Monday, August 13, 2012

Cinnamon-Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins

It's not often I get undeniable cravings, but when I do it's almost always for chocolate. Who can say they've never been thinking about dinner only to have their mind leapfrog the entree and skip right to dessert? 

Last week, this overbearing demand for chocolate led me to throw together a batch of chocolate chocolate chip muffins with a huge helping of cinnamon dumped in. I ate these muffins all week for breakfast (delicious way to start the day, right?), and my craving couldn't have been more satisfied. Try these out and see what you think.


Ingredients

2 cups buckwheat
2 cups oatmeal
4 tbsp cacao or cocoa
1 tbsp cinnamon (+ 2 tsp if you really love cinnamon)
2 tsp baking powder
¼ cup sugar
2 cups almond milk (warmed above room temperature)
1 cup water
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
¼ cup agave

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
3. Add the milk, coconut oil, agave nectar and water. Mix thoroughly.
4. Pour batter into greased muffin pans.
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until muffins are cooked thoroughly
6. Remove from oven, let cool for 15 minutes.

The Grass is Always Greener Smoothie

When most people think of an appetizing smoothie, the color green doesn't come to mind. In fact, if it does come to mind people are usually imagining adjectives that stray very far from the meaning of the word appetizing.

I'm hoping that this smoothie will change those people's minds. Don't be scared by the multiple leafy-green ingredients; this smoothie is light, smooth, and has a naturally sweet taste. Not to mention that it's full of nutrients and natural protein. Give it a try and let me know if it changes your view on green drinks!

FYI: I use all organic ingredients to help prevent the ingestion of nasty chemicals and GMOs. This isn't necessary, but it is suggested.


Ingredients
3 full leaves chard (or 2 leaves kale), including stem
¾ cup spinach
¼ avocado
2’’ slice of cucumber
½’’ slice lemon, rind cut off
1’’ fresh ginger root
½ gala apple (or other sweet variety)
1 banana
¼ cup almond milk
1½ - 2  cups water (use enough for desired consistency)
4-6 ice cubes





Directions
1. Combine ingredients in blender
2. Blend
3. Enjoy!