simple is good.
Sometimes keeping things simple is best.
Coconut milk. This is the best brand I’ve come across (in Aussie) – no nasty additives/preservatives…. and SO creamy.
Place a can in the fridge over night…..scoop off the top, creamy thick layer…… Use the watery stuff in your smoothies.
Simple Cacao Coconut Spread
(Vegan – gluten/wheat/nut/soy/corn/grain/refined sugar free – Anti Candida)
- 1/2C coconut milk (as described above – the THICK part)
- 10 drops vanilla stevia liquid (or 1-2t of your favourite liquid sweetener – agave/rice syrup/maple – or more to taste)
- Tiny pinch sea salt
- 3t cacao powder (or cocoa/carob)
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined & smooth.
You can spread this on bread, fruit slices, or use as a “frosting” on baked goods. It’s amazing just eaten as it, with some cacao nibs/chocolate chips stirred though – almost instant pudding (thats good for you). It will harden slightly on chilling.
Simple.
I also like to keep it simple with Misty’s morning cereal. Plain toasted oats, with a little sweet spice. Keeping the oats plain(ish) means we can add whatever we have on hand in the kitchen – and whatever Misty is in the mood for.
Simple Spiced Toasty Oats
- 1+1/2 C quick oats
- 1 +1/2t liquid sweetener (agave/maple/rice syrup/honey etc)
- 1T solid coconut oil
- 1/2t ground cinnamon
- Tiny pinch of salt
- Combine all ingredients well.
- Spread onto a lined baking sheet (or silicone baking tray) and bake at 160 degrees C for about 15 minutes (or until golden brown) stirring a few times to ensure even toasting.
- Turn off oven and leave tray inside so the oats go nice and crisp.
- Store in an airtight jar.
I like keeping things simple for Misty – if I keep the grain component plain(ish) he likes to top it with whatever he fancies. One day, banana, the next, raisins, the next strawberries and chocolate milk (albeit cashew/cacao “milk” but anyhow). Keeps life interesting.
Shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, All-Fruit jam, plain yoghurt, sunflower seeds, raisins, chopped dates, nut butters, fresh fruit – chopped or grated, cottage cheese, cranberries, chocolate chips – get creative with your toppings and mix ins.
The good thing is, you can double or triple this plain-oats recipe and keep it in a sealed container in the pantry – lasts for ages. Life is complicated enough, no? Also, I think somebody (the one wearing the bones-suit) needs a haircut. I’m not game.
12 Responses to “simple is good.”
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Vegan. Stay at home Mum of Misty. Yoga teacher in training. Passionate about REAL food - creating it, eating it, sharing it. I can never stick to a recipe.
You really are a genius when it comes to creative, healthy food! So going to make the coconut concoction.
Sorry we missed you in Chch. I’m only just now getting over the bug properly. It was a real shitter. Literally.
No worries, mate – far out tummy bugs are EVIL, pure evil. Worst feeling ever – actually a few of my friends came down with something that sounds similar while we were there, so there was something icky going around
Good that you are better now though. We will be back in Chch before long!
I’m kinda obsessed with the coconut spread – I’ve been through 2 cans in 2 days now.
Delicious Lou- simple, easy foods have been my best friends lately so I just love these! Especially that cacao coconut spread!
I am sort of obsessed with this spread now…. I am going through so much coconut milk
yum, that coconut spread sounds delish. I whip up a similar coconut/cacao pudding like this all the time for Holden and myself. It also makes delish popsicles if you stick in some molds in the freezer!
I was thinking that (as I was stuffing my face with it!) It would make AMAZING popsicles…. like a frozen milkshake
Does that brand have guar in it? I’ve been looking for one without, but haven’t found one yet, even the organic ones.
Nope! Just coconut (82%) and water
Did you see the whipped coconut cream peppermint stars on Lisa’s blog that we made and floated atop vegan hot chocolate? Making that made me think of you x
Man you must be having such an amazing time hanging with Lisa…. she’s one inspiring lady…. man oh man those peppermint stars sound incredible (and I’m not usually a fan of the mint/choc combo)
Thanks for the tip on coconut milk brands…I have a tin in the pantry and one in the fridge (unopened) waiting to be used but I haven’t got around to them yet and neither are Ayam branded! I’ll have to hurry up and experiment so I can then compare with your recommendation
I love the Ayam brand is it is JUST coconut (and quantities of water depending on if you buy light milk, milk, cream etc) – no thickeners/preservatives/nasties – a LOT of canned coconut milks have these. The milk get SO thick and amazing in the fridge – YUM!