Healthy "Baci" chocolate cups

So I made my own version of nutella a while back by melting dark chocolate and mixing it with hazelnut butter.  I decided I needed a substitute for my favourite chocolate...Baci chocolates!

This time I melted a larger amount of chocolate (12 squares) of Lindt 85% dark chocolate and mixed it with 4 tbsps of natural hazenut butter.  Melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water and mix with hazelnut butter.  Add Chia seeds as well for a nice nutrition boost and crunchy texture!

To sweeten it up a little I also added 4 packages of natural sugar substitue Xylitol (the brand I use is called Xyla). It doesn't have an aftertaste and can be used in place of sugar (one part xyla=one part sugar). Great to use for baking!

I placed some hazelnuts in a small muffin tin that I sprayed with non stick spray and then poured the melted chocolate hazelnut mixture into each one.

I then refridgerated them for a few hours (2 to 3 hours). I removed them from the muffin tray with a spoon but they didn't come out as nicely as I would have liked.  They were dented from the spoon I used to "scoop" them out so I would recommend using paper liners next time to make them "neater" and prettier.  They would also be easier to eat that way as they melt very quickly from the heat of your hands...

They taste great though!!!

They are a treat so enjoy in moderation.  You will feel good knowing they are made with natural ingredients, are low in sugar and are way more nutritious than Baci chocolates...Enjoy!!

Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips

I make kale chips regularly to satisfy my need for a healthy crunchy snack but this time I decided to try a salt and vinegar flavor.
Prepare the kale the same way you do for regular kale chips...wash leaves and tear them into pieces, removing the tough "ribs" and keeping just the leafy parts.
Dry the leaves really well or they will be soggy.

Toss the leaves in a bowl with sea salt, extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar (to taste).  Place the kale on a baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes and then let cool before placing them in a bowl.
Time varies for the kale to crisp, so keep an eye on it and keep it in the oven for longer if it is not crispy enough after 20 minutes.

I brought the kale chips to a friend's get together and they were a hit!

Enjoy!

Bio-K Probiotics

I drink one Bio-K bottle every morning on an empty stomach to increase the "good bacteria" in my digestive tract and promote a healthy digestive system.
It is a concentrated probiotic and has done wonders for my digestion....

I use this probiotic in addition to the low fat plain greek yogurt mixed with Chia, walnuts and frozen berries I usually have as part of my breakfast...(sometimes I add a tablespoon of protein powder as well).

Apple Cider Vinegar

I use apple cider vinegar to quench my thirst by adding it to water...it has a nice sour taste and helps stablilize your blood sugar and decrease your appetite.
Look for organic varieties that say "with Mother" which means it contains natural bacteria formed in unpasturized apple cider. 
Have some apple cider vinegar water before meals to curb your appetite and quench your thirst.
Add a small amount to your water and adjust it to suit your taste...I enjoy sour drinks so I use quite a bit and even take swigs right from the bottle...but it is quite strong so you may want to ease into it.

Chia seed gel

I have been adding Chia seeds to my food for a while now, as I am aware of its high omega 3 and fibre content but I have recently found many new exciting ways to use Chia thanks to my new book! Thank you to my sister-in-law Patrizia for thinking of me when she saw this book at Chapters....

It contains a ton of useful information about Chia and the benefits of this "super seed" and also has many recipes.  I add it to my food on a daily basis and I will continue to do so (add it to yogurt, salsa, guacamole, tuna and egg salad, scrambled eggs, salads, baked goods, sprinkle over nut butters...the list is endless!) but I have discovered "chia gel" and will start using that now as well.

You make "chia gel" by combining one cup of water with 2tbsps of chia seeds and whisking them together.  Let it sit for 5 minutes and then whisk again.  Let it sit for another 5 to 10 minutes and you will find that it forms a gelly like substance as the chia swells.  You can keep this gel in a covered container in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.

You can eat it by the spoonful if you like before meals as it will decrease your appetite while giving you a good dose of omega 3 and fibre!

You can mix it with your favourite spreads and salad dressings...nut butters, cream cheese, salsa, guacamole, dips for veggies etc...this way you use less and save calories and get omega 3, protein, and fibre as well! You can't go wrong! It will also fill you up and you will eat less...helping those who want to lose weight!

DO YOU ENJOY BAKING BUT WANT TO CUT THE FAT IN YOUR RECIPES???

Another amazing way to use this gel is by substituting it for fats in your favourite baked good recipies!! You can substitute it tablespoon for tablespoon for butter or oil in your recipes!! So if your cookies call for 8 tablespoons of butter, you can use 4 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of chia gel and it will not alter the taste or texture of your baked goods! Save calories, and fat and add tons of healthy omega 3 and fibre!!! Wow! I can't wait to try this!!!

You can find Chia seeds at almost all grocery stores but I buy my Chia seeds at Costco (in the vitamin section).

With 5 grams of fibre, 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of omega 3 per tablespoon, tastless and odorless with a nice crunchy texture, you can't go wrong with Chia! Give it a try!!!