Fun with Raw Nutella

Raw Nutella (RAWtella) with Apple Crepes, Strawberries, Chocolate Sauce and Cashew Creme

Have you noticed lately that Nutella (the hazelnut and chocolate spread) seems to be all the rage here in the states? There are all sorts of recipes using it. The first and last time I had it, I think I was sixteen and it was brought to me with my breakfast bread basket while in London. The idea excited me- chocolate for breakfast! But I have to say I was disappointed and never tried it again.
(what can I say? I was sixteen.)

So after seeing this sudden trend, I thought I'd give it a try again but with a raw twist this time. I looked up Nutella and the main ingredients are sugar, then milk, then hazelnuts with very little chocolate. When it was originally invented in Italy back in the 40's it was created to extend the shortage of chocolate created during war time with blending it with the over abundant local hazelnuts. It was half hazelnuts and half chocolate.

This sounded better to me than a sugar and milk based recipe.

So I got down to business and I can tell you I have a whole new love!

Without further adieu I give you....

Raw Nutella (RAWtella) with Strawberries

RAWtella

1 cup hazelnuts, soaked about 1 hr, strained

1/3 cup cacao (or cocoa in a pinch)

1/3 cup agave syrup

2 Tbsp coconut oil, in liquid form

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup almond milk (or water)

Grind up the hazelnuts in your food processor until finely ground

Add all but the almond milk and continue pulsing until mixed. 

It will probably ball up.

Start adding almond milk and pulse until you reach the consistency you desire.

Keep in a cover container in the fridge.

Can't tell you how long it will last because ours was gone in a flash!

What to do with RAWtella?

 Here is the fun part!

Use it for dipping any kind of fruit. 

What doesn't go well with chocolate? 

Raw Nutella with Bananas

Mix it with fruit in a parfait

RAWtella, Cashew Creme, Bananas and Raspberries

( Ps: I discovered a new version of Cashew Creme that will knock your socks off! Next post- promise!)

Because Nutella is famous for pairing with crepes....

Raw Crepes and Bananas with Raw Nutella (RAWtella)

And we had to make several crepes...

Raw Apple Crepes with Raspberries and Raw Nutella (RAWtella)

and there were still more crepes...

Raw Apple Crepes with Strawberries, Chocolate Sauce, Cashew Creme
and of course RAWtella!

(PPS : Crepes will be in the next post too along with the To Die For Cashew Creme!!)

Valentine's Day is coming you know!

It's hard to pick a favorite way to eat RAWtella. 

It was ALL SO GOOD!

We had it for breakfast, snacks, lunch even dinner one night! 

and why not, it is just nuts and fruit really.

I was feeling a little chocolate saturated but then I caught myself thinking today...

I do have more hazelnuts....maybe I'll whip up another batch!

Hmmm....Can you ever have too much chocolate?

I don't think so!

 ;-)

Breakfast of Champions- To Go!

I've been speaking to a friend of mine that wants to eat better but needs an easy routine for grab and go food  with his busy work schedule.  Plus he's been told to up his Omega 3s to help with eye fatigue. Crunch time is leaving for work in the morning having something ready to go and also having food that will keep him from running out for lunch or snacks when his energy starts to wane during the work day.

Energy, great for Omega 3's, quick and can be prepared a head of time. R loves his chia cereal so much that this was easy! It's the packaging that makes this even better.

Here's what I'm thinking....

A week's worth of glass pint canning jars, a little prep time on Sunday and we got grab-and-go all taken care of!

In each canning jar place one of the following mixtures:

Apple Pie:

2.5 Tbsp Chia Seeds, whole
2 Tbsp dehydrated Apples, diced
2 Tbsp Raisins
2 Tbsp Walnuts, chopped
Sprinkle of Cinnamon
1/2-1 packet Stevia

Southern Pecan Pie


2.5 Tbsp Chia Seeds, whole
2 Tbsp Pecans, chopped
2 Tbsp Cranberries
2 Tbsp shredded Coconut
1/2 -1 packet of Stevia

Southern  Pecan Pie Style Chia Pudding

Banana Bread


2.5 Tbsp Chia Seeds, whole
2 Tbsp Walnuts, chopped
2 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds, chopped,
2 Tbsp dehydrated Banana chips
Sprinkle of Nutmeg
1/2-1 packet of Stevia

Chocolate Pudding


2.5 Tbsp Chia Seeds, whole
1 Tbsp (heaping) Cacao Powder, or Carob or if you have to Coco
1 packet Stevia
pinch of Salt (optional)
dash of Cinnamon

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Almond Milk To Go

The combos are endless so get creative!


All you do when ready is add 6 -8 oz of Almond milk to the jar,
screw the cover on, turn upside down and shake until well mixed.
Then let sit however long you want.

It transports easily like this until you're ready to eat and then just shake it up again. Pour it into a bowl or eat right out of the jar- your choice!

How long you let it sit is a personal choice. Some say at least 10 minutes for it to thicken, some like to let it sit over night or at least an hour or so. The beauty of it is that you can add milk to make it for breakfast the night before, or add the milk before you leave in the morning to make it for a lunch or afternoon snack at work. Or take some milk to work and mix it all up about 10 mins before you want to eat it. It doesn't matter.  It won't go bad and it's all good!

Chia Cereal in the Jar Minus Toppings

Here are some options you can try as well: 

• Chop a banana or apple to put on top when ready to eat.
• Peaches are good too... as are berries, oh heck you get the idea- add some fresh fruit!
• Instead of the Stevia powder mixed dry in the jar, you can use the Stevia drops, like the Sweet Vanilla Creme when ready to eat. You'll want to keep a bottle at the office too!
• If you're at home skip the Stevia powder and add a Tbsp each of Vanilla extract and Agave or Maple Syrup when ready to eat instead or the stevia drops!!!

And since I mentioned the Stevia Liquid drops, do you know they also come in flavors like Lemon Drop, English Toffee, Chocolate Raspberry, Peppermint etc. etc. Oh MY!

Ps: if you are fortunate to have Trader Joe's around, they have a great selection of dried fruits and nuts- not sure about the Stevia and no Chia- yet. C'mon Trader Joe's!

And another thing: the jars of the pre mix will keep as long as you keep a tight lid on it. So line them up on the kitchen counter, keep them in the pantry ready to go, or keep them at your desk in the office. You've got an instant meal or snack, all ready whenever you are.

Chia mix in snack bag 

As an option you can put the mixtures in little snack bags too. Just pour them in a jar when you are ready to mix with milk.

Just don't forget your spoon and the milk.
*You can even add apple juice instead of the milk or some even like just water mixed in.


Have never heard of Chia other than the pets? The check out this article. 
You really want to know about chia!


So tell us.... What combos are you eating with chia these days?