SALTED PRALINE + DARK CHOCOLATE MATZO

It feels as though it has taken me lifetimes to come up with a fabulous matzo treat recipe. I finally think I have a winner. This was a hit with my family and I have to admit I have a bit of an addiction to it now. I always strive to make things a little less junky and higher quality than what you can find at even a high-end store. I ended up going back to one of my old staples - butter and maple syrup, as the base of my almond praline. Lightly baking the matzo really makes for a perfect crunch. Add on some good dark chocolate and sea salt and I'm hooked!

Ingredients:

4 Sheets of Matzo (I used gluten-free)

3/4 Cup Maple Syrup

1/2 (1 stick) butter

1/2 Cup Sliced Almonds

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla

1 - 3.5 Oz. Bar of Dark Chocolate (I like 70% so it's not too sweet)

1 Tablespoon Sea Salt

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the four sheets of matzo out on the paper. Don't worry if it breaks, We'll be breaking it up later anyway. Place in the oven for 10 minutes, until a light golden brown, and then put aside.

Place butter, maple syrup and a pinch of salt in a saucepan on medium-low heat. Allow to melt, stirring occasionally as to not let it burn.

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring more and more. Allow it to simmer and thicken for 5 minutes, stirring almost constantly.

Add vanilla and almonds. Allow to bubble and simmer for another 5 minutes. Lower heat as needed. Stir almost constantly so it never burns. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 5 - 10 minutes. Once it cools slightly, it will have a nice caramel consistency.

Distribute the praline evenly to each of the four crackers. Spread it out GENTLY to cover the majority of the matzo surface. Allow to set for at least ten minutes. Even better if you can stick it in the fridge.

Break your chocolate bar into large pieces and place in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly, until it is melted. Using a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over all of the matzo. Do this however you like, making your own modern art. Once you have all of the chocolate on the matzo. Place immediately in the fridge. Cool for 10 minutes.

Remove from fridge. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the matzo. Use as much or as little salt to your personal taste. Place back in the fridge and chill until the chocolate has hardened completely (at least 1 hour).

Break into large pieces and serve! Happy Passover! xx

GREEN BUNNY SMOOTHIE

I recently concocted this healthy, spring smoothie packed with fruit, veggies and healthy fats. I love finding ways of getting Brixton to eat more veggies. The whole family loves it.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Almond Milk

2 Carrots

4 Large Spinach Leaves

1 Banana (frozen is best)

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

1-1/2 Tablespoons Shredded Unsweetened Coconut

Ice

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In a blender combine all ingredients (except 1/2 teaspoon of shredded coconut - save for garnish).

Add two cubes of ice.

If your banana is not frozen, add two extra cubes (four total).

Blend until smooth and completely combined.

Pour into a glass an garnish with the remaining coconut shreds. I topped mine off with a plant-based straw.

I think this bunny is enjoying his smoothie! xx

2 INGREDIENT, RASPBERRY-PEAR HEALTHY DESSERT

I'm finally back in the gym after a 2 1/2 year sabbatical and instead of sabotaging all of my hard work with the usual 9PM chocolate and/or ice cream, and/or cereal appointment, I am turning to this super fast and easy recipe that is yummy and helps fill the dessert void when I'm "being good." It's like a luscious sorbet with no sweetener. Just made of nutritious food! Thanks for this one, Mom!

Ingredients, per serving:

1 Ripe Pear

3/4 cup (half bag) Frozen Raspberries

Peel, quarter and core the pear. Place pear and raspberries in the Vitamix or blender. Blend on low until smooth and combined. You might have to add a tablespoon or two of water if it seems too dry. Be careful not to add too much water or it will become soupy. 

And done!