C&C in the Kitchen

When I saw this recipe on Making Thyme for Health for Flourless Vegan Gluten-free Double Chocolate Banana Bread I knew I had to try it.

Here's what her bread looked like.

And here's mine!

Truth be told, in the chaos of baking with two first graders, we completely forgot the coconut oil, but it turned out totally fine. I did add slightly more almond milk to the blender which was likely to compensate for less liquid.

And there is also a recipe for a plain version that is next on my list (here). Try them both! You won't be sorry!

Flourless Vegan Gluten-free Double Chocolate Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS:
2 medium-size ripe bananas
1/4 cup Almond milk
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 and 3/4 + 1/2 cup rolled oats, divided
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:
Grease or line a loaf pan then preheat the oven to 350°F.

Starting with the bananas and working down to the list to the melted coconut oil, place all of the ingredients (except for 1/2 cup rolled oats and dark chocolate chips) in a blender. Blend on high for about 10 seconds, until a smooth batter forms. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth. You don’t want to over blend the batter or it could become gummy.

Add the remaining oats and the chocolate chips to the blender and stir everything together with a spoon. (I didn't add the extra oats and layered in the chocolate chips once I poured it into the pan). Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. A knife should come out clean when you stick it into the center of the loaf.

Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

C&C in the Kitchen

Over the weekend I hosted a "Fashion First Aid" party at my house. I had some ladies over for afternoon snacks and beverages. More to come on the purpose of the party in another post, but in the meantime, prepare yourself to salivate....because the two recipes I am about to share are not just good, they are amazing! And an extra bonus, both are healthy-ish, meaning no refined sugar!

Let me start with the most perfect gluten free, vegan summer dessert, the Summer Fruit Pizza. The crust is made with nuts, honey, golden raisins and dates, the sauce with raspberries and lemon juice, and the cheese with cashews, lemon juice and honey. The recipe called for Stevia, but I substituted honey and it worked perfectly.

This pizza/tart may look complicated, but it took me less than 20 minutes to make. 

You can choose any type of fruit. We love berries in our house!

It was definitely a crowd pleaser. I will be making this dessert again, and again and again. It was THAT good! 

The next recipe is also crazy good. There's a reason they are called the "Best Ever Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Bars." It's nearly impossible to eat just one, or even two. 

The recipe source (moneysaving mom) took a more appetizing photo than I did. 

But I guarantee mine tasted just as good. 

These are a great brownie or cookie alternative for anyone that likes peanut butter and chocolate. 

I suggest you try both as soon as possible! You won't regret it! 

Products We Love: Zico

I've got a wicked sweet tooth - more like a mouth full of sweet teeth. And it's definitely an effort of crazy self-restraint to keep it in check. A friend recently introduced me to Zico chocolate coconut water, and let me tell you, my sweet teeth and I, we're SOLD. 

It's like chocolate milk…but not…it's better! It's the perfect solution to my 3:00 craving to raid every candy jar at work. I buy mine at Trader Joe's, right by the almond milk. I'm hoping Costco has it too! Make sure to drink it well-refrigerated. 

Next up on my list, try this delicious smoothie recipe from their website. I think I'd substitute the vanilla protein powder for some spinach. Gotta get your greens! 

Any Zico drinkers out there? 

Products We Love

Chocolate and Instagram are two of my most favorite things, so any company that puts the two together is worth mentioning.

Meet Cocoagraph. They take your favorite photos and put them on your favorite chocolate, you choose the type...Dark is my flavor of choice.

Here's a quick little video to show you how it works.



These would make great wedding party favors, holiday gifts, stocking stuffers or a wonderfully personable Valentine's Day present. This is the perfect gift for the person in your life that is hard to shop for but loves chocolate! Who doesn't like a gift that is both thoughtful and delicious?