Cake Fridays

I'm always on the lookout for dry cocoa mixes.  The store bought versions are good in a pinch but they have a lot of additives.  So around the holidays especially, I like to treat myself and try out a homemade recipe.  I came across this one: gingerbread spice hot chocolate mix.  It smells amazing and is chock full of holiday flavor, but it is very spicy.  So I've been thinking of putting it in things to dull it out, like cake batter for instance.  I'm thinking 2-3 t would do the trick.  Wish me luck :)

Sunday Dressing

With an overabundance of avocados from my trip to Costco, what better way to use one up than in the form of a homemade, fresh, all-purpose dressing.  

The almighty avocado

  
Creamy Avocado Dressing
Source: Redbook magazine

1 large ripe avocado
2 scallions, white and light green parts only
1 large garlic clove
1/3 C extra-virgin olive oil
juice from 1/2 lemon
3/4 t salt
pinch cayenne pepper

Place avocado, scallions, and garlic in food processor.  Process to rough puree.  Add oil, lemon juice, salt, cayenne and 3 T cold water.  Process until dressing is smooth and creamy.

This would be prefect drizzled on your favorite salad, spread on a hamburger bun (think mayonnaise alternative), poked with carrot and celery sticks, or anyway you like it!  The possibilities are endless :)

Raw Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

If you're a fan of chia seeds like I am, you'll love this healthy snack/dessert!

2 T chia seeds
1 T cocoa powder
1/2 C nut or seed milk
2 T honey
1/2 t vanilla extract

Stir all ingredients together in a bowl.  Let sit on the counter for 20 minutes.  Stir again.  Put mixture in the fridge to thicken for 4-6 hours.  At this point, you can dig in or put it in the freezer for a few more hours to create an ice cream treat. 

Slightly adapted from Averie Cooks 

Chobani Conversion Chart

I have been using this chart a lot lately.  I feared substituting non fat Greek yogurt for butter and oil in baked goods would result in a dry product but it actually creates moist masterpieces.  It's not only a super food, but a real powerhouse when it comes to knocking out fat and calories in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.  I feel like Chobani should be paying me for endorsing their product! 



Source: Pinterest