Superfood Dark Chocolate Bark

A healthy chocolate treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Any sweet tooth's out there?! Me, me, me!! My sweet tooth is bad, especially during the holidays. I’m all about balance and intuitive eating but when it comes to sweets, I have zero control! I work at a university so for the past two weeks there has been at least one sweet item in the break room. When my pants started to feel a little tighter than usual, I decided to put an end to it!

To satisfy my sweet tooth without feeling guilty, I created a superfood dark chocolate bark that is super easy to make and is loaded with all the good things, sans added sugar, dairy, and gluten.

The dark chocolate base is made with only 4 ingredients: dark chocolate, maca powder, quinoa, and MCT oil. Quality dark chocolate is quite nutritious as it contains high amounts of fiber, iron, magnesium, and copper. Not only is maca powder popular for increased energy levels and vitality, it provides a sweet “honeycomb” flavor to the chocolate.

Toasted quinoa provides a nutty crispy texture to your bark while providing high amounts of protein and fiber.

MCT oil is easily absorbed throughout the body providing your body an instant source of energy that can be converted into ketones to fuel your brain. I like using this brand: Sports Research

Not only is the base full of superfood ingredients, so are the toppings! I used a random mix of just about everything but you could use whatever you have in your pantry. For example, I used bee pollen, goji berries, cashews, cacao nibs, pepitas, and coconut flakes.

This bark is rather bitter but with a honeycomb undertone. If you prefer your bark a little sweeter, then gradually add 1 Tbsp of pure maple syrup or honey until desired sweet flavor. If you do not have MCT oil, you can use coconut oil instead. Coconut oil does not replace MCT oil as far as nutrition, it just provides an oily consistency that you need when melting the bark.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

---

Ingredients

• 1 bag (10 oz) organic dark chocolate

• ½ cup quinoa

• 2 Tbsp MCT oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 tsp maca powder

Toppings

Cashews, almonds, pistachios, goji berries, cacao nibs, bee pollen, chia seeds, coconut flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spread quinoa in a single layer.

3. Toast quinoa in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly brown and toasted.

4. While the quinoa is in the oven, melt chocolate by placing the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and nuking the bowl in the microwave in 30 second increments.

5. When the chocolate is completely melted, add the toasted quinoa, MCT oil, and maca powder. Stir to combine.

6. Transfer chocolate mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Spread chocolate using the back of a spoon to spread it out into a rough rectangle.

7. Scatter toppings over the chocolate while it is still warm. Feel free to get creative!

8. Place baking sheet in the fridge for up to 1 hour or until the chocolate has set.

9. Use a sharp knife to chop the slab into rough pieces.

10. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

A healthy take on the classic holiday cookies that are gluten-free and dairy-free, with a soft and chewy texture!

I immediately think of thumbprint cookies when it comes to the holiday season. Thumbprint cookies alway seem to make an appearance around Christmas, and with good reason! The fruit jam on top of a soft, pillowy cookie is all I need to get my gears going for the holidays!  Baking thumbprint cookies can also be a great family activity. The little ones can roll the dough into small balls and press their little thumbs into the dough creating a small well for the fruit preserves or jam.

My favorite organic fruit preserve is raspberry but you can choose any flavor. This recipe in particular is reminiscent of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches thanks to the almond flour, so pairing raspberry, grape, strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry preserve works great. I like using these fruit filling brands: Tiptree and Crofter’s

In addition to the almond flour, I also use gluten-free whole grain out flour. I use this brand but you could also ground your own oat flour by pouring oats into a processor or vitamix and blend until the oats turn into the consistency of flour.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

---

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour

• ½ cup GF whole grain oat flour

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• ¼ cup creamy almond butter

• ¼ cup melted coconut oil (room temp)

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp baking soda

Filling

Fruit preserve or jam of choice such as raspberry, orange, strawberry, blackberry, grape, etc.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, mix coconut sugar, almond butter, coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.

3. Add both flours and baking soda until combined.

4. Place cookie dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

5. Scoop about 1 Tbsp of dough and roll into balls. Place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

6. Push your thumb in the center of each dough ball and dollop with raspberry preserve. Use enough to fill the well.

7. Place in the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until cookies are lightly brown.

8. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Notes

1. Makes 12 cookies (1 Tbsp serving)

Baked Hot Chicken

A healthier twist on the classic Nashville hot chicken. Baked, gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of spicy flavors!

Living so close to Nashville, it’s imperative that you get Nashville hot chicken; it’s a cardinal sin if you don’t! As I’m getting older, my body takes a little longer to recover from all the grease and gluten. I mean, YOLO when you can but sometimes it takes a toll on your body!

What’s my solution? I created a healthier twist on the beloved hot chicken. I use coconut oil to decrease the amount of grease. I also chose to bake the chicken. That way, I’m only dying to get seconds and thirds instead of just dying from the grease! So, let’s talk about this chicken!

The trick to getting chicken moist and flavorful is all in the marinade. Typically, buttermilk is used in creating a moist chicken (sorry for using moist three times!). However, I used almond milk to keep this recipe dairy-free. The trick here is to add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the plant-based milk of your choice. The acidity helps to thicken and basically curdle the almond milk. You won’t even notice a lack of buttermilk, and when you add it all with pickle juice and lots of seasonings, you get an awesome Nashville hot chicken!

The breading is simple using a gluten-free baking flour. Lightly coat/spray the chicken with coconut or avocado oil to crisp the outer coat. Chicken thighs are best with this recipe as the skin releases mouthwatering juices into the meat underneath as it cooks. The skin also protects the meat from direct heat, which helps the thighs to cook gently and to retain its moisture.

A complexity of sweet and spicy flavors are incorporated into the hot chicken. What really takes the chicken over the top is using honey infused with chili peppers. I love using this brand as you can find it in most grocery stores!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

---

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs

• 3 Tbsp pickle juice

• 1 cup GF baking flour

• Hot sauce (optional)

• Coconut oil or avocado oil

Buttermilk mixture

• 1 cup unsweetened plant based milk (almond)

• 1 Tbsp ACV or fresh lemon

Seasonings

• 1 Tbsp cayenne

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp creole seasoning

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Dashes of red pepper flakes

Directions

1. To make the “buttermilk”, add vinegar to the milk and sit for 10 minutes or until milk mixture is curdled/activated.

2. Whisk all seasonings together in a small bowl. Remove ¾ of seasoning mixture and coat the chicken thighs inside a Ziploc bag. Add the “buttermilk” mixture along with pickle juice and a couple dashes of hot sauce (optional). Toss to coat and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight.

3. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 425 degrees.

4. Prepare the flour mixture by whisking ¼ of seasoning mixture to 1 cup GF baking flour.

5. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dredge chicken into flour mixture both sides and place chicken on a baking rack. Repeat until all chicken is coated.

6. Spray or brush tops of chicken with melted coconut oil or avocado oil.

7. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes. Take chicken out and coat tops with hot sauce (optional). Flip the chicken and spray or brush bottom of chicken with oil until coated.

8. Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches and internal temperature of 165 degrees.

9. Let chicken cool for 5 minutes and then drizzle honey with infused chili peppers (optional but so worth it!)

The Holiday Mule

A seasonal spin on the classic moscow mule.

I used to be a bartender for a catering company so I’m surprised that this is my first official adult bubbly post. But to be honest, I’m not much of a drinker. I would rather eat my calories than drink them if you know what I’m saying! When I do drink, it’s usually at social gatherings. So, with the holidays in full swing, here is my all-time favorite holiday drink!

Moscow mules are very simple to make. No need to make a fancy simple syrup or use various spirits, all you really need is:

Lime

Ginger beer

Vodka

Ice

To take your moscow mule to a seasonal level, you can add natural fruit juices like pomegranate, cherry, and cranberry. These fruits are great for your health and would be a great healthy addition to your beverage.  I’ve been loving the holiday mule with cherry juice as cherries are great for exercise recovery and muscle soreness. During the holiday season where there is a higher risk of cold and flu, cherry juice can strengthen your immune system.

If you are hosting a Christmas party, your guests can choose what fruit juice they prefer and you can simply combine all ingredients into your copper mug and stir -- no need for a cocktail shaker, although you may feel fancier using one! This cocktail is super easy and can be very festive with garnishes like pomegranate arils, frozen cranberries, rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and lime wedges.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

---

The Holiday Mule - A seasonal spin on the classic moscow mule. 

ingredients

• crushed ice

• 2 oz vodka

• 1/2 lime

• 1/3 cup fruit juice (pomegranate, cherry, or cranberry)

• 5 oz ginger beer

Garnishes

Pomegranate arils, frozen cranberries, rosemary spring, orange slices, and lime wedges

instructions

1. Fill your copper mug with crushed ice.

2. Measure 2 oz of vodka, and pour into mug.

3. Squeeze up to half of lime and ⅓ cup of preferred fruit juice into mug.

4. Top off with ginger beer until full and stir.

5. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy responsibly! ;)

Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Chicken Shawarma Bowls - Bursting with flavor, fresh and full of color!The fascination for chicken shawarma started fairly recently. I put sole blame on this cute Mediterranean restaurant, Cafe Arazu, located a little too close to my work, lol.

This type of chicken shawarma is very different than what I’m typically used to but is still amazing in its own way. The classic way of cooking shawarma is to mount large marinated chicken chunks onto a large rotating skewer. The chicken then slowly roasts against a gas burning grill. The restaurant that I typically go to for lunch does it differently by marinating the chicken in a wonderful blend of cumin and turmeric. They finish it off by grilling the chicken.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, grilling is the exact route I’m going as well! While it would be nice to have a rotating meat skewer with a gas burning grill at my house, it’s not ideal or practical!

Now you can prepare just the chicken shawarma and add them to wraps or just as appetizers with a nice aioli sauce, but what I have found to be my favorite is to put everything in a bowl. Bowls are an easy way to load up on veggies while adding a grain and protein to keep you full and nourished.

The ingredients that I added to my bowl can be interchanged depending on your preference so have fun with it! I paired a quick and easy tomato salad to go along with the chicken. You can find the ingredients for the salad below. I also added some roasted sweet potatoes which I seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and oregano.

Being an advocate of meal prepping, this recipe has been in my lunch meal prep for three weeks straight! (Okay, mainly for recipe testing but hey, I cannot complain!) And I could go on and on about this recipe but the biggest thing I love about it are the flavors! Every part is bursting with flavor that you can’t help but want more!

Not pictured: asparagus (for the meal prep picture)

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

Bursting with flavor, fresh and full of color! Gluten free, dairy free and meal prep option!

---

ingredients

Chicken Shawarma Marinade

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast

• 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt (more for seasoning chicken)

• 2-4 tbsp EVOO

Sweet potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (diced)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• 2 tbsp EVOO

Tomato salad

• 1 small cucumber

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 red onion

• 1 small bunch of parsley

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp EVOO

• S&P to season

Garnishes

1 small bunch parsley, lemon wedges, feta, goat cheese, tahini, aioli

Other ingredients

Veggies of choice, 2 cups cooked quinoa

instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides and add to a Ziploc bag. Combine the seasonings, oil, and lemon juice to chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight preferably.

2. While your chicken is marinating, prepare the sides by starting with quinoa first. Cook quinoa in a rice cooker or stove top as directed.

3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. To a small bowl, add diced sweet potatoes, seasonings and oil. Toss with tongs until sweet potatoes are fully covered in oil and seasonings. On a parchment lined large sheet pan, place sweet potatoes on a single layer. You should have room to add the asparagus but make sure that the veggies are not too crowded and on a single layer.

4. Cook veggies for 20-25 minutes, flip veggies, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until nice and crispy. (if you are cooking with asparagus and not broccoli, you may need to take the asparagus out after the first flip)

5. Prepare the cherry tomato salad by dicing all veggies and adding to a small bowl. Add the vinegar, maple syrup, chopped parsley, and oil and toss until combined. Add salt and pepper and season to desired taste. I like this with more vinegar so I usually add another tbsp of ACV or a squeeze of a lemon wedge.

6. When you are ready to cook the chicken, heat a medium skillet on medium high heat with oil. For a faster cooking time, dice chicken then add to the heated skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side. You should have some marinade left over in the bag, I like to add that to the skillet so the chicken is covered in the sauce (the flavors are amazing!)

7. After the chicken is cooked through, prepare your bowls or meal prep containers by adding the mixed greens first, then cooked quinoa. Add your veggies such sweet potatoes, asparagus, etc. Then, add your tomato salad, chicken, and top with a lemon wedge and parsley.