Veggie Staples

dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free, plant based recipes

Protein Packed Apple Snack Bites

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If there is ever way to pack in some extra protein for a snack, I’m looking for it. As someone who doesn’t eat much more than fish, I add it in when I can. Have you ever heard of Manitoba Hemp Hearts? Manitoba is a company that makes hemp hearts, an amazing plant based protein made from hemp seeds! I love using them in everything from baking to smoothies, to give food a subtly nutty flavor or an extra crunch! Yum! Each serving has 10 grams of protein, and 10 grams of Omega 3 & 6! Amazing!

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As a mom of a 1 year old, I’ve always got snacks with me. Between my husband and my daughter, someone is always hungry (or hungry). After making your own almond butter (super easy and inexpensive, directions below), swirl in some hemp seeds to make it crunchy and add more protein! And then dip your apple slices in more hemp hearts once you slather them in almond butter too! This is a really awesome snack packed full of protein that everyone in my whole family can munch on while we’re out! Everyone wins and we’re all eating something healthy!

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Protein Packed Apple Snack Bites
Author: 
Recipe type: snack
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3 apple snacks
 
Ingredients
  • 3 cups raw almonds
  • *optional: 2 tablespoons of honey or oil for sweetness or creaminess
  • 4 tablespoons Manitoba Hemp Hearts
  • 3 apples, washed and sliced
Instructions
  1. If making your own almond butter, blend almonds in blender or food processor until smooth. Stopping as needs to push down what has stuck to the sides with a spatula or spoon (blend in honey, oil or extra hemp seeds if desired)
  2. Once apples are washed and sliced, dip in almond butter and roll them into the hemp seeds (1-2 tablespoons at a time)
  3. I doubt the snacks will last 24 hours (in the refrigerator) but you can try!
  4. *recommended to store your almond butter in the fridge!

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Peanut Butter Cranberry Protein Bites

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With all of my running lately (in case I forgot to mention it, I’m training for my first marathon in October. Sometimes I wonder what I’m really thinking!), I’m needing easy, go to snacks for post run munching. These peanut butter cranberry protein are easy to carry with me, they travel well and they taste good. Plus, they really fill me up! All that protein from the protein powder, the peanut butter, dates and nuts. I left out the chocolate on these because if I’m out and about I dont’ want to worry about something melting in my purse or bag (and they are way less messy this way, too). The cranberries give them a beautiful hint of sweetness. Nutritious and delicious!

I could probably eat these all day. When I went to go shoot the photos for this post - look who jumped in?! Zoey just took her first steps this week, if we thought we were in trouble before, I think we were just fooling ourselves… What does this girl not find that is dangerous?
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You can swap out any protein powder for the one I used (I like this plant based powder, it’s plain, so I can add it to anything). I also love this peanut butter powder, there is nothing added to it, although I know a lot of people love this one (which would work just fine)! I know you will just love these for an anytime snack, just like Zoey & I do!!

meg

5.0 from 1 reviews
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Peanut Butter Cranberry Protein Bites
Author: 
Recipe type: Snack
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 15 snack bites
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dates, pitted
  • ½ cup raw almonds
  • ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
  • ¼ raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • ¼ cup (reduced sugar) dried cranberries
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 3 tablespoons jif powdered peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • water (if needed)
Instructions
  1. Buzz almonds (or nut of choice) and seeds in food processor or blender until fine
  2. Add remaining ingredients and buzz until the ‘dough’ begins to form a ball
  3. If the ‘dough’ is not solidifying, add 1 tablespoon of water (or non dairy milk) at a time until the dough does become a ball
  4. Remove dough from food processor or blender and divide into 15 equal balls (rolling each of the 15 sections into a ball, or 31 grams for each ball for each serving)
  5. Chill in the refrigerator & enjoy

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21 DSD Cocoa Banana Nut Muffins

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I’m still doing the whole 21 Sugar Detox thing! I actually cheated a little bit yesterday after my race. I completed a marathon relay with 4 other great woman on my team, and nine groups of Mom’s Run This Town. SO much fun & I had a blast. Here’s a photo of me & Zoey when I got home. She liked playing with the medal, of course!

So the day was outstanding, except for the fact that I ate some candied walnuts, a slice of cheese pizza and a donut. And then I proceeded to have a pounding headache until I went to bed despite guzzling about 20 million gallons of water. So while I normally feel crappy after eating a dairy product, this one really hit home for me. This whole not eating any sugar thing is working. And clearly making me feel a lot better - and I have lost 4 pounds. So thank you 21 Day Sugar Detox Books & Diane Sanfilippo!

These cocoa banana nut muffins are 21 DSD friendly, so I need to let you know in advance that they are not sweet! repeat: not sweet! I put this recipe together specifically to have something muffin and bread like, because that is a no-no, and going into week 3 I needed something. They definitely satisfy the bread like quality I was going for, but with no sugar involved. The banana and almond butter provide a hint of that, but that’s it, for the most part. Anyways, you’ve been warned! Do not expect otherwise - and happy detoxing!!

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21 DSD Cocoa Banana Nut Muffins
Author: 
Recipe type: Muffin
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12 muffins
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ¾ cup almond or coconut milk
  • 2 green tipped bananas
  • ¼ cup almond butter
  • ⅔ cup slivered almonds
  • ⅓ cup raw cocao nibs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Line or grease muffin tins (with coconut oil or muffin liners)
  3. Put all ingredients except almonds and cocao nibs in the blender or food processor, buzz until smooth
  4. Pour blender contents in a bowl, gently fold in almonds & nibs
  5. Distribute equally among 12 muffin tins
  6. Bake 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
  7. Remove from oven & allow to cool before eating

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Almond Butter Banana Yogurt Parfaits

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So on Monday May 4th, I started the 21 Day Sugar Detox (level one). Great book by a great author, Diane Sanfilippo. I don’t eat a lot of sugar to begin with (a little stevia in my coffee & some dark chocolate, usually after dinner) but I am 13 pounds away from my goal weight (pre Zoey) and I have not lost but a mere few pounds in the past month. I’m hoping this helps jump start whatever is making me plateau despite HIIT workouts, lifting weights, and macro/calorie counting.

I’m starting with Level 1 this go around (there is also level 2 & 3). Level one includes plain yogurt, green bananas & green apples in moderation. These are my go to fruits anyways, so score! This almond butter banana yogurt parfait is a really great snack that is incredibly filling. It’s really easy and I made them in small 8 ounce mason jars I picked up at Target (find the same ones here) so I had go to snacks for the week! You can layer with more bananas or almonds (cashews and peanuts are no-no’s, walnuts, pecans & seeds are all okay). What is your favorite low sugar/no sugar snack?

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Almond Butter Banana Yogurt Parfaits
Author: 
Recipe type: snack
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1 jar
 
Ingredients
  • 5 ounces plain non dairy yogurt (lowest sugar content possible)
  • 2 ounces banana, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
Instructions
  1. Place half container (2.5 ounces) into the bottom of the mason jar
  2. Add 1 ounce banana, 1 tablespoon slivered almonds, almond butter & ½ tablespoon cinnamon on top of the yogurt
  3. Add the rest of the yogurt on top of ingredients
  4. Top with one tablespoon cinnamon & 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
  5. Place top on mason jar & store in the fridge up to 5 days or enjoy immediately!

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No Bake Cocoa Cranberry Bars

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I’m reallyyyyyy into these no bake cocoa cranberry bars right now. I normally really dislike dried fruit, but with the cashew butter in these no bake bars, and the cocoa, they really are just delicious. I find myself craving them in the afternoons or in the evening after dinner! I don’t have to feel guilty about eating them; no refined sugars, full of protein & fiber, so they are very satisfying. And did I mention they are no bake? (if you like no bake bars, check out the other no bake bar I just posted)! I’m finding that cocoa & cranberry is my new favorite combo! What is your favorite combination in any type of snack bar?

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No Bake Cocoa Cranberry Bars
Author: 
Recipe type: Snack
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12 bars
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw almonds (slivered or whole)
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • ⅔ cup nut butter
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup raw cocao
  • ¼ cup low sugar dried cranberries (or any dried fruit you like!)
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until all the ingredients have stuck together
  2. Press mixture into an 8 X 8 pan and press flat
  3. Place pan in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes
  4. Remove from refrigerator, cut & serve
Notes
Best if kept refrigerated

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No Bake Nut & Seed Bars

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The past few weeks I’ve gone through a bit of a dry spell with recipe creation. I’m not sure if it was just the winter season coming to an end, or my crazy schedule (it really felt like March Madness in the Staples household)! After a few weeks hiatus (I did post some workouts & fitness pieces), I’m back! I had some requests for some snack items, and was inspired by my recent trip to Starbucks. Have you heard of the company called Evolution Fresh? They make great cold pressed juices & snacks, and they are sold at Starbucks. When I’m out and need something to eat, this is usually one of my go to places, as I know I can get a bag of almonds, a juice, or even one of their snack bars. The only problem with this is they are pretty outrageously expensive. I don’t know about you, but I cannot pay $3 for a ‘granola’ bar every time I feel like it. So I went home, looked up the ingredients list, and got into making my own. I think mine are actually a bit healthier. They are about the same amount of calories, but I used raw honey for my No Bake Nut & Seed Bars, they used brown rice syrup & agave. Anyways, these are delicious, and they are a great go to breakfast (super filling, lots of fiber & protein)! Perfect for a post workout snack, or even something to take care of that sweet craving after dinner at night. Snack on!

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No Bake Nut & Seed Bars
Author: 
Recipe type: Snack
Cuisine: Nut & Seed Bar
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12 bars
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • ½ cup nut butter (I used almond)
  • ¼ cup flax seeds
  • ¼ cup raw honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • pinch of sea salt
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl
  2. Press mixture into an 8 X 8 pan until flat and evenly distributed
  3. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour
  4. Remove from refrigerator and cut into 12 even pieces
  5. Serve and enjoy!

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Almond Butter Banana Blender Muffins

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Almond Butter Banana Blender Muffins - say that five times fast! I have just been going to town on the almond butter (or cashew butter) lately and when I was searching for some banana recipes on pinterest, and a blender muffin recipe came up. Easy to do, had all the ingredients. Yes. I cannot take all of the credit for this one. I found this inspiration for this over at Thirty Hand Made Days. Really good stuff over there, check Mique and all of her crafting projects out, they are great! I hope you enjoy these muffins, only a few ingredients, and did I repeat, you make them in the blender? Double Awesome Sauce!

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Almond Butter Banana Blender Muffins
Author: 
Recipe type: Muffin
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12 muffins
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raw nut butter
  • ½ cup enjoy life chocolate chips (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 very ripe bananas, the browner they are, the better
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Coconut oil for greasing pan (or muffin liners)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Place all ingredients (minus the chocolate chips) in the blender
  3. Pulse until smooth
  4. Fold in chocolate chips
  5. Grease muffin pan or place liners in cups
  6. Distribute batter evenly
  7. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are brown
  8. Remove from oven & wait 10 minutes to cool before serving
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 muffin Calories: 224 Fat: 13 Saturated fat: 4 Carbohydrates: 17 Sugar: 10 Sodium: 94 Fiber: 3 Protein: 8 Cholesterol: 35

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Clean Valentine’s Day Chocolate Almond Butter Hearts

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IMG_2663I usually don’t wait so long to create a treat for my husband for Valentine’s Day. This past weekend I made 2 kinds of desserts, but these chocolate almond butter hearts were the winner out of the two, and the easier of the two to make (but don’t tell him that). There isn’t really too much about them that’s too fancy, you only need two ingredients (three if you want to make them crunchy) and you’re done! And who can resist the taste of chocolate and almond/peanut butter together? It’s such a divine combination! These are great for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion (just make them in their normal circle shape instead of crunching the the paper liners into hearts). They taste better than Reese’s peanut butter cups and they don’t have any of the gross filling! They also only take a short time to make! Double awesome!

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I took a mini cupcake tin and mini cupcake liners and pinched one side of them. Then I used a small piece of tin foil to place in between the the opposite side to make it look like a heart! Easy! You could also just leave them circles and they would look identical to a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup!

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Clean Valentine's Day Chocolate Almond Butter Hearts
Author: 
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 12 mini cups
 
Ingredients
  • 2 cups of enjoy life chocolate chips, melted/divided
  • 1 cup almond butter (or any type of nut butter)
  • small nut pieces to make the inside crunchy if desired
  • tin foil(optional) & mini cupcake liners
Instructions
  1. Prepare mini cupcake tin and liners as desired (circles or hearts)
  2. If making hearts, pinch one side of the cupcake lines and crumple up a small piece of tin foil to place opposite the point to make an indentation for the heart.
  3. Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a bowl, heating 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, and stirring in between each time until the chips are melted.
  4. Once melted, place a spoonful of chocolate in each of the cupcake liners
  5. Place the cupcake tin in the refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened
  6. Once the chocolate has hardened, place a spoonful of nut butter on top of each of the hardened chocolate pieces, adding slivers of nuts if desired to make them crunchy
  7. Repeat chocolate melting process
  8. Add a spoonful of melted chocolate onto the top of the almond butter to each cup.
  9. Place the chocolates back into the refrigerator until hardened
  10. Chocolate can be served peeled or left in the lining. Keep refrigerated

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Morning Frothy Monkey Smoothie

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The month of smoothies continues. I love this smoothie on the weekends because it gives me a little pick me up in the afternoon (and perfect for weekday mornings), and it’s got a few of my favorite ingredients, almond butter & coffee! Can’t really go wrong with that. It’s a nice treat, something a little indulgent that you don’t have to feel too guilty about. I’ve been taking polls on facebook about what your favorite ingredients for smoothies are, so I’m going to try to include them all (I don’t think that will be too much of a problem)! I hope that you’ve started off your new year right and that you are sticking to those resolutions related to your health!

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Morning Frothy Monkey Smoothie
Author: 
Recipe type: Smoothie
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1
 
Ingredients
  • 1 banana (I like mine frozen)
  • 1 cup of almond milk
  • 1 cup of cold brew coffee
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder
  • ice to taste
Instructions
  1. Blend
  2. Serve Immediately

 

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Vegan & Paleo Double Chocolate Almond Butter Ice Cream

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It’s been a busy week in the Staples household… I finally gave birth to baby Zoey. We welcomed her into the world on August 6th! Labor was long, but all worth it in the end, just like they say! Zoey is happy and healthy and Jake and I couldn’t be more proud!

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Anyways, we are settling in, and I’ll be home until almost Thanksgiving on maternity leave!

In other news, I had made this ice cream last week right before Z was born and started the post, never having a chance to finish it (posts will be a little less frequent, I’m sure, for the time being). Having said that, there are few things this girl right here loves more than ice cream! When you have a lactose sensitivity, it’s hard to go out for ice cream… or coffee (I try to avoid soy, too)! And although I love a lot of the dairy free ice creams they do carry in the supermarket, many of them contain carrageenan.

Since the 4th of July, my sister and I have been on a homemade ice cream kick (her favorite so far is snickers). I had a hard time not eating this whole container in one sitting (and I’m not just saying that). It was probably gone within a day or two - I tried to savor it. Next time I think I could double or triple the batch!

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Vegan & Paleo Double Chocolate Almond Butter Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 1 can of coconut milk (full fat or light)
  • 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1/4 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
  • 2-3 tablespoons almond butter (depending on how buttery you like it!)
  • 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar

Instructions

  1. Add coconut milk, cacao powder, and honey to a bowl and mix well
  2. Pour into frozen ice cream canister (I like to leave mine in the freezer around 24 hours)
  3. Churn in the ice cream maker until soft serve consistency forms (20 - 25 minutes or so)
  4. Add chocolate chips and almond butter for the last few minutes
  5. Ice cream will be soft - put it in the freezer for 30-45 minutes if you like it harder
  6. This Tovolo container is my favorite!
http://veggiestaples.com/vegan-paleo-double-chocolate-almond-butter-ice-cream/

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