Erin Stanczyk | eat.move.rest.

grain-free

Better For You Brownies: Easy, Vegan & Flourless!

Eat, RecipesErin Stanczyk6 Comments

Use Happy Planet OatMilk To Better Your Baking & The Planet

Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

Classic Taste, Better Ingredients

Dusty is always begging me to make brownies, so I finally took the plunge. We were fresh outta oats and other flours that I would typically use, so instead, I just got crafty and made ‘em flourless! I was so pleasantly surprised with just how fluffy, chocolatey, and sweet these brownies turned out, with just the right amount of crispness on the edges! Can I get an amen for the brownie corner pieces?!

Not only are these brownies gluten-free, they’re also sweetened with dates, making them refined sugar-free! The smooth and creamy texture of my favorite, Happy Planet Oatmilk, really helps to add fluff and flavor to these puppies, and the nut butter and flax seed adds a dose of healthy fat!

Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

A Little Bit Happier

I want to give a quick shoutout and a big thank you to Happy Planet for sponsoring this post and for fueling us with the best-tasting plant milk out there! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, then you know Dusty, Max and I were recently in New York City working on a project with Happy Planet. I definitely believe that plant milk is the only milk we should be drinking for optimal health, and oatmilk just tastes SO MUCH BETTER than the competitors out there.

We’ve tried so many plant-based milks and Happy Planet Oatmilk is simply the best. They have a storefinder on their website that will help you find it in your area!

Some of the many benefits of Happy Planet Oatmilk:

  • GMO-verified

  • Contains 3g of fiber per serving

  • Free of dairy, soy, canola oil, glyphosate, carrageenan, and gluten

  • Uses 7x less water and 10x less land than dairy or almond milk, and all it requires is sunshine and rainwater to grow!

Here’s a sneak peak at our commercial shoot that we got to work on with the Happy Planet team in NYC! Give it a Thumbs Up and be sure to share it with anyone who might be asking which plant milk is best!

Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com
Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

Try This!

Leave out the baking soda in the recipe and you can use this chocolatey goodness as a spread on toast, as a dip for fruit, or, if you’re like me, eat it by the spoonful!

Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

An Ode To Oats

Oats contain a significant amount of fiber, and a very important type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan. Studies show that beta-glucan can be effective at reducing cholesterol, boosting heart health, improving blood sugar, controlling diabetes, preventing cancer, lowering blood pressure, and bolstering the immune system! That’s a lot! One of our favorite plant-powered doctors, Dr. Caldwell B Esselstyn even recommends eating oats on the daily! I say, make your oats with some oatmilk for double the benefit!

Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com
Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

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Better For You Brownies

Life is good when every bite’s an corner piece…

If you love the crisp, chewiness of a brownie corner piece, then you’re gonna love these chocolatey bite-size gems! Rich, smooth, and creamy Happy Planet Oatmilk helps to bring out the flavor and fluffiness in these brownies, while “nature’s candy,” the date, sweetens them to perfection. Add a generous dollop of nut butter, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo!

vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free, flourless, & delicious!

prep: 15min // bake: 15min // servings: 16

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ingredients:

  • 8 pitted medjool dates

  • 1/4 cup Happy Planet Oatmilk

  • 1/2 cup cashew butter

  • 5 tbsp cacao powder

  • 1 tbsp flax seed, ground

  • 2 tsp vanilla bean powder (or extract)

  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar (trust me!)

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • pinch of salt

steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.

  2. Place pitted dates in food processor along with Happy Planet Oatmilk and process until date “paste” is formed. A ball may form and that is fine, too.

  3. Add cacao powder, cashew butter, ground flax seed, vanilla bean powder, balsamic vinegar, baking soda, and pinch of salt, and continue to process until smooth, chocolatey consistency is achieved.

  4. Spoon brownie batter into mini cupcake trays, making sure not to add too much, because they do rise quite a bit. If not using a silicone tray, you may want to consider coating it lightly with coconut oil to avoid sticking.

  5. Place in oven for 12-15 minutes, removing when the tops rise and are solid and appear dry.

  6. Remove from oven and let sit for about 20 min before removing from trays. Enjoy!

notes:

  • Try mixing in mini vegan chocolate chips or nuts!

  • You can make these brownie bites nut-free by using a different butter, like sunflower butter. Beware that it will alter the taste, though!

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Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com
Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com
Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

Plant Milk For Kiddos

To be clear, plant milk should never be used as a replacement for breast milk or formula. I am still breastfeeding Max, who is now 16 months old, and breastmilk supplies him with the nutrients that his body needs. That being said, when feeding him solid meals, he often doesn’t enjoy drinking just plain water—and that’s where Happy Planet Oatmilk comes in! Getting a baby or toddler to drink something hydrating that’s also nutritious, ultimately boils down to taste. Oatmilk is Max’s favorite!

Vegan Flourless Brownie Bites | Erin Stanczyk | EatMoveRest.com

Layered Vanilla Overnight Oats + Chocolate Chia Pudding

Healthy & Homemade

Theres something rewarding about making healthy treats from scratch, especially when your sweet treats can be shared and enjoyed with others. Perhaps make someone a treat this Mother’s Day!

If for no other reason, studies actually show that culinary therapy can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even feelings of depression!

I’ve been making and baking up a storm in the kitchen, and some of my favorite recipes taste great with oatmilk incorporated into them. Try a few of my favorites!

Designed For Your Lifestyle,

Erin

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest.

Vegan Grawnola: Easy Raw (or Baked) Granola

Eat, Recipes, Food + NutritionErin Stanczyk4 Comments

Travel Trouble

I am the world's worst packer. I typically wait until the very last minute to dig the suitcase out of storage and gather my countless outfits and unnecessary "necessities."  Before you know it, it looks like a tornado came through the bedroom. Enter: Dusty. This is usually the point when he's ready for bed because we've got an early flight to catch and I still haven't figured out how many pairs of underwear to pack for a 3-day trip! He's already had his bags packed for at least 3 days, and serves as the voice of reason for all of my silly "what-ifs." It actually works out kind of great, because he tells me exactly what compliments me best, and I throw it in the suitcase...But wait! Step back. There's an "optimal way to pack your carry-on to maximize space!" The hubs seriously has it all figured our when it comes to travel, and I really love him for it!

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

Gone Fishin'

A few weeks ago, Dusty was getting geared up for the annual guys' fishing trip in Canada. Like, hop on a tiny float-plane and land in the middle of nowhere, sleep in cabins, poop in the woods, eat, drink, and fish all day, every day kind of fishing trip. But where's Whole Foods?! I kid. I really actually love the great outdoors, but I was pumped for my week at home, hanging poolside with Mom and getting some much-needed girl time. I was feeling like the hubs had it all under control and didn't need my help, but I wanted to do something to prove that I too was capable of being a grown-up/good spouse in helping him prepare this time. 

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

Roughin' it

All of a sudden it dawned on him, what am I gonna eat for 11+ hours in a car with your dad and uncles and grandpa? Let me put it in a nutshell for you: These guys don't mess around--McDonalds or starve. If you have to pee, hold it. Let's just say there aren't a whole lot of fantastic options along the way, let alone in backwoods Canada where there's no civilization for miles. Trail mix and granola immediately entered my mind. Instead of going and buying a big expensive bag full of roasted, toasted, sugar-and-salted junk, though, I decided to make my own whole foods version that could help get Dusty through the week without starving or coming home feeling awful.

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

Anytime Anywhere

Breakfast, afternoon snack, hiking trail mix, road trip, long flight, you name it, granola is one of the easiest and tastiest foods to bring with you anywhere. First, the bad news: most granola contains far too much sodium, refined sugar, and gluten, due to the use of oats. Now, the good news: you can make this completely raw, (or baked) version, using buckwheat instead of oats, date paste as an all-natural sweetener, and a few spices that will give your munchies plenty of flavor without the added sodium!

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA
Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

Buckwheat Basics

Contrary to what the name might suggest, buckwheat is not actually part of the wheat family, nor is it a whole grain--it's actually a seed! Buckwheat is wheat-free, gluten-free, and it's packed full of protein and fiber. These seeds, also called 'groats' deliver a satisfyingly crispy crunch, raw or baked.

Buckwheat can help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels and may also aid in preventing diabetes. It contains a handful of disease-fighting antioxidants, nourishing vitamins and minerals, and its nutrients are much easier for the body to digest than that of gluten-containing grains.

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

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Vegan Grawnola: Easy Raw (or Baked) Granola

gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, oil-free, low sodium

Start your morning with it, throw it in a duffel and pitch a tent, sneak it into the movies, this trusty granola is always by your side, and makes the perfect on-the-go companion. My all-natural, whole-food plant-based version is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied, with plenty of protein thanks to the crunchy buckwheat groats. It's held together by an ooey, gooey, sweet date paste, with an added bit of healthy fat from almond butter. Coconut shreds, cinnamon, maca, and vanilla add the perfectly classic flavor to the mix, with an added dose of antioxidants and nutrients that other granolas just can't match! Check out all of the amazing health benefits of maca on my Top 10 Superfood Favorites blog post!

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

ingredients:

  • 10 dates, pitted
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter (salt-free, oil-free)
  • splash of water
  • 1 cup raw buckwheat groats
  • 3/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 tablespoon maca powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

method:

raw version

  1. Blend pitted dates, nut butter, and splash of water in mini processor or blender until smooth and thick
  2. Place buckwheat, coconut, cinnamon, maca, and vanilla in bowl and mix thoroughly
  3. Add date sauce and mix with hands
  4. Crumble granola onto parchment or wax paper and place in freezer for a couple of hours
  5. Store leftovers in container in freezer 

baked version

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Crumble granola onto parchment paper and place in oven for 15-20 minutes
  3. Toss and mix granola once or twice half-way through, keeping a close eye to achieve crispy but not burnt granola

Notes

  • Allow to sit on stovetop to cool and harden for 15 minutes before eating

Options

  • Place in mason jar in refrigerator or freezer for a grab-and-go snack
  • Crumble on top of cereal, oatmeal, “nice” cream, or a smoothie bowl for a crunchy twist!
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Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA

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Banana Bonus!

You might be wondering what type of "milk" my grawnola is floating in. It's actually just blended up bananas, dates, vanilla bean, and water...also known as Banana Milk!

Quick & Easy Grawnola Cereal w/ Banana Milk

Simply add one ripe, speckled banana, 2 pitted dates, a teaspoon of vanilla bean powder (or a tiny bit of vanilla extract), and a cup of water into a blender and there you have it! You can even chill it in the refrigerator overnight if you like! Then, pour into a bowl and sprinkle your freshly-made grawnola on top!

Erin Stanczyk | Lifestyle Design | eat.move.rest. | VEGAN GRAWNOLA: EASY RAW (OR BAKED) GRANOLA
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On-The-Go

Part of the fun of traveling is getting out of your element and trying new things--including new foods! But when the options aren't all that great, or there are no options (like in a cabin in the woods in Canada), healthy, homemade granola makes the perfect travel snack. Some other favorites of mine are dates, dried mango, dried goji berries, and dried white mulberries. These options are all calorie-dense and satiating, yet clean, whole-food options that won't quickly spoil or hold you up at airport security. Check them all out on Amazon if you're not familiar!

Join The Club!

Until next time, stay tuned for the August issue of my In The Raw newsletter, coming very soon! Be sure to visit the EatMoveRest shop and get your #EatMoveRest tank, tee, and sweat! Email subscribers get a 10% discount, so be sure to sign-up at the bottom of the site! 

Designed For Your Lifestyle,

Erin 

Erin Stanczyk