Subscribe to Pleasure in Simple Things via RSS ReaderFollow Pleasure in Simple Things on InstagramFollow @InSimpleThings on TwitterLike Pleasure In Simple Things on FacebookFollow Pleasure In Simple Things on PinterestEmail Jackie

Tag: healthful eating


a sundae for the new year

3
January

Chocolate shell on whipped bananas pleasure in simple things blog

Don’t you love the magic shell you can find in the grocery store in with all the ice cream sauces; near the ice cream cones?  It seems like a wonderful invention – until you take the time to read the ingredients!  Apparently, the way the ‘magic’ is created is with a bunch of preservatives!  Yuck!

Since I pretty much gave up processed foods, I wouldn’t consider eating something like magic shell – knowing it has so many artificial ingredients.  So, I am really excited about the easy recipe I found for a magic chocolate shell – using no processed ingredients!

chocolate shell starting to harden pleasure in simple things blog

You can see the chocolate shell starting to set – it takes only about 30 seconds!

The recipe is from a book called 100 Days of Real Food: Fast & Fabulous: The Easy and Delicious Way to Cut Out Processed Food by Lisa Leake.

This simple recipe is perfect as a first post for the new year because, although combined with Ms. Leake’s ‘ice cream’ suggestion it seems very decadent, it fits right in with most any healthful eating resolution!

Homemade Magic Chocolate Shell

Melt 2 Tablespoons coconut oil until just melted (a few seconds), in the microwave.  Add 2 Tablespoons honey and 4 teaspoons cocoa powder (I used ‘special dark’ 100% cacao).  Whisk until well combined.

Pour over cold ice cream – after about 30 seconds, it will turn into a hard shell!

valentine sundae pleasure in simple things blog

Chocolate shell over whipped banana ‘ice cream’ is the perfect guilt-free Valentine’s Day treat!

If sauce should harden in the bowl before using, simply microwave to melt.  Store leftovers for up to 1 week in fridge and use microwave to melt as needed.

finished whipped bananas pleasure in simple things blogI enjoy my chocolate shell over Ms. Leake’s super easy-to-make alternative to traditional ice cream – frozen whipped bananas!  To make your own, simply cut 4 to 5 peeled bananas into 3 or 4 pieces each and freeze.  In a blender, combine the frozen bananas with ¼ cup milk (I use unsweetened almond milk and sometimes add a little organic peanut butter!)  Blend and keep adding small amounts of milk until the consistency resembles ice cream.

 

making banana ice cream pleasure in simple things blog

(Note:  I sometimes need to soften the frozen bananas up slightly in the microwave before blending if they are too rock solid – my blender can’t handle it!)

Banana ‘ice cream’ and homemade magic chocolate shell make for a guilt-free treat!  Enjoy!Thank you for stopping by!  Happy, happy 2017 – wishing you the very best year yet!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on a sundae for the new year | food & festivities, recipe

january book giveaway!

30
December

smoothies pleasure in simple things blog

My go-to eating strategy after the holidays is always to have a day or two of consuming strictly juices and/or smoothies.  This strategy always works to get me right back on the healthy eating track!

With this in mind, I decided to feature The Blender Girl Smoothies by Tess Masters as the January giveaway book selection.

This book is a wonderful collection of 100 recipes for (vegan) smoothies designed to fit every need and taste!  Each recipe features a beautiful photograph with suggestions for 3 optimal flavor boosters and nutritional add-ons.

smoothie book giveaway pleasure in simple things blog

The Blender Girl Smoothies is a fabulous resource whenever you need to try a new flavor or healthful ingredient combination smoothie!

Even if you don’t use my post-holiday eating strategy, a delicious and healthful smoothie is a go-to in any eating plan!  Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win this great title!  A winner will be chosen at random at the end of January.

Congratulations to  Betsy, winner of last month’s giveaway – a 2017 calendar by Anna Rifle!  I know you will enjoy this lovely calendar!  (For more on the calendar, click here.)

Instagram users, please read on!  In the spirit of this month’s giveaway, let’s share our smoothies!  I would love to see your favorite flavor combinations!  Use #pleasuregram to share photos of your creations!

Instagram challenge jan 2017

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a safe weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

2 comments » | food & festivities, good reads, monthly book giveaway

august book giveaway!

29
July

August book giveaway My New Roots pleasure in simple things blog

July has almost come to a close!  So, I am using today’s post to announce the giveaway book for the month of August.  This debut recipe book by Sarah Britton is a collection of 100 all-new plant-based recipes and it is titled My New Roots:  Inspired Plant-Based Recipes for Every Season.

Whether you are a newcomer to natural foods or already a devotee, this book makes it easy to eat healthfully when whole foods and plants are the center of every plate!

August 2016 book giveaway My New Roots

The recipes are organized by season – I love this – and accompanied by stunning photos.

August 2016 book giveaway pleasure in simple things blog

Leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing.  The winner will be chosen at random at the end of August – the perfect time to get fall recipes in order!

August book giveway pleasure in simple things blog

Congratulations to Heather S., the winner of the July giveaway, Posh Toast.  (Click here to read more on this book selection.)  Heather may not limit her toast to just breakfast anymore!  Thank you to everyone who entered by leaving a comment.

Instagram users, please read on!  In the spirit of our giveaway book, let’s share photos of healthful ingredients during the month of August using hashtag  #pleasuregram.

healthy foods Instagram Challenge pleasure in simple things blog

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

2 comments » | food & festivities, good reads, monthly book giveaway

Back to top