Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Vegan Tarragon Merlot Truffles

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  By now it is no secret that I am a chocoholic. Don’t believe me? Just look at all these chocolate recipes. As you probably know by now, if I can find a way to make chocolate desserts healthier and still taste delicious, I am all over it. A chocolate truffle that melts in your mouth is one of the most coveted desserts. They are so rich and decadent, who can resist them? As mouthwatering as truffles are, heavy cream and refined sugar aren’t exactly healthy. These vegan tarragon and … [Read more...]

Coconut Mojito Fruit Dip (V + GF)

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My friends, ever since I discovered the goodness of coconut whipped cream, I have not been able to stop making it! My mind keeps coming up with ways to make use of it. First I used it as a topping to my Chocolate Coffee Avocado Pudding, second it was the filling to my Chocolate Coconut Cream Cups, now it’s this beautiful Coconut Mojito Fruit Dip. Can’t stop! Won’t Stop! What’s great about making coconut whipped cream is that it so easy, so simple, and yields a creamy, rich texture with a … [Read more...]

Vegan Coconut Crunch Ice Cream

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It’s no secret that ice cream is the ultimate dessert to enjoy on a hot summer day. When I was a kid, and through high school, my parents and I would travel to Sanibel Island, Florida every spring break to meet up with my dad’s family. It was a vacation that I looked forward to every year. I enjoyed the long, hot days of swimming in the pool and lounging on the beach while temperatures in Wisconsin were fluctuating between winter and early spring. One of my favorite things to do while I … [Read more...]

Rhubarb Peach Crisp (GF +V)

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Hey friends, welcome back! A few weeks ago I posted a recipe for rhubarb drinks. They were easy to make, sweet and slightly tart, and really refreshing. Since then my little veggie/fruit/herb garden has continued to grow. The herbs, green onions, and rhubarb are almost out of control. I’m wondering how I am going to use everything fast enough.  My dehydrator and freezer might come in handy. For the rhubarb, there was only one thing to be done. Bake. If I had more time and skill, my first … [Read more...]

Chocolate Coconut Cream Cups (V + GF)

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The idea for this recipe was first born around Easter time. I was at Walgreens, which is only 2-blocks away from our house. Convenience at its finest. I was perusing the candy isle when I noticed a bag of chocolate Easter eggs filled with coconut cream. They sounded scrumptious. I was about to purchase a bag until I looked at the ingredient list. The only ingredient with the word coconut in it was coconut flavoring. Umm, no thank you! I refuse to buy chocolates that claim they are filled with … [Read more...]

Cashew Ranch Dip (V + GF)

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  Who doesn’t love dipping a sweet orange carrot into some creamy, garlic-y, herby ranch dressing?  Ranch is the ultimate way to enjoy your fresh cut veggies. Ranch and raw veggies go together like peanut butter and jelly, like strawberries and chocolate. As a kid I wouldn’t touch raw veggies without dipping them into some ranch dressing. I used to drown my salads in the stuff. My poor mom, she wasn’t a fan of the stuff. She knew ranch was packed full of preservatives, a ton of sodium, … [Read more...]

Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Kale Salad (V +GF)

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You guys, I have a new obsession: Lentils! Aside from having lentils in a stew or soup I haven’t experienced them very much until I recently began playing around with them.  Let me tell you, there is so much more to lentils than just soup.   One of the reasons I am really enjoying lentils is because they are the perfect way to incorporate a vegetarian or a vegan meal into your diet. Just 1 cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of dietary fiber, along … [Read more...]

Chocolate Coffee Avocado Pudding (V + GF)

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There are no words to describe how wonderful this dessert is. Seriously, for once I am speechless. I mean, this is food we’re talking about; I always have something to say about food. But not this time. I ask you, what do I say about a dessert that is made from something savory, such as avocados, and is turned into something indulgent, dreamy, and that looks or tastes nothing like its original form?   You have to, HAVE TO promise me that you will try this dessert! That is truly the … [Read more...]

Refried Black Beans

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With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner I have Mexican food on the brain. I love, love, love Mexican food. Really what we get up here in Iowa is more like Americanized Mexican food. Actually it’s Midwestern-ized Mexican food. I have enjoyed my fair share of Mexican food in Texas and it is a whole new world compared to our Mexican food here. Yes, maybe some of it is considered to be more Tex-Mex, but it is probably way closer to the real deal than our food is here. Let’s just say, Texas is … [Read more...]

Easy Crystallized Ginger

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Recently, I have been obsessed with ginger. I have been drinking ginger tea, adding ginger to my smoothies, and eating crystallized/candied ginger. Ginger possesses some wonderful health benefits. Not only is it high in antioxidants, it is also an anti-inflammatory, and helps to stimulate the metabolism and digestion. Plus, it can help fight off the common cold and sooth an upset stomach. (source) I have found that eating crystallized ginger or drinking a cup of ginger tea … [Read more...]