Chocolate Muffins with Mini Chocolate Chips!

Posted in Snack, Vegan Baking by Vegan Mommy Dee

My kids are really picky and I’ve made many chocolate muffins but this is the favourite in my house! So now that I created a recipe that’s finally a hit with everyone I’m sticking to it! No more playing around with ingredients anymore when it comes to chocolate muffins/cupcakes in my house! LOL These muffins are really fast to make and have very simple ingredients. Sometimes the simpler recipes create the best outcome!

I want to mention that depending on the flour that you choose to use you may need to use a little more milk in the recipe. If you find it a little too dry then add 1 tbsp. more milk at a time. I tried to cut the sugar down in my recipe but that didn’t work out so well with my taste testing crew over here. Ugh! So it’s best to use 1/2 cup for best results. In order to make myself feel better I only add a few mini chocolate chips on top of each muffin instead of adding them into the batter. I cut down on sugar in that sense and the kids didn’t notice. Hey sometimes you have to be a little sneaky if it’s for their best interest right? 🙂

Here is my super easy and kid approved recipe …

CHOCOLATE MUFFINS WITH MINI CHIPS

* Makes 12 Muffins*

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour, I usually use brown rice flour or spelt flour. I’ve also used a mix of regular unbleached flour and brown rice flour and it worked really well.
2 tsp. baking powder
1/3 cup veggie or coconut oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder, you can add more if you like a stronger chocolate taste.
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 tbsp. flaxmeal
6 tbsp. water
1 cup unsweetened almond milk. Depending on the type of flour you use you may need up to 1/4 cup extra as some flours draw in the moisture more than others.
1/2 cup coconut sugar
Handful of vegan mini chocolate chips

You will need:

3 mixing bowls: 1 large, 1 medium & 1 small
1 muffin tin (for 12 muffins)
12 paper muffin liners

Method:

Preheat oven to 400 F
Add your flaxmeal to a small bowl and add 6 tbsp. of water to it. Mix and set aside for a few minutes until it thickens up a bit.
Line your muffin tin with paper liners.
Add flour, baking powder, cocoa and sugar into the large bowl and combine well.
In your medium-sized bowl add milk, oil, vanilla and flaxmeal mixture. Mix well.
Add your wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and combine. Don’t over mix. Add in a little extra milk if needed.
Scoop up the batter and fill up your muffin tin.
Top each muffin with some vegan chocolate chips.
Pop them into the oven for 20 minutes.

Once baked allow to cool off in the muffin tin. Transfer to an air tight container.

* If you wanted to make cupcakes with this recipe then just add the mini chips to the batter instead. Once baked allow them to cool off completely and then ice them. Place them in the fridge for a bit to allow your icing to set nicely*

Enjoy! 🙂

27Nov2013

Chestnut Love!

Posted in Snack by Vegan Mommy Dee

Chestnuts!

I look forward to this time of year not only because I’m a Christmas-a-holic but I also LOVE Chestnuts! I grew up eating them and they bring back so many great memories. Memories that mostly contain my wonderful grandfather who was like a second father to me. He passed away 11 years ago and I still miss him terribly. I do however have these awesome memories and I truly cherish them.

As per Portuguese custom my grandmother would boil the chestnuts and my grandfather would peel them for me. Yep I had the life eh? 🙂 YUM! I now prefer to roast my chestnuts these days. They are so easy to peel once roasted too which my kids really appreciate! Chestnuts are super fast to cook up and they are a fantastic snack to have this time of year. They are low in calories, have protein, minerals, vitamins, are gluten-free and contain less fat than other types of nuts. They are rich in vitamin C and 100 g provide 43 mg of vitamin C!

Here is how to make this tasty & healthy snack …

Roasted Chestnuts

Preheat your oven to 400 F
Line a baking pan/cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper
Cut a slit into each chestnut so that the steam can escape when your roasting them. Use a small sharp knife or a chestnut cutter. Don’t skip this step or else your chestnuts will explode in your oven!
Pop them into your oven for 20 minutes.

Enjoy! 🙂

* Below is a picture of the chestnut cutter if you’re not sure what it looks like. I’ve wanted one for years but never bought one. This year I finally treated myself to one! The one I’ve pictured is the one I bought but many different types are available to choose from. *

26Nov2013

Blueberry Protein Smoothie

Posted in Breakfast, Smoothies, Snack by Vegan Mommy Dee

Blueberry Protein Smoothie!

Blueberry Protein Smoothie

2 cups blueberries (I use frozen most of the time)
1 cup chopped cantaloupe
1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder
1 cup lettuce of choice
2 large peaches, chopped up
2 cups cold filtered water
1/3 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Ice (optional)

Add the lettuce, blueberries, peach, parsley (if you’re using it), protein powder, cantaloupe and water to a blender. Blend well to desired consistency. Adjust water if you think you need to add a bit more. Add in some ice if you want your smoothie colder & blend well.

Enjoy! 🙂

*Below are some of the reasons why I use parsley in my cooking but also in some of my smoothies as well!*

Health Benefits Of Parsley!

Mixed Greens

My daughter holding a perfect yummy organic peach!

26Nov2013

Green Breakfast Smoothie with Chia!

Posted in Breakfast, Smoothies, Snack by Vegan Mommy Dee

This is one of my favourite smoothies to whip up for breakfast! Fast to make, it has simple ingredients and then it’s topped with some healthy chia!!! I use a super huge mug for this baby when I make it! 🙂

1 large handful of spinach
1 1/2 frozen bananas
1 cup frozen mixed berries
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1-2 tbsp. chia seeds (for topping)
a few frozen blueberries (for topping, optional)
a few large ice cubes if you want your smoothie to be colder (optional)
1 tsp. Spirulina

Toss spinach, almond milk, mixed berries, spirulina and ice cubes if you’re using them into a blender. Once it’s at the consistency your happy with pour into your large glass or huge mug like I do. Top with 1-2 tbsp. of chia seeds and frozen blueberries.

Enjoy your energy booster breakfast smoothie! 🙂

20Nov2013

Garlicky Mushroom Phyllo Triangles!

Posted in Appetizers, Lunch/Dinner, Snack by Vegan Mommy Dee

Ok these are seriously delicious!!! Mushrooms and garlic go together insanely well as we all know so I thought they would be great for this recipe. I’ve wanted to try working with phyllo for a long time but was too intimidated to. I finally tried yesterday for the 1st time and it actually went pretty darn well! I’ll be making these very often now! I’m also going to try cutting down on the amount of butter used next time I make them. Although I didn’t use an excessive amount of butter in my recipe I think I could probably cut it down even further without jeopardizing the taste.

I bet these would be great with other filling options as well. I plan on creating some other options soon. My youngest daughter is super picky with her veggies but does enjoy broccoli. I will be making a broccoli filling along with this wonderful mushroom mixture next time. There are so many possibilities and I plan on creating many different options!

This recipe would be fantastic served as an appetizer during this holiday season for those of you who are entertaining your friends & family. This will definitely be on our Christmas menu at our house. 🙂

Garlicky Mushroom Phyllo Triangles

You will need:

1 package of phyllo dough
About 2 tbsp’s. melted vegan butter
large sharp knife
parchment paper
1 baking pan/cookie sheet
1 package of mushrooms, chopped into small pieces
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
Himalayan pink salt and black pepper, to taste
small frying pan
1 tbsp. olive oil
small plate
Small pastry brush

Method:

Add the 1 tbsp. of olive oil to your pan and toss in the minced garlic into it. Sauté it for a minute on a medium/low heat setting.
Next add in your mushrooms and salt and pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until softened at a medium heat. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 F and line the cookie/baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
Unroll your phyllo dough and using a sharp knife cut 2, approximately 10cm strips. Then you are going to cut each strip in half.
On the small plate your going to add 3-4 pieces of your phyllo squares and lightly brush a little bit of vegan butter on top. You only need a tiny bit of butter! Don’t over do it!
With a spoon scoop a bit of your mushroom mixture onto your phyllo piece. Then shape it into a triangle and seal it shut.
Transfer to your cookie sheet/baking pan. Continue to make more triangles using your phyllo and mushroom mixture.
Once your baking pan is full then lightly brush a tiny bit of the butter on top of each one.
Bake for approximately 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary in temperature.

These went very fast in my house! Next time I will be doubling the recipe! I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. 🙂

* These made approximately 15 triangles*

~Debbie~

Baked Mushroom Triangles

My baked Garlicky Mushroom Phyllo Triangles!

19Nov2013

Snack Time!

Posted in Snack by Vegan Mommy Dee

Snacking in between meals doesn’t have to be unhealthy and if you choose wisely you don’t have to feel guilty either! This is one of my favourite simple snacks to have. Mary’s crackers, blueberries and homemade guacamole. I make my guacamole using just avocado, spices and lemon. So simple and delicious!

19Nov2013

Dinner Rush Tacos!

Posted in Lunch/Dinner by Vegan Mommy Dee

One of my gotta get dinner on the table fast meals is vegan/vegetarian tacos. They are always a hit with my kids! I love how you can use whatever veggies you have on hand and create a super fast meal. I cook up the veggie “meat” and always add black beans to it because it’s my kids favourite bean. As far as toppings go I use whatever I have in the fridge. I’ve made it using just the “meat” & beans along with chopped bell peppers, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes like pictured below. Other times I add in spinach or other mixed greens, corn and sliced avocado. Top it with a little hot sauce or taco sauce to give it a kick if you like and your cheese of choice. I don’t always top my tacos with “cheese” but if I do then I use a bit of daiya cheese. My kids eat their tacos vegetarian style and use regular cheese because they are not fans of faux cheese at all. As far as the veggie meat goes I try not using it very often because soy is one of the biggest foods genetically modified. When I do buy it I try to get organic when possible for a little piece of mind.

Dinner Rush Tacos!

You will need:

1 package of tortilla wraps (I use the small size)
1 package of veggie ground round/veggie “meat”
Spices and herbs of choice. I use paprika, oregano, chili powder, Himalayan pink salt and black pepper.
Veggies of choice, bell peppers, greens, tomato, etc.
2 – 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup water
A couple tbsp.’s of olive oil
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed very well.
1 large frying pan

Method:

Heat olive oil in frying pan and add in garlic and sauté it for a minute on medium heat.
Add your veggie “meat” into the pan and crumble it up.
Next toss in your spices & herbs of choice as well as the black beans.
Give it a good mix and sauté for about 5 minutes on a medium heat.
Add 1 cup of water and combine well. Cook for about 15 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and your beans are softened.

* You can either add in veggies such as bell peppers & mushrooms to your meat & bean mixture and slightly cook them up or serve them raw in your taco*

To assemble:

Grab a tortilla wrap and add some of the meat & bean mixture to it and add your veggies of choice.
Top with cheese and taco or hot sauce if desired.
DONE!!! Dinner is served! 🙂

Yep it’s pretty much the easiest meal to whip together which is perfect for rushed dinner times!

Enjoy! 🙂

19Nov2013

Breakfast Green Smoothie!

Posted in Breakfast, Smoothies, Snack by Vegan Mommy Dee

I always enjoy a yummy breakfast smoothie daily. It’s the perfect way to add extra greens into our diets! I love creating new smoothies and trying different combinations of fruits and veggies. This recipe is very easy and fast to whip up so it’s perfect for hectic mornings!

Breakfast Green Smoothie

1 frozen banana
1 tightly packed in cup of spinach or mixed greens of choice
2 1/2 cups filtered water
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1 large peach, sliced
1 scoop of vegan protein powder
1 tsp. Spirulina

Toss everything into your blender and liquefy. Check consistency and add a bit more water if needed as some protein powders thicken smoothies up more than others.

Enjoy!

4Nov2013

My Raw Vegan Pumpkin Pie!

Posted in Snack, Vegan Baking by Vegan Mommy Dee

I’m finally posting the recipe for my Raw Vegan Pumpkin Pie !!! Many people have asked me for this recipe so here it is! It’s super easy to make and so far everyone who has tried it has loved it! When I cook and bake I pretty much always just eyeball the quantities of my ingredients. Not good when your being asked for your recipes often! I’ve now forced myself to pay attention to the quantities and write down my recipes as I go. This recipe is easily adapted so adjust the spice amounts as desired. Everyone is different. Some people like their pie mild in flavor and others like it strong. I’m kinda of a mid range person and that’s what my recipe reflects. As far as nuts go I prefer to use raw cashew halves in my pie filling as well as the crust. I’ve done it with walnuts and it turns out good in flavor but I find the texture of the pie is much better when I use cashews. So although Thanksgiving has already passed for us in Canada I still made another raw pumpkin pie this week. Hey it’s still fall so I think it’s still appropriate! For my lovely American friends & family this recipe is coming to you in perfect timing! Your welcome! 🙂

RAW VEGAN PUMPKIN PIE

Ingredients for the crust:

1 cup raw cashew halves (no need to soak the nuts for the crust)
1 tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
2 medjool dates, pitted

Ingredients For the pie filling:

1 1/2 cup raw soaked and drained cashew halves
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or agave
1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree (Not pumpkin pie filling!)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 heaping tbsp.’s cinnamon, or to taste
2 tsp. pumpkin spice, or to taste
3 heaping tbsp.’s coconut oil
10 medjool dates, pitted

You will also need:

1 pie plate or desired dish
food processor
large bowl
medium-sized bowl
kettle

* For best results soak your cashews over night!!! Add the 1 1/2 cups raw cashew halves into a large bowl and cover with water. Give it a quick mix and leave them overnight on your countertop. *

Method:

Place the dates in a medium-sized bowl and add boiled water to them from your kettle. Let them sit there 10-20 minutes to soften up.
After your dates have softened you can remove 2 from the bowl and after pitting it add it to the food processor. Your now going to make your pie crust. Add in the 1 cup of raw cashews and the 1 tbsp. of shredded coconut. Use the pulse option in order to just combine the ingredients slightly. I then use the low setting on my food processor to combine the ingredients well.
Remove the crust ingredients and add them to your pie plate. Use your fingers to press down the mixture and spread it out evenly. Set aside.
Remove the other 10 dates from the water and remove the pits. Add them to the food processor.
Strain the water out of your 1 1/2 cups cashews and add them to your food processor as well.
Add in the 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree, 1 heaping tbsp. cinnamon, 2 tsp. pumpkin spice and the 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract.
Next add the 3 heaping tbsp.’s of coconut oil
Pulse to just chop everything slightly and then use the high-powered option and blend well. I stop mine and use a spoon to scrape down the sides of the processor a couple of times in order to make sure that the nuts puree well.
It should be a beautiful smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the spice as needed at this point.
Transfer the pie filling into your pie plate. Smooth it out evenly and cover it up with clear cling wrap.
Pop it into the freezer for at least 4- 6 hours until it’s set and firm. Once it’s set really well you can place it into the fridge. Take the pie out a few minutes before your going to slice and serve it so that it comes to room temperature.

* I’ve also been known just kept my pies in the freezer and only cut the slices I need. I let them come to room temperature and serve them. My kids enjoy adding whipped cream on top of their pie slice but I eat mine plain. I think it’s perfect just like that! 🙂

Enjoy!