Chocolate Cake You Can Eat On A Diet!

Single Layer-Chocolate Cake You Can Eat on a Diet!

Yes, it is possible to 'have your cake, and eat it too!' when watching your weight.  I thought I'd have to swear off chocolate, to drop a few pounds.  Not true. 

Give this chocolate cake a try!  (I'm sucker for the new organic ingredients sold at Costco, and a life-long choco-holic).  I came across this Costco recipe, and tailored it to our needs.    It had multiple layers, but the recipe here is for one layer. 

Ingredients:
5 Medium avocados
1 Cup Almond Flour
1 Cup Organic or local Honey

2 Tbls. Coconut Oil
1 1/2 Cups Organic Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Sea Salt, Baking Soda, Homemade Vanilla (This recipe had Vanilla made with Madegasgar beans)
4 Eggs
Organic EVOO Non-stick cooking Spray

Equipment:  
Food processor
9-inch Cake pan
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cup
Spatulas and Frosting knife 

To prepare the cake:  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray cake pan with EVOO spray.

In food processor, add 2 1/2 Avocados (scooped out), 4 Eggs, 1 Cup Honey, 1 Cup Cocoa Powder, 1 Cup Almond Flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla, 3/4 Tsp. Baking Soda, 1/2 Tsp. Sea Salt
Mix until creamy smooth.

Scoop and spread evenly in the prepared cake pan and cook for 30 minutes. Always check with the 'toothpick test'. (In my oven 25, was too short, 35 min. would have been too long). 

Love my Vintage Cake Pans! 

The great thing about this recipe, is by the time you clean out the food processor, the cake is cooking and you can mix up the frosting.  After the cake comes out of the oven, cool completely.  While the frosting is in the refridgerator for about 25 minutes. 

To prepare the frosting: 
In the food processor, place 2 Avocados (scooped and measured), 1/2 Cup Honey, 1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder, and 2 Tbls. Coconut Oil. (This is important..do not add more than that).  Blend until smooth and creamy and place in the refridgerator until ready to spread on the cooled cake. (About 25 minutes).  

Frost the cooled cake and garnish as desired.  Here we have Organic Dark Chocolate Shavings, and fresh Blueberries. (You could put a dollop of whipped cocoanut mild cream. 

Enjoy!

Chocolate Pudding that Packs a Punch

Eating healthier has gotten easier!   Try this Chocolate Chia Pudding as a dessert substitute. 

For me, the  3 most important criteria for a new recipe is:  #1- The recipe has few ingredients.   #2- It is as natural, chemical, process free foods.  #3- Is quick and easy.   This recipe has a plus in that it is absolutly delicious!

Why eat Chia?  They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron, and calcium. Omega-3 fatty acids help raise HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol that protects against heart attack and stroke.

Ingredients:    (per serving)
2 Tbls. Chia Seeds 
1 Tbl.  Organic Cacao Powder
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk  (can use Almond for fewer calories)
1 Tbl. Sweetner- Parker's Maple Butter   (Honey, Stevia, etc.) 
Dash of Cinnamon 

Assemble in Pint Mason Jars

To Assemble:   Blend all ingredients: Maple Butter, Milk, Cacao Powder, Cinnamon, and Chia seeds in the jar. Mix with fork, small blender attachment, or put lid on and shake thoroughly until cacao and maple butter are completely mixed in.     Cover with jar lids and refridgerate for approx 4 hours, or overnight.   The chia will absorb the liquid and become smooth with a tapioca type texture.  Serve plain, or garnish with raspberries or strawberries. 

VARIATION:  Blueberry Almond Chia Pudding  

For a nutty flavor!

In small mason jars, to the basic mix of 1/2 Cup Almond Milk add 2 Tbls of your favorite Almond Butter, and mix until creamy.  Add 2 Tbls. Chia Seeds.  Add 1 Tbl  (homemade vanilla- this one shows Madagascar Vanilla) and a dash of cinnamon. Toss in a handful of Blueberries.   Put lids on the jars, and refriderate.  When ready to serve top with a few more fresh blueberries and slivered almonds. 

You'll easily get hooked on this superfood of Chia...do your research and make sure you don't eat too much.  A person needs 1-2 Tablespoons per day.  So don't overdo it!

Enjoy!
Callie