Tag: Easy Recipes

Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

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Sometimes you just want some chocolate for breakfast, ya know? I know I do at least, and so today I’m sharing a delicious CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE BOWL that not only tastes amazing, but is loaded with fruits and veggies so you can start your day off right🙌

I always have a stock of frozen bananas in the freezer, because they make the best base for creamy smoothie bowls! I chop mine up before freezing so that it’s easy to just pop em in the blender. That’s ingredient number one in this smoothie bowl👍 Ingredient two is some nice frozen mango- also VERY good for texture, plus it adds some sweetness. Next we’re adding spinach because we gotta get those greens in!! The chocolate flavour completely masks the taste of the spinach, so you get the benefit of the veggies with the benefit of some tasty chocolate. That’s a win-win situation if I ever saw one.

For the chocolate flavour, I threw in one full tablespoon of some amazing, organic cocoa, along with little bit of water (you don’t want to overdo it on the water or you’ll end up with more of a smoothie soup), and blended until everything was nice and creamy!!

One of my favourite things about smoothie bowls is all the different ways that you can top them. On this one I went with some frozen blueberries, a little bit of coconut, and obviously some peanut butter😍😍 But there are so many different topping possibilities! Here are some delicious topping ideas:

  • More fresh or frozen fruit
  • Different kinds of nut butters
  • Raw or toasted nuts and seeds
  • Granola
  • Cereal
  • Dark chocolate
  • Puffed wheat

Toppings really make the bowl, so make sure you don’t skip out on them if you have the time!

Smoothies and smoothie bowls are one of my favourite breakfasts because they fit in all of those nutrients and a delicious taste in a super convenient format. If you don’t have time to enjoy this smoothie in bowl form, you can definitely add a bit more water to make a thinner smoothie and take it with you on the go.

This bowl is such a healthy and delicious breakfast treat. I had a couple of eggs on the side of mine for some protein, and it was the perfect way to start my day. Hope you enjoy!

Yours Truly,

Olivia:)

Chocolate Smoothie Bowls

  • Servings: 1
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Ingredients

-1 frozen banana, chopped

-1/2 cup packed spinach

-1/2 cup frozen mango, chopped

-1 tbsp organic cocoa powder

-2 tbsp water


Directions

1. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Scoop into a bowl and top with your favourite toppings.


5 Minute “Baked” Sweet Potatoes

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I have a VERY deep love of sweet potatoes, and my obsession has only grown after rediscovering this method of cooking them. It takes five minutes, is super easy, and is done in- wait for it- the MICROWAVE. That’s right, we’re making some baked potatoes in the microwave, and I promise you that after trying them out you will never go back to the oven🙌

Don’t get me wrong, I still love some good roasted or air fried sweet potatoes. I love when they get all crispy! But when I’m looking for a quick sweet potato fix, this method is the best. You’re basically steaming the sweet potato in the microwave by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and then cooking it on high for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This super simple technique is a game changer because it allows you to whip up some delicious potatoes on short notice, instead of waiting 30-40 minutes for them to roast in the oven.

I remember that I saw this idea somewhere on social media a couple of years ago and was only cooking my sweet potatoes this way before I discovered roasting them. But I don’t know why I stopped this microwave magic altogether- now that I’ve remembered how awesome it is I can’t wait to start making sweet potatoes more quickly! What I have in mind is making quick sides for dinner, super fast and delicious school lunches, and last minute additions to salads and bowls.

I hope this method changes your guys’ lives as much as it’s going to change mine!😂 If anyone’s down to start a sweet-potato-cooking-technique-discussion-group let me know because I will be the president✌️

5 Minute “Baked” Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 1

Total Time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 small sweet potato, washed and cleaned (any eyes or blemishes removed)
  • Hummus, chives, avocado, beans, or plain yogurt for topping (optional)

Directions:

  1. Grab about 2-3 connected sheets of paper towel and soak them under the tap. Wring them out until no more water comes out, and the towels are damp.
  2. Use a fork to poke about 10 holes all around the sweet potato. Wrap it in the damp paper towels, place on a plate, and microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
  3. Take the potato out of the microwave, flip it over, and microwave for another 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the potato is cooked all the way through.
  4. Unwrap the potato, cut open the top lengthwise, and top with hummus, plain Greek yogurt, chives, or avocado, or add to your favourite bowls and salads.
  5. Enjoy!

There’s a super simple recipe for you on a Saturday! Have a great rest of your weekend and get ready for more tasty recipes coming next week:)

Yours Truly,

Olivia;))

Smoky Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

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‘Sup guys! I’ve done a lot of sweet Christmas recipes so far, but today I have some Smoky Roasted Cauliflower Steaks that are a GREAT vegetarian main or side dish for your Christmas dinner. I also threw some mushrooms on the pan to toast with the steaks because mushrooms are so tasty and remind me of the holidays!

The concept of a cauliflower steak is a thick slab of cauliflower seared or roasted so that it is reminiscent of a steak. I actually love steaks- I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but I love veggies too, and these “steaks” are just so good and perfect for switching it up once and a while.

In this recipe, I amped up the meatiness of the cauliflower by using liquid smoke in the marinade!! My family and I made some homemade beef jerky the other week (it was so good I highly recommend), and an ingredient in the marinade was liquid smoke. It gave it such a good flavour! So I thought, why not add it to my cauliflower? And it worked its magic there too. Liquid smoke is used in a variety of vegan and vegetarian recipes because it does give that savoury, meaty flavour, so it’s worth picking some up. Also in the marinade, we have balsamic, garlic, and a bunch of spices that all work together to create a ziploc bag full of deliciousness😂

I marinaded the steaks for 4 hours- flipping the bag halfway through to make sure that everything got coated evenly. This made the cauliflower so flavourful! I then placed the steaks on a sheet pan in the oven, but not before tossing some sliced mushrooms in the leftover marinade and throwing them on the pan as well.

Everything roasts up SO nicely in the oven, getting crispy and tender and steak-like! These steaks, along with the mushrooms, would be great alongside some mashed potatoes (or sweet potatoes), more roasted veggies, and maybe some vegetable gravy! They’re super tasty and have a wonderful texture.

Hope you enjoy this vegan holiday dish!

Smoky Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Serves: 3

Total Time: 5 hours

Ingredients:

For the Steaks and Mushrooms:

  • 1/2 a head of cauliflower, washed and cut lengthwise into about 3/4 inch slabs
  • 5-6 white mushrooms, sliced
  • Sprinkle of dried oregano and dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • Red chilli flakes to taste

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large resealable bag. Add in the cauliflower steaks and place in the fridge for 4 hours, flipping over the bag halfway through to make sure that the marinade gets to every part of the veggies.
  2. Once the 4 hours are up, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the steaks from the marinade and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  3. Toss the sliced mushrooms in the remaining marinade, and then place them on the baking sheet as well. Sprinkle some dried rosemary, oregano, salt and pepper over everything, throw the pan in the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven and serves the mushrooms and cauliflower warm.
  5. Enjoy!

Hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas-week so far! I’ll see you on Wednesday with another holiday recipe🥰

Yours Truly,

Olivia:)))

Cinnamon Spice Hot Chocolate

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Hey there! I’ve been really getting into the Christmas spirit this past week, and embracing the cozy winter vibes. And nothing says cozy winter vibes more than hot chocolate! So today I’m bringing you an amazing Cinnamon Spice Hog Chocolate recipe that is SO delicious and made with actual dark chocolate- not just cocoa powder.

That’s right, I used 3 squares of a Lindt 100% Dark Chocolate Bar in this stuff🥰 You can always sub for a lower cocoa concentration, but I find that the 100% gives the hot chocolate a nice, rich flavour. Plus, it doesn’t contain any sugar or dairy, so that keeps this recipe refined sugar free and vegan! I sweetened it by adding a bit of maple syrup, which is the perfect touch👌👌 It’s not too sweet, and allows the chocolate and the spices to shine through.

This recipe also contains some nice spices, namely cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Working together, they make for a nice and aromatic cup of hot chocolate🥰 They’re the first thing I added to the pot along with the almond milk, proceeding to stir in the chocolate and maple syrup. Then I brought everything to a low simmer and poured it into my favourite mug. Winter heaven!!

I hope you enjoy this cozy recipe! I can definitely see it becoming a new weekend go-to for me:)

Cinnamon Spice Hot Chocolate

Serves: 2

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 3 squares (about 2.5 grams) Lindt 100% Dark Chocolate
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

Directions:

  1. Heat the milk, along with the spices, in a small pot over low heat.
  2. Stir in the squares of chocolate and allow them to melt. Add in the maple syrup and continue to stir.
  3. Bring the hot chocolate to a slight simmer, then remove from the heat and pour into your favourite mug:)
  4. Enjoy!

The perfect way to start a Monday! Can’t wait for more great holiday recipes coming soon😍 Also, I have an exciting announcement to make later in the week, so make sure that you stay tuned to my Instagram account- mydayisbooked_blog. See you Wednesday!!

Yours Truly,

Olivia:))

Chickpea Stir-Fry

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I know it’s a Monday, but what better way to start off the week than with a delicious stir-fry? This is not a rhetorical question. Go ahead and search your soul. I’ll wait.

Couldn’t think of anything else? THAT’S WHAT I THOUGHT. This Chickpea Stir-Fry is full of veggies and flavour, two of my favourite things✌️ We’ve got onions, cabbage (or kale if you’d prefer), carrots and chickpeas in a realllllly simple sauce that brings everything together. But the real flavour bombs are the peanuts and fresh cilantro that go in during the last minute of cooking for some extra freshness😍 Want to take it to the next level? Throw some more of that stuff on top along with some green onion as a garnish. Yup🙌 That’s what I’m talking about.

If you’ve got under a half hour to whip something up, then this stir-fry is for you. With a 20 minute total time and super easy prep, this is one no-fuss meal idea! Double or triple the recipe, and you’ve got meal prep for the whole week. Pretty convenient👌

Finally, I’m going to let you in on a secret. You can use any vegetables you have around to make this stir-fry. ANY. I was running low on veggies myself when I made this, but luckily I had some carrots, onions, and cabbage ready to go. However, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, mushrooms and peppers would all be great in here; customize to your heart’s desire! The important thing is that you’ve got the sauce ingredients and the peanuts and cilantro, because that’s what makes this dish sing. I like serving my stir-fry over quinoa, but you can cook up some white or brown rice, or even couscous, if you’d like.

I hope you enjoy this quick, healthy and delicious meal idea! Let me know what you think🥰

Chickpea Stir-Fry

Serves: 2-3

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 of a large white onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or kale
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup ground peanuts
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • Cooked quinoa for serving
  • Sliced green onions + more cilantro and peanuts for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in the onions and carrots and cook until the onions are slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the shredded cabbage or kale, as well as the chickpeas and garlic, to the pan. Continue to cook for about 8 more minutes, until the carrots can be pierced by a fork.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Add the mixture to the pan and give everything a good stir. Allow the stir fry to cook for about 5 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Keep stirring.
  4. Mix in the fresh cilantro and peanuts and cook for a final minute. Remove from the heat, and serve over cooked quinoa. Garnish with green onions, more cilantro, and more peanuts!

Have a great week everyone!:)

Yours Truly,

Olivia:))