VEGAN CHOCOLATE DATE BALLS

VEGAN CHOCOLATE DATE BALLS 

I'm a chocolate and brownie lover. So anytime I'm craving something sweet, instead of indulging in a calorie and dairy-filled cake, I make a batch of chocolate date balls. 

They are sweet & crunchy without that side of guilt & make a perfect sweet snack or dessert. 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup pitted medjool dates

1/3 cup walnuts

1/3 cup almonds

3 tbsp shredded coconut (fresh or unsweetened)

2 tbsp cacao powder

1/4 tbsp vanilla extract

METHOD

Add dates, walnuts & almonds to the food processor & pulse until combined.

Add cacao powder, coconut & vanilla extract. Pulse again until all ingredients are mixed together & begin to pull away from the sides.

Put mixture into a bowl. Using a tablespoon to scoop even measurements, roll into balls. Refrigerate & also store in refrigerator. 

Tip: Feel free to use any type of nuts you have on hand. 

XO 

Kiran & THE BLANK PLATE 

GOING NUTS : CHIA BOWL WITH FRESH FRUIT & NUTS

GOING NUTS : CHIA BOWL WITH FRESH FRUIT & NUTS

Almond milk is a great substitute for milk. It is cholesterol & lactose free and comes in a variety of flavours including vanilla and chocolate. 

Chia pudding made with almond milk is the perfect healthy sugar-free dessert. You can even add flavours into the chia pudding such as vanilla whey protein powder, coconut or nut butter. The possibilities are endless. 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup almond milk

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp flax seeds (optional)

1 tsp sliced almonds

1 tsp goji berries

1 tsp pecans

1/2 peach, banana, apricot

1 handful blueberries & raspberries

METHOD

In a bowl, combine almond milk, chia seeds & flax seeds. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours. until it is pudding consistency. Stir occasionally. 

Pour into bowl & top with fresh fruit & toppings of your choice. 

XO 

Kiran

CHA-CHA-CHA-CHIA! : CHIA PUDDING RECIPE

CHA-CHA-CHA-CHIA! : CHIA PUDDING RECIPE

If you've never tried chia pudding, you've been missing out. The benefits of chia seeds are endless. They have been known to fight belly fat, add fibre, protein & omega-3's to your diet. 

Chia seeds are tasteless so can be added to anything. Pudding used to be my favourite dessert so I've found a substitution with a healthier dairy option, fresh berries instead of refined sugars & a great breakfast or dessert to keep me full. 

You can try many different versions & variations of chia pudding, from vanilla with cinnamon to chocolate-peanut butter topped with banana. 

INGREDIENTS

2 cup Silk dark chocolate soy beverage (or chocolate almond milk)

3 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp flax seeds

2 tbsp chocolate whey protein powder

2 tbsp frozen blackberries & raspberries

2 tbsp strawberries & blueberries

1 tbsp goji berries

2 tbsp fresh shredded coconut

METHOD

In a bowl, add milk, chia seeds, flax seeds & protein powder. Whisk together. 

Pour into a jar & refrigerate overnight. 

Check after 3-4 hours. If it has not thickened to a pudding texture, add another tbsp chia seeds.

Top with berries, coconut or any toppings of your choice & eat right out of the jar. 

Tip: I freeze blackberries & raspberries because they don't last in the fridge. 

XO 

Kiran