Homemade Chocolate

Homemade Chocolate

Recipe: http://www.bakerita.com/paleo-chocolate-chunks/

I've done it. I have found the most amazing recipe ever. Nothing can ever trump this recipe. It's two wonderful words: chocolate. chunks. And not only is it delicious chocolate chunks, it's CLEAN chocolate chunks! Whaaat?? 

Yes, I was as shocked as you are when I found it. I always thought, "I guess I'll have to either give up chocolate altogether or cheat on my diet" (which of course I chose the latter.) But then I stumbled upon paleo chocolate chunks, and my life has been changed. Now, a disclaimer, I don't know if you can really cook with this recipe. The gal I got it from says she does, but the recipe she took inspiration from says not to (plus it being oil based is telling me not to). So, feel free to attempt it, but don't hate me if it doesn't work. I warned you! 

I was afraid while I was making it that it would have a weird, possibly oily taste. Well, thankfully it does not. It just tastes like delicious dark chocolate! The recipe also couldn't be easier, all you do is melt the coconut oil in a sauce pan, whisk in all of the other ingredients, and chill in a mold in the fridge (I used a small baking pan lined with wax paper.) 

I have many plans for these yummy delights (some of which I'll post soon), but they're fabulous just on their own. I portioned some in small plastic cups to pop in my lunch bag for a delicious, perfectly portioned snack to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Sarah's Review

Ease: 5/5
Taste: 5/5

Iced Caramel Latte

Isn't this the most beautiful sight you've ever seen!? Well, it is almost fully healthy/clean!

When we were researching which diet/eating program we wanted to attempt, we went through quite a few until we found one that allowed us coffee (read as: as much coffee as we wanted). We are not counting calories, so it does give us a little more freedom in the amount of coffee we drink a day. But from the research I've done so far, espresso is A-OK!

Iced Caramel Latte

Incl: 2 shots of Espresso,  1cup unsweetened almond milk, caramel syrup, and absolutely no added/additional sugar #winning, all over ice.

Alana's Review

Ease: 5/5

Yum: 5/5

Suggestion:The caramel syrup was definitely not on my "allowed" list, but I'm looking into substitutes. So this is a work in progress!

Side note... I gave this a 5/5 on taste, it is as about as delicious as a healthy cup of coffee can get.. BUT it's still not the decadent White Chocolate Vanilla Mocha (with extra vanilla), I usually get from Starbucks. However, it is a good sub, and it's much cheaper since I can make this at home!

I should also mention that I definitely dislike almond milk and soymilk as a beverage by themselves, but I have used both in coffee, and to be completely honest, I actually prefer it over the creamers and regular (2% milk).

Honey Balsamic Chicken Salad // Fruit Salad

Alana here! Lunch was a struggle, I ended up eating left overs (a semi healthy meal, but still...). I spent so much time trying to plan for breakfasts and dinners, I forgot about lunch! Anyways it'll be better tomorrow!

Honey Balsamic Chicken Salad, Dinner

Half a chicken breast baked with marinade (1/4 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, garlic powder... I accidentally threw it in out of habit instead of mincing fresh garlic) on top of a tossed salad. I used romaine hearts, spinach, carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, dusted with 1/4 tsp grated Parmesan cheese.

Alana's Review

Ease: 3.5/5

Yum: 4.5/5

Suggestion: Next time I will set some marinade aside to sprinkle on the salad so it's not too dry.

Fruit Salad, Dessert
Incl: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi
Side note, the dessert I really wanted as a fudge sundae.. but I resisted, go me!

Alana's Review

Ease: 5/5

Yum: 5/5

Suggestion: None! It was fresh and delicious.