Healthy Decadent Chocolate Heaven
Created by chef, nutritionist and reiki master, Serena Poon
Serving Size: 12-16
"Even during the hot summer months, we still like to enjoy our sweet treats! While I typically reach for fruit, it's also nice to have a decadent dessert as an option. This one is rich with flavor but without the heavy weight of dairy and cream," says Poon.
● 2 1⁄4 cup coconut cream
● 4 1⁄2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
● 2 cups water
● 1 1⁄2 cup non-dairy milk (nut milk is great)
● 1⁄2 cup + 1 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil 3⁄4 cup coconut sugar
● 3⁄4 cup grade A maple syrup
● 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
● 4 1⁄2 cups gluten free baking flour
● 2 cups unsweetened organic cocoa powder 3 teaspoons baking soda
● 3⁄4 teaspoon himalayan salt
Melt chocolate chips until smooth. Gradually whisk in coconut cream. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 3-6 hours or until mixture is firm, but pliable.
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans as follows: Coat with softened vegan butter or coconut oil, then dust completely with the cocoa powder. Set aside. In a large bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients and set aside. Add water and non-dairy or nut milk to a small saucepan over low heat until warmed. In a medium bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk. Pour batter into cake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes.Place pan on a cooling rack to cool for 30 minutes. Remove cake from the pan and allow to cool completely before frosting.
When ready to frost, remove frosting mixture from refrigerator and allow to stand at room temp for 10-12 minutes. Frost cake and add vegan chocolate shavings or chips as garnish, as desired.
Image courtesy of Serena Poon
Veggies Rainbow Spring Rolls
Created by health and wellness coach, Claire Grieve
Serving Size: 10 spring rolls
"I created these beautiful spring rolls to be a healthy version of a traditional summer spring roll," explains Grieve. "My version is full of fresh, enlivening vegetables and flavors. Not only will you get a major dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber when you eat these, you will also feel satisfied. These rainbow spring rolls are filled with healthy fats and plant-based proteins and are so very delicious."
● 10 spring roll rice paper wraps
● 1 large carrot
● 1 large cucumber
● 1 avocado
● handful fresh cilantro
● 5 large green lettuce leaves
● 1/2 cup salted natural peanut or almond butter
● 1-1/2 tbsp soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos if gluten-free)
● 2-3 tbsp honey of maple syrup
● 1/2 medium lime, juiced
● 1/2 tsp garlic chili sauce
● 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
● hot water (to thin)
Prepare all vegetables. Peel, remove seeds and slice carrot and cucumber into matchbox size or julienne. Thinly slice avocado. Remove the cilantro leaves and roughly chop. Soak one wrapper at a time in a shallow dish of very hot water until softened, about 30 seconds. Lift out, let excess water drip off and lay on a clean, dry cutting board. Lay a large green lettuce leaf in the center of wrapper. Place a slice of avocado, carrots, cucumber and cilantro next to each other. Fold the wrapper over the filling and roll into a tight cylinder, fold the sides as you go. Cut the veggie roll in half. Serve with micro greens or salad and dipping sauce of choice.
For the dipping sauce, place all ingredients, except water, into a bowl and whisk together. Add hot water 1 tbsp at a time and continue whisking until you achieve a pourable consistency.
Image courtesy of Claire Grieve
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Created by Serena Poon
Serving Size: 2-4
"This is a great summer alternative to traditional cold mousse because it's so nice to feel indulgent, but without the heaviness that a traditional chocolate mousse recipe gives our bodies," jokes Poon. "Especially when the weather is warm and we are poolside or beachside."
● 4 ripe medium organic avocados
● ¼ cup organic coconut milk
● 4 tbsp raw organic cacao powder
● 2/3 tsp monk fruit or ¼ tsp stevia
● 2 oz dark vegan chocolate, melted
● 2 tsp organic vanilla extract
● 2 tsp organic virgin or unrefined coconut oil
● 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt
● For toppings: coconut whipped cream, vegan chocolate shaving, berries
● Peel and pit avocados and place in a food processor. Blend until combined and creamy. Add in remaining ingredients, blending until pureed. Blend for a good 1-2 minutes until completely creamy then serve with desired toppings.
Image courtesy of Serena Poon
Taco Salad
Created by Daily Burn trainer, Nora Minno
Serving Size: 2
"While a year-round favorite for many, summer-ripe veggies can add a burst of flavor to any taco dish," says Minno. "There's really no wrong way to do tacos, so I always like to get creative with my ingredients and flavors. One of my favorite ways to do tacos is in a salad and this vegan dish is a great alternative to heavy traditional tacos. You can pack in loads of nutrients with a variety of veggies and get creative with your protein choices. This dish uses a medley of veggies and black beans and tofu as the main sources of protein."
● 7 oz tofu, drained and cubed
● 1 tsp paprika
● 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
● 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
● 1/2 tsp olive oil
● 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
● 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
● 1/2 bell pepper (any color) diced
● 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
● 1/4 cups red onion, diced
● 1/4 avocado, cubed
● 1/4 cups corn, drained and rinsed
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● 1 tbsp lime juice
● 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
● 1 tsp chipotle powder
● 1 tsp ground black pepper
● 1 tsp garlic powder
In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, and chipotle powder. Toss in tofu to coat evenly. *Note: Be sure the tofu is thoroughly drained prior. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add tofu to pan and sear on each side until slightly crispy. Meanwhile, assemble other elements of the salad in a bowl or on a plate as you please. Top with tofu once seared.
To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, white wine vinegar, chipotle powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can add salt to taste if desired. Drizzle over salad.
Image courtesy of Nora Minno
Caprese Salad
Created by Nora Minno
Serving Size: 2
"Nothing says summer on the East Coast to me like a big caprese salad with fresh jersey tomatoes and lots of fresh basil," says Minno. "But if you're looking to go vegan, you'll want to hold the mozzarella — though that doesn't necessarily mean the flavor has to suffer. To make this salad vegan, simply swap the cheese for thinly sliced tofu — you'll even get some extra protein and reduce the saturated fat."
● 2 ripe large tomatoes on the vine, sliced
● 7 oz tofu, drained and sliced into thin rectangles or circles
● 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
● 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
● 4 fresh basil leaves chopped
● Black ground pepper to taste
● Layer sliced tomatoes and sliced tofu. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with fresh chopped basil and black pepper to taste.
Image courtesy of Nora Minno
