Are you familiar with KIND snack bars? I used to eat these daily while working at the office. They made for a great morning or afternoon snack, while being one of the more healthy bars you can purchase. But if you read the ingredients list, you will see that not only do the KIND bars have honey, they are have glucose syrup AND sugar added to them. That’s 3 kinds of sweeteners! Totally unnecessary in my opinion. Now that I’m working from home, I try to eat as healthy as possible during the week, and then I eat whatever I want on the weekend. So I wanted to make a nut snack bar that will take care of those afternoon cravings, while nourishing the body. Enter these Healthy Cashew Coconut Bars!
gluten free
Raw Caramel Slice
If I know one thing, that is surely sweet treats. And you and your family are going to go crazy for this raw caramel slice.
I have had quite the love affair with the caramel slice over the years. I know exactly what constitutes a great one, and unfortunately a lot of them don’t make the cut: Too sickly. Gritty caramel. Not using quality chocolate. The list goes on.
The caramel slice I grew up with was typically made with condensed milk, which would bake in the oven (or still in the can, on the stovetop) until a rich, golden caramel was achieved. It was then poured on top of a coconut shortbread base. Once the caramel was set, melted dark chocolate was poured over the top. True decadence. But sadly, if you’re eating healthy and try to steer clear of sweet treats, it’s not an option for many people. A life without caramel slice?! How depressing. But fret no more! If you want a healthy version of this classic treat, then you have to make this.
Raw Vegan Treats from Wise Cicada
Hidden away downstairs from the hustle and bustle of Broadway, Newmarket, you’ll find the cafe and whole foods super-store, Wise Cicada. The food is all organic and vegan, including a salad bar, juice bar and desserts. After a day of walking around the shops with my Mum, we needed a pick-me-up and Wise Cicada was the perfect spot.
We chose the Protein Bar, the Crème Caramel & Tiramisu. The protein bar looks pretty with raspberry on top, and is a powerhouse of nutrients including almonds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, buckwheat, protein powder & flaxseed. This one really keeps you satisfied.
Raspberry Chia Coconut Yoghurt from Cathedral Cove Naturals
I have fond memories of the first time I discovered the Cathedral Cove Naturals brand. I was on a road trip with my best friend and we stopped in Hahei for the day. I saw that there was a macadamia orchard there, so of course we stopped and met with the founder, Hamish Pilkington, who was only too kind to give us a sample of each of his products. Along with the macadamias, I took home a bag of the Lightly Toasted Organic Muesli, and fell in love with the flavour and the simple, natural ingredients.
That trip was some years ago now, and since then I’ve lived mostly in New York City. I returned back to Auckland this August and on a supermarket trip I saw a jar of Cathedral Cove Naturals Coconut Yoghurt on the shelf. Of course I had to try it! It was the Raspberry Chia Coconut Yoghurt and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Super creamy, with the tang of the raspberries, and a distinct coconut flavour, this yogurt was divine just by itself.
This Pie Is Nuts
This Pie Is Nuts is a range of healthy pies and granola, which are free from preservatives and are nourishing for the body. I first tried these delectable pies at the Bryant Park Holiday Market and I got to meet the pie creator herself, Diana. The pies come cutely packaged as individual squares and the flavors are Key Lime, Chocolate Mousse, Purely Pumpkin, Coconut Cream and Sweet Potato & Ginger.
I chose a Key Lime pie and a Coconut Cream pie. The Key Lime was definitely my favorite, with its zesty tartness mixed with creaminess. Pie perfection. The Coconut Cream was really luscious, with flakes of unsweetened coconut adorning the top of the pie.
Cookies & Cream Cheesecake from Little Bird Unbakery
Every time I go to Little Bird Unbakery I always have a hard time choosing what to get. The display cabinet of desserts is teeming with beautiful, bright colours and it really is hard to just pick one item. This time I chose the Cookies & Cream Cheesecake ($9) and I’m so happy I did….