quinoa + spiri balls

These could totally be a halloween treat! Green goblin balls? Well, for anytime that isn't halloween, they'll still be a protein packed energy ball, made with spirulina, quinoa, and peanut butter. But since halloween really is in two weeks, and I haven't done anything pumpkin yet, these will be my festive creation!

quinoa + spiri balls

• 1 cup soaked medjool dates (10-12 dates)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1-2 Tbsp spirulina (depends on the brand, I use a hawaiian spirulina that is sweet and mild, some have a stronger taste, so use less)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt 

Process all of the above ingredients in a food processor until a thick green paste is formed.

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add: 

• 3 cups cooked quinoa (I find it easiest to add one cup at a time and combine completely)
• 2-4 Tbsp oat flour (any sort of flour could be used here; buckwheat flour, coconut flour, almond meal... it's just basically to make it less sticky!)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

After all is well combined, the mixture will still be sticky, which means green hands and a big mess, but whatever, it's halloween! Form into balls and roll in shredded coconut, refrigerate to set. Happy Halloween!

Spirulina is considered a superfood, it is a blue green algae that is good for your whole body.  Spirulina assists the body's immune system and reduces inflammation. It's loaded with beta-carotene which is good for your eyes, and packed with protein and B vitamins, just what vegans need :)

Reference:

Nutrex Hawaii http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/benefits-of-spirulina 

berry + ginger + mint smoothie

Simple, refreshing, and oh so good for you. There is nothing better than fresh mint, ginger, and berries! If you are a smoothie addict like me, you'll appreciate this variation to add to your pile of smoothie recipes. With the fresh taste of mint, the tummy soothing zing of ginger, and the powerful antioxidants of berries, this is a great way to start your day... today!

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 cup frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, whatever!)
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh mint
• 1/2" piece of ginger (peeled)
• almond milk to cover
• 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Add the first four ingredients to your blender, pour almond milk just to the top of the fruit, add chia seeds if desired, blend, and be refreshed!