Crazy Cocoa Concoctions

Pudding and Brownies!
Maybe it's because of the bitter cold and lack of daylight that acccompanies this time of year, but I've been cravin' comfort food like mad lately.

For me, it's in the form of chocolate. Not just any chocolate though, since I'm lactose intolerant.

Therefore, I make my own cocoa creations.....healthy ones at that :)

I didn't have my own picture of the avocado pudding I made, since I wolfed it down before I took pics, and the avocado I have in my fruit bowl is still ripening. So below is a googled picture.

Avocado is very fatty, BUT, the fats are mono and polyunsaturated. Healthy fats.

To make:

1 avocado

3-4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

sweetener of choice (agave nectar, Stevia, sugar, or Splenda)

1 tsp vanilla

Blend and enjoy.

Below is a BLACK BEAN BROWNIE.

Yup.

I found the recipe on the Happy Herbivore blog. And I must say, it's so delish.

Look how ooey gooey it is. It's a flourless, sugar free cocoa bomb of brownie goodness.

It's a great recipe just in time for Valentines Day and for those you know who are sensitive to different food proteins, or just prefer to eat healthy.
To make:
1 can black beans-rinsed VERY well
2 bananas
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup oats

Throw all EXCEPT oats into food processor/blender. Blend until mixed thoroughly. Add oats and mix.
Pour into 8x8 inch pan (or heart pan) and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
You could even go crazy and add some peanut butter or walnuts(more HEALTHY fats) in the batter or make a cocoa and peanut butter frosting.
Have fun with it!!

A little normalcy, please :)

It has been such a *strange* week for me.

I haven't been sleeping well. At all. Insomnia? Not sure--But, I do know I hate it.

Trinity got an uber nasty cold also started sleeping poorly.

Today she woke up at 4 a.m, didn't go back to sleep, and has as much energy as normal.

WEIRD.

On Tuesday I started going to a Bible study with some other ladies from church. Niiiiiiiiiiiice. I like it. :)

To end my weird week on somewhat of a "normal" note I headed to Mad-town to my fave grocery store in tha world-Woodman's.

* happy sigh*

It's ginormous, diverse, Celiac friendly, and budget-friendly, as well.

Oh yeah-on my way there, I was jammin' out to music, tappin' the steering wheel, and a chica from church called and asked where I was headed. I was like, "Huh? did you just pass me?"

She did. We chatted about sick kids, spiritual attacks, and the Lord.

Any-hoo, above you'll find much of my goodies. It was so fun finding some of this stuff.

I got 4 bags of different kinds of greens-kale, spinach, chopped lettuce, and romaine.

I got some asparagus, celery, a red bell pepper, and an avocado. I got big plans for you Senor Avocado :)

In the front are 2 different kinds of Shiritaki tofu noodles. Oh yes. When you want to chow down on some "noodles" and don't want carb/calorie overload, these fit the bill. 40 calories per bag. Seriously.

The kale, pre-chopped will most CERTAINLY be turned into kale chips. (click & see)You must try.

At the bottom right is a package of rice papers. I'm gonna stuff those guys with lots of veggies, steam 'em and use the tamari i found as dipping sauce.

I've been looking for rice paper foreva!

Above, a jar of beans. Not just any beans-16 different varieties!
And here is the first thing I've made with all my new yumms.
A big heaping bowl of flatulence-inducing 16 bean soup! Yeah, I said flatulence. ;)

It also has tomatoes, kale, purple onion, celery, and carrot.
I also picked up some Frank's red hot sauce (on major sale!) and some veggie chips for Bruce.
As of now, he and Trinity are at a local pool, gettin' in their waterpark fix.
I've had lots of "me" time, so hopefully this will be the catalyst to getting back to "normal."

Cool and Interesting things about 1949

I learned some very interesting things about the year 1949 today.

*Volkswagen Beetles were introduced in the U.S.

Only 2 were sold.

*NATO was formed

*Harvard Law school began admitting women

*a new car cost $1,420

*a postage stamp cost 3 cents

*The first Emmy Awards were given out

*The Chinese Civil War ended

But, the coolest and most interesting thing about 1949, to me, (January 17, to be precise) is that my dad was born :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

The day started with birthday cards and a SHOUTOUT on NBC 15 news!

Trinity is posing with Dad and the I love You Forever and Ever mug she got him.

This is the toy fatboy motorcycle she got him, too. It's already had several passengers, including her Barbie doll and a Little Pet Shop bird.

It's loud and it goes!
He also got some Centrum Silver vitamins(for those over 50)...tee hee...a magazine, cupcakes, and some ginormous Hershey bars.
He's about to savor his cupcake after Trinity extinguished the candle out by throwing a balloon on it.
Yikes. Near heart-attacks were had by all!

Bruce bought 200 hundred balloons to blow up. We were only able to blow up 100 before we started passing out :)
Trinity had a blast with them.....and still is.
The day is being topped off with a special steak and potato dinner prepared by Chef Bruce and cheesecake by me and Jell-O (no bake cheesecake).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Happy husband, happy home, happy heart

It has been a memorable and event-filled trip, but it's good to be back home....even if it is 70 degrees colder here than where we were.

I'm so grateful that my little stinker is a really good travelling companion. She is so content and patient, keeping herself occupied with games, books, scenery, music and naps! :)

It also helps that she has a BLADDER OF STEEL. I wish I knew what that was like!

Here are a few last pics from Florida trippin':

My little monkey climbing a palm tree! Our hosts, Dan and Marti, were so very gracious and had a playground of a yard. Lots to explore....from holly plants to palm trees, to orange and grapefruit trees.
How many women can say that their homes are CLEANER when they get home, than when they left?
I have such a wonderful husband!
There is not one dirty dish, article of clothing, or linen on the beds. The floors are vacuumed, the trash is out,the fish bowl has clean water, a new bunch of bananas is on the table, there is a new shower curtain liner in the bathroom, and new rugs are on the floor!
It's good to be home :)