Happy Monday Bloggie Friends! How are you today? How was your weekend? Mine was great! Let me count the ways. Some of the cool things included getting together with fellow blogger Madeline, like I mentioned I would be. Here’s a few pics from our coffee outing.
Skylar with me today and 2 year olds generally last about 3.478 minutes in coffee shops. Skylar lasted over an hour which was great, but Madeline was awesome with her and humored Skylar by drawing and playing along with Skylar’s “artwork”.
She even let Skylar try on her cool yellow shades.
During the rest of the weekend, I whipped up a few creative vegan chocolate treats, and taught yoga, which still has me grinning from ear to ear! Tell me about how your weekend unfolded and what kinda trouble you got into stayed out of.
Thanks for the great feedback on enjoying my Weekly Highlights & Recap post that I did. I’m glad you liked everything from Dark Chocolate Fudge Balls
To Kale Salads
And a big Congrats to the Winner of the $25 EcoStore USA Gift Certificate…Enjoy it, Sweetie!
But it’s a new week and time to start fresh, so here’s a few things I made this weekend…
Butterfinger Oats
1/3 c dry oats, 2/3 c water (could use almond milk but I didn’t have any open), and then added cinnamon, brown sugar, butterscotch chips, and a smashed mini-Butterfinger (we’re slowly making our way through the excess Halloween candy I purchased. At this rate we should have it done by Halloween 2010.)
For one of our din-dins I took some of the never-ending bounty of potatoes that I bought on my TJ’s Grocery Haul and cut up some red potatoes + yukon golds, mini-carrots, doused with EVOO, S & P, 1 Tsp Ground Ginger(ginger is a great tenderizer and flavor booster)
Roasted at 400F for about 40 minutes
And served the roasted veggies along side a Hugh Jass Pea kinda Salad of greens, cukes, carrots, tomatoes, peppers with some of my Homemade High Raw Vegan Slaw Dressing
So after all those taters and green goodness, it was time for dessert. Enter my newest, super easy, 3-ingredient (raw) vegan dessert. No fancy appliances needed. A spoon will do. Curious?
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Averie’s (Raw if You Want) 3-Ingredient, 10-Minute Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Yields: 2 Peanut Butter Cups. Intentionally a very small recipe, feel free to mass-produce.
1/2 cup melted chocolate (i.e. 2 Full-Size Squares of Melted Baker’s Brand Chocolate because it’s dairy-free, or melt 1/2 c Chocolate Chips, or a Cocoa Powder/Agave/Coconut Oil Mix)
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Nutritional Yeast, optional
In a microwave-safe bowl melt the chocolate and spoon a thin chocolate layer into paper muffin liners (two). Allow chocolate to cool in the liners. While it is cooling, prepare the peanut butter and nutritional yeast mixture by stirring to combine it in a small bowl. If you don’t have nutritional yeast, omit it. It simply gives a slightly salty, cheezy, “gritty” and more authentic texture to the filling (similar to the Reese’s filling) but is not essential. Spoon the mixture on top of the cooled chocolate base layer. Melt additional chocolate and spoon melted chocolate over the top to completely cover the peanut butter. Allow cups to set up fully before eating, at least 5 to 10 minutes in the freezer if you are in a hurry.
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First, melt your chocolate (Raw Foodies, use whatever ratios of raw cocoa powder, agave, & coconut oil suits you to keep it raw). I use the 45 seconds in the microwave trick and melted about 1/4 c worth, which is 1 Baker’s Chocolate Full-Sized Square. (You’ll melt the other square later).
Then, take paper muffin liners and Pour the Melted Chocolate in, just coating the bottom of the liners.
Mix up the Filling
2 Tbsp PB + 1/2 Tsp Nooch
Optional: Dash of Salt, Dash of Agave, Dash of Vanilla Extract. This is to your taste and highly subjective, so do as you wish friends, but I think my version is quite Reese’s-like.
If you’re having a hard time getting your nooch well-incorporated into your PB, zap in the micro for 15 seconds.
I love how the nooch actually gives the PB that barely there, ever-so-slight chunky factor like the filling in Reese’s Cupsis.
Spoon the Filling into the now-hardened (or somewhat hardened) Chocolate Layer
Transfer your cups carefully to a plate
Put them in the Fridge to Harden Fully
And look at how chilly & yummy that looks!
Unwrap & Notice the rippled or ruffled Reese’s-like edges.
I normally would just make teeth marks, but I used a knife to show you the inner workings of my Vegan PB Cups.
Kinda Highly Addictive. But the fun stuff usually is. Feel free to make a larger batch. There are lots of pics, but the whole thing took less than 10 minutes of active cooking time. You just have to let them firm up, and I bet that could happen in 15 minutes in the freezer. So, you’re less than a half hour away from homemade vegan PB Cups!! What are you waiting for?
They are rich, smooth, and even more satisfying because you made them yourself. And, you can feel awesome knowing there are no yucky ingredients in them. And did I mention the pretty rippled edges. Love those.
Do you like peanut butter cups?
Have you ever made them at home?
What percent of sugar in the Baker’s Bar?
I have no idea!
I’m recently retired and having fun, finally, trying out new things, now that I have the time. Can’t wait to experiment with those peanut butter cups. I look forward to see more of your ideas!
I’m doing this right now!
enjoy! LMK if you try them!
I have to first say I made your peanut butter coconut oil protein bars tonight and they were delicious! Now to answer your questions……to say something or not say something to the butts…..I have often said to someone who I see littering ( which I can’t stand) “I think you dropped something” it takes them off guard instead of coming off grumpy. For the other question, I have often seen parents grab or yell at a child in public and I too find it a terrible way to treat a child. I have not found the right thing to say without sounding like I’m in there business so I just stop and stare because basically they are attracting attention to themselves. I did this once and before you know it there were other people doing the same. Keep up the great posts.
Heather
Wow, this post is almost 3 years old and when I read your comment I was like, huh?! But now I remember posting about the butts :) lol
And I am glad you enjoyed the protein bars!
I cannot believe how authentic your peanut butter cups taste. I have been trying for over a year to create a pb cup that will satisfy my craving for Reese’s. Thank you so much for sharing .
Thanks! I appreciate it very much!
And have you seen these>
http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2012/01/ritz-stuffed-peanut-butter-cups.html
The Queen of PB Cups :)
My favorite drink is herbal tea. Of course, I love spinach-carrot juice and green smoothies, too. :-D
I like hot chocolate with marshmellows.
My favorite drink is chamomile tea with nothing in it. Simple, yet so tasty.
absolute favorite drink in the world is a cup of salted caramel hot chocolate!
My fav 'treat' drink = nonfat pepermint mocha!
Fav drink=lemonade, real lemons+water+sugar lemonade!
I love green tea lattes…hot or cold, I'm not pickey. :)
And I <3 Lulu!
my favorite drink is an americano!!
U said crunchy, sweet, light and crispy….what more could a girl need! I want to add some raw foods to my diet, these would be a fun, satisfying treat.
I really want to try these cookies! I learned that you think they're the perfect vegan cookies and they're sweetened with molasses.
A new coffeee machine! Ohhh…a new toy!! ;)
I must sink my teeth into those thin, crispy cookies!
I love how these cookies are so healthy and full of the good stuff. It doesnt even seem like its a cookie hehe :) Just grabbing another entry.
hello you gorgeous thing! Just gunning for another entry :)
I learned that nutridel cookies are made with a "touch of molasses" **ohhh, ahhh**
oh, and I learned that you are gorgeous.. but I already knew that :)
I had no idea you could steam almond milk to make it into a foam! too cool
i learned that the cookies are crunchy, crispy, light, sweet.
emily
Oh, I didn't know those cookies had molasses!
Awesome, I love extra iron :)
And I also learned you have a tatoo on your foot ;)
I love that these cookies contain no refined sugars. Score!
– Ava
i learned that oatmeal is a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron and magnesium
Those Nutridel cookies look so good. I love that they are sweetened with a touch of molasses and don't contain any preservatives or artificial anything,
hahahah Skylar's plate.
Awesome.
:)
oh, and its settled: if my only reason for coming up to Phoenix is meeting up with you and going to Lululemon, I am SO DOWN. I was not aware Phoenix had one!
That is one fancy coffee machine! That caramel looks delish swirled in your cup. What a treat!
On your recommendation, I am now hoarding those 20% off coupons. And maybe the Coffee Gods will smile upon me too when I use my coupons :)
Skylar's art work is precious and I'll bet your snackie tasted even better on her special plates.
Very groovy yoga clothes! The pants look soft and comfy…just right for twisting yourself into all those amazing and impressive poses :)
Sheri
Love your take on the coffee! For some reason (laugh away) I had never thought to steam almond milk! Partly because I don't have a steamer, but that's because I don't drink milk – D'uh! :))) *giggle*
Totally agree about what you say about putting out different energy. You totally receive it back. Barristas who are vacant for the person in front of me have a chat with me, because I smile and say good morning and actually connect to them energetically, rather than be on auto-pilot. I also think it's why when I left London 4 years ago I couldn't see that much good in it. Now I'm back and I'm amazed at how different I see it. I feel blessed every day to live here and feel so supported. People say Londonders are rude, but I beg to differ, as they've been lovely to me. Same went for Paris the other weekend. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Sorry for the long comment ~ you hit on something I've been considering lately :)
Have a beautiful day! em.
Love your last little bit regarding having an open mind. More of us need to remember that! Thanks for reminding. And loving your new yoga gear :) looking uber comfy too xx
hello shopping trip!!! you are a freakin' baller :) the espresso machine, im sure, is way better than my frother. but im hoping to score big time in the wedding registry, so keep the reviews coming of such products. still on the to-get list: food processor, juicer, dehydrator, ok, im getting carried away. i live in an apartment the size of my bedroom back in ca, so ill just have to wait on some of the gadgets for now…
anyways, im dying over the lulu gear. love that stuff, but alas, its out of my $$$ range (sale rack or not). ill enjoy through you, k?
woohoo for PINK!!!
WOW!! So many things to comment on…I hope I remember!
First of all – that yoga pose is absolutely beautiful. There is just something about the way your body looks that is so graceful – I absolutey love it.
Second – I am becoming a Lululemon whore…maybe that doesn't sound right, but I bought THREE pairs of their Groove pants and I practically live in them. They are so freaking comfy! I also have 2 cropped pants for Jazzercise and a new top I bought in Houston. Did you know you get a 15% discount if you are an instructor?? Only in the stores, but hey – 15% is 15%!
That Espresso machine is soooooo cool!!
Love you Averie – have a wonderful Friday!!
I love all your workout clothing – especially the cropped pants…I always have a hard time with cropped because my legs are rather long – with my thighs being far longer than my lower leg, it's incredibly bizarre!
As for staying sane in the holiday season? I'm 100% sure that I can't stay sane…I let the crazy sweep me away!
xxx
holy raw vegan turtles! seriously. i dont know how i missed those because they look so dang fabulous!
i LOVE your lululemon goods – they are adorable! seriously. i cannot let myself go in that store, otherwise i would go broke.
love skylar's paintings and love your advice – you just gotta take things as they come!
1. LOVE the Nutridel cookies but had to order them online as I have yet to find any in the stores (and I even looked in CA when I was there last week).
2. I'm up to my ears in 20% coupons from my hoardy mother so if you run out, let me know. I just don't shop there often enough to use all of these and rumor they NEVER expire. True?
Hi . I love your blog and pictures. You are one neat chickie :)
I like to listen to music and bake to stay sane at holidays.
I love those pants. I know what you mean about too much fabric at the ankles, those look perfect! And majorly cute too.
DROOL over the macchiato. I find that myself, I fare better if I don't drink my calories. So I treat coffees the same as desserts. But OOOOH so delicious.
i really enjoyed your 'have an open mind' peptalk. A lot of times I feel like the 'odd one out' at family functions. I needed that encouragement!
Love the Lulu stuff!
I have seen those Nutridel cookies but they are not gluten free correct? They look so darn yummy.
:-(
Your raw vegan treats are just hopelessly enticing! And I like seeing the variety of yoga wear. I have yet to buy shorts, but I'm sick of sweating in long pants and heated rooms, so I may have to give them a shot.
fun new machine! Kinda funny cause I totally just walked in the door from BB&B! I used my stack of coupons on a beautiful new hand blender
Just catching up on your life now (my apolgoies for my absence.. my profs decided to pile it on as of late) but oh my goodness, CONGRATU-FREAKIN-LATIONS on the job front, Averie! I am ridiculously excited for you. It's so beautiful you are able to make a career out of something your so passionate about. You really inspire me and I hope one day I can achieve the same for myself :) Who knows, maybe we can teach classes together ;) partner yoga!!
love the yoga swag as well.. I was going to ask for a pair of LuLulemon pants for christmas but had no idea it was so expensive!! sheeeesh!
Lots of love to you on this beautiful Friday, hun :)
oh my gosh.. i want one of those toys!! and im dying to try the nutridel cookies-thanks for the reminder!
fantastic post! The clothes are great! They do make some awesome stuff. Coffee maker looks fun too. I love your comment at the end about not getting too wrapped up in the gift giving over the holidays. I totally agree. I actually just really like hangin with the fam more than anything. Have a great day!
Yay for lulu, yay for espresso machines and super yay for great holiday tips! I always get anxious about gift giving – I want to find the perfect gift for each person, spend the right amount etc. But this year I'm thinking of making most of my gifts – tasty, healthy recipes in pretty jars – so people have something they'll enjoy but it wont break the bank!
Staying sane at the holidays: I keep a little notebook in my purse and anytime someone mentions an item they'd like I jot it down right then and there. By the time Christmas or their birthday comes around, I have a long list and they've long forgotten. I'm no longer stressing about trying to come up with ideas at the last minute!
FAAAAAB-ulous Lulu haul!! I love those cropped pants and I totally understand about the tight pants thing. I can't stand suction cupped pants!
Nice espresso machine AND caramel macchiato. Those drink and I had a very intimate relationship back in the day.
I kind of do the same thing as you in regards to the holidays but I keep the gift UNTIL the holiday. I've had birthday cards in my room for MONTHS just waiting for the special day to come.
Love the Lulu gear! I could wear all their stuff, day in and day out. And the espresson maker?!!!!! Awesome! Ah, so much fab stuff you can create. I loved the Nutridel cookies too.
Staying sane in the holidays- ack, not an issue this yeat. My mom is busy with her new partner, my brothers are away and my dad doesn't celebrate so…just another day for me. Kind of happy about it! I'll find a way to make it special :)
I hate tight pants too! I'd rather have to tug them up every so often than feel restricted or cramped in any way. Nothing cramps my style, baby! I LOVE those lavender shorts, I think I would have had to buy a pair too, they are gorgeous and I love how soft you say they are.
All your food looks yummy and even though I don't drink coffee you've got me craving a big cup of jo!
Love the Lulu gear! Now that I'm finally home from college I'm going to be making some of your recipes, so I'll let you know how that goes :) Also, your espresso maker looks awesome!
I love all of your lulu purchases! I need to get there ASAP, as I'm teaching class in nike workout pants I bought back in 2004. I wonder how many times I've worn them?
Great day and great buys! I've never been into an actual lululemon store- just seen the items through Yoga shops but they have some great stuff. Hope your Friday is just as wonderful as your Wednesday
Congrats on the espresso maker! I have a stove stop maker myself- I love it because it's hard core old school.. haha. I have yet to hit up a lulu lemon- but I have been to the site and they have some really adorable clothes. I LOVE those pants! As far as the holiday season and gift giving: A couple of years ago I started to just make my gifts and decorations. I love to cook the most- and I figure sharing that with others is the best gift that I can give, because it's filled with so much love! I started off with simple chocolate covered pretzels, packaged in mason jars- with holiday fabric covering the tops. Now the tradition is biscotti.. I have realized that I like to stay true to my heritage, and although I'm only 1/2 italian- I identify with that the most! Plus who doesn't love italian food?! I do agree that it's better to do something special for people through out the year :-)
just the title of this post alone grabbed my attenion!! we talking woo-woowemon in here?! IM HERE! lol
cute clothes, aves. you look so hawwttt
and that coffee looks amazing, my uncle would be so proud :) I have had some trouble making almond milk get so frothy, what is your trick?
happy fridayyyyyy
I LOVE your new clothes! You SO deserve them. My yoga pants are all circa 2004…there may be some holes in the waist band. Ick. I'll will upgrade someday too, and wouldn't Lulu just be the most fitting place :)
I love your tip of the day. I HAVE to put my mind in the detach from the "what you think is going to happen" you are right..most anxiety is in your head and most of the might haves may never become.
I love your take on gift giving. That is EXACTLY what I want to do but always feel pressured …That is what we are doing this year.
I totally adore you new clothes….you look adorable in them too!
thank you also for the reader tribute…that was fun to see all the things every one has made!
The holidays this year we are keeping it simple.
I have been stress free for a while and I am not ready to jump back in the crazy tree!
love to ya!!
Adorable new gear! Can we share?
I haven't been able to tolerate raw veggies today because my throat is so sore…you're making me jealous with that salad!
To stay sane during the holidays I…well, I guess I never stress about them. But I try to help MamaJ because she definitely gets stressed. I just try to bake, sing and be merry :)
I'm so loving the Lululemon digs! That is so cool to have a legitimate reason to buy new workout gear!! Maybe I should get a job teaching step or something : )
Nice job on scoring a deal on that espresso maker! I so miss my coffee but oh well, I won't die.
This year Christmas is going to be low-budg so no worries there. I never care about getting gifts myself, I just like giving them : )
I seriously agree with you on the "having an open mind" front, especially around the holidays.
I love my family to death, but they are also committed omnivores. But in my experience, if I go with the flow and don't hate on their food, they don't hate on mine and go out of the way to make me feel right at home. It actually warms my heart that they care so much, because when I became a vegan I sort of thought I was on my own from here on out :)
Two of my fave things in the world: lululemon and vegan espresso drinks.
Okay first, your espresso drinks are kiiiilling me!! SO tasty looking! I had an espresso machine back in the day and it was awesome. Definitely on my "to buy" list again. I suggest you steam up some apple juice with cinnamon, it's soooo good :)
And I live in cropped pants too. They are my fave :)
holy balls. nine posts later.. i have a LOT on my mind. i took notes:
i love your rad lamp, and your furniture.. love, glad you reposted that GP because it had such GREAT info that i am sure a lot of your readers did not see when it was on my blog, that soft serve is dreeeeamy..gaaah, skylar's shades! YES! i have some identical!, those PB cups look PROFESSIONAL. holy crap. and the turtles may be even better. WOW!!, id say something to the cig flicker. for sure., that tribute post WAS INCREDIBLE! write a cookbook. now. i am so serious! your recipes obviously inspire everyone :), that espresso machine IS SO FREAKIN FANCY! jealousy!!!! wow! have you tried blue diamond almond milk? maybe you will like it? who knows. maybe not! i love your approach at gift giving. you are such a thoughtful person. and i love the new threads. and i love you. sorry i have been such a bad blog friend.. i realllllly missed your fantasticness. love you!
OK I can't believe you got that kind of foam on with ALMOND milk- that NEVER worked for me, ever! So I went back to dairy.
And those ph strips made me laugh b/c I used to check my urine (sorry TMI) when I was on Atkins like you're supposed to do to see if you were in ketosis. needless to say, I don't do that sort of thing now :-)
What great shopping finds! Your yoga outfits are awesome… I'm totally with you on tight pants. I don't understand how anyone can find them comfortable. I don't know about them, but wedgies are SOOO not my thing. ;)
Quick question – how did you get yoga certified? That's always been a goal of mine, and I'm just curious what kind of program you did.
OMG, you have no idea how jealous I am of that Espresso Maker!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can I come over?????
xxoo
Heather
Yay for shopping! Your clothes are cute and that espresso machine looks so high tech! Love the awesome coffee creations :) Skylar's pottery is adorable, too.
It's definitely gonna be weird going back to living with my fam during the holidays, when I've been used to living by myself and doing my own thing. I think I'm just going to consciously keep reminding myself to relax, chill, and just enjoy spending time with them :)
Okay, I am completely jealous of your espresso machine, but I am also excited to see all the yummy drinks you come up with. That vegan caramel macchiato looks amazing!
Niiiice Lululemon finds!
And I have been eyeing an espresso machine for a while now… lucky girl.
Can't wait for round 2 :D
Love you new outfits. So jealous that you the Lulu store so close to you… though probably a good thing that we don't live near one ;)
Your reader tribute post was so nice! Thanks for linkage!
And congrats on your purchases. I love all the pants and yes, I agree, pants do not need to be super tight! And the espresso machine! So fun!
Enjoy all the stuff and tell Skyler, I will buy her pottery someday!
okay.. first, I LOVE the cropped pants.. pink waste band is right up my alley! second, i want to get a fun espresso maker (although im tea drinker) but the hub is all about his old school french press. either way.. think of all the money you will save NOT going out for fancy coffees! LOVE IT :)
Bahhhhh I wish we had a LuLu here! I'm so jealous! I love your tip. We all should have an open mind!
Love the new clothes! So cute!
Reading your posts always makes me hungry Averie!! I don't need to stay sane during the holidays – my family are crazy just like me and I love it! Hey I've moved blogs too in case you've missed it :)
love the lulu goods AND the awesome new expresso machine! tell skylar she totally rocked that pottery!