Doin' Some Cookin'... Chai Spice Smoothie

This Chai Spice Smoothie is deliciously spicy from a combination of spices and satisfies my craving for a Soy Chai Latte from Starbucks which is not diet compliant.

Smoothies are just so convenient because of how quick and easy they are to throw together and due to their portability. Health in a glass on the go.

Chai spices are known for their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and support digestive health.

It doesn't matter that Chai spices are associated with the Fall because this is delicious all year long.

Chai Spice Smoothie

Adapted From: Sprout Living

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/8 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/16 tsp ground cardamom
• sea salt, to taste
• 1 banana
• ice, to taste

And Action:

Pulse all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Cashews

At the end of my night nothing is more satisfying for quieting my stomach than a handful of nuts if I'm still hungry. So they are a staple in our house and the pantry is loaded with all kinds. I don't discriminate, except maybe brazil nuts, they are my least favorite.

I whipped up a batch of these Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Cashews to put into Little Man's backpack for his morning snack and of course I needed to pack some in my lunch too.

These are fantastic hot out of the oven but good cooled down as well.

What a great combo... cinnamon and coconut... I mean my go-to order from Starbucks during Whole30 is an unsweet iced coffee with coconut milk and cinnamon powder. Yum!!

Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Cashews

Adapted From: Peanut Butter Fingers

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup unsalted raw cashews
• 2 tsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut 

And Action:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

Toss cashews, oil, and cinnamon in a small bowl coating the nuts well. Spread out on a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Roast for 12 minutes tossing halfway through. 

Remove from the oven and toss with the coconut. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is so delicious and simple to make. The sauteed apples are the best part. In fact, I plan on making just the apples again for a side or dessert. Love them!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Adapted From: Lauren Duke

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1 package cinnamon spice oatmeal
• 1 sweet red apple sliced and diced
• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• ground cinnamon, to taste

And Action:

In a small skillet heat coconut oil over medium high heat. Add the apples and cinnamon, tossing to coat and stirring on occasion until browned and softened. 

Cook oatmeal according to package directions. 

Top oatmeal with the sauteed apples. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin... Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 things...

1) I know it's time for Christmas brain and

2) No one is thinking about pumpkin after November but...

I saved a recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte but never got around to making it during the appropriate season. You know how best of intentions go and how sleep is more important. So I settled for Starbucks saving the recipe for another time.

I fall for it every time at least once a Fall season... a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. After getting to the bottom of my Venti I remember why I only get it once. It's too sweet and getting seasonal favorites from Starbucks Skinny or nonfat is just no fun... and yes, I know, I've heard and read the countless stories floating around on the Internet about steering clear since there is no "pumpkin" anything in their version. 

My version is spicy, actually contains pumpkin, and is topped with a healthy dose of real whipped cream. Don't expect this to taste anywhere close to what Starbucks produces but have piece of mind you will taste the pumpkin and know exactly what's in your PSL. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup brewed black coffee
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• pumpkin pie spice, to taste
• dash of cayenne pepper

And Action:

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat to desired temperature. Make sure to continuously whisk to keep the milk from burning on the bottom of the pan. Enjoy!