Homemade Vegan Walnut Brownies

Morning loves!! I hope you've all had the most amazing weekend! We are experiencing the most pleasant weather here in Amsterdam so I have spent my days mostly outside. Still it gets chilly in the evening which for me was the perfect time for some baking. I was thinking about some new treats when it hit me.. I have NEVER made vegan brownies! Which is insane, thinking brownies were my favorite for a long long time - before I turned to a vegan diet.

Brownies can be easily made vegan, payaya, black beans, tofu and sweet potato are known for being an excellent base. I went for sweet potatoes because I returned from the farmers market with 2 big bags (I eat them everyday).

Vegan Walnut Brownies
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes
1 very ripe, small banana
1 cup of ground walnuts
1/2 cup of ground almonds
20 dates (soaked overnight)
3/4 cup of almond flour
5 tbsp raw cacao powder (carob powder will do fine too)
4 tbsp agave syrup
pinch of cinnamon

Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees celcius. Place your two potatoes into your microwave (3 minutes for every 200 gram on 750 watt) until they are really soft and beginning to fall apart. Peel the skin of your potatoes and add them, together with the banana, dates and the agave syrup, to your food processor. Pulse until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. Add the almond flour and pulse again till its completely absorbed. Add the almonds, walnuts, cacao powder and your cinnamon.

Scoop the mixture into a (lined) baking dish and place into your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the brownie is dry from the inside (pierce the brownie with a fork). Place the brownie on a baking tray and allow it to cool of for at least 20 minutes.

Enjoy with some homemade almond milk!

Love,
Sanne

Carob Chia Pudding

Hi Sweethearts! Today I have got a new and delicious breakfast for you. Tried it out last week and I have been hooked ever since. This is seriously so filling (you won't even think about food for at least 3 hours) and you will nourish your body with nothing but beautiful ingredients!

Health Benefits Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants;
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3s in chia seeds can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.
- Fiber. Fiber is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, with a whopping 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons. That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day.
- Antioxidants. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant profile also helps them have a long shelf life. They last almost two years without refrigeration.
- Minerals. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18 percent of the DRI for calcium, 35 percent for phosphorus, 24 percent for magnesium and about 50 percent for manganese. These nutrients help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight, and are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis.
- Satiety. Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals. The combination of protein, fiber and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their satiating effects.
- Glutenfree. Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains. Therefore, all of the nutritional benefits of chia seeds can be obtained on a gluten-free diet.
- Blood Sugar Regulation. Chia seeds can play an important role in regulating insulin levels. They can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

Carob Chia Pudding
What you need
3 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp carob powder/raw cacao powder
1 1/2 cup water

What to do
Combine the chia seeds with your water in a pint jar. Cover the jar with a lid and give it a shake. Open the jar and add the 3 tbsp of carob powder and swirl until the chia seeds are covered. Cover again and place the mixture in your fridge overnight. In the morning scoop out the pudding into a large plate and cover with fruits your love!

ENJOY!

Love,
BeautyBlends

 

Puffed quinoa energy bites

In my last post I was telling you guys how I am always looking for snacks that can satisfy my sweettooth. So I wanted to post another recipe that I love very much and keeps my cravings at bay!

Puffed Quinoa Energy Bites

What you need

2 cups puffed quinoa

3/4 cup of old fashioned oats

3 tbsp chia seeds

1/4 cup of buckwheat 

1/3 cup of agave syrup/raw honey

1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

Cacao coating

1/2 cup raw cacao 

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

What to do

Mix your quinoa, old fashioned oats, chia, buckwheat, honey and coconut oil until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixed ingredients into a mould of your choice (I used a sillicone one - see picture). Place your mould into the freezer for 15 minutes until the mixture has hardened.

In the meantime mix the raw cacao with the (melted) coconut oil and stir until all the lumps are out and you have a smooth texture (it will likely take you a couple of minutes). 

Take out the quinoa bites and dip them into the cacao so the bottom of the bite is covered. Place all the bites on a plate and place in your fridge for 30 minutes.

ENJOY!

Love,

BeautyBlends

Beautiful Vegan Carob Brownie

Recently I have been loving Carob. Not only because of the flavor but also for its many health benefits.

 

Health Benefits Carob Powder

• Carob improves digestion 
• Carob lowers the cholesterol level in your blood
• Carob contains vitamin E which helps treating cough, the flu and anemia
• Carob tannins contain Gallic acid that works as an analgesic, anti-allergic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic.

So instead of making this brownie with raw cacao as I would usually do I tried Carob (for the first time) and I absolutely loved it!

Beautiful Vegan Carob Brownie

What you need

1/2 cup carob powder

1/2 cup non-dairy butter 

2 large flax eggs

3/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup (unbleached) all purpose flour

1/3 cup walnuts

4 tbsp palm sugar 

 

What to do

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Take your baking tin and spray this with some coconut oil. Take 2 tbsp of flaxseed and combine with 6tbsp of water. Place the bowl in your fridge and let rest for about 15 minutes

Prepare the flax eggs (2tbsp flaxseed + 6tbsp water) in a small bowl and let rest in your fridge for 15 minutes.

 

Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan, once melted pour this into a mixing bowl. Add the carob powder, the flax eggs, palm sugar and the baking powder and stir until the mixture is smooth. Once smooth add the unbleached flour, whisk again and gently fold in the walnuts. 

Scoop the mixture into your baking tin and place in the middle of your oven for 20 minutes. Be sure to check every 5 minutes we don't want to overcook the brownies because they will get crumbly. Remove from the oven and let rest in the tin.

 

Enjoy!

 

Love,

BeautyBlends