Chocolate Smoothie

A lovely chocolate smoothie with loads of good for you nutrients. In one cup 6.6g of protein, 4.9g of fiber, 150mg of calcium, and 2.8mg of iron. All for about 188 calories. (Data computed from USDA nutrient database, plus nutrition facts on my jar of powdered peanut butter.) Powdered peanut butter, the only slightly odd ingredient, can be found online or in some health food stores. I used PB2, a brand out of Georgia.

¼ c coco
4-6 T sugar
2c unsweetened coconut milk
1 carrot
1 ½ c fresh spinach (45 grams)
4 oz tofu
¼ c powdered peanut butter (4T)
1 frozen banana
Put everything in the blender and blend. For best results add the powders after the spinach, so they don't get stuck on the bottom. Makes about 4 cups.

Utah Brownies

These simple and inexpensive brownies are the perfect mix of fudge and cake. I named them after another brownie I used to make in Utah, but have never been able to make again (the altitude must have contributed to the texture).

1 c flour
1c sugar
1/3c coco powder
1/2tsp baking powder
1/4tsp salt
1/2c oil
1/2c water
1/2tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet. Place in greased 8x8 glass pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out only holding a crumb. Cook 15 minutes before cutting.

Hot chocolate

This version of the classic drink is richer and more intensely chocolate flavored than most others.
1T coco
2T granulated sugar
1c rice milk

Mix coco and sugar. Add rice milk and heat. Beat until slightly frothy. Serves one. Larger batches may be made in a saucepan on the stove, stir while heating.

Chocolate bunt cake

2c flour
1c coco
1c granulated sugar
1c brown sugar
1T baking powder
1t baking soda
1c oil
1c applesauce
1c hot water


preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and applesauce and mix well. Slowly add water and mix for 1-2 minutes. Bake in well greased bunt pan about 45 minutes or until done. 24 moderate servings.

Banana chocolate chip muffins

these muffins are an easy morning treat. Both the chocolate chips and nuts are optional, adjusts the amounts as desired. Use very ripe bananas, almost black, for the best flavor. I apologize for not having a photo, my family at them literally as they were coming out of the oven.
1 1/2c flour
1 1/2t baking powder
1/4t baking soda
3/4c sugar
2c mashed bananas
1/3c oil
3T water
dash cinnamon
dash allspice
2/3c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2c chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl with a fork. Add bananas, oil and water. Mix with fork until smooth and all ingredients are incorporated (batter will be slightly lumpy). Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Put in well greased muffin pan. Bake 15-20 minutes until lightly brown on top and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 12 standard size muffins.