Hot Chocolate Pudding

Happy Lunar New Year!

Since I rarely eat sweets (or post recipes for such), I thought I might mix things up a bit with a special treat for my readers. In this entry I will be combining a rare raw dessert recipe with reviews and links for some great products which are available now and should absolutely not be missed. All of the items mentioned and linked from this article are things used in the recipes, right down to the letter. Since I have worked hard to find the best organic produce available anywhere at the absolute best prices, I decided to share those links (which may also be found on the right-hand side of this blog under "suppliers") as well. Here we go!

After ages of considering doing so (and subsequently putting it off), I finally got around to trying Sunwarrior's raw vegan vanilla protein powder just about a week ago. My review can be summed up in one simple word:
INCREDIBLE.
I immediately noticed the fine consistency and intoxicating vanilla-esque aroma upon first encounter with this product. Wow. Seriously? Most protein powders carry a hint of aroma of the flavour they claim to deliver, but generally miss the mark when it comes to really through when it comes to fulfilling that promise. I have tried so many vegan (and raw vegan, in recent years) protein powders within my lifetime, and have not once come across one with flavour intensity such as I have discovered in Sunwarrior. In fact, considering how unpalatable, bland, and middle of the road I have found so many products in the past, I still cannot believe how much I liked it.

This stuff is seriously good! Normally, I really can't stand the consistency protein powders, as they generally taste quite powder-ish even after having been blended with fruit, plant milks, water, whatever. This incredibly flavourful, high quality beverage mix is exceptionally palatable and also works incredibly well for blending into non-beverage recipes - which is an endeavour I would never have previously attempted due to the powdery taste and mouth feel of nearly every other similar product I've found on the market to date.

The first thing I felt compelled to do with this stuff was to make was a "Creamsicle" blended drink with some oranges in the Vitamix. Basically, I blended a scoop of the Sunwarrior vanilla with two (local, organic) blood oranges (including a small amount of peel from one of them), a fresh date, pinch of Himalayan pink salt, and half a tray of ice. Perfect! Next, I felt like trying something a bit more creative and tried blending it with heavier fruits and another "powdery" product I also happen to like a lot: Gnosis Chocolate Elixir's "Mayan Heat" hot chocolate blend.
Please allow me to prelude any further details on formulation with a bit of background info on Gnosis Chocolate: This is absolutely the best raw chocolate company I have ever come across, and the amazing thing about my saying this is that I'm usually a fairly strict "standalone, fruit only" kinda raw vegan gal who generally has a strong aversion to prepared sweets.
Really? A girl who hates chocolate?
I know it sounds crazy, but we do exist.
Anyway...
I absolutely adore this company, not only because the owner/CEO is a sweetheart and an NYC neighbour with whom I instantly became friends upon having met (and exchanged treats to share); but because her raw cacao products are simply second to none as far as quality, flavour, and ethical sourcing are concerned.

During the holiday season I was gifted with a hot chocolate service set which perplexed me a bit at first, but essentially provided me with motivation to try the Gnosis Elixir line for the first time. I'm grateful for the inspiration, because this stuff is great!

Gnosis Chocolate Elixir (powdered raw cacao) is a delicious raw vegan indulgence which has been providing me with smooth and creamy results whenever blended with coconut milk. As such, I had a sneaking suspicion that despite the mixing of two powdered products together, there would be little to no chalky mouth feel to endure.

So the experiment went that I combined some Sunwarrior protein and a bit of Gnosis Chocolate Elixir in the Kitchen Aid food processor with some incredibly fresh, organic, farm-direct fruit and a bit of salt, gave them a spin on the blades, and...

Voila!

A perfect blend of sweet and creamy deliciousness, prepared and ready to eat in minutes. 

I was so thrilled with the results of this delicious experiment, I felt compelled to post the above "food porn" along with a mini review on my Instagram account: 

"#RawVegan best of East meets West as NYC's @GnosisChocolate Elixir embraces @Sunwarrior's vanilla protein in heated passion with some of the most luscious fruits on Earth. Fuerte avocado and cherimoyas are two of the most succulent treats EVER, and I was blessed to have received an amazing delivery of both from the most incredible organic ranch in Fallbrook, CA.

Blended with a couple of killer fresh dates from the magical land of music known as Coachella (also in CA), along with a bit of cayenne, pinch of salt, and two of the most beloved vegan, raw food products from industry pioneers made this one of the most delicious and incredibly satisfying treats I can recall to date."

For my Lunar New Year celebration gathering, I decided to re-create the same treat with a slight variation: blood oranges and a little bit of the peel to create a spicy "orange chocolate" treat. I also used Gnosis Chocolate's Immunity Elixir (instead of the Mayan Heat - as I felt the slightly more exotic flavours would blend incredibly well with orange), all of which were blended together and served in little "bowls" made from peels of scooped blood oranges:

On Lunar New Year, oranges represent wealth, good fortune, and gold. I made these to bring delicious blessings to friends and family as part of our celebratory gathering. These were a hit, and I was proud to present this highly auspicious treat to my guests on this very special day.

As promised, here is my original recipe for "Hot Chocolate Pudding", featuring Sunwarrior's vanilla protein and Gnosis Chocolate Elixirs (please click to enlarge image/read recipe):

Happy Lunar New Year, and enjoy in good health! Ⓥ♡★

Product Review: Lev's Green Tea Kombucha

I have been a kombucha enthusiast for quite some time, and make a point of tasting just about any I encounter along the way (with the exception of those bottled in plastic). After my last semi-extended fasting adventure (2 days water, 2 days dry), I made the decision to transition slowly back into caloric intake with kombucha, organic juices, and organic fresh fruit only. What better way to break a fast than with delicious probiotic goodness?

Most kombucha available on the market is made from black tea, and also bears a high sugar content (despite what's declared on the labelling). Lev's Original Green Tea Kombucha is made by a small family business in San Francisco and features a lighter, more delicate flavour than any other variety I have tried. The fact that it is also less sugary tasting makes it an ideal mixer for fruit and juice cocktails. The subtle, almost dry character of certain flavours really allows the fruit to shine and truly stand on its own without being overpowered by the overbearing sweetness I have found to be somewhat ubiquitous in other brands. 

Lev's kombucha is available exclusively in San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles areas. When ordering in Southern California, free delivery is offered on case purchases (at a very fair price of $40 per case, CRV inclusive). It is also available by the keg, and even on tap in many health businesses in the aforementioned areas. Flavour varieties include original, black currant, mint, nutragreen (with chlorophyll), hibiscus, mango, and ginger. In 2013 they will be introducing two new varieties, turmeric flavour and coconut water kombucha!

For anyone who enjoys making drinks with kombucha, I highly recommend Lev's Original Green Tea Kombucha. Those living central or southern California are strongly urged to get some Lev's and get creative! 

         Pomegranate, Lime, & Hibiscus Kombucha Cocktail

 
Today's highlighted recipe is for pomegranate & lime kombucha cocktail, featuring Lev's Original green tea kombucha in hibiscus flavour. The hibiscus formula reminds me a bit of a floral, dry (non-alcoholic) champagne, which makes it perfect for fusions containing more subtle fruit elements worthy of distinction. As such, it is perfect for making delightful and refreshing kombucha cocktails such as the one I have presented here. 

As an alternate variation to further lighten flavour and increase effervescence, I suggest adding a bit of your favourite sparkling mineral water. My personal preference is Gerolsteiner, which is delicious and also quite high in the essential elements calcium and magnesium.