Coconut Cacao Sesame Bites

Roll the coconut log tightly with parchment paper and twist the ends. Place in the freezer 20-45min

Optionally roll the log into shredded coconut and slice OR slice and roll each bite into a ball and roll in chopped peanuts or shredded coconut.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups shredded unsweetened coconut (set aside 1/4 cup)
5tbl cacao powder
1/4 cup sesame seeds toasted
1/4 tsp salt
1tsp vanilla
1/4 cup brown rice syrup

*optional: chopped peanuts

Toast the sesame seeds in a frying pan over medium heat flipping constantly until they are fragrant and begin to turn a golden color. Set aside 1/4 cup of coconut in a small bowl. In a food processor, pulse 1 cup coconut, cacao powder, salt and sesame seeds. Add vanilla and brown rice syrup and mix until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Place dough onto a large piece of parchment paper and roll it into a log 1-2” thick and twist the ends of the paper to seal like a candy wrapper. Place in freezer for 20min- 45min and then unroll. Now you have two options

1. Sprinkle a the 1/4 cup of shredded coconut in a line parallel to the coconut log and begin to roll the log into the shredded coconut to coat. slice with a sharp knife into 1/2” thick slices and place them in a glass Tupperware and store in fridge or roll into more shredded coconut and keep in airtight on counter.

2. Optionally, slice the log and roll each slice into a ball and roll the balls into chopped peanuts OR coconut.
   

Crispy Polenta Fries

Air Fried Polenta sticks are so addictive!

I’m obsessed with my Air Fryer and always trying to think of new ways of using it. This recipe is multi step but SO worth it! My husband and I devoured this entire recipe in a night! Perfect for party snacks, appetizers or fun sides. I’m so sure they will be loved by adults and kids alike! The best part is that you can make the polenta in advance and do the air frying on the day you want to eat the dish!

Ingredients for Polenta

1 cup polenta

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

2 Tbsp Nooch (Nutritional Yeast)

salt/pepper

3 step dipping process: aquafaba, flour mixture, panko

In a medium saucepan bring the broth to a boil and add spices and polenta and simmer and STIR frequently to avoid clumping. Simmer 5 min or until the polenta thickens considerably. Pour the mixture into an 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper and refrigerated until set (2 hours or overnight)

Ingredients for Crispy Coating

1/2 cup aquafaba (chick pea water)

1/2 cup gluten free all purpose flour (I use Bobs Red Mill)

2 tsp Everything Spice mix (optionally replace this with any seasoning you’ d like)

1 cup gluten free panko crumbs

1 tsp everything spice

salt/pepper

Spray oil

When you’re ready to fry your polenta simply remove it from the fridge and slice it into 1/2” thick fries. In three shallow small dishes gather your dipping layers. Dip each polenta fry into each mixture in the order below and then load them into your air fryer and spray with spray oil. Air fry at 390 degrees for 10 minutes, flip and spray the other side and fry for an additional 8-10min or until golden brown and crispy.

1. flour and 2tsp everything spice

2. aquafaba

3. panko and everything spice/salt/pepper

These fries are perfect in any condiment or dipping sauce you want to try out! I’ve tried them with chipotle dip or simple dijon mustard and they are divine!

Sweet & Smoky Cashews

Serve cashews in a ripple bowl! Part of our “Seaside” Collection!

We are cashew obsessed in our household. We always have roasted salted cashews on hand for a quick snack and I love playing with raw cashews and incorporating my own flavors. This is a super simple way to make a tasty snack. Eat them on their own or toss them in a salad or savory trail mix!

Ingredients

3 cups raw cashews

2 Tbl maple syrup

3 tsp liquid smoke

2 Tbl molasses

1 tsp fine salt

Toss all ingredients in a bowl until well combined and cashews are completely coated with mixture.

AIR FRYER: Air Fry at 350degrees for 10-12min shaking the basket or flipping the cashews every five minutes (THIS IS IMPORTANT! if you don’t flip them or toss them around they may burn!) They should appear dark molasses brown when done and they may be slightly sticky while hot. Spread them on parchment paper to cool and store in a mason jar or airtight container once completely cool.

STOVETOP: In a non stick skillet roast the cashews over low/medium heat stirring often to avoid burning until cashews are nearly dry. They may be slightly sticky while still hot. Spread them on parchment paper to cool and store in a mason jar or airtight container once completely cool.

*create your own concoction! Add a touch of siracha or cajun seasoning for some heat!

Sweet or Salty Pretzel Bites

Dough

1 ½ cups warm water

1 Tbl organic sugar

2 tsp active dry yeast or 1 package

1 ½ tsp salt

3 Tbl coconut oil

3 ½ -4 cups all purpose flour

Bath

5 cups water

3 Tbl baking soda

Sweet Coating: mix

¼ cup sugar or coconut sugar

2 ½ tsp Vietnamese cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

Salty Coating

Coarse sea salt

In a large bowl add the warm water and add sugar and mix until dissolved. Add yeast, cover and let sit for 10 min to activate yeast.  Once the yeast is foamy add salt and coconut oil then slowly mix in flour. Knead the dough on a clean floured surface 3-5 min and shape into a ball. Place the dough in a large oiled bowl and cover and set in a warm place to rise for 15 min.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 450. Heat the water for the baking soda bath in a large soup pot. Once the dough has risen cut it into 8 triangles like a pizza. Roll each triangle into an 18” long rope and cut 1-2” bites. When the water boils add the baking soda and stir. Add about 20 dough bites to the bath at a time and let soak for 30 seconds and then remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd. Bake at 450 for 10-12 min until tops are nice and brown.

Brush bites with coconut oil once they have cooled and toss into sweet coating. Or sprinkle with salt.

Spinach Bites

photo credit: amma rhea photography

These are quick, easy and delicious for snacks or appetizers. Dip them in seasoned olive oil or hummus and enjoy!

Ingredients

photo credit: amma rhea photography

3  Cups Fresh organic spinach

½ cup raw cashews

¾ cup almond meal flour

3 Tbl Olive Oil

1 tsp salt

1 egg replacer or flax egg

1 small chopped red onion

2 cloves garlic

1 cup oats

¼ tsp pepper

¼ tsp smoked paprika

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined. If the mixture is overly wet, add more oats and blend until smooth. Scoop tablespoon sized balls of the mixture onto the parchment paper. Bake for 15-20min or until bottoms have browned. Remove and let cool on a cookie rack, serve warm with hummus for dipping.