Mexican Chocolate Chia Pudding

Contributor Kathy Beymer (also from Merriment Design) and I came up with this recipe together the other night. We wanted a treat without too much time investment and chia puddings are such a delicious, nutrient-rich treat that can be whipped up in 10-15 minutes. I didn’t have raspberries to make my Cardamom Cream Pudding and Kathy was craving chocolate so I thought we could make a remix of my Raw Cacao Avocado Pudding, adding some Mexican spices for a fancy Whole Food of the Month version. We were successful! Feel free to leave out the cinnamon and cayenne if you want a simple chocolate version, or leave out the cinnamon and cayenne and add 1 tsp peppermint extract for a chocolate mint version. Top with bananas or shaved chocolate. And yes, you can have this for breakfast. Yum. Read more…

Valentine’s Day Treats Roundup: Last Minute, Easy Recipes You Can Make Tonight

You may need to hit the grocery store at some point today, but I’ve pulled together some last minute gluten-free and dairy-free recipes to help make your Valentine’s evening a special one—even if it’s last minute. Make this day one to celebrate love for you and for your family (the ones you make and the one you’re born with). I’ve included substitutions for you in case you can’t locate certain ingredients. Happy Valentine’s Day loves! Read more…

Aluminum-Free and Hearty Multi-Bean & Chia Seed Chili

This is one of those recipes that is delicious right away and just tastes better and better with each day. It’s a perfect make-on-Sunday chili since it does take time to prepare. There are no canned ingredients for this recipe (so no dangerous aluminum) and I’ve worked in our Whole Food of the Month—Chia—as well. All ingredients are prepared for optimal nutritional benefits (ie: soaking) but know that your efforts will yield a large batch of I-can’t believe-it’s-vegan chili that will be a household fave from now on. Serve with Gluten-Free Amaranth Jalapeno Bread if you want to take it to the next level. Try it out on the omnivores in your life without telling them it’s a plant-based recipe. I bet they will never know. Read more…

Chickpea Granola Bars

In the afternoons, I always crave something healthy but a tad sweet. Something with ample amounts of protein and natural ingredients, but something reminiscent of my days when I used to grab a chewy granola bar (or four). With a little experimentation, here is my take on a protein packed granola bar that takes no time to make. Play with ingredients to see what you like best (and don’t be afraid of the chickpeas—they work perfectly in this recipe). Read more…

Peppermint Dark Chocolate Chunk Puddle Cookies

I came up with this recipe over the holidaze, but didn’t get a chance to post them. Be sure to put them in the holiday rotation for next year though, these gluten-free, dairy-free cookies taste like a chewier, healthier, heartier version of a Thin Mint—a crowd pleaser as most of us know. I bet they would also make great ice cream sandwich cookies either with Raw Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream—my birthday is coming up and I may just put an order in! This is a super easy recipe so I think my sweetheart can handle it… Read more…

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Chocolate Lava Cakes

It may be kinda obvious that I recently added ramekins to the YumUniverse kitchen—the whole single serving thing is pretty fun. So here’s another way to make guests, Santa, or yourself, feel special with individual goodies. These rich, decadent, gluten-free and dairy-free cakes are perfect for the holidays, especially warm and topped with easy Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream. Read more…

Dairy-Free, Soy-Free Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

This dairy-free, soy-free ice cream recipe is super easy and perfect for the holidays. Stay tuned for the Gluten-Free Chocolate Lava Cake recipe coming tomorrow—serve this ice cream on top of that cake and everyone at your holiday party will be singing the praises of dairy-free ice cream. Best part is you don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy it. I bet Santa would love this! Read more…

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Gluten-free, flour-free and impossibly easy Black Bean Brownies will be your new go-to plant-based dessert fix. They are the perfect gluten-free treat to wow party-goers this holiday season, so be sure to watch the video (after the jump) to get the recipe and to pick up some extra baking tips, too. Read more…