It’s raw. It’s vegan. And it’s impossibly delicious.

Our culinary artist has created a taste sensation that puts other cheesecake recipes to shame! What’s so amazing is that’s it’s dairy-free and packed with nutrients, thanks to our incredibly nourishing Vanilla Plant Protein.

Using muffin tins, makes 36 mini or 12 full-size cheesecakes.

Ingredients

CRUST
•1 cup packed pitted dates*
•1 cup raw walnuts (or almonds)

FILLING
•1 1/4 cups raw cashews, quick-soaked**
•1 large lemon, juiced (scant 1/4 cup)
•3 Tbsp Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein (about 1/2 scoop)
•1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
•1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp full-fat coconut milk (recommend skimming ‘cream’ layer off)
•1/2 cup liquid sweetener of choice (agave, maple syrup or honey if not vegan)

FLAVOR ADDITIONS optional
•2 Tbsp salted natural peanut butter
•1/4 cup wild blueberries (allow to thaw slightly if frozen)
•3 Tbsp caramel sauce
•Lemon peel, fruit, chocolate or crushed nuts

Directions

1. Add dates to a food processor and pulse several times until only small bits remain and form into a ball. Remove and set aside.
2. Add walnuts to food processor and pulse 5 times to create a meal texture. Add dates to walnut meal and pulse until a loose dough forms. Add more dates if the texture is too dry. If too wet, add more walnut meal.
3. Lightly grease your muffin tin, either standard or mini-size.
4. Scoop in a dollop of crust (about 1 T for standard tin, 1-1.5 tsp. for mini). Press is down using a small glass or the back of a spoon. A shot glass works perfectly for mini tins. If it sticks, cover the glass with parchment. Place in freezer to firm up crusts.
5. Add all filling ingredients to a blender and mix until creamy smooth. Add a bit more liquid (either lemon juice, sweetener or coconut milk) if the mix fails to blend uniformly.
6. Taste and adjust as needed. If you opt to use additional flavoring to the filling, blend in now. Leave aside any toppings for now.
7. Divide filling evenly among the muffin tins. Tap a few times to release air bubbles. Add any toppings, then cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid, about 4-6 hours.
8. Once set, remove by loosening with a butter knife.
9. Serve frozen or thawed. You can store these cheesecakes in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks … not that they’ll last that long!

Notes

*Soak in warm water for 10 minutes if they’re not very sticky. Drain well and pat dry before using.
**To quick-soak cashews, pour boiling water over them and allow to soak for 1 hour uncovered. Drain well before using.

Christmas may have come and gone, but the New Year is on the way. Now's no time to power down! Whip up this incredibly tasty batch of pure goodness that's also oh-so-nourishing! It's all the snacky yumminess of rice crispy treats but with a modern twist, achieved by the delectable additions of peanut butter and our scrumptious Plant Protein. Launch into the New Year with newfound energy from Protein-Infused Crispies!

Ingredients

Coconut oil
4 cups brown or classic rice crisp cereal
½ cup all-natural peanut butter (or other nut butter), partially melted
½ cup brown rice syrup
2 scoops Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Grease a 9-inch by 9-inch pan with coconut oil or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together melted peanut butter, brown rice syrup, protein powder and vanilla until it forms a dough consistency.
3. Gradually add brown rice crisps to the peanut butter mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to gently fold the rice crisps into the mixture. Then, pour mixture into the pan.
4. Using a spatula, spread mixture out evenly and press into pan so the bars are compact.
5. Place into freezer for at least 30 minutes.
6. Before serving or storing, use a sharp knife to cut your treats into squares. Coat the knife with a thin layer of coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Substitution Tip

Brown rice syrup provides essential stickiness to the recipe’s texture. In a pinch, you can substitute a mix of honey and molasses at a ratio of 3:1.

This holiday season, try this sophisticated appetizer on for size! Not only is it sure to please hungry party-goers, it’s chocked full of nourishing goodness, too! What better way to shore up your joyful reserves and fuel your holiday spirits than with this unique recipe from our very own culinary specialist at Life’s Abundance!

As outlined, makes about 8 ounces of tapenade. Simply increase the fixings to serve larger crowds!

Ingredients

1 tsp. capers

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted

1/4 cup dried figs

1/4 cup flat leaf parsley

1 garlic clove

1/4 cup kohlrabi

1/4 cup blackberry preserves

1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Rinse both the capers and olives and air dry on a towel.

2. In a small bowl combine the blackberry preserves and Greens Blend. Mix well and set aside.

3. Roughly chop dried figs. Wash and dry parsley. Remove parsley leaves from stems. Remove paper skin from garlic clove.

4. Add garlic to the food processor and pulse for three seconds.

5. Prepare kohlrabi by removing ends and peeling. Roughly chop and add kohlrabi to the food processor. Pulse for five seconds.

6. Add capers, olives and figs to the food processor and pulse for five seconds. Add the blackberry preserves mixture to food processor and pulse for five seconds. Add parsley leaves, olive oil and lemon juice to the food processor and pulse for five seconds.

7. Scrape down any tapenade that is on the side of the food processor into the base and pulse until desired consistency.

8. Serve chilled.

Substitution Tip

A number of preserved fruits will work beautifully with this recipe. Try mixed berry, blueberry, currant or apricot preserves.

Fall is upon us. And what better way to celebrate the changing season than with the rich, creamy, nourishing delight of healthy cookies straight from the oven! 

We made this recipe here at our home office and it was a huge hit. They're buttery, nutty and oh-so-scrumptious! We used almond flour, but encourage you gourmands to try variations.

Be sure to share this fall-inspired recipe with friends and family!

This recipe yields approximately 12-15 cookies, so think about doubling ingredients for a bigger batch of home-cooked goodness!

INGREDIENTS:

3 scoops Life’s Abundance Plant Protein
1 c almond flour, quinoa flour or flour of choice
1/3 c chopped pecans
1/4 c honey
1-1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until a cookie-dough-like consistency forms. Add more milk by the tablespoon if needed.

3. Roll dough into small balls, place on prepared baking sheet and flatten into cookies.

4. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until edges start to turn golden.

We challenge you ... what's better than a warm, scrumptious berry muffin fresh from the oven? That's right, nothing!

Judging by the reaction this recipe got here at our home office, you might want to whip up a double batch of this delectable delight.

Be sure to share this fall-inspired recipe with friends and family!

This recipe yields approximately one dozen muffins.

INGREDIENTS:

½ c dried cranberries
1/3 c hot water
2 c all purpose, whole wheat or gluten-free baking flour
2 scoops Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
¾ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 c sugar, agave or liquid sweetener of choice
½ c plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/3 c freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
¼ c non-fat milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and lightly grease 12 standard-sized muffin cups.
2. Re-hydrate the dried cranberries by combining with hot water into to a heat-safe bowl or mug. Let the bowl sit while preparing the muffin batter.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Greens Blend and zest in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the sugar or other sweetener. Add the yogurt and mix until no large lumps remain. Stir in the orange juice. Alternate between adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, stirring until just incorporated. (For best results, add the flour mixture in 3 equal parts.) Drain the cranberries, and gently fold into the batter.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350°F for 17-20 minutes, or until barely golden brown and the centers feel fairly firm to the touch. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully turning out onto a wire rack.

Note: Fresh chopped cranberries may be substituted in place of the dried cranberries and water. 

Across the country, spiking heat indexes have everyone looking for ways to cool down. What better way to chill than with the robust nutrition of our latest premiere recipe!

Made with our signature Greens Blend, these bite-sized treats are sure to satisfy. Thanks to its delicious, yet subtle, berry flavor and silky smooth texture, our non-GMO blend of raw, certified-organic grasses and mushrooms delivers a robust burst of nutrients to these fun, summery delights.

This quick-and-easy recipe yields 24 scrumptious servings, so it’s ideal for impromptu social gatherings.

Ingredients

3/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup cashews
1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates
Zest of 1/2 orange
Juice of 1/2 orange (approx 1/3 cup)
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional alternate topping)

Instructions

Place the almonds and cashews into a blender or food processor and pulse to finely chop. Add the Greens Blend and pulse 2-3 times to combine. Add the dates, orange zest and juice, and blend until the mixture starts to clump together.

Transfer the dough to a bowl. Form small round balls by rolling the dough in your palms. If opting for a chocolaty topping, melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave on low power. One by one, roll the balls in coconut flakes to coat or drizzle melted chocolate over top.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for a month.

The perfect complement to any springtime table setting, it just doesn’t get any better than this sweet treat! Not only does it double as festive décor, it's also loaded with nutrition. Packed with protein from egg whites, a super-health boost from Life's Abundance Minerals & Antioxidants and minimal sugar, the crowd will come running for more.

This simple recipe yields about 45 cookies.

INGREDIENTS:

2 egg whites

2 scoops Minerals & Antioxidants (Cherry or Tropical Fruit Flavor)

1/2 C confectioner sugar

1/4 tsp lime zest

DIRECTIONS:

Place the oven rack in the top 1/3 of the oven and preheat to 350 (see overnight method) or 225 degrees (see alternate method). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 15 minutes). Slowly add sugar one tablespoon at a time and keep beating until stiff peaks form. Once all of the sugar has been incorporated, sprinkle Minerals & Antioxidants one scoop at a time and beat for another 2-3 minutes.

Spoon small dollops (about 1-inch round) onto the parchment paper. Or, you can pipe the batter onto the parchment using a pastry bag and 3/4-inch tip. Dust each cookie with a sprinkling of lime zest.

Overnight Method (325 degrees):  Once the cookies are in the oven close the door and turn the oven off. Do not open the door until morning.

Alternate Method (225 degrees):  Bake the cookies for 35 minutes and then turn the oven off, allowing the cookies to continue drying as the oven cools.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Enjoy!

Really, do we need to provide any explanation for the taste sensation of combining chocolate and peanut butter? Even vanilla lovers look to this yummy combo when they want to be a bit naughty.

Now we’ve turned this world-famous flavor into a healthy and satisfying shake that you can enjoy as often as you like!

So, go ahead and treat yourself to this super simple, incredibly delicious and oh so healthy temptation.

Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie

1 cup milk of choice
1 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
1/2 ripe frozen banana
1 scoop Life's Abundance Chocolate Plant Protein
5-10 ice cubes (fewer cubes for thickness)

Blend for 10-15 seconds and serve in your favorite glass. What could be easier!

With this crave-worthy recipe at your fingertips you’ll no longer worry about falling off the healthy eating band-wagon at snack time. Plus, you can spread your great inspiration by making an extra batch to share with friends and co-workers.

The best part is that because this isn’t a perfectly scientific recipe, it can be a clearinghouse for your pantry. Don’t have sunflower seeds or sun butter on hand? No problem, swap them out for chopped pumpkin seeds and that last 1/3 of a jar of nut butter lurking in the back corner. Or, put those pecans leftover from holiday baking to work in place of almonds, all in the name of good eating.

Even with this versatility, be sure to stick with the crystallized ginger (at least for your first batch) because it is undoubtedly the superstar of this recipe (less Kim Kardashian, more Dame Judi Dench).

Let us know how your batch turns out and if you made following these exact directions, or if you got creative!

Ginger-Vanilla Protein Bars

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
scant 1/2 cup Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
1 cup oats (gluten free optional)
1 cup corn flakes, pounded to large crumbs
1/2 cup raw almonds, finely chopped
1/3 cup sunflower seed butter
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped (approx. 3 oz whole pieces)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In saucepan over medium low heat, melt butter, whisk in maple syrup. Add milk and protein powder, whisk together until smooth. In large bowl, add oats, corn flakes, almonds, sunflower seeds and about 3/4 ginger pieces. Pour melted butter mixture over dry ingredients, mix together thoroughly. Add sun butter to mixture and mix well, kneading with hands if necessary. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment, foil or non-stick spray. Transfer mixture into pan; using a spatula or damp hands, press down firmly in even layer. Sprinkle shredded coconut and remaining ginger pieces, press down into bars. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.

Nothing says “the holidays are here” quite like a comforting cup of hot cocoa. One whiff of this rich, chocolaty recipe will fully engage your nostalgia reflexes, conjuring up happy days of yore. Even better, the following simple mix-stir-and-heat recipe features a healthy measure of Chocolate Protein Powder, our non-GMO, nutrient-rich blend of proteins from pea, chia, pumpkin, hemp and quinoa! What better way to shore up your joyful reserves and fuel your holiday shopping, planning and festive jubilations!

As outlined, makes a single serving. Simply increase the fixings to serve two, six or even a dozen!

10 oz milk of choice

1 scoop Life's Abundance Chocolate Protein Powder

1 tsp Maple syrup or sweetener substitute

1 tsp Cocoa powder (increase for extra ho-ho-ho)

Pinch of salt

Optional: Add a few drops of Peppermint extract, or 1/8-1/4 tsp Vanilla extract for an added zing.

Directions: Add all ingredients into a shaker bottle or a blender and mix well. Pour contents into a saucepan or microwave-safe container and gradually heat at medium temperature or power level. Pour the warmed contents into a festive mug and enjoy at your leisure.

If you’re up for enjoying the holiday spirit in a more literal way, consider any of the following flourishes to upgrade your cocoa to a cup of good cheer!

Merry-making combos:

Peppermint Schnapps + Kahlua, Tequila or Cinnamon

Frangelico + Brandy or Bourbon

Rum + Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Goldschläger

Bailey’s Irish Cream + Vodka or Whiskey

Be sure to leave your comments in the section below. If you think you can improve upon our recipe, let us know how you did it! Remember, it’s the season of giving, so please share your cocoa-making secrets with your fellow blog readers.

Happy Holidays, everyone!