"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." - Ernestine Ulmer

Hi, I'm Jennifer Trecartin and I'm a chocoholic.

Yes, it's true: a holistic nutritionist and a chocolate addict all wrapped into one and I am not afraid to show it. Luckily, I have figured out a way to feel guilt-free when I discovered the magic of raw chocolate. Raw chocolate is a whole world apart from the cooked chocolates you find in candy bars, cakes and cookies. It is also known as Therobroma Cacao, which literally means "Food of the Gods".



Chocolate Cream Pie

This is the creamiest, richest, AND healthiest pie I have yet to create. There are over 25,200 antioxidants in every spoonful of raw cacao powder so you don't have to feel guilty when asking for seconds!

Crust:

1 cup almonds
1 cup pecans OR walnuts
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted (approximately 10) OR 1 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon OR 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom and 1/4 tsp ginger powder

Place the nuts and spices in a food processor fitted with the "s" blade and process until finely ground. Add the dates and process until well combined. Press the mixture into a deep 9 inch pie plate evenly along the bottom and sides. Once you have sculpted the crust, chill it in the fridge of freezer to set while you make the I've-died-and-gone-to-heaven chocolate cream filling.

Filling:

2 avocados, pitted and diced
1 banana, peeled and sliced
18 Medjool dates, pitted
2 tsp of real vanilla extract OR powder
1/2 cup cacao powder

Place the filling in the pie crust and use the back side of your spoon or a spatula to spread it around and to make it look pretty. Put it in the freezer to set for about an hour. While you wait, give me a call and I will be over to enjoy a slice ASAP!

Hugs and chocolate,
Jennifer xo

Cookie Heaven

These protein rich cookies are a dream! You will most likely have all of the ingredients on hand and they take about 20 mins to make from start to finish. Bonus points- they are free of gluten, eggs, and dairy and still taste like a real cookie! I think the Cookie Monster will even approve of these little morsels.

Ingredients:
(makes 8 cookies)

1 cup ground nuts (I used almonds today, but pecans and walnuts also work well.)

½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp allspice
**Use any or all of the spices listed as you see fit. I am the kind of girl that does a sprinkle of this and a dash of that. Let me know if you come up with any great combinations!**

¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract or a ½ tsp of real vanilla powder

Method:

Mix dry the ground nuts and spices together in a bowl. Add the maple syrup and vanilla and stir until everything is well combined. Drop in teaspoons on a baking sheet. Bake at 300’ for 12-15 minutes. Be sure to let the cookies cool before attempting to move them or they will just crumble and fall apart.

Also, for my dear friends with nut allergies: I have tried these using sunflower and pumpkin seeds instead and they were equally as tasty. Hooray! Life is good.

Enjoy, and don't worry about feeling too guilty if you end up eating the whole batch!

Health and happiness,
Jennifer xo

Recommended Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications to Support Our Immune Systems

• Frequent hand washing at work and at home (warm water with soap works best.) 15 seconds at the very least, please!
• Sneeze into your forearm or tissue – NOT into your hands, I beg of you!
• Minimize foods that weaken your immune system defenses such as: refined foods, white flour and sugar products.
• Focus on whole, fresh foods such as: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and lentils, whole grain flour and natural sweeteners like local honey, yacon syrup, agave and green leaf stevia.
• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas. Target ½ your body weight in ounces (i.e. 180 pound
person would drink 90 ounces, or 3 liters per day.) NOTE: Unfortunately, for all of you coffee lovers our there coffee, caffeinated beverages and pop do not count as part of the daily quota.
• Exercise. Mild to moderate exercise 3 – 5 days a week will strengthen your immune system.
• Stay at home if you have flu symptoms such as chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation.

Have a healthy and happy day!