Healthy Vegan Snickers

Posting a new recipe has been on my to-do list for a while, but it ended up happening in the most spontaneous way possible: After lunch today, my boyfriend randomly said he’d love a snickers. Neither of us have had one in ages, but we always have chocolate, nuts and nut butter around, so I knew I could whip something up. While he initially sounded sceptical – how would it be possible to recreate something so highly processed? – he was eating his words after his first bite into these easy bars that are pure chocolatey peanutty bliss.

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Banana nut muffins

You’ve only really moved into a new place once you’ve baked muffins… agreed? It’s been over a month since I’ve moved flats and while I’ve done a lot of cooking, made a memorable lasagna and baked scones, there’s nothing quite like the smell of muffins baking that evokes a feeling of utter coziness.

The inspiration – and by that I mean the urgent trigger – for these muffins were the overripe bananas that I suddenly could ignore no longer. I had to act.

The result: these incredibly easy, nourishing and versatile muffins that kept me going in the afternoons and provided an easy breakfast option – plain or sometimes with a dollop of peanut butter.

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Dark & Peanut White Chocolate Granola Cups

Another sweet treat recipe today as, let’s face it, they’re the most fun to make (and eat). While chocolate nut butter cups have, rightly, been all the rage, I wanted to switch things up a bit by combining the silky smoothness of chocolate with the hearty crunch and hint of saltiness from the granola.

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Fluffy Vegan Pancakes with Chocolate Sauce

My second pandemic post.. Anyone else initially thought they would get a whole lot more done during self-isolation than they have so far? I pictured myself trying out more recipes, posting more, doing at-home workouts every day … but, I quickly realized that what I felt like doing most when not working (from home) was just going with the flow, unwinding, reading (I’m loving reading more again!), journaling, talking to friends and family, and going for mindful walks. And while I’ve been cooking as much as ever, I’ve also been relying a lot on meal prep so as not to require too much time for preparing food during the work week.

Part of me is definitely appreciating the slow, intentional, mindful pace of this unusual time, when there’s a lot less to coordinate, plan and decide. And I consciously resisted any self-imposed pressure to reach targets in my free time that I didn’t feel like working towards. For me it feels as if, outside of work, I’m focusing on just being and becoming even more in tune with myself.

But now, let’s get to what really matters: These fluffy pancakes, which are my favourite homemade pancakes so far! Taste-wise they’re similar to the cakey-ier ones I usually make, but they fluff up nicely while cooking and remind me a lot more of the pancakes I had as a child. This change in texture is due to: less banana, more baking powder and the addition of baking soda.

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Chocolate Peanut Snack Attack Squares

I hope you’re all well and staying healthy and sane. In a time where it’s not as easy or advisable to go to the shops too often and where your favorite local cafe is most likely closed, it’s all the more important to be able to whip up some satisfying treats using simple ingredients you have in your cupboard and fridge. I’m sure I’m not the only one who enjoys having a little pick-me-up to look forward to mid-afternoon…

Which is where these delightfully easy, fun and delicious chocolate peanut date squares come into play. They don’t require too much prep and use ingredients that you can keep for ages. Whether you’re at home working, studying or just chilling, one of these with a cup of tea or coffee is the perfect way to have a mindful moment.

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Creamy Mushroom Sauce

I’m excited to finally be back with another recipe! What with the notoriously hectic lead-up to Christmas, a wonderful break with lots of offline time and a busy start to the new year, shooting recipes and writing posts just hasn’t been on my agenda. Eating food, however, obviously has and I’ve been sharing some impromptu recipes in my instagram stories (check out my account @blueberrysmiles22 for more plant-based inspo). One of these recipes is this easy one here for a simple but so delicious creamy mushroom sauce – especially perfect for cold winter days.

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Healthy Vegan Pancakes

I’ve had a wonderful weekend filled with workouts and lots of good food with friends, enjoying the gorgeously golden autumnal weather here in Zurich. It’s a beautiful time of year and I’m feeling very mindful and satisfied with enjoying the little things, like the yellow and orange leaves on the ground, the smell of chestnuts in the air and lighting candles in my apartment while catching up with friends or cooking my Sunday meal prep.

One thing that is always part of a good weekend, if you ask me, is some soul-satisfying brunch food. And while my go-to is usually a smoothie bowl, I will never tire of a good plate pancakes. They’re also very quick to mix together and only take a few minutes to cook – perfect for when you’re hungry after a weekend workout or just in the mood for something comforting.

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Harissa-Tahini Chickpea & Veggie Stir-Fry

Now that fall has arrived I’m loving cooking warming and slightly heartier dishes, such as this harissa-flavored chickpea stir-fry with mushrooms, kale, aubergine & carrots. I’ve served it with my go-to turmeric quinoa, but you can just as well accompany it with some brown rice, wholewheat pasta, potatoes etc.

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Healthy Chocolate Mousse Bowl

Sometimes all you crave is something rich and chocolatey – whether for dessert or, like me yesterday, for breakfast. That’s why I created this creamy concoction out of wholesome fully plant-based ingredients. The banana, sweet potato and dates are a nutritious source of carbs (lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals), the avocado and flaxseeds provide healthy fats and the cacao is chockfull of antioxidants. This powerhouse combo is also super filling and should keep you satiated for quite a while.

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Simple Smoothie Bowls: Mango Spinach & Cherry Blueberry

My love of smoothie bowls knows no bounds, especially during summer time. There is nothing more refreshing, nourishing and satisfying to me than a vibrant smoothie bowl with an array of gorgeous toppings. The fact that they’re so easy to whip up and don’t require any ingredients you can’t keep stored, makes them such a great breakfast, snack or even lazy weekday dinner.

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