Cocoa Roasted Hazelnuts

Do you like Nutella? Or that flavor of spread? If so, you’ll love these. These little guys are like a portable snack version of the chocolately spread. They are quick and easy to make, great for gifts and store easily. This batch makes about 1 lb of nuts.

1 lb of hazelnuts

¼ cup cocoa

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 Tbsp honey or sugar

1 tsp almond milk

½ tsp sea salt

• In a large stockpot, combine oil, cocoa, honey, milk and salt over medium heat. Cook and stir until smooth and starting to boil. 
• Add in hazelnuts, stirring constantly. Cook for about 10 minutes or until cocoa mixture is almost absorbed. 
• Pour hazelnuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200°F for about 15 minutes. 
• Let cool and break apart nuts. Store in a sealed container. 

Happy Thanksgiving!! Black Friday Shopping Menu and easy recipes!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! May your day be blessed with great food, great people and great conversation. Remember to thank our wonderful Lord for this great day and all your blessings! If you are traveling – please stay safe! Also, if you are cooking – stay safe! Don’t think I haven’t heard of those crazy Thanksgiving Day accidents. I’m not one for Black Friday shopping – unless it involves me in my pajamas with a laptop. However, I know many people LOVE to do it. So I figured I would post a couple options that you can use tomorrow while you are out and about (or tonight!) Just remember, they are just things; don’t get crazy over a deal! Hopefully you find a good deal. Not me though – I’ll be snuggling my babies by the Christmas tree as my shopping is done!!

Obviously, you are going to want something quick and portable that you could possibly make ahead. So try these recipes:

• Cinnamon Roll Scones (make ahead just warm up before you go!)
• Peach Raspberry Muffin (make ahead and warm up!)
• Easy Breakfast Sandwiches (make ahead and warm up!)

You’re going to want a drink to wash all that down so try these:

• Hot Homemade Apple Cider
• Pumpkin Spice Latte

How about a new recipe?? This is a filling and healthy smoothie.

BANANA MOCHA SMOOTHIE (for extra energy!-makes two servings; one for you, one for a friend!)

1 cup almond milk

Ice cubes (about a cup or however much you want!)
1 banana
½ cup strong coffee
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp chia seeds (optional but extra nutrition!)
1 Tbsp honey

• In a blender (I used my Magic Bullet), combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a travel mug and hit the door!

Are you a coffee drinker?? Try this one!

MOCHA PEPPERMINT COFFEE

 

1 candy cane, crushed

3 cups strong, black coffee
1 tsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
1-2 tsp honey, depending on desired sweetness
1/3 cup vanilla almond milk
1 tsp non-dairy coffee creamer
1 shot of espresso, if desired

• In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Heat using desired method, either over stove or in microwave. Pour into large travel mugs or coffee cups and enjoy!

Yogurt & Peanut Butter Banana Parfait

Did you know that November is National Peanut Butter Month?? I didn’t know such a thing existed. It makes sense though to have an entire month dedicated to peanut butter. I don’t really pay much attention to these types of “holidays” but I figured tonight I would. This is simple and delicious. It is also full of nutrients. We ate it as a dessert but switch it up and serve it for breakfast too. Makes two servings

1 small container of vanilla yogurt (I used dairy free coconut yogurt but any kind will work)

1 tsp cocoa powder
2 Tbsp peanut butter (or other nut butter)
2 small bananas
2 Tbsp whipped topping
2 tsp carob chips (or chocolate chips)

• In the yogurt container, blend yogurt and cocoa until smooth.
• In two small serving dishes, split the cocoa yogurt mix into the dishes.
• Cut the bananas into chunks and layer each dish with about a half of a banana.
• Add one tablespoon of peanut butter into each bowl.
• Layer the other halves of the bananas into the dish and top with whipped topping and carob chips (if desired).