Paleo Hot Cocoa

Try making this Paleo Hot Cocoa to warm you up during this cold holiday season! Cocoa powder provides many health benefits including reducing blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and inflammation. Cocoa powder is also full of flavonoids, which are compounds found naturally in plants that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Maple syrup provides healthy minerals to combat oxidative stress including zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Make this hot cocoa as a dessert or serve to your holiday guests and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup water

• ⅓ cup cocoa powder

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 1 cup dairy-free milk of choice (1 cup per serving)

Instructions:

1) Pour the water into a pan and bring to a boil on the stovetop.

2) Add the cocoa powder and salt to a heat-proof bowl and pour the boiled water on top. Mix until well combined and let sit for 3-5 minutes.

3) Add the vanilla extract and maple syrup to the mixture and stir well.

4) Warm the dairy-free milk on the stovetop. Transfer to a cup and add in 2 tbsp of chocolate syrup. Mix well and enjoy!

Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

These Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies serve as the perfect dessert of choice for this upcoming holiday season! Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and very high in protein. Cranberries are full of antioxidants and help benefit heart health. Arrowroot powder contains a significant amount of iron and helps to stimulate the immune system. Serve these cookies right away or store in an airtight container for up to five days and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cup almond flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• 3 tbsp arrowroot powder

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp almond extract

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup slivered almonds

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, arrowroot powder, and dried cranberries.

3) In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Toss in the egg and mix well.

4) Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms.

5) Use a cookie scooper to scoop the dough and use your hands to roll the dough into balls, yielding about 12 balls. Add the slivered almonds on top and press them firmly into the dough.

6) Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!

Paleo Pumpkin Pie

There is no better time to make this Paleo Pumpkin Pie recipe than this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday! Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. It also promotes immunity and helps improve heart health. Nutmeg contains plenty of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. Cinnamon supports healthy blood sugar levels and helps to combat inflammation. Cloves are a rich source of manganese and a great fall flavor. Top off this pumpkin pie with paleo whipped cream and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 2 cups almond flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• 2 tbsp coconut sugar

Filling:

• 1 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree

• ⅔ cup coconut sugar

• 2 eggs

• Top of 1 can of coconut milk (hard part that settles at the top of can after being refrigerated overnight)

• 2 tbsp arrowroot starch

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp ginger

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch pie dish with coconut oil and set aside.

2) In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon.

3) In a small bowl, mix together the egg, coconut oil, and coconut sugar.

4) Combine the wet and dry ingredients, and mix together well.

5) Transfer the mixture to the pie dish and spread evenly.

6) Then, begin to make the filling by adding all ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until smooth.

7) Pour the filling mixture over the pie crust. Bake for 50 minutes or until edges begin to brown and center is fully cooked.

8) Let cool before serving and enjoy for up to 5 days!

Brownie Energy Bites

Try making these no bake Brownie Energy Bites for your next snack option! Dates are packed with fiber and help promote brain function. Cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, copper, and manganese. Cocoa helps improve digestive health and boosts your metabolism. Coconut increases energy levels throughout the body and supports cardiovascular health. Eat these bites post workout or while on the go and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates (pitted)

• 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• Dash of cinnamon

• ⅓ cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1) Place the dates in a medium sized bowl. Let them soak for 10 minutes and then drain. Spread the shredded coconut onto a plate and set aside.

2) Add the dates, cashews, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon to food processor. Pulse until a sandy mixture is formed.

3) Scoop out the mixture with your hands and roll into balls.

4) Roll each brownie bite over the shredded coconut and store in an airtight container. Let them chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before eating and enjoy!