Not-So-Guilty Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

I fondly recall making vacation treats with my mother. An addictive and extraordinarily smooth preferred, usually made for Christmas, have been classic peanut butter balls. No doubt a lot of us keep in mind those chocolate-lined treats with rice crispy cereal blanketed for delivered crunch and texture. I in no way should withstand peanut butter, and it often features in my no-bake treats and power bites.

The most effective problem with the traditional ones I enjoyed as a toddler is that they are lots too sugary for my tastes now. In addition to icing sugar, mother used no longer-so-natural peanut butter ? You recognize the sort that is not simply ground peanuts but rather a sugary unfold. I loved them anyway, however over the years I've looked for more healthy options to meet my sweet enamel.

I've stayed proper to the simplicity of the authentic recipe but ignored butter, and used natural peanut butter and sweetener. I even sold a box of "healthful" sprouted rice crisp cereal, even though I don't think it truly is surely vital ? I should not have felt responsible if I had used Rice Krispies, to inform the fact. But I dare say that this not-so-guilty version is even tastier and simply as addictive because the original, and it additionally takes place to be vegan friendly. Happily, if the urge to over-indulge is resisted, they may be proper for you too.

Note: Coconut flour is more absorbent than grain flours and in this recipe it's only required if the peanut butter used is somewhat runny. When stirred in, the mixture will thicken, so let it sit after adding a bit before adding more. The mixture before shaping should be moist, but neither too dry nor sticky.

Other peanut butter treats to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Raw Peanut Butter Fudge

Raw Peanut Butter Chocolate Nut Squares

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites

Raw Peanut and Coconut Butter Fudge

Guacamole Rice

Avocados are something I normally have on hand. They hold properly if bought whilst company and they're absolutely first-rate simply sliced and served up all on their own, just as is for a snack or as part of a meal as a nourishing and refreshing aspect. They additionally happen to be a fine addition to smoothies, salads, a key component in lots of favored dips, consisting of guacamole, and additionally feature delightfully in cakes. And this versatile fruit not simplest tastes appropriate, it is properly for a frame too. The advantages of ingesting avocados are many, but to spotlight just a few:

Avocado provide an abundance of minerals and vitamins and antioxidants, are an wonderful supply of potassium, providing greater than even bananas, a remarkable source of healthy fat, protein and fiber, have anti-inflammatory properties, aid liver functioning, and help with the absorption of other vitamins.

It's continually a shame to waste meals, especially some thing as treasured and dear as avocado. The idea for this easy rice dish is mainly acceptable to avocados that are specially ripe and nearing the give up in their shelf lifestyles. I call it "guacamole rice" due to the fact essentially I just mashed up some avocado with some different substances that function in guacamole, and once the rice became cooked, blended the whole thing collectively and served. It's a fresh and creamy facet that goes properly with any variety of mains, including soups and stews.

Other recipes providing avocado from Lisa's Kitchen:

Avocado Greek Salad

Peanut and Cashew Pinto Chili with Corn and Avocado Salsa

Pinto Bean and Avocado Burritos

Raw Avocado Coconut Nanaimo Bars

South Indian Chickpea, Cauliflower and Potato Coconut Curry

What I thought became my introduction to Indian food and cooking years in the past changed into in reality an advent to north Indian cooking ? All of the Indian eating places in my town and maximum of the Indian cookbooks available returned then had been north Indian. Since then, I've been brought to a number of the stunning variety of cuisines which might be discovered in the sub-continent. Now my Indian recipes might be more or less categorized as north Indian, south Indian, or some thing in-between.

This dry chickpea curry loaded with vegetables ? Potato, cauliflower, carrot and crimson bell pepper ? Will be referred to as one of these in-between Indian recipes. The composition of chickpeas and veggies and the spicing is basically north Indian, however the flavors are enhanced beautifully with using grated coconut and coconut milk this is so not unusual to south Indian cooking and imparts remarkable additions of flavor and fragrance to the food. Nourishing and filling, this curry is positive to please all and sundry with a preference for north or south Indian meals.

More highly spiced chickpea dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Spicy Sour Chickpea Masala

Cauliflower, Carrot and Green Pea Curry with Coconut Milk

Curried Lentil Vegetable Soup with Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas Smothered in a Tangy Tomato Gravy

Gluten-Free Vegan Gingerbread Muffins

There is nothing quite like the distinctive and comforting aroma of fresh gingerbread baking in the oven. Especially prized during the winter months and a favorite during Christmastime, it's really quite easy to make the magic happen in your own kitchen. Cookies, loaves, breads or muffins, or all of the above, are always a welcome treat to tuck into.

My latest attempt to please the resident gingerbread aficionado in my house — my husband, that is — are these all vegan gingerbread and dark molasses muffins made with brown rice, quinoa and chickpea flours. While retaining a certain density, these attractive and fragrant muffins are moist but with a light and fluffy interior at the same time — despite the absence of gluten — with a slightly crunchy exterior from cornmeal. I'm certain after enjoying these that there is no reason to reserve the enjoyment that the rich earthy depth of gingerbread creations brings to only a few months of the year.

Other gingerbread ideas from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Gingerbread

Nigella's Fresh Gingerbread with Lemon Icing

Guinness Gingerbread Cake

Pumpkin Gingerbread Waffles

12+ Vegetarian and Vegan Appetizers for any Occasion

No amassing is whole with out some appetizer nibbles. Previously I cautioned a few make-beforehand vegan-pleasant chocolates to delight every body with a sweet tooth, and now it's time for some savory bites to make the occasion greater unique, regardless of how small or big the affair. Whether you are searching out starters for a meal or little bites for appetizer trays and spreads to serve at events or for afternoon or night hangouts, you may want to recall these sincere but specially satisfying thoughts.

Check out these and different appetizer ideas on

Roasted Cauliflower Bites with Sriracha Sauce

Add a few spice to any event with a few roasted portions of cauliflower tossed in a highly spiced sriracha and vinegar "buffalo" sauce. This precise, zesty and colourful appetizer honestly must be doubled, as those won't closing long. Do serve them alongside a peanut dipping sauce with sliced veggies for an mainly appealing presentation.

Coleslaw Bites with Jalapeño Dip

Coleslaw takes on a brand new function right here. Think outside of the salad bowl and revel in some simple, candy and savory golden fried cabbage coleslaw balls served up with a creamy, tangy and zesty yogurt and jalape?O dip. Vegans can without difficulty alternative their preferred dips, salsa and sauces for the yogurt-based totally one featured in the recipe, but do stick with the jalape?O topic to add a few heat to the event.

Olive Cheese Balls

No tapas plate could be complete with out a few plump inexperienced olives baked in a slightly highly spiced and crispy cheese pastry. These little bites of bliss will set the usual for different appetizers in attendance. Olive fans will honestly want to double this recipe.

Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Harissa

These pro and baked slices of sweet potato topped with a sweet and highly spiced harissa goat cheese mixture make an smooth, colourful and scrumptious fall or wintry weather appetizer.

Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas

If you're website hosting an Indian-themed meal, these savory potato patties full of spiced inexperienced peas would possibly just be the celebrity of the spread. Soft on the interior, with a highly spiced pea filling and a delightfully golden crust to finish the revel in, withstand the temptation to revel in too many or there may not be room left for the primary.

Chana Dal Peanut Patties with a Tamarind Chili Sauce

Also referred to as "vadas", these shallow-fried Indian spiced chana dal and peanut patties are served with a tangy, creamy and zesty tamarind, chili and coconut milk sauce for an astonishingly properly and short-to-disappear Indian appetizer.

Baked Mini Vegetable Chickpea Samosas

It seems pretty plenty all of us enjoys samosas, and those mini savory pastries are filled with spiced veggies and chickpeas and baked in preference to fried. Served up with chutney, in reality irresistible.

Whole-Meal Biscuits

Cheese plates are a popular desire for mingles, and those crackers are an elegant and great addition. Crisp, earthy and savory, whole wheat and oat mealy-textured biscuits are properly applicable to revel in with spreadable cheeses. Consider offering with grapes too.

Ethiopian-Style Hummus

Dips are usually popular for parties and a laugh nights, and hummus is mostly a preferred served with vegetables, flat breads and crackers. For a exclusive twist, serve up an Ethiopian-fashion version made with ground sunflower seeds in location of tahini and spiced up with aromatic chili spices. It's great served with raw veggies, pita triangles, crackers or wrapped up in flat breads to make small sandwiches.

Herbed Marinated Mushrooms

A mix of gentle succulent mushrooms marinated in a delicious oil and vinegar marinade with fresh herbs, no appetizer plate would be entire with out some thing to satisfaction mushroom aficionados.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Olives

Earthy mushrooms full of all styles of amazing savory flavors, from tart sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, spices and jalape?Os, to creamy and salty goat cheese ? An fantastic appetizer for any event!

Baked Quinoa Balls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

These baked quinoa, bean and peanut butter balls served with a savory peanut butter, lime and tamari dipping sauce are a healthy appetizer and healthful sufficient to make for a light after-celebration meal in case you need.

Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers with Goat Cheese and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Fresh jalape?Os filled with a creamy and tangy goat cheese and sun-dried tomato filling and baked in a spiced cornmeal coating ? A extremely good appetizer for a Mexican dinner or any kind of celebration of get-together.

Red Lentil and Toasted Walnut Tapenade with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Incredibly taste-packed, this nutty and tangy tapenade, or p?T? If you pick, makes for a wholesome dip or spread for sparkling vegetables, crackers or flatbreads. Uniquely attractive, addictive and guilt-unfastened, this p?T? You'll now not quickly forget but it won't remaining long.

Kalamata Olive Tapenade

This is the tapenade of tapenades for olive enthusiasts. Bold flavored, loaded with strong Kalamata olives, solar-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and herbs, you will find yourself making this time and again.

Smoked Gouda Gougères

Light, airy and delicious smoked Gouda cheese puffs are a brilliant hors d'oeuvre or snack, mainly whilst served with crimson pepper dip. Guaranteed hard to resist.

Lime Biscuit Thins

Add a few zesty richness in your palate with some tender and flaky savory biscuit thins. Gently spiced, with a mild tart lime taste, it's difficult to resist greater than only a few nibbles.

Quinoa Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Seasoned quinoa with pine nuts and clean herbs wrapped in grape leaves are a great and delicious Greek appetizer. These little bites have a pleasant nutty flavor and slightly crunchier texture.

Creamy Green Pea and Collard Greens Soup

Although I mostly like to spend time in the kitchen, occasionally I prefer to put together dishes that require little fuss. My efforts were amply rewarded with this creamy, elegant and delicious soup providing sweet green peas and earthy collard greens. Not simplest do you get a healthful quotient of inexperienced power, but additionally a fulfilling meal when served up with crusty bread or cornbread, or a hot bed of nutty sparkling cooked brown rice. Sometimes the perfect food are the most comforting and satisfying certainly.

Gently spiced up, I delivered enough spice for a pleasantly exclusive heat that lingers and asserts its presence along the rich vegetables. A twist on a split pea soup, inexperienced peas characteristic right here instead of break up peas, and the addition of collard greens affords texture. Any leafy green can be used place of the collard veggies ? Select kale or chard for even extra texture, or spinach for a silkier soup. I partially pur?Ed the soup to make it creamier, but simplest in part due to the fact I experience a relatively textured chunky soup.

Other green pea recipes to discover from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Green Peas

Paneer and Pea Curry Smothered in a Cashew Tomato Gravy

Linguine with Pea-Basil Pesto and Mushrooms

Indian-Style Potato and Pea Salad with Tamarind and Chat Masala

No-Bake Almond and Cocoa Cherry Energy Bites

When it comes to meal times, I usually enjoy smaller portions, preferring to have smaller meals interspersed with healthy bites of energy throughout the day. This way of eating is a good way to maintain a healthy weight, and it aids in digestion because the body is not taxed with processing a large portion of food all at once.

This preference means that not only do I require a good stash of nuts and dried fruits on hand, as well as raw vegetables, but also snacks such as muffins and also healthy little raw energy bites such as these almond and dried cherry balls. They satisfy a sweet craving without the guilt. Packed with protein, these are not only satisfying and delicious, but are also very easy to make and keep well in the refrigerator for at least a week. I sweetened these with raw honey, but maple syrup or any other natural liquid sweetener could be used instead if you happen to be a vegan who avoids honey.

More raw nut or fruit treats:

Cocoa Fruit Energy Bites

Cherry Nut Bars

Essentially Raw Pumpkin Bites

Raw Peanut Butter Cocoa Maple Squares