Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Muffins

Last night I overheard my Mom say she wanted to make some banana muffins with the older bananas we had left on our counter.  I decided to beat her to it and developed these delicious gluten free om-noms in the process!

We had some leftover pumpkin puree from before, and I really wanted to throw some cocoa powder in there, so I made it happen!  They were actually quite a bit sweeter than I thought it would be, but just slap some all natural peanut butter on there and you're good to go ;)

Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Muffins (serves ~24)

1 cup almond flour/meal
1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup coconut flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp powdered stevia
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 mashed bananas (the older the sweeter)
1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water or unsweetened almond milk
1 cup craisins/chocolate chips/chopped nuts

Preheat the oven to bake at 350F.  Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl (including sugar, stevia and cinnamon), set aside. Mash bananas in another bowl and add all wet ingredients and mix well.  Combine all ingredients together and mix until no dry flour patches remain.

Fill into 24 lined muffin tins (about 3/4 full - they don't rise much) and bake for 20 minutes!  Let cool and enjoy :)

Fudgy Brownies

Everybody loves brownies.  And everyone loves healthy brownies even more!  These are incredibly delicious and better yet, full of amazing ingredients.

I was surprised by just how chewy, chocolatey, sweet and satisfying these brownies were. Mmmmmmmm.  I think I'll be making these again.  These are also 100% raw and gluten free!! How cool?!

Fugdy Brownies (serves about 12 and inspired by This Rawsome Vegan Life)

1 cup oat flour (or coconut, almond or brown rice flour)
1/2 cup oats (gluten free if you choose)
1/4 cup hemp hearts
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp chia seed
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup cashews
1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more... hehee)
1/2 cup prunes
1/2 cup dried figs
1.5 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup honey/maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all of the dry ingredients and then combine with the wet in a food processor.  Pulse until a large brownie ball forms - yes it is tempting to eat just then and there.

Press the brownie batter into a baking pan such as a loaf pan, 8x8 or pie pan.  Store in the fridge and serve immediately!

Cranberry Goji Bars

Desserts get me every time.

I made a few desserts last night - most of which inspired by This Rawsome Vegan Life.  I can't wait for her cookbook to come out.  The first one I decided to attempt was these Cranberry Bliss Bars.  We ran out of buckwheat groats (I only had about 1/2 cup left) and dates, so I made some substitutions and voila!  I think they turned out alright and they look quite pretty :)

Cranberry Goji Bars (serves 12, or however you choose to cut ;)

Base
1 cup oats
1/2 cup buckwheat groats
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup dried figs
1/2 cup prunes
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange rind

Cream Cheese Icing
1 cup cashews
1/8 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp coconut oil

Toppings
Handful dried cranberries
Smaller handful of goji berries (these aren't cheap!)

To make the base, pulse the oats and buckwheat in the food processor until they become more flour-like.  Add in all of the wet base ingredients and pulse until it begins to stick together.  I added a touch of water to make it more malleable.  Push into the base of spring-form pan, an 8x8 or a ceramic decorative serving plate, like mine!  Set aside in the fridge.

Blend all of the cream cheese icing ingredients until smooth and pour over the base, making sure to cover everything.  Top with the dried fruit! YUM.

Meeting Dala

Recently, my family and I went to see Dala perform.  My sister and I were introduced to them a few years ago while we were in high school and were instantly captivated by their harmonies and personalities.  We ended up covering one of their hits, Levi Blues, in a school coffee house and have since then performed a few of their songs.

They released a new album last year (Best Day) which we purchased as soon as we discovered.  They performed quite a few of these songs at the show we saw, as well as some older songs from their Everyone Is Someone album.  They also performed some new songs which I'm really looking forward to on their next album.

My sister and I have a YouTube channel where we post mainly covers of our favourite current music and many of those videos are songs from Dala.  I can honestly say I enjoyed their music live even more than recorded (which is still amazing)!  They have fantastic stage presence and the dynamics they can produce with their voices are so captivating.

We were able to meet with them after their show and snap a few pictures.  After listening to them through speakers for so long, it was strange to see them in person!  I'll admit I was guilty of fan-girling, but how could you not?!  These girls have really built up a great reputation and I can't wait until I see them perform again!

Monday Breakfast

It's Monday morning, but it feels like Saturday to me.  Since I'm working part-time and going to school this summer, my 'weekends' move around quite frequently.  Today I have the day off and when it came to breakfast, I realized I hadn't had pancakes in a long time.  Too long.

My Mum recently went on a gluten free flour buying extravaganza which left me with several options for this mornings creation. I originally thought I picked up the brown rice flour bag, only to realize later it was actually buckwheat flour.  Whoops.  Don't worry though...  they turned out great!!

Buckwheat Protein Pancakes (serves 1)

1/2 banana mashed
1/8 - 1/4 cup egg whites
1 tsp ground flaxseed
1 T buckwheat flour
1 T protein powder
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Mash the banana in a bowl and then add all other ingredients.  Mix well.  Cook over medium heat on a lightly greased pan (I used coconut oil).  Flip approximately every 3 - 4 minutes.  Serve warm and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

I'm a sucker for all things peanut and chocolate. Isn't everybody? As soon as I laid eyes on this recipe for a deep dish chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake, I knew the day would come where I would recreate this amazing dessert.

I didn't have the amount of dates required for the recipe... but not to worry! Dates have many substitutions, such as prunes and figs (which we had!). I made the necessary modifications and upped the peanuty-ness just for fun.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake (inspired by This Rawsome Vegan Life)

Crust
1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup prunes
1/3 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup hulled hemp hearts
3 tbsp cocoa powder

Filling
3 frozen bananas
1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup prunes
1 cup cashews
1 cup peanuts
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 cup unsweetened almond milk

For the crust, pulse the flaxseed, hemp and cocoa powder in a food processor. Add the dried fruit and blend until the mixture begins to stick. Press onto the bottom and sides of a spring-form pan. Mine is 8" in diameter, but a smaller one would work as well.

For the filling, I put EVERYTHING into the food processor, but you may want to start with the nuts and alternate adding dry and wet ingredients whilst blending. Make sure to scrape down the edges of the food processor periodically to ensure proper mixing. After everything is blended, pour into the spring-form pan and smooth out. Leave in the freezer overnight, or for the whole day.

Take out for approximately 10 - 20 minutes before serving for a creamier texture :)

Banana Berry Citrus Smoothie

I wanted something light and tasty for breakfast this morning, so I whipped up this smoothie.  I used almond milk instead of water which lead to a creamier consistency (yumm!).

Classes for summer start tomorrow, so I've been trying to enjoy these relaxed mornings and lazy days as much as possible.  The summer weather is also definitely making an entrance.  We've been in the 20C for a few days now, and they are only calling for more.  Bring it on Mother Nature!

Banana Berry Citrus Smoothie

1/2 banana
1/2 navel orange (peeled)
1/3 cup frozen raspberries (or fresh)
1/3 cup frozen blueberries (or fresh)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend away! Serve cold and enjoy :)

10k and Gluten Free Pancakes

After seeing Lean Secrets Flat Belly Pancakes (gluten free pancakes), I wanted to try a variation myself!  We recently acquired some coconut, almond and chickpea flour in our house and I couldn't think of a better way to try them out!  

They turned out great: nice and fluffy, however, they did stick to the pan a bit more than I expected which could be because of the ground flaxseed.  The recipe is below :)

Rosie's Gluten Free Pancakes (serves ~ 1 - 2)

1 tbsp coconut flour

1 tbsp almond flour/meal

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

1/2 banana mashed

1/4 - 1/3 cup egg whites

Dash of cinnamon and stevia 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cook on a lightly greased pan over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes each side.  I made 3 smaller pancakes, but you could make 2 or even 1!

Toppings (anything your heart desires)

1/2 cup raspberries

1/4 cup greek yogurt

1/2 banana sliced

Carob chips

Mix and mash 1/2 of the berries with the greek yogurt to make jam-like topping :) 

Changing the subject from delicious food... I ran my first 10k race this past weekend!  I signed up at the end of November 2012, making sure I had plenty of time to train for April (almost 5 months to prepare).  I also wanted to make sure I had time to accommodate any set-backs (getting sick, missed runs, school.. etc.) which was a GREAT idea.  I did miss a couple of weeks here and there but still managed to get all of my training done in time.  I followed through and made up missed days.

I followed this Hal Higdon 10k Training Program which was perfect for me.  I ended up doubling every week in order to build endurance slowly and effectively.  I could run 5k when I first started the program so of course I knew I would have to push myself progressively, but it was just enough.  

I ran mostly on the treadmill since I was training through a cold Canadian winter, but during the last few weeks of the program I managed to get outside and surprised myself! I always thought running outside was physically more difficult, but I learned to PACE myself and 10k became a breeze.  I couldn't believe it! I didn't care if it took me over an hour to complete... I DID it. I ran the distance and that was my top priority :)

Race day came around and I was nervous but more so excited.  It wasn't a question of if I could (like my first race), it was more a question of how I would.  I showed up about 45 minutes early to get my chip.  I then tried to stay warm until I started!  

The actual race itself was great.  We ran along a very picturesque river and once we hit the 5k marker, we turned around and ran right back.  My pace was a touch faster than I was used to, but running with that many people made the time go by faster.  I pushed it during the last 2 - 3 km and ended up finishing 1:07!  A record for me!!  

I highly suggest signing up for a race, either by yourself  or with friends, and really enjoy the training process. It's so rewarding knowing what your mind and body can accomplish together if you work hard.  

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss

And you thought peanut butter got any more blissful? Me neither. Until this recipe.

I was honestly looking for a recipe to use up the rest of our 'Smooth Kraft Peanut Butter' since we've decided to buy all-natural now.  I originally thought cupcakes, then muffins, then cookies... and then came across these Chocolate Peanut Butter Love Bites.

I was looking for something gluten-free and vegan! And of course... I made a couple of modifications :)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Love Bites

Center
1/4 cup oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup peanuts
1-2 tbsp maple syrup

Chocolate Coating
3 tbsp almond butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp cocoa powder (heaping, I might add)
1/8 tsp salt
2-3 tbsp almond milk (unsweetened)

Coating
1/4 cup peanuts
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Pulse the coating ingredients in your food processor until it becomes granular and crumb-like.  Place in a bowl and put aside.

Pulse the center ingredients in your food processor until a large ball forms.  Shape into small balls (approximately 12 and I put mine on a plate) and place in the fridge.

Pulse the chocolate coating ingredients in your food processor until a thick sauce consistency forms.  Pour into a bowl to prepare for dipping!

Dip each ball into the chocolate sauce (I used a toothpick or two, which was still difficult) and then sprinkle or roll in the coating :) YUMMMMM. Place back on a plate and stick in the fridge for a couple of hours!

Staying Motivated in University

I've been gone from the blog for a little while thanks to school work, so I thought the topic of motivation would be fitting for this blog post!

University is an experience like no other.  In high school, although the work load can be daunting at times, it's not overly difficult to complete.  University has taught me so much in such a short amount of time.  One of the hardest things I've experienced so far, is the work load; being in engineering, I think this is very true.  Endless assignments, midterms and trying to have a social life on top of it all.  So how do you stay motivated??

What Drives You

You can't think about it too much, but enough to understand what drives you.  For me it's a number of things: working with my friends in the right environment, my marks, goals for life after my undergrad and fundamentally, to make myself happy.  It's often hard to step back and see the big picture, but you're doing this for a reason.  If it's to go to graduate school, get a job, buy a house, start your own business, or just to say you could, it's always important to keep reminding yourself why.  Surround yourself with uplifting reminders such as quotes, post-it notes, pictures.  Always remember you can do anything you set your mind to.

Break It Down
I've begun to post a list of small goals for the day on my lock screen of my iPod.  Whenever I don't know what I should be doing, I take a look and pick whichever I feel appropriate.  These can range from simple chores, to assignments, to small steps of a big project.

These steps should all be part of a bigger picture.  Make sure your goals are attainable as well - push yourself but not to the extent that it becomes unrealistic.  It will take practice, but don't beat yourself up about something you weren't able to complete in a day.

Your Environment
It also helps me to work with the right people.  Engineering is all about working in teams, and it's important to find your own team.  Gravitate towards the people who you know have a strong work ethic and it will become addicting - trust me!  This drives me to do more: seeing other people work hard makes me want to do the same.  Sure, maybe you love talking to your good friends instead, but hanging out won't satisfy you as much as finishing your work.  If they really are your good friends, they'll understand how important your school work is.  Priorities are important when it comes to having a happy and successful university career.

Lifestyle
The first two years of university for me consisted of minimal exercise and pure focus to my studies.  After training and completing my first 5km race this fall, I realized how exercise can really help you focus.  It's a great stress reliever and allows you to think while building endurance.  Complimenting exercise means the right nutrition.  While a university students' life may be on-the-go, it's always important to remember that what you put into your body is personal fuel.  Planning meals ahead of time and seeking out healthier options on campus will be a guaranteed way to make the most out of your food.

For me this is one of the most important parts of my lifestyle. Sleep.  Plain and simple, but oh-so effective.  Although this year I've been averaging 6 - 7 hours a night during the week days, I know how important sleep is to the way I function.  Lack-there-of can mean a twitchy eyelid, migraine, or your lack of focus at school.  Set yourself up for a productive day with a good nights sleep.


Not everyone is perfect and it is completely normal to sway from your goals and plans!  I often criticize myself for this, but instead learn from it; make yourself a better person because of it.  Life is a learning experience and you should enjoy it as much as you can! :)