Happy Valentine’s Day, lovely friends!

If you’re looking for easy and healthy recipes to celebrate Valentine’s Day and shower some love on your special someone, sprinkle some affection on those near and dear to you, or perhaps treat yourself to some self-love with some delightful sweet treats, I have some amazing recipes for you!

These 5 irresistible recipes are perfect for impressing and expressing your love and appreciation to those special people in your life :

  Easy Vanilla Strawberry Cupcakes

  Simple Strawberry Sauce

  Vanilla and Raspberry Doughnuts *

  Easy Raspberry Sauce *

  Vegan Chocolate Hearts

* These recipes feature Chandler Honey’s delicious raw organic honey with unique flavour infusions!

All the recipes are cinch to make and the best part? They are all gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly!

Which one(s) are you going to try out? Lemme know in the comments below.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

The post Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe Ideas 💘 {gluten-free, vegetarian} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

Happy Halloween, my lovely friends!
These Easy Halloween Mummy Bites are a spooktacular treat! This no-bake recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a snack that’s not only frightfully adorable but also packs a healthy twist. These treats are the ultimate ghoulish goodies to savour this Halloween. Bonus: they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and totally vegan!

I’m going to let you in on something: I absolutely love making no-bake recipes! There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a sweet treat recipe that you can whip up on a whim when you’re craving something sweet. Especially when you use natural, wholesome ingredients that are good for your health and well-being. That’s what Pure Sprinkles is about after all :).

I wanted to experiment with new ingredients while keeping things super easy because Halloween is a time for spooky movies, costumes, and fun, not spending hours in the kitchen. So, here’s a quick and simple, no-bake recipe to enjoy this Halloween season.

For this year’s Halloween recipe, I decided to give my little creations a costume – yes, you heard it right! A costume made of velvety white ‘chocolate’ wrapped around airy brown rice crispies, creamy cashew butter, and a spoonful of coconut oil. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and a hint of vanilla. The result? Adorable mummy bites! They’re frighteningly cute, aren’t they? I just couldn’t resist.

I also opted for using cashew butter instead of marshmallows to give them a fun healthy twist, that adds a lot of depth of flavour and a beautiful contrast in textures as well.

I’m also super excited to use Camino’s new Vegan White Baking Chips! I have been waiting for the perfect recipe to use them so I can show off these beauties! 

So what’s to love about these Easy Halloween Mummy Bites?

• Loads of fun to make (especially with little kids)

• No bake recipe (that can be made ahead of time)

• Vegan friendly   • Gluten-free   • Dairy-free

• They’re super adorable

• No refined sugar or additives

And while I usually say that decorating is optional, in this case, it’s a must. It’s how we bring these cute mummies to life – well, figuratively speaking. But trust me, the effort is totally worth it. Not only do these treats taste AMAZING, but they’re also a blast to make. You can even turn it into a no-bake Halloween party with friends and family, and it’s a fantastic way to involve the kids. Who knows, it might become a Halloween tradition! So grab a spooky movie, gather in the kitchen, and whip up these delightful treats. The best part? You can indulge a little, or a lot, guilt-free. Enjoy!

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• WHITE BAKING CHIPS – are made with cane sugar making a healthier alternative to traditional white chocolate and are also dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan.
• COCONUT OIL – has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties and can also boost energy levels and metabolic rate as well. 
• BROWN RICE CRISPIES – are low in calories and provide a source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals while promoting digestive health and weight management.

Let’s get into the Halloween spirit, and make some spooktacular Easy Halloween Mummy Bites! 

Enjoy!

The post Easy Halloween Mummy Bites {gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

Hello lovely friends!
This Easy Bok Choy recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and can be made within 10 minutes. It’s delicious, nutritious, and the perfect side dish for your next meal. Bonus it’s gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian and vegan-friendly!

I decided to switch gears this month and share a savoury dish. I haven’t shared one in quite some time and thought, what better time than in March as we head towards St.Patrick’s Day and Springtime here in Canada?

So you may be wondering, out of all the veggies, why bok choy? First and foremost, I LOVE how easy it is to make. Seriously it is done in no time with just a few ingredients, and you have yourself a delicious side dish. It is perfect if you want to add more nutrition to your diet with minimal effort.

Secondly, I love its unique taste and how it soaks up all the flavours you cook with like a sponge. I first ate bok choy at one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto, Spring Rolls and East (same franchise). If any of you remember the restaurants, comment below! They have sadly closed now, but the memories still last. They had a heavenly fried noodle dish with beef and vegetables covered in a scrumptious sauce. Even though I loved the crispy noodles, I remember I equally enjoyed eating the bok choy. I loved how the flavours of the sauce would seep into the leafy petals of the bok choy. It was divine.

I never thought of making bok choy myself until I changed my diet years ago. My naturopath highly recommended eating them because of all their amazing nutritional benefits, including being super rich in calcium! So for all my vegan and vegetarian friends out there, this is an excellent vegetable to add to your diet when trying to eat more calcium-rich foods.

Even if you are not a fan, I think this recipe will change your mind, and showcase just how flavorful these little veggies can be! Give them a try, and see. If you are weary of seeing the red chilli flakes scattered all over and aren’t one for spicy heat, do not fret they are absolutely optional and are just as flavourful without the red chilli flakes! I personally like the little spicy kick of heat!

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• BOK CHOY – is jam-packed with vitamins and antioxidants, rich in calcium and fights inflammation.
• GARLIC –  boosts your immune system, contains medicinal properties and is rich in antioxidants. 
• OLIVE OIL – is great for heart health, high in antioxidants and fights inflammation and bacteria.

Let’s whip up some super Easy Bok Choy!

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Easy Bok Choy

This Easy Bok Choy recipe is a super speedy side dish that is the perfect addition to any meal. Made with just a handful of ingredients, that's nutritious as it is delicious and will become your go-to side dish!

Author Priscilla Sekaran

Ingredients

Easy Bok Choy Ingredients

• 1 bag fresh bok choy, washed
• 3-4 medium garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into small pieces
• ⅓ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (adjust to taste)
• small pinch of dried red chilli flakes* (optional)
• ½ tsp coconut aminos (optional)
• 1 tsp tapioca starch (arrowroot starch) (optional)

Equipment

• large wok (or large pot)
• cutting board
• paring knife
• measuring spoons
• large spoon
• large bowl

Instructions

Prep

• Cut the bottom stem of the bok choy, discard, and fan out all leaves and place in a large bowl. Wash thoroughly a few times, there can sometimes be some sand and grit in between the leaves. Put aside.
• Peel and slice the garlic and ginger into thin discs or long strips. Set aside.

Cook Time

• Add oil to a large wok on medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the garlic and ginger you should hear a nice sizzle sound, let it infuse into the oil for about 30-60 seconds, and now add the red chilli flakes.
• It's now time to add the bok choy! It may splutter a bit because of the water from the bok choy and the oil mixing, so please be careful. Once you have added the bok choy, turn up the heat to medium-high and mix everything well. Cover with a lid.
• Remove the lid, you will notice within a couple of minutes of cooking the bok choy will start to wilt down. It's now time to add our seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut aminos.
• OPTIONAL: If you notice a lot of water with the bok choy, you can add a tapioca starch slurry to help thicken it up more, if you desire. See notes below for how to make tapioca starch slurry.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, mixing occasionally. You will know it's ready when the bok choy becomes soft yet still has a slight crunch to it. It's now ready to serve! This side dish pairs perfectly with rice, fish, chicken, and beef. Enjoy!

Notes

* The red chilli flakes are quite potent, so you really don't need much, a little goes a long way! Also, the red chilli flakes are entirely optional, so if you don't want to add them, no problem! They are just as tasty without them.

NOTE: If you want it saucier, add a couple of tablespoons of water when cooking. 

TIP: Add a tapioca slurry if it's more watery and you want to thicken it up (though it still tastes fabulous when you have a watery sauce!). Just add 1 teaspoon of tapioca starch (or arrowroot starch) with 2-3 teaspoons of water. Mix together well, without any clumps. Add 1/2 tsp of the mixture at a time. It will thicken up quickly, so you may not need a lot. Putting too much can make it gummy, so just add as much as you need. 

STORAGE: If you have any leftover bok choy, store it in an air-tight container for 1-2 days. I don't recommend freezing them as they have a lot of water content in them, and would recommend consuming them within a couple of days of making them for optimal taste. 

The post Easy Bok Choy {gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan-friendly} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

This Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce is a show-stopper! With only 4 all-natural ingredients, it takes just 10 minutes to whip up this luscious, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and refined sugar-free sauce! It’s super versatile to use on various sweet treats and elevates them to next-level decadence!

I have always loved caramel sauce. The creamy, velvety texture is just so heavenly. I love how it appears so simple yet has such a complex flavour that can transform your treats into something extra special without much effort.

When I changed my diet years ago and had to forgo dairy, it was challenging not being able to have caramel sauce anymore. However, I was determined to create my own dairy-free version, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat. I experimented for quite some time and tried various iterations until this sauce was finally born, and oh my, was it worth the wait! It is caramel-y perfection, and I promise you will not miss traditional caramel sauce one bit once you try this! It’s just as good, if not better! 

So what’s to love about this Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce?

• Quick and easy to make

• Rich, creamy, and decadent

• Gluten-free   • Refined sugar-free

• Dairy-free   • Vegan   • Paleo

• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar

• Countless ways to use it to create different sweet treats

Aside from being delicious, the beauty of this caramel sauce is it uses just 4 all-natural ingredients. The richness of coconut cream lends itself beautifully in creating a smooth, creamy textured sauce and replaces the loads of heavy cream and butter that you’d find in traditional caramel. I love the combination of maple syrup and coconut sugar as it balances out the sometimes bold taste of coconut sugar alone. The maple syrup also enhances the sweet, caramelized notes and plays nicely with both the vanilla and coconut cream for a harmonious depth of flavour.

The best part of this Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce is its easy use in so many treats! Though this recipe is magical all year round, I thought Halloween would be the perfect time to share this versatile recipe so you can use it in countless ways for all your spooktacular treats!

5 ways to use this Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce 

• CHOCOLATE TREATS: If you’re looking to create homemade chocolate treats to echo childhood classics like caramel chocolate, this sauce will do just the trick! 

• POPCORN: Caramel popcorn is a fun snack that gives you salty and sweet! Mix this sauce with freshly popped corn and bake to create your own homemade caramel popcorn!

• FRUIT: No need to bake to enjoy this sauce. Just cut up some of your favourite fruits and dunk them in for a simple and delicious dessert!

• CAKE/CUPCAKES: This sauce is fantastic for taking your cake/cupcakes to the next level! Drizzle on top of your cake/cupcakes or even in the middle as a filling! If you want to take it up another notch, add to your frosting for Caramel Frosting!

• BROWNIES: Dot the batter with the caramel sauce to create some Caramel Brownies, and swirl a little on top for little extra caramel-y goodness!

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• COCONUT CREAM – a thicker form of coconut milk that is rich in potassium and a great source of vitamins and minerals.  
• COCONUT SUGAR – has a low glycemic index and contains antioxidants, electrolytes, minerals, nitrogen, and vitamin C.
• MAPLE SYRUP – has high anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Wishing you a Happy Halloween, lovelies!   Hope you enjoy this sauce as much as I do!

Let’s take your sweet treats to the next level and make some luscious, Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce!

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Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce

This Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce is truly magical. With only 4 all-natural ingredients, it takes just 10 minutes to whip up this luscious sauce! It's super versatile to use on various sweet treats and elevates them to next-level decadence!

Author Priscilla Sekaran

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut cream (or full-fat coconut milk*)
• ½ cup coconut sugar (or any other refined sugar-free sweetener)
• 2-3 tbsp maple syrup (or any other refined sugar-free sweetener)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt (optional)
• small knob of vegan butter (optional)

Equipment

• small saucepan (or small pot)
• silicone spatula (or whisk)
• measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Add coconut sugar and maple syrup into a small saucepan or pot on medium-low heat. Mix until it dissolves, 3-4 minutes. 
• Once the mixture starts to bubble, gently add in the coconut cream until it dissolves completely and is well combined. 
• Bring the heat to medium until the mixture bubbles, on a steady gentle simmer. If you see it begin to bubble rapidly, lower the heat. Keep a close eye on it and constantly stir it to prevent burning. Be patient and loving with it. It takes some time, but it’s totally worth it!
• After 10 minutes, the sauce should have thickened yet still light and runny. Remove from the heat, add in the vanilla extract and give it one final mix. Your sauce is now ready to enjoy in countless ways, woohoo! You can enjoy the sauce straight away or let it cool down and let it thicken more. Feel free to have a spoonful of the sauce (just for taste test purposes, of course )
• If you want a thicker caramel sauce similar to dulce de leche, continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until you reach your desired consistency. You will notice the texture change dramatically to a dark, amber coloured, thick and luscious sauce! As previously mentioned, it will thicken more after it cools, so please keep that in mind.

Notes

NOTE: This caramel sauce is super versatile, drizzled on top of cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, and as a filling in chocolate treats! The possibilities are endless!

IMPORTANT NOTE: *I highly recommend full-fat coconut cream for this recipe. I tested this recipe with coconut cream and coconut milk and found coconut cream works best. It doesn't separate when you cook it down and creates a beautiful, velvety texture. You can use full-fat coconut milk if you can't find coconut cream. Just place it in the fridge and use the thick, creamy part on top. Be sure it's full-fat, though, as you need the fat content to make the caramel.

Also, I used Cha’s Organics Coconut Cream as they have amazing coconut products, and that’s the one I personally love to use but feel free to use whichever one you like.

STORAGE: Place in a glass jar for up to 3 days. Coconut milk and coconut cream have a short storage life, so it is best to consume them within a few days. However, judging by how tasty this sauce is, it’s a safe bet you will have next to none left!

ALTERNATIVE: If you are a lover of salted caramel, no problem! Just sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top, and you've got yourself some creamy salted caramel.

The post Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce {gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

A warm hello, dear friends!

I have a special treat for all of you to kick off the holiday season! I’ll give you a quick hint. It’s something sweet and festive. Any guesses? Well, if you guessed chocolate *ding ding ding* you are correct!

I love the holiday season, it’s my favourite time of the year. As I am sure many of you may have noticed, I’m quite keen on chocolate and have created quite a few chocolate treat recipes to date.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my favourite chocolate brand and one that I have used for years is Camino. They are a Canadian company owned by La Siembra Co-operative based in Ottawa (Canada’s National Capital) and the Gatineau area. I did not know they were Canadian when I first started using their products, but was delighted when I found out, as I love supporting local Canadian companies. 

Their products are ones you can feel good about on many levels, from supporting and advocating fair trade practices to supporting small-scale farmers. They use only high-quality organic ingredients, which means you are getting top-grade products that are better for health and well-being. Their products are free of a slew of allergens and many of them are gluten-free, soy lecithin-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. They also use cane sugar instead of regular white sugar and use minimal ingredients without additives and preservatives. 

Camino has recently launched their new limited edition festive chocolate bars for the holiday season. I was excited to learn about their new, first-ever holiday line, as it was something I’d hoped for as a long-standing customer of their products. Needless to say, I was thrilled when they kindly gifted me these chocolate bars to try out and create this review to share with all of you. So, a big thank you to Camino for this amazing opportunity!

The beauty of these festive bars is that there is something for everyone! There is dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate! All 3 bars are gluten-free and also soy lecithin-free. They are all certified organic and kosher. One of the bars is vegan-friendly as well.

I will be breaking down this review into a few different categories with various aspects of the 3 chocolate bars.

• Packaging Design

• Description

• Taste & Flavour

• Texture

• Ways to use

So, let’s try out these lovely, festive treats, shall we?

REVIEW

PACKAGING DESIGN | ALL 3 BARS

As a Graphic Designer, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention this aspect of these bars. Simply put, I love the designs! The winter forest wonderland theme gives a holiday feel without using traditional Christmas-themed graphics. The metallic finish on certain parts of the labels adds the razzle-dazzle feel of the holidays. As with all Camino chocolate bars, these too are packaged in environmentally conscious packaging. The wrappers are printed on acid-free paper using vegetable-based inks. The inner wrappers are biodegradable/compostable and made from wood pulp, and the outer wrappers are made of recyclable materials.

CRANBERRY, ORANGE, GINGER ZING | DARK CHOCOLATE

DESCRIPTION

This chocolate bar uses 65% dark chocolate with tiny pieces of tart cranberry and hints of bright orange, and a gentle hit of ginger.

TASTE & FLAVOUR

If you are a fan of dark chocolate, you will surely love this chocolate bar! The dark chocolate flavour is a beautiful balance between the bitter, earthy taste of the dark chocolate and the bright tart notes from the cranberry pieces and bright hint of citrus from the orange. Lastly, you get a little zing from the ginger, creating a harmonious blend of festive flavours.

• Gluten-free • Soy lecithin-free • Vegan-friendly • Dairy-free • Certified organic • Fairtrade certified • Certified kosher 

TEXTURE

It has a smooth texture without being too chalky, which can sometimes be the case with dark chocolate. The cranberry pieces are a pleasant surprise in each bite that creates a nice balance with the flavour and texture.

WAYS TO USE

Camino recommends enjoying this bar with a hot cup of tea or at the end of a nice meal. I think it would also be a welcome addition to your holiday baking: cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and endless possibilities.

CRISPY GINGERBREAD SPICE | MILK CHOCOLATE

DESCRIPTION

This chocolate bar uses 37% milk chocolate with airy cocoa crisps, creating a lovely crunchy texture. Paired with flavourful warming spices, it’s perfect for the holiday season.

TASTE & FLAVOUR

Say hello to this bar, my milk chocolate-loving friends! It’s one you are sure to enjoy. Along with the creaminess of the milk chocolate, the gingerbread spices are upfront and centre. You also get a scattering of ground hazelnuts throughout the bar adding to the crunch factor. Your taste buds are greeted with warming spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. I definitely felt the hit of the ginger and cardamom most prominently, but the blend of spices works so well together. It feels warm and comforting, like eating a gingerbread cookie fresh out of the oven.

• Gluten-free • Soy lecithin-free • Certified organic • Fairtrade certified • Certified kosher 

TEXTURE

It has a lovely silky milk texture that melts in your mouth. It reminded me of hot chocolate, so luscious and creamy. Then you feel the contrast with the light cocoa crisps, and ground hazelnuts creating a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy.

WAYS TO USE

I think this bar would be a great addition for creating your holiday goodies like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, scones, cakes. There are so many other options.

WHITE COCOA CRUNCH | WHITE CHOCOLATE

DESCRIPTION

This white chocolate bar reimagines your childhood “Cookies & Cream” chocolate in a whole new way. The tiny whisps of cocoa and chocolate chips are enveloped in silky, white chocolate making for a delightful bite.

TASTE & FLAVOUR

Now for my white chocolate lovers, you are definitely in for a special treat with this bar. The white chocolate is not overly sweet (which I feel can often be the case with most white chocolate). It is just the right amount of sweetness and is wonderfully balanced with the cocoa bits and chocolate chips, creating a luscious white chocolate dream.

• Gluten-free • Soy lecithin-free • Certified organic • Fairtrade certified • Certified kosher 

TEXTURE

The white chocolate is silky smooth with the little cocoa bits that create a nice crunch. The contrast makes for a tasty bite of white chocolatey goodness.

WAYS TO USE

This bar can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own or added to your favourite holiday-baked treats such as cookies, no bake cheesecakes, and cupcakes, and so much more.

FINAL VERDICT

I honestly loved all 3 of them. Each has its own unique taste and characteristics, but all encompassed the feel of the festive season with its flavour. The Cranberry Orange Ginger Zing is great for anyone who likes dark chocolate paired with bright, fruity undertones. The Crispy Gingerbread Spice is lovely for anyone who likes creamy milk chocolate paired with warming spices. Lastly, the White Cocoa Crunch is the perfect match for anyone who wants velvety white chocolate with little chocolate bits to create a beautiful balance. So no matter your preference, you are sure to find a bar that you will fancy!

Now if I had to pick a favourite which is certainly not easy, I would have to say the one that tugged my heartstrings just a little more is the White Cocoa Crunch.

I have a soft spot for white chocolate and have loved it since I was a child, particularly “Cookies & Cream”. This bar brought back all those lovely memories.  So, kudos to Camino for recreating my childhood chocolate dream. 

SWEET TREAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

So, give them a try and see which one is your favourite. I am confident you are bound to find one (or all) that you’ll enjoy. They are also perfect as a gift topper, stocking stuffers and host gifts, or even a gift for yourself. So, go ahead, have some chocolate and kick off the holidays in a sweet way :).

Enjoy!

The post Camino’s Festive Chocolate Bars – Review first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

Happy Halloween!

This recipe promises no tricks, just an absolute treat! It is easy to make with just a few ingredients and is perfect for little kiddies and all us kids at heart. They are not loaded with refined sugar and additives, so go ahead have an extra piece or two. Trust me, you will want to ;).

It’s been some time since I last posted, but I wanted to come back with something special, my first Halloween recipe. I decided to go with my all-time favourite Halloween treat – chocolate bars!

I’ve done a couple of chocolate recipes to date but not one with any crunch. I’ve always enjoyed chocolate bars with a bit of a bite and wanted to find a way to recreate that same texture without cookie wafers or nuts and came up with this recipe. A chocolate bar packed with little airy brown rice crispies enveloped in velvety chocolate—bliss.

I have always been a sucker for Halloween treats and find this time of year gives us the perfect excuse to indulge a little. It also brings back fond memories of trick or treating. Dressing up in costumes, running around the neighborhood plundering as many sweets as possible. Coming home to see the results was like opening a treasure chest full of gold—pure joy. Though those days in my life are gone, the memories will always remain. I wanted to find a new way to keep that fun alive; one such tradition is making these homemade treats.

So what’s to love about these crispy chocolate bars?

• Fun to make and great to activity to do with little kiddies

• Vegan friendly

• Gluten-free

• Dairy-free

• No refined sugar or additives

I love how easy this recipe is to make. Just melt the chocolate, add the crispies, mix and freeze, and boom, you are done! Could it be any easier?! If you decide to go the extra mile to coat and decorate them, it may take a little more time, but well worth it. Plus, chocolate making and decorating is a lot of fun. I certainly don’t profess to be a fancy decorator, but I certainly have a lot of fun with it and is guaranteed to bring out the kid in you. It’s also great way for those of you with little kiddies to get them involved and make it a fun family activity! Also, you can feel good about knowing what is going into it with only a few wholesome ingredients.

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE CHIPS – are also gluten-free and use cane sugar instead of traditional white sugar.
• COCONUT OIL – has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties and can also boost energy levels and metabolic rate as well. 
• BROWN RICE CRISPIES – high in fiber and provides fuel for energy with low calories.

So turn on your favourite Halloween movie, roll up your sleeves and let’s make us some chocolate goodies! 

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Crispy Chocolate Bars

These frightfully easy chocolate bars are the perfect treat with just 4 simple ingredients, for Halloween or any time you are craving something sweet!

Author Priscilla Sekaran

Ingredients

Crispy Chocolate Bars

• 1 ½ cups dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips* (you could also use a bar of dairy-free chocolate as well)
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 cup brown rice crispies (puffed white rice or puffed quinoa will also work)
• pinch of sea salt

Chocolate Coating (Optional)

• 1-1½ cup dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips* (you could also use a bar of dairy-free chocolate as well)
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• pinch of sea salt

Halloween Decorating (Optional)

• ½ cup powdered sugar (refined sugar-free)
• 1-2 tsp almond milk (or any dairy-free milk of your choice)
• a handful of dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

• small-medium stainless steel bowl (or heatproof glass bowl)
• small saucepan
• silicone spatula (large metal spoon)
• measuring cups and spoons
• metal spoons
• parchment paper
• baking tray
• oven mitts
• ziplock bags

Instructions

CHOCOLATE MAKING

Melting the Chocolate (Double Boiler)

• Get a baking tray (that will fit into your freezer) and line with parchment paper, set aside.
• Fill your saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place it on the stove. Place the stainless steel bowl on top of the saucepan — the two should sit tightly together. You don't want a gap, as heat will escape. You also want to make sure the bowl does not touch the water, as it may burn the chocolate. Turn up the heat to high.
• Once you hear the water start to boil, add the coconut oil.
• After the oil is melted down (after 1-2 minutes) add the chocolate chips. Stir the chocolate constantly with your silicone spatula or spoon to help melt the chocolate. Then add in pinch of sea salt.
• Once you see the chocolate starting to melt down to a liquid consistency, cut the heat and remove it from the double boiler. It's fine if it's not all melted down, the residual heat from the bowl will help melt it all down. Once melted down, the chocolate should be a nice liquid-syrup consistency with a nice glossy sheen that slowly drips off your spatula or spoon. Let it cool down for 2-3 minutes. Remove ¼ cup of the chocolate in a separate bowl and set aside.

CRISPY CHOCOLATE BARS

• Slowly add the brown rice crispies into the melted chocolate bowl and fold in gently until everything is well incorporated and all crispies are covered with chocolate.
• Transfer the mixture onto the baking tray with parchment paper and press down on the tray with a spoon or spatula to bring everything together and press the edges to form a rectangle or square.
• Add the reserved melted chocolate over the mixture and use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth over the mixture. This will help fill all the nooks and crannies with chocolate and ensure the mixture stays together, and doesn't crumble. Once you are done, place the tray in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
• NOTE: When I created these bars, I personally liked that the pieces were not uniform and each one was a different size and shape. However, if you prefer them to be more uniform, you can just score the bars with a knife to the desired shape and size you want before placing them in the freezer.
• After they are set, remove them from the freezer and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then with a knife gently press into the block to break up the pieces. As you press down they will naturally break off into pieces. Alternatively, if you scored them before placing them in the freezer you will have your uniform pieces. You now have some yummy crispy chocolate bars, ready to enjoy! However if you want to take them a step further to give them a real store-bought chocolate bar feel, continue on for the next steps.

CHOCOLATE COATING (OPTIONAL)

• Repeat the steps of the chocolate melting process. Once the chocolate has melted and has cooled down for 2-3 minutes (We don't have it too hot, as it may melt the frozen chocolate bar pieces) gently place each bar piece one at a time into the melted chocolate. Move them around, spoon the chocolate over the piece until all sides are covered. Gently take them out and place them on the baking sheet.
• Repeat until all Crispy Chocolate Bars are coated with the chocolate and place them back in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to set.
• Once everything is set, take them out and leave them at room temperature for about 5 minutes and eat!

DECORATING (OPTIONAL)

• If you want to take these Crispy Chocolate Bars a step further and really get into the festive spirit, here are a few options to try out after coating your crispy chocolate bars:

  • CHOCOLATES: Take the remaining melted chocolate and drizzle on top of the Crispy Chocolate Bars. This will create a nice decorative finish to the bars.

  • SPRINKLES: add fun colourful sprinkles to brighten them up and add a splash of fun

  • NUTS: use some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for some added crunch.

  • ICING: create some pretty, dairy-free icing with ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of dairy-free milk (white). Add the milk slowly as it is easy to add too much and tricky to adjust after. Add the mixture into a ziplock bag, close and push the mixture to the edge and make a small cut at the corner of the bag. You now have your own do-it-yourself piping bag! (If you have a piping bag you can use that as well). Be sure to practice on the parchment paper as the flow may come out too fast. Now is the fun part go ahead and decorate whatever design you'd like! You can even add some natural food colouring if you want to jazz them up even more.

  Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Just have fun with it and bring out your inner artist!

Notes

* This recipe makes 15 chocolate bar pieces.

** I used Camino Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips as they are the ones I personally love but feel free to use whatever ones you like.

*** Store in the freezer for a week in an airtight container or tin. Store in the freezer for 1-2 months in an airtight container, but that is if they last that long.

**** I added chocolate chips to create eyes but you could also use candy eyes if you wanted as well.

NOTE: Sometimes the chocolate may start to thicken up if too much time has passed, not to fret. Just place the bowl back on the double boiler, and melt the chocolate down again. 

MELTED CHOCOLATE: You may have some leftover melted chocolate after everything is said and done. You could just eat the rest with the spoon, that is a totally fine option. However, to ensure you use every last drop, I have a suggestion. Heat up a cup of dairy-free milk (or milk of choice) and add the chocolate, mix it up and bring it to a low boil, cut the heat and pour into your favourite mug, you now have yourself a mug of hot chocolate! 

ANOTHER OPTION: Alternatively, when you create the mixture instead of creating a block to make the bars you could just scoop out clusters with a spoon and spread them across the tray if you prefer smaller round bite-size pieces.

Enjoy!

The post Crispy Chocolate Bars {gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

Presto! It’s Pesto! This fresh and vibrant recipe brings together 5 simple ingredients to create a super versatile pesto that is a powerhouse of flavour and nutrition!

With Spring in bloom, I thought it might be nice to share a recipe that is reflective of the season. With its fresh flavours and bright green hue, this recipe screams Spring in all its beautifully vibrant glory. It’s a true culmination of bold flavors. With an abundant hit of freshness from the spinach and basil, creaminess from the walnuts and olive oil, down to the zing of the garlic, you’ll always be sure to have one dy-no-mite pesto!

This is one of the first recipes I created when I changed my diet. During that time, I was on a very restricted diet and it was incredibly challenging when I had to go out. I could no longer just eat on a whim. As I’ve shared in my bio, when at social gatherings, I often found myself forced to nibble on fruits and veggies because there was nothing else I could eat. It was one of the hardest parts of my journey, but also an integral part of it as well. It motivated me to do everything I could to heal and restore my body.

It also taught me to always be prepared and carry a snack with me at all times. Fruits and nuts were easy go-to’s, but there were times I wanted to change it up. Plain veggies were not my favourite choice but with a dip—now, that was a different story! With store-bought dips no longer being an option, what was I to do? Then the idea hit me. Why not make pesto? Creamy, smooth, and yummy—that just might work. I put my own spin on the traditional pesto to create a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly version, and voila! My Basil Walnut Pesto was born.

I also love this recipe because it’s packed with protein from the walnuts, which will give you an energy boost and help keep you feeling full longer. Which is why it’s such a great healthy snack. It’s easily portable, making it super convenient for school lunches, snacks on the go, or even work. Not only does this pesto make a great dip, but it’s also very versatile. Here are my 5 favourite ways to use this fantastic recipe!

5 ways to use this Basil Walnut Pesto

•  DIP: I absolutely love it as a dip! It pairs beautifully with fresh veggies. My favourites are carrots, celery, and cucumbers. Any veggies you choose will take it to a whole new world. You don’t have to feel bad about dunking your veggies into this dip! Everything in it is super healthy, yet it feels indulgent because of its rich, creamy texture. So go ahead, dunk away!

• BAKING SAUCE: Looking for a new way to cook your chicken or fish dish? Just take some of this pesto, slather it on top, and bake it! It’s that easy. Pair with some roasted veggies or rice, and you got yourself one tasty meal. For my vegetarian and vegan friends, take some pesto, mix with your fave veggies, and roast for a beautiful veggie dish. 

• PIZZA: Want to try something different for your pizza? Swap out the tomato sauce and try some pesto instead! It creates a whole new flavour profile and a lot of fun to eat too! I mean, who doesn’t love pizza?

• SPREAD: Ever thought of trying pesto for your sandwich and wraps? Just use in place of butter or mayo, and you got yourself one flavourful spread to amp up your sandwich!

• PASTA SAUCE: This no-fuss sauce can elevate your pasta in a flash. It’s a simple way to have a creamy pasta dish without the cream. Cook your favourite pasta, mix with the pesto, and that’s it! You got yourself one flavorful pasta dish to enjoy.

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• SPINACH – is rich in antioxidants and can help prevent heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and has protective effects on memory and eye health.
• BASIL – helps balance PH levels in the stomach, aids in digestion, decreases harmful stomach bacteria, thus creating a healthier digestive system.
• WALNUTS – contain a high level of antioxidants and omega-3s and are a great source of plant protein to help boost energy levels.

Ready to make some pesto? Let’s go!

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Basil Walnut Pesto

This Basil Walnut Pesto recipe is vivacious, easy to make, and super versatile! It uses just 5 simple ingredients that are all gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly! What's not to love about this pesto?

Author Priscilla Sekaran

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1 cup walnuts, halves*
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 whole garlic clove
• ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)

Equipment

• mini processor/food processor (or high-speed blender)
• small/medium metal bowls (or ceramic bowls)
• measuring cups
• wooden spoon
• spoons
• knife
• salad spinner
• kitchen towel (or paper towel)

Instructions

Prep

• Peel the garlic clove and set aside. Wash basil and spinach (separately) in cold water, thoroughly. Put through a salad spinner to remove excess water or pat dry (very gently) with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Place in a bowl and set aside.

Pesto time!

• Put the walnuts, olive oil (only half), and garlic into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend for a couple of minutes until everything is a nice paste-like texture.
• It's time to add in the greens! Add a little at a time to ensure everything is well incorporated. Add the rest of the oil we reserved earlier. Blend for a few minutes.
• Repeat adding the greens and continue blending until you get a nice smooth velvety consistency.
• TIP FOR BLENDER: The greens can be finicky and not blend together well on the first try. So a small trick to help is to stop the blender, unplug it, use the back of a wooden spoon and press the greens down into the walnut mixture. It helps it to blend together better. It is a little extra effort, but promise you it is totally worth it!
• TIP: If it's having a little trouble blending together, not to worry, drizzle a little more olive oil to help it along.
• Lastly, add the seasoning, give it one last whirl, and presto! Your pesto is ready to enjoy!

Notes

* If you only have whole walnuts on hand, no problem! Just break them in half and your good to go. 

STORAGE: In an air-tight jar or container for 3 days in the fridge. It can also be frozen for a month. Fill an ice cube tray with the pesto, place in the freezer for 2 hours or until fully frozen. Take out and remove from the ice cube tray and place into a resealable plastic freezer bag until future use. You could also use a small freezer-friendly, air-tight container as well.

When you want to use some, just take out the desired amount you would like to consume. Let it thaw for about an hour or so and it's ready to enjoy. I would advise consuming it within the day, so only unthaw the amount you plan to eat at that time. 

Enjoy!

The post Basil Walnut Pesto {gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

Happy St.Patrick’s Day!

Celebrate with this refreshing Shamrock green smoothie! Brimming with greens, fresh fruit, and coconut water. This revitalizing smoothie will brighten up your day and leave you feeling like a pot of gold.

So I know you have probably seen a million and one smoothie recipes, so what sets this one apart from the others and why should you give it a try? Well, to that I’d say, it’s well balanced and foolproof, so why not?! It is packed with greens, beautiful fresh fruits, all with their own nutritional benefits. I believe every smoothie recipe has its own unique taste and appeal so why not give this one a try. Who knows, maybe it will be your new favourite. And if you are not really a fan of smoothies, I think this might be the one to change your mind and turn you into a smoothie lover.

This is the first smoothie recipe I ever created and is still my go-to smoothie recipe to this day. I have always struggled with consuming fruits during the course of the day but when I created this recipe it was a game-changer. I was able to consume so many beneficial fruits, greens, and coconut water in one go. It was quite a revelation.

So what’s to love about this smoothie?

• It’s incredibly easy to make! Just toss all the ingredients into the blender, give it a whirl, pour, and you’ve got yourself a cup full of green goodness.

• Portable so it can be consumed on the go, while at work or post-workout for an incredible energy boost.

• It’s a great way to sneak more greens into your diet and knock out a few of your fruits while you’re at it. I call it a win-win.

The thing I love most about this smoothie is the way it makes me feel. I truly feel a difference in my body within minutes of drinking it. It’s like a surge of energy coursing through my body. It’s such an invigorating feeling.

Upon first glance, you may think that the spinach is the star of the show with its beautiful green hue. However, the key to the whole composition of this smoothie is the coconut water. And why is that? Firstly, it elevates the flavour and helps it all come together. Secondly, and the real secret behind this magical ingredient is a fun fact, I learned from my ‘little’ cousin, who is a bright and budding Nutritionist. The coconut water actually helps absorb the nutrients from the fruits! My mind was blown! I had only been using it for its refreshing quality and had no clue it was also helping with absorbing nutrients.

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• SPINACH – a superfood that is packed with vitamins and minerals and a great source of iron and magnesium which is great for boosting energy levels.
• GREEN APPLE – is high in fibre which is great for increasing your metabolism and is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K plus it has properties that are beneficial for your skin. 
• COCONUT WATER – is the water found in young coconuts. It is an excellent source of potassium and known as a natural sports drink due to its high content of electrolytes which is great for hydrating and replenishing your body.
• STRAWBERRIES – has an abundance of antioxidants and is high in vitamin C (even more than oranges!) which is great for your immune health.

Give this Shamrock green smoothie a go and see where it takes you! Who knows maybe it will bring you some luck and a pot of gold too!  Shall we give it a whirl and see?

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Shamrock Green Smoothie

This spirited green smoothie is packed with greens, fresh fruits, and coconut water, that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!

Author Priscilla Sekaran

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach, organic
• 4-5 fresh strawberries*, organic (or frozen)
• 1 small green Granny Smith apple, organic (or any other apple of choice)
• ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups coconut water

Equipment

• blender
• cutting board
• knife
• bowls
• measuring spoons and cups
• straws (optional)
• glasses or mason jar mug (any glass of your choice)

Instructions

Prep

• Wash the spinach, and set aside. Wash strawberries, cut the top stems off and cut into bite-size pieces, and set aside. If using frozen just place it in a bowl and set it aside.
• Wash the apple, cut it into bite-size pieces, and set aside. If not using organic, remove the skin before cutting.
• Wash the lemon well, roll on the cutting board a couple of times with your palm. This is a great trick to get extra juice. Cut in half, squeeze into a bowl, and set aside.

Smoothie Time

• Add fruits, lemon juice, and coconut water into the blender and whirl it up until it is nice and smooth. Now it's time to add the spinach and give it another whirl. Continue blending until it's nice and smooth, and you're done! Pour into your fave glass and enjoy!

Notes

NOTE: This smoothie is on the tart side (my personal preference), but if you like things on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Alternately, you could cut down the lemon and/or use a sweeter variety of apples like Gala or Ambrosia, as Granny Smiths are naturally tart. 

* Can substitute the strawberries with raspberries! Just please keep in mind if using raspberries you may want to pair with a sweeter apple variety as suggested above, to balance out the tartness of the raspberries. 

TIP: After using the lemon, don't throw out the rind just yet, it can be used to clean your sink and make it look shiny and new!

STORAGE: Your smoothie can be stored in a glass jug or mason glass mug for a day in the fridge, but I highly recommend consuming it within a couple of hours to reap the full benefits of the ingredients. Fresh is always best. 

Enjoy!

The post Shamrock Green Smoothie {gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.

When it came time to figuring out which dish to feature first for this month’s green-themed recipes for St.Patrick’s day, I knew it would be this one. This easy garlic broccoli recipe uses fresh or frozen broccoli and can be made in a snap any day of the week, adding some healthy green veggies to your next meal.

Broccoli is one vegetable that I was never really fond of growing up. It was always either too mushy or lackluster in taste that I was never a fan of it; no amount of butter or sauce could do the trick of getting me to eat it. However, there was one exception: beef & broccoli. That is a story for another time, but for now, let’s get back to the easy garlic broccoli recipe and how everything changed one fine day.

One day, my Mom was speaking with a friend who mentioned adding garlic to broccoli would make for a tasty dish. Needless to say, I was skeptical. Very skeptical. I mean, I had gone my whole life never really liking them. Could one ingredient really change things? The answer is a big resounding yes, yes it can. 

It took these mini tree-looking veggies from tasteless to tasty in one fell swoop and created a side dish I couldn’t seem to get enough of. The garlic seemed to transform the broccoli infusing every fibre with garlicky goodness. I knew right then I had a side dish that would be sticking with me for the long haul. It goes to show you the power of pairing the right ingredients together; it truly creates magic.

This side dish is not only quick and easy to make. It is highly nutritious and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan friendly. It can take any broccoli hater and turn them into a broccoli lover. I am proof of that. Still wary? Why don’t you give it a try and you’ll see for yourself. Trust me, this dish will be quite a welcome addition to your lunch or dinner repertoire.

Sprinkles recipe fun facts:

• BROCCOLI – is a great source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals and can aid in digestion.
• GARLIC – helps reduce heart disease and boosts athletic energy levels to prevent post-workout fatigue.
• OLIVE OIL – high in monosaturated fats that make it heat resistant and a great oil for cooking.

Shall we give this recipe a whirl? Let’s go!

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Easy Garlic Broccoli

This easy garlic broccoli recipe is packed with nutrition and taste and can be made within minutes, the perfect addition to your next meal.

Author Priscilla Sekaran

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 4-5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¼ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ tbsp olive oil (or oil of choice)

Equipment

• wok (or frying pan)
• large spoon
• measuring spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• large bowl

Instructions

Prep

• Cut the large stem of the head of the broccoli and cut into small florets, wash well, and set aside.
• Peel the garlic and slice into thin slivers, it can be lengthwise or small discs, whichever you prefer, set aside.

Cooking Time

• Heat your wok or pan to medium-high and add oil. Once the oil is heated up, add the garlic, you should hear a sizzling sound. Let the garlic dance around in the oil for 30-60 seconds to help infuse the oil with its garlicky goodness.
• It's now time to add the broccoli. The oil may splatter a bit because of the high heat and water from the broccoli, so please be careful. Mix well. Add a splash of water, it helps the broccoli to steam. Cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
• Add seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue mixing it periodically.
• After 3-5 minutes, your broccoli is ready to serve! If using frozen broccoli it will take a few more minutes. Once the broccoli is soft and tender it's ready. Taste test it to make sure the seasoning is as you like, feel free to adjust to your taste.

Notes

It is excellent topped on some rice, paired with fish, chicken, or honestly just on its own. It's that good!

NOTE: Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for 1-2 days, that is if it lasts that long!

Hope you enjoy these little greens as much as I do!

The post Easy Garlic Broccoli {gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly} first appeared on Pure Sprinkles.