Raw Vanilla Agave Nectar

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When I open a vanilla bean, I like to use the pod once the seeds are removed. The vanilla pod is still incredibly fragrant and makes a simple, delicious raw vanilla agave. Of course, you can use a fresh cut pod, with seeds too, for even more intense vanilla flavor.

Use your raw vanilla agave nectar in Rooibos Tea, Raw Hot Chocolate, Raw Dairy-Free Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream or any other recipe that would benefit from a hint of natural vanilla sweetness. Make sure to purchase your vanilla agave from a trusted source to make sure it is a high quality, raw product. Sadly, there are quite a few companies out there selling fraudulent, low-quality agave under the guise of “healthy.”

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Banana Hemp Protein Bars

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These bars use the banana and nut base from the Amaranth Hemp Protein Poppers recipe. They are a delicious, protein-filled bar to keep with you in your kitchen, office, handbag or car so when hunger hits, you have a healthy option ready for you. You can individually wrap them in parchment paper and store them in an airtight container in your fridge or freezer. They are also a great post-workout snack. Read more…

Raw or Baked: Sweet Potato Chips

Raw Sweet Potato Chips

Behold! Guilt-free, Sweet Potato Chips—one of my favorite recipes. You can prepare these crunchy chips two ways, either enzyme-rich, dehydrated and raw, or baked at a low temp in the oven. Read more…

Amaranth Hemp Protein Poppers

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Inspired by Brendan Brazier’s use of popped amaranth grain in some of his THRIVE recipes, I created this bite-sized protein popper which is great for kids and people on-the-go. Popped amaranth is similar in smell and taste to popcorn, yet micro-adorable in size. It pairs deliciously with buttery nuts and sweet banana. You can store poppers in an airtight glass container in your refrigerator, freezer or you can dehydrate them and keep them in your pantry. Amaranth Hemp Protein Poppers are a great snack to keep with you in your kitchen, office, handbag or car so when hunger hits, you have a healthy option ready for you. Read more…

Raw Hot Chocolate with Cream and Hot Fudge

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I came up with this recipe on Christmas Day, and while I got “fancy” with it—making a Cashew Macadamia Cream and Hot Fudge Drizzle for the top—I know it would be just as tasty without those extras if you would prefer a simple mug of Raw Hot Chocolate. Try a batch with cinnamon, cayenne, fresh mint, nutmeg or vanilla. Experiment and make it yours. Read more…

Raw Dairy-Free Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream

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This raw, non-dairy ice cream recipe tastes just like a cinnamon bun with vanilla icing. It is so yummy, that didn’t last two days in my freezer and I’m not ashamed about that. Why? Because it is super hydrating and full of live, beneficial (yes, good for you) fats and natural sugars. While I recommend an ice cream maker for proper aeration, you don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy this super creamy recipe. Read more…

Coconut Water Ice Cubes

Super simple to make and so nice to have on hand—coconut water ice cubes can be used to jazz up and supercharge smoothies, pre- and post-workout drinks, ice cream shakes, and yes, of course, cocktails. Not only are coconut water ice cubes sweeter than water, they contain the five essential electrolytes your body needs to keep nerves firing, muscles moving and stress managed. 11 ounces of coconut water contains more potassium than a banana—15 times more than most sports drinks (which are full of HFCS, blech). Coconut water prevents cramping, hydrates and promotes recovery—naturally. It is also one of the greatest hangover cures ever. Try coconut water ice cubes in our vanilla-minty Raw ShamWOW Shake. Read more…

Raw Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream

This raw, dairy-free vanilla ice cream recipe is delicious on it’s own and it makes a perfect base for many other YumUniverse ice cream recipes like Raw Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream and Raw Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream. It is definitely a treat that is enjoyed by vegans and dairy-lovers alike. I almost always hear “I can’t believe that there’s no dairy in this, it’s so creamy—it tastes like real ice cream.” High-five. Read more…

Raw Banana Parfait with Crumble Topping

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I was raised on sweets. My grandparents had a colossal candy cabinet and bowls of colorful sugary goodness all over the house. It’s almost part of my DNA—the sweets. So even though I have shifted into a greater awareness of what I put into my body, there is no need to completely ignore my old pal, Mr. Sweet Tooth. I have played around for a few days and finally Frankensteined this Banana Pudding Parfait (cue the lightning bolt). This recipe incorporates all natural, enzyme-rich ingredients that your body wants, including natural sugars, so take any guilt and kick it out the door. Read more…