Honey & Chocolat

Not only is it a New Year, but it’s a Milestone Celebration for me… It’s my 10 Year Anniversary as a Vegan! All I’ll say is that I made the decision to take back better control of my health 01/01/2014 and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made on my own behalf. I’m not going to turn this into a long drawn out post about why living this way has a multitude of benefits for not only your health, the environment, or about animal welfare (which it’s all of the above). What I will tell you that this New Year, this is your fresh start, this is the time to be your own advocate, your own cheerleader, and just start. Whatever it is, doesn’t have to be perfect, just start. No one’s ever said they’ve regretted making an effort. I leave you with all God’s Blessings for a prosperous, healthy, and Happy New Year and pray you achieve your dreams and hopefully we can celebrate your milestones together soon! #honey_and_chocolat #vegananniversary #10yearveganniversary #healthylifestyle #vegantransitioning

https://honeyandchocolat.ck.page/posts/it-s-our-1st-anniversary

Here’s how you go vegan if you’re dealing with a food allergy…. Explore Vegan Alternatives: Swap out allergen-laden ingredients with their plant-based buddies. Almond milk bothering you? Coconut, oat, or rice milk could be your new best friends. Whole Foods FTW: Go for whole, unprocessed foods to keep things simple and allergen-free. Once you have your base down, then it’s easier to build upon it. DIY Delights: Whip up your own meals. This gives you Total Control over what goes into your food. Label Literacy: There is a section after the ingredients are listed on packages that list if any common allergens are in the product. With a bit of creativity and a whole lot of deliciousness, you can absolutely rock the plant-powered life, allergies and all. If you’ve found these tips useful, feel free to check out my free newsletter in the linkin bio. I send out weekly updates to the community with more tips, tricks, and resources. #Honey_and_Chocolat #VeganTips #VeganTransitioning #TransitioningMistakes #VeganAllergies

This was sooooo goood! If you want an easy dish or side dish, this it up there. And with the holidays around the corner this could be one of your new favorites. Give it a try, let me know what you think. 3 Medium sweet potatoes 1tsp vegan butter 1/4 cup maple syrup * Optional 1 capful of spiced rum Sprinkle cinnamon Candied Pecans topping Wash and slice potatoes, spread evenly on a baking sheet. Mix butter, syrup, rum and cinnamon together, coat the potatoes and toast at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Flip over halfway through to get brown on both sides. Top with pecans if using. #honey_and_chocolat #MapleGlazedSweetPotato #veganmeals #veganmealideas

Like many vegans, you may find yourself in the not so unique position of sharing a living space with others who may not necessarily be following your path. I’m going to give you some practical advice about how you can move forward and have a harmonious existence with your non-vegan household. 1. Make your position clear. Explain why you are going vegan and why it’s important to you and your values. If you don’t make your position clear, how are others supposed to respect your stance? 2. Encourage dialogue. You want to be able to have healthy open communication about things important to you. Your decision to live this new lifestyle isn’t any different. Just because someone is close to you doesn’t mean they share the same values you’ve now taken in your lifestyle change. 3. Introduce easy options. People tend to be more receptive to trying something new when they have a hand in the preparation. Even if it is a familiar item and you just do a different preparation, it’s a chance to expand your repertoire with more options. 4. You may be cooking 4 different meals a night. Let’s keep it real, everybody will not be on board, and everyone in your home may be following a different diet. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just as much as you want others to respect your choices and your values, you need to respect theirs. 5. Don’t preach, please don’t be THAT Vegan! Ok, I’m glad you are on board, you are proud, you are informed and not backing down… but eh…let’s stay calm, and take a breath… Don’t forget, it wasn’t that long ago that you thought and felt exactly the same way as your housemates do. You made a decision to make changes in your life, you can’t make decisions for other people. 6. Feed them something absolutely delicious! It will let them know that there are delicious and viable options out there that they can fully enjoy. #honey_and_chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #livingwithnonvegans

But where do you get your protein? First of all, ALL foods have protein! 😲 Of course they’re not equal in amounts, but we don’t typically sit and eat just one item of food all day. We eat a combination of foods throughout the day and by doing that our bodies are consuming enough protein. If you are eating a well rounded healthy diet with a variety of nutrient dense ingredients, you don’t need to worry about how much protein you are getting. *** The real issue is Complete Protein vs. Incomplete Protein. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, whereas incomplete proteins are missing one or more. But here are some Easy Complete Protein Combinations: -Whole Wheat Toast and Nut Butter -Rice and Beans -Oats and Soy Milk -Pasta and Peas -Bean Soup and Crackers -Spinach Salad with Chickpeas and Sunflower Seeds -Hummus and Pita -Tofu with any Grain The good news is that experts all agree that by eating a wide variety of plant-based protein sources you can get all of the amino acids you need on a vegetarian or vegan diet. So, as you can see from the examples, plant based protein when consumed in combination is more than enough to meet your dietary needs and then some. For more tips and tricks, make sure you are following me and check out my free weekly newsletter! Link in bio. #honey_and_chocolat #vegantips #veganprotein #veganproteinsources

So, as you’re transitioning, there ARE going to be times when you have a slip up. It’s gonna happen. It’s kind of like learning how to ride a bike or roller skate, you’re gonna fall, it’s gonna happen and guess what, it’s actually part of the learning process. If you didn’t fall off that bike, would you learn how to balance yourself better, or know how to react if you sensed yourself tipping to one side? You would learn how to hit the brake, or stick your leg out to step on the pavement to stop rolling forward right? Those slips you encounter are going to teach you how to better prepare yourself the next time you find yourself in a situation. So what do you do if you find yourself in this position? First, what was the issue? Was it that you weren’t prepared when you went somewhere, because you assumed you would be accommodated? I think that’s a typical issue. Or were you stuck at a meeting (or traffic) and now everything around you is not conducive to your lifestyle? Done that too. Well, try to plan ahead, at least just a little. If you start to anticipate situations, you’re more likely to get in front of it before it becomes an issue. And this is all nice and dandy, but let’s say you still ended up slipping? Guess what? The world didn’t end, did it? So now you have to make a decision. Was that one incident enough to knock you out of the game completely? Or was a wake up call to adjust and keep pushing forward? I think of athletes, they train for a long time and do their event. They sometimes win, they sometimes lose. But if they didn’t get the result they wanted at that particular time, do they just walk away from all that effort or do they adjust their strategy to do better next time? You adjust. So, understand that slips are part of the learning process, and use that to learn about what you can do to help you the next time. So lets recap: Take your time Plan if you can Adjust and move forward For more tips and tricks

It’s Tasty Thursday ya’ll! And we’ve got a homemade granola ready to rock and roll. Eat as is, or top over some yogurt for a sweet treat! Ingredients: 1 cup gluten free rolled oats 1/2 tsp cinnamon *Lemon zest (Secret Ingredient, don’t sleep on this!) 1 tsp agave 1 tbl coconut oil *OMG! The lemon zest is EVERYTHING in this recipe! Don’t sleep on it and don’t say I didn’t tell you. Put a lot ( you’ll thank me later) Mix together and bake 400 degrees for 15 min, stir 1/2 through. Cool down and mix in: Pecans candied Raisin Cranberry Chocolate chunks Enjoy! #honey_and_chocolat #veganrecipes #granola #vegangranola

Crispy garlicky roasted Brussel Sprouts…with Roasted Garlic Aioli! This couldn’t be more simple. Ingredients: Fresh Brussel Sprouts Olive oilGarlic powder Sea saltFresh Brussel Sprouts, washed and halved. Keep the ends intact to hold the sprouts together. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder (about 1/2 tsp). Rub together, spread over a cookie sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden. Flip halfway. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt.Serve with some Roasted Garlic Aioli- check out my recipe from last week for that! Enjoy! And let me know if you make them. #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #mealplanning #veganrecipes #plantbasedrecipes #brusselsprouts

Check out this super simple Roasted Garlic Aioli! 🧄Of course you can do a fully from scratch version and make your own mayonnaise (we’ll do that another time) but here’s a great shortcut to a fabulous aioli! 3/4 cup vegan mayo of choice1 head of roasted garlic 1/4 of a lemon (juice only!Sea salt to tasteFor roasted garlic, slice the top off your garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, roast in 400 degree oven for about 40 minutes. Pro tip: if you’re already using your oven, just throw in some garlic (or potatoes to toast). Combine all your aioli ingredients into a bowl and mash together until incorporated.Use as a spread or a dip for roasted veggies or fries!Let me know if you try this!#Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning ⁠#veganrecipes #plantbasedrecipes #veganaioli

Oh Me Oh My! 🍅🧄🫒 Have I got a treat for you today! ⁠⁠If you like any type of dipping oil for your bread (think fancy restaurant) then... yeah!⁠⁠ 1st of all, let me start off by saying that Derek (my official taste tester) gave this a 9.4 on his tasting scale. ⁠⁠It's like living with a mini Gordon Ramsey so I'll take what I can get.⁠⁠ Ok, so i'm not giving you a receipe recipe today, it's more of the ingredients, and then you can adjust as your taste buds desire.⁠⁠ I get my sundried tomatoes in olive oil, and i'm not throwing any of that oil out, food costs are mad. So, I came up with a way to re- "zhuzh" it. ⁠⁠So.... we have Sun-Dried Tomato Bread Dipping Oil!⁠⁠ 1/4 Cup of Oil (from your sundried tomato jar)⁠Sun dried tomatoes (small dice)⁠1/2 Tsp dried italian seasoning⁠Red pepper flakes⁠Olives (used about 3 large ones, the ones stuffed with pimento small dice)⁠1 large fresh garlic clove (fine mince)⁠ Fresh parsley⁠⁠*Optional- a pinch of saltMix in a serving bowl all ingredients, fresh bread, go to town baby!⁠⁠ I'm telling you, the FLAVOR explosion is UN-Real!⁠⁠ Somebody try this and get back to me with your thoughts. I'm waiting.⁠⁠ Enjoy!⁠⁠⁠⁠. #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning ⁠#mealplanning #veganmealplan ⁠#veganrecipes⁠#plantbaseddiet #veganrecipe #plantbasedrecipes

I love salted caramel and I love my coffee…. Soooooo…..Yup! Salted caramel iced coffee it is. So, I made my regular coffee and after it cooked I poured into an airtight container (glass mason jar) and left in fridge overnight. I got fancy, because I like to, and I sweetened my iced coffee with brown sugar and cinnamon. I drizzled my glass with salted caramel and drizzled some oat milk whipped cream with more salted caramel. I mean yeah, technically you could just use the caramel to sweeten your drink but I’m extra and I make no apologies! 😋Recipe for the salted caramel was posted last week in the feed, check it out, only 2 ingredients (3 if you count the salt!) Let me know if the spirit moves you and you try this out!Tootles! #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #saltedcaramelcoffee #coffee #icedcoffee#simplevegantransition⁠ #veganlife #mealplanning #vegantransition #simpleveganliving #veganlifestyle #veganmealplan ⁠#veganrecipes#plantbaseddiet #whatveganseat #veganrecipe #plantbasedrecipes

Ok, I lied….it’s 3 ingredients…. if you count the salt! So , easy peazy lemon squeezy as the kids say. You’re gonna need : 1. A big pot, basically bigger than you think you need to account for bubbling over (or rather room so you don’t boil over) preferably stainless steel 2. 1 can Coconut Cream…. I said Cream, not milk! 3. 1/2 cup sugar. I used coconut sugar, but feel free to sub brown sugar. Just know that the darker your sugar, that darker your sauce will be. 4. And…Sea Salt! Put the whole can of coconut cream in the fridge to settle, preferably overnight. When you open, there’s gonna be liquid on the top (or bottom), we don’t want that. Discard or use it in another recipe. Scoop the cream into your pot and add your sugar. Low heat, stir to combine. Let simmer a few minutes, about 5 to 8 min. Now, you could just stop here and you’re good, oooorrrrr add a SPRINKLE of sea salt. I would still add a pinch of salt to help balance out the sweet, but if you’re going for Salted Caramel, just sprinkle until you get to your desired flavor profile. Don’t go crazy, or it’s gonna be too salty and nasty. Let it cool down before using, feel free to keep in fridge. Will thicken up a bit but not too thick, still pourable.Ok!What can we use this on! Sliced apples. Ice cream. Popcorn. Cake. Coffee (think coffee house coffee). Endless possibilities! Let me know if you try this! #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #vegansaltedcaramel saltedcaramel #simplevegantransition⁠ #veganlife #mealplanning #vegantransition #simpleveganliving #veganlifestyle #veganmealplan ⁠#veganrecipes#plantbaseddiet #whatveganseat #veganrecipe #plantbasedrecipes

What could be better than to take a day trip to wine country.⁠ ⁠ You'll get a built in activity, beautiful scenery, and snacks all built in! That's what I call a win win.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #romanticdatideas #vegancouples

Who said you have to follow the rules!⁠ ⁠ Sometimes you have to get creative, so don't be afraid to break the rules especially when eating out.⁠ ⁠ Order multiple appetizers and make that your meal, order a la carte,⁠ ask for adjustments that can be easily made to your dish like hold the cheese.⁠ ⁠ Get creative and enjoy yourself. 🥬🥑⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning ⁠ #simplevegantransition⁠ #simpleveganliving #veganlifestyle

It’s Mac & Cheese time! Creamy, dreamy, y muy delicioso! Ok, so it’s just a couple of steps to get to enjoy this Mac & cheese. So I’ve got two things to set thins over the top. First thing, bechamel. Second thing, nutmeg. Ok, you may not know this, but nutmeg is the secret to elevate anything with a cream sauce. Not enough to make it taste like Christmas cookies, but just enough to make you say “mmmm, what is that?” Recipe- 2 tablespoons vegan butter 2 tablespoons flour 2 cups dairy free milk 2 cups vegan shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups cooked short pasta Nutmeg In a medium sized pot boil some water about 4 cups, add some salt and boil 2 cups of pasta. In a second medium sized pot met the butter and add the flour. Cook for about two minutes so the raw flour taste is gone. Add the milk and stir (no lumps) and cook until smooth. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted. Add a few punches of salt to taste. Grate some nutmeg into the sauce. Adjust to taste. Fold in the pasta and coat completely. Eat right away as a stovetop Mac & Cheese, ooorrrr, you could place in an oven safe dish and bake it in a 350 degree oven until golden brown all around. I love baked Mac & Cheese when the corners are Burt and crispy and can stand up on a plate by itself! I know it’s not just me. Let me know if you try this and I want your feedback on the nutmeg…. Game Changer! #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #simplevegantransition⁠ #mealplanning #veganmacandcheese #veganmealplan ⁠#veganrecipes #plantbaseddiet #whatveganseat #veganrecipe #plantbasedrecipes

Just in time for your 4th of July! Ok, how cute is this? And how easy. If you’re looking so a simple breakfast, snack, dessert or thinking about what to bring to the backyard cookout this is something that everyone can get behind. Just fresh blueberries, cut strawberries and a dollop of coconut whipped cream. What’s not to love? Ok… you know me and my extra-ness. If you want to take this over the top, drizzle your fruit with some Prosecco! A whole other level! Ok, enjoy! #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #transitioningmistakes #simplevegantransition⁠ #veganlife #mealplanning #vegantransition #simpleveganliving #veganlifestyle #veganmealplan ⁠#veganrecipes#plantbaseddiet #whatveganseat #veganrecipe #plantbasedrecipes

Writing down your thoughts can give you clarity on a lot of things.⁠ ⁠ It can help with gathering your thoughts to goal setting and project planning.⁠ ⁠ But journaling can give you a sence of peace and calm as well.⁠ If you want to try something new, that's simple to implement, maybe give journaling a try.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #menatlhealth #wellness #journaling

Who do you think is the biggest cheat out on the course?⁠ ⁠ No, not me, LOL⁠ ⁠ But one thing we can agree on is that a few rounds of mini golf is a lot of fun.⁠ ⁠ If the weather is great, get outside and get your golf game on!⁠ See you at the Masters! 😁⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #Honey_and_Chocolat #vegantips #vegantransitioning #transitioningmistakes #familyfun ⁠ #simpleveganliving #veganlifestyle