Raw Carob Dessert

Hi everyone!  Let’s give it up for Junia, as she has decided to let me use her post as a sweet Thanksgiving recap.

Quinoa with Roasted Grapes and Brussel Sprouts

Isn’t Thanksgiving such a charm this year?
I just love it.

at your dining table.

Quinoa with Roasted Grapes and Brussel Sprouts
Adapted from recipe found Whole Living (November 2011)
2 cups of brussel sprouts, halved without stems
1 cup red grapes, halved
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup dry quinoa
2 cups + 1/4 cup water
2 tbsp almond flour
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of sea salt
handful of pecans

Directions:
1. Cut the bottom stems off of the brussel sprouts. Then cut them in half.  Slice the grapes in half as well.
2. Toss brussel sprouts and grapes in 1 tbsp of EVOO.
3. Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Take out the grapes after 10 minutes.
4. Cook quinoa with water until the water is well absorbed. Let it cool.
5. Toss quinoa with almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, sea salt, and 1 tbsp of EVOO.  Add grapes, brussel sprouts, and pecans.

Thanks for sharing Junia!  I am so grateful to have met amazing friends like you!  And I truly mean that by the way.  You are such a caring, compassionate, and kind young woman–and that inspires me more than you could ever imagine. 

**************

As of late, Greg has been feeling really ill due to various factors (but it’s not actually a cold).   Aww….makes me sad that Buggaboo Punkin isn’t well.

Okay, you probably have figured out that this isn’t Greg.  That’s Finnigan from the movie Tangled.  I may be overreacting, but doesn’t he look just like Greg?!  They especially look alike when Greg makes that same inquisitive expression.  Have you seen this film, by the way?  It’s so funny and adorable all at the same time.  I love it!

Hmmm well, Greg is much more handsome.  But there are some similarities there, teehee.  Also, I just used this as an excuse to bring back old memories–plus, I happen to like this picture of us!

Come on… *crosses arms* don’t tell me you don’t enjoy looking back at old photos–I know what you were doing last night!

So, coming back from that royal tangent…

The main culprit for Greg’s sickness is physical and mental stress, since he will be graduating in just about 2 weeks from now.  Sometimes, I just wish I could do so much more to help him, especially during times like these.

And although I can’t do everything that a “perfect fiancee” is capable of, I realize that there a few things that I can actually do for him:

• Edit his papers
• Cook
• Bake delicious and healthy treats
• Most importantly, fight for him through intercessory prayer!

This also brings me to a very important recipe.  It is one of those that look sinfully decadent, but sure to kick any kind of sickness away.  This recipe was inspired by the lovely Hannah who just never fails to make me laugh!   Thank you, sista.

Healthy Carob Squares with Avocado Frosting *raw*

Slight adapted from Hannah

Ingredients for bars:

• 1/2 C toasted whole rolled oats (toasting is optional)
• 1/2 C pitted Medjool dates
• 1/2 C almond butter
• 1/4 C carob powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (or regular)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 TBSP pure maple syrup

Ingredients for frosting:

• 1.5 avocado flesh
• 2 TBSP pure maple syrup
• pinch of salt+1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 TBSP almond butter
• 2 TBSP carob powder
• 2 tsp coconut oil (optional for slight hardening)

Directions:

1.)  In a food processor or Vitamix, process the Medjool dates until they turn into a pasty consistency.  Now add the rest of the ingredients and whirl away until everything is thoroughly incorporated.  Stop and scrape the sides with a rubber spatula, as needed.

2.)  Line a 9×9″ baking pan with foil or parchment paper.  Then pour the meal-like mixture into the pan and flatten it out with your hands or the rubber spatula.

3.)  Clean the residue inside the processor.  Afterwards, add all of the ingredients from the frosting list and mix it until it becomes smooth and silky.

4.)  Again, with the rubber spatula, gently spread the frosting on top of the “crust” and sprinkle with almonds.  You can freeze it for a few minutes (if you can’t wait) or refrigerate it for a longer period of time. It is finished.

I realize that the idea of putting avocado in a dessert may scare some of you, but let me share a little testimony first.

As soon as my dad put these raw treats in his mouth, he became instantly addicted.  Every now and then I catch him sneaking in bites from the fridge, and this is coming from my dad who usually bad mouths “healthy” foods.

And if this picture doesn’t convince you, then I really don’t know what will.

I’ve been having lots of fun incorporating leftover turkey into interesting dishes.

Can you guess what it is?

I hope you have a beautiful Monday and stay warm, y’all.

Do you look like a particular cartoon character?  Or somebody you know does, perhaps?

-Errmmm..I guess the character I resemble the most would be Mulan, since I’m Asian?

What’s your favorite “strange” healthy ingredient?

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: avocado, brussel sprouts, carob, characters, dates, guest post, prayer, quinoa recipe, raw desserts, sickness, Tangled the movie, Thanksgiving