There’s plenty of yum in these bliss balls. We added mushroom powder to the mix, as it contains a host of nutritional benefits. In this recipe, we upped the nutritional quotient by using chaga mushroom powder, which is touted as a wonder food with numerous health benefits. Other beneficial mushrooms available as a healthy powder can also be used in this recipe.
1 cup (250 mL) pitted Medjool dates (about 10 to 12)
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped raw cashews
1/4 cup (60 mL) dark chocolate chips, melted
3 Tbsp (45 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder
3 Tbsp (45 mL) chaga mushroom powder
2 Tbsp (30 mL) coconut oil, melted
Per serving:
In food processor, pulse dates until they begin to break down. Add nuts and continue to pulse until crumbly. Add melted chocolate, cocoa, mushroom powder, and coconut oil, and pulse until mixture comes together in a ball.
Line 8 in (20 cm) square pan with parchment. Using 1 tsp (5 mL) measuring spoon, scoop mixture and roll into smooth balls, then place in single layer in lined dish. Place in freezer for 30 minutes or longer to firm. They can be eaten as-is or rolled or dusted with colourful toppings (see tip).
Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, if they last that long!
Bliss ball toppings
Place small sieve over small bowl. Sift 1 tsp (5 mL) matcha powder with 1 tsp (5 mL) cornstarch. Roll bliss balls in coating. Makes enough coating for about 12 balls.
Repeat using 1 tsp (5 mL) beet powder and 1 tsp (5 mL) cornstarch, and then again using 1 tsp (5 mL) blue pea powder with 1 tsp (5 mL) cornstarch.
Other suggestions include rolling balls in cocoa, hemp hearts, chia seeds, or ground nuts. Or dip in melted chocolate and chill until firm.
Custardy French toast drizzled in pure maple syrup is a cozy, cold-weather breakfast classic. We’ve given this recipe a vegan makeover by swapping out eggs in the batter with mashed banana and a bit of ground flaxseed. This clever swap makes the French toast reminiscent of banana bread. Top it off with a decadent drizzle of raspberry syrup and you’re just a quick stint in the kitchen away from breakfast bliss. Citrus swap If you don’t have any bananas around, consider swapping for an orange. In blender, add zest of one large orange along with peeled fruit and other batter ingredients. Blend until smooth and proceed with the recipe as described.
A satisfying plant-based dinner or packed lunch, quinoa and beans add filling protein, while greens, cucumbers, roasted veggies, and a probiotic-rich dressing bring texture and flavour. Try it with a creamy plant-based cheese on top, or goat cheese for non-plant-based eaters. Mix and match Use this recipe as a guideline. Add in your go-tos such as chopped walnuts or hemp hearts, pitted sliced dates, roasted cauliflower, and crumbled feta (plant-based, if desired).
Brown rice and two varieties of lentils cook in one pot with broth, coconut milk, and simple spices. Nourishing spinach and sweet green peas bring this meal to life. It’s true sunshine in a bowl for those cold winter nights. Main grains White basmati rice, short-grain brown rice, quinoa, or millet can be used in place of the brown basmati rice. Try a mixture of grains for added nutrition and taste (e.g., millet and basmati rice, quinoa and millet, and so on).
Sprouted tofu and mushrooms soak up a delicious tamari marinade before being baked along with prepared vegan potstickers and bok choy. A tasty sauce, sesame seeds, and a bed of whole grains to serve tie everything together. Adjust the heat level of this dish in the sauce or at the table so kids can partake. Salad swap Once cool, the tofu mixture can be served on a bed of crunchy romaine for a packable lunch that’ll spark office envy. Keep the sauce on the side and dress right before serving.