recipe – Plum Joyful

Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse : A guilt free divine dessert

PlumJoyful — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:00:41 +0000

I love chocolate to an almost inappropriate degree. I consider it a dear friend. One I turn to when I’m feeling celebratory, or when I’m feeling sad. It’s always there with a warm, creamy, smooth embrace. But lately I am starting to wonder if my dear friend chocolate is more of a “frenemy” than a friend? I have a sneaking suspicion that my bestie chocolate likes that I need her so much. She gets really possessive. I mean god forbid I hang out with my other friends vegan vanilla cream or fresh fruit, she starts screaming in my ear like a banshee. This is textbook co-dependency. However, when I really thought about it, I realized why throw the baby out with the bath water? She has so many good qualities! She protects my heart, and keeps my skin good and reduces my stress. It’s not chocolate that’s the problem, it’s all her crappy friends that seem to follow her wherever she goes! For example, her friend Sugar might be the biggest, meanest B of them all. They say she’s “refined” as if that’s a good thing, ugh. If you read THIS post, you know how complicated my relationship with Sugar is. […]

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Turmeric Latte : A better way to start your day

PlumJoyful — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 07:00:26 +0000

The turmeric latte, also known as golden milk, is a healing, energizing, and anti-inflammatory alternative to our morning coffee. I was never a coffee drinker, but after having my daughter, and 20 months of sleep deprivation later, I am a devout double shot espresso drinker. I’m not particularly proud of this. Not because I think coffee is bad, in fact we now know that it has numerous positive health benefits. I’m not proud because I am addicted, and I don’t like that my body is relying on it. If I don’t have it I feel lethargic, achy, and have a headache. Not good. In addition, coffee can be very acidic, dehydrating and according to Dr. Mark Hyman “Habituation to caffeine decreases insulin sensitivity, making it difficult for your cells to respond appropriately to blood sugar. High blood sugar levels lead to arterial deterioration and increased risk of mortality related to cardiovascular disease.” So even though it is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to lower breast cancer, colon cancer and Parkinson’s risks, it can also increase inflammation in those who are sensitive to blood sugar and cortisol fluctuations. So I want to decrease my dependence on coffee, while also […]

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Coconut milk whipped cream: Dairy free and Paleo

PlumJoyful — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 07:00:04 +0000

This coconut milk whipped cream is a simple and incredibly delicious whipped cream substitute. It is thick, creamy, oh so yummy, and will spruce up anything from ice cream (stay tuned for a great dairy free ice cream recipe) to simple strawberries. It takes all of two minutes to make and is paleo, SCD, GAPS, and vegan friendly for those on special diets. For vegans just substitute agave for the honey, or if you like sugar you can use coconut sugar. Here’s what you will need. INGREDIENTS 1 can full fat coconut milk or 1 can of coconut cream 1 Tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of salt (optional) DIRECTIONS If you’re using a can of regular coconut milk ( FULL FAT, Lite will NOT work), you will need to leave it in the fridge for at least a day. The cold temperature will cause the cream to rise to the top. Because supermarkets are so cold, I often find that the coconut milk cans have already separated on the shelf. You can tell by picking it up and shaking it vigorously. If you don’t hear any liquid or sloshing then it’s already ready to go. If it […]

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