Recipe (vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free).
Around the holidays I often get a craving for mint-chocolate treats. Rather than succumbing to a sugar-laden cookie or coffee drink, I have been experimenting with making my own satisfying, yet extremely healthy treat, full of antioxidants, beneficial fats, and fiber.
Here is my newest creation. Try it and see what you think!
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 3 Tbsp chia seeds 2 Tbsp raw, organic Cocoa powder 1/8 tsp peppermint extract 15 drops of liquid stevia tincture
Combine all into a shaker cup, tumbler, or glass jar with lid, and shake well. (Do not put in blender…you want the chia seeds to remain whole, since they will soak up the liquid becoming soft “pearls” like tapioca.)
Place it in the refrigerator, and let it sit for an hour or more, shaking or stirring occassionally. Enjoy!
Nutrition facts: Calories: 270 Fat: 15.5 g Carbs: 22 g Fiber: 14.5 g Sugar: 1 g Protein: 8 g
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. If you don’t like mint, then skip the mint extract and add some dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or both. Or add a little fresh squeezed orange juice for a chocolate-orange treat. (If you add juice, use less almond milk).
If you don’t like chocolate, use a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spices or apple pie spices instead with raisins and chopped almonds.
You could, theoretically, even make a lemon-lime pudding by squeezing some fresh juice as your main flavoring (again, if you use juice, use less almond milk). Get creative!
Lastly, if you wish to add some plant-based protein, you can add 2 Tbsp of hemp seed protein or another plant-based powder, and 1/4 cup more almond milk.
Happy Holidays!
Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM