Ari, Author at Ari's Menu

Pumpkin Spice Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

October 1, 2014 · by Ari ·

Homemade sweetened condensed milk made with coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. Perfect as a coffee creamer, or to replace sweetened condensed milk in any recipe. Naturally sweetened, vegan, paleo & gluten-free.

Guess what, guess what, guess whaaaaaaatttttt? It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in Phoenix! After months of running in nothing cooler than 80 degrees (even when you wake up at 4am) and insane humidity (ummm…that “dry heat” thing? it’s not), temperatures are finally dropping and there is a morning chill in the air! I FREAKING LOVE MORNING CHILL!!

In fact, yesterday I was cold at the beginning of my bike ride. Like, I thought about changing into long sleeves. I seriously could not be happier. Weather isn’t the biggest deal in the world normally, but when you’re training for a fall marathon and you live in Phoenix, you start to live and die by the weather forecast. I stalk it daily and check out the 10 day forecast every single day. In fact, today was the first day I was able to see far enough ahead for my 20 miler, and while it still will probably change before then, it’s crazy how close it is, and how close I am to being finished with training.

Marathon training is so weird. You finish your training (other than taper) 3 weeks before the race, so it still doesn’t even seem like the race is close, but then all of the sudden you’re done, and you wonder where all the time went. It feels like things just started to get real, and so soon they will be over, and even though I’ve insisted this whole training cycle that I will never run an other marathon after this, I’m already starting to feel sad about it ending.

One of my favorite things to do when I have an off day is spend the time I would be running creating something delicious / cool / unique / outside of what I would normally make on a daily basis. I love the extra time to be creative and try new things, and this time I returned to my homemade sweetened condensed milk obsession. The last time it came out so ridiculously good that I couldn’t wait to play with it, and make a flavored option.

The best part? This recipe is so, so, so easy, and you can use it tons of different ways. Have a recipe that calls for sweetened condensed milk? Sub this seasonal, vegan & paleo version. Use it as creamer in iced coffee, drizzle some on your favorite fruit for dessert, make tres leches cake (<— umm, that is happening soon), or just eat it with a spoon because it’s that good.

Pumpkin Spice Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: approximately 1 cup

Pumpkin Spice Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

Ingredients

1 x 13.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

Instructions

Heat coconut milk, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup together in a medium sized pot over medium-high heat until it starts to lightly boil. Reduce heat to a medium to medium-low simmer whisking constantly until mixture thickens and reduces to about one half to one third of original. This takes about 30 minutes. When milk is finished, it will coat the back of a spoon. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Whisk in pumpkin puree, then let cool completely, stirring occasionally. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

https://arismenu.com/pumpkin-spice-sweetened-condensed-coconut-milk/

Crockpot Curry Soup with Sweet Potato, Chicken & Kale

September 28, 2014 · by Ari ·

Rich, creamy, warm and comforting curry soup with sweet potatoes, chicken & kale is incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker with NO prep time! Healthy, paleo, gluten-free & dairy-free.

Can we talk for a second about trying to make curry soup look pretty? I mean, it’s YELLOW and the sweet potatoes I used were yellow. Side note: I totally prefer the lighter colored sweet potatoes, you? The first time I used them I thought they were mislabeled because for most of my life I knew nothing about vegetables. Anyway, I love them, and I think they are sweeter and softer than the orange ones.

Oh, and ummm cooked kale? The ugliest. If this soup weren’t so freaking delicious, I would have said F it, called it quits, and just pouted while sadly eating straight from the crockpot. Seriously, it’s super fun to live with a food blogger who gets super grouchy when things don’t go her way. The other night I had a melt down because I took like 5 zillion pictures of steam coming off my mac & cheese only to realize the wine glass I had set in the background was still empty. Life is hard sometimes.

Anyway, this soup was totally worth it, pretty or not. With the bold curry flavor, the creamy coconut milk and my very favorite food (sweet potatoes, in case you’re new here), you really can’t go wrong. The chicken cooks up perfectly in the crockpot with extra work involved, and the kale adds a little nutrient + flavor bonus. I love kale. I’m such a cliche.

This soup is perfect for the busy fall months when you want something delicious and warm waiting for you when you come home–it makes weeknight dinners a breeze, and it tastes way more indulgent than it actually is, so it’s a win-win!

Crockpot Curry Soup with Sweet Potato, Chicken & Kale

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours, 5 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Crockpot Curry Soup with Sweet Potato, Chicken & Kale

Rich, creamy, warm and comforting curry soup with sweet potatoes, chicken & kale is incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker with NO prep time! Healthy, paleo, gluten-free & dairy-free.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes
2 large chicken breasts
2 small onions, diced
2 big handfuls kale
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 x 13.5 ounce cans coconut milk
32 ounces chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons curry paste
pinch ground ginger
sliced green onions and Sriracha for topping, optional

Instructions

Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Microwave for 2 minutes, (peel if desired, I didn't) then slice into 1" cubes.
Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Remove chicken and shred. Stir all ingredients together and serve. Top with green onions and Sriracha if desired. Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

https://arismenu.com/crockpot-curry-soup-sweet-potato-chicken-kale/

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes {vegan + gluten-free}

September 24, 2014 · by Ari ·

With all the flavor of your favorite fall beverage, these pumpkin spice latte cupcakes are the perfect treat! Vegan, gluten-free and lightened up but with 100% of the taste–they are a dessert everyone will love!

My husband is so weird. Every time I start baking he asks me what I’m making. Lately, the answer starts with pumpkin, then he groans and goes on and on about how he supposedly doesn’t like pumpkin.

Then as soon as whatever I’m making is ready, he’s digging in, and going on about how good it is! I don’t understand him. I think he just likes to say he hates pumpkin because he knows I’m obsessed with it. Sometimes I make pumpkin muffins in July. True story.

Even in my quest for new pumpkin recipes all year long, I always come back to these cupcakes every fall. I’ve made them over and over, and this year I wanted to make a version that was both vegan and gluten-free so that all of my friends could enjoy them with me. Even my silly pumpkin hating husband (who, btw, ate his fair share!).

Simple, easy pumpkin cupcakes spiked with a little espresso powder then brushed with coffee create the perfect pumpkin spice latte flavor and ultra soft texture. Topped with freshly whipped coconut cream (or regular whipped cream if you prefer) — they are just like your favorite fall coffee indulgence in cupcake form!

Also, if you want to make them even more dreamy, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your whipped topping. You will thank me later. 😉

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes {vegan + gluten-free}

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 1 dozen

Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes {vegan + gluten-free}

With all the flavor of your favorite fall beverage, these pumpkin spice latte cupcakes are the perfect treat! Vegan, gluten-free and lightened up but with 100% of the taste--they are a dessert everyone will love!

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups gluten-free baking blend (or white whole wheat flour)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
dash salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup strong coffee or espresso for brushing
whipped coconut cream (or regular whipped cream if not vegan) for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, sugars, and apple sauce. Add almond milk and dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fill lined muffin tin 3/4 full with batter and bake until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. You want them to be fully cooked with no crumbs sticking to the toothpick, otherwise they will be mushy. Cool completely.
Pierce each cupcake 2-3 times with a fork, then brush cupcakes with fresh coffee. Top with whipped coconut cream or regular freshly whipped cream (add some cinnamon to it for an even more delicious topping). Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

https://arismenu.com/pumpkin-spice-latte-cupcakes-vegan-gluten-free/

Ridiculously Easy 4 Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Snack Mix

September 21, 2014 · by Ari ·

This apple cinnamon snack mix comes together in seconds with just 4 ingredients and no cooking, chopping or prepping required! It’s also super addicting–put it out at your next party, and it will be gone in minutes!

I don’t know when I became 87 years old, but there is nothing I love more lately than a lazy Sunday. In fact, I won’t even make plans with people on Sunday anymore unless it involves them coming to my house, and even then, I’m ready for them to leave after an hour or two. It’s like I’m becoming an introvert, but only 1 day a week.

Also, have we discussed that my bedtime is approximately 8:30 pm? Three nights this week I was up past 10, and I was a zombie! I can’t do it. I seriously can’t wait for the weather to change so I can go back to getting up at some sort of normal hour, and then maybe I will only act 57 instead of 87. 😉

Anyway, this was the perfect recipe for a lazy Sunday. I literally had to do nothing but throw the ingredients in a bowl, and lightly toss it around. Then I spent a total of 10 minutes photographing it (again, WHO AM I??? I usually spend at least an hour), and left it out since my family was coming over for brunch. Ummm…it’s all gone. And I made a full on brunch. Even after eggs and waffles, they still kept reaching back into the bowl. It’s amazing how the simplest ideas can be the biggest crowd pleasers!

I have to admit, I was didn’t exactly get excited about this month’s theme of dehydrated foods for The Recipe ReDux. It’s just not something I really do, but I do loooove me some dried apple chips. In fact, I could snack on them all day long, so I threw this baby together in seconds, and it has instantly become a household favorite. Crunchy cinnamon almonds, Apple Cinnamon Chex (I’m obsessed with that stuff), pecans, apple chips and extra cinnamon–it’s the perfect, simple fall snack!

Ridiculously Easy 4 Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Snack Mix

Prep Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Yield: 2 cups

Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Ridiculously Easy 4 Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Snack Mix

This apple cinnamon snack mix comes together in seconds with just 4 ingredients and no cooking, chopping or prepping required! It's also super addicting--put it out at your next party, and it will be gone in minutes!

Ingredients

2 cups Apple Cinnamon Chex
1 cup dehydrated apple chips, broken into pieces
1/2 cup cinnamon roasted almonds
1/2 cup pecans (roasted or raw)
extra cinnamon, if desired

Instructions

Gently toss all ingredients together in a large bowl and serve immediately. Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container for about 2 weeks.

https://arismenu.com/apple-cinnamon-snack-mix/

Buffalo Hot Dogs

September 14, 2014 · by Ari ·

Spicy and flavorful, buffalo sauce meets hot dogs for the perfect easy grill or tailgating recipe that will satisfy all the men in your life while still maintaining secretly healthy ingredients!

Ummm, is it really Monday again already? Last week I had Monday AND Tuesday off because Arizona apparently can’t handle rain and the entire Phoenix metro area was basically flooded. Well, it was flooded on Monday. I have no idea why we didn’t have school on Tuesday, but I’m not complaining. I do have to say that it made going back to work on Wednesday, like, ridiculously hard, and now I can’t believe I have to work a real 5 day week. My life is so hard.

I have been the worst about meal planning. When I’m good, I’m so good, and I’m making new recipes multiple times per week, and saving money, and eating great dinners! But then I get busy, and the next thing I know, Steve and I are riding our bikes at 7:3o pm in the dark, and we’re both starving and have no idea what we’re going to eat for dinner.

That night, I remembered when we were about 3 miles from home that we still had hot dogs in the freezer, and it was pretty much the happiest moment of my life. I freaking love hot dogs. It’s silly, but I do. They’re so easy, and so delicious, and the possibilities are endless!

I’m also a freak for buffalo sauce, so the combination? It rocked my world. Also, I’m one of those weird people that eats my hot dog with no bun because I really do just enjoy the taste of it. It don’t be needin’ no breads. But photos, photos need bread. My hot dog on a plate is, uhhh, less than pretty. So you’re welcome for the bread. It’s hangin’ out just for show. 😉

This meal comes together in about 3 seconds. Okay, more like 10 minutes, but that might as well be 3 seconds when it comes to a delicious dinner! Just a few minutes to grill the hot dogs, mix together the sauce, and chop some celery and you are done! That’s how I like my dinner. Ready before I have a chance to back out on cooking and head to Chipotle.

Also, about a million bold flavors is a necessity. I think I’m the opposite of a super taster. Like, I need to taste ALL OF THE THINGS in order to be happy. So if you’re anything like me, these will make you happy too!

Buffalo Hot Dogs

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 hot dogs

Serving Size: 1 hot dog

Buffalo Hot Dogs

Spicy and flavorful, buffalo chicken meets hot dogs for the perfect easy grill or tailgating recipe that will satisfy all the men in your life while still maintaining secretly healthy ingredients!

Ingredients

4 hot dogs (preferably all beef or turkey)*
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1-2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (preferably Frank's Red Hot)
1/2 teaspoon ranch seasoning
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
freshly crumbled blue cheese
hot dog buns, if desired

Instructions

Grill hot dogs over medium heat until warmed throughout, about 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning. Drizzle cooked hot dogs with prepared Greek yogurt buffalo sauce. Top with chopped celery and blue cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

*I try to look for a lower in fat turkey or beef dog that is nitrate free. I especially love Fork in the Road (disclosure: they have sent me products in the past, but I loved them even before that!). Also, not all hot dogs are gluten-free. If you eat gluten-free, be sure to check the labels.

https://arismenu.com/buffalo-hot-dogs/

Pumpkin Irish Cream

September 10, 2014 · by Ari ·

Rich and creamy homemade Irish cream with a fall kick! Pureed pumpkin + pumpkin pie spice make this taste like pumpkin pie in cocktail form! Shhh it’s secretly lightened up and vegan.

Youuuuu guuuyyyyys! I have been waiting almost an entire year to share this recipe with you! For the last two weeks, I’ve been asking my husband if it’s “fall enough” yet to post it, and his response, as someone who could care less about pumpkin, and could care even less about when I post things on my blog, is to shrug his shoulders and hardly reply. So, I’ve decided. It’s fall enough. Here we go.

Last year, I started experimenting more with homemade liqueurs and cocktails thanks to my drink-spiration, and I made a huge batch of this baby for Thanksgiving. I couldn’t believe what a huge hit it became! My family couldn’t get enough, and even my family members who don’t generally drink kept coming back for more.

I even had a signature Thanksgiving drink where I mixed the Pumpkin Irish Cream with Pumpkin Pie Vodka (<– OMG a MUST try!) and a spiced simple syrup (<–not that exact one, but similar). There are seriously no words. Everyone thought I was super fancy, but the truth is, the recipe is so so easy. In fact, it takes less time than going to the store to buy a bottle of Irish cream!

One thing I love about making Irish cream at home is that I can control what goes into it. This stuff has just a handful of ingredients including pure pumpkin puree and a homemade vegan sweetened condensed milk.

The result is strong, rich, creamy and filled with pumpkin flavor without overwhelming the non pumpkin lovers (why do these people exist??) in your life. You will want to drink it all ~~fall~~ year long, and I’m pretty certain it will become a staple at your Thanksgiving also!

Pumpkin Irish Cream

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: approx 3 1/2 cups

Pumpkin Irish Cream

Rich and creamy homemade Irish cream with a fall kick! Pureed pumpkin + pumpkin pie spice make this taste like pumpkin pie in cocktail form! Shhh it's secretly lightened up and vegan.

Ingredients

2/3 cup sweetened condensed coconut milk
1 1/2 cups Irish whiskey
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Store refrigerated in an airtight contain for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Adapted from this DIY Mint Chocolate Bailey's Irish Cream

https://arismenu.com/pumpkin-irish-cream/

Everything Bagel & Cream Cheese Dip

September 7, 2014 · by Ari ·

Everything you love about an everything bagel and cream cheese in a creamy and addicting dip perfect for parties, get togethers, or tailgating. Tons of bold flavor, ridiculously easy, and perfect for sharing.

Have you ever noticed how quickly dips seem to disappear at a party? I always end up standing around totally hoarding the dip until it’s time to eat something more closely resembling an actual meal, and then I’m like “Whoooops…I ate my weight in dip, but I guess I’ll eat this too…”

In fact, I kinda wish I could live off snack food. I mean, not actually because I’m one of those people that needs something to be called a meal in order to feel full. I’m sure it’s mental. Either that, or it is just related to my insane hunger that is probably equivalent to a 300 pound body builder.

So I made this dip, and then I pretty much hoarded it. Well, actually, I think Steve hoarded it more than I did. I made it the day before, and he took one bite and announced that there probably wouldn’t be any left by the time people arrived the next day. He is usually pretty hard to read and says things like “Yeah, it’s good”, so I guess he really liked this one.

Although, what’s not to like? Cream cheese, garlic, onion, salt, and lots of seeds paired with perfectly crunchy bagel chips–it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s almost like breakfast in an appetizer.

I lightened it up with a little bit of Greek yogurt (that I promise you can’t detect, like, at all), and I ate mine with gluten-free bagel chips, but feel free to use whatever you like, or even toast up some bagels, then cut them into small pieces for dipping!

Everything Bagel & Cream Cheese Dip

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: approx 3 cups

Everything Bagel & Cream Cheese Dip

Ingredients

1 pound reduced fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup dried minced onion
4 cloves garlic, roasted and finely chopped
generous pinch sea salt
bagel chips for serving (I used gluten-free)

Instructions

Beat all ingredients together in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Serve immediately with bagel chips or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Notes

Best served at room temperature. If you refrigerate before serving, let the dip soften, then lightly beat with a hand mixer again.

https://arismenu.com/bagel-cream-cheese-dip/

Grilled Pork Chops with Balsamic Blackberry Sauce

September 4, 2014 · by Ari ·

Perfectly grilled pork chops smothered with a sweet and simple balsamic blackberry sauce. This dinner looks so impressive, you’d never guess how easy it is! Healthy, paleo, and Whole 30 friendly!

I’m so conflicted. I want to eat pumpkin and apples, and wake up in the morning to a crisp breeze, and see leaves change color! Okay, so I live in Phoenix and the leaves are never going to change color, but a girl can dream.

Okay, so I’m conflicted because I really really want all of those things. And today it was 108*. I got into my car after work and my car said 117! Yikes. Also, I feel like it’s still technically summer, and I still want to soak up grilling season and fresh berries.

Also, this dish was the bomb. Yes, I just said the bomb. I’m stuck in 1999 or something. I tried to make something similar a few months ago, but I pounded out the pork chops really thin, and rolled them up, and then baked them. They looked like…crepes gone wrong… They still tasted delicious, but I couldn’t get over the fact that they looked like breakfast.

The good news? This way is so much easier! Seriously, my husband grilled up the pork while I made the sauce and we had dinner in under 30 minutes. It looks so fancy, but it couldn’t be more simple — win, win.

Grilled Pork Chops with Balsamic Blackberry Sauce

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1 pork chop

Grilled Pork Chops with Balsamic Blackberry Sauce

Perfectly grilled pork chops smothered with a sweet and simple balsamic blackberry sauce. This dinner looks so impressive, you'd never guess how easy it is! Healthy, paleo, and Whole 30 friendly!

Ingredients

4 pork loin chops
salt and pepper

For the Balsamic Blackberry Sauce:

1 cup balsamic vinegar
6 ounces blackberries, preferably organic

Instructions

To make the sauce, bring vinegar to a boil in a medium sauce pan over medium high heat. Reduce to a simmer. Add blackberries and use a spoon to mash them into the balsamic vinegar. Cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened, stirring often. Remove from heat.
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Grill until desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side. Top each pork chop with a generous helping of balsamic blackberry sauce.

https://arismenu.com/grilled-pork-chops-balsamic-blackberry-sauce/

Creamy Frozen Coconut Margaritas

August 27, 2014 · by Ari ·

Thick and creamy frozen coconut margaritas beat anything you could order at a restaurant. Naturally sweetened with no sour mix, and blended with ultra creamy coconut milk.

Is it bad that I just had a 3 day weekend and all I can think about is the next 3 day weekend? To be fair, my long “weekend” was mostly spent in the back of a van. Oh, and ya know, running to Seaside.

If you’ve been reading for a while, you may remember that I ran Hood to Coast last year. Or…at least I ran some of it. After being out for 6 months with an injury, I had just started running again basically from scratch a couple of months before, and the race was just too much too soon. My injury started acting up during my second leg, and I knew if I wanted to avoid an other 6 months on the sidelines, I had to step back.

It was hard. I took a break from running, rode my first century, and now that I’m almost a year back into running consistently, it was absolutely freaking amazing to go back and finish this year! It was a total whirlwind, and I swear after being awake for a solid 24 hours, I started to lose my shit, but I would do it again in a heartbeat! I mean, like, can we do it again this weekend? Because I’m already missing it.

Anyway, after being home for less than 2 weeks, going back to Oregon, running this race, and then landing Monday morning to go straight into work, I am really ready for this 3 day weekend. And I plan to spend it lounging by my pool drinking frozen coconut margaritas. Oh, maybe you’d actually like to know a little bit about them, and not just about how I’m obsessed with relays?

What makes these babies so special is the coconut milk / tequila / orange liquor ICE CUBES! It takes an extra step, but making the coconut milk ice cubes is essential to getting the right creamy texture for your margaritas. We’ll use regular ice too, but too much, and you’ll have a watery mess on your hands. They are also made with a to-die-for coconut simple syrup and they include coconut extract for triple coconut-y flavor! And ya know what? Even my husband who usually hates coconut enjoyed them!

Creamy Frozen Coconut Margaritas

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours

Yield: 6 margaritas

Serving Size: 1 margarita

Creamy Frozen Coconut Margaritas

Thick and creamy frozen coconut margaritas beat anything you could order at a restaurant. Naturally sweetened with no sour mix, and blended with ultra creamy coconut milk.

Ingredients

For the coconut milk ice cubes:

1 x 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup orange liqueur (like triple sec, grand marnier, etc.)

For the coconut simple syrup:

1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon agave nectar
3/4 cup sweetened toasted coconut

To make the margaritas:

8 coconut milk ice cubes
2 shots coconut simple syrup
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 handfuls regular ice

Instructions

To make the coconut milk ice cubes, whisk together coconut milk, tequila, and orange liqueur. Transfer to ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
To make the coconut simple syrup, bring water and agave nectar to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Add toasted coconut, remove from heat and let sit for 30-60 minutes. Strain liquid through a fine mesh strainer. Return to heat and bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then remove and let cool.
To make the margaritas, blend all margarita ingredients together until smooth. Repeat with remaining ingredients when desired.

https://arismenu.com/creamy-frozen-coconut-margaritas/

them!

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Mocha Bites {The Recipe ReDux}

August 21, 2014 · by Ari ·

Rich & fudgy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Mocha Bites are super easy to make with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. They are paleo, gluten-free, vegan and delicious enough to please any crowd!

I have a pet peeve. I seriously hate when people call things “brownies” or “cookie dough” when it literally tastes like a protein bar. I’m glad you like it, and I’m sure it really is “OMG so delicious”, but let’s be real for a second: a protein bar does not taste like a brownie. It might taste like a chocolate protein bar that is so good you could enjoy it for dessert, but that does not a brownie make.

So, that being said, I almost called these brownie bites. They are so ridiculously rich and fudgy that you could probably call them brownie bites and no one would call you on it. But, at the end of the day, they do not have the flakey top, and they are more the consistency of cookie dough, so we’ll stick with Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Mocha Bites. Because I am incapable of coming up with a title less than 40 characters long.

Okay so while they may not technically be “brownies” that doesn’t stop these little guys from feeling like a totally indulgent treat. In fact, they are like a totally indulgent treat that works like a snack! The ingredients are kind of all rock stars in the way they fill you up and give you energy. I found myself kind of addicted. Every time I wanted something sweet, I kept reaching in the fridge to grab an other one.

I had to bring them into work because I couldn’t stop, and Steve was so upset that he only got 2. I strongly suggest you let them sit in the fridge for a few hours. I tried one right after I made them and liked it enough, but the texture is much better cold, and the flavors are even more delicious after they’ve had some time to meld together.

They are the perfect after school or pre/post workout snack, or you can even grab a couple for breakfast as you’re walking out the door, and they are without a doubt delicious enough to be eaten for dessert too!

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Mocha Bites

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: approx 16 bites

Serving Size: 1 bite

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Mocha Bites

Rich & fudgy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Mocha Bites are super easy to make with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. They are paleo, gluten-free, vegan and delicious enough to please any crowd!

Ingredients

1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened but not melted
3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups almond meal*
1/2 cup cocoa powder (I used Hershey's Special Dark)
2 teaspoons espresso powder
small pinch sea salt
2/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together almond butter, coconut oil, honey/maple syrup and vanilla until mostly combined. Add almond meal, cocoa powder, espresso powder and sea salt. Use your hands to mix ingredients together. Once dough is mostly formed add chocolate chips and incorporate.
Roll dough into 1-1 1/2" balls (or however large you'd like them). Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

*If you use maple syrup (or even a store bought honey), it will not be as thick and you may need to increase almond meal. If the mixture is still sticking to your hands/the bowl, increase almond meal by 1 tablespoon until you reach the desired texture.

https://arismenu.com/almond-butter-chocolate-chip-mocha-bites/

Tart Cherry Fro-yo {with White & Dark Chocolate Chips}

August 17, 2014 · by Ari ·

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of the Cherry Marketing Institute.

Ultra thick and creamy tart cherry frozen yogurt loaded with dark chocolate and white chocolate chips. So decadent, you’d never guess the base is FAT FREE!

After an incredible summer in Portland, I’m back in Phoenix. Back to real work, and back to 100++ degrees. And again I’m wondering…WHY DON’T I LIVE IN PORTLAND? Well, a fantastic husband, my puppies and an entire life time of family and friends make the heat livable I suppose.

Totally unreasonable amounts of frozen yogurt don’t hurt either. 😉 You may have noticed that before I left I was on a bit of an ice cream kick. I finally figured out my ice cream maker, and I just couldn’t stop. The real deal, full fat ice cream is just so hard to recreate that I was a little nervous to go back to homemade fro-yo. I mean, I am a HUGE fan of soft serve, and I will eat it any time, any day, but it is just so hard to make something at home that doesn’t turn into an icy mess.

The good news? This is by far the BEST frozen yogurt I have ever made! The base is so rich and creamy, and packed with tart cherry flavor. You may remember a little bit about the benefits of tart cherries from this Tart Cherry Lime Elixir. They are said to reduce soreness and oxidative stress, and aid in recovery. Also, they are delicious. I’ve been drinking tart cherry juice plain for the 7 Day Cherry Juice Challenge, and it is the perfect amount of sweet and tart.

This challenge is great leading up to a big race or event, and it’s incredibly easy to incorporate! If you love the taste of tart cherry juice, just drink 8 ounces a day, or you can use 2 tablespoons of the concentrate as a shot–college flash backs anyone? Except I like the idea of actually feeling better the next day instead of worse (the woes of getting older)–or diluted in another beverage.

Okay, back to the fro-yo. We all know that cherries pair magically with chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate syrup, you name it. I went for a combination of white and dark chocolate to create more flavors, but you are free to use whatever you’d like. Or, if you’d like to keep this 100% fat free, feel free to skip the chocolate all together, and it will still be delicious!

Tart Cherry Fro-yo {with White & Dark Chocolate Chips}

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Tart Cherry Fro-yo {with White & Dark Chocolate Chips}

Ultra thick and creamy tart cherry frozen yogurt loaded with dark chocolate and white chocolate chips. So decadent, you'd never guess the base is FAT FREE!

Ingredients

2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/3-1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon tart cherry juice concentrate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ tablespoon bourbon or vodka, optional
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
¼ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, tart cherry juice concentrate and vanilla extract until combined and sugar is fully dissolved. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Freeze according to ice cream maker instructions. Add bourbon or vodka in the last 2-3 minutes of freezing. This is optional, but recommended—it keeps the frozen yogurt from freezing hard and icy. Fold in chocolate chips. Frozen yogurt is best served immediately, but can also be stored in a freezer safe container, just allow 10-15 minutes thawing time before scooping.

https://arismenu.com/tart-cherry-fro-yo/

To learn more about tart cherries and their benefits, check out ChooseCherries.com, or follow their Facebook / Twitter /Pinterest / YouTube!

Vanilla Bean Float

August 14, 2014 · by Ari ·

This Vanilla Bean Float is an insanely easy dessert option. 2 ingredients, and ready in minutes–it’s like the root beer float’s healthier vanilla cousin!

When was the last time you had a root beer float? For me it was probably over 10 years ago! They seem like one of those childhood treats that we forget about when we get older. Or we just realize that most soda is probably the worst thing we can put into our body, and that when you combine it with ice cream, it is probably less than a “healthy” choice. I mean, I will still enjoy a diet root beer (or diet coke) and pretend that they are, in fact, the healthier option, but I’m not really fooling myself. 😉

Still, there’s something about fizzy soda with creamy ice cream that just works in a way no other dessert can replicate! I love the creamy foam that comes to the top, and trying to sip the ice cream out through your straw, or drinking with a spoon.

When I went to the Blend Retreat, we had lots of great stuff in our swag bags, but I was probably most excited about the Dry Vanilla Bean Soda. It’s less sweet than normal soda–ewww, regular soda is so syrupy sweet, I can’t even handle it–and is made from only 4 ingredients. I tasted it and immediately fell in love.

So much love that when I was at the grocery store back home and the same soda caught my eye, I immediately grabbed two cans. Then the next time, I bought a 4 pack of the bottles.

I started with a couple of scoops of nonfat vanilla bean frozen yogurt and paired it with the vanilla bean soda. Ummm, it was gone in seconds. In fact, it’s so easy to make, and so easy to drink that it could end up being pretty dangerous. But whatever, fro-yo is healthy(ish) and the soda is only 60 calories, so you get a pretty huge dessert for under 200 calories and zero fat! Win, win.

Of course, you can also use coconut milk ice cream or an other nondairy option if that’s your thing. And you could try chocolate ice cream for a nice combo of vanilla and chocolate, because, to be honest, this really isn’t a recipe. It’s more of a suggestion. I suggest you add this vanilla bean soda to your favorite frozen dessert and then enjoy your dessert. 😉

Vanilla Bean Float

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Vanilla Bean Float

This Vanilla Bean Float is an insanely easy dessert option. 2 ingredients, and ready in minutes--it's like the root beer float's healthier vanilla cousin!

Ingredients

2 scoops nonfat vanilla bean frozen yogurt (or coconut milk ice cream, or any alternative you desire)
12 ounces Dry Vanilla Bean Soda

Instructions

Place frozen yogurt in a glass, top with soda, and drink up!

https://arismenu.com/vanilla-bean-float/

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Tart Cherry Fro-yo {with White & Dark Chocolate Chips}

Vanilla Bean Float

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