Author Archives: Brittany

• Double Chocolate Cocoa Melts

  Posted at 3:58 AM by Brittany, on March 17, 2014

  For the past few months, I’ve had a jar of coconut butter staring at me each time I open my pantry. I go into that pantry around 4 times a day, do the math..that’s a lot of stares.

  

  Yeah…this guy.

  It took some time, but I finally figured out what I wanted to make. Something rich, something creamy, something chocolate! This recipe took some twists and turns, but I finally settled on something worth posting. I started out making these…

  

  

  …but quickly decided they needed some help. I love coconut oils and butters, but the flavor is VERY strong. The texture of these fudge squares was perfect, but the flavor..too strong. There is only one flavor I’ve been completely successful with when it comes to toning down the almost overwhelming flavor of the coconut, and it just so happens to be a classic flavor.

  

  Chocolate has a way of covering up the coconut flavor like nothing else! This experiment reminded me of the time I tried to get wild using coconut oil in a vanilla frosting, but was reminded why I always go with chocolate. I still haven’t figured out how to make it work!

  Double Chocolate Cocoa Melts

  

  • 1 cup softened/melted coconut butter (should be well combined, soak your jar in hot water and stir well before adding to the mix)
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tblsp maple syrup
  • 3 tblsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 2 tblsp tiny dark chocolate chips
  • handful of large dark chocolate chips

  

  Instructions

  1. Combine coconut butter, almond butter, vanilla, and maple syrup into a sauce pan and stir until well combined.
  2. Once combined add in the cocoa powder, stir, and then add in the tiny chocolate chips.
  3. Heat on low until the chocolate chips are melted into the mix.
  4. Once combined, pour into a wax paper lined 8×8 (or something similar) dish and sprinkle (as many as you want) the large chocolate chips on top.
  5. Place dish into the freezer until hardened.
  6. Enjoy!

  

  Not only do you get to satisfy your sweet craving with these rich and smooth melts, they’re JAM packed full of HEALTHY fats AND minerals from the cocoa. Sure, there is some sugar in the chocolate chips/maple syrup..but we can just highlight the benefits! 😉 Besides, these are SO rich, you’ll be completely satisfied with just one square. I know..who am I!

  

  OK, maybe I eat two at a time…

  Q: Do you have a good vegan fudge recipe?! Send me the link!

  

  | 52 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Recipe, Vegan

• Raw Vegan Banana Cream Pie

  Posted at 4:24 AM by Brittany, on March 12, 2014

  While perusing the black hole that is Pinterest, I stumbled upon a recipe I just had to conquer. This was one of those, “if I don’t make this in 5-7 days I may spontaneously combust.” It was serious. I pinned it, and promptly bought ingredients the next day.

  

  

  Raw..vegan..and full of deliciously healthy fats? I’m sold.

  

  Creating an exceptional food item makes me feel alive. It’s similar to the feeling I get when I complete a really hard run. I feel accomplished, and that I’ve done something wonderful. Pair the two together and I’m on cloud nine. These happen together often, because I don’t normally like to eat two slices of pie unless I’ve earned them with a good run.

  

  Raw Vegan Banana Cream Pie 

  By Minimalist Baker

  Ingredients

  FOR THE CRUST:

  • 1 cup raw walnuts (perhaps a bit more, my crust was a little on the soft side)*See note
  • 1 cup pitted dates (soaked for 10 minutes in warm water and drained)

  FOR THE FILLING:

  • 1 1/4 cups raw cashews soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drained
  • 4 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (I used maple flavored agave)
  • 1 medium just ripe banana
  • 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk (I mixed the cream on top into the milk before measuring)
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 4 Tbsp lemon juice

  

  Directions

  1. Place soaked dates in a food processor or blender and process until small bits remain and/or it forms into a ball. I used my blender. Remove and set aside.

  2. Process or blend walnuts until a powdery consistency is achieved. This step was difficult with my blender, and some nuts were chunky (not a big problem though.) A processor would be better. Add back in dates with a pinch of salt and mix to combine.

  3. Press into a medium pie pan lined with parchment/wax paper. Press until flat, going up the sides about 1/2 inch. My crust didn’t end up filling all the sides. Place in freezer to set.

  4. Add all filling ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. It should be silky smooth when completely combined. Then pour into crust and smooth with a spoon. Cover and freeze until set. At least 4-6 hours, but I left mine overnight.

  5. When ready to serve let your pie sit out for about 10 minutes. Then top.

  *Note: This crust isn’t like a “typical crust.” It will still be a bit soft despite being the in the freezer. This is why you will want to ensure you use a wax lined paper, it will make getting your slice out of the pan a cinch. Or you can just dig right in with a spoon, that works too.

  

  I used the leftover coconut milk to make a quick whipped cream, and then sprinkled peanuts on top. Simple, but delicious! I have a chargeable whipped cream canister that makes for effortless whipped cream, but if you don’t have one this recipe is great.

  

  I hope you’ll understand why I had two slices, I just couldn’t stay out of this pie! My last slice was drizzled with some almond butter, it was the perfect addition.

  

  

  

  Q: Who wants a slice?? 

  

  | 54 Comments Tagged Dessert, Food, Pie, Raw, Recipe, Run, Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 7:32 AM by Brittany, on March 10, 2014

  1. I’ve been hearing birds/owls in the mornings. This is exciting news. I will relish in this while I can because I know that come July I will want to shank them for waking me up.

  2. I went for a run in the rain a few days ago. It was lovely. There is nothing quite like the smell of (fresh/new) wet wood.

  

  3. I want to chop my hair. It’s at the awkward stage and all I do is throw it back. I need to get some guts cause I want to cut it short…real short. Maybe I’ll just buzz it all off.

  4. Sometimes all I need to do is go somewhere that has wonderful memories and just sit.

  

  5. I haven’t been to Disneyland in almost two years….if I don’t go soon you might see me on the news for behavior I cannot be held responsible for. Disney made me do it…

  6. I went painting on Saturday, and it was serious bidness. I think I’ll quit my life and move into the forest to paint trees and leaves on things..yeah..that’s my plan.

  

  

  I’m going to destroy some vegetables in this bowl.

  7. I made a raw vegan banana cream pie yesterday. It rocked my face soooo hard. I will be posting the recipe soon. Be prepared to rock face with me. I’m obsessed.

  8. I hoard Starbucks cups. They are perfect for “out the door” transportation. I also hoard 1lb bags of coffee, which means a giveaway is coming.

  

  Yeah, these are all empty. Oh look, some holiday cups! Those are for the middle of summer when I am craving Christmas time.

  9. This article…yes! If you’re a frequent coffee shopper, please read. Not for kids.

  10. It was a long winter season of running in my Asics. Some sunny weather pushed me to bust out my Vibrams. After 10 miles in my bare-footers, my calves were murdered.

  

  

  No shame in my game. I definitely wore this catastrophe of color.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 55 Comments Tagged Art, Coffee, Confessions, Painting, Random, Run, Running, Vegan

• How to Make Coffee…Without a Coffee Maker

  Posted at 6:31 AM by Brittany, on March 7, 2014

  About two weeks ago my french press broke. Well, let me rephrase that. About two weeks ago I broke my french press. Apparently when compounds of glass collide they break…who knew! (Please sense my sarcasm.) 4AM is a rough time for making coffee.

  Yes, this is as detrimental as it sounds. To make matters worse, I broke it WHILE I WAS PREPARING my morning coffee!! ¡Ay, qué horror!

  

  So long old friend.

  I had to think of something fast, because there was no way I was going to waste all that hot water I worked so hard to prepare. I couldn’t fathom the idea of giving up that cup of coffee. My heart was set on it, and there was no way I was going to quit.

  

  So here’s what I did. I poured my coffee grounds in this Mason jar, and covered the top with a lid to minimize heat loss. I waited the allotted 3-4 minutes for my grounds to steep.

  Fun Fact: The amount of time for a standard french press to sit before “plunging and serving” is 4 minutes. The longer it sits, the sludgier it gets.

  

  I then grabbed this second glass cup, and used a basic small colander to “strain” out my grounds. Improvisation at its best my friends. This held back most of the ground coffee, but I strained it a second time right into my mug just to ensure minimal grit.

  

  I’ve never worked so hard for a cup of black crack. The overall time was at least double what it would have been with my french press, and TRIPLE the time it would have been using a standard drip coffee machine. You know what though, this has been the best coffee I’ve had in a long time. I find that when you work for what you have, it’s so much sweeter.

  I’ve been making my coffee this way for a couple weeks now. While I do find this coffee process to be enjoyable, there is a method behind my madness. Starbucks has so conveniently released a gorgeous new french press that I simply must have. Instead of spending $20 to replace the glass jar that I broke for my current french press, I’m going to splurge and spend $26 on a brand new, rustic, sleek, GORGEOUS french press.

  

  
  From the Starbucks website: A double-walled stainless steel coffee press with elegant details and an included timer.

  Ohh be still my heart. I am so excited this press comes with a timer, what wonderful marketing!

  I am waiting until the end of the month because I get an additional 10% off, making this beauty $26 instead of $43. It will be worth the wait. This photo doesn’t even show the small black timer, or the embossed Siren logo on the knob. Take my word, it’s beautiful. I did buy myself a new glass though, because I knew they would be gone quick.

  

  IT’S GLASS!! Recycled glass to be exact, I don’t do plastic. OHhhHHH SWOON. I love it.

  Call me desperate, or call me crazy…I’ll call me innovative.

  Q: What would you have done? Honestly, if I hadn’t had to work that morning I might have just gone out to buy coffee, but I am so glad I discovered this desperation.

  Oh, and I know what you’re thinking, “you work at a coffee shop, couldn’t you have waited until you got to work!?” No..I adore my mornings of peace and quiet with my coffee. It’s not the same sitting in a small back room at Starbucks. This was necessary. 

  

  | 50 Comments Tagged Coffee, French Press, Random, Starbucks

• Mango Banana Smoothie

  Posted at 5:35 AM by Brittany, on March 5, 2014

  I like to visit Costco AT LEAST once every week and a half, sometimes every week. When I go I have a list, and I rarely deviate from it. I buy my produce in bulk because I eat enough of it to be confused with a growing teenage boy. Costco = happy wallet.

  

  Normally when I walk down the candy/chocolate/cookie/junk aisle, I don’t have to worry because everything is jam packed with milk chocolate, and other fun ingredients I can’t pronounce. This makes it easy to stay away from them. However, once in a while I am surprised by a vegan friendly treat that almost literally jumps out at me.

  

  

  

  The bag is nearly empty because I flew through it in like…a couple days. I needed an alternative to these enrobed (I just need to use this word, it sounds slightly scandalous) mangoes, and it just so happens that I’ve been obsessing over a random smoothie creation with only 3 simple ingredients (water doesn’t count.) Don’t let the ingredients fool you..this smoothie tastes like a creamy dessert. I was mind blown.

  Mango Banana Smoothie

  

  Ingredients

  • 1 overripe/frozen banana (the key is to let your banana get REALLY ripe, and then freeze.)
  • 1 HEAPING cup (about 16 pieces) frozen organic mangoes
  • 1/4 cup vanilla almond milk
  • 1/4 cup water

  Directions

  1. Let your banana and mangoes sit out for 20-30 minutes until they are soft, but still frozen. If you want to pre-peel your banana feel free, I leave the peel on until I’m ready to use it. I know my banana is thawed enough when I can easily peel it.
  2. Pour your ingredients into a high speed blender starting with the liquids.
  3. Blend until smooth.

  I don’t think smoothies ever really need a “recipe” and I feel a bit silly posting this as one, but this is for those of you that thrive off of precision. For realllll though, mangoes are naturally so thick and creamy that this smoothie tastes so much like a dessert. The only thing missing is some chocolate…

  

  Problem solved. A wonderful pairing for these brownies. This smoothie has become a daily occurrence, and I am one step closer to being ready for spring!

  Q: Do you like tropical smoothies? I used to be a berry smoothie fanatic, but I am now a tropical believer! 

  

  | 45 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Recipe, Smoothie, Vegan

• Wanderer

  Posted at 3:58 AM by Brittany, on March 3, 2014

  I like to wander. I find it calming, peaceful, and the best way to discover new places. Last week I took one of my days off and headed to Seattle to wander. I’ve been to Seattle handfuls of times, but always with a purpose. This was one of the first times I went with no plan, and I went all by myself. It also happened to be the first sunny day in weeks.

  

  

  I got about 4 blocks from the ferry dock when I decided to stop for lunch.

  

  

  This picture was meant to capture my lunch date..with myself. Empty seat in front of me. It was awesome.

  

  After I face planted this “chicken” sandwich, I walked..and walked..and walked some more. The weather put me in such a fabulous mood, I turned left, then right, then left again.

  

  No matter how many times I have been to Seattle I almost always venture to Pike Place, just to wander some more. It was a slow day at the market, and sadly the vegan scone I had my heart set on was gone. I have been wanting to try this scone for a while now.

  

  Just when I thought my luck ran out after missing my opportunity with the scone, I wandered my way across the street from a place I had JUST seen on Cooking Channels show Unique Sweets (which I happen to be obsessed with.) I was sure they wouldn’t have any vegan chocolate, but I had to go in just to see what the hype was all about!

  

  The super tiny, smaller than a quarter sized truffles were $2..EACH. NO WAY. I was just about to walk out after reading milk chocolate, salted caramel labels when I saw this…

  

  4 minutes and $4 later I walked out with the most expensive piece of chocolate I’ve ever purchased. I blame my missed scone opportunity, and the fact that this place was on TV.

  

  I’m trying to live my life on the edge these days, and spending $4 on this tiny bar of chocolate is completely wild and crazy. The presentation was gorgeous, well done Fran.

  

  The story behind this store is exceptional quality products, from only the top chocolate producing countries. Fran’s passion for chocolate is like my passion for coffee, I dig it. Oh, and the verdict on my pistachio, toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate from Madagascar bar?

  Meh. It went well with my morning coffee, and had rich cocoa notes at the end of my bite, but it wasn’t worth $4 that’s for sure! I think I’ll stick to my $4 cupcakes.

  Q: Would you buy expensive food if it were on Food Network or Cooking Channel? Yes…yes I would.  

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Adventure, Chocolate, Seattle, Vegan, Veggie Grill

• Double Chocolate Banana Brownies

  Posted at 5:25 AM by Brittany, on February 28, 2014

  I read a lot of blogs, but only a handful of them are vegan blogs. I read running blogs, I read lifestyle blogs, I read random adventure blogs, and I read carnivorous steak eating blogs…I don’t discriminate! With that said, I rarely make any recipes posted on the blogs I read because while they may look good, they are definitely not plant based.

  

  Some recipes are easy to veganize, and others not so much.  When I’m inspired by a recipe I love turning it into my own, but once in a while it’s nice to let someone else do most of the work. I found a recipe on one of my go to blogs that I knew I just had to make. Only one small tweak was necessary in order to make this a Brittany approved recipe. 

  She called them muffins, I call them brownies. These are so simple, but SO delicious. With a prep time of no more than 5 minutes, there is no reason not to make these! Unless you don’t like bananas or chocolate, but in that case we can’t be friends. Kidding..kind of.

  Double Chocolate Banana Brownies

  Inspired by Amanda @ runningwithspoons

  

  Ingredients  

  (these will be listed in the order I think works best in your blender)

  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 ripe medium sized banana
  • 1 flax egg (1 tblsp fresh ground flax seed + 3 tblsp water)
  • 1/2 cup creamy almond butter ( self ground would not work here )
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup raw honey (sub maple syrup for a true vegan recipe)
  • 2 tblsp fresh ground flax seed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips & then some to top

  

  Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375F. Spray or line a muffin tin with 9 spots, and set aside. OR pour entire batter into an 8 x 8 pan for more of a “brownie” look.

  2. In your high speed blender or food processor combine the vanilla, banana, and flax egg and pulse until combined. Then add the remaining ingredients (except for the chocolate chips) in the order listed. Use the same measuring cup for the cocoa powder and the honey, the cocoa powder will coat the sides of the cup and the honey will slide right into your blender. Like magic. Blend until well combined, and then fold in the chips by hand.

  3. Pour batter evenly into the 9 spaces prepped. Don’t get overzealous or your brownies will be huge. I learned this the hard way.

  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the tops of your brownies spring back to the touch, or a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

  

  These are bursting with chocolate/banana flavor, and the texture is perfect. Soft yet sturdy and holds its shape. To see the original recipe, and Amanda’s amazing photos, click here. This recipe is one of my new favorites! As if they weren’t decadent enough on their own, try pairing with some vanilla coconut ice cream for an out of this word experience.

  

  Q: Do you make recipes off of the blogs you read? Very rarely!

  

  | 55 Comments Tagged Brownies, Chocolate, Recipe

• Discover Portland: Foodie Tourist

  Posted at 7:18 AM by Brittany, on February 26, 2014

  My trip to Stumptown coffee would fall into the playing tourist category, but was so monumental it deserved a post of its own. After my race I needed coffee, but I also needed something else…something sugary and naughty. I needed a VOODOO doughnut.

  

  

  Initially I went to the location downtown, but after seeing how long the line was I decided to drive to another location. Still a line, but not nearly as long.

  

  I would have waited, but my copilot said no.

  The wait time was about 15 minutes, not bad. I somehow pulled willpower out of my back pocket as if it had always lived there, and I saved my two donuts for later.

  

  

  I got a classic powdered doughnut with a raspberry filling, but you don’t want to see that. What you’ll want to see is the chocolate, Oreo, peanut butter doughnut that rocked my face so hard I kicked myself for only getting one. Seriously..unreal. I’d drive back just for this…

  

  

  iPhone photos

  I saved this treat for specific reasons, I had my stomach set on a Portland vegan meal. I’ve wanted to try Bye and Bye since reading about it in a blog post a yr ago. I’ve never been a fan of bars or pubs, but this place stole my soul. I would come here every weekend. With an all vegan menu, cute customers, and an even cuter bartender I was swooning..hard.

  

  

  Arrows point to what I ordered.

  The food was amazing, but my photos are terrible. It was dark and I used my iPhone, so I’ll spare you my atrocities and share these photos I found online. My meal was out of this world, and I could easily eat the same thing everyday. Photos linked to original source.

  

  

  I could meet my vegan/granola soul mate at this bar.

  With a full tummy, it was time to finally head home! I got about 20 minutes into my drive and it was doughnut time. My two day trip to Portland has been alive all week as I spaced out these blog posts, and I can’t wait to go back. When I do I’m grabbing a Voodoo to go with my free Stumptown coffee. Pure bliss.

  Q: What’s your favorite way to experience new areas? By foot, food, and exploration! 

  

  | 53 Comments Tagged Adventure, Donuts, Portland, Run, Vegan, Voodoo donuts

• Heart Breaker Half…errr…10K

  Posted at 3:55 AM by Brittany, on February 24, 2014

  While searching for the race I wanted to run for my birthday, the heart breaker half was the first to jump out at me. Close to home, but far enough away to feel like I was traveling.

  

  The only problem was that I hadn’t run more than 2-3 miles since December. While I knew I could do it, I didn’t know if I wanted to suffer through the pain of pushing myself in a race that I hadn’t trained for. Lucky for me, this race also had a 10K option. Perfect.

  

  

  The race started right outside of Liberty High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. I was so thankful the gym was open for everyone to wait in, because it was so unbelievable cold I began to question why I ever signed up for races in the winter. My entire body hurt.

  

  After waiting for what felt like an eternity in the frozen tundra of Antarctica, we finally started the race. My legs were so heavy, and my fingers were numb. I was convinced I was just going to run this 10K with the hopes of not wanting to die. I had no intention to “race.”

  This was hands down THE most gorgeous course I have ever run. Rolling hills of farm lands, pigs and cows, and amazing trees welcoming the sun on the horizon. I didn’t stop to take any photos (sadly), but it was sort of like this.

  

  

  

  

  Actual photo from the race I found on IG! This lady was great.

  The course was enough to make standing in the cold worth it, and I was quickly reminded of why I decided to run. The joy I get from discovering new areas on foot is indescribable. I found myself comfortably running about a 9:30-9:50 pace and decided I was going to try and beat my previous 10K time. I decided I was going to “race” instead of just run.

  

  I’m growing another human out of my neck, to keep warm in winter.

  I beat my previous time by 1 minute and 28 seconds. Every second counts, if you’re a runner you will know what I mean. I was FOUR seconds away from getting UNDER an hour, but was still more than happy with my end time of 1:00:04. I stopped for about 10 seconds at mile 4 to get a drink…those damn 10 seconds..

  

  The race was amazing, but my favorite part was moments after I crossed the finish line. A woman came up to me and thanked me, I had unknowingly paced her the entire time. This was her first 10K, and the excitement just poured out of her. She thanked me over and over for helping her complete this race, and told me my pace was amazing.

  

  We matched..how cute.

  I am by no means a fast runner, but to know that my 9:41 pace inspired someone else to push it to the end was something I’ll remember for a while. She made my race complete. Needless to say, I was on a runners high the remainder of that day.

  

  One of the best medals I’ve received!

  

  Q: What’s your ideal scenery for a run? Or bike ride? Definitely this.

  

  | 49 Comments Tagged 10K, Nature, Portland, Run Happy, Running

• Discover Portland: The Coffee Scene

  Posted at 8:05 AM by Brittany, on February 20, 2014

  If you are a loyal blog reader, you’ll know I love coffee. I talk about it almost too much, and my day is not complete without at least one sip of the delicious dark drank.

  

  Having that piece of knowledge, I hope you won’t judge me too hard for what I am about to say next. After entering Portland I had one goal: find coffee. Not just any coffee, good coffee, and not just good coffee, Stumptown coffee.

  Sorry Starbucks, I cheated on you. Stumptown is to Portland as Starbucks is to Seattle.

  

  I drove around for a period of time I will neither confirm nor deny (you can thank the recent podcast on Radiolab for my use of the glomar response) trying to find this place.

  

  After navigating downtown Portland for over 10 minutes trying to find a spot to park while my cortisol levels rose, I called it quits and decided to try again the next day.

  

  Sunday morning rush.

  I ran my race (which I will recap in my next post) and made getting my hands on a cup of this coffee TOP priority. I was on a runners high, and needed caffeine to keep it flowing.

  

  MINE

  

  Not mine, but deserved a photo.

  I don’t know if it was because I had to wait a full 24 hours before having this cup of black crack, or because I was still elated from my run, OR because I had a delicious cookie to go with..but this cup of coffee was like biting into a cloud from heaven. The place was packed, but my patience levels were through the roof and I didn’t mind waiting.

  

  The barista forgot one of the items I ordered, and gave me a card for a freebie next time I’m there. That’s some good customer service. Looks like I’ll have to plan another trip!

  Q: Would you drive around to find a place you had your heart set on, or give up and settle for something else? I refused to give up.
  

  

  | 55 Comments Tagged Coffee, Portland, Stumptown

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• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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