Make Snickerdoodle Chocolate Nut Bark in an Instant Pot

Use your Instant Pot as a Double Boiler to make Snickerdoodle Chocolate Nut Bark.

I'm definitely not a chocolatier but this recipe was certainly intriguing when I saw it. I'd never thought of using my Instant Pot as a double boiler to melt chocolate for making sweets.

One batch of this Snickerdoodle Chocolate But Bark is the perfect amount for a Christmas tin to give as a gift to friends and neighbors.

You'll be suprised at how easy it is to make. All you need at home is your Instant Pot, a 3-quart stainless steel bowl, and some parchment paper to get started. From the store, some mixed nuts, dairy-free chocolate chips, package of Snickerdoodle Energy+, and Ghee (or Coconut Oil).

The main ingredients in Snickerdoodle Chocolate Nut Bark are Mixed Nuts and Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Snickerdoodle is optional but really boosted the flavor profile in a fun and different way.

You can use Ghee or Coconut oil when making Snickerdoodle Chocolate Nut Bark. I prefer Ghee for this recipe because it adds a little bit of a nutty taste and brings a decandant buttery flavor.

You'll begin by putting Dairy-Free Semi-Sweet Chocolate and Ghee in staineless steel bowl to melt.

Once the chocolate has melted and you've stirred in the Snickdoodle Energy+, add in the mixed nuts and coat thoroughly in melted chocolate.

Spread the chocolate covered nuts in a layer on parchment paper. Next time I make this, I'll create a thinner layer to make breaking into bark pieces easier (and prettier.)

You'll place the tray of chocolate into the refrigerator or freezer to harden. Afterwards, you'll break into chocolate bark pieces.

Snickerdoodle Energy+ is an energy booster that I mix into coffee and warm plant-based milk with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Energy+ comes in different flavors and has been super helpful for me in increasing motivation, brain cognition, energy, and I don't get any jitters or a sugar crash like a lot of energy drinks. The flavor is so yummy, that I wanted to test how it tasted in this recipe and it didn't disappoint. Snickerdoodle is a limited edition offering during the holidays. Normally, I get Pomegranate Lime in my Happy Juice delivery every month.

Snickerdoodle Chocolate Nut Bark

Ingredients

• 16 oz. Deluxe Mixed Nuts

• 10 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate

• 1-1/2 TBSP Ghee or Coconut Oil

• 1 pkg Snickerdoodle Energy+ (optional)

Directions

1. Add two cups of water into base of your Instant Pot Liner.

2. Place a 3-qt stainless steel bowl on top of the Instant Pot Liner.

3. Place semi-sweet chocolate and ghee or coconut oil in bowl.

4. Set Instant Pot to "Saute" function. (Set to "high" or "more" depending on your Instant Pot)

5. Stir until melted.

6. Stir in Snickerdoodle Energy+

7. Add in mixed nuts and stir until well coated.

8. In a baking pan, place a piece to parchment paper to cover bottom.

9. Spoon out chocolate and nuts into a thin layer.

10. Place in freezer or refrigerator until chocolate re-hardens

11. Break into bark pieces.

You could modify this (without nuts) and use to dip strawberries, bananas, pretzels, and more! Have fun with it.

In December of 2021, I embarked on an Instant Pot Journey because I wanted to eat cleaner food and change some unhealthy eating habits. My goal was to use my Instant Pot at least once a day and try new foods and ingredients that my picky palatte would normally refuse. I have tried more than 140 new recipes in 2022. I primarily cooked from three Instant Loss cookbooks authored by Brittany Williams. I learned of this recipe from her online site. She has so many great dessert recipes that you can make with your Instant Pot. Check them out!

I hope you find a reliable person to lick the spoon when done.

A Happy Reboot is a Real Thing

“Let your story go. Allow yourself to be present with who you are right now.” – Russ Kyle

Do you ever want a do-over after the holidays? All the stress accumulates in November and December like falling leaves blanketing the yard when the seasons change. Everything piles up and piles up. When January comes, you realize you didn't nearly enjoy all the moments you should have. If you're a person like me that knows the emotional struggles are coming, the traffic and hustle is unnerving, that you'll need all the energy and motivation you can get to accomplish your goals, and would rather avoid even one person asking, "why are you in such a bad mood," then I bet you'll understand when I say, "this has to stop!" Because I want to be present this year. Happy this year.

I am getting serious about leveling up my stress resilience, mood, and metabolism over the next couple of months. I'm doing it for me and I'm doing it for my family.

And I want to be kinder to my body as well. For one, I am anticipating building more muscle and saying goodbye to some more belly fat.

Give me an amen if you're with me on this: I’m not interested in restriction, dieting, over-exercising, or anything else unsustainable. I want to create some real healthy habits mentally, emotionally, and physically that I can embrace whole-heartedly.

That’s exactly why I’m focusing on just a few PROVEN ways to increase my mood and metabolism.

I plan on sharing my happy reboot journey with you because I know it will help keep me accountable AND I know I’m not alone in wanting to feel stronger, leaner, and more confident.

So … be honest … are you going to cheer me or cringe every time I update?

I might need a Happy Reboot too

Cheers!

#happyreboot #mentalhealthmatters #mentalwellnessmatters #happinessmatters #mentalfitnessmatters

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

Creamy and Delicious Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

If you love pumpkin pie, you'll be over-the-moon delighted that you can enjoy this recipe all year! If you don't like pumpkin pie, this smoothie recipe might just change your mind about all things pumpkin.This one is creamy and delicious with Pumpkin Spice Protein, Almond Milk, Almond Butter, Bananas, non-dairy yogurt, and fall spices.

Smoothies are a morning favorite for many and can be nutritious as a meal replacement for lunch. They’re an excellent way to add nutritious fruits, veggies and protein into your diet. One key component for me is the quality of the protein powder that I use. I prefer and now recommend offer a metabolism-boosting plant-based protein powder that's highly digestible and contains probiotics. This fall recipe is a crowd pleaser for breakfast or as a snack.

Here's everything you'll need to make a Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie:

• Unflavored Almond, Oat, or Coconut unsweetened milk for your base

• CoCoJune dairy-free Organic Cultured Coconut (you could also use plain greek yogurt)

• Frozen banana to create that creamy smoothie consistency

• Frozen avocado for healthy fat, fiber, and to add some more creaminess

• Almond Butter for healthy fats and to keep you satisfied

• Pure Vanilla Extract (with no added sugars) for flavor

• Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice or Pumpkin Pie Spice for flavor

• Hemp Seeds for Omegas and added protein (you could also use Chia or Flax seeds)

• Metabolism-boosting Pumpkin Spice Plant Protein for metabolism, gut health, and appetite control

Smoothie making is not rocket science and surprisingly enough, brings many benefits considering how simple they are to blend up for: improved digestion, hydration, eating more fruits and vegetables, easier weight loss, more energy, and many other reasons. But before your start blending, here are some tips from my Smoothies for Life guide to help you build the perfect smoothie once you've got all your ingredients together:

• When making a smoothie, the first thing that goes into the blender are your liquids -- stick to two cups or less per person. Liquids might include filtered water, organic and unsweetened almond/coconut/hazelnut/oat milk, organic juiced fruit, or kefir.

• To your liquids, add your base ingredients that will make your smoothie creamy. The most basic creamy base you can start with is a banana. You could also use frozen avocado, nut butters or plain low-fat yogurt.

• Next come the fruits or vegetables your smoothie recipe requires.

• The next layer is nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans.

• Last, add in any other spices, seeds, and powders. (A pinch of pink Himalayan sea will boost mineral content and flavor profile.) Scoop in a plant-based protein powder.

• Blend at least two minutes starting on low, increasing speed, then ending on low.

How to Make a Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Almond Milk

5-6 pieces frozen banana

5-6 pieces frozen avocado

1/2 cup CocoJune Organic Cultured Cocout or plain greek yogurt

1 tbsp Almond Butter

1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract

1 tbsp Hemp Seeds

2 scoops Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Pinch of Nutmeg, Ginger, and Allspice

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients in blender in order as listed and blend. You can add more liquid or ice if desired.

For more healthy smoothies, download my Smoothies for Life guide featuring more than 30 recipes.

Enjoy!

#pumpkinpie #pumpkinsmoothie #smoothierecipes #metabolismboosting #pumpkinspice #guthealth #mealreplacement #morningsmoothie #chickpeaprotein #peaprotein #brownriceprotein #flaxseed #mentalfitness