Ever since NuNaturals sent me that awesome gift package (I blogged about it here), I’ve been trying to think of something awesome to make with some of the products – today was the day!

I wanted something with coffee, double mocha powder, stevia, and something super moist and decadent.

Oh, wow.

This cake DELIVERS all that and more!

Yuuummmmm!!!!

To get started, gather all your ingredients, measuring cups, bowls, etc. This will save you time in the end.

I took a photo of the healthiest ingredients (although milk and coffee are healthy too but they missed the photo).

SWEET TOOTH NOTE: I use stevia in my coffee, tea, and baked goods so I am not used to sugar. If you are, you might not think this is as sweet as you’re used to. You may want to add more sweetener.

Sugar-Free Wake-Me-Up Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

11/2 cups self-rising flour

1/4 cup ground flax

2 cups NuStevia Sweetener (Stevia Baking Blend)

3/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 cup strong coffee, cooled (not cold, just not hot)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup greek yogurt (I used vanilla Chobani)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Baking Note: Stevia Baking Blend is a 1:1 ratio compared to sugar. So, if you use 1 cup of sugar in a recipe, you can replace that with the same exact amount of Stevia Baking Blend—1 cup.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*.

2. Spray a light coat of cooking spray in your cake pan ( I used a medium-sized bundt cake pan).

3. Combine dry ingredients in a big bowl. I whisked mine together (instead of sifting): NuStevia Baking Blend, ground flax, self-rising flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.

4. In a second bowl, whisk your wet ingredients: strong coffee, vanilla extract, farm fresh eggs, oil, milk.

5. Now add half of your wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and combine until smooth. Add the rest of wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.

6. Pour your sugar-free chocolate coffee batter into your lightly sprayed cake pan and bake 30 – 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Time and temp vary according to oven. (I have a small, apartment-sized gas cookstove so I bake at a lower temp for a little longer and that works well for me.)

“Sugar-Free” Double Mocha Coffee Glaze

Ingredients:

7 tablespoons strong brewed coffee

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I used Singing Dog by NuNaturals)

3 tablespoons double mocha powder (omit this ingredient if you want 100% sugar-free result – I threw this in at the end and it was delish but there is sugar in the double mocha powder)

1 1/2 cups NuNaturals Sweet Health Erythritol Crystals

1 tablespoon (melted) butter

Directions:

1. Whisk above ingredients together and drizzle over cake.

Now on to the sweetest part of all… digging in!

Have you had your chocolate fix today?

And….

Now, on to freebies and discounts for YOU!

FREE SAMPLES

(Open to all Continental U.S. readers.)

Just send a self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to NuNaturals at the following address:

NuNaturals, INC
2220 West 2nd Ave. # 1
Eugene, OR 97402

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY – ENDS JUNE 30, 2012

Be sure to take full advantage of SPECIAL DISCOUNTS on all future orders only available from ordering through the NuNaturals website :
www.nunaturals.com

When you to www.nunaturals.com CHECKOUT PAGE just enter this DISCOUNT CODE:

BLG0612

And you will receive a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of…

15% on your TOTAL ORDER.

FREE SHIPPING, TOO!!!

By ordering from www.nunaturals.com, you will ALSO receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U.S. on all orders TOTALING $35.00, and over, AFTER this special discount.

Have you ever tried NuNaturals Stevia? Well, if you haven’t, take advantage of the free samples, discount code, and FREE SHIPPING!! I’ll be back soon… I have a SURPRISE for you all!!!

I’m going to share the recipe, but first I wanted to play catch-up …

So glad you’re loving my Rainbow Chard + Butter Bean Soup. Let me tell you, it was even more delicious than it looks in the photos!

And I’m excited over all the buzz about my post on the health benefits of flax seeds – and why I love ‘em!

And I love that you’re all so excited over Glass Dharma’s eco-friendly straws. I really enjoyed reviewing them and hosting a giveaway, too!

I know, I know, you want to get to the chocolate avocado pudding!

Last time I made it (read all about it here), I used agave as an ingredient, but as I mentioned before, I’ve cut agave from my diet (I’m almost finished with the explanation post, promise!).

And ended up with this…

A Twitter follower inspired today’s recipe when she asked for a chocolate avocado recipe and I sent her to my version – then had to tell her I don’t use agave anymore. “What would you use now?” She asked.

Enter: Tropical Traditions Canadian, Raw, Wild, Unprocessed Honey!

You’ll be seeing an in-depth review of this SWEET, raw honey in just a day or so – plus something special for y’all!!!

Do you know that avocado is chock-full of nutrition and health benefits?

Check it out:

• vitamin K
• dietary fiber
• potassium
• folate
• vitamin B6
• vitamin C
• copper

Health benefits:

• promotes heart health
• promotes overall health
• increases absorption of carotenoids from vegetables
• combats oral cancer
• and more!

Wow.

And did you know I used to detest avocado? I wouldn’t eat it for YEARS. Never ate it as a kid. Didn’t eat it most of my adult life. I’d say I never tasted an avocado until about 5 or so years ago. Seriously! Can you believe it? And now I could eat ‘em every single day. Yum!

I love how when we start incorporating healthier foods into our diets, our body literally CRAVES them – LOVE it!

Fun Fact!

“The avocado is colloquially known as the Alligator Pear, reflecting its shape and the leather-like appearance of its skin. Avocado is derived from the Aztec word “ahuacatl”.”—WH Foods

Forgot to snap a photo of the frozen nanner that was in the blender but this is what it looks like all blended up…

And it comes out looking like this:

My goodness gracious, it was DELISH!!! I was SO happy with this!

And now, what you’ve wanted since the beginning of this post  – the recipe!

Chocolate Banana Avocado Pudding with Raw Honey

(serves one)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon raw honey, melted (I used Tropical Traditions)
• 1 banana, frozen
• 1/2 avocado (it was a big one)
• 1 tablespoon certified organic cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons almond milk

Directions:

Toss all ingredients in to your blender or food processer and blend all the ingredients together ‘till they’re creamy and smooth. Enjoy immediately!

Your Turn

Have you tried experimenting with avocado chocolate pudding yet? How does your version differ from mine? Does avocado gross you out? Or do you live for its creamy, decadent texture? And can you believe how many nutrients can be packed into chocolate pudding – when you make a healthier version?! What’s your favorite way to eat avocado? What’s your go-to chocolate dessert recipe?

Oh, and be sure to stop back by soon – I also got happy with hemp in the kitchen and whipped up something off the top of my head! And it was GOOD.

OpenSky Alert!

I love freshly ground flax SO much, I’m selling whole flax seeds so you can grind your own. That’s right: You can buy organic flax seed in my OpenSky shop – for only $7.49 per pound!!!

Shipping info:

“We will ship orders anywhere within the United States and Canada. At this time, we do not ship to other locations. When your order ships, you will receive a shipment notification via email that will include your tracking number.” – OpenSky

Reference:

WH Foods: Avocado

I received the following information from the Amazing Grass Team:

Save 20% on our Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars now through 2/8/10. Use Promo Code ‘chocolate10′ at checkout.

We’ve combined our best-selling and alkalizing Organic Green SuperFood drink powder with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to create a delicious and nutritious treat. Loaded with organic nuts and seeds and the best of all, a yummy chocolate coating. The Valentine’s Day Saving is on our Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bars.

Amazing Grass Organic Energy Bars are:

• Raw and Cold Processed
• Gluten Free
• Fair Trade

Not sold individually. Sold in 12-bar caddies.

HWJ Discount Code

Also, the promo code my blog is offering is good for almost a year still. Just go shopping at Amazing Grass and enter the code ‘hwj‘ at checkout. You’ll get a 15% discount on anything you order!!

First, I’d love to thank the folks at Amazing Grass for sending me lovely samples. Not only did they generously share a variety of their Amazing Grass products with me, they are also sponsoring this contest so that one lucky winner will have the opportunity to try a “Green SuperFood Best of Both Combo” which provides you with a two month supply of  the Amazing Grass Green SuperFood and Chocolate Green SuperFood drink powders.

AND Amazing Grass has given Healing With (Raw) Juice readers a fantabulous discount: Just use the coupon code ‘hwj’ at check out — you’ll save 15% off your order!!!

Chocolate Green SuperFood

I’ve mentioned before that you can just call me Chocolate Girl. I’m a HUGE fan of chocolate, always have been! So, what is there NOT to like about a chocolate powder that’s also healthy for you, that you can add to smoothies, oats, or other recipes? Chocolate Green SuperFood is a fantabulous way to get your daily dose of chocolate – and consume a powerhouse of nutrition!

Now, this Chocolate Green SuperFood wasn’t included in the samples Amazing Grass sent me, but I have had the opportunity to sample their Chocolate Amazing Meal – it’s DELISH! I absolutely loved it and can totally see myself using it daily. (See my review HERE.)  So, I have absolutely no worries about recommending this Chocolate Green SuperFood powder. But, this Chocolate Green SuperFood powder has more to offer than a girl’s best friend – let’s talk nutrition!

Nutritional information (from the site):

Mix a tablespoon of Chocolate Green SuperFood with dairy, rice or soy milk or add it to a smoothie. One serving gives you the antioxidant equivalent of 7 servings of fruits and vegetables and helps you hit your daily quota.

Chocolate Green SuperFood: All natural and organic ingredients include organic wheat grass, organic barley grass, organic alfalfa, organic spirulina, organic spinach, organic chlorella (cracked cell-wall), organic broccoli, organic dutch cocoa, organic redwood cocoa, organic cacao, natural chocolate flavoring, organic acai from Sambazon, organic maca, organic carrot, organic beet, raspberry, organic rose hips, pineapple, green tea, acerola cherry, organic flax seed powder, organic oat fiber, apple pectin fiber, F.O.S. (from chicory root), L. acidophilus, alpha and beta amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase, siberian eleuthero root, peppermint and organic sea salt. 100% Vegan

Green SuperFood

I have enjoyed this All Natural Green SuperFood powder. I’ve used it in smoothies and juices and love, love, love the taste of health it provides! I also love my Amazing Grass shaker cup. I use it all the time!

Want to increase your daily intake of veggies and fruits, but aren’t loving the idea of gobbling ‘em up raw until your jaws are exhausted from chewing? Why not whip up a smoothie or juice and toss some Amazing Grass SuperFood powder in? You’ll be pretty amazed at how much nutrition you can squeeze into a glass with this stuff. Seriously!!

Nutritional information (from the site):

Mix a tablespoon of Green SuperFood with juice, milk, a smoothie or your favorite beverage. One serving gives you the antioxidant equivalent of 7 servings of fruits and vegetables and helps you hit your daily quota.

Green SuperFood: All natural and organic ingredients include organic wheat grass, organic barley grass, organic alfalfa, organic spirulina, organic spinach, organic chlorella (cracked cell-wall), organic broccoli, organic pure acai from Sambazon, organic maca, organic carrot, organic beet, raspberry, rose hips, pineapple, green tea, acerola cherry, organic flax seed powder, apple pectin fiber, F.O.S. (from chicory root), L. acidophilus, alpha and beta amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, cellulase, siberian eleuthero root and peppermint. 100% Vegan.

How AMAZING Is This Stuff???

It’s easy to see why this company is called AMAZING GRASS – it truly IS amazing!!

Verdict/Grade?

Raw Juice Girl gives Amazing Grass TWO thumbs up and an A+ for sure! Any time you can pack this much nutrition into a scoop that can be added to our favorite juices or smoothies, you’re a winner in my book! I had a scoop of the All Natural Amazing Grass SuperFood powder in my green smoothie this morning – I just LOVE how it makes me feel!!!

Remember my 30-day juice fast? The WheatGrass samples Amazing Grass had sent me were a LIFE SAVER one some of my weaker days – it felt like it shot right through my bloodstream and pepped me right up!!!

And… Amazing Grass gets EXTRA points for offering you this:

Don’t forget: Amazing Grass has given Healing With (Raw) Juice readers a fantabulous discount: Just use the coupon code ‘hwj’ at check out — you’ll save 15% off your order!!!

Let the Contest Begin!

Here’s what you’ll win:

You’ll receive one 8.5oz bottle of Green SuperFood drink powder and one 8.5oz bottle of Chocolate Green SuperFood drink powder.

This combo pack gives you a two month supply of our Amazing Grass Green SuperFood and Chocolate Green SuperFood drink powders. If you’re like many of our customers you will be hooked on both. Try one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, or mix them together for a delicious supercharged dose of greens!

You’re allowed FOUR FIVE SIX entries for this contest:

Note: Please leave a comment for each thing you do (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends. (DO NOT just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.) Thanks!

1. Visit the Amazing Grass website (by clicking on the above photo) and take a look around. Leave a comment sharing  any of their other products you’d like to try–and why, if you’d like to add a reason.
   
2. Do you Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can swipe this tweet: RT @RawJuiceGirl is hosting a contest for @AmazingGrass Chocolate & Green SuperFood powders! http://tinyurl.com/ykcpwh5 Hurry & enter!
3. Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.
4. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as an extra entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices@gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
5. Add Healing with Juices to your favorites on Technoratori. Comment again to let me know, with a link to your technoratori profile to show you added us.
6. Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.

NOTE: REMEMBER TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY SO I’LL KNOW YOU DID THEM.

ANYONE can enter this contest. You DO NOT have to be in the United States. Oh, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner….

Contest ends Thursday, October 22nd, at 9 p.m. (Central Time) so you have TWO WHOLE WEEKS to get all your entries in. Have fun trying to win!!

And a HUGE Thank You to Amazing Grass for sponsoring this contest!!!

What are you waiting for – get your entries in and start spreading the news about this AMAZING contest!! Eeeeek!!

Bring Eli Home for the Holidays!

In my previous post, I shared information about a boy, Eli, who is on his third heart. He wants to be able to spend the holidays at home – instead of in the hospital. Let’s help him do that!

More Contests

Mysti, at Dining Family,  is on a mission to help Eli be at home, with his family, for the holidays – and be healthier, too! She’s hosting an awesome contest, and there are SIX ways to enter! Get over there, quick!

Lots more contests are coming right up, so you’ll definitely want to stick around for upcoming, juicy details!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ve also been working on a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to enter Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks to NavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring–and don’t forget to check out my chocolate ice cubes!

Blended Blessings

I’ve mentioned a few times that my blender keeled over on me. It was sad. I was sad. But a new blender wasn’t in the budget so I’ve been a pouting, smoothie-less Raw Juice Girl for a while now. Pathetic, I know. LOL

I was on a real roll having awesome smoothies for breakfast, but I made due with substitutes:

• Green (Hemp) Overnight Breakfast Cookie
• Green Steel-Cut Oats
• Chocolate Hemp Shake
• Cashew Cookie LARABAR

Delicious, yes. A green smoothie? No!

So, imagine my out-of-this-world delight when my aunt donated her blender she never uses! Oh, believe me, I tried (and tried) to promote the health benefits of smoothies and convince her that she needed to keep her blender–she insisted on giving it to me anyway, reassuring me she never uses it and didn’t plan on it anytime soon….

Enter: the Osterizer 10-speed Blender

I took pictures of my blending adventures this morning, so you could enjoy the experience with me!

And, my goodness, this thing is a LOT more powerful than I thought it would be. It gobbled up the ice cubes like there was no tomorrow! Seriously! Eeeek! Bring on the smoothies, people!

Osterizer Blender

10 Speeds!

Sassafras Root Tea

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 70

Chocolate Ice Cubes!

Green Hemp Smoothie

Wanna Taste?

YUM-O!!!!

Happy Hemp Smoothie

• 4 tablespoons of Hemp Pro 70 (from www.manitobaharvest.com)
• 1 cup Sassafras root tea (you could totally use Hemp Bliss milk instead)
• 1 banana
• 2 chocolate ice cubes
• 2 water ice cubes
• Freshly ground flax seeds (a little less than a tablespoon)
• A drizzle of agave syrup

And that’s what I had for breakfast this morning. Ah, a green smoothie. I can’t tell you how happy my mouth–and my tummy–were as I chugged that gorgeous, bubbly, hemp-ish, thick smoothie down. YUM!!!

I did forget one thing, though: spinach! Yikes!!! Sheesh, guess I’ll have to make another one.

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks to NavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ll also be making a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks toNavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring!

Navitas Natural Delivery!

I was super excited when I received this package from NavitasNaturals.com . Today I’m focusing on the Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit–but take a look at that eco-friendly canteen!!! Eeeeek!!!

Craving Chocolate

Ever had a craving for chocolate but didn’t want to spend a lot of time–and make a big mess–in order to enjoy some? Okay, it’s true, you can just make a quick visit to the store and pick up whatever chocolate you want. And, with the Web’s convenience, you can shop ’till your heart’s content and order anything that appeals to your eyes–and tummy!

But if you’re wanting the fun (and healthy!) experience of whipping up some organic, raw, delicious chocolate candy in just a few minutes, without wrecking your whole kitchen, then Navitas Naturals Organic Superfood Kit is for you!

Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit

This is a super fun kit. It comes with 3 ingredients! Who can’t whip up 3 ingredients, eh?  And, besides, the directions are easy and precise–you get to take a class right off the box: Chocolate School 101. Does that mean I have a degree in Chocolate now? Oh, how very RAWsome!

Chocolate School 101

First, they told me to sit a smaller bowl into a larger bowl that had hot water (for melting the cacao butter via the raw method). You can also nuke it or use a double boiler but you’ll be zapping the nutrient value.

Melting Cacao Butter

Cacao Butter All Melted

It doesn’t take long and it’s all melted!

Add Organic Chocolate Powder

Then you add the organic chocolate powder and stir, stir, stir!

Stir

Stir

Stir Some More

All Stirred Up

Just take a look at that raw chocolate. Eeeek!

At this point, you can drizzle in a tablespoon of agave syrup or some other sweetener. I didn’t. So the chocolate had more of a dark chocolate taste in the end. I’m more of a milk chocolate gal so I think I’d add sweetener next  time but I still really enjoyed the taste of this chocolate–which surprised me, considering I’m not a huge fan of dark chocolate.

In to the Ice Tray

Close-Up

Pour your melted chocolate into an ice tray (Raw Juice Chocolate Girl got a little messy–I never said I wouldn’t!)

No More Chocolate!

Raw Juice Girl also CHEATED and licked some chocolate right off that spoon! YUM-O! It’d be good drizzled over Gena’s banana soft serve.

Frozen, Raw Chocolate

After I popped that ice tray in the freezer, I almost forgot about it (ahem, I was busy uploading photos and working on reviews and contests like a good blogger)! 

Chocolate Ice Cube!

See the Goji Berries?!

Nutritional Info

From the site:

Healthy Homemade Chocolates

Navitas Naturals Chocolate Kits contain everything you need for an authentic chocolate alchemy experience – including 100% Navitas Naturals superfood ingredients. Enjoy this chocolatey blend with goji berries: a synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients that’s packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free. Each synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients is packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free.

Source and Processing

We carefully source each ingredient from indigenous regions around the world, honoring the traditions of the ancient cultures, and using minimal processing techniques to ensure maximum nutritional benefits. Our products are of the highest quality, sourced directly from farmers, cultivated sustainably and in accordance with fair trade standards. Navitas Naturals Chocolate Kits are 100% organic, kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and raw.

Verdict/Grade?

This kit is simple, precise, and so fun to make. I felt like a kid again! The ingredients are organic, and you’re loading up on antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients–all the good stuff! Another bonus is that the only dishes you dirty up are 2 bowls, 1 spoon, and an ice tray and you end up with 12 pieces of quality chocolate. And I had leftover goji berries  that I can add to steel-cut oatmeal or a smoothie! So, this baby gets TWO thumbs up from Raw Juice Girl. That’s an A+ in my (RAW) book!

Oh, and it retails for $9.99 (USD) per kit. So you’re essentially paying $10 for 12 pieces of quality, organic, raw, superfood candy!

So, what do you think? Is this something you’d like to try? Have you already used this neat little chocolate kit? What did you think? What’s your favorite chocolate, and your favorite way to eat it? Do tell, I’m craving your answer!

Latest Navitas Natural Arrival–Reviews Coming Up!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks to NavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ll also be making a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

• Food Matters DVD Review + Contest. (Contest ends Thursday, August 27th. There are SIX ways to win!!)
• Detox 4 Women (by Natalia Rose) Review + Contest (Contest ends Friday, August 28th. There are SIX ways to win!)

Let’s Talk Chocolate!

You may remember the other day when I posted my chocolate avocado pudding experiment (it turned out delish!) or yesterday when I posted my Chocolate-Vanilla Hemp Bliss Shake recipe.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

I’ve always had a great love for chocolate. Growing up, I’d always lean toward the German Chocolate cake, Snickers candy bar, or even an Almond Joy. Now, after losing over 100 pounds and focusing on a high-raw, whole foods diet, I tend to hold those forms of chocolate a distant memory–other than a rare, rare occasion when I go bonkers and splurge (like on my birthday).

But there’s bound to be a way for a girl to enjoy her chocolate in a healthy way, right? A way other than a tiny square of dark chocolate (which I really don’t like all that much, by the way). I’ve always been more of a milk chocolate gal myself. (See my dilemma here?)

Enter: Heather’s Gluten-Free Blog

I’ve been a fan of Heather Strang’s blog for a while now. Although I didn’t really intend on being gluten-free, I suppose I am–other than an occasional splurge. My diet basically consists of a foundation of TONS of raw veggies, a little fruit (mostly berries), nuts, seeds, nut butters, organic Oikos Greek yogurt, and sometimes organic farm fresh eggs (from either my farm, or my neighbor’s).

Back to Heather’s blog…

I’m subscribed to Heather’s blog via email and saw this recipe a while back: Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free RAW Chocolate recipe.

I was really excited when I saw it because it looked delicious, seemed totally simple to whip up, and it was HEALTHY! Things got busy, though, and I either had other stuff to do or didn’t have one or other of the ingredients.

The other day I finally ended up with some free time and realized I had ALL the ingredients Heather used for this recipe. Yay!

Note: I made my recipe a little differently than Heather’s.

Getting Things Ready

Ready to Mix

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup agave nectar

1/2 cup organic cocoa powder

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Heather’s recipe called for a blender or food processor. I don’t have a blender anymore (mine died )so I just whipped it up the old-fashioned way. Hey, it works!

Stirred + Poured

With Chopped Pecans on Top

(I just sprinkled enough to cover the top–I didn’t measure ‘em.)

Heather didn’t add nuts to her chocolate recipe but chocolate isn’t chocolate without nuts, in my opinion.

In the Freezer

(…)

Waiting

(…)

1 1/2 hours later….

Out of the Freezer

Cut in to Pieces

Hands-On Chocolate

We Hated It!

(Like you believe that?!)

Verdict?

Um, I’ll be making this recipe until I’m 100 and can find the ingredients–and hopefully know what they’re for!

Seriously, though, this was delish! It was kind of like fudge, I think. It was soft, but had a firm texture (it doesn’t fall apart!). I can totally see this as something you could make for a Christmas party or some other party or event. In my opinion, it definitely rocks!

And… the reason it left so fast is because I shared it with some folks. I’d say they liked it too, wouldn’t you?

I, of course, tasted the chocolate in its liquid form before it went into the freezer. I’m thinking it would be YUM just like that, drizzled over Gena’s banana soft serve.

Off to freeze me some nanners!

Upcoming Contests Featuring these Fabulous Companies

• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

First, I’d like to remind you about TWO contests I currently have running:

• Food Matters DVD Review + Contest. (Contest ends Thursday, August 27th. There are SIX ways to win!!)
• Detox 4 Women (by Natalia Rose) Review + Contest (Contest ends Friday, August 28th. There are SIX ways to win!)
  

Chocolate Business

I mentioned the other day that the fantabulous people at www.manitobaharvest.com sent me samples of their Hemp Bliss milk to review. I LOVE that they sent one of each flavor: chocolate, vanilla, original (unsweetened), and original (sweetened)–and they’re Certified Organic. Yay!

Also, I wanted to mention that my contact at Manitoba Harvest reassured me that Hemp Pro 70 dissolves nicely in liquids and that I didn’t have to only consume it in steel-cut oats (see that review here). I took his word for it, and decided to combine Hemp Bliss with Hemp Pro 70 powder. Know what happened? Keep reading!

Hemp Bliss Samples

(All in a row…)

But first, let’s take a peek at the nutritional value of these flavored hemp milks…

Chocolate Hemp Bliss

From the site:

Size: 32 Fl oz / 946 mlDescription:
A blissful way to start your day! Hemp Bliss is more delicious and nutritious than other non-dairy beverages.

Chocolate Hemp Bliss is made from organic hemp seeds and organic cocoa powder. We cold filter Hemp Bliss for a great taste. This blissful beverage is rich and creamy with a chocolaty nutty flavor.

Enjoy Chocolate Hemp Bliss served chilled by the glass or “hot chocolate” style. Try adding it to cereal, coffee, tea and other recipes that call for milk. Chocolate Hemp Bliss provides a protein and Omega 6 & 3 EFA boost in your smoothies and shakes.

Suggested Use: Serve chilled, shake well and drink often. Refrigerate after opening.

Ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Cocoa Powder, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum. Contains No Preservatives. Lactose Free. Soy Free. Gluten Free. Cholesterol Free. Nut Free.

Certified Organic by: OC/PRO

Vanilla Hemp Bliss

From the site:

Size: 32 Fl oz / 946 mlDescription:
A blissful way to start your day! Hemp Bliss is more delicious and nutritious than other non-dairy beverages.

Vanilla Hemp Bliss is made from organic hemp seeds and organic vanilla. We cold filter Hemp Bliss for a great taste. This blissful beverage is rich and creamy with a nutty vanilla flavor.

Enjoy Vanilla Hemp Bliss served chilled by the glass. Try adding it to cereal, coffee, tea and other recipes that call for milk. Vanilla Hemp Bliss provides a protein and Omega 6 & 3 EFA boost in your smoothies and shakes.

Suggested Use: Serve chilled, shake well and drink often. Refrigerate after opening.

Ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Hemp Seeds, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Vanilla Flavor, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum. Contains No Preservatives. Lactose Free. Soy Free. Gluten Free. Cholesterol Free. Nut Free.

Certified Organic by: OC/PRO

Non-Dairy Milk Comparisons

Hemp Bliss + Hemp Pro 70

Hemp Pro 70 Powder

All Shook Up

a serving of Hemp Pro 70 powder (4 tablespoons)

50% Chocolate Hemp Bliss

50% Vanilla Hemp Bliss

a couple of ice cubes

Poured into my Amazing Grass shaker cup

Note: My shaker cup holds 12 ounces or so. I’d say it was filled up but I took a gulp before taking these photos.

Chocolate Bubbles = YUM!

Verdict/Grade?

I give Chocolate and Vanilla Hemp Bliss a big, fat, delicious A+! Seriously. I was pleasantly surprised at how good this shake tasted. I shook it up a lot, so there wasn’t any random, floating hemp powder. I also tasted both the Chocolate and Vanilla Hemp Bliss separately before I added them together with the Hemp Pro 70–they are delicious!!! The Chocolate Hemp Bliss really tastes like chocolate. It’s sweet, chocolaty, and divine. The vanilla is super vanilla-like and sweet, too. No complaints here at all–although some of you hemp haters may taste the hemp, I only tasted a very, very slight hempness about it. Honest. Of course, I always like to mention that I am used to taking strong, herbal tonics and drinking fresh, raw green juices, etc., so I may not notice some tastes as strongly as some of you who have never included a lot of earthy, herbal-type foods/drinks in your diet.

These hemp milks are $4.99 USD per 32 ounce box. With their nutritional value + yummy taste, I think it’s totally worth the price! Visit www.manitobaharvest.com to order your own hemp milk, or check out their other healthy products.

You may have to start calling me the “Happy Hemp Girl”. LOL 

Upcoming Contests Featuring these Fabulous Companies

• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

Wednesday, August 19th is FINALLY here! You still have a few hours left for entering to win a yoga mat (of your choice) + a yoga DVD (by Instructor Stacy McCarthy). Contest ends at 9 p.m. (Central Time) and there are SEVEN ways to enter. Hurry, while there’s still time!

As the yoga mat + DVD contest is nearing its end, I’ve been working hard to gear up for other reviews and contests. Some will just be reviews of products I’ve received as samples. Others will be both reviews and contests like I normally host. I’m exciting to have the amazing opportunity to review the following and share my thoughts with you!

Books from Book Publishing Company

(The Book Publishing Company (www.bookpubco.com) is a health-minded book publishing company.

It’s their desire to be your #1 resource for health reference, recipes, and enjoyment.)

The Raw Food RevolutionDiet, by Cherie Soria, Brenda Davis RD, Vesanto Melina, MS, RD

Raw Food Made Easy, by Jenny Cornbleet

Raw for Dessert, by Jenny Cornbleet

I can’t wait to dig in to these books. Thanks, Richard!

(Autographed Copy!!!) of Gillian McKeith’s Boot Camp Diet

I’ve been a HUGE fan of Gillian McKeith’s for years. I love her approach to a healthier lifestyle, and she’s quite thefeisty little lady! (See for yourself: www.gillianmckeith.com) And I’m SO honored that she not only sent a copy of her Boot Camp Diet book for me to review and one to give away–they’re BOTH autographed! Eeeek! Thank you, Gillian!!!

Sarah’s Wicked Witch Hazel Spray

(This is an eco-friendly yoga mat cleaner from The Bolder Mat Company. Can’t wait to try it!)

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Milk (Bliss)

Thanks to my contact at Manitoba Harvest (www.manitobaharvest.com ) for sending me one of each of the Hemp Bliss flavors they offer:

Chocolate

Vanilla

Original (sweetened)

Original (unsweetened)

They’re all organic and I can’t wait to pry into ‘em and see how blissful they truly are!! Eeeek!!

Been Busy!

Besides working hard on quality reviews and planning awesome upcoming contests with fantabulous sponsors (I love you all!), I’ve been busy helping my mom with her herb business. We’ve been setting up at outdoor markets. Her blog is updated now with one of our latest marketing adventures. You might want to take a peek. You’ll get to see me dressed up in a pioneer dress and a bonnet!

Upcoming Contests Featuring these Fabulous Companies

• 2 Food Matters DVDs (I’ve watched this now… it’s AMAZING! Review + Contest coming tomorrow!!)
• Detox 4 Women by Natalia Rose (I read this book last night and it’s awesome; it really helps you understand water retention, etc!)
• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life PLUS get to enter all sorts of awesome contests!

First, I’d like to remind you about the current contest I have running: The Bolder Mat Company Yoga Mat + Stacy McCarthy’s Yoga DVD. (Contest ends Wednesday, August 19th. There are SEVEN ways to win!!)

For the longest, I’ve been meaning to make Angela’s raw chocolate pudding (which is RAW and VEGAN) but have never got around to it until today. Gosh, have I EVER been missing out! Seriously. This chocolate pudding is the best stuff–and it’s WAY healthier than the chocolate I ate on my birthday!

Note: Since I added the organic Oikos Greek yogurt, my recipe isn’t raw or vegan like Angela’s. If you’d prefer it to be, head on over to her site (linked above) and use her recipe. If you don’t mind the yogurt, feel free to make mine! (I am going to try it without the yogurt next time. I think I added too much cocoa powder this time, or maybe it was an after taste from the agave nectar. Ya think? Should I try a different Agave? Any suggestions on that?)

Organic Blue Agave

Cocoa Powder, Vanilla Extract, Agave

Into the Food Processor

4 avocados (forgot to photo them separately, sorry!)

1/2 unsweetened cocoa powder (I used the Certified Organic NOW brand)

3/4 cup agave nectar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons of water

All Combined

It tasted TOO chocolate-y. Does that make sense? So I added a 5.3 ounce container of organic Vanilla Oikos Greek yogurt to try to mellow it out some….

After the Oikos

Scraped Clean

Into a Container

(Notice the recipe on the fridge in the background for lots of future use!)

Creamy Chocolate Heaven

Half a Banana, Sliced

With Chocolate Pudding On Top!

Yum-O!!

(This chocolate lovin’ girl is H-A-P-P-Y!!!)

How’d your Sunday go?  After I made this awesome chocolate pudding, I cleaned out the fridge and between fridge veggies and stuff from the garden, I juiced up a few containers of raw juice. I’ll post about it next. I thought you’d love taking a peek at my avocado chocolate pudding adventure! Hope you did!

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life PLUS get to enter all sorts of awesome contests!