Tropical Hummus.

Ok. I love hummus. Like looooooooooove it. It's a definite "go-to" protein option for me, especially when I'm in a rush. 

This is probably my all-time fave hummus recipe I've created. Like all hummus recipes, it's super quick and easy, packe with protein, and goes great with almost anything. But this hummus is special. It combines so many of my favorite things it's not even funny! Curious?! You should be. Try this one out--and prepare your taste buds. Flavor bomb alert!

                  Tropical Hummus. 

                      And another. 

                  Last one. Promise. 

Tropical Hummus; Vegan, Gluten-free. Makes one meal-sized serving (about 1 scant cup hummus). 

Ingredients 

1. 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 

2. 1/2 cup frozen thawed pineapple

3. 1/2 cup frozen thawed mango 

4. 2 T canned lite coconut milk

5. Juice of 1/2 small lime 

6. Dash of bragg's liquid aminos

7. Onion and garlic powders to taste

8. VERY SMALL dash cumin

Method

1. So easy. Combine all ingredients in your mini food processor and blend util smooth. Serve garnished with a pineapple chunk. It's all in the presentation, people! Enjoy!

Tropical Pizza!

I'm dreaming of summer. This recipe says it all. I'm longing for 80 degree runs, beach vacations, everything that summer brings with it. Mostly warm weather, though. This winter has killed me.
I created this pizza on a snow day, ironically. This is about the most summer-y pizza in the world, which is probably the reason I made it on a day that snowflakes were falling. Wishful thinking, Anna? Guilty as charged...Regardless of what's happening outside when you make this dish, I guarantee you will be delighted with the flavors (and the presentation)! One last thing to say..."Calgon, take me away!"

Tropical Pizza!

Tropical Pizza; Vegan, Gluten-Free; Makes one Pizza.

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup coconut flour
2. 1/4 tsp vanilla powder
3. 2 T ground flaxseeds
4. 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup plus 1/8 cup water, divided
5. about 1/4 tsp stevia
6. 1/4 cup coconut cream (I use Trader Joe's brand)
7. 1/2 cup mango chunks
8. 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
9. cilantro
10. 1 tsp shredded, unsweetened coconut

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine flour, vanilla powder, flax, and stevia. Stir well to combine. 
3. Add 1/4 cup water and stir. Gradually add in remaining 1/4 cup water-1/8 cup at a time. It will be slightly crumbly, but should still hold together.
4. Roll dough into a ball and place in center of bowl. Pour about 1-2 Tablespoons water over ball and roll around. 
5. Place ball in center of parchment lined baking sheet. Flatten out into crust shape. You will have to work with it a bit, flattening out the cracks that form. Crust should end up being about 1 and 1/2 inches thick--don't flatten too much as it is more delicate than a grain-based crust.
6. Place in oven and cook uncovered for 17 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. 
7. While crust is cooling, prepare your topping. Add to a bowl mango and pineapple. Heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm so flavors will mesh better. Remove and stir in cilantro. Let sit a few minutes for flavors to mingle. 
8. Top crust with coconut cream, spreading evenly. Place mango salsa on top. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Serve, slice, and devour!

Notes: 

*The coconut cream will melt unless you let the crust cool considerably (you could actually place it in the fridge for a bit). IF you don't mind a melty cream, go ahead and top after about 7 or 8 minutes. 

*You can use frozen mango and pineapple if fresh isn't in season. Use same method for salsa preparation.

Fruity Deliciousness! Yummy.

Lollipop Smoothie

This is quite possibly the most delicious smoothie I've ever had. No, I take that back. This is quite possibly the most delicious THING I've ever had. Yes, much better. Seriously, you need to make this smoothie. Absolutely, positively, INSANELY delicious. This smoothie just rocks. And this is overlooking the fact that it takes all of 5 minutes to make. So what are you waiting for?! I think your Vitamix is calling your name...

Lollipop Smoothie

Lollipop Smoothie; Vegan, Gluten-Free. Serves One.

Ingredients

1. 5 oz. fresh watermelon, sliced into chunks
2. 1 Cup frozen mango
3. 1 Cup frozen pineapple
4. 1 Cup water

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a Vitamix (or other high speed blender) and blend until smooth. Pout into a glass and enjoy!