Vegan Recovery Smoothie

Who doesn't love chocolate and banana together? I call this the recovery smoothie because it is perfect as an post workout snack. With about 20g of protein and plenty of vitamins - it's an ideal drink to help rebuild your body. 


I use Navitas Naturals raw cacao powder and Garden of Life raw protein powder. I have tried a lot of protein powders and find this one to be the best (and most natural). It's organic, raw and contains a lot of essential amino acids. Other protein powders contain a lot of chemicals and sugars that are of no use to the body. I don't use sweetener but if you'd like to add some honey or stevia, you are welcome to.

Recovery Smoothie

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Prep Time: < 5 minutes
Serves: 1


Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tsp of raw cacao powder
• 1 scoop of protein powder
• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Throw everything into a blender and blend until desired consistency. If you think it is too thick, add a little more almond milk. Serve in a tall glass - chilled.

Chimichurri Marinated Skirt Steak

Marinating meats is the easiest way to flavor it without much effort. I recommend marinating with something acidic to help break down the meat so it becomes more tender. Using homemade Argentinian Chimichurri is perfect! Salty, acidic and full of flavor. It makes this meat stellar. Whether you plan to grill, broil or pan fry - the marinade is the key to this meal. The meat is perfect as it is - no need for additional sauces. If you'd like to serve a little extra chimichurri on the side, that's fine. My husband likes the fresh chimichurri taste with the cooked. I personally just eat the meat as is. 


If you do not want to make your own chimichurri, you should be able to purchase some already made. But nothing beat fresh. Also make please make sure the meat you purchase is from a well known source. I can't stress enough the importance of grass-fed meats. They are  leaner, usually ethically treated and a lot healthier (more vitamins, minerals, and no hormones). Antibiotics are not a part of this recipes. Make sure when you eat, you are being conscience of what you eat and are eating the best. You deserve to eat only the highest quality of foods!

Chimichurri Marinated Skirt Steak

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 4-8 hours 
Serves: 3-4


Ingredients:

• 1 lb of grass fed skirt steak
• 1 1/2 tbsp of chimichurri (self made or store bought)
• salt and pepper to taste

In a glass bowl or some type of container, combine the skirt steak and the chimichurri until the meat is well coated. Cover the glass bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if you'd like. Turn at least once. 


Once marinated - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer the meat from the bowl onto the hot skillet (salt and pepper both sides if you'd like) . Don't worry about shaking off the excess marinade.

Let the meat cook for about 7 minutes or until the one side is browned. Turn over and repeat with the other side. If you prefer a more well done steak, you may cook it longer. This amount of time should give you a slight pink center and crusty outside. 

Triple Chocolate Brownies

By request from a friend, I made brownies. And what makes brownies so decadent and irresistible? Chocolate, a lot of chocolate (ladies need their chocolate)! My Triple Chocolate Brownies are made up of raw cacao, 70% melted dark chocolate and mini dark chocolate chips. How could these not be amazing? These are sweet, rich and not too dense. Box brownie mixes are to "boxy" for me. How do you describe a boxy taste? Beats me but I guess it is like cardboard with some sweetness. If you are going to treat yourself (and friends) to brownies, make the the best. 

I used Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil, Navitas Naturals raw cacao powder, and 70% dark chocolate was one I found at whole foods (it's from spain, sold in large chunks by the pound). When you go to melt the 70% dark chocolate, make sure you cut it into smaller pieces to help it melt quicker. Also by melting it with the coconut oil, it help prevent burning the chocolate. I add cinnamon because it gives the chocolate a rich flavor (as does adding coffee), but omitting it is just fine. 

Triple Chocolate Brownies

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: < 10 minutes
Serves: 12-16 brownies


Ingredients:
Dry (sift all):

• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder (or use cocoa powder)
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet:

• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup fine raw sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 oz 70% dark chocolate, melted
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips or chunks

Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a 8 x 8 baking dish with coconut oil. 


In a side bowl, sift all of the dry ingredients together. Set aside


In a large bowl, mix the sugars, vanilla and 1 egg at a time until well combined.


Place the dark chocolate and the coconut oil together in a microwave safe mug. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Heat again for another 30 or until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir well. 


Gradually add the melted chocolate to the sugar mixture until well combined.


Then begin gradually adding the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Blend until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.


Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. 


Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the middle is set.


Allow the brownies to cool before cutting. Cut into 12 or 16 pieces.