Double Chocolate Banana Almond Mini Muffins

I love when my fellow Chefs, health foodies, and plant forward pioneers make some awesome treats to share. Here is one of my faves. The fact that they are mini, helps with the portions sizes and you can also share ( if you can!)

VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY-FREE

Serves: 24 mini muffins

INGREDIENTS

• Wet Ingredients
  • 3 medium, very ripe bananas
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, whisk together, set for 10 mins)   or 1 egg beaten

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients
• 1 cup gluten free oat flour
• ¾ cup almond meal
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins
• ¼ cup vegan mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, chopped
Optional for topping
• 1 tablespoon each: vegan chocolate chips and sliced almonds, chopped

 INSTRUCTIONS
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with mini muffin liners.

• Add peeled bananas to a large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy whisk or fork, mash bananas until smooth. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, flax egg, and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated.

• Add the dry ingredients: oat flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together until just incorporated, making sure no flour patches remain.

• Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop batter evenly into muffin cups (about 2 tablespoons of batter per muffin). Optional: sprinkle chocolate chips and almonds on top of the muffins.

• Bake for 16-24 minutes. Mine took 19 minutes. Allow to cool on a cooling rack for about 1 hour. Lift out and enjoy!

Holiday Cranberry Peppermint Chocolate Ba

This Holiday Cranberry Peppermint Chocolate Bark is the perfect balance of festive indulgence and wholesome ingredients. With a mix of crunchy pumpkin seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and a touch of peppermint, it's a treat that brings joy and health. Plus, it's vegan-friendly and full of good-for-you ingredients like coconut and almonds. It's the perfect bite-sized way to add a little magic to your holiday season or anytime.

Serves 16

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 3/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds and/or chopped almonds

• 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries

• 2 12-ounce bags vegan chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips

• Natural crushed candy cane pieces in top (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a baking sheet, spread coconut and pumpkin seeds.

2. Bake for approximately 3 minutes or until coconut is lightly golden and fragrant ( keep an eye on this).

3. Add cranberries to parchment lined baking sheet and mix with coconut and seeds. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm chocolate chips, stirring until chocolate is mostly melted. Remove from heat and keep stirring until chocolate is completely melted.

5. Pour chocolate over coconut, seeds, and cranberries. Using a silicone spatula, spread out into a smooth layer covering the baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top of chocolate mixture if desired . Let cool in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until completely cool and solid. Once chilled, remove, break bark into pieces, and serve.

6. You may freeze for a later date …if its lasts that long!

   Note: If you choose not to use candy cane, you can add a few drops of mint extract to the chocolate.

Chocolate Dipped Delights

When you're craving a bit of chocolate with a mix of healthy, this is the perfect pair!

Ingredients:

1- 2 lbs of mixed fruit of choice ( make sure they are dry and almost to room temp)

1 cup chocolate (60%+ cacao chocolate chips)

1-2 teaspoons coconut oil ( I have also done this w/ out the oil)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate, You can use a double boiler or the microwave.

2. Microwave method : Melt the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals stirring a few times. Heat small amounts at a time to prevent clumping.

3. Double boiler method: Use a glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water (Keep some space between the water and the bowl) Stir frequently as the chocolate heats up.

4. Dip fruit into the melted chocolate. Lay it on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet.

5. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set up the chocolate. 

6. Serve chilled