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Desserts

Easy Homemade Nutella

By Jen

There’s nothing like a little bit of chocolate to brighten your day, especially when it’s blended with rich, roasted hazelnuts. Although this delicious spread definitely qualifies as a once-in-a-while treat, I feel a little better about this homemade version compared to store-bought Nutella. Instead of palm oil, this version here relies on simply hazelnuts and dark chocolate for fat. To minimize the sugar load a bit, I’ve used 85% dark chocolate, and just a smidge of maple syrup for sweetness. Honestly, I love the taste of super-dark chocolate (the less sweet the better!), so I often leave out the maple syrup when I make this for my own household.

Ready for gifting

This spread (dip? anything goes!) is the perfect simple, homemade food gift. Just be sure to double the recipe to have enough for yourself, too!

This quick, easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients:

  • hazelnuts
  • dark chocolate
  • salt
  • vanilla extract
  • maple syrup

After the initial step of roasting the hazelnuts, you’ll dump them in your food processer and blend to a butter consistency. 

  • Just getting started . . .
  • It’s butter!
  • Time to add the melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt

It’s really up to you how to enjoy this decadent spread. It’s great on fruit, on these gluten-free waffles, swirled into plain Greek yogurt, or enjoyed just straight-up on a spoon! To be honest, I’m a big fan of the straight-up spoonful. 

Print Recipe
Easy Homemade Nutella
Course Desserts
Servings
cups
Ingredients
  • 3 cups raw or dry roasted hazelnuts (a 1 lb bag contains 3 cups of hazelnuts)
  • 1 3 1/2 oz. bar (or 100g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon real maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Course Desserts
Servings
cups
Ingredients
  • 3 cups raw or dry roasted hazelnuts (a 1 lb bag contains 3 cups of hazelnuts)
  • 1 3 1/2 oz. bar (or 100g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon real maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add the hazelnuts to the baking sheet, and spread into a single layer. If using roasted hazelnuts, roast for about 8 minutes. If using raw, roast for about 12-14 minutes.
  3. After hazelnuts have cooled slightly, grab a clean kitchen towel. Rub the hazelnuts in the dish towel to remove the skins. I usually do this in two or three batches. This step will not remove all of the skins, and that is absolutely fine.
  4. Add the hazelnuts to a food processor, and blend until they form a butter consistency (see photos above). This generally takes about 7 or 8 minutes.
  5. Break the chocolate into smaller pieces (no need to chop!), and melt in microwave or in a double-boiler. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second or less increments and watch carefully.
  6. Add the melted chocolate, salt, and vanilla extract to the hazelnut butter in the food processor. Blend for a minute or so until ingredients are totally incorporated.
  7. Add the tablespoon of maple syrup (optional), and blend for an additional minute.
  8. Enjoy, share, or both!

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: chocolate, gluten-free

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

By Jen

If the thought of a vegan dessert has you feeling skeptical (I get it), let this recipe completely change your mind! This decadent, fluffy dark chocolate mousse relies on aquafaba (a.k.a. whipped chickpea liquid) for its light, airy texture, yet retains every bit of richness of a mousse made with egg whites. I added a pinch of cinnamon and chipotle powder to give it some Cinco de Mayo kick, but you could leave that out if you’d like.

Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas, and when whipped, turns foamy and stiff, just like whipped egg whites (see video below). It’s perfect for folding into melted dark chocolate for chocolate mousse. It’s an easy and economical dairy-free alternative if that’s what you need. And as long as your dark chocolate is dairy free, too, this recipe is a great option for a vegan dessert!

http://nourishednotfamished.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/20170504_145951.mp4

If you’re feeling guilty about indulging in a little bit of dark chocolate, fughetaboutit. As a matter of fact, it would do you good to eat a little bit every day (and not just because it tastes so damn good). Dark chocolate is loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants, and as long as you are consuming at least 70% or higher, and in small amounts, it’s relatively low sugar.ย The higher the cocoa percentage, the greater the benefit. My personal threshold is currently at 90%, andย I’m working my way up to the 95%. Time to set yourself some chocolate goals!

whipped aquafaba

There are many health benefits to consuming dark chocolate regularly: .
– may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
– can drastically reduce your risk factor for heart disease
– may protect your skin against the sun
– increases insulin sensitivity
– may improve brain function

Want to know more? Check out 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.

 

 


Print Recipe


Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Course Desserts
Cuisine Mexican

Servings


Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup liquid from 14-15oz can chickpeas (no salt added; also choose BPA-free can if possible)
  • 180 grams high-quality dark chocolate I like to use 85% dark chocolate
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1/2lemon juice (optional but does help the aquafaba whip into peaks more easily)

Course Desserts
Cuisine Mexican

Servings


Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup liquid from 14-15oz can chickpeas (no salt added; also choose BPA-free can if possible)
  • 180 grams high-quality dark chocolate I like to use 85% dark chocolate
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1/2lemon juice (optional but does help the aquafaba whip into peaks more easily)


Instructions
  1. Pour the aquafaba in a mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer.

  2. Place the chocolate in a double boiler and heat until just melted (or, melt in the microwave in short increments, being careful not to overdo it).

  3. Pour into another mixing bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.

  4. Whisk the the aquafaba, salt, and cream of tartar to the point that it forms soft peaks (approximately 2-3 minutes)

  5. With a spatula, gently stir a third of the whipped aquafaba into the melted chocolate, until fully incorporated.

  6. Fold in the remaining aquafaba in two additions, using a spatula and folding in gently until fully incorporated.

  7. Pour into 6 individual cups, and place in the fridge to set for at least two hours.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: aquafaba, chocolate, dairy-free, vegan

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About Me:

Hi, I’m Jen, and welcome to Nourished Not Famished. Here you’ll find recipes, meal ideas, and wellness tips to thrive without deprivation or restriction. I like to keep healthy changes simple, and grounded in a real-life approach (the secret to making it stick!).ย  Find out about more about me here, and how you can work with me!

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So, you're feeling motivated to make some healthy So, you're feeling motivated to make some healthy changes. Yay, You! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ The secret to making it all happen is . . . there is no secret. The unsexy truth is real change happens (and sticks!) through long-term consistency with the basics.

Nope, the Six-Week Shred plan isn't the magic bullet some huckster is trying to tell you it is. 

It's all about practicing the basics, with a focus on *making them happen in a way that works for you today, this week, this month*. 

And knowing that "what works right now" will change over time.

That's where the Practice Mindset helps! ๐Ÿ‘‡
1๏ธโƒฃ Practice a small change for a set period of time.
2๏ธโƒฃ Next, pause and reflect: How did it go? What worked, what didn't, and why?
3๏ธโƒฃ Proceed if it's working, or Pivot if needed (tweak the change to better fit your life).

Those unsexy basics to practice?
๐Ÿ‘‰Eat more whole (or minimally refined) foods,.and less of the highly refined stuff. (Notice that I didn't say "none"?)
๐Ÿ‘‰Balance your plate at meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Keep it colorful, with plenty of plants in the mix.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Sleep, rest, recover.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Do what you can to manage stress.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Move your body daily (walking is great!). Build your strength. #makesomemuscle
๐Ÿ‘‰ Spend some time doing fun things that help you connect with yourself. #selfcare
๐Ÿ‘‰ Get outdoors. Natural light, Vitamin D, fresh air, and nature are key. (You are a living thing, remember? ๐Ÿ˜‰)
๐Ÿ‘‰ Connect with people and experiences that nourish you.

Hit up my blog (link in bio @nourished.not.famished ) for ideas, tips, and resources to help you get cracking on practicing those unsexy basics. ๐Ÿ˜˜

Which of these basics is your practice priority right now? How's it going?
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#makeitstick #tinyhabits #healthyhabits #practicenotperfection #nourishednotfamished #skillpower NOT #willpower
#changeskills #eatingskills #kitchenskills #balancedplate #simplenutrition #movement #sleep #stressrelief #ditchthediet  #resistancetraining #strength #metabolichealth #fitover40 #fitover50
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Reminder๐Ÿ“ฃ. . . these un-sexy, SIMPLE basics ge Reminder๐Ÿ“ฃ. . .  these un-sexy, SIMPLE basics get the job done! Not just during the holidays, but *all year long*. And simple is just what you need right now, isn't it?

Why do they work? 
๐Ÿ‘‰ Because all of these habits focus on *giving yourself what you need to thrive*. ๐ŸŒฑ 

I invite you to try this:
๐Ÿ‘‰Spend a few months TRULY practicing these simple habits most of the time. Start with just one, or a few (โœจStart small, and add as you feel ready.โœจ)
๐Ÿ‘‰TIP: Sleep is a great one to start with, because it's the foundation that holds up everything else. 

As you practice these habits, pause and observe:
๐Ÿค”How do I feel? 
๐Ÿค”How am I performing, physically and mentally? 
๐Ÿค”How is my energy?
๐Ÿค”How do my clothes fit?
๐Ÿค”How have my longer-term health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels changed?

If you truly desire healthy changes that
โœ”๏ธfeel sustainable
โœ”๏ธ yield results
โœ”๏ธ and STICK,
stop relying on willpower!

๐ŸŒŸFocus your efforts on *meeting your needs*, rather than restricting and depriving.๐ŸŒŸ
.
Stay in a groove with these habits this month, and you might just discover come January 1st that you feel ready to tackle the new year, no over-the-top diet and intense workout plans necessary! 

๐Ÿ‘‰By then, you'll have already established the habits you need that let your biology work for you for optimal wellness, instead of relying so heavily on willpower.๐Ÿ‘ˆ

Who's with me?! Will you be KISS-ing your way through the holiday season?? 

#mistletoe #healthyhabits #nourishednotfamished #tinyhabits #atomichabits #wellness #healthy #balancedplate #sleep #stressrelief #circadianrhythm #movement #everythingisconnected #holidays #december #protein #veggies #christmas #nourished #honoryourhunger #ditchthediet #fitover40 #fitover50
The most delicious form of self care: meal prep. ๐Ÿ’• (See stories for deets on this Turmeric Pepper Chicken & Asparagus!) 

During this busy holiday season, your needs often end up on the back burner. 
Which can leave you feeling hangry, exhausted, and ravenous by the end of the day. 
(You know, that feeling when you walk in the door and dive head-first into the bag of chips? #beentheredonethat ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ)

Packing up a few nourishing lunches is a surefire way to boost your midday energy during the week, and leaves you feeling *satisfied* at lunchtime. 

๐Ÿ‘‰ You don't have to make fancy, fussy recipes.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Instead, keep it simple & balanced by packing a lunch container of some protein, fat, carbs, and veggies and/or fruit. Leftover dinner is a great shortcut! 
๐Ÿ‘‰ If takeout is part of your lunch plan, be strategic about ordering meals that will actually nourish you (yup, that means protein, fat, carbs, and veggies and/or fruit).

Is lunch a pain point for you, too?

Would you love the convenience of having it all ready ahead of time?

โœจFor lunch ideas 
and my top picks for leakproof lunch containers, 
check out my website at link in my bio @nourished.not.famished โœจ

Head to "My Favorite Things" section of my site for my top container picks! 

#lunch #whatsforlunch #realfoodfastfood #mealprep #balancedplate #simplenutrition #ditchthediet #tinyhabits
#healthyhabits #poweryourlife #eatingskills #kitchenskills #plantforward #omnivore #fitover40 #fitover50 
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'Tis the season for "Now just isn't a good time to 'Tis the season for "Now just isn't a good time to start". ๐Ÿ˜‚ You, me, and everybody else are very susceptible to believing that it's just too dang hard to stick with *any* healthy choices right now (and that you'll revisit your health come January 1). ๐Ÿค”

Well, I am here to help you bust that myth! ๐Ÿ’ฅ

๐Ÿ‘‰Ditch that all-or-nothing thinking that's getting in your way! 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Instead of saying "screw it", shift your mindset to Just Start. Focus on simple, tiny actions that feel like, "Yeah, I can get myself to do that." 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Small, sustainable actions build the consistency that creates powerful, lasting results. Forget "go big or go home". (You've got enough life experience to know that approach doesn't work.)

๐Ÿ‘‰ Remember that something is better than nothing.๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ’ช 

What's one small thing you can do *today* to nurture your health? Drop a comment!

TWO STEPS TO GET YOU GOING: 

1๏ธโƒฃ
Name one action that:
โœ… is a baby step toward a bigger (or more robust) habit or outcome you *really* want in your life, and aligns with what you value with regard to your health and/or your life.
โœ… you actually have the ability to do
โœ… feels actionable enough that you can get yourself to do it

2๏ธโƒฃ
Figure out:
โœ… When & Where you will do this tiny action
โœ… how long you will practice this tiny action

โœจ*TIP: stacking this new, tiny action onto an action or event that's already in your day can seriously boost your follow through.โœจ

For example:
๐Ÿ‘‰When I'm waiting in the coffee shop line/school pick-up line/etc., I will spend one minute focusing on my breath. (Mindful moments matter! ๐Ÿ˜Š) .

๐Ÿ‘‰While I brush my teeth in the morning, I will hold a squat position to strengthen my body.

๐Ÿ‘‰Before I return to my desk after lunch, I will move my body for five minutes (a lap around the building? Up and down the stairs? A lap or two around the office parking lot? Do whatever works for you.).

๐Ÿ‘‰In the middle of dinner, I will put my fork down for at least two minutes and check in with whatever signals my body and brain are sending me.

What are your tiny actions today that are bridging you to the life you want to be living? ๐ŸŒž

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#Juststart #tinyhabits #changeskills 
#holidays

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