Chocolate Covered Caramels

Try making these healthy Chocolate Covered Caramels for your next dessert option! Dates are packed with many nutrients including iron, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Maca powder offers a long list of health benefits including balancing hormones, improving mood, strengthening bones, and improving memory. Tahini will help add a nutty flavor to these caramels while also supplying your body with many antioxidants. Sea salt helps promote hydration, and as a result, improves skin health. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dates, soaked and drained

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp maca powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• Extra sea salt for topping

Instructions:

1) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Add all ingredients, except the chocolate chips and coconut oil, to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Take breaks to scrape the sides with a spatula.

3) Transfer mixture to a bowl and place in the fridge for 20 minutes. Once hardened, shape 1 tbsp of the caramel into candy pieces.

4) Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan and melt over low-medium heat. Coat the caramels with the chocolate and line on the prepared baking sheet.

5) Top with extra sea salt and place in the freezer. Allow to freeze for at least one hour and enjoy!

Homemade Applesauce

Try making this homemade applesauce recipe for the fall season! Apples serve as an excellent source of many nutrients including antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin C, and zinc. Due to their many nutrients, apples boost brain health, improve gut function, reduce inflammation, and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Lemon juice improves skin health, supports immunity, and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Including cinnamon in this recipe will provide you with many important minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Serve this applesauce for breakfast or as a quick on-the-go snack and enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs of apples

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1) Begin by peeling the apples. Then, core and chop them into small cubes.

2) Add the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to a large saucepan. While mixing the ingredients, bring to a boil over the stove. Set the heat on medium-low and cover with a lid.

3) Allow the mixture to cook for about 20 minutes or until the apples are soft and able to be mashed with a fork. Mash the apples into a puree mixture while still cooking.

4) Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender and blend until your preferred smooth mixture is formed.

5) Store the applesauce in a jar and keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Jambalaya

Try making this Gluten-Free Jambalaya for your next cozy dinner option! Tomatoes boost heart health, protect against cancer, improve gut health, and promote hydration. Shrimp serves as a great source of many nutrients including protein, B12, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids. Garlic protects against the common cold, helps lower cholesterol levels, and is packed with antioxidants. Top this Jambalaya with diced jalapeño and fresh herbs and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp coconut oil

• 2 tbsp garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp creole seasoning (see recipe below)

• 1 pound shrimp, tail off and deveined

• 1 12 oz. package of sausage, sliced

• 3 cups cooked brown rice

• 1 tsp sea salt

• Fresh herbs and diced jalapeño for topping, optional

Creole Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 ½ tsp thyme

• 1 ½ tsp basil

• 1 ½ tsp oregano

• 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 ½ tsp sage

• 1 ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1) Begin making the creole seasoning by combining all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

2) Heat coconut oil in a large skillet. Over medium heat, sauté the garlic, pepper, and onion for about 8-10 minutes.

3) Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Then add in the creole seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes.

4) Add in the shrimp and sausage and continue to simmer until fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).

5) Mix in the rice and sea salt and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. Top with diced jalapeño and fresh herbs if preferred and enjoy!

Pumpkin French Toast

Try making this Pumpkin French Toast for your next fall inspired breakfast option! Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, and supports healthy vision. Coconut milk serves as an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and Vitamin C. Sea salt is rich in many minerals including magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These minerals play a vital role in reducing inflammation, promoting hydration, and regulating pH levels. Serve this Pumpkin French Toast on a cozy fall morning and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 8 slices gluten-free bread

• ½ cup pumpkin puree

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ⅛ tsp sea salt

• 2 tsp maple syrup, plus more for serving

• Fresh fruit for topping, optional

Instructions:

1) Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat.

2) In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients (except the bread) and mix well.

3) Coat each side of bread with the mixture and transfer to the pan.

4) Cook each side of the bread for 3 minutes. Top with extra maple syrup and fresh fruit if preferred and enjoy!