Paleo Hot Cocoa

Try making this Paleo Hot Cocoa to warm you up during this cold holiday season! Cocoa powder provides many health benefits including reducing blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and inflammation. Cocoa powder is also full of flavonoids, which are compounds found naturally in plants that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Maple syrup provides healthy minerals to combat oxidative stress including zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Make this hot cocoa as a dessert or serve to your holiday guests and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup water

• ⅓ cup cocoa powder

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 1 cup dairy-free milk of choice (1 cup per serving)

Instructions:

1) Pour the water into a pan and bring to a boil on the stovetop.

2) Add the cocoa powder and salt to a heat-proof bowl and pour the boiled water on top. Mix until well combined and let sit for 3-5 minutes.

3) Add the vanilla extract and maple syrup to the mixture and stir well.

4) Warm the dairy-free milk on the stovetop. Transfer to a cup and add in 2 tbsp of chocolate syrup. Mix well and enjoy!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Try making these Maple Pecan Granola Clusters for your next snack option! Gluten-free oats serve as an excellent source of soluble fiber, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Pecans help to lower blood pressure due to their rich source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Coconut is not only a healthy source of fat, but it is proven to benefit both oral and hair health. Make these granola clusters for a quick breakfast or on the go snack and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup coconut flakes

• ¼ cup raisins

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup nut butter of choice

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 300 F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2) In a food processor, pulse the pecans and oats for about 10 seconds. Make sure they are not pulsed into a powder.

3) In a large bowl, combine the oat mixture, coconut flakes, raisins, and cinnamon, and mix well. 

4) Then, add in the nut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix all ingredients together well until evenly coated.

5) Transport the granola mixture to the baking pan. Press the mixture down to about ¼ inch and firmly together.

6) Bake for about 20 minutes or until granola is golden brown.

7) Remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes. Use your hands to break the granola into small clusters and enjoy!

Brownie Energy Bites

Try making these no bake Brownie Energy Bites for your next snack option! Dates are packed with fiber and help promote brain function. Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, copper, and manganese. Cocoa helps improve digestive health and boosts your metabolism. Coconut increases energy levels throughout the body and supports cardiovascular health. Eat these bites post workout or while on the go and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates (pitted)

• 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• Dash of cinnamon

• ⅓ cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1) Place the dates in a medium sized bowl. Let them soak for 10 minutes and then drain. Spread the shredded coconut onto a plate and set aside.

2) Add the dates, cashews, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon to food processor. Pulse until a sandy mixture is formed.

3) Scoop out the mixture with your hands and roll into balls.

4) Roll each brownie bite over the shredded coconut and store in an airtight container. Let them chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before eating and enjoy!

Homemade Almond Butter

Try making this homemade almond butter for your next snack option! Almonds are packed with fiber, protein, Vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy monounsaturated fats. They offer a variety of health benefits including blood sugar control, reducing hunger, and lowering cholesterol levels. Sea salt serves as a great source of electrolytes and healthy minerals. Serve this almond butter with fruit or layer on top of your granola and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups raw unsalted almonds

• ¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2) Spread the almonds over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove the almonds from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.

3) Transfer the almonds to a food processor. Blend until creamy, taking breaks to scrape down the sides when necessary.

4) Once the almond butter becomes creamy, add in the sea salt and blend until well mixed.

5) Transfer the almond butter to a tightly sealed jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy!