By Dina L. Aronson, MS, RDN
Machine-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream
This is the best snack when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and indulgent. This recipe has no added sugar and tastes amazing. Freeze the banana at least a day in advance; peel it first and wrap in plastic.
You will need:
1 medium very ripe frozen banana
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp smooth natural peanut butter
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch salt
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy. If you like a firmer texture, pop it in the freezer for a little while.
(This recipe is best made in larger batches and frozen in single serve portions.)
Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles
These are so good. Enough said.
You will need:
1 ripe avocado, mashed
6 oz dark chocolate
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 dashes of salt
1 ½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Melt the chocolate on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in remaining ingredients EXCEPT the last tbsp of cocoa powder. Once combined, refrigerate at least an hour.
Use a tablespoon to scoop out truffles. Quickly form balls with your hands and roll in the remaining cocoa powder. Roll again in other ingredients if you want (coconut, chopped nuts, cacao nibs, etc.) Refrigerate.
Cocoa Tea
This cocoa-tea combo has no sugar but tastes sweet, creamy, and delicious. Plus, you get a beneficial assortment of antioxidants from the tea, cocoa, and cinnamon. It’s a wonderful way to ease into Valentine’s Day morning.
You will need:
¼ cup boiling water
1 tea bag (any kind you like)
Dash of cinnamon (or more to taste)
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
⅛ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
Pour boiling water into a large mug and add the tea bag. Steep for 2-3 minutes.
Remove tea bag and add cinnamon, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Whisk well until cocoa is dissolved.
Slowly add hot milk as you continue to whisk.
Enjoy!
