Green Banana Smoothie Bowl

Happy New Year! 

I love the start of the new year. More so because of all the inspiration to eat clean and move more. Now, I'm not talking about resolutions that last one month and die... I'm talking about an overall look at what we are doing in our daily lives and we either continue doing it, or we tweak it a bit to make our bodies feel better.

In the spirit of clean, I've been making my go-to green smoothie bowl with breakfast.

I've shared many versions of this smoothie on my blog. But, I can't think of a better recipe post to start off this new year! 

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Smoothies, BreakfastAnna BeckRecipes
Edible Gifts: Fruit & Nut Oatmeal and Candied Cashews
Edible Gifts: Fruit & Nut Oatmeal and Candied Cashews

If there is one time of year to give someone a gift that you've spent time on in the kitchen, it's the holidays. If you need something for a co-worker, boss, secretary, friend, neighbor.... I have two words for you: edible gifts.

Each holiday season, I drive home with a few jars of candied nuts or cookie-mix-in-a-jar. And my now husband and I infuse olive oils and give to our parents in small bottles. The best part about making something is that one - it's easy. Two - it's thoughtful. And three - when they eat or make what you bring them, they will think of you!  

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HolidayAnna BeckRecipes
Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

This season is all about edible gifts and baking. At least that's what it feels like to me! And this year is no exception... I feel like I have packaged up more truffles, cookies & treats than ever before! And I'm showing no signs of slowing down until the 25th... after which time my blog will go back to it's usual naturally sweetened, health-packed treats.

But, until then... bring on all the truffles. Like these chocolate hazelnut ones. I first made these for my husband, and then again for a holiday party. And I'll likely make them again for Christmas weekend at home.

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DessertAnna BeckRecipes
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cups {vegan}
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cups {vegan}

Last week I went home and helped my mom with a holiday dessert party. It was just her and me in the kitchen one afternoon. I like to think it's where we belong, where I grew up and where I always go back to. Right there in the kitchen with my mom. 

You know, when I started this blog almost 7 years ago, I hadn't gone to culinary school. I didn't feel like a master baker or pastry chef. But, I learned most of my baking ways through my mom (that, and religiously watching Martha Stewart and just about every Saturday morning cooking show on the Food Network). It was a hands-on class each time I baked cookies with her or made homemade pies or canned jams. My mom has taught food/cooking classes, so I always felt that she was my teacher of sorts!

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Holiday, VeganAnna BeckRecipes
My Dad's Cranberry Salad
My Dad's Cranberry Salad

Growing up and still today, my mom was the one in the kitchen, cooking and baking. Always getting homemade meals on the table for our family of eight and still today, with our ever-growing family with spouses and grandkids.

And the holidays were no exception. Homemade pancakes or cinnamon rolls in the mornings and homemade soups throughout the cold, winter day. She really did (and does) it all during the holidays!

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Family Recipes, HolidayAnna BeckRecipes
Go-To Banana Ice Cream {dairy-free}
Go-To Banana Ice Cream {dairy-free}

I've said it before and I'll say it again. 

I'm obsessed with banana ice cream.

It's just so darn easy and so darn refreshing after a meal.

After stepping away from dairy a few years back, banana ice cream has made the transition smooth and delicious. I honestly crave this instead of the dairy and sugar-laden ice cream, I kid you not. 

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Dessert, VeganAnna BeckRecipes
Roasted Pear & Cardamom Chia Pudding {sugar-free, dairy-free}
Roasted Pear & Cardamom Chia Pudding {sugar-free, dairy-free}

Holidays are sweet, there is no doubt about that. But, the extra sugar can take a toll. On your mood, your concentration, your energy.

Which is why I sometimes just step away for a minute...

I'm about done with my November Whole30 challenge. It was over 2 years ago that I first started doing Whole30, inspired by my sister who was doing it at the time. It's been my way to re-charge as I enter the colder months. Omitting sugars, dairy and grains from my diet and focusing on whole foods. If you've done a Whole30 you know that after the month, you continue with it as a lifestyle, tweaking it to fit your own body. (Remember - we are all different and what works for one person may not work for the next!)

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Vegan, Whole 30, SnacksAnna BeckRecipes
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pecan Bars {gluten-free}
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pecan Bars {gluten-free}

Well, as much as we can't believe it, Thanksgiving is just a few days away! 

I feel as if I'm not ready. I haven't had enough pumpkin things or crunched on enough leaves. So I'll be trying to do that as much as possible from now until Thursday...

Today is a Thanksgiving inspired post. But also one that you can make well into December. 

I made these pumpkin bars last weekend for a dinner party. Which was more of a mingle-while-grabbing-food-off-our-large-table type party, so small bites made it easy for guests to pop in their mouth, no fork necessary. And these bites were a hit! 

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Entertaining, Dessert, HolidayAnna BeckRecipes
Homemade Almond Milk {dairy-free}
Homemade Almond Milk {dairy-free}

Countless times I find myself grabbing a carton of non-dairy milk at the store, only to place it back at soon as I glance at the huge ingredient list, consisting mostly of additives and sugars.

(Side note: there are a few completely natural brands out there - such as New Barn - that fit the bill if I'm buying it!)

No fear... this milk saves the day! Totally natural and totally

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Whole 30, Breakfast, VeganAnna BeckRecipes
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Halloween is allllllmost here!  

I think maybe it's the candy-filled holiday spirit, but I've been thinking about candy more than usual lately... 

Instead of buying packaged candy bars, I've been making these peanut butter cups for Halloween parties and to indulge in on the weekends. My husband even took a batch to his work Halloween party...

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Dessert, Vegan, HolidayAnna BeckRecipes
Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts

It's apple season! Which means we've been picking a looot of apples. And drinking a looot of apple cider. 

Chad is a simple syrup guy. Always making different kinds - ginger, peach, blueberry, lavender - you name it. And recently he made an apple cider simple syrup.

He simply cooked down apple cider with orange peels. That's it! And that's brilliant...

Concentrated apple cider goodness. 

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Breakfast, BreadsAnna BeckRecipes
Raw Snickerdoodle Bites {sugar-free, gluten-free}

A short and sweet post for your Friday. Which by the way - Happy Friday! 

If you love LARABARS like I do, then you probably know about their seasonal flavors that are out right now. One of those flavors is "snickerdoodle" and it inspired these bites. 

Because who doesn't love a powerful, whole-food bite with hints of your favorite holiday cookie? And it comes together in less than 10 minutes.

Yes, please!

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Snacks, Vegan, Grain-FreeAnna BeckRecipes