I don’t think I’m alone when I say I love chocolate. I don’t always have in in the house as it often seems like a luxury when there are more important groceries on the list. I like this recipe because it’s quick, easy and made of few ingredients that I tend to have on hand when the craving strikes. Compared to store bought sweets, these dense dark chocolates are relatively guilt free. Made with only 5 ingredients they are simple to make they are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth while eating healthfully.

What you need:

• 1/2 coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/4 honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• silicone ice cube molds (could also use cup cake liners or a cookie tray lined with parchment paper)

Instructions:

Step 1 – Melt coconut oil in a saucepan over low-medium heat.

Step 2 – Mix in remaining ingredients and heat until combined.

Step 3 –  Pour mixture into mold stirring as you go.

Step 4 – Cool in fridge for 2-4 hours or until set.

Step 5 – Store in fridge, pop out of mold when ready to eat. Enjoy!

I may not have the money to splurge on fancy coffee everyday but that doesn’t mean I have to settle for a boring plain old cup of Joe (not that there’s anything wrong with that). This vanilla simple syrup makes your home brew taste like something special. It’s so easy to make and pairs perfectly with my favourite, equally simple Cold Brew Coffee!

What you need:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (I used 1/4 cup brown sugar and 3/4 cup white sugar. You can use one or any combo of sugar)
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract (or omit for unflavoured simple syrup)

Instructions:

Step 1 – Combine water and sugar(s) into a saucepan.

Step 2 – Stir while bringing to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 3 – Maintain boil for about 10 minutes.

Step 4 – Remove syrup from heat and let cool.

Step 5 – Once cool add vanilla extract, mix and transfer to an air tight container.

 

I love iced coffee. I drink it all year round and have it just about everyday. And while the old fashioned method of brewing in a french press or espresso machine is great for a quick fix, once I discovered how easy it is to make your own cold brew I don’t think I’ll ever look back. Letting the coffee steep at room temperature for a longer period of time gives it a truly unique flavour. It is less acidic, more caffeinated and super strong. Perfect for adding ice without over diluting. Great paired with my Vanilla Simple Syrup recipe.

What you need:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
• 4 cups filtered water
• Fine mesh sieve
• Large mason jar or bowl
• optional: coffee filter or cheese cloth

Instructions:

Step 1 – Mix coffee and water in a large mason jar or bowl.

Step 2 – Cover and let sit for 14 to 24 hours.

Step 3 – Strain with a sieve. (Option to fit sieve with coffee filter or cheese cloth for even less grinds).

Step 4 – Drink with ice. Can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!

 

One of my favourite flavour combinations of all time is chocolate and mint. So naturally when I found a recipe for making these choc-mint popsicles I just had to give it a try. I also love that this recipe using fresh mint so I could use of some of my garden herbs! Although this was ultimately a self proclaimed “Pinterest fail” (my pops got trapped in my dollar store moulds so I had to scoop them out) I was very happy with the taste and will definitely try again once I invest in some better ice pop making gear.

 

What you need:

• 1 x 400 ml can coconut milk
• 1 x large handful fresh mint
• Mini or chopped Chocolate chips (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• pinch of salt
• popsicle moulds (I also made a few using a silicone ice cube tray)

Instructions:

Step 1 – Heat coconut milk, salt and sugar in saucepan until you start to see some steam.

Step 2 – Remove mixture from heat and mix in fresh mint. Let stand for 30-60 minutes.

Step 3 – Strain mixture over bowl or measuring cup to remove mint leaves. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Step 4 – Pour mixture into moulds and add chocolate chips, dividing evenly.

Step 5 – Freeze for at least 4 hours. Un-mould and Enjoy!