♣ Friday Five ♣ 9-14-2018

♣ Friday Five ♣ 9-14-2018

Hey friends!  It’s time for another Friday Five.  I’m not always that consistent with my blog but I am trying to change that!  What sort of content do you enjoy seeing?  I like variety so you can continue to expect that from me.  As for now, let’s get into the Friday Five!

Forager Project Organic Pressed Vegetable Chips

Crunchy snacks aren’t usually my thing but that was before I tasted these gluten-free chips!  No, they don’t taste like vegetables the way those fake veggie straws do.  You’ll actually want to eat these!  I love the chips on their own, dipped into vegan cream cheese!  They are also my choice for easy skillet nachos (see this post on my Instagram).  Sometimes I even crumble them on top of my salads like a boss.  I’ve tried the original and the cheesy variety, so far, and both are SO GOOD!

skillet nachos via instagram

Atlanta

If you asked me what the last show I’d be interested in watching is, besides Master of None (read this post for clarification), I’d say Atlanta.  I kind of have a genre of TV shows that I lean towards.  If it’s not on The CW, is it even worth watching?  Jk.  Though, I have been rapidly expanding my interests and this show is so different from anything else I watch. 

friday five atlanta

It’s about a group of guys from poverty-ridden Atlanta—one of the guys being Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino), who plays a manager for his rap artist cousin, Paper Boi—trying to make a buck and make it big in the rap music scene.  The show portrays the socio-cultural challenges they face as Paper Boi gains exposure.  It also addresses very real instances of discrimination with shock, humor, and finesse.  Freaking Hulu decided to take season 2 of Atlanta off their site so, if you know where I can find it, help a sister out!

vegan pb cookie dough stuffed brownies

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough-Stuffed Brownies

Do you ever go to the “explore food” part of Instagram and see these wild photos of decadent eats?  Usually it’s something covered in puddles of chocolate or a big doughnut oozing peanut butter filling!  Oh, or maybe that stuff just appears in my feed (???).  Anyway, the idea of cookie dough stuffed in between a brownie sounds real extravagant but I found a way to get my fix without killing my waistline.  I also snuck some peanut butter Tone it Up protein in there.  Yupp, yupp, yupp!  I’ll be shouting “hooray!” while dunking one of these bad boys in some almond milk.  😎 You can find the recipe for these over at FoodFitnessFaith!

the power of now

The Power of Now

Do ya’ll remember when I started my blog, I loved doing book reviews?  Throwback moment!  I am contemplating reviewing The Power of Now but, at this time, I’ll just say that it is brilliant.  The text contained in the book does not involve words unheard of but, rather, an illumination to a pattern of disconnect we all partake in.  In our day and age, it can be difficult to be present but the benefits are quite a fascinating discovery.  Presence allows us to tap into a state of inner peace and separates us from the pain we may have learned to associate with.

Binaural beats meditation

Binaural music is produced to provide a listener with music that, when listened through headphones, comes in at two different frequencies.  When the brain receives these two frequencies of sound, it initially wants to interpret them but is soon encouraged to drop the analyzing and just accept it. 

Similarly, the same can occur for your thoughts.  That’s why I like using it for meditation music when I want to release my grip on certain thoughts.  There is a greater and more detailed explanation on the different frequencies over on this article.  You can also find some great meditation music, including the binaural beats variety, on YouTube, and one of my favorites is this one: 

Thanks for reading!  I hope you all are having a lovely Friday and are off to a great weekend!  Let me know what you’re going to be up to in the comments or over on Instagram!

Xoxo!

♦ Friday Five ♦ 9-7-2018

♦ Friday Five ♦ 9-7-2018

Today I’m bringing you a super short and sweet list of five things I’m loving lately.  I used to do favorites posts a while back and they were some of my favorites to write.  Do you guys like seeing what I’m into?  I am all about connecting with y’all and bringing you guys meaningful content.  So, please, let me know what you think!  I always appreciate the feedback!

The Skinny Confidential: Him and Her Podcast

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to start listening but I’m glad I have!  This podcast is the bees knees!  Co-hosts and real-life couple, Lauryn and Michael are the best balance of hilarity and business savvy.  On each episode, they provide insightful anecdotes, entrepreneurial advice, and entertaining guests.  Listening to one of their podcast episodes is like sitting down to have a glass of wine with some friends.  I love it!

Collagen Peptides

I can’t quite get over how strange I feel to say that I take collagen!  It all started back when my stomach was irritating me like crazy after a short antibiotics stint.  I already was dealing with sucky digestion and I felt like the lining in my stomach was just not having it.  Collagen has a plethora of benefits but I began taking it for the purpose of repairing my stomach lining.  It’s super easy for me to throw a scoop in any beverage, soup, breakfast entree, or a smoothie!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRac5JFTXP/?taken-by=melaniemakesithappen

I take it daily and, after a few weeks, was able to notice a difference.  Additionally, I am very satisfied with the two brands I’ve tried: Primal Kitchen Unflavored Collagen Peptides and Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptides.  I’m working on a tub of the latter right now.  It is a supplement though so I might take a break afterwards just to see how my body feels without.

friday five

Master of None

Do you ever finish a show and then wonder what you’re going to do with your life now?  I am feeling serious Master of None withdrawals, guys!  This show is LIFE.  I know that sounds dramatic but it perfectly depicts the phenomenon that is the trials and tribulations of modern society through dating and relationships.  If you are like me and thought Aziz Ansari was the most annoying little sidekick in Parks and Recreation…high five.  Though, don’t let that stop you from watching his Netflix show.  I think this might be my favorite show ever and I’m semi-convinced it could be yours, too.

Forager Project Organic Plain Unsweetened Cashewgurt

If you are like me and live outside of a major city, it can be hard to find specialty projects.  What are the chances of finding dairy-free, soy-free, sugar-free yogurt in stores?  Ha, yeah right! <– Is what I would have said a month and a half ago before my local Vons started carrying such a product.  I’m so appreciative of a brand like Forager Project for making quality plant-based products.  Their plain yogurt is my new favorite base for smoothies, parfaits, yogurt bowls, and as a pancake topping!  It also works well in recipes like any other yogurt would!

french toast in a microwave

The yogurt tastes delicious as a topping to my French Toast Bake in a Microwave!

Pixie Mascara

Have you ever read about the gross chemicals that are used in mascara?  In actuality, I don’t experience eye sensitivities but, as I read more about what goes into products, it makes it hard for me to use ones that have questionable ingredients.  I’m the pickiest person with mascaras but the Blackest Black shade from Pixie is my go-to.  The large fluffy brush makes it easy to thoroughly coat lashes.  It adds volume without weighing them down.  Yeah, that’s right.  No soggy, limp lashes over here!  Pixie uses ingredients with a reputable safety record and no animal testing occurs on their part or their suppliers!  Sounds good to me 🙂

friday five pixie mascara

Was this quick and brief?  I’m so proud of myself for not writing an essay!  Lol.  Definitely let me know what you think of these sorts of posts here or on Instagram!  Also, I’d love to hear what you love lately.  Let’s connect!

Favorites of the Season: What I’m Loving Lately

Favorites of the Season: What I’m Loving Lately

Hello beautiful souls!  I’ve missed you!  The whole two jobs, no spare time thing has really put a damper on social time.  In case you didn’t know, I got hired for a seasonal job back in October and, not long after, was offered a full time job elsewhere.  I’ve been juggling the two at the sacrifice of social media, my loving blog, and communication with anyone who isn’t a coworker or family living in my house.  As the month soon comes to a close, I foresee some more time for me to get back to all of that! 

For now, I’ve got a list of things I’ve loved over the past few months.  My last monthly favorites post was back in September and much has happened since then! I can’t commit to a monthly favorites post at this time but I’ve got a huge list of goodies to keep you occupied.  Be sure to tell me what you’re loving in the comments down below or on Instagram!

Visual Favorites

Hallmark Channel

As far as TV goes, Hallmark Channel is where I’m at! Hallmark Channel is putting out 20 new movies this holiday season.  While it is almost over, you can find a holiday movie airing at any hour of the day on the channel—along with its partner channel Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.  The cozy, sweet, and romantic movies are all I need to make my December feel like Christmastime.  A few film favorites are: Marry Me at Christmas, Miss Christmas, and Christmas in Angel Falls.

73 Questions with ______

Recently, I went on a video binge over on the Vogue YouTube channel.  They have a series called 73 Questions with different celebrities.  It is such a fun, laid-back way of asking questions that tell you a lot of interesting things about the person in a short amount of time. See my woman crush Emma Stone’s 73 Questions video here!

Lifestyle Favorites

Choice Teas Reishi Detox

I was on a big lemon/ apple cider vinegar warm water kick and now tea is my morning cup of choice. This one legit smells like hot chocolate but the depth of flavor is unlike any other tea I’ve tried.  Once before, I had a plain mushroom tea that tasted like bitter broth but I guarantee Reishi Detox is yummy even for mushroom haters.

B-Complex Vitamin

As you may have heard, supplements can’t fix a bad diet.  Supplements are only meant to assist in health not be the sole solution.  I eat pretty healthy (hello, have you seen my Instagram photos?) but, with the addition of B vitamins, I have seen noticeable effects.  I’ve tried taking a B12 vitamin but I really find that the B complex is the best.  If you take too much of one, you might be lacking in the others so a complex ensures you’re getting all the vitamins you need.  I was taking Nature Made B Complex plus a B6 vitamin until I found this Solgar brand at Vitamin Shoppe.  Both work but the variety of B vitamin levels in the Solgar one allow me to meet my needs in one bottle!

Protes Chips

I’m making efforts to not be a carb monster so protein-filled snacks are a great addition to my meals!  So, I’m definitely not a chips person or a crunchy food person usually but these are different.  The Protes chips are light and crispy and quite flavorful! The bags are small but satisfying—and the savory and dessert flavors are both delicious!

protes protein chips

Recipes I’m Loving

Garlic Sweet Potato Fries

Behold: the yummiest recipe for CRISPY Sweet Potato Fries at home!  Dare I say they’re better than the fried kind at restaurants :p 

Black Bean Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

I made this dish for a staff after-hours party and I received multiple complements!  The zesty, tex-mex dish is perfect as a standalone meal or side dish! I’ve got some leftovers in my fridge ready to be made into tacos 😉

Coconut Cacao Tahini Snack Bites

I love Minimalist Baker’s take on the “fat ball”.  It combines my precious tahini and delicious coconut butter for a melt-away, delicious, and satiating snack.  Try them and swoon!

Paleo Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This recipe uses A LOT of ingredients so it took me a while to get everything I needed to make it.  Let me tell ya, it’s worth it!  This banana bread tastes like freaking rich, dark chocolate cake without the sugar!  It’s naturally sweetened from banana and doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down like if I ate something decadent.  It is also delicious with nut butter or decked out as a breakfast meal.

 favorite chocolate banana bread

 

Fit Favorites

I admit I’ve sidetracked from my workouts lately.  I felt like the pressure to fit in a workout was getting to be too much.  Though, exercise makes me feel good so I’ve still got some options!  Lauren Gleisberg’s Fitmas is crazy good for strength training!  I love the targeted body part workouts that are usually less than 30 minutes to complete. 

The stress at work + the natural stress from workouts had me feeling like I had no moments of calm.  So, a yoga flow to start my day sets me up for success!  I recently completed Yoga Revolution for the second time and know the upcoming January challenge will be just as amazing!

Audible Favorites

Eisley’s newest album I’m Only Dreaming

The angelic vocal stylings of Sherri Dupree make for a record of wistful, melancholic, dream pop.  The band has come a long way since older albums Room Noises and Combinations but maintain the gorgeous ambient tunes that make them unique.  Listen to Sparking down below or check out their Christmas single (YAS!) Star on the Tree.

One Part Plant Podcast

I think I’ve mentioned this podcast in a previous favorites video but this latest season of episodes is crazy great.  Jessica Murnane really put together a great lineup of guests. If you’d like a recommendation, check out episode 89 with Celeste Headlee!

Real Talk About Life Lately

Honestly, guys, I haven’t felt this level of stress in a while.  So much so that my period came a week late this last cycle!  Also, for me, the first place stress hits me is my face.  My skin is freaking out and breaking out.  The winter has also been killing my hands which are competing with the scratchiness of sandpaper.  If you’ve got any recommendations for natural or nontoxic lotions, please share.  I know my skin will get better if I can just chill out.  Easier said than done but I’m trying to find my groove!

The center where I work full-time always keeps me busy.  Though, what makes it really enjoyable is the people I work with.  I started out being trained by a girl who was leaving (and I was replacing) and we became instant friends!  Funny how that happened.  I feel so fortunate to have met her because she is such a rare, sweet person!

As well, I’ve become friendly with a few others in the office but there is this one particular guy I work with who is so cool.  With my hormonal imbalance issues, I almost thought I lost the ability to actually like someone else the way I like him.  He knows a lot around the office and is beyond helpful with showing me reports, how to fix the copy machine, and more.  At a recent staff party, (where I made the above mentioned sweet potato dish) him and I chatted nonstop!  🙂

For the first time in a long time, I’m just excited about this time of year and where things may be headed.  I’m sending love and warm wishes to you all ♥

August Wrap-Up: Favorites from the Month

August Wrap-Up: Favorites from the Month

This post is coming to you hot! 🔥 So hot that I literally just finished writing this the moment before it went live.  Basically, I almost skipped writing an August favorites post until I realized that August has 31 days!  Huzzah!  That extra day gave me the time I needed to coagulate all of my favorite things from food, entertainment, and more!  What have I been so busy with that I couldn’t write my favorites down?  I can’t tell you all quite yet!  Call me superstitious but I just like to get my ducks in a line before I make any announcements. 

Also, I hope to get blog posts back on a regular schedule.  I try to put out two a week but content and timing varies.  I’ve got ideas for my next few posts but I just need to actually WRITE them.  They are coming soon.  If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be sure to get the latest and greatest there first!  Anyway, let’s get on with my August Wrap-Up!

What I’ve Been Reading

How to End the Game of Catching Up

I am constantly seeking ways to improve myself.  One of the most common thoughts that come to my head is: as soon as I get caught up with this, then I’ll have more time to do what I want.  The mistake here is in putting off doing what I want in favor of things that are always going to be there.  “How to End the Endless Game of Catching Up” over on Be More With Less describes exactly that.

Apparently, I’m a Highly Sensitive Person.

Who knew?  Okay, I kind of always had a feeling growing up that I was extremely sensitive.  I’m sensitive to a sales associate at a clothing store asking me if I need help the way others seem to be sensitive about the Game of Thrones halfway season finale.  Both are startling (so I hear. I don’t watch GOT) but I will elicit a strong reaction to even the most miniscule of circumstances.  So, I try to stay away from labels but I can’t help but relate and feel less alone when reading articles that seem to describe my life.  I might cry over spilled milk but knowing there are other HSPs out there doing the same thing is comforting.  Oh, and there’s a quiz here if you’re wondering if you could also be highly sensitive.

A Positive Spin on Bad Habits

On a funnier note, I often refer back to this Man Repeller post just to make me feel like less of a screw-up.  I mean, I may be incapable of making a decision about ANYTHING but that makes me open-minded to possibilities and I can live with that.  Sort of.  What’s your bad trait?

Movie and TV Favorites

Atomic Blonde

august favoritesI am a sucker for a female-led film and this one delivers.  Charlize Theron plays a spy on a mission to recover a list of names during 1980s Germany, at a time when there is much instability surrounding the Berlin Wall.  It’s spy against spy in this thriller/action film because it is hard to know who can be trusted.  The dark and punk setting adds much to the overall vibe and theatrics of the film which leads like a wicked graphic novel as it switches from scene to scene.  Plus, Theron can throw and take some serious sucker punches all while strutting around in uber-cool outfits.  There is no other way to describe Atomic Blonde except: badass.  As a disclaimer, the film isn’t very kid-friendly due to sex, language, and violence.

Orphan Black

On the smaller screen, I’ve recently started watching the series Orphan Black thanks to my Direct TV On Demand.  (We recently switched satellite providers and I’ve finally got access to On Demand!  Yay!)  It is about a young woman who is trying to clean up her act to regain custody of her daughter but instead figures out that there’s a whole lot more to her origins.  She engages in some duplicitous behavior and discovers she is one of many clones that look exactly like she does.  It’s got drama, suspense, a super-cute gay friend that I wish was mine, and a story line that keeps twisting and turning.  It’s Canadian entertainment at its finest.  Earlier this year the show wrapped but I’m just getting around to seeing it and I’m hooked!  Also, I’m only on season 2 right now so, please, keep the spoilers to yourself.

Food Favorites

Cookie and Kate’s Cookbook + White Bean Pesto (Dip)

You guys know I’m obsessed with the Cookie and Kate Love Real Food Cookbook.  If you don’t, you must be new here.  Hey, happy to have you here, new friends! 👋 Anyway, I’ve been cooking up different things from the cookbook like the Colorful Weeknight Burrito Bowls and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Green Rice.  The recipes are so substitute-friendly for allergies, vegetarian/vegan, and, most-importantly, they are all majorly delicious! 

august wrap-up favorites from the month

Plus, I tested out a wicked White Bean Pesto from the Crostini recipe in her cookbook and OMG, it is SO GOOD.  Honestly, I like dips but most of them just make me want to eat pita chips or crackers.  The white bean pesto spread actually works as a delicious dip for veggies!  As you can see, I was so hooked on these roasted veggie bowls with white bean pesto dip.

august wrap-up favorites from the month

Half Baked Harvest’s Mean Green Detox Salad

I try to cycle sync my food but powerhouse ingredients found in this salad, like kale, broccoli, chickpeas, and avocado, are good anytime!  Y’all know I don’t often repeat meals but I can tell you I’ve been very hooked on this one!  I’ve switched up the fruit, too, and you can’t go wrong!  Oh, and you’ll want to double the lemon tahini dressing because it’s so freaking tasty!  

august wrap-up favorites from the month

Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Peach Smoothie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYdwDxug6s3/?taken-by=melaniemakesithappen

I’ve yet to post the recipe for this one.  Is it mean of me to include it in my favorites?  If so, I’m sorry for being a tease but, the recipe is coming soon!  I’ve been trying to creatively pair WomanCode approved foods for my cycle and this smoothie is loaded with multiple luteal phase appropriate goods.  Stay tuned!

What I’m Listening To

The Balanced Blonde’s Soul on Fire Podcast

Have you ever spoken to someone and they mention feelings or ideas that you have but you’ve never said out loud?  That’s how I feel listening to the Soul on Fire Podcast.  Jordan and her guests have all been through some miraculous and difficult experiences on their route to finding their passions.  I truly find inspiration in each episode and that just motivates me more to find my path.  I’ve been mentioning how I want to change some things in my life and this podcast is honestly a big part of that reason.  I’ve been flip-flopping around through episodes but some of my favorites so far are the episodes with: Jonathan Albrecht, Jeannette Ogden, and Emma Mildon.

Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast

I had heard of Jessica Murnane when she released her cookbook but it wasn’t until I listened to her episode on The Balanced Blonde’s Podcast that I decided to check her out.  Jessica’s One Part Podcast is similar to Soul on Fire but more concentrated on specific topics with each guest.  I’d say OPP is educational but not in a boring way!  Here are some episodes I’ve found fascinating so far: The Hidden Dangers in Healthy Food and Doing Your Dharma.

Magical Moment of August

I’m going to be a bit vague here for the sake of privacy.  A friend of mine has been going through some wild things the past few years.  He tried any drug he could get his hands on and abused all the substances, most notably alcohol.  Of course, he was as vibrant and as could be when he would talk to me because he did not want to let on how much of a mess he felt like.  I could see what he was doing to himself but we’re all adults here so you can’t force anyone to change their ways.  They have to want that for themselves.  Finally, he did. 

I was talking to him on the phone just recently and he had a different zest about him.  Over the years, he has left out key details about his life.  In fact, he almost wasn’t going to tell me what had happened to lead up to his present, newfound passion for life.  He said it was bad and he tries to just tell me the good things.  That really struck me and, frustrated, I said:

You can’t just tell me about the good things that happen to you.  Everyone has good and bad experiences that happen to them but you can’t learn from them if you’re only hearing the good part. 

You know, or something like that.  It made me think about how on social media is largely comprised of accomplishments, flattering pictures, and best case scenarios.  Why?  Well, people (myself included) like to share the GOOD things.  That’s understandable but, if you ever have the chance, asks someone how they got to where they are.  I bet you’ll find out the “bad” or less glamorous experiences that make up their story are a hell of a lot more worthwhile.

august wrap up favorites from the month

If you’re a regular reader, you may notice that my monthly wrap-up posts change depending on what favorites I have.  Like, for August, there are no product favorites!  What?  I know.  I’ve kind of been a shut-in this past month because summertime is like the equivalent of walking into an oven broiler where I live.  No joke.  That’s why I’ve been busting out so many smoothie recipes—‘cause that is all I want to eat!  Anyway, I hope to have good news (and stories to go with them) to share with you all soon. 

Have a happy month of September!

Beet Protein Brownies & My Favorite Beet-filled Recipes

Beet Protein Brownies & My Favorite Beet-filled Recipes

Oh, beet root, aren’t you sweet?  You give me lots of good to eat!

Okay, I hate to admit it but I was not always a fan of beets. Only recently have I started liking beets.  Just over a year ago, I remember how I’d still turn my nose up at the canned slices at salad bars.  They just seemed tasteless and weird to me.  It was not until I spotted some very dirty but beautiful bunches at a local farmers market that I decided to give them a try.  I was forever changed 😍

Farmers Market Beets in Hand

Not surprisingly, beets taste so good when you whole roast them yourself.  They taste alright boiled but, the same way roasting makes sweet potatoes extra tender and flavorful, the same works for beets.  I like wrapping them in foil or popping them in a Dutch oven for an hour to bake.  You must try it!  Then, you can make my fudgy Beet Protein Brownies (scroll down) or any of these other awesome beet recipes in my round up!

After all, I’m constantly trying out different recipes and I figured I’d share a few beet-themed ones that I love!

Beet and Carrot Quinoa Spinach Salad

Colorful Beet Salad

Recipe photo via Cookie and Kate

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I rave about Cookie and Kate recipes.  So, evidently, I’ve made this fresh salad at least three times that I can remember.  It works with raw or cooked beets, too.

Hearty Veggie and Brown Rice Salad

Hearty Veggie Brown Rice Salad

Recipe photo via Kim’s Cravings

As of now, Starbucks no longer sells this salad.  Still, back when Starbucks was selling this salad, I would recreate it at home.  Also, I think it’s yummy with some diced apple thrown in!

Beet Latte

Beet Latte

Recipe photo via Tone it Up

Surprisingly, this lightly spiced, lightly sweetened, beet-infused drink is actually delicious hot or cold (if prepped ahead of time)!

Mega Beetroot Veggie Burgers

Beetroot Burgers

Recipe photo via Donal Skehan

These burgers have “mega” in their name for a reason!  I enjoyed a big batch of these delicious patties for days!

Additionally, here’s a quick recipe you can’t go wrong with…

quick beet snack with peanut butter

First, slice a beet. Second, apply peanut butter, cinnamon, and sea salt on said beet. Lastly, top with another slice of beet.  Then, EAT.

Finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for:

Beet Protein Brownies!

beet brownies

These brownies are legit.  Seriously, you might need to restrain yourself from just eating the raw batter.  Well, I did.  In actuality, there is nothing “raw” about the batter so feel free to eat this brownie batter with a spoon!  Though, if you can wait 15 minutes, the batter makes pretty awesome brownies, too.  The Beet Protein Brownies came together thanks to the help of some standout products:

The Natural Citizen Organic Protein

Nativas Organics Cacao Powder

Square Organics Peanut Butter bar

Madhava Coconut Sugar

Even if you don’t have some of these ingredients, you can still make brownies!  I’ll leave substitutions in the recipe.

Beet Protein Brownies
Recipe Type: Snacks
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Fudgy Beet Protein Brownies made with whole foods that actually taste delicious! I promise you won’t even be able to tell they are healthy!
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup chopped beets (about 1/2 of one large)
  • 3/4 cup kidney or other beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup The Natural Citizen Organic Protein
  • 1/4 cup cacao powder, or cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar, or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 tsp coconut extract & 1/2 tsp vanilla (or just 1 tsp vanilla)
  • A pinch of salt ~ 1/8 tsp
  • 1 Square Organics bar, chopped into cubes (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease or line a 9 x 5 loaf pan (mine is 8.5 x 4.5) with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor or blender, add all of the ingredients except for the Square Organics bar, if using, and blend until smooth. You may need to stop the processor to scrape down the sides. The batter will be very thick—do not add milk or water it down! Once blended, stir in half of the square organics bar.
  3. Scoop batter into the loaf pan and press into the corners. If desired, you can lightly oil a spoon or spatula to help press the batter and this way it won’t stick! Then, top with remaining square organics cubes and lightly press into the batter.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes. (I took mine out at 10 minutes and they stayed nicely fudgy.) As long as the top of the brownies has formed a solid crust, then that means they are ready. If the top is still gooey, leave in for up to 15 minutes. Not longer, or the brownies may dry out.
  5. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into them. They will keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
I’ve only tested using the above mentioned protein powder though other brands should work. As well, I believe almond meal would work as a substitute for the protein powder, though, that would decrease the protein content of the brownies.[br]Also, the brownies are plenty delicious on their own but who doesn’t want extra chocolate in a brownie? Instead of the Square Organics bar, you could use 1/4 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.

Recipe loosely adapted from @Dani_Nemeh’s Brownies.

Do you have some new ideas for how to use beets?  Or, perhaps you have some yummy beet-filled recipes under your belt.  Please, feel free to share in the comments.  As you know, I love to try out new recipes!

By the way, if you fancy a chocolate dessert without turning on the oven, definitely check out my Creamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Crisp Bars!