Sweet Cherry Avocado Ice Cream & Peanut Butter Avocado Ice Cream

April 23, 2014 Arielle

Let's talk about this issue I have with our rental house. (You probably thought I was going to say I had an issue with my chipped nail polish. Sadly...No.)

So for some reason, our precious little rental has carpet in the kitchen/dinning room. Fine. Whatever.

Unfortunately I have this one year old I like to call DESTRUCTABLE/DESTROY EVERYTHING IN SIGHT/GET INTO EVERYTHING/THERE ARE STAINS EVERYWHERE BECAUSE OF ...this one year old. For example, this morning I was trying to fix our curtains that happened to fall and almost land on my head when I moved them. (Ahem. Husband.) As I was doing this, my one year old found my nail polish (the pretty chipped one I'm wearing), and thought she needed to paint her toes.

Now there are nail polish foot prints and stains through out the kitchen/dinning room carpet. It's lovely. Right next to it is a blue paint stain that my three year old made. Then right next to that is my brown couch that has blue marker written all over the cushions. Like I said, lovely.

I highly doubt we will get our deposit back.

After living in our rental for over a year now, I finally decided food and art projects should probably take place out side. I know...I FINALLY decided that? What took so long Ari? Did my house have to look like a Crayola Box exploded before I did something?

Recently, I was sent these adorable girly bibs from JJ Cole to review, and the girls and I decided to make some ice cream and test them out. These bibs will soon be released at BuyBuyBaby.com, so look out for them! I figured the girls would eat the ice cream like they normally do, dripping everywhere/all over their face...But just my luck they ate the ice cream as clean as I've ever seen them. But I did love the bibs because they were wide enough to wear it covered all of their top. And any ice cream that did drip, I just wiped right off!

For the record, it took a good 10 minutes to stop the girls from fighting over the bib that had a little more pink than the others.

The ice cream the girls ate was avocado based, which is a great healthy fat for kids! (Great for brain growth!) It doesn't have any avocado flavoring to it, so need to worry about a guacamole flavored ice cream :)! The mix ins are so versatile, you could pair it with almost anything. An added bonus is the creamy-ness that the avocado adds, which gives it the perfect ice cream texture!

Peanut Butter Avocado Ice Cream & Sweet Cherry Avocado Ice Cream

Ingredients

• Sweet Cherry Avocado Ice Cream:
• 1 frozen avocado, cut up
• 1 frozen banana, diced
• 1/2 c. frozen dark cherries
• 2 TB. honey
• PB Avocado Ice Cream:
• 2 TB. natural PB
• 1 frozen avocado, cut up
• 1 frozen banana, diced
• 2 TB. honey

Instructions

The directions are the same for both ice creams.
Blend ingredients in a food processor or blender until creamy. If needed add a little milk to make it blend easier.
Eat immediately or store in a closed container to let it harden a little. It will be perfect for an ice cream cone after it's hardened for at least 30 minutes!
Enjoy!

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I'm thinking I should probably pay someone to professionally clean my carpets, or I could just buy a cute rug to place over the top?

Or...I could just watch my kids more closely...

* A special thanks to Michelle for sending my girls and I these cute samples of JJCole bibs! I was not paid to write this review, just asked to express my opinion. These bibs will be available at BuyBuyBaby.com, so if you love them, check them out! Thanks again!*

Easter Food 2014

April 21, 2014 Arielle

This Easter is more different than any Easter I've ever experienced...

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Besides being a year older, living in a different state, and making Easter dinner by myself for our small family...This Easter I've grown up. Or, I've become more of a grown up. I wouldn't go too far into saying I'm an adult.

I still call my mom 1..2..3 times a day.

It seems like with every day, month, year comes new challenges, big or small, tragic or simple. With each challenge, we grow. Eventually. Sometimes those challenges send us back farther than we've ever been. Sometimes challenges push us to try harder and move forward. Either way. We all experience them.

I spent last weekend in the beautiful state of Virginia. Seriously, there was so much grass I didn't know how to handle it. (You know..living in a desert and all.) I was there visiting one of my best friends who recently lost her 4 month old baby. A long with me on the trip came two other friends of mine. It was an emotional weekend, but filled with so much love.

A few days after returning home from my trip (which convinced me I'll never fly again after being stuck in Denver for 10 hours...), my husband and I found out that a family member had just lost their 20 month old baby. My heart sunk, and seriously...I don't think It's going to feel back to normal ever again.

Ever since then, I've just wanted to sit and hold my babies. I've been letting the little things go that are insignificant, and honestly have taken up wasted time. I wanted to share this with you guys because I know that many of you, if not every one of us, is struggling with some type of challenge in our life. I know that it's hard to move forward when times are difficult. I know that it's a struggle to grow from these challenges.

But I also feel that eventually we will move forward and we will grow.

I've become even more grateful for my knowledge that families are forever, and that we will see our loved ones again. I am overwhelmed with the knowledge that my Savior and Heavenly Father love us, and feel our pain. I am grateful for the knowledge of prayer, and I know that it works. And each prayer said on behalf of others truly brings comfort.

This Easter I am going to try my best to really Love One Another. I'm going to Choose Happiness. And I'm going to be grateful for what I have now, and not focus on what I wish life could be like if this or that was happening.

Hug you loved ones for me! And Happy Monday, and I'm so grateful for each one of you!!

5 Minute Creamy Hummus Pasta Sauce

April 9, 2014 Arielle

Every so often I'll make my girls this homemade, incredible rich, alfredo pasta. As I'm making the sauce, I watch as I whisk it's creamy consistency around and around, and I can't help but think..."Who needs bathing suit season anyway! I'd much rather just drink this."

I'm not saying eating alfredo sauce means that you won't fit into a bathing suit.

I'm saying the way I WOULD EAT alfredo sauce means...I wouldn't be able to get off the couch.

I've been wanting to make an incredibly delicious and healthy alfredo pasta for The Diva Dish for a long time. I still haven't perfected it, but I did however come up with this recipe when I was having a rough day and wishing for some comfort food.

It's a quick and easy version of a creamy pasta that is EXTREMELY easy, so much so that you might actually be able to sit down and enjoy lunch. Not a lot of cleanup, serves 1-2 people...Oh, and it's good for you!

Creamy Hummus Pasta Sauce

Serves:

1-2

Ingredients

1/2 c. hummus-I used regular, but there are so many flavors that would work!
1 TB. Melted coconut oil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. onion powder
3 TB. non dairy milk-or you could sub vegetable broth for a little different flavor
1 TB. greek yogurt-or more non dairy milk
salt, pepper, spice-such as paprika, basil, oregano, etc.
Cooked pasta/vegetables

Instructions

In a bowl whisk together all of the ingredients until combined and creamy. Pour over warm pasta or warm vegetables.
Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese if needed.
Sauce makes enough for 1-2 c. of pasta or veggies!

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I'm headed off to Virginia this weekend, so there might not be a video on Friday...SHOCKER!

In the mean time, pray for me that I don't have a complete anxiety attack on the airplane. I'm incredibly afraid of flying, I might need a horse tranquilizer pill to calm my nerves...

Boxtera Snack Giveaway

April 7, 2014 Arielle

Ever since moving to Las Vegas, I've had this 'Ba-Humbug' attitude about what there is to do here that's 'family friendly fun'. Coming from San Diego where we had beaches and zoo's and amusement parks...Hold on, I'm crying.

I've tried to have a better attitude about Las Vegas, even though I'm convinced all these rocks and dry dirt backyards is what Hell might look like...It's not all that bad. There are some places that have grass.

Recently we've discovered the Springs Preserve Museum, and the girls love it. It's a partly out doors dessert gardens, park, and discovery area! I have to admit I've fallen in love with it because there is a ton of walking, and I get a great workout in while the kids have a blast! Sadly, when summer hits and it's 125 degrees we will have to say goodbye! So for now we are getting a lot out of the museum as possible!

Usually I'll pack a picnic lunch for us, but this time we were lucky enough to have our Boxtera Snacks with us! Remember last month when we had a giveaway from them? Guess what, It's happening again!

The snacks worked great because I didn't have to lug a cooler around to keep them from going bad, and there was something for each of our taste buds! Some had protein, some were salty, one was sweet! It was perfect!

After a few hours of running around exploring, out family was definitely hungry! And more importantly everything is natural and healthy! Win Win! Except for the fighting over the Fruit Filled Bars...Someone didn't win there.

Would one of you like another chance to win a Box of Boxtera Snacks?!

Here is how you Enter:

Entry -Form

After my tired little babies filled their bellies, they went perfectly down for a nice loooong...

30 minute nap.

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Thank you Boxtera for sending me a sample of their snack box. I was not paid to write this post, all opinions are my own.

The Reality of Exercise...Sometimes!

April 6, 2014 Arielle

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Remember How I said I was trying to work on a better blogging schedule? Well Friday I was supposed to post a video, and I didn't.

BUT, I have one for you today, so I hope that you will forgive me :). It's technically only two/three days late which means I'm improving right?

Ok, so today's video is a glimpse into an afternoon we had last week, and I talk about the reality of exercise. I also speak openly and honestly about fitting exercise in and the reality of being a busy mom/wife/person, and what happens when your 'plans' don't work out!

Check it out!

Check the blog on Monday, because I have ANOTHER giveaway for you!!

Dessert Bullet Giveaway

March 30, 2014 Arielle

I've always been a Magic Bullet fan from the beginning. In fact I've had mine for almost SIX years now, and I just recently used it yesterday! It was the first machine that I ever made a green smoothie from (and this green muffin!)

Well a few months back I was contacted by my wonderful friends over at Dessert Bullet, (same company as the Magic Bullet!), and they asked if I'd be interested in trying out their product! I obviously went all fan girl crazy and said yes, and couldn't wait to try out the machine!

The Dessert Bullet is a machine that can make fresh & healthy sweet treats! For example, if you love Banana Ice Cream (Frozen Banana blended up), then you will LOVE this machine!

Since then, I've been contributing 4 recipes per month for the Dessert Bullet Blog, and I have to tell you...I'm having such a fun time playing and creating recipes that satisfy my sweet taste buds! My girls love when mommy is playing the kitchen with her 'ice cream toy', they go crazy!

I've made chocolate covered popsicles, fruit fizzy drinks, coladas, almond milk slushies, cheese cake ice cream with strawberry sauce, lime pie ice cream, and a purple velvet ice cream!

(And this coming month I've got even more fun recipes including cake & cookies! All Healthy, Light, and Natural!)

Okay, are you ready for this!

My friends at Dessert Bullet and I will be giving away TWO Dessert Bullet Machines to my lovely readers and friends here at The Diva Dish!

I'd love for you guys to win one, so here is how you enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes

March 26, 2014 Arielle

The thing I love most about these pancakes is that they are made with greek yogurt, which is one of my favorite ingredients at the moment. It's adds the perfect texture to these pancakes, making them fluffy and delicious! Don't forget the added protein that comes with adding them to the pancakes! There is over 20 grams of protein in 1 cup of greek yogurt. Include that with the protein from the eggs, and any other toppings you add to the pancakes and it makes them extremely filling!

Also, I thought about adding chocolate chips with the warm bursting blueberries, and I didn't. Not sure if my brain stopped working for a moment or not, but now I am deeply regretting that decision.

So...

Don't be foolish guys. Do the right thing.

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Ingredients

1 c. flour of choice
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
dash of salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. plain greek yogurt
2 eggs
1 TB. honey
1 TB. vanilla extract
4-7 TB. Milk of choice
3/4 c. blueberries
opt: chocolate chips

Instructions

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
In a separate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients, except for the milk.
Add the wet to the dry and whisk just a little bit. Add 4 TB. of the milk and whisk together until combined. Add a TB. until the desired consistency is reached. For thinner/flatter cupcakes add more milk, and for thicker fluffier pancakes add less.
I used 7 TB. and they came out perfectly, but if you prefer thicker pancakes, add less milk!
Makes 10-12 pancakes
Top with maple syrup, nut butter, or additional maple sweetened greek yogurt!

These pancakes were inspired by these outrageously delicious looking pancakes found HERE.

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes via http://thediva-dish.com

Almond Butter Granola Bites

March 24, 2014 Arielle

Ok so I've been trying to step up on my blogging, and make this blog a more 'full time' thing.... I had this idea that I would post every Monday/Wednesday/Friday. And Friday's would be a video!

So today is Monday. And I posted a video.

So far so good.

Almond Butter Granola Bites via The Diva Dish

Today's video is a favorite quick and easy snack that your littles can help you make! A lot of times during snack time it's easy to scarf down a bucket of Pirate Booty, but to me they are just empty calories. (And purely delicious ones.) I hate to admit it but it doesn't keep you or your littles full until the next meal.

I've made date/nut balls before, and honestly these are one of our favorite grab and go snacks to eat around the house. Whether we are running out the door, or I need a little something to hold them over before dinner!

Almond Butter Granola Bites

Ingredients

3/4 c.- 1c. dates (pitted & dried)
1/4 c. almonds
1/4 c. oats
1/4 c. honey
1/3 c. almond butter
1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

Blend the dates and almonds in a food processor until fine crumbs. (This will take a few minutes.)
Add the rest of the ingredients until the mixture comes together, and sticks together. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more liquid such as nut butter or honey.
Roll into mini balls, press into a mold, or place in a pan fitted with parchment paper.
Place in the fridge or freezer to let harden.
Store in the fridge in a closed container.

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But don't worry. I won't judge if you serve your kids pirate booty...Or you eat it yourself. It's basically like eating air right?

Fresh Vegetable Tropical Fruit Smoothie

March 19, 2014 Arielle

With spring just around the corner bringing warmer temperatures, smoothies have finally made a way back into our daily rituals!

I've started something new with making smoothies, which has been using fresh vegetable juice as the liquid base! Green spinach smoothies are so last year...(Ignore the fact that I had one for lunch.)

I've never been a huge fan of throwing raw veggies into a blender and praying that the frozen banana will mask all the flavors, and honestly..I'm not a huge fan of fresh squeezed juice. I don't get too excited to drink kale, lemon, ginger, and beets. Am I a horrible health food blogger or what?! I do believe though that If you play around with the ingredients enough, you can make the perfect combination of a fresh vegetable juice! Like my most favorite one of all I posted a while back!

But these type of smoothies are not only for adults, I actually prefer them for my growing girls! My 18 month old is still young enough to where she can't quite chew raw veggies and when I cook them I can't always guarantee she will eat them! This is another way that I can relax just a little bit more knowing that her body isn't relying on the few foods she does love.

Because if that were the case, she'd be living off of the fishy gold fish crackers she found on the floor at Target the other day...(That's probably why she is always sick.)

Consider this smoothie as the first step of fresh veggie drinks. It's a good step in the right direction, and eventually I'll create that kale & beet juice smoothie that my kids, and yours too, will go crazy for!

Fresh Vegetable Tropical Fruit Smoothie

Serves: 1-3

With Spring just around the corner, fresh tropical smoothies pair perfectly with the warmer temperatures! Instead of the typical 'green' smoothie, this drink uses fresh veggie juice as the liquid base followed by tropical frozen fruit!

Ingredients

2-3 stalks celery
2-3 large carrots
1- 1/ 1/2 apples
Handful of frozen mango
handful of frozen peaches
1/2 banana
1-2 TB. ground flax seeds
1 TB. honey
ice (optional)

Instructions

Using a juicer, juice the celery, carrots, and apple. You need enough juice to measure 1 c. of liquid.
Add the fresh juice to a blender, and add the rest of the ingredients.
Blend until creamy.
Enjoy!

The only bad thing about Spring approaching, besides allergies, is the fact that I've got to shave my legs on a regular basis. Can't get away with hiding behind leggings anymore!...

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Here is one of my favorite fresh green juices of all time!

Taste The Rainbow Fruit Parfait!

March 14, 2014 Arielle

I kind of feel like St. Patricks Day is my least favorite holiday.

Taste The Rainbow Fruit Parfait! - A Healthy and Colorful Treat via http://thediva-dish.com

Obviously any excuse to eat a bowl of Lucky Charms with green milk is a fantastic holiday, but the idea of wearing green bothers me. I remember being in middle school and making my dad rush me to the nearest store to find some hideous green t-shirt because EVERYONE would be wearing green at school the next day and I didn't have ANY green shirts. (Was that a run-on sentence?)

I still don't.

Do people even wear green shirts?

I wish I could say that my children don't know what Lucky Charms are, but sadly grandma and grandpa have taken care of that. And I'm not going to lie and say Lucky Charms are horrible and unhealthy and no one should ever eat them because, well...Marshmallows for breakfast?! Come on!! That sounds amazing...

When are they going to come out with Lucky Charms made with JUST dehydrated stale marshmallows?!

This is a healthy lifestyle blog.BTW.

With the holiday soon approaching, I could obviously share many 'Green' recipes, but this year I want to focus on the rainbow! For some reason when a plate is full of color and vibrant foods, it becomes all that more appealing. (At least to me and my babies.) This first 'rainbow' food post is all about fruit, and tomorrow I'll post a recipe made with veggies! I've got both your bases covered!

The idea of this rainbow fruit parfait is that it's topped with white clouds and a sprinkle of gold, because gold is found at the end of every rainbow! The fruit is interchangeable, and if you have more time you could make the shape of a rainbow on a plate. As for the white clouds, I used greek yogurt for added protein. You could easily use a non dairy yogurt or a whipped coconut milk cream! Yummmmm!

Rainbow Fruit Parfaits

Prep time:

5 mins

Total time:

5 mins

Taste the Rainbow!

Ingredients

Rainbow colored assorted fruit
Greek yogurt mixed with honey-or non dairy yogurt, or coconut milk whipped cream
gold sprinkles

Instructions

Arrange the fruit by color in a shallow glass. (You can also arrange in the shape of a rainbow.
Add a dollop of your 'clouds', or cream on top, followed by gold sprinkles.
Serve immediately.
(If wanting to make ahead, don't add the greek yogurt or cream until it's ready to be served!)

3.2.1255

Don't tell anyone, but I'm almost tempted to buy a St. Patty's day t-shirt at Walmart. Do you think the other moms will be wearing them too?? I hate feeling left out...

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Looking for a Shamrock Shake, similar to the one a popular fast food joint serves?! The big difference is it's healthy, made with natural sweeteners, and it's good for you!

A Better For You Shamrock Shake

Healthy Root Beer Floats!

March 5, 2014 Arielle

There are a lot of things in my past that I often time bring up to my husband, and he will literally drop his jaw in disbelief.

Let's not go too far into thinking I was an exotic dancer of some sort. It's more like, I used to scarf down a whole chipotle burrito every thursday with my friends. (Sour cream + Cheese and all!) And every morning before school, I would have my second breakfast at a fast food place called Bakers. Hash browns. Enough said.

And sometimes, after a hard day at my highschool fashion club, I would pull up to my favorite drive through and order my most favorite bubbly beverage. Root Beer.

Holy heck, I love Root Beer. And if my day was extremely hard, (hard as in getting called Booty Booty every time I walked by someone in class-true story), then I treated myself to a Root Beer Float. Booty Booty deserved.

I know right now you are probably wondering how much I weighed in high school, but my lips are sealed. Let's just say, thank goodness skinny jeans & leggings weren't in. (More like overalls and flaired bottom pants.) But let's talk about Root Beer Floats.

I love making & sharing recipes that people might crave, like Root Beer Floats. I can remember so many times being pregnant wanting one so badly, and I can only imagine there are others out there who feel the same. THE NEED FOR THE ROOT. And ice cream. So the other day in the grocery store I spotted Root Beer Extract, and immediately I got really really excited! I knew I had to re-create my favorite high school beverage.

This is such an easy recipe, it's only FIVE ingredients. And I don't count calories, but if you do, I'm assuming its around 100. Yea. Awesome right?

Which leaves enough room left over to enjoy a hash brown bar in a greasy bag. So hungry now...

Root Beer Floats

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. sparkling water
1/2 tsp. root beer extract
liquid stevia (drops)-or other liquid sweetener
1 frozen banana
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

In a food processor, puree bananas and vanilla until ice cream consistency. (May need to add a few drops of non dairy milk.
Add ice cream to a small container with a lid and place in the freezer.
In a liquid measuring cup add sparkling water and root beer extract. Stir.
Add in a few drops of liquid stevia (any where from 6 +), and stir. You can use a liquid sweetener such as honey/agave/maple, etc. (It might change the taste.)
Remove ice cream from freezer and scoop ice cream into a drinking glass.
Add root beer on top! Enjoy!

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And if you must know, fashion club was extremely tiring. Not like a running track or playing sports, but seriously a lot of work. Fashion magazines and movies... I barely got an A.

The Best Way To Start Your Morning!

March 3, 2014 Arielle

I almost feel silly about posting the following 'recipe', because to some it might seem kind of like, "Well Duh!"

I realized though that this 'idea' wasn't always a 'DUH' thought for me, but more of like a, "Eh, who cares?"

Make sense?

Without trying to sound like an email in your spam inbox, the following is something that has truly helped me loose weight and keep it off. Sadly, I only recently discovered this a few months ago, because like I said before, this didn't seem like THAT big of a deal.

Every morning I've started drinking lemon water. Duh right? We've all heard how starting the day off with Lemon water can boost your metabolism and do many other things, but for some reason I never did it.

A few months ago I caught a nasty cold/flu bug and my throat was KILLING me! I starting drinking warm lemon tea every morning, noon, and night. I noticed that my cravings for, well chocolate (because that's ALL I crave), were minimal and I wasn't always reaching for something 'sweet'. I've learned that sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are really thirsty. But I've always just put carbs & chocolate in my mouth because I.Love.Food.

This was a life changer for me, despite how 'little' this really is.

SO, what do you do? I fill up a large pitcher in my fridge with lemon slices, juice of a few lemons, and water. I leave it in my fridge and pour myself a glass in the morning. (Sometimes I heat it up, and sometimes I don't.) Then through out the day I'll drink regular water, but if I notice I'm craving something sweet or like a Ding Dong, I pour a glass.

If I really want something sweet, like a Twinkie, I'll add a few drops of liquid stevia to my class. I don't know why, but I really look forward to drinking it sweet. I've been having it as I watch my nightly trash tv...

You can add many other things like mint leaves, cucumbers, fruit cubes, etc., but right now I'm loving just lemons.

It's small and simple changes like these that make a difference in living a healthier lifestyle, honestly.

(But don't worry. I still eat chocolate.Every day.)

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

February 27, 2014 Arielle

I'm not ashamed to say, but one of my favorite things to snack on is chocolate chip muffins.

It's the perfect combo of carbs & chocolate, which in my opinion are the most important food groups. (Is this a healthy living blog?) A lot of times I spread a dollop of my favorite peanut butter on top and I feel...so happy.

These past few days my kids have been sick AGAIN, and I'm starting to feel like the 'nasty bug' we got in January never left our house. There have been quite a few tears shed, and this morning my daughter kicked me in the face mid tantrum.

Luckily, I made these muffins the day before my kids both got sick, so I had something for them to snack on when they didn't feel like eating a whole meal. Especially Sweet Pea. Her favorite thing to do is carry them through out the house, take a few bites, and then leave them and their crumbs in random places for me to find days later.

My oldest daughter and I are a little more 'civilized' than Sweet Pea, and we enjoy ours crumbled in a bowl over greek yogurt with fresh strawberries. If you haven't done this...You must.

Don't worry. We use fresh crumbs, not the ones found through out the house that were left behind...

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 c. honey (or other liquid sweetener)
1/4c. coconut sugar
1/2 c. plain greek yogurt
1 egg
1/3 c. milk (I used almond)
1/2 c. natural peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
1 TB. vanilla extract
2 TB. melted coconut oil
1 1/3c. flour (spelt, Whole Wheat Pastry, etc.)
1/3 c. oats
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
1 c. chocolate chips

Instructions

Add bananas, honey, sugar, yogurt, egg, milk, peanut butter, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk together until combined. Whisk in melted coconut oil
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
Add the dry to wet ingredients and stir together, only until combined. (DO not overmix!)
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Add batter to greased muffin pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, or cooked through all the way.
Enjoy with a spread of peanut butter on top!

3.2.1255

I'm hoping by summer the girls immune systems are strong enough, and then maybe we can leave our house and not have cabin fever.

Oh wait.

I live in Las Vegas. We don't leave our house in the summer either.

&%$)W)&%(*$

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting

February 12, 2014 Arielle

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache, from The Diva Dish

Valentines Day is a national holiday in our household. (Well, unless your my husband. It's just a typical day for him....) :)

A day dedicated to love, chocolate, and the color pink...COME ON!! So badly I want to throw pink glitter in every direction, where a frilly pink tutu, and shove chocolate down my throat. (Note-I'm 25)

This year my 3 year old is starting to understand holiday's better, and I know this holiday will be well embraced in our household. Sadly this means that we won't be able to talk about Christmas anymore and use Santa Clause as a way to make our child behave. Hashtag Great Parenting.

SO in the spirit of chocolate and the color pink, I feel and probably always will, that chocolate cake is language of Love. And obviously a chocolate cake with four sticks of butter and sugar would be delicious, I've found a way around that.

A perfectly moist cake (hate that word), with the right amount of sweetness, topped with a delicious layer of rich chocolate ganache. Put on a frilly pink tutu and coat that cake with pink sprinkles. True Love.

Oh...and there's a nice serving of Beets inside the cake. You will love it, I promise!

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Prep time:

15 mins

Cook time:

30 mins

Total time:

45 mins

Although beets are frequently turned down by many, they are what make this cake incredibly moist! You won't even notice their taste, because the other ingredients do their part and make this cake any lovers dream!

Ingredients

(for the cake)
2 1/2 c. whole wheat white flour
1 1/2 c. coconut sugar
1 TB. cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2-3 medium beets
2 eggs
3/4 c. melted coconut oil
1 c. almond milk mixed with 1 TB. vinegar
1 TB. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 oz. water
(for the ganache)
1 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
1 c. full fat coconut milk

Instructions

(For the Cake)
Cute end of the beets and peel. Cut the beets up a little bit, and place in a steamer basket. Steam until beets are soft and poked with a fork.
Once the beets are soft, add them to a food processor and blend until they become a puree. Add a few TB. of water if needed.
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk together well.
In a separate bowl add the rest of the wet ingredients. Make sure the eggs and milk are room temp. so they don't solidify the coconut oil. Add in the beet puree. Whisk together well.
Add the wet to the dry and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
Add cake batter to greased pans of choice. (I chose a bundt pan, but a layer cake would taste fabulous!)
Bake for 30-35 minutes, of until the cake is baked all the way through.
Remove from oven and let sit in the cake pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
(For the ganache)
In a small pot at water and set over a heated stove. Add a large glass bowl on top of the pot to create a double broiler.
Add chocolate and milk and continue stir with a rubber spatula until chocolate is almost all the way melted.
Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is fully melted.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then pour over the cake. (If you made a layer cake, pour a little between layers and on top.)
Add your choice of toppings like sprinkles or chopped chocolate.
Enjoy!

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I was really nervous my kids wouldn't love this cake, but they haven't stopped begging for it! If you are ever nervous to give your kids a 'healthier' dessert option, there is nothing wrong with dressing it up a little with eye catching sprinkles!

You also wouldn't believe how incredibly moist this cake is! I plan to bake with beets more often, because it added to the cake so many wonderful things!

Chocolate Beet Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting, from The Diva Dish

Happy Valentines Day my friends! Be sure to hug the ones you love and share a piece of chocolate cake with them!

Loaded Nachos! // Fresh, Fun, Healthy!

February 3, 2014 Arielle

Honestly, I don't reeeaaallllyy care about the Superbowl. But since it involves eating food, I'm automatically drawn in. Fact.

Another fun fact:

When football season started I said that I was going to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks and they were going to win the Super Bowl.

Another Fact:

They won.

Wanna know what else? I should have bet money on that.

Obviously Super Bowl Food is like chicken wings and ranch dressing, which let's just be frankly honest, I could eat ranch dressing by dipping my finger in it. Add on the amazing cheesy dips, brownies and football decorated strawberries, and well Monday morning calls for sweat pants and your husbands T-shirt.

I took on the challenge that party/football food can be healthy and delicious, all you need is to play up the flavor and fun!

I decided Nachos was the perfect solution, because you can't go wrong with colorful, fresh, flavorful toppings. Roasted corn, garlic lime black beans, tomatillo salsa, salty guac, green onions, sweet and spicy ground turkey, jalepeno...the list goes on! It's also completely vegan/vegetarian friendly!

You would THINK you would miss the fake cheese sauce on top, but with all those toppings only a little bit of cheese on tops does wonders! It's a fun & fresh twist on nachos that even a football loving ranch dressing eating person would approve of!

Loaded Nachos

Prep time:

20 mins

Cook time:

30 mins

Total time:

50 mins

Nachos can sometimes get a bad rap as being a completely unhealthy! But i'm here to tell you that nachos can be enjoyed without the bad fats, loads of calories, and unhealthy toppings! WIth the right ingredients jazzed up with tons of flavor, you won't be missing the cups of fake processed cheese sauce doused over chips! (These are easily vegan/vegetarian friendly!) There are SO many fun delicious toppings, that you won't need a ton of cheese. Just a sprinkle does the trick!

Ingredients

Tortilla Chips
Diced green onions
Fresh grated cheese
Diced black olives
1/2 bunch cilantro finely diced
1 can diced jalepenos
1 lime, sliced
greek yogurt
(For Black Beans)
1 can drained and rinsed black beans
1 TB. olive oil
3-4 TB. chopped garlic
juice of 1/2 lime
salt, pepper, cumin
(For the Guacamole)
2-3 avocados
juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 bunch cilantro finely diced
salt, pepper, cumin
(For the corn)
1 bag frozen/fresh corn
2 TB. olive oil
salt, pepper, paprika
(For the Tomatillo Pico De Gallo)
2 tomatillos
1/2 large onion
3-4 TB. chopped garlic
1/2 large bunch cilantro
1 jalepeno, stem removed (and seeds if you don't want spice!)
4-6 tomatoes diced.
1 lime
salt, pepper, cumin
(For the Turkey)
Ground Turkey
1-2 TB. oil
Taco Seasoning-**Link for homemade version next to Taco Meat Picture**
1 TB. coconut sugar
2-3 TB. water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Arrange corn on a baking sheet. Coat with oil and sprinkle a nice helping of the seasonings over the top. Toss and bake for 30 minutes in the oven. (This seems long, but you will be preparing all the toppings during this time!)
Assemble the toppings into different bowls. Chop the toppings and separate into different bowls. (Green onions, black olives, cilantro, jalepenos, lime, greek yogurt.)
Prepare the Tomatillo Pico De Gallo.
In a food processor add the onion, cilantro, jalepeno, and garlic. Pulse a few times until finely diced.
Add mixture to a bowl along with diced tomatoes. Add lime juice and a nice sprinkle of the seasonings. Cover and set aside in the fridge.
Prepare the Black Beans
In a sauce pan add oil and garlic. Saute for a few minutes, then add black beans. Cook for a couple of minutes, remove from heat and add lime juice and a nice helping of spices. Toss, cover with foil and set aside.
Prepare the Guacamole
Mash the avocados. Fold in cilantro, juice, and spices. Cover and set aside.
Prepare the Ground Turkey
In a saucepan, heat the oil.
Add the ground turkey, and sprinkle the spices and coconut sugar over the top. Ground the turkey, and then add a few TB. of water.
Continue to cook turkey, grounding it as you go, and cook until turkey is cooked all the way through.
Once done, cover and set aside. (Drain any excess water if needed.)
Remove corn from the oven.
Take out guacamole and salsa.
Add corn, turkey, and black beans to a serving bowl.
Have everyone load their favorite toppings to the nachos, and enjoy!

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I've been making my own Taco Seasoning lately, and I love it! Taste so much better than the packaged kind!

I'm looking forward to the next event that I don't really care about where food is involved!!

Butternut Squash Tomato Soup

January 27, 2014 Arielle

We are going on 3 weeks of being plagued with the winter sickness...

We've been sharing it amongst each other and been quarantined from the outside world for all of January...

I'm going freaking nuts.

We've been watching non stop episodes of Barbie Life in the Dream House, blasting the heat up to 76, wiping up runny noses and eating cough drops like candy.

Our coffee table has had little legs run around it 587 times, and the one time we decide to go out and see the sun, Sweet Pea falls and gets a scar on her face that looks like Hitler. Awesome.

But oddly enough, I think we needed this break. I've spent more one on one time with my girls than ever. We've read stories, laughed, played, and cuddled in bed together. It was a great reminder that the most important task I have in life is to be their mommy. To teach, raise, and love them unconditionally.

I've also learned that soup is one of the greatest blessings when sick. It's fast, easy, and comforting. Along side a toasted sandwich with marathon watching of Downton Abby, and well...having a few sick days is probably just what I needed.

Butternut Squash Tomato Soup

Prep time:

10 mins

Cook time:

40 mins

Total time:

50 mins

Ingredients

1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced, about 2 cups*
2-3 heaping TB. coconut oil, or other oil of choice
4 cups diced fresh tomatoes**
2 large carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced
1/2 medium sweet onion diced
4-5 cloves garlic chopped
Salt/pepper/Paprika
Liquid of choice: veggie broth, chicken broth, cream, etc.
Fresh herb of choice, such as basil
*To save time buy the pre-chopped fresh butternut squash
**To save time use canned tomatoes

Instructions

Steam the butternut squash.
While the butternut is steaming, dice the rest of the veggies.
In a large pot over medium heat add the oil. Add the garlic, onion, tomato, carrot, and celery.
Continually stir every so often, and cook veggies on med/low heat for 15 minutes.
At this time, the veggies should be softened, including the butternut squash.
Add the cooked butternut squash to the pot, toss, and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove pot from heat and transfer veggies to a blender. Puree veggies into a soup.
Add the puree back to the pot. Stir in desired amount of preferred liquid, until consistency is reached. Stir in the spices to taste, and serve with chopped fresh herbs.

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You know what else...I've heard Disney's Frozen Songs being sung on repeat constantly, and my three year old begged me to film her, (Yes that's right!). So I thought I would share her cute version of the song, "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?"

Trust me...Cuteness overload!

Virtual Family Christmas Card to all of You!

December 19, 2013 Arielle

One thing I look forward to every year is receiving Christmas Card mail. I love to see the growth of families and loved ones who are spread all over...

I wish I could send each of you a Christmas Card, and share with all of you how thankful I am for such wonderful readers! Then I'd wish you a Merry Christmas and attach the card along with a box of milk and homemade (healthy) cookies!

Wouldn't that be lovely :).

But since I don't have all of your addresses, (That'd be creepster), I figured I could virtually share with you our Christmas Cards!

I've narrowed it down to two from Minted.com's Christmas Card section, that way you could help me decide which Christmas Card you love the most. Honestly though, I had a hard time making decisions! The site is full of different options & styles! And...There are way too many cute ones...

I would love to see your virtual Christmas Cards, and get to 'meet' all those lovely faces! If you can, post them on my Facebook page or even Twitter!!

P.S.

Please tell me my babies will stay little forever...

Trash TV Workout Series: Booty

December 10, 2013 Arielle

There are numerous moments during the day where it hits me... "When is the last time I sat down?? "

Despite always being on my feet cleaning, picking up, moving, cuddling, tickling, chasing, etc., I know how easy it is to let 'mom time' get pushed to the side. Even trying to squeeze in a workout video is tough, when one is clinging to your leg, and the other just had a bathroom accident on the floor...It's freakin' nuts! In a good way :).

I've talked a lot about my unhealthy addiction to trash TV, and how I hate admitting I know way too much about every single Real Housewife, but I just.can't.look.away. I know I'm not alone in this, don't lie!! We all know there are a handful of you out there who couldn't be more excited that Juan Pablo is the next Bachelor and we just can't wait to make matching Team Juan Pablo shirts...Am I right??

So whether you are watching Trash TV or playing toys on the floor with your kids, why not squeeze in a little extra workout?! Nothing too crazy, but just enough to get those muscles toned, along with kickin' a few extra calories to the curb!

Today's first Trash TV is all about BOOTIES! (Unless you are Boo. Then it's all about Boobies...)

(Side note: Filming this took months of convincing myself, but I finally gave in! It's not perfect, and the lighting is horrible, but you can still get a great little workout in!)

And in honor of today's FIRST workout video, I have a fabulous giveaway for all of my lovely readers!

Sometime back, Eleven by Venus Williams sent me some fun workout gear! (The shirt I'm wearing in the video is one of them, similar to this one HERE.) I knew I had to share something with you guys for being so amazing, so I'll be giving away a pair of these light blue workout leggings!

The size I have would fit SMALL/MEDIUM!

To Enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!! xo

Sweet Fruit Dip w/ All The Mix-Ins // After School Snack

December 4, 2013 Arielle

There are certain times during the day that parents know when crazy-ness is about to hit the wall...

Those longing hours when naps are over, school is out, dinner isn't for a few more hours, and the kiddos bellies are grumbling. One child has discovered the convenient water release button on the fridge, and now there are full glasses of water all over the place. (Kind of like that Alien movie with Mel Gibson...) While the other baby fends for her self in the pantry, opening a bag of dried beans and an almost empty bag of tortilla chip crumbs.

Come to think of it...Maybe my life is a movie about aliens?

It's that moment in the day where sitting the kids down for a nice snack is probably the best idea, unless of course you have Disney Jr. on, well then...that's a good idea too. ;)

Snacks should be quick & easy, and draw in the attention of your littles! Which is why we love this Sweet Dip! Your kiddos can pick the mix ins and dippers so that it pleases their picky taste buds! Have them put it together, and watch them gobble up their latest creation!

Sweet Fruit Dip-After School Snack

Prep time:

5 mins

Total time:

5 mins

Right between lunch & dinner, right after school, is when the kiddos start rummaging the kitchen for something to fill their bellies. This Sweet Dip is perfect for fruit skewers, pretzel sticks, etc.! And there are so many variations of the dip, which can please any picky child!

Ingredients

Greek Yogurt-Plain
Shredded Coconut
Oats
Mini Chocolate Chips
Chopped Nuts
Chia Seeds
Ground Flax Seeds
Spices-such as cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
Honey
Fruit
Pretzel sticks
etc.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix together the desired amount of greek yogurt with desired toppings.
You can get really creative with the mix-ins, depending on the preferences of your kiddos!
Drizzle and fold in your favorite sweetener!
Grab your favorite dippers, and enjoy!

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And while the kiddos are munching away, you will have plenty of time to go around the house collecting those random cups of water.

Unless of coarse...you may need them later...

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie w Coconut Whipped Cream

November 25, 2013 Arielle

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie-from The Diva Dish

Chocolate is a food group in our household.

It's consumed on a regular basis, and you can find some sort of chocolate in practically every room in the house. Besides the bathroom.

Recently our family has taken an obsession to chocolate coconut water. And by obsession I mean, my husband drank the last bottle this morning and I threw the biggest toddler tantrum EVER.

I've always loved the benefits of (plain) coconut water, I've just never been able to well...stomach it. Can I get a Amen?!

Then I tried chocolate flavored and i'm assuming you know how this story ends. It's a great cold or hot & topped w/ whipped cream, yummy in smoothies, and even perfect for sick babies when they don't seem to want to eat.

And who would have thought it does wonders in a pie?!

We all know Thanksgiving is this week, and when grandma brings out those platters of funeral potatoes, dessert is probably the last thing you should end that meal with. Which is why I really wanted to create something light, fresh, & healthy, but still giving your sweet tooth the satisfaction it deserves.

Don't EVER leave your sweet tooth hangin'...That just isn't right.

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie w/ Coconut Whipped Cream

It's a little sweet and perfectly filling! Along with a great dose of healthy nutrients to feel good about dessert!

Ingredients

(For The Chocolate Crust)
1 1/8 c. whole wheat flour
2 TB. cocoa powder
2 TB. coconut sugar
1/2 c. solid coconut oil
2-3 TB. cold water
(For The Filling)
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/3 c. + 2 TB. coconut sugar
3 TB. cocoa powder
2 c. canned coconut milk (full fat)
1 c. chocolate coconut water*
3.5 ounces chocolate (I used 85% dark chocolate bar)
1 tsp. vanilla
(For The Coconut Whipped Cream)**
1 can full fat coconut place in the fridge overnight (unopened)
powdered sugar or liquid sweetener
1 tsp. vanilla
chocolate shavings
*If you can't find chocolate coconut water, feel free to sub with an additional cup of coconut milk*
**Feel free to sub with regular fresh whipped cream made from cows dairy too!**

Instructions

(For the Crust)
Add flour, sugar, & cocoa powder to a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
Add in coconut oil, and pulse until find crumbs appear.
Pulse in 1 TB. at a time of cold water until mixture sticks together when pressed. You don't want it too dry or too wet.
Form dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Take the dough out and place a sheet of wax paper on your counter. Roll dough out on top of it to a circle the size of your pie pan.
Life the wax paper and slowly turn it over and place the dough on top of your pie pan.
Form dough into pie pan. Place a sheet of foil on top and add pie beads or dried beans so the dough keeps it's shape.
At 350, Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside at let cool.
(For the Filling)
Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder in a sauce pan. Over medium heat, whisk in milk & coconut water. Continue to whisk as the mixture comes to a boil. Whisk for an additional 2-5 minutes longer, until the mixture has thickened to pudding consistency. (Don't stop whisking! :) )
Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate and then vanilla.
Once melted pour into cooled pie crust.
Place in the fridge and let harden for at least 2 hours.
(For the Whipped Cream)
Remove cans of coconut milk from the fridge. Scoop out the thick cream part ONLY, and not the water on the bottom. Place the cream in a bowl. Add a few TB. of preferred sweetener, plus vanilla and beat for about 5 minutes until fluffy. (Note: By full fat good quality coconut milk. Also, I know that powdered sugar isn't exactly 'natural', but it does help make it more of a whipped texture.)
Spread on top of pie, top with chocolate shavings, and serve!

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Crust recipe adapted from Simply Scratch

Filling recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen.

The key to making the perfect coconut whipped cream is to buy a really good brand of coconut milk! Don't skimp on that! Also, don't be shy when it comes to beating the mixture...Just beat it. Just beat it...

I have to be honest and say that I've never been a 'Pie' person, but you really can't go wrong with chocolate crust, chocolate filling, and creamy topping!

All that's missing is a nice big glass of that last bottle of chocolate liquid gold to help that pie go down...

*A big THANK YOU to Ecos Brand Chocolate Coconut Waterfor sending me samples of their beverage. It's incredibly rich, creamy, and can satisfy ANY dessert craving. Let's not forget that it's made with COCONUT SUGAR! (My all time fav natural sugar!) Thanks again Ecos! Check them out HERE! (I was not paid to write this post. All opinions are my own.)*

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Hey There!

Welcome to The Diva Dish! My name is Ari and I love Kale Salads and Chocolate Cake. I also love to blog about it...

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Ingredients

1 c. flour of choice

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

dash of salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. plain greek yogurt

2 eggs

1 TB. honey

1 TB. vanilla extract

4-7 TB. Milk of choice

3/4 c. blueberries

opt: chocolate chips

Instructions

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients, except for the milk.

Add the wet to the dry and whisk just a little bit. Add 4 TB. of the milk and whisk together until combined. Add a TB. until the desired consistency is reached. For thinner/flatter cupcakes add more milk, and for thicker fluffier pancakes add less.

I used 7 TB. and they came out perfectly, but if you prefer thicker pancakes, add less milk!

Makes 10-12 pancakes

Top with maple syrup, nut butter, or additional maple sweetened greek yogurt!