Blendtec

Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Coconut Whipped Cream

My kids love “treats” and sometimes feel deprived of the junk filled diets of many of their peers, especially my daughter who has dairy and gluten intolerance.  Since she just finished her first round of state mandated testing, I thought a special after school snack was in order, so I decided to make them Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Coconut Whipped Cream.

It was my first time to make both, so I wanted to wait until I got the dual seal of approval before posting it to my blog.  They were so excited, especially My Cupcake, who squealed when she learned she could actually have whipped “cream”. 😀

 

This recipe is very easy and a crowd pleaser.

 

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

2 Ripe Avocados (Pits removed and use only the meat)

1/2 Cup Raw Cacao Powder *

1/2 Cup Pure Organic Maple Syrup**

1/2 Cup Almond Milk

2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

IMG_7618

 

  • Puree/Blend until smooth.  I used my Blendtec blender so it took less than 30 seconds to blend it all.

 

IMG_7634

 

  • Pour into ramekins and chill at least 1 hr or longer depending how firm you would like it.

 

IMG_7635

 

* I used Navitas Raw Cacao Powder since it has so many extra  good goodies in it like: iron and magnesium, polyphenols, flavonols, theobromine, omega fatty acids and antiodxidants that are beneficial to our bodies.  But, it does give it a bit of a more dark chocolate, slightly bitter taste.  This recipe will work with any cacao powder you choose.*

 

IMG_7625

 

**I chose organic maple syrup as our sweetener since it also provides beneficial minerals/vitamins like zinc, calcium, iron, potassium and manganese as well as containing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.**

IMG_7622

 

Some modifications I will most likely do in the future are the following:

1.  Reduce the amount of raw cacao: think it may have been a bit too bitter for my son even though he said he liked it.  He prefers a more milk chocolate flavor while my daughter likes the more dark chocolate taste.

2.  Use vanilla bean instead of the vanilla extract

3.  Use my homemade almond milk instead of the store bought I had on hand.

 

Of course, chocolate mousse is not complete without some whipped “cream”.  But if you’re like my daughter and myself with a dairy intolerance, you can sometimes feel left out :(.  But, NEVER FEAR!!! Marci is here! 😀

IMG_7647

Coconut Whipped Cream

1 Can Full Fat Organic (if it fits your budget) Coconut Milk

2 Tsp Sweetener of Choice

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

 

  • Place can of coconut milk in fridge over night.  This separates the thick cream from the liquid.
  • Scoop out the thick cream.  Make sure not to scoop out any of the liquid.  Save the liquid for later use in smoothies, juices, etc
  • Whip up the thick cream until soft peaks form
  • Add in sweetener and vanilla extract.  Amount will vary depending on your sweetener and your tastes.
  • Whip again until fluffy
  • Top mousse and enjoy

IMG_7642

 

**Leftovers will stay well in the fridge for numerous days.  Might firm up so just use a spoon to re-whip.  I used mine in my coffee this morning.**

 

Modification in future:

1.  Will use vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract

 

I think you will enjoy this nutritious yet delectable treat.  I know my children did!

 

IMG_7651 IMG_7648

 

Enjoy!

~Marci

IMG_7636

 

 

 

Homemade Almond Milk

My daughter and I have issues with regular dairy milk, so we usually substitute in coconut or unsweetened almond milk.  However, I want to minimize the additives  found in typical off the shelf almond milk so I decided to make my own this morning.

Almond Milk

  • Soak (Sprout) Raw Almonds in water 8-12 hours or overnight
  •  After soaking, rinse/drain almonds in colander under cold water

    Straining the soaked, raw almonds

    Straining the soaked, raw almonds

Working in Batches

  • Put 2 cups of filtered water and 1/2 cups of almonds in blender.
  • Optional: Add splash of Vanilla and sprinkle of stevia to sweeten
  • Blend 50-90 seconds until all almonds have been broken up and liquefied.  I used my Blendtec Blender
  • Pour almond milk either through strainer/sieve, nutmilk bag or cheesecloth into a glass jar that can be tightly sealed.  Since I only had a strainer/sieve on hand, that is what I used.
Pouring almond milk through sieve. Residual pulp leftover

Pouring almond milk through sieve. Residual pulp leftover

 

  • Use a spatula to press any residual milk through sieve. You will have pulp leftover in strainer/sieve.  You can either use this pulp at later time to dehydrate to make cookies with or even blend further into a nut butter.  I put mine into my Earthmaker compost bin.
  • Repeat steps until all almonds have been used to make milk.
  • When jar is full, tightly close and place in refrigerator.  Use within 3-5 days.
(4) Pint and A Half containers of Homemade Almond Milk

(4) Pint and A Half containers of Homemade Almond Milk

Tips:

  • Making Almond milk is 4:1 ratio Water to Almonds.
  • Make sure to use RAW organic (if possible) almonds.  Not salted or roasted
  • Filtered and, if possible, distilled water is best.
  • A nut milk bag is probably your best option of efficient milk extraction.  Can be reused-just wash in top rack of dishwasher.

I used this milk to make a chia pudding recipe which I will post later and a favorite smoothie recipe of mine for lunch:  Chocolate Covered Strawberry.  I could  truly taste the difference.  The smoothie was more delicious with homemade almond milk than using store bought.

Please let me know if you attempt to make your own almond milk and how you like it.

Marci’s Green Smoothie Recipe

Here’s a great Green Smoothie “starter”.  Make modifications to fit your dietary needs. Blending the greens in a high powered blender works best to minimize any chunks.  I use my Blendtec Total Blender.

Add extra water to thin out smoothie if it is too thick for your taste.  Also, if just starting with green smoothies, start with mix of 50/50 greens to fruit.  Gradually decrease amount of fruit and increase greens.

Step 1:  Blend the following for about 60 seconds until smooth

  • Put 2 Cups Filtered Water into BlendTec Total Blender
  • Small Amount Stevia
  • Juice of  1/4 Whole Lemon
  • Add 2 cups combo of Organic Spinach/Kale (or any other greens like chard, collard, purple kale)

Step 2:  Add the following to blender and blend again

  • 1 Banana
  • 1 Small organic apple
  • 1 Cup organic frozen berries (masks the color)*
  • 2 Tbs chia seeds
  • Couple ice cubes

*You can substitute any fruit in.*

Marci's Green Smoothie

Marci’s Green Smoothie

A Blender’s Sad Tale

As my friends and family are aware, I am a huge proponent of smoothies.  They are a great way to get in your macronutrients for the day.  So, I usually start off my family’s day with a healthy, protein packed, nutrient dense smoothie for breakfast and sometimes usually one for lunch.

To preface, I am notoriously known for destroying anything electronic—think laptops, iPhones, garage door openers, cameras.  You get the picture.  Blenders are no different for me, I use them so much that I have burned out motors of lower end models within months and a mid range model in less than a year so several years ago I decided to purchase my first higher end model, a Vitamix.  After a year of use and dissatisfied with its performance for my needs, I decided to get a Blendtec Total Blender.  Since October 6, 2011, I have had a daily, fulfilling passionate relationship with that blender.

This past Sunday was no different except for THE EXPLOSION that happened on my counter.  I was in the process of destroying making a typical smoothie (you can find the recipe here) in my Blendtec blender (my life’s true love) when all of a sudden I heard a gurgling sound and then saw black plastic pieces shooting out from underneath the blender container.  Since I stay calm panic in these kinds of situations,  I immediately turned off the motor and  yelled for my husband to come help me.  Surprisingly, no liquid was leaking out from the bottom of the container.  After using our investigative skills, we determined the seal had  loosened and the strength of the motor base chewed into the container and seal.

After 1058 uses, first Blentec Total Blender container is destroyed

After 1058 uses, first Blentec Total Blender container is destroyed

For those of you not familiar with these higher end blenders, they have a high horsepower to make sure to grind up all those big leafy veggies, fruits, nuts within seconds.  After 1158 uses, I had finally used up my blender container-such a SAD, SAD day.

Seeing my distress, my AWESOME husband immediately got onto Amazon.com and ordered me another Blendtec Total Blender container and the Blendtec Wildside container.  However, I would have to wait until Wednesday, today, to receive it.  WHAT?!!!!  Smoothies are truly an integral part of our clean eating lifestyle so I didn’t know how I would manage.  Thankfully, I had a backup plan.

Orange, Carrot, Apple Juice made with Breville Juice Fountain

Orange, Carrot, Apple Juice made with Breville Juice Fountain

I decided to use my outstanding Breville Juice Fountain every morning for a nutritious juice for the family before work and school.

Although we ordered new containers, I did know that my blender was still covered under the AMAZING warranty Blendtec provides, but I had to wait until Monday to call-again, sadness.

When you experience a problem with an item you invested A LOT of money in, the customer service experience can really make or break your future relationship with the company.   I have to say that my experience solidified my relationship with Blendtec products.  As soon as customer service opened on Monday, I called.  In less than 5 minutes on the phone with a very friendly Blendtec customer service representative, I had a new container sent to me free of charge.   She also reassured me that the motor was perfectly fine and my replacement container would be here within 3-5 business days!!! HOORAY!!!

I momentarily contemplated if I should cancel my Amazon.com order, but I decided against it–it’s much better to have 3 containers to use!  So, today my containers from Amazon should arrive and I am counting down the minutes I can blend again!

Strawberry Limeade Slushie Recipe

Strawberry Limeade Slushie Recipe

Who hasn’t gone to their local fast food joint and purchased one of those delectable high calorie slushies?  I know I have and my children particularly enjoy them.  However, those “fruit” slushes are loaded with sugar, artificial food coloring, calories and high fructose corn syrup (HCFS).  Do YOU REALLY  want your child bouncing off the car walls or wasting your daily caloric allotment on that drink?  I know I don’t, so yesterday I came up with my healthier version of a Strawberry Limeade as part of my children’s after school snack.

Strawberry Limeade Slushie

Slice Enough Limes to make at least 6 ounces of juice when squeezed

IMG_8165

Pour the Juice into your favorite blender- Mine is the Blendtec

Add 4-6 ounces water

Toss in a HANDFUL of either fresh or frozen strawberries.  Preferably organic.  I use frozen since I can reduce the amount of ice I need and because strawberries are not grown locally year round.

Add Stevia or Turbinado Sugar to taste

IMG_8166

Fill blender with Ice

Enjoy the puckering taste of limes and strawberries and hear the delighted squeals!

IMG_8167

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

According to research and Navitas’ website, “Cacao has been consumed for its invigorating and healthy properties for generations in Mexican, Central and South American cultures. Cacao powder is one of the richest sources of immune-boosting antioxidants found in nature. It also provides important minerals including magnesium and iron. Separated from the oily cacao butter, cacao powder is also a concentrated form of healthy dietary fiber. All raw cacao products contain the unique alkaloid chemicals theobromine, phenylethylamine and anandamine that help you feel HAPPY.”

 Not only is it healthy, but it is a tasty addition to any smoothie!

IMG_7801

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz. Canned Sprouts Organic Coconut Milk
  • 1/2 Frozen Banana (slightly thawed)
  • 2 Tbs Navitas Cacao Powder
  • 1/2 Scoop Chocolate Flavored Protein Powder
  • 1 Cup Organic Baby Kale
  • 1 Cup Frozen Strawberries

IMG_7800

Put all Ingredients into your favorite blender/blend.  Mine is my Blendtec.  I just pressed the smoothie button.

IMG_7802

Enjoy, Happy Valentine’s Day!