Edamame and Spinach Dip with Flax Crackers!

Straight to it friends! This holiday season has been an extreme sport! So I am diving right in!

This is perfect if you are hosting or joining!!


http://wtnh.com/2017/12/18/8-minute-meals-edamame-and-spinach-dip-with-flax-crackers/

Edamame and Spinach Dip

1 Cup shelled edamame beans

1 Cup chick peas drained and rinsed very well

2 Cups  fresh spinach

2 cloves of garlic chopped

2 1/2 Tbsp tahini 

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

1 1/2 Tsp ground cumin

Juice of one lemon

1/2 Tsp salt

  • Place all ingredients in your food processor.
  • Zizzer, zazzer, zuzz until all creamy and well blended. You may want to scape down the sides a couple times.
  • Use as Dip or topping on everything! 

Flax Crackers

1 Cup ground flax seed

1 Cup ground almond meal

3/4-1 Cup filtered water

1 1/2 Tsp Crazy Janes mixed up seasoning salt or 2 Tsp pesto.

  • Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix all dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
  • Add the water a little at a time until we’ll mix and moist but not too saturated.
  • Pour mix onto prepared pan and press down.
  • Place a second piece of parchment over the mix. Use a rolling pin to roll out. You want it thin and smooth.
  • Gently peel off top layer of parchment paper.
  • Use a knife to cut wet dough. This will be the shape if the Crackers once cooked and broken apart. I usually just make a “grid” for square or rectangular Crackers. You may also want to sprinkle a little extra salt on top.
  • Place in oven for 20-35 minutes.
  • Check after 20 minutes and watch closely so as not to burn.
  • Let cool before breaking at the “seam” lines make by knife.
  • Enjoy with anything and every thing!!❤️



Wishing you the loveliest, healthiest and happiest this season and every!❤️❤️

April

Seriously Scrumptious Spinach and Sweet Potato Quesadillas!

Seriously Scrumptious Spinach and Sweet Potato Quesadillas!

Friends! Super excited! Today is a win!

Life can throw us curve balls that can come in many different forms! We can choose to learn and grow from our challenges. My health coaching clients are always asking me about eating healthily on a budget. I am always looking for ways to keep nutrition high and costs low but because of a couple curve balls in my direction I have a whole new and extreme appreciation for this! It can be challenging but I am committed to proving it CAN be done! Our health is so important and it all starts with what we eat!

The reason I am delving into this “life situation” topic is because this particular dish for Meatless Monday (well, any day of course!) is nutritious, delicious and so very inexpensive! Yay! It is also super quick and easy to make! Double yay!

People can shy away from committing to healthier choices because of cost concerns  and whilst it can be more challenging I am here to help you. I can fully appreciate, first hand, how challenging it can be but I have got your backs friends!


Let’s start with the health benefits packed into this scrumptious little protein packed power punch of yum!

Spinach: High in niacin, protein (yes! Spinach is a source of protein!), fibre, vitamins A,C and E and lets not forget iron.

Walnuts: An excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, they are rich in antioxidants as well as the b vitamin biotin (hello healthy hair, skin, nails and HEART!).

Sweet Potato: Filled with beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and fibre.

Refried Beans (organic/vegetarian): Glorious beans! Packed with protein, fibre and iron.


When you are feeding your body and your brain, ask yourself, “Is this food fueling me the way that I need it too? Is this food helping me or hurting me?”

http://wtnh.com/2017/12/04/8-minute-meals-spinach-and-sweet-potato-quesadillas/


Seriously Scrumptious Spinach and Sweet Potato Quesadilla 

  • 3 Cups fresh spinach
  • 1 Sweet Potato grated
  • 1/4 cup ground walnuts 
  • 1/2 Onion chopped
  • 1 Clove garlic finely chopped
  • 2 Tsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crushed red pepper optional
  • 1 Can of vegetarian refried beans
  • Tortillas of your choice: flour, corn, gluten-free…

– In a pan over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in the olive oil. Sauté for about 3 minutes.

– Add garlic and grated sweet potato, sauté for about 2 more minutes.

– Mix in salt and pepper.

– Add the spinach and sauté until spinach is tender and beautifully bright green. Remove from heat and add the ground walnuts. Mix well.

– Prepare your choice of tortilla with a coating of refried beans. The thickness of the layer depends on your preference!

– Pile on the spinach and sweet potato mix, to half of the tortilla of choice.


Heat a skillet or pan to medium with a little olive oil in it, Place the prepared tortilla into the pan and fold in half, cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it and flip a couple times.

Warm, hearty, Scrumptious! Remove from pan, cut as you would like! Serve with salsa, guacamole, rice, quinoa… again, the possibilities are endless!


Enjoy your Meatless Monday and or Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday…

Let me know what you think!!


❤️, April


👆🏼Previous Meatless Monday dish!! 

Hearty Sweet Potato and Carrot Quinoa Bowl with Tangy Lime and Cilantro Dressing

Sweet Potato and Carrot Quinoa Bowl with Tangy Lime and Cilantro Dressing!

I am getting this post ready for tomorrow morning’s Meatless Monday on Good Morning CT at 9 on channel 8! Super exciting!

#edit… here is the clip from the show!!

http://wtnh.com/2017/11/20/8-minute-meals-sweet-potato-and-carrot-quinoa-bowl/


Actually, I am going to be on Channel 8 every other Monday, with super quick and easy but still so delicious, Meatless Monday recipes for you. Super pumped! AND we are sticking to 8 minute meals so the challenge is on! 

Being a busy single parent of 2 wee love bugs keeps me on my toes and I can truly appreciate trying to keep things quick and easy but also delicious and packed with nutrition to keep us all in top form! So hopefully I can take the guess work out of it for you by bringing you amazing plant based whole foods to keep you and your families healthy and happy!

This dish is packed with plant-based protein, it is high in fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals! These are all top priorities on my check list!

I usually make a big pot of quinoa on Sundays whilst I am prepping foods for the week. This way I can add it to salads, soups or even bake with it as I sometimes do (check out my Blueberry Quinoa Muffins!  http://sweetsimpledelicious.com/traveling-and-eating-well-it-can-be-done/) Preparation is the key to success when you are trying to stay healthy and keep a busy schedule! If it is made and there waiting for you, you will be much less likely to cave to processed sugary foods in a fit of hunger!

People seem to get very concerned over how much protein they are getting and with the combo of Quinoa (a complete protein) and the protein in the black beans it is not a worry my friends! I have got you covered!


I love the colors and flavors in this dish. It is comfort food at its finest and healthiest!

 Hearty Sweet Potato and Carrot Quinoa Bowl

3 Cups pre-cooked Quinoa

1 Sweet potato grated 

1-2 Carrots grated

1 Can of black beans well rinsed

1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1-2 Tsp olive oil

  • In a pan over medium heat add the olive oil followed by the shredded sweet potato and shredded carrot.
  • Sauté for 3-6 minutes until the veggies are tender. They do not have to be mushy, you just want to take the “raw” out of them…
  • Place the pre-cooked Quinoa into a serving dish.
  • Add the sautéed sweet potato and carrot mix to the quinoa, add the black beans and mix.
  • Set to the side

 Tangy Lime and Cilantro Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice if 2 limes

2 cloves of garlic pressed

1 1/2 Tsp cumin

1/2 Tsp turmeric

1/2-1 Tsp sea salt (to taste)

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1 Tbsp finely chopped onion

A large handful of fresh cilantro chopped

  • Add all ingredients together and whisk very, very well! Or place in a jar and shake, shake, shake!

Putting it all together!

Pour the dressing over your quinoa salad, toss until all well mixed and all is coated,

Top with the toasted sesame seeds and even a little extra cilantro. 

This dish can be served hot or cold, topped with hummus or guacamole… it is delish in a lettuce wrap or served in a warmed flour or corn tortilla! The possibilities are endless…


Enjoy! Please let me know what you think! 

❤️

April

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Bites!

As seen on TV … hehe… I just really wanted to say that!

Here is the link below to Good Morning CT at 9 from Wednesday. 

http://wtnh.com/2017/10/25/8-minute-meals-chocolate-covered-peanut-butter-bites/


I made these super yummy Chocolate Covered Protein Bites with these two lovely ladies, Jocelyn Maminta and Laura Hutchinson.


… and Gil Simmons!

Always such a blast to be on Channel 8, everyone there is just awesome! This time I am very happy to share this super easy, super yummy recipe for Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Bites. They did not last in the studio for long after the show finished!😊

Just a couple things before we get to the recipe! On the show, I said these are vegan, the chocolate I used to make them on the show was vegan chocolate but just to clarify, if you use milk chocolate or white chocolate they will not actually be vegan. So, if anyone in your life is vegan or has issues with dairy, make sure you use dairy-free vegan chips.

Also they are gluten-free, as long as you choose gluten-free oats.

There, that should about cover it!

I will carry on the the recipe. Please try them and tell me what you think!! 


Chocolate Covered Peanut-butter Bites
Yummy Inside

1 Cup ground oats

3 Tbsp peanut butter

3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

3 Medjool dates

1 Tsp vanilla

1/8 Tsp salt

1 Tbsp coconut oil (liquid form)

1-3 Tbsp water
Chocolate Coating 

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

1 Tbsp coconut oil
Yummy Inside

– In a food processor pulse oats until finely ground.

– Add all other ingredients except the water and process until well blended and a “sandy” texture.

-Add water 1 Tbsp at a time until mixture is just moist enough to squeeze together and stick.

– Roll into small balls, place on a parchment lined dish and pop in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Coating:

– In a small saucepan, melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil over medium low heat until the chips are almost melted, but not completely melted.

– Remove from heat, keep stirring and using a spoon, roll the protein packed bites from the freezer through the chocolate.

– Place on Parchment lined covered freezer storage container.

– Place in the freezer. Move to the fridge 20 minutes before serving!

Enjoy!!

Oh, and they go really nicely with a little glass of red!😉🍷💃🏻

Spiced Pumpkin Chia Pudding!

So fun!


So so much fun! 

I was lucky enough to be on Good Morning Connecticut at 9 on channel  8 today with Jocelyn Maminta and Laura Hutchinson! They are both awesome by the way!

 I was featured on their “8 Minute Meals” segment. 

I wanted to make something that is quick and easy, inexpensive, gluten-free and vegan… oh, and I also wanted to reflect this beautiful Autumn season (my fave!)  through the foods that I chose! Easy Peasy!

I love love spiced Pumpkin (NOT the Starbucks kind!😜) during this season of changing weather and changing landscape. As the weather changes so do our cravings. We tend to want hearty and comforting foods… think Thanksgiving dinner…

My Spiced Pumpkin Chia Pudding is a healthier option to your traditional pumpkin pie. It is loaded with protein, fiber and natural sweeteners so you can take the guilt of using highly processed sugars off your plate. All of that gorgeous sweet pumpkin taste but with no gluten and no dairy!


Quick and easy! Delicious as well, of course!

Here is the link to the segment! http://wtnh.com/2017/10/10/8-minute-meals-pumpkin-chia-pudding/


Try it! Let me know what you think!

Also there is this super awesome event coming up!!

If you are in CT or close enough, it is going to be a fantastic day! Empowering, enlightening and inspiring!

Again, this post is short and sweet. Some posts may even seem rushed. Life has been an extreme sport this past year and a half and I am starting to come up for air. This means I am going to be revamping and refocusing on sweetsimpledelicious.com!

You will be begging for these short posts again! 😜😝

Thank you all so much for following my blog and being a part of this sweet, simple and delicious journey with me!

Much love,

April

❤️

My Very Awesome Veggie Burger!


Look at this colour! Seriously…  no filter!

I really get way too excited about food! But look at these colours straight from nature!

I have been on a quest to create a yummy veggie burger for a very long time. Some have been good, some… well… not so good😝!

 After a long journey with beans, veggies and herbs I have created what I think is a super yummy and aesthetically pleasing vegan veggie burger! Whilst the latter is not really that important, it IS a bonus!

The Ah-mazing colour of My Very Awesome Veggie Burger comes from beets. beet roots are packed with vitamin C, help fight inflammation and are high in fibre.


Chick peas pack an awesome plant based protein punch along with fibre and folate. The Quinoa added to these babies is another plant based protein power house and all of these flavours come together so beautifully! Add in a little more fibre and protein from the almond meal and we are ready to rock nutritionally!

I like that this veggie burger looks a little different and tastes a little different to your average veggie burger. The spices marry so nicely into the family of texture and colour from the beets, chick peas and quinoa.

I have been obsessed with them and served them a few different ways. 

  • Over salad, topped with avocado with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and asparagus.
  • On a bun, more traditional style with fries.
  • In a wrap with coleslaw… really yummy!
  • Broken atop Creamy Cashew Cauliflower soup!



I also put the extras in the freezer for future. Awesome right? Future Very Awesome Veggie Burgers on hand. 

Okey doke my friends, let’s move on to the recipe:


My Very Awesome Veggie Burger

1 Beet Root peeled and chopped into cubes

1 Can chick peas drained and well rinsed

1 1/4 Cup cooked Quinoa (I like to cook in Veggie broth for this recipe)

1/2 Cup almond flour

3 Tbsp chopped onion

1-2 Cloves of garlic chopped or pressed

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp vegetable broth

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 1/2 Tbsp tamari

1 Tsp turmeric

1 Tsp cumin

1/2 Tsp salt

Sprinkle of cayenne

Fresh cilantro

  • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Sautée onion in the olive oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add crushed garlic and sautée for 2-3 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set to the side.
  • In a food processor add beat root, chick peas, lemon juice, vegetable broth and tamari. Process until smooth.
  • Add almond flour, onions and garlic. Pulse until combined.
  • Add all dry spices and blend until well mixed.
  • Transfer beautiful pink mixture into a mixing bowl and add cooked Quinoa and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix until well blended.
  • Using a large spoon, scoop the mixture onto prepared baking sheet and shape. Usually around clementine to orange sized rounds depending on the size you would like them to be.
  • Press down slightly.
  • Bake for 20 minutes then flip and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check after 15.

I prefer my veggie burgers moist but some prefer them a little more well done so if you are like me take them out tender, if not just keep an eye on them.

Serve as your mood suits and enjoy My Very Awesome Veggie Burger plant based protein blast of goodness and beauty.



Let me know what you think! I ❤️❤️ hearing from you!

❤️, April

10 Days Clean!

Are you ready to shake off the last of that summer bloat??

Are you ready to feel great, look great, have more energy and better sleep??

10 Day Clean Eating Challenge! 

This 10 day Clean Eating Challenge is designed to set you up for success on your journey to optimal health and wellness! 

It is easy, delicious and fun!

You receive:

  • A whole foods plant based menu, clearly laid out and easy to follow.
  • All of the awesomely delicious recipes that you need.
  • Shopping list to make preparation easy.
  • Yoga recommendations.
  • Daily mantras and breathing exercises to help you through.
  • Tips for success.
  • Full support via our private Facebook group page.

Join our inspired and empowered community of people striving to find focus and clarity through food. Wellness warriors committed to feeling their best and loving their bodies through food in the healthiest way!

This is perfect for people just starting on this journey or for people who need to get back on track. Mind, body and soul. A holistic approach to remembering how amazing clean foods can be!

The cost is $67.00

It can be paid via PayPal, credit card or in Bermuda by bank transfer.


Beautiful right?? Together we will be eating the rainbow and thriving!

Contact me to sign up or for more info:

agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com


Yes! These are on the menu! Find out just how satisfying and delicious clean can be!

You can start this program any time on your own or with friends or you can join our group starting the 1st of October! This is for you, you decide what feels best!
Looking forward to working with you my sweet, simple and delicious friends!

❤️,

April

10 Days Clean!

Are you ready to shake off the last of that summer bloat??

Are you ready to feel great, look great, have more energy and better sleep??

10 Day Clean Eating Challenge! 

This 10 day Clean Eating Challenge is designed to set you up for success on your journey to optimal health and wellness! 

It is easy, delicious and fun!

You receive:

  • A whole foods plant based menu, clearly laid out and easy to follow.
  • All of the awesomely delicious recipes that you need.
  • Shopping list to make preparation easy.
  • Yoga recommendations.
  • Daily mantras and breathing exercises to help you through.
  • Tips for success.
  • Full support via our private Facebook group page.

Join our inspired and empowered community of people striving to find focus and clarity through food. Wellness warriors committed to feeling their best and loving their bodies through food in the healthiest way!

This is perfect for people just starting on this journey or for people who need to get back on track. Mind, body and soul. A holistic approach to remembering how amazing clean foods can be!

The cost is $67.00

It can be paid via PayPal, credit card or in Bermuda by bank transfer.


Beautiful right?? Together we will be eating the rainbow and thriving!

Contact me to sign up or for more info:

agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com


Yes! These are on the menu! Find out just how satisfying and delicious clean can be!

You can start this program any time on your own or with friends or you can join our group starting the 1st of October! This is for you, you decide what feels best!
Looking forward to working with you my sweet, simple and delicious friends!

❤️,

April

10 Days Clean!

Are you ready to shake off the last of that summer bloat??

Are you ready to feel great, look great, have more energy and better sleep??

10 Day Clean Eating Challenge! 

This 10 day Clean Eating Challenge is designed to set you up for success on your journey to optimal health and wellness! 

It is easy, delicious and fun!

You receive:

  • A whole foods plant based menu, clearly laid out and easy to follow.
  • All of the awesomely delicious recipes that you need.
  • Shopping list to make preparation easy.
  • Yoga recommendations.
  • Daily mantras and breathing exercises to help you through.
  • Tips for success.
  • Full support via our private Facebook group page.

Join our inspired and empowered community of people striving to find focus and clarity through food. Wellness warriors committed to feeling their best and loving their bodies through food in the healthiest way!

This is perfect for people just starting on this journey or for people who need to get back on track. Mind, body and soul. A holistic approach to remembering how amazing clean foods can be!

The cost is $67.00

It can be paid via PayPal, credit card or in Bermuda by bank transfer.


Beautiful right?? Together we will be eating the rainbow and thriving!

Contact me to sign up or for more info:

agodfrey.wellness@gmail.com


Yes! These are on the menu! Find out just how satisfying and delicious clean can be!

You can start this program any time on your own or with friends or you can join our group starting the 1st of October! This is for you, you decide what feels best!
Looking forward to working with you my sweet, simple and delicious friends!

❤️,

April

Curried Cauliflower “Couscous” with Cranberries and Toasted Pistatios!


Oh my goodness, I love it when I taste something and the words “This is kick-ass!” come out of my mouth… out loud… in my kitchen… with no one else around! That is exactly what happened when I tasted the Cashew Coconut Milk Curry Sauce for this dish!


Eat the rainbow my friends! This dish is totally a clean foods “eat the rainbow” experience. I have used purple Cauliflower here (you do know that purple is the new green, right??) but you can use any color of Cauliflower that you would like!

There are so many colors, flavors and textures in this super easy, super delicious, protein packed vegan and naturally gluten-free dish.

This is an 8 minute meal at its finest! 👊🏼Great for when time is tight! It is packed with micronutrients to keep energized but not feeling heavy. The chic peas add a power punch of plant based protein as well as all of the nuts and nut butter boosting the protein content and then there is the cilantro… well, everything is better with a healthy dose of fresh cilantro!

This dish can be served hot or cold, as a main or a side, you can mix the dressing in or drizzle over the top! So many options! I love it!

I will skip straight to the recipe because my wee ones are about to get off the school bus and if I do not finish before then this little slice of deliciousness may never make it to your kitchen!


Cauliflower Couscous

One head of Cauliflower

1 cup of chic peas, drained and very well rinsed

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup lightly toasted pistatios

2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

A handful of chopped fresh cilantro

Salt to taste

One raw beet root

One cucumber

  • Rinse and chop the Cauliflower into chunks then add to a food Processor.
  • Pulse Cauliflower until it is the consistency of rice.
  • In a skillet, add 2 Tbsp of olive oil and heat, add the Cauliflower Couscous and sautée on medium tossing lightly for about 5 minutes. You just want to take the raw crunch out of the cauliflower. 
  • Add cranberries and chic peas.
  • Sautée for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to serving dish.
  • Add toasted pistatios and fresh cilantro.
  • Toss together lightly.
  • Julienne or spriralize the beet root and the cucumber. Put to the side to use as garnish later.
  • Top with the yummy sauce that you are just about to make!
  • Garnish with the cucumber and beets.
  • Really beautiful!


The Sauce

Cashew Coconut Curry Sauce

1 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup cashews pre-soaked

2 tsp curry powder

1/2 clove of garlic

1/4 tsp salt (more to taste)

1 Tbsp peanut butter 

1 tsp sugar

Juice of one lime

  • Place cashews in a bowl of water and soak over night. Or you can do quick soak by pouring boiling water over the cashews and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse cashews really well.
  • Place all ingredients into a food processor.
  • Blend, purée and blend away!
  • Easy peasy!
  • Drizzle over everything 😊




Enjoy! 

I hope you like it!!!

Goes great with a glass of red!🍷😉

❤️ April