Ok, here we are, a few days before Christmas and I have come to the realization that I am not a good baker at all!  After the second attempt at some grain-free sugar cookies, that came out like sawdust, by the way… I threw them all in the trash and started on something much simpler.  Honestly, this Dark Chocolate Nut and Fruit Christmas Bark is more me anyway.  I don’t keep cookies around the house but this dark chocolate bar is on point for me! I used my favorite ingredients: goji berries, toasted almonds, coconut, and cacao nibs to add some nutritional density!  It turned out so much better than the cookies! Now I have a treat around the house that is lower in sugar and much healthier for me.  I hope your baking is turning out much better than mine.    Ingredients:  1 lb. dark chocolate bars (I use a large 1 pound Belgium chocolate bar from Trader Joes) ¼ C dried goji berries (you can use dried cherries or cranberries instead) ¼ C raw cacao nibs ⅓ C chopped toasted almonds 2 T shredded coconut Sprinkle of sea salt     Directions:  1. Preheat oven to 350. 2. On a parchment covered sheet pan, spread out almonds and roast for about 5-7 minutes or until slightly brown.     3. Remove almonds from the sheet pan onto a wooden cutting board and chop. 4. On the same parchment paper-lined sheet pan, line up chocolate bars spaced apart. […]

This recipe was shared with me by a dear friend many years ago when I had my twin boys. She made a meal for us and brought these delicious bars over for dessert and we just loved them! The original recipe has toffee, white flour brown sugar and butter. Not exactly healthy! But at the time when I was postpartum and breastfeeding twins, these bars really made me happy. There are lots of recipes like that I have a fondness for because of the memory associated with them and I didn’t feel guilty about eating and enjoying them at all. Now, for this time in my life, I’ve adapted some of these recipes to have lower sugar and use ingredients that don’t make me feel icky. I am so happy to have these comfort food recipes on hand that really hit the spot for special occasions. My heart is filled with gratitude and thankfulness for that time in my life that was tiring and beautiful but also made so sweet by friends who loved on me through yummy food. This recipe is still an indulgence, but I’ve lowered the sugar content considerably and used spelt flour instead of white bleached flour. I used coconut sugar which is also lower on the glycemic index and the extra dark chocolate chips don’t add much sugar either. Next time you want to make something sweet for a special occassion, give these a try! One small serving will not ruin your balanced eating plan. Ingredients: 1 cup of […]

Sometimes I like to have treats around the house, especially during the Holidays! These Raw Oat Bars are pretty low in sugar and contain nutrient-dense ingredients I can get behind. The oats are especially good for hormone balance and I always sing the praises of coconut oil. Compared to something like a Resee’s cup these little bars are light years better for you! These are a treat and not something I make every single week, but they are an amazing option to have on hand during this time of year. I can make a decision that my tummy and health will thank me for! Dig in and enjoy this time of year!! Ingredients: 2C Organic Oats ⅓ C coconut oil 4T Organic peanut butter 2T Brown rice syrup ¼ C chopped dates ¼ C chopped pecans ¼ C dark chocolate chips ½ tsp salt Directions: 1. Melt together ⅓ cup coconut oil, 2T brown rice syrup, 4T Peanut Butter. 2. In a blender, pulse 2C oats and ½ tsp salt until they’re mostly broken down but still coarse. 3. Add the melted mix into the oats and blend until combined.   Then add ¼ C chopped dates, ¼ C pecans, and pulse just a few times to incorporate them. 4. Press into a 1/2-3/4” thick rectangle and place in the freezer to harden up – about 15-20 mins. 5. While they freeze, melt together 1T coconut oil and ¼ cup dark chocolate chips. 6. Pull the bars from the freezer, pour the […]

Collaborations are so much fun for me! I love using this platform to highlight people in my life who I believe are truly talented and beautiful inside and out. Madison is definitely one of them. She is an accomplished cook and baker who makes incredible food for parties and special occasions.  I knew that it was only a matter of time before she would end up on the blog. You can find Madison on Instagram @beautyandthefeast. Her pumpkin roll came out splendidly. So much better than I could ever hoped to have done on my own. There is just something special that talented bakers have…patience!!   Madison makes it look easy! This pumpkin roll is a classic Christmas baking recipe that your family will love. Even though it is made the traditional way, with white flour and sugar, it is so delicious and one for the list of favorites.  I hope you enjoy bringing one of Madison’s family traditions into your home this Holiday Season!     Ingredients: ⅔ C canned or cooked mashed pumpkin 1C sugar 3 eggs ¾ C all purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon Powdered sugar   For the filling: 1 8oz block of cream cheese, softened 3T butter softened 1C powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla   Directions:  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then combine the first three ingredients in a stand mixer, blending well, then add the next 3 ingredients.  2. Grease 15x10x1 jellyroll pan and line with waxed paper and grease again. Spread […]