Chocolate Milk... on crack

Need a "pick-me-up-this-instant-cuz-I'm-a-useless-puddle-on-the-floor"? Avoiding coffee? Want a frapuccino without the crapuccino? Lucky you... I've got the cure!

A tablespoon of cacao nibs (I grind them when I get them and store them in a container)

A splash of date syrup (see recipe)

8 ounces of your favorite milk (almond for me!)

2 ice cubes

Blend! Chug! Be alert! You can get crazy with this basic recipe. Add extra cacao if you are in a serious slump. Add a teensy bit of vanilla extract, maple extract or mint extract for some POW!. Throw in a banana and a teaspoon of almond butter. Maybe a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg is more your style. Heat it up (without the ice cubes) for a hot cocoa with a punch.

Cacao nibs have an OBSENE amount of antioxidants. They are full of magnesium, neurotransmitters that make you happy, and dieters swear by their "losing weight" power. If you don't do well with caffeine, you may want to hold off on these stimulating pieces of yum.

Site on the health benefits of cacao nibs: http://www.naturalnews.com/022610.html

Breakfastnoa!

Almost every morning I make breakfast quinoa for the babe and myself. Shy loves it and it is a protein extravaganza. A lovely way to start the day!

Breakfastnoa

2 1/2 cups of water

1 cup of quinoa

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

1 teaspoon of ground cacao nibs

a handful of almonds (raw, unsalted)

a splash of date syrup (see date syrup recipe)

a splash of milk of your choice (I prefer almond milk)

Toss the water in the pan, turn on stove to a medium heat. Add the quinoa. Get the other ingredients ready. Chase the baby. Brush your teeth, whatever you need to do. Occasionally stir the quinoa. Lower heat if necessary. When the water is gone and the quinoa is fluffy, add a glob of coconut oil and chia seeds. Stir it all together, very well. I spoon Shy's out now and add a touch of milk to cool it. I add almonds, date syrup, ground cacao nibs, and Earth Balance vegan butter to mine and enjoy!

If you feel sassy, instead of almonds, try walnuts and dried cranberries. Or Shy's favorite, apples and a dash of cinnamon. Sometimes we don't have fresh apples so I'll add the freeze-dried kind. It works very well. Blueberries are also a big hit.

Quinoa health benefits site: http://bodyecology.com/articles/quinoa_benefits_guide.php

Chia seeds health benefits site: http://whatscookingamerica.net/CharlotteBradley/Chai-Seeds.htm