday link up!

I would never expose you to something whack, so this post isn’t actually about crack. It is a super-energizing smoothie though!

This week’s MMAZ link up is about making someone else’s recipe. Unfortunately, I am unable to follow recipes (or directions). Rather, I took inspiration from someone’s recipe.

Sarah created this vegan Mocha Chip Mousse last week. I loved how she used tofu to create a protein-rich healthy-ish dessert. It made me remember my favorite Carrot Cake Batter Shake, where I used tofu to get a milk shake consistency. Why hadn’t I done it with chocolate?! And coffee… this was a frapp waiting to happen! There may have been some strangeness too… I’ve been loving chocolate-beet smoothies lately and I carried that idea over to make this a Mocha Beet Frappuccino. 🙂

Recipe for this crack-like creation at the bottom…

First I have to share some marvelous!!! I had the pleasure of dining with one of my favorite ladies: Sarena! She invited me over for dinner with her family. I’d never met her crew before, but felt like I already knew them thanks to social media. Tony (her husband) said he felt like Instragram was coming to life. 🙂

If you’ve never tried any of Sarena’s gluten-free baked goods before, let me assure you this stuff is the jam. She made a loaf of gluten-free bread that was better than most of the “real” bread I’ve had.

We started with a salad, then for dinner enjoyed succotash, grilled pork, and homemade bread. And more bread. I wish I’d gotten a pic of the Pavlova Sarena made for dessert too. It was fantastic!

Also marvelous was a sunny Sunday run up Stone Mountain. Remember those booty building incline sprints? I’m back at it. 🙂

While we’re talking about booty, I finally picked up a pair of the Nike Pro booty shorts I see everyone on Instagram wearing. They are actually amazing – comfy and breathable.

I shamelessly wore them all day long. Including to 2 grocery stores.

Killer bicep/tricep workout, followed up with more crack.

Check out what else is marvelous in blog land this week in Katie’s link up!

Mocha Beet Frappuccino

1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 serving (1.5 oz) tofu
1/4 C roasted beet (or 1 tsp beet powder)
1 T instant coffee granules
1/2 T cocoa powder
1/4 inch piece fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
5-6 drops vanilla liquid stevia
Pinch of xanthan and guar gums (optional)
Ice and water (adjust according to thickness preference)

Toss it all in the blender and mix until smooth.

Inhale. Bounce off the walls.

***

Why don’t I ever remember that it’s a bad idea to run up mountains the day before leg day?! Doh.

Do you run around in your gym clothes all day?

Do you even gluten-free products even though you don’t have an allergy? I like trying all the foods!

Easy Meal Ideas + Bar Recovery

August 8, 2013 By Laura

Stress does funny things to people.

Or it makes you find odd things funny…

I’ve been traveling this week and with the possibility of more travel looming and a bunch of personal stuff on the horizon, the stress level is high.

So I looked for the humor. Turns out, all I needed to do was look down… and then coin my new favorite hashtag: #meetingfeet.

You know you’re in Florida when an exec rocks the sock-less loafer look.

Those would be beer mugs on this business leader’s socks.

Speaking of stress, my friend Kat is stress-free after the Bar Exam!!! I am so proud of her – I can’t even imagine having the discipline to get through all that.

Today she’s sharing her relaxation strategy and a couple of quick-yet-awesome recipes. I cannot WAIT to try her Thai Coconut Hummus! But I’ll let her tell you about it…

Easy Meal Ideas + Bar Recovery

Thank god the bar is over!!!! It was not fun, and I hope I never have to take it again. Unfortunately, bar results don’t come in until October 28 or so. Yeah, that seems like a LONG time. But, “patience is a virtue,” and I guess it gives us some time to get over the trauma of a two-day, four-session, exhausting marathon of a test. (Editor’s note: It is downright cruel for them to leave you hanging so long!)

One text I got in the middle of the first day was, “You’re 25 miles into the ultramarathon,” and that’s how it felt… taking it a few steps at a time, leaving whatever happened in the first parts of the test behind to focus on success in the future.

After the Ultramarathon (the Bar Exam), it was time to start letting go of the built-up stress, tension, and the parts of me that really aren’t so pretty when I feel so overwhelmed.

Two days after the exam, I took off to the beach for a long weekend! It was wonderful to get away, and not study! I got to read for fun on the beach, meditate, collect seashells and just let go anything weighing me down. (Editor’s note: Most deserved trip ever.)

Reading on the beach at sunset. Heaven!

It was also fun! We found a dog beach, where our newest rescue, Scout, was able to go swimming and play with all the other dogs!

I had never seen anything like it. There were probably over 50 dogs that I saw, all playing, swimming, rolling in sand, and enjoying the day.

By the end of our first day at the beach, I may have had 1^st or 2^nd degree burns on my butt and back. No, this is not a joke. (Editor’s note: Ummm… why did the sun see your arse?!) My back-side has not had a lucky summer…. between poison ivy and now not being able to sit due to a sun ~~bum~~ burn! But I was still so happy to get away.

In my bar recovery regimen, I also need to give a shout out to the cuddle bugs, the animals in my life. They are the most wonderful beings who help ground me, and who love me unconditionally, and I do not know how I could have survived the bar without them! Scarlett and Echo are my kitties (Echo turned 5 on Saturday). And then Gracie the golden, Murphy, and Scout the lab.

I love them!

Before I took the bar, I had no time for any fancy meals or kitchen projects, so I kept it super simple. Here are two super easy, fun recipes that allow you to enjoy delicious food, when time is not on your side.

Gluten-Free Tortilla Pizza

1 Rudi’s Gluten-Free tortilla, thawed
Handful of spinach
Tomato paste, spread thinly
Olive oil, lightly drizzled over the spinach, before the cheese
¼ sautéed onion, sliced
3 baby bella mushrooms, sautéed and sliced
1 oz honey goats cheese, crumbled
1-2 oz drunken goats cheese, sliced
Any other toppings of your choice

Preheat oven to 425.

Top pizza and bake ~15 minutes, or until your cheese begins to brown a little.

Devour.

This is a meal I had several times while studying through dinner.

Thai Coconut Hummus

½ C plain hummus
3 T coconut cream
Thai Curry Almond Seasoning (found at Whole Foods)

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and eat!

I’ve been snacking on this with raw beets, carrots, chips, gluten-free tortillas, and anything under the sun! It’s light and flavorful. A new staple.

And now that I’m done, it’s time for more adventures!

I have a few trail runs in California in the coming weeks, and some adventures to wrangle (Editor’s note: What adventures?! I want to wrangle…) before I really get serious about working full-time! 🙂

***

No, I didn’t crawl under the table for the sock shots. I just casually held my phone down. 😉

How do you recoup after a long stretch of go-go-go?

What’s your favorite quickie meal when you’re too busy for a big-deal meal?

Raw Tomato and Corn Salad + Weekend Marvels

July 29, 2013 By Laura

Merry Marvelous!

Are you ever so cheerful you annoy yourself?

It’s false cheer. Sort of. I’m not in a bad mood… but does anyone really look forward to a Monday like they do a Saturday? Yet another reason to love Katie’s Marvelous Monday link up. 🙂

First up in the world of marvelous is this #vitamixporn. That’s a legit hash tag, no?

This deliciousness is a Chocolate-Beet protein smoothie. It was so thick and creamy I ate it with a spoon… like I do with just about every smoothie. It’s the only way to go after a hot, sweaty romp in the gym. 😉

You can make this in a regular blender, it just might not be quite as ice cream-like. I posted the recipe here on Facebook.

Marvelous item #2 involves one of my favorite movies – Grease! Saturday it was playing it on the big screen at a the Fox Theatre… it was done like a sing-along! The words to every song were scrolled across the bottom of the screen and they handed out little props for people to use throughout the movie.

They had a costume contest before the movie started!

The less-then-marvelous part is that I was supposed to go with my best friend, but at the last minute she got the stomach flu! So I went by myself. It was a little awkward due to the interactive nature, but I sat back and enjoyed the show and the people watching. It was rich – the over 50 crowed came out in full-force dressed like Pink Ladies and T-Birds.

In the end, I was happy. I was in a loner mood for some reason anyway. When I got home there was more marvelous = clean sheets! I put myself to bed with a book and a handmade mason jar candle.

This next item is more hilarious than marvelous. I was in the gym, minding my business, when I came upon a full spread of beauty supplies in the locker room.

The pic doesn’t even show it all. I couldn’t fit in the towel wrap, 2 pairs of shoes, flip-flops, bobby pins, comb… and dirty clothes on the floor. I chuckled… and then I Instagrammed. (She was in the shower… I’m not quite that ballsy.)

Yes, that is a hair weave on the counter.

I had to take a picture.* If I had to bring THAT much crap to shower at the gym, I’d just go home. (I have never showered at a gym, actually.) If I hadn’t been in a hurry, I would have waited to see what she looked like after getting all dolled up.

*Nothing shocks me anymore at my gym – last week there was a girl there carrying a dog around in her purse. In the weightroom. While using the leg extension machine.

Lastly, I have to include food in the weekend marvelousness. This happened before I made it to the market. you can always tell when it’s the end of the week because I’m eating a random hodge podge of protein. There are 3 types of fish on that plate.

The real marvelous part was the salad. I managed to end the week with a lot of veggie goodies left over, and throw together a fresh, raw salad.

If you haven’t had corn raw before, check out this #strangebutgood Berry Corny Salad too. It fabulously sweet and crunchy!

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Raw Tomato Corn Thyme Salad

1/4 C sweet corn kernels
1/4 C cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 C raw asparagus, sliced
1 T diced shallot
1 tsp fresh thyme
Drizzle champagne vinegar (or other vinegar)
Freshly ground black pepper

Mix together veggies and drizzle of vinegar. Finish with fresh black pepper.

Note: You could also add olive oil, nuts, or other herbs!

***

It must be the crazy humidity, but I’m craving raw foods lately… which simply means I’m (re)learning you can put just about anything in a blender. 🙂

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever seen in the gym?

Would you go to a show at a theatre by yourself? What is your favorite character from Grease? Mine’s Rizzo!

Zucchini TVP Lasagna

July 25, 2013 By Laura

Taking risks is one of life’s great joys.

It can also ~~be a fail~~ require patience.

My favorite risks involve something food-related. Hence all the #strangebutgood.

A couple of years ago I decided to adopt a vegan diet. That risk didn’t pan out, but it did result in a TON of recipe risks that did. One of my favorite discoveries from that time was Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP). It’s super-high in protein, low in carbs, and low in fat. It’s like a body builder’s dream food.

Texturally, TVP is reminiscent of ground beef. This lead to the obvious first recipe – “Beefy” TVP Chili. Taste-wise, TVP is like chicken. It will take on the flavor of anything you add to it… so the “Chick-less” Nuggets were born. Beef, chicken… why not bacon?! Kat made hers and then I followed with a smokey version.

All of that was good… but was it really that strange? Chicken and TVP take on any flavor… hold up. So does… OATMEAL!

I went TVP oatmeal crazy: Mango-Coconut, Maple, Pumpkin Pie, Spiced TVP Breakfast Squash, and even Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats!

This was a really, really long-winded way to say that I am ridiculously excited to share Kat’s guest post today. Her brilliant move is to use it in lasagna! Well played, my friend.

Here’s Kat….

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Zucchini TVP Lasagna

This blog has to be short and sweet because I am in study mode. The Georgia Bar exam is less than a week away, and I’m still trying to absorb as much as I can! (Editor’s note: How’s that osmosis working for ya? 😉 )

Mostly through the emotional, mentally exhausting roller coaster, I have realized it is SO important to stay positive through this time.

Choose to see the good stuff (because it IS a choice), and I have to trust that I have it in me to achieve this goal! (Editor’s note: YES YOU DO! I’m so proud to call you a friend.)

I would not be able to make it through this time with out running, lots of running… and thinking about what I will do after. When I get done, I am going to the beach! I am getting a haircut, and I am going to NOT study, and maybe never take a test again!

Anyway, let’s get to the fun stuff! Every now and again a more intensive kitchen project is relaxing to me. Remember that ricotta I made? (Editor’s note: you mean the one you haven’t made me yet?) I decided to use it to make a vegetarian, gluten-free lasagna…. with zucchini and TVP!

Note: You can also use this quick, vegan tofu ricotta.

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Zucchini Noodle TVP Lasagna

1 giant zucchini (or 1.5 lbs of regular zucchini)
4 C pasta sauce (from the Farmer’s Market, if available)
½ C TVP
½ large onion, diced
1 ½ C mushrooms, sliced
Oregano, cayenne, and garlic, to taste
3 C fresh Mozzarella, grated
1 C ricotta, homemade
2 T coconut oil

For the Zucchini:

Slice the zucchini length wise to about ¼ inch slices. A mandolin would be a great tool for this, but I just used my knife-skills, since I don’t have one.

Lay them out on a pan and broil for 6-7 minutes to dry them out a little. Drain off water, then broil again for another 5 min. Drain.

For the Filling:

Mix the TVP with water, season with garlic salt and your favorite spices.

Sautee the onion on medium high heat for about 5 minutes in a medium-large sized pot, then add the mushrooms and TVP. Sautee for another 8-10 minutes or so, then add about 3 ¼ cups of the pasta sauce to make it a thick filling (reserve ¾ cup for the assembly).

Turn the temperature to Low, and let it continue to cook.

For the Assembly:

Grease 9 x 13 pan with coconut oil.

Coat the bottom of the pan with ½- ¾ cup the remaining pasta sauce, then lay zucchini gently over the sauce, letting it overlap slightly.

Then spread ½ of the filling evenly over the zucchini. Next, take 1/2 the ricotta, and crumble it around evenly over the filling. Cover with 1 ½ cup of grated mozzarella. Repeat again… Zucchini, the other ½ of the filling, ricotta, the other 1 ½ cup mozzarella.

Bake at 375 for about 45 minutes. (I then like to broil mine for 5ish mins to get the cheese a little browner).

The homemade ricotta made a huge difference in this dish! It really comes through. This is cheesy, surprisingly light, and really delish!

And for the leftovers… I refrigerated the pan over night. The next day, I cut it into individual sized portions, wrapped them in plastic wrap and then foil, and froze them. The lasagna is even better leftover! (Editor’s note: I’m convinced that all Italian food is better on day 2… and I love it on day 1.)

Now back to Bar Review! Hope you all are having a great week, seeing the good everywhere, and not getting TOO jealous of Laura’s trip! 😉

***

Good luck to Kat taking the Bar Exam in a week!!!! If we all send her good, focused study-vibes it must help a little, no?

What kinds of kitchen projects are relaxing to you?

What goal are you trying to achieve in your professional/personal life?

Strange But Good: Orange Cardamom TVP Overnight Oats

July 12, 2013 By Laura

The strange breakfasts have continued.

This week was necessity.

Without air conditioning, I became and overnight oat junkie. Hot food made me nauseous. “Regular” overnight oats seem too boring… and I was getting sick of oatmeal… so I brought back an old favorite. TVP!

I also got to try a strange new nut milk (no, I couldn’t type that with a straight face): Almond-Cashew-Hazelnut Milk.

It received mixed reviews when I posted the pic on Instagram, but I really liked it! Almond milk is still my favorite, but this milk from Dream Blends is a good way to change it up. I’ve tried coconut, hemp, rice, soy, and sunflower milks, not of which I like as well.

Back to the “oats.”

This concoction was a TVP overnight bowl. Cardamom and orange is one of the best flavor combos… in fact, I remembered after I made this dish that I’d actually done a similar hot version here.

Be careful with the cardamom – a little goes a long way – but a pinch adds an sweet-ish spiciness to dishes. Perfect with the citrus and the meaty, rich coconut. #thatswhatshesaid

I also used some cacao nibs to top it… because what’s not better with chocolate?!

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Orange Cardamom TVP Overnight Oats

1/4 C TVP
1/2 scoop (1T) vanilla protein powder
1 tsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp cardamom
1/2-3/4 C milk or water
1/2 orange, sectioned
1/2 tsp coconut extract
Stevia, to taste
Optional toppings: coconut shreds, cacao nibs, more orange

In a small bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients, stirring to combine. Fold in orange sections.

Cover and place in fridge overnight. Remove from fridge in the morning, stir, and add additional liquid if needed.

Top as desired and enjoy!

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How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week?

The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends!

Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

A/C Update: it's FIXEDDDDDDD!!! Thank the sweet baby Jesus. Best birthday present ever.

Have you tried TVP oats yet?

What is your favorite way to make oatmeal?

Sweet Corn (Protein) Shake

June 28, 2013 By Laura

Since discovering my love of corn, there is only one thing to do.

Besides simply “eat it.”

Turn it into a smoothie. Duh. You have to trust me on this one. Corn seems strange, I know. but it’s good. I mean… have I lead you astray before?! ~~Don’t answer that.~~

Raw corn is super sweet. Actually most raw veggies are sweeter to me raw than cooked. This makes them perfect candidates for smoothies – Carrot Cake and Zucchini Bread smoothies happen weekly in my house – and you KNOW I add spinach to everything.

The avocado adds creaminess to the smoothie. You could also use banana (I was out). I never finish a whole avocado before it goes bad, so I eather bake with it or cut the leftovers into slices and store it inthe freezer for smoothies.

Lemon may seen weird, but that zestiness can actually bring out sweet flavors. I added just a twist here!

Ginger also gives this drink it a teeny zing… you could leave it out, but remember it (and lemon) is a great detoxifier!!!

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Sweet Corn (Protein) Shake

1/4 C raw corn
2 T avocado
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp ginger
6-7 drops vanilla liquid stevia (or sweetneer of choice)
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid)
Ice, to taste
Optional: squeeze of lemon, xanthan and/or guar gum (to thicken)

Put everything in the blender and mix until smooth.

Slurp away!

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How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week?

Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

***

#StrangeButGood turens 30 this week!!! And I turn 30 in 2 weeks. ~~Scary.~~

“Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.” ~Joan Collins

Do you drink more smoothies in the summer? I can’t get enough!

What are your favorite veggies to eat raw? Do you ever use them to make them sweet treats?

Summer Salads & Summer Mistakes

June 27, 2013 By Laura

Winner, winner…

Chicken dinner!

I mean… FRS Healthy Energy! A random winner has been selected from Tuesday’s giveaway…

Congrats!!! Send me an email with your address and we’ll get the trial pack out ASAP. 🙂

I’m going to keep it short and sweet because I cannot WAIT for you to read Kat’s post today… I hope you love it as much as I did.

BUT first I have to say I am so proud of the Supreme Court overturning DOMA. This was the scene in ATL today:

And here’s Kat!!!

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Summer Salads and Summer Mistakes

Sometimes we make mistakes. You might not know about it right away, but then it bites you in the ass later. Sometimes literally.

Many of you who read my posts frequently know that I am an avid trail runner. Many of the reasons for trail running involve self-exploration and challenging yourself. Many times it’s to find answers and get some therapy.

Really, it’s the one of the only ways I really know how to “work out” all the emotional/psychological stuff that comes my way.

I really, honestly believe this.

Other times you find yourself on a trail, learning things the hard way… like when you wipe with poison ivy. Yes, that happened! On the beautiful Pinhoti Trail, near Dalton, GA.

I have been suffering with poison ivy, and going to numerous doctors to embarrassingly reveal the damage.

Pinhoti

Just a preview of these awesome trails!

While my itchy body heals, I’m learning to laugh through painful situations that resulted from a very very very silly/stupid mistake.

(I’m sparing you the pictures, but I really wanted to post some! haha!) Editor’s note: I saw the pics… they were nasty and NSFW. LOL!

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In the meantime, as I plug along with bar review, I have been experimenting with some fun summer recipes, and I have two for you today!

The first is so easy I didn’t think to post about it at first, but it’s a fabulous easy, cheap recipe.

It’s extremely refreshing! It only lasts about 3 days in the fridge, but is especially good the first two days! It’s a great snack or accompaniment to any meal. I think it even can serve as a healthy dessert!

Summer Melon Cucumber Salad

1 Organic Honeydew Melon
1 Pint Organic Grape Tomatoes
1.5 Organic Cucumber
4 Sprigs of Mint
1-2 Tbsp mild Olive Oil
1 Lime
1 Diced Jalapeño (optional)
Pinch of Salt

Cut the melon into cubes, cut the tomatoes in half, chop the mint, squeeze the lime, and toss it all together!

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The second recipe I want to share is the Hazelnut Curry Goat Cheese Balls that I made for Laura her first day home after surgery. (Editor’s note – this was AMAZING and I have Kat to thank for new-found my raw corn love.)

I tried it again a couple of days later, and it was just as good.

The whole meal only takes about 30 minutes to both prep, cook, and serve.

Hazelnut Curry Goat Cheese Balls

6 oz goat cheese
1/8 cup Hazelnut meal
1/8 cup premade Thai Curry Almond Seasoning*
1.5 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Salad Ingredients

*Admittedly I bought the curry seasonings at Whole Foods, but you could easily make this yourself. I would actually recommend it, because the seasoning alone is a little salty. The curry seasoning contains almond meal, Thai yellow curry spices, dehydrated garlic, and dehydrated onion.

Preheat the oven to about 425.

Mix equal parts the curry seasoning with hazelnut meal.

Scoop 1-1.5 inch balls of goat cheese and press it into the mixture, and form a ball with as much seasoning as possible.

Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat until you have made as many balls as you want!

Lastly, drizzle melted coconut oil on the pan and rolled the balls in the coconut oil.

Bake 12-15 minutes until they are brown. Don’t worry if they aren’t hard right away.

When I was at Laura’s, she also thought the avocados would taste good in the mixture, so I coated a few avocados and tossed them on the pan with the goat cheese.

Serve on a summer salad. I think they pair best with arugula, dried cherries, fresh corn, and tomatoes. I also topped mine with some avocado, a little olive oil, and used the rest of the seasoning as a topping!

The combination of textures and flavors was fresh, fun, and something you can definitely rinse and repeat more than once in the same week!

***

I’m still stuck on Kat’s poison ivy mishap… I can’t even imagine!!! I saw pics… please send her healing thoughts!

What mistakes have you laughed about lately?

What is your favorite go-to summer salad recipe?

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars

June 20, 2013 By Laura

Cake is my favorite.

It’s my Achilles heel. And wine.

I can pass on candies all day long. I don’t like process packaged “treats.” I’m not crazy for chocolates (though those are tasty). Baked goods – homemade cakes and cookies – get me every time.

My favorite cake is Carrot Cake – which is why I had to make a healthy protein microwave version. I did the same for my beloved Chocolate Cake. That chocolate cake was the last meal I ate before the pre-surgery fast:

With melted cherries, peanut butter, and cacao nibs

The last on my list of cake “favorites” to re-create would be red velvet. Kammie must have been in my head, because her guest post today does just that!

I’m really excited Kammie volunterred to post. Every time I read her blog I am inspired. I don’t know how she comes up with post after post of healthy food porn! Read on for Kammie’s latest tasty, protein-rich cake creation.

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars

Hey Everyone! I am so glad to be here posting for the lovely Laura! I’ve been following Laura’s blog ever since I started my own so this is a huge honor. Thank you, Laura! Hope you are feeling better!

Let me introduce myself – my name is Kammie and I am the blogger behind Sensual Appeal. I have gone through many ups and downs in my life and finally I have adapted the Intuitive Eating approach in the last couple of months. It has allowed me to finally begin accepting myself for who I am and learning to trust and love my body. I gave up on dieting in March and I haven’t looked back since. My blog and life mantra ever since has been that everything in life should be: Delicious, Mindful, and Happy!

If you do know me as a blogger, you know I’ve always had a slight infatuation with using protein powder in my recipes. I had a phase where I used protein powder ALL the darn time.

I don’t use it as much anymore but it does find its way into my meals here and there. For example, my guilt-free Pumpkin Carob Chip Donuts, Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Shake, Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie Pancakes, or my favorite Double Chocolate Microwave Mug Cake!

If you are confused by all of the varieties of protein powders that are out there – check out this handy guide I created Protein Powders 101: Which is the best Protein Powder for you?

Anyway, I knew right away that a protein-rich recipe would be perfect for Laura and Laura’s readers! So a protein-rich recipe it is!

I realized I haven’t ever actually made protein bars but I do eat them frequently. So I bring you this easy, no-bake, VEGAN and full of protein snack.

The reason why this is red (and called Red Velvet) is because I used Cocoa Cardio instead of cocoa powder – it’s basically cocoa powder with dehydrated beet juice for extra nutrients. You can use regular cocoa powder to make this a regular chocolate protein bar instead. I am not affiliated with Cocoa Cardio, btw. It’s just a cool product I found recently.

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy!

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars

¼ C vanilla protein powder
2 T + 2 T coconut flour, separated
2 T almond flour
2 T Cocoa Cardio* (or cocoa powder)
½ C almond milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
¼ C dark chocolate chips

Add the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix. Add almond milk by 1/4 cupful and mix. Add the rest of the milk and vanilla in the bowl and mix still. If the batter is still too liquid-y add the other Tbsp of coconut flour. The batter is supposed to be thick enough to mold into shapes.

Take a little bit of the thick batter and shape into balls. Once you’ve formed them into balls, press and mold them into the shape of bars and put on parchment paper. Put the bars in the fridge for a couple of minutes to harden.

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or on the stove and once it’s melted dip the bars into the chocolate to coat.

Scoop the rest of the melted chocolate onto the bars with a spoon. Put in the fridge for at least an hour.

Remove from fridge and enjoy!

*I order my Cocoa Cardio from iHerb.com. Use my discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order!

So what do you think? Easy enough?

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love for you to check out my blog for more recipes, healthy living musings and other posts over at Sensual Appeal Blog. Show me some love by liking my Facebook page and subscribing to my YouTube channel!

xo, Kammie

***

I read this post when Kammie sent it and almost begged her to deliver.

Do you like candies or baked goods better? What can’t you turn down?

What is your favorite health-ified treat?

Marvelous Smoothie Crack: Mocha Beet Frappuccino

Mocha Beet Frappuccino

Easy Meal Ideas + Bar Recovery

Easy Meal Ideas + Bar Recovery

Gluten-Free Tortilla Pizza

Thai Coconut Hummus

Raw Tomato and Corn Salad + Weekend Marvels

Raw Tomato Corn Thyme Salad

Zucchini TVP Lasagna

Zucchini TVP Lasagna

Zucchini Noodle TVP Lasagna

Strange But Good: Orange Cardamom TVP Overnight Oats

Orange Cardamom TVP Overnight Oats

Sweet Corn (Protein) Shake

Sweet Corn (Protein) Shake

Summer Salads & Summer Mistakes

Summer Salads and Summer Mistakes

Summer Melon Cucumber Salad

Hazelnut Curry Goat Cheese Balls

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars

Homemade Red Velvet Protein Bars

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