FOOD

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! 😎

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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

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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)

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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

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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! *

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Lighter; but still tastes like the real thing!

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Enjoy! 😉

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XX Niki

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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..! 😉

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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

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Method:

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

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

*Fingers crossed*

😇

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Bon Appétit!

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

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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.jpgTotal 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

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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…!!😎

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

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🌸🌸🌸

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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…!

IMG_7331.jpgPrep 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

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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

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

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

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

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Almost ready…!

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

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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!!

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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

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Plus our toppings

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Açaí Berry Powder

Method: (suuuper easy!)
  1. Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
  2. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl
  3. Top with desired ingredients
  4. Serve and Enjoy! 😀

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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.

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

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Definitely more than a smoothie!

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xxx N

Avocado Brownies

I know it’s not the right time to post about these hard-to-resist chocolate fudgy brownies and interrupt you from your summer diet plans but I’ve got the the perfect recipe for you!
😎
Try making your favourite and of course guilt-free chocolate brownies by replacing oil or butter with avocados which are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, minerals and more than 20 vitamins.
It may sound strange at first but avocado, with its consistency of healthy fats and creamy texture can incredibly convert your favourite recipe to this delicious, nearly sinless and easy-to-make nutritious dessert!

IMG_8338Prep time: 10′
Cook time: 25′

Ingredients: (makes 10-12)

2 medium avocados (or 1 large)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda

3 eggs

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Method:

  1.  Preheat oven to 175℃

  2.  In a blender combine avocados, maple syrup and vanilla

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3.  Place the mixture into a bowl and whisk in the 3 eggs

  4.  Add flour, cocoa powder and baking soda and stir until the batter is smooth

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  5.  Grease your baking dish with some coconut oil, pour the batter and bake for about 25 minutes

  6.  Let them cool completely and finally cut equally into pieces!

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Bon Appétit!

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Keep Calm and Bake On 🙊

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xxx N

 

 

Cucumber Gin&Tonic Pops

I’m not complaining, but let’s face it. Summer heat came waaay too early this year!!

So, I came down with a super easy and refreshing cocktail recipe that’s gonna surprise you and get you more and more into the mood.

Gin & Tonic fan? Introducing the most summerish and delicious Cucumber Gin & Tonic Frozen Popsicles! The coolest way to fuel summer fun and start your favorite session in style! 😎

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Thumbs Up!

Ingredients: (makes 10)

3 cups tonic water
2 shots of gin
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup cucumber slices
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Method: 

1.  Mix together gin, tonic, brown sugar and lime juice

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2.  Place cucumber slices into popsicle moulds
3.  Pour in the tonic mix

 4. Freeze overnight and enjoy!!

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P.S. Add some mint leaves for extra flavor!

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…Just cool off your summer!!

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🌴 🌴 🌴

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 xxx N

 

Soufflé au Chocolat!

Nutella lover? Soufflé lover? The perfect combo: introducing the heavenly Soufflé de Nutella!

Be sure that a hot and well-risen soufflé, fresh from the oven, will always delight your guests. But in this case, when Nutella shows up, trust me, everybody’s gonna truuuly fall for it!!

Remember: It’s ALL about timing! You have to take them out of the oven just at the right moment. The center should be still molten and gooey, though the texture fluffy and airy. When ready, sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar and of course serve them à la minute!

P.S. Despite its reputation, this dessert is actually quick & easy to make! It always works.

IMG_5212Total time: 25’
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 tsp sugar
Butter
Cocoa powder

1/2 cup of Nutella

Just give it a try. . . !

 

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Method:

  1.   Preheat the oven to 190C

  2.   You will need 2 bowls.
          Bowl 1: Mix the Nutella with egg yolks
          Bowl 2: Beat egg whites with sugar till stiff

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Bowl 1 & 2

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3.  Combine the 2 mixtures using a spatula

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4.  Grease the ramequins with butter and lightly dust them with some cocoa powder

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5.  Evenly distribute the mixture into the ramequins

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6.  Finally, bake for 15 to 17 minutes and SERVE IMMEDIATELY!!!

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Seriously, it’s delicious!!!

“Le souffle n’attend pas, on attend le soufflé.” 

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Who wants a bite?

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Yuuuummm…!

xxx N

Hawaiian Green Smoothie

After trying many different recipes for the “perfect” green smoothie, I finally ended up with my favourite one that provides plenty of nutrients and vitamins combined with an amazing taste. It’s something that can naturally boost your energy and improve your way of living.

Introducing my beloved “Hawaiian Green Smoothie” recipe that can actually be enjoyed either as a wake-up tonic or an afternoon refresher.

Trust me, it’s “rawesome” and aaall you need to get started is a blender!

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Total time: 5′ (serves 1)

Here are the INGREDIENTS that are gonna supercharge your smoothie:

2 clementines, peeled
1 banana
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup water

2 tbsp flaxseeds

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Method:

 1.  Peel and cut in small slices all of the ingredients

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Preps

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2.  Combine them into the blender in the following order

(PSST!! Add some ice too!)
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3.  Blend until smooth

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4.  Pour into a mason jar and GET READY to enjoy!! 😃

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One sip of this and you won’t be disappointed! 😎

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Love Cookies

Surprise your Valentine with the most tempting cookies in the whole world; butter cookies. It’s an extremely easy and yummy recipe so just try make some time for it.

As it’s February, the month of love, I decided to heart-shape them and decorate them with all of my love. 😋 So… Simple and cute butter cookies, all topped with royal icing. Couldn’t be better!

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Preparation time: 20’
Cook: 20’

Ingredients: (makes 45 mini or 22 large cookies)

220g butter, chilled
150g white sugar
270g all-purpose flour
50g custard powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

Here’s everything you’ll need . . . 

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Method:

1.  Put the butter and sugar in a food processor and pulse until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs

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2.  Add flour, custard powder, vanilla extract and the egg and mix thoroughly

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3.  On a lightly floured surface, bring the dough together and form it into 2 flat rounds

4.  Wrap in cling films and chill for 30’, while you preheat the oven to 160C

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5.  Now roll the dough rounds out on a floured surface and shape them with a cookie cutter. When ready, lay them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

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6.  Finally, bake at 160C for 20 minutes while you prepare the toppings!

For the Royal Icing you’ll need:

2 cups of powdered sugar
The whites of 2 eggs
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
And of course, some food colouring

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Don’t panic, it’s easy:

  • In a large bowl combine the egg whites and lemon juice and start mixing
  • Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until incorporated
  • And now just add some food colouring, if desired…

Ready!!!

IMG_1109  C A U T I O N ! ! !

* These cookies are made with Love!  *

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A sweet way to say “I love you”!