Author: TASTEOFMIND

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait

As you may already know, skipping a dessert might not always be good for your health as there are plenty of reasons we all crave for it; the point is to find the right way to replace all the unhealthy ingredients with natural alternatives that can nourish both your body and mind.

Time to present these top-listed jars full of deliciousness! A healthier and no-bake version of your favourite dessert, extra low in fat that maintains the magical “cheesecake feeling”.
In less than 15 minutes you’ll have this “red and white beauty” ready to enjoy with no guilt! Cause a light snack during the day can instantly change your mood and boost up your energy! 😎

Total time: 15′

Ingredients: (serves 4)

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

1 cup 0% thick greek yogurt

1/2 cup 0% cream cheese

1 cup granola (low fat & sugarfree)

8 brazilian nuts

3 tbsp lemon juice

3 tbsp honey

2 tsp salt

Method: (Super easy..!)

1. Blend the granola and add the crumbs to the bottom of the jar (use a spoon to pack it down firmly)

2. For the cheesy mixture, add in to a food processor the yogurt, nuts, lemon, honey and salt and blend till smooth; then place it over the crumbs

3. Finally, compress the raspberries and top them at the last layer of the jar

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* Garnish with all kinds of berries; blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries etc., some fresh leaves of mint and coconut chips! *

Lighter; but still tastes like the real thing!

Enjoy! 😉

XX Niki

Blueberry Banana Bread

Already tired of eating every single day your typical and in fact basic whole wheat bread? Spice up your life with this alternative “bread” recipe that’s filled with fresh blueberries and, trust me, you won’t be disappointed! The replacement of oil to bananas allows you to cut back on the fat and enjoy your snack with no guilt! Keep in mind that it’s naturally sweetened with fruit and honey but the moist is still there due to the consistency of juicy blueberries. Perfect for an energy-filled breakfast or even for a light and on-the-go snack during the day. Give it a try; delicious but in the same time healthy and super-easy to make..! 😉

Prep time: 5′
Cook time: 40′

Ingredients: (makes a loaf)

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 bananas (mashed)
1/2 cup wild blueberries
2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt
1 egg (optional)
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt

Method:

Preheat the oven to 160°C
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt
In a separate bowl whisk together the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Stir in the mashed bananas, yogurt and honey
Add your new mixture in the flour-bowl and stir until incorporated
Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, and the mixture is now ready!

7. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 160°C for 40′

Fingers crossed

😇

Bon Appétit!

P.S. Serve with frozen blueberries on the side!

XX Niki

Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia’s capital and its largest city at the same time successfully achieved to recover in a really small time after the various and tough disasters of the Second World War. Spread along the River of Sava, the reborn city of Belgrade offers an outstanding nightlife, proven to be one of the most intense and alive in all Balkans! The magical sceneries of the river and the diversity of all the vibrant places will definitely convince you to visit this city once in a while. Get out of the ordinary and explore the city on foot! There are a lot of attractions to discover behind the hustle and bustle of the busy roads; sights, fortresses, museums, green parks and many interesting churches.
Check out the ‘musts’ and indisputably plan your trip to Belgrade! 😉

Belgrade Travel Blog Post church street sights.jpg

Must-Visit: Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park, Nikola Tesla Museum, Salon of the Museum of Contemporary Art

Must-Dine: Sakura, Casa Nova, Toro Latin Gastrobar, and of course,

Must-Party at: Club 94, Club Lasta, Shake ’n’ Shake, Dragstor Play Club

Belgrade Travel Blog Post sightseeing.jpg

Post of Serbia

Traditional Serbian Bread Sticks

Karlja Milana Street

Belgrade Travel Blog Post sights street.jpg

Wandering around the Old City

Rosé hour @Azbuka Jazz Club

belgrade-travel-blog-post-breathtaking-view

Belgrade from above

belgrade-travel-blog-post-sava-river-view

River view from Shake ‘n’ Shake

belgrade-travel-blog-post-sakura-food-sushi

SAKURA (Asian Cuisine)

belgrade-travel-blog-post-novi-sad-exit-festival-party

Maceo Plex @EXIT! Festival in Novi Sad

XX Niki

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

No bake & really easy to make! In less than 10 minutes of preparation these delicious and guilt-free energy bites are gonna give you the right boost to keep you going through the day. The best energy-filled snack for you to have before your workout session or even for your breakfast. Good for a quick snack and undoubtedly the best cure for your late night cravings. Don’t forget that healthy snacks like these should always be included into your daily eating habits.

They might taste more like a dessert but keep in mind that they’re loaded with protein, fiber and lots of healthy fats. Are you ready to get away from your everyday snacking routine and try something… different? 😉

Peanut butter energy bites healthy snack food.jpg Total time: 10′

Ingredients: (makes about 25 bites)

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup ground flax seeds

1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes (optional)

2 tbsp honey

Peanut butter energy bites healthy snack food preparation.jpg

Method: (suuuper easy!)

1. Combine all 5 ingredients into a medium bowl

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2. Stir until they’re thoroughly mixed

3. Cover and let freeze for 10’ so that they’re easier to roll (optional)

4. Start rolling..!!

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Bon Appétit…!!😎

You can store them in your refrigerator for up to a week!

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🌸🌸🌸

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XX Niki

Monaco, Monte-Carlo

The glamour of the big wide world is magically compressed in the second smallest country of the planet and, trust me, it’s as dreamy as it gets. Welcome to Principauté de Monaco!
Palm trees, luxurious yachts as big as mansions, narrow streets and breathtaking views from every single angle. Best-known for its Casino and its legendary F1 Grand Prix circuit which is laid out on the city streets of Monte Carlo.
The ultimate destination to experience lifestyle to another level! Exclusive cuisines of the world, crazy midday parties and an outstanding nightlife for the brave ones!
The “Place du Casino” is considered to be the hot-spot of Monte Carlo, a neoclassical quarter touched by a glimpse of modernity, which is surrounded by haute couture boutiques (Les Pavillons), the prestigious Hôtel de Paris, The Casino and other remarkable bar-restaurants. Couldn’t get any better..!

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✌ Must-Visit: Jardin Exotique de Monaco, Les Pavillons, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Oceanographic Museum, Hercules Port
✌ Must-Dine: Buddha Bar, Café de Paris, Nobu, Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse (Three Michelin Stars), Le Vistamar (A Michelin Star)
✌ Must-Party at: Jimmy’z Sporting Night Club, The Living Room Club, TWIGA, Nikki Beach

Breathtaking View from Fairmont

Crystal Terrace @Hôtel Hermitage

Port Hercules

The Fairmont Hairpin // F1 Grand Prix

Musée Océanographique

Les Pavillons @Place du Casino

Golden hour @Nobu at Fairmont

Nikki Beach

Buddha-Bar

The world famous Casino de Monte-Carlo

XX Niki

Coconut Black Rice Pudding

I have to admit it. I’m not a big fan of rice pudding, but when it comes to a coconut-included recipe I just can’t resist.
Some days ago I was out for brunch so I decided to have a Black Rice Pudding dish which I was told that is a traditional Thai dessert, also known as “kao neow dahm”. I had NO idea what that meant, but the thing is that it was truly delicious and in fact it inspired me to make my own recipe at home.
Super easy, gluten-free and veeeery coconut-ty! Great for a quick and healthy breakfast, brunch or even a dessert. Creamy, sweet & fruity. It will surely amaze you and give you a rush of good energy…!

Prep time: 5′
Cook time: 20′

Ingredients: (serves 4)
1 cup black rice
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
1 pinch of salt

Fruits, nuts and seeds to accompany your pudding: mango, passion fruit, pomegranate, banana, strawberries, pineapple, coconut flakes, goji berries

Method:

1. Place rice in a medium saucepan and mix with coconut milk, sugar, salt and the indicated amount of water
2. Boil until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed
3. Add the maple syrup and stir
4. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare your toppings

*Top it with some chopped fruit and a sprinkle of nuts to increase the amount of protein.

5. Place the pudding into a bowl and cover it with your desired toppings

6. Serve and pour over a small amount of warmed coconut milk and maple syrup

Almost ready…!

7. Take a spoon, stir and get ready to ENJOY!!

XX Niki

Saint-Tropez

Located on the French Riviera and best known for its crazy beach parties, St. Tropez is still ranked as one of the top visited jet-setter destinations.

There’s a glamour in this charming little old town. A class that’s still there, that still remains ever since the early ’60s. Its picturesque pastel-colored houses and its narrow cobbled lanes will definitely make you fall in love.❤️ This place has a unique atmosphere which is indeed filled with good vibes. The beach clubs will leave you speechless and the nightlife plus the restaurants are absolutely going to amaze you!

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Highlights: The Saturday evening parties at Nikki Beach, the sunset views from the port with pink cotton skies & some glasses of rosé wine at Café de Paris, the walks around the area of Place des Lices, Rue Gambetta and Rue Allard – a.k.a. “The Golden Triangle” (local markets and chic shopping streets), the dinner events at L’Opéra club-restaurant and the midnight dance parties at VIP Room!

Must Visit: Café Sénéquier, Café de Paris, Le Club 55, Nikki Beach, L’Opéra, VIP Room.

Welcome to St-Tropez..!!!

Ladurée

Port de Saint-Tropez

Dior des Lices

Party time @Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach

Plage de Pampelonne

The Old Port

Pink skies

XX Niki

Mykonos Island

No matter how many times you’ve been to this island, you’ll always admire the real “sight” in front of your eyes. One of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece and best-known for its serious nightlife affair with lots of drinks and loud music till the sunrise. Mykonos— a Gem of an island. The island will definitely keep you busy through the day after topping up your tan at its beautiful beaches and tasting its international cuisine. You’ll never want to miss enjoying the romantic and never-ending sunset along with your favourite summerish cocktails. 🍸

By far ranked as one of my top-loved Greek Islands due to the fact that it offers the ultimate combination of relaxation and party life at the same time! ‘Cause we like to party…!

Buddha-Bar @Santa Marina

The view @Ornos

Panormos Beach

Rakkan Beach/Bar/Restaurant

Solymar

White noise

Mykonos Town

Ftelia Beach

Mykonos Bay

Enjoying the sunset at the party @Alemàgou

Santa Marina Hotel

XX Niki

Açaí Bowl

Welcoming June with these delicious & refreshing tropical Αçaí Βowls…! Wild-harvested from the heart of the Amazon, açaí berries (pronounced “ah-sa-ee”), are considered to be one of the top ranked superfoods, due to their incredible antioxidant properties. This is basically the alternative South American recipe for a more special and interesting thick berry smoothie, enjoyed with a spoon and topped with a whole host of nutritious ingredients. And here’s where the real fun begins! The options for your toppings can be only limited by your own imagination!…
You find it crazy? Don’t be skeptical! This superfood açaí bowl will give you the absolute boost to get you going through the day. Just give it a try; I guess there must be a good reason for them becoming nowadays so trendy and gaining a notable popularity worldwide!!

Prep time: 5′

Ingredients: (makes 1 bowl)

1 frozen banana

1 cup fresh strawberries

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 tbsp of açaí berry powder

Plus our toppings

Açaí Berry Powder

Method: (suuuper easy!)

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl
Top with desired ingredients
Serve and Enjoy! 😀

My toppings:
Chia seeds
Goji berries
Raspberries
Coconut
Banana
Kiwi, and…

I would highly recommend these #truly, #madly and “Cereously Healthy” organic cereals by Joice Foods.

You can also double your ingredients for an extra large bowl! 😜

Definitely more than a smoothie!

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xxx N

Skopelos Island

Skopelos island. A real oasis of relaxation. With crystal clear deep blue waters, the island itself is characterized as a natural painting. The numerous verdant green hills down to the sea level, the sharp rocks and the pebble beaches all come together to create a canvas of the indescribable Aegean beauty. Marvellous picturesque landscapes, charming little white-washed houses, peace– and quiet. Couldn’t get any better. A wisely chosen filming location for the world-famous musical, Mamma Mia! 😉