Vegan Smoked Almond Dark Chocolate Turtles and Caramel

Enjoy these vegan dark chocolate turtles with smoked almonds and caramel for a tasty treat. Roasted almonds are covered in a rich homemade caramel, then dipped in dark chocolate and topped with smoked almonds. The flavors and textures make it impossible to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Start by heating the oven to 350F 175C

Place the almonds on a baking sheet and roast them for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are just barely toasty

Allow them to totally cool down

In the meantime, use a double boiler or the microwave to melt the dark chocolate chips, stirring every so often until the mixture is smooth

To make a sticky caramel-like sauce, put pitted dates, almond butter, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a food processor and blend them together

Put a small amount of the caramel mixture on each almond and press it down so that it forms a turtle shape

Put the caramel almond turtles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes to make them firm

As soon as the turtles are hard, dip each one in the melted chocolate so that they are all covered

Put them back on the baking paper

While the chocolate is still wet, put some smoked almonds on top of each turtle

Put it back in the fridge for another 10 to 15 minutes so the chocolate sets

Keep in the fridge in a container that won't let air in until you're ready to serve

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Salad with Bacon

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Salad with Bacon is a delicious and satisfying salad that combines the flavors of spinach, artichoke, chicken, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat

Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled bacon, and shredded Parmesan cheese

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing

Add the sliced chicken to the salad bowl

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Meyer Lemon Cream Donuts

Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these Meyer Lemon Cream Donuts are a delightfully citrusy treat. The Meyer lemon zest and juice give the fluffy, creamy donuts a zesty, bright flavor. They come together quickly and vanish even faster!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
• 2 tsp Meyer lemon zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt

In another bowl, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, Meyer lemon zest, eggs, melted unsalted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined

Do not overmix

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350F 175C

Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, frying a few at a time, until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side

Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels

Dust the warm Meyer Lemon Cream Donuts with powdered sugar

Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate Blood Orange Vegan Tart

Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and the vibrant citrusy notes of blood orange in this decadent vegan tart. With a gluten-free almond flour crust and a creamy cashew-based filling, it's a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• Zest of 2 blood oranges
• Juice of 2 blood oranges
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Blood orange slices, for garnish
• Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions:

Put almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and blend them together

Run the machine until the mixture comes together

Fill a tart pan with the dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides

Put it in the freezer to set while you make the filling

Soak cashews in water, then add coconut cream, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, blood orange zest, blood orange juice, and vanilla extract

Blend until smooth

Mix until it's creamy and smooth

Put the filling into the crust that has been prepared

A spatula can be used to make the top smooth

Put it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it's firm

Add blood orange slices and cocoa powder to the top once it's set before serving

Sparkling Orange Slush

A refreshing and tangy slushy cocktail with the vibrant flavors of orange and lemon, topped with sparkling water for a fizzy kick. Perfect for cooling down on hot days or as a delightful party drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

In a blender, combine orange juice, sugar, and lemon juice

Blend until sugar is dissolved

Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid

Once frozen, add the orange juice ice cubes to a blender and blend until slushy

Divide the slush evenly into glasses

Top each glass with sparkling water

Garnish with orange slices and serve immediately

Gluten-Free S'mores Pancakes

Indulge in the delicious flavors of classic s'mores with these gluten-free pancakes. Perfect for a weekend breakfast treat or a special occasion brunch!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free pancake mix
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup crushed gluten-free graham crackers
• 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, egg, and vegetable oil

Stir until well combined

Fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers into the pancake batter

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or cooking spray

Pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake

Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side

Repeat with the remaining batter

Serve warm with additional marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers on top, if desired

Warm Maple & Pear Soaked Porridge

The natural sweetness of ripe pears and the rich flavor of maple syrup come together in this warm and comforting porridge. It's healthy, filling, and easy to make, making it perfect for a slow Saturday morning breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Toppings of choice such as nuts, seeds, or additional fruit

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine rolled oats, almond milk, sliced pears, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally

Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let the porridge cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are tender and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency

Remove from heat and let the porridge sit for a few minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld

Serve warm, topped with your choice of nuts, seeds, or additional fruit