Author Archives: Christy

Nature’s Beauty – Santa Cruz, California

Posted on by

west cliffCome along on a virtual drive down West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California (see video below)!

This is such a beautiful stretch of coast with a great walking/biking trail along the ocean cliffs for about 3 miles – leading from a gorgeous state park at one end…to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf (touristy stuff) at the other end!

Not a shabby place to spend a gorgeous summer day if you ever get a chance!

Instant Chocolate-Banana Pudding (dairy-free)

Posted on by

chocbananapudding2

This recipe is much easier to make in a high-powered blender (like a VitaMix or Blendtec), and the consistency will be much better if you use one of these machines; but a regular blender can get the job done if necessary.

CHECK OUT OUR RECIPES PAGE FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!!!

Makes 2 – 2 1/2 cups (about 4 small servings)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large (or 1 1/2 medium) avocado (about 10 oz total, measured whole – ideally, chilled in fridge*)
  • 2 frozen bananas*

DIRECTIONS:

If you are using a regular blender (not a high-powered VitaMix or Blendtec), set bananas out to thaw a bit – for about 10 minutes. Then, break the bananas each into a few chunks.

Add ingredients to the blender in the order listed above, and blend until smooth.

If you use a standard blender, you will need to stop several times to scrape the sides and push the ingredients down.

We enjoy this best eaten immediately, but you may store it in the fridge for later if you prefer.

*Especially if you are eating the pudding immediately, it’s best to start with VERY cold bananas and avocados, so the pudding will be chilled right away and ready-to-eat! 🙂

CHECK OUT OUR RECIPES PAGE FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!!!

Chipotle Sweet Potato Side Dish

Posted on by

chipotle yams

CHECK OUT OUR RECIPES PAGE FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!!!

OMG! These sweet, smoky and mildly spicy taters are a bit of a pain to make because of all of the dicing involved, but they are sooooooo worth it! Yum!

We especially enjoy these served along side of scrambled eggs in the morning!

Give ’em a try, and let me know what ya think…

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 large sweet potato (about 12 oz.)
  • 1 TBSP cooking oil (we prefer coconut oil)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Chipotle powder, to taste (we prefer Frontier Organic brand) – Use caution if you don’t love spicy food!!!

DIRECTIONS:

Peel and dice potato.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced potatoes and toss to coat in oil.

Cook uncovered until desired tenderness is reached, stirring frequently (about 8 minutes).

Sprinkle with salt and chipotle powder, to taste, and toss to coat evenly.

We particularly enjoy these alongside scrambled or fried eggs for breakfast…or topped with ketchup alongside grilled burgers at dinner!

CHECK OUT OUR RECIPES PAGE FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!!!