Hawkins Holistic

Naturally Yours

Tag: decadent dessert

Mother’s Day: let there be cake!

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I love my Mom, and with today being Mother’s Day, she deserved something extra special! As such I made her this gluten-free chocolate cake (it’s made with quinoa!). It’s OH so moist and freezes really well (should we not get through it in the next 3 days… yea right).

Get the original tried-and-true recipe from the ladies behind Quinoa 365 here: http://patriciaandcarolyn.com/the-original-quinoa-chocolate-cake/

I layer Smucker’s No Sugar Added raspberry jam in the middle, and today I topped it off with vanilla frosting. A simple dusting of icing sugar, done right before serving, also adds a nice touch.

Please note that although it’s gluten-free and made with quinoa, I’m not claiming this cake to be healthy! There is a lot of sugar and fat in this cake, so enjoy in moderation! And remember, a holistic lifestyle embodies nutritional awareness and a balanced approach to food.

Naturally yours ♥

Sarah Hawkins, R.H.N.

Thankful to Know Thy Body

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Getting tested for food sensitivities can both open and close doors. I finally decided to do the test to learn if avoiding my “prime suspects” (gluten, dairy, and nightshades) was all for nil. Was my body truly reactive to these foods or was it all in my mind? I wanted hard evidence.

I went to my naturopath, Dr. Leila Sahabi, to administer the test. All that was required of me was a sample of blood. No fasting. No special requirements. A few weeks later the results were in!

Nightshades (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) were in the clear, however, I still eat them mindfully because these foods have stimulating properties. I register a moderate dairy and wheat intolerance (ah ha!), but my highest reaction was to EGGS, BANANAS and SUGAR CANE! I eat eggs and bananas regularly, so my mind was blown (and saddened). But omitting sugar cane – the birthplace of its refined white granulated counterpart? No problem…I thought. As it turns out, most of the packaged health foods I eat frequently list cane sugar (or some derivative of) as a primary ingredient. In the trash went my not-so-cheap goodies.

It would be easy to get discouraged – knowing that homemade banana bread and scrambled eggs are a thing of the past – but I am so grateful to be armed with this new knowledge! I never suspected eggs, bananas, or sugar cane to pose a significant threat to my physical health and state of well-being. So, if you are considering doing a food sensitivity test, I highly recommend it. Maybe the proof-on-paper results will silence the people that can’t comprehend why you don’t sample the cheese log & crackers at your next family holiday dinner. 😉

Check out this recipe that I’m making for tonights Thanksgiving dessert. It meets all of my dietary & sweet-tooth needs. I hope it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah Hawkins, R.H.N.

*What is the difference between food allergy and food sensitivity? An allergic reaction involves the immune system, affects numerous organs in the body, and can be severe or life threatening. A sensitivity/intolerance is a toxic response to food that does not involve the immune system, is generally less serious, and usually involves the digestive system. Source: Mayo Clinic

Recipe: Chocolate-Banana Pudding (V/GF)

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Results may not appear as shown. Expect chocolatey goodness nonetheless.

 

Oh yes. A decadent dessert that your mind & body can feel good about eating!

I have a somewhat insatiable sweet tooth, yet it was certainly pleased with today’s concoction. The fact that it’s vegan, raw, and gluten-free is just the icing on the cake (come to think of it, if I left it a bit thicker this could potentially be used as cake icing…hmmm…challenge accepted, self!).

Chocolate-Banana Pudding

  • 1 large ripe banana (very spotted peel with some yellow still peeking through)
  • 1 ripe avocado (indents when pressed)
  • 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (alkalized)
  • 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar
  • 2 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp maca powder (ancient superfood)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (for a bit of texture and added nutrition!)
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Dash of sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or high-functioning blender and puree until a desired consistency is reached. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Serves 4.

I topped my pudding with organic peanuts for a bit of added crunch (and decadence!). Berries would go very well, too. ♥

Naturally yours.

Nutritional info per serving: 215 calories, 9.6 g fat, 52.2 mg sodium, 37.4 g carbohydrate, 8.2 g dietary fiber, 5.1 g sugar, 5.3 g protein.