Marble Almond Coconut Bark

My instagram buddie Katie posted her recipe for peppermint bark and it instantly inspired me to create a version using three of my favorite things; chocolate, almonds, and coconut. I will warn you, this little treat is pretty sweet, but absolutely indulgent.

Recipe adapted from Katie's instagram pic

12oz semi sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
1lb white chocolate chips
2 tsp coconut extract (I used pure extract but it's tough to find so imitation will work too)
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup coconut chips (I purchased these at Trader Joes, but regular plain old toasted coconut will work too)

Line a 9x13 pan with foil.
In a double boiler melt all semi sweet chocolate but leave 3/4cup on the side. When it's smooth remove from heat add the 3/4cup of chips and sir till melted. Add chopped almonds mix well, then add 1 tsp coconut extract.
Spread into the pan nice and evenly. Let the chocolate sit out at room temperature until it's almost hardened. (I waited about 15 min) Repeat with white chocolate, adding 1 tsp extract. Keep mixing then spread on top of semi-sweet chocolate with a spatula. The white chocolate wont spread over too nicely but that's ok, that will create the marble effect. Keep spreading/mixing till it's smooth enough on top. Sprinkle coconut chips on top, and lightly press into the chocolate mixture. Let it sit till it's fully hardened. (I let mine sit over night). Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Coconut Bisque

I love coconut, and I love sweet potatoes. Whats better than the 2 combined? Seriously? Can it get any better? Well yes it can, if your actually tasting it right now!
    So this all started when I decided to combine my newly rekindled love for sweet potatoes, and this  product I picked up at the organic market called "Coconut Manna".  I came across this recipe and decided to try it with a few variations. It came out perfect!

Ingredients
• 4 sweet potatoes
• 1-2 cups of sliced baby carrots
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium tomato-vegetable juice blend or tomato juice
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 15-ounce can vegetable broth
• 1/2-3/4 cup of coconut manna (or peanut butter)
• Generous sprinkle of crushed red pepper
• Chopped fresh green onion for garnish
•  Raw unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Peel your sweet potatoes first. The original recipe calls to prick them and microwave them THEN peel and I did just that. WHAT A NIGHTMARE! My hands were scalded even though I let them cool for 20 min! and the skin was so difficult to peel off. Next time I'll do it the way my gut told me to do, and peel first. You can cook them in the oven till just cooked or microwave for 7-10 min. Your choice.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in juice, carrots, salt, red pepper, ginger and allspice. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.
3. Chop the sweet potatoes into bite-size pieces. Add half to the pot. Place the other half in a food processor or blender along with the Veggie broth and coconut manna. Puree until completely smooth. Add the puree to the pot and stir well to combine. Thin the bisque with water, if desired. Heat until hot. Pour into your favorite bowl, add garnishes and enjoy!

Just a side note about Coconut Manna. This stuff is incredible. If you are as much of a fan of coconut as I am, you'll be putting this stuff in EVERYTHING. Oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, ice cream, spoons....OK yea fine I'll admit I've been eating it by the spoonful out of the jar. It's just THAT good! And it's really good for you and completely raw, no additives, sugar or anything! It may be a bit pricey, but it's worth it!

3:00 Pick me up!!

SO Delicious Cultured coconut milk!! Do I have to say it again? How much I LOVE coconut! Seriously anything coconut related I <3. Recently I've been reading about how healthy coconut milk is for you. It packs tons of electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, and hydrates your body and it's good for your skin!! This yogurt is all natural, dairy free and soy free. Since I'm a bit lactose intolerant I've been trying to find some alternatives but I don't love soy yogurts, so this is just perfect! I sprinkle some Kashi COCO beach granola on top and it's the perfect treat. The calories are a bit high for my usual low cal treats at 140 but its healthy and yummy so I'll skip the extra snack at the end of the day! Have this for breakfast with a few pineapple chunks and you'll be starting your day off right!!

Happy Snacking!!!

xx M