Creative Sweets

First off, I’d like to thank everyone for giving me their input. You’re all right! I also talked about it with some more friends and I’m feeling more confident already. Afterall, people can’t read our minds so it’s up to us to put it out there.

The papaya was extra vibrant because I had frozen it–whoa mama!

I had Oikos plain Greek yogurt, one of my favorite granolas (Hawaiian flavor by Udi’s), and Sunland’s banana peanut butter. This was a creamy yet refreshing breakfast with some tartness from the yogurt and sweetness from all of the above.

Hmm… what could be hiding in one of my favorite dishes?
Voila!

I love making things to put in my casserole dish. In this I just mixed some things together I thought would taste very yummy together. I boiled some kale and rinsed it off then massaged it in olive oil and sea salt. I roasted a sweet potato and butternut squash and tossed it in olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Tucked away and nearly forgotten in my lazy Susan was a bag of Bob’s Red Mill 10-grain cereal–love this stuff for savoury things. I finished off the bag since there was a little over a serving left in it. Then I mixed it all in my casserole dish and topped it off with Tofurky’s Kielbasa, sunflower seeds for crunch, and some tamarind-date chutney. This was, to be blunt, amazingly delicious and so satisfying to every square inch of my taste buds. I actually thought of Maya and Eliza when I was eating this because I know they make such wonderful medley dishes!

This breakfast smelled like heaven and tasted like a piece of it too!

I cooked some cream of wheat with a vanilla protein powder I kidnapped from my parents–hey it’s not like they’re using it! I cooked it with half an apple and cinnamon as well. I topped it off with a lot of delicious granola, the rest of the diced apple, Sunland’s caramel peanut butter, and I drizzled it with Apple & Maple syrup. Gosh, I wish I could share the aroma that was wafting through the air from this bowl of comforting goodness. It was a dreary day so this made it a bit brighter and soothed my soul.

My favorite veggie burger plopped happily on a giant bed of kale and corn!

In case you don’t know what my favorite veggie burgers are they’re Sunshine burgers! I still haven’t gotten my hand on the breakfast flavor, but I’ve tried all the others and they all get two thumbs way up. What’s that green gunk?

I made this recipe in forever ago, but I knew this would be perfect for my very ripe avocados.

It’s an avocado-yogurt dip with cumin and it tastes so delicious even by itself… by the spoon full! I put used a little more cilantro than the recipe called for because that’s just how I roll. I love dips, especially if they’re creamy. The first time I made this was for a party we were having at my house and let me tell you–that dip was the first thing to disappear.

I put frozen honeydew melon bits in my tea + more honey.

I love frozen fruits and I am constantly getting them from the freezer throughout the day when I just want something quenching and flavorful. You know what else I love?

Snacking while reading–One Lucky Duck’s Rosemary Quakers are intensely rich in flavor.

That book was actually recommended last semester to me by one of my sculpture professors. Well, I decided to take a class with him again this semester because I think he’s endlessly inspiring and has such a vast amount of knowledge I could just listen to him talk all day. He reminded me of the book and it was funny because I had just glanced at the old post-it note with the book recommendation. Since he didn’t have it on him at the time he said it would be available for me to pick up from his mailbox later in the day. Well I went back later and what’d I find when I cracked the book open? He had written me a note saying that he hopes I enjoy it as much as he did! The book is mine! This means so much to me because I feel like someone sees this potential in me and wants to help me find my direction. When a teacher has faith in you, it’s so encouraging.

Popopop

This time around I tried the original flavor of Popchips. Once again, loved the texture of these chips. They seem like they’re half-way between a crispy thin potato chip and a crunchy rice cracker. This is actually because they neither bake or fry their potatoes. Instead they put enough and heat and pressure to pop them–like popcorn!And these were definitely not too salty.

Dipped in the avocado-yogurt dip of course.

Corn Chowder

I got this recipe from “The Conscious Cook” and I had a feeling it would be delicious because it called for the cashew cream. I love how I can make the cashew cream beforehand and save it for various recipes in the book + my own recipes! Such a versatile thing to have and it gives things a delicious richness, and it’s such a great alternative for making things dairy-free. For instance, with this recipe the cashew cream was used instead of heavy cream. I’ve never had chowder before but I can vouch for this anyway–delectable. This was perfect for my mood because it had been a dreary day and all I wanted was something comforting. I even had barbeque Popchips on the side which actually went really well with the chowder. However, the barbeque Popchips themselves weren’t really that great in flavor. I just wish they were a bit smokier.

I also received a very very very exciting package from a dear friend–can’t thank her enough.

Liz just needs to be a professional surprise party planner or something! These are one of my favorite chocolates and I haven’t been able to try all the flavors out but now I can! Here are the 3400 Phinney flavors (prepare to wipe drool off your mouth in second):

Hazelnut Crunch Milk Chocolate

A generous combination of hazelnut brittle and milk chocolate with just the right touch of salt. Unanimously voted one of our yummiest creations ever by our Theonista tasting panel.

Vanilla Milk Chocolate

A harmonious blend of finely ground Madagascar vanilla bean and milk chocolate.

Chai Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate with a warming blend of chai spices and black tea.

Coconut Curry Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate with toasted coconut and savory curry spices.

Fig, Fennel & Almond Dark Chocolate

Crunchy slivered almonds, sweet chewy figs, and a touch of fennel in rich dark chocolate. Satisfyingly delicious, and a Vegan dream come true!

Nib Brittle Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate with organic roasted cocoa nibs in sweet and crunchy brittle.

Bread and Chocolate Dark Chocolate

An innovative twist on a traditional pairing, featuring dark chocolate with buttery, toasted artisan breadcrumbs and the perfect amount of salt

Coffee Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate and a robust locally-roasted organic, Fair-Trade-Certified™ coffee from Caffé Vita combine to create a full-bodied flavor.

So… is your mouth watering yet?

Speaking of treats, do any of you have any raw vegan dessert cookbook recommendations? I’m looking at you Averie! Just sayin’ you should make a cookbook hehe. Anyway, I find that raw vegan cooking is very rich in flavor and creativity–I love that!  In my life journey I want just continue to expand my cooking knowledge, abilities, and eat delicious food while I’m at it.

27 thoughts on “Creative Sweets

  1. everything looks pretty and yummy~~ I’m specially jealous of your batch of Theo chocolates, they’re the best out there!!!
    happy weekend! :)

  2. I’ve never seen papaya look prettier! It’s mouthwatering…. like the lifetime’s supply of chocolate. WOW. Currently, I have Theo’s Dark Chocolate with Spicy Chile in my fridge. At first, it seems like a really good piece of dark chocolate, then as you get ready to swallow, the spice tingles your taste buds. It’s magical.

  3. OH my gosh my mouth was def watering reading those!!!
    sound amazing!!
    girl- your creations are always amazing.
    i LOVE me some popchips!! sooo good dipped with greek yogurt and salsa mixed too!
    you are awesome girl-have a wonderful weekend

  4. hey katharina[: ah your food never ceases to make me drool, and you never cease to amaze. everything looks so yummy! and popchips are the BEST. chocolate- amazing as well :) have a great saturday night! xoxo sophie

  5. I love the little story about your professor :) I find the potential of a teacher and student relationship to be very inspiring. We all like to be appreciated & recognized!

  6. Ugh, yeah. Definitely needed to wipe away drool after reading about those chocolate bars. I haven’t had my chocolate fix today! Or yesterday.. so I’m feeling a little out of sorts. :P

    I saw those Popchips a few days ago but I didn’t buy them.. now I’m wishing I had. I’m seeing them all over blogs and everyone is raving about how delicious they are.

  7. I adore frozen fruits too! I always have a HUGE Costco sized bag in the freezer at all times.

    Okay, that apple oatmeal breakfast might just be the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I was drooling as I read the description! :) Holy Yum Girl!

    Love, I hope you are having an incredible weekend. I am always thinking about you and wishing you well.

    <3 x0x0x0!

  8. hey lovie :]
    ahh Liz is way too sweet to send you all those yummI chocolates!…but you deserve them ;] hehe they all look amazing, bread and dark chocolate chocolate, ummm omg yum!…that sounds divine!
    love your avcado yo dip looks so gooood ;]

    love you to the moon and back!
    xx
    Eliza

  9. Hey Beautiful gal!!!!!!!!!

    Looks like you are in Chocolate Heaven!!! We need to have a chocolate party and drink the red chocolate wine with it!!!!!! I think it would be a great idea!!!!!!!!

    Oh popchips, I need to try those!! What is the best flavor??

    Casserole Dish is so stinking cute!!! Love it and love what is in it!!!

    Have a beautiful weekend girl!!!!!!!!!!

    love you! xoxo

  10. avocado yoghurt dip?? that sounds fantastic!
    and you do have some very impressive chocolate to review here my dear.i will be looking out for that ;)
    i always steal food from my parents too. sometimes my mum buys some spice just for a certain dish or some veggies and i love stealing some for my meals too ;)
    hihi
    loads of love sweetie

  11. Oh Katharina, you’re too kind with your compliments for me!!!!!!!!! (blushing!) Thank you!!!

    For what I would call out of this world inspiration, I’d go with Sarma’s books or Matthew Kenney. But, for day to day practical, I’d go with Ani Phyo’s Little Book of Desserts. Mind you, Sarma & Matthew, a dehydrator is almost mandatory in most of their stuff whereas with Ani’s, it’s not. AND Ani’s stuff is cheaper and less exotic ingredients needed. I think for your equipment and stage of life, that’s one I’d go with, no doubt. Til I write my book, of course. Kidding!!!!!!!!

    I know Jennifer Cornbleet has a book as does Kristen Suzanne, but I dont have either of their books. ED & BV is vegan, but it’s not gluten free nor is it raw. Veganomicon is great but again, not raw. Ani I think is the dealio.

    As for Miss VG, what an awesome surprise. Drool.

    xoxo
    love you honey!!!!!!

  12. Whoa Mama, indeed!

    Frozen papaya?! Does that really taste alright?!

    As for raw dessert cookbooks, I have to say that Ani Phyo’s definitely takes the cake (pun intended :D ).
    :) cheers
    aletheia

  13. My mouth is definitely drooling, all right! Esp for that Bread and Chocolate Dark Chocolate!!! Wow, with bread! Ooh la la~~

    Loving your casserole dish, too. I wish I had one, I would cook oatmeal in it! :D

  14. Oh my gosh, your posts always make me so hungry!! And I JUST finished a huge bowl of oats :)

    I was never even a fan of papaya growing up but you’ve now sparked my interest! Maybe I should give it another chance…possibly in a yogurt bath with granola and nut butter too!

    And that apple/oat-y/granola-y breakfast sounds right up my alley!!! Ahh please, I need you AND your parents to stock my sorority house’s kitchen asapp! PLEASE :)

  15. CARAMEL PEANUT BUTTER?!?!?!?!?!

    i can’t get over that. at all.

    and liz IS such a dear! those chocolates sound AMAZING, and i cannot wait for your review of each and every one!

    that breakfast with the cream of wheat and toppings is making me so hungry, and i just are lunch! hope you are having a wonderful day my dear :)

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