Posts Tagged ‘Chocolate’

Sugar-free Dairy-free Chocolate Ice Cream

Posted 25 Apr, 2010 in Dessert, Recipes, Summer [ 5 Comments ]

I’ve been having major cravings for ice cream. Maybe it’s because summer is on its way out and I’m trying to hold onto the last bits of summer in denial of winter’s arrival. I bought an ice cream maker earlier this year and have tried a few recipes but without much success. I posted a recipe here, which tastes good but still requires a whole cup of sugar.

I’m not interested in the traditional ice cream recipes where I have to create a custard using egg yolks and cream as it’s just too time consuming. This recipe for a Sugar-free Dairy-free Chocolate Ice Cream is super easy to make and completely natural. It uses full fat coconut milk for the custard and frozen bananas with a bit of stevia as a substitute for sugar. Bananas are naturally high in sugar and although it’s not ideal to consume too much fructose, I think this recipe is a nice compromise for satisfying my ice cream cravings in a less processed manner than commercially manufactured ice creams.

I always keep a supply of frozen peeled bananas along with my ice cream maker’s freezer bowl in the freezer which makes it easy to whip up a quick batch of ice cream whenever I’m in the mood.

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Sugar-free Dairy-free Chocolate Ice Cream

2.5 cups full fat coconut milk chilled
2 frozen bananas chopped
3 tbs cocoa powder
1 tsp real vanilla extract
5 drops of stevia (more or less to your liking)
1 tbs vodka

  1. Blend all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Pour into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

Makes 4 servings.

Chocolate Avocado Smoothie with Coconut

Posted 20 Mar, 2010 in Beverages, Recipes, Summer [ 8 Comments ]

I have been crazy busy at work during the last few weeks.  So busy that I haven’t had much time to take a break or even leave the office.  My job can be quite consuming and I know it’s important for me to take a break to balance myself.  But I don’t always get the opportunity to do this.

When I do work long hours without taking a proper break, I find that I have very little desire to come home and make dinner.  I just want to eat something quick and filling.  Rather than going out for take aways or fast food, I’ve been making myself this Chocolate Avocado Smoothie with Coconut for dinner.

It’s not ideal replacing a sit down meal with a smoothie but sometimes you just don’t have the energy or the time for a proper meal.  This smoothie is a great meal replacement as it is satisfying and healthy.  The frozen avocado and banana gives the smoothie a thick and creamy consistency without the addition of milk. The coconut gives it a nutty taste.

The smoothie also contains chocolate whey protein powder which isn’t whole food but is a good supplement to boost your protein intake.  You can get a good overview on choosing the right whey protein and how it is made at the following links:

I punched in the numbers in Calorieking and it comes out at 334 calories, 18 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrate and 3.9 grams of fiber.

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Chocolate Avocado Smoothie with Coconut

2 cups cold water
1/2 cup ice
1/2 avocado- ripe, peeled, and frozen
1/2 banana- ripe, peeled and frozen
30 grams chocolate whey protein powder
1 tbs cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs unsweetened dessicated coconut

  1. Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender.
  2. Sprinkle coconut and enjoy.

Makes ~3 cups of a very filling smoothie.

No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bars

Posted 4 Mar, 2010 in Recipes, Snacks [ 4 Comments ]

When I was at University, I had a lot of leisure time which I took for granted. Now that I’m working full time, I just don’t have that kind of luxury. I have one of those jobs where I’m constantly rushing around trying to get things done whilst staying on top of meetings and phone calls. Needless to say, I don’t get to take regular breaks during the day.

I’m one of those people who like to eat smaller meals throughout the day. This works with my schedule as I don’t always get the chance to take a proper lunch break. Lately, I’ve been snacking on store bought snack bars of various kinds. They’re quick and easy but full of additives and can be quite expensive.  So I decided to have a go at making my own snack bars.

I really like this peanut butter and chocolate snack bar as it only has a few ingredients, requires no baking, and keeps me going until dinner.

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No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bars

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 cups Special K cereal
40 grams dark chocolate
3 tbs hot water
1 tbs milk

  1. Mix peanut butter with the hot water to achieve a runny consistency.
  2. Stir in the Special K cereal.
  3. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and mix into the cereal mix.
  4. Add in 1 tbs milk to make everything stick.
  5. Line a loaf pan with baking or parchment paper.
  6. Press the cereal mix firmly into the loan pan.
  7. Freeze for 1 hour.
  8. Cut into 5 equal size bars.
  9. Store the bars in the freezer.