Baked Cauliflower

Adapted from Delighted Momma

This is a simple, easy way to make a delicious veggie side dish.  Our main dishes are usually time consuming so I like to find quick healthy side dish options :)

Cut and wash a head of cauliflower, then slice into bite size pieces.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper, then place cauliflower on parchment paper.  Drizzle Sunflower or Safflower oil; not too much, just enough to lightly coat the cauliflower (make sure you don't use Olive oil as it is toxic to cook with due to it's smoke point).  Sprinkle with salt and pepper then cook at 400* for approx 40 minutes or until lightly browned, turning/flipping with spatula every 10 minutes.

Before Cooking

After Cooking

Dip in Ketchup and ENJOY!

Chocolate Deliciousness

She promised it would rock my world... and it has done just that!  You have GOT to try this amazing concoction for yourself!

The 'raw' Brownie
adapted from mynewroots.blogspot.com
2 cups whole walnuts
2 1/2 cups Medjool dates, pitted and sliced (these are surprisingly easy to find; I found mine at Fred Meyer in the organic produce section; but buy them whole or they will be dried out)
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
*Place walnuts in food processor and blend until they are finely ground
*Add the cocoa; pulse to combine
*Add the dates one at a time through the feed tube of the processor while it is still running; you end up with a mixture resembling a pie crust dough
*In a 9x9 Pyrex dish combine the date mixture with the chopped almonds.  Press down until mixture is firmly in place
*Store in the fridge in an air tight container
*ENJOY

These brownies are DELICIOUS.  Seriously.  How much healthier can a 'dessert' get??  Just a BITE satisfies my chocolate cravings.  If you have nut allergies, I recommend substituting the walnuts for quinoa and the almonds for sliced strawberries (but less than the recipe calls for).  YUM.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes

adapted from Whole Living Magazine (the BEST magazine ever...)

12 oz brussels sprouts cut in half (about 4 cups)
12 oz grapes (about 2 cups)
2 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil

if desired:
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup toasted, chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350, on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper toss brussels sprouts, grapes, and butter.  Roast until caramelized and tender, about 30-40 minutes.  Drizzle with vinegar (if desired), olive oil, and toss in walnuts (if desired).

This is an AMAZING, simple side dish.  It is even great heated up the next day!

WOW

I HAD to share this recipe with you.... it was so delicious!

Black Bean Cocoa Quinoa Recipe