Peppermint Mocha Roll Ups

Peppermint Mocha Roll Ups - A healthy and seasonal take on the classic fried cheesecake. Made with just FIVE ingredients that are rolled in the Christmas spirit! They are gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally low in sugar, and paleo-friendly (without candy cane!)

If you find seasonal drinks like Starbucks peppermint mocha or homemade hot cocoa with a peppermint stick intriguing during the holidays then look no further! 

I have found a way where you can relive these amazing childhood memories without the sugar crash or tummy woes! 

These roll ups are reminiscent of fried cheesecake sans refined sugar, traditional flour, rancid oils, and dairy - all with a seasonal twist! Made with only five natural ingredients, using avocado oil spray instead of deep frying, and using healthier sugar-laden swaps.

Now, these are peppermint mocha themed using peppermint extract, cacao powder, and instant coffee as the main ingredients but if you would like to switch out the flavor profile, feel free! For example, if you are caffeine sensitive, omit instant coffee. 

If you would like to see how these are made, head over to my IG reels

Click here

And if you are a major peppermint fan, here is my favorite recipe that will cure that fresh tooth ;)! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Peppermint Mocha Roll Ups - A healthy and seasonal take on the classic fried cheesecake. Made with just FIVE ingredients that are rolled in the Christmas spirit! They are gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally low in sugar, and paleo-friendly (without candy cane!)

Ingredients 

To make one roll up

• 1 cassava flour tortilla (or allergy/sensitivity tortilla of choice)

• 2 Tbsp Lactose-Free Plain Yogurt 

• 1 tsp pure maple syrup

• 1 tsp cacao powder

• ¼ tsp instant coffee

• A drop of organic peppermint extract

• Avocado oil spray

Cacao Sugar Mixture

• Cacao powder

• Organic Cane Sugar (or maple/coconut sugar if Paleo)

Toppings

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• Vegan white chocolate bar (omit if Paleo)

• Organic Candy cane (omit if Paleo)

• Fresh mint leaves

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, syrup, cacao powder, coffee, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. 

2. Place the filling mixture in the center of a tortilla and spread crosswise to form a long line of filling. For each roll-up, roll the side closest to you up over filling. 

3. In a skillet, heat avocado oil to medium-high heat. Place roll ups in hot oil and fry on one side for 30-60 seconds. Turn roll ups until all sides are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and immediately sprinkle with the cacao-sugar mixture. 

4. Set on a plate. Continue doing these steps if making more than one roll up. 

5. For toppings, heat dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave or on the stovetop until melted. Drizzle chocolate mixture over roll ups. If not paleo, add chopped white chocolate bark pieces and crushed candy cane. Garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately!

Notes

• Here are the ingredients I used for this recipe: Siete foods cassava flour tortilla, Chosen foods avocado oil spray, Siggi’s lactose-free plain yogurt, Flavororganics organic peppermint extract, Navitas organic cacao powder, Enjoy Life dark chocolate chips, Pascha organic vegan white chocolate bar, YumEarth organic candy cane
  

• Using these ingredients,  the nutrition facts for 1 roll up (sans toppings) is 128 calories (3g fat; 19g carb; 5g protein; 6g sugars). 

Superfood Dark Chocolate Bark

A healthy chocolate treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Any sweet tooth's out there?! Me, me, me!! My sweet tooth is bad, especially during the holidays. I’m all about balance and intuitive eating but when it comes to sweets, I have zero control! I work at a university so for the past two weeks there has been at least one sweet item in the break room. When my pants started to feel a little tighter than usual, I decided to put an end to it!

To satisfy my sweet tooth without feeling guilty, I created a superfood dark chocolate bark that is super easy to make and is loaded with all the good things, sans added sugar, dairy, and gluten.

The dark chocolate base is made with only 4 ingredients: dark chocolate, maca powder, quinoa, and MCT oil. Quality dark chocolate is quite nutritious as it contains high amounts of fiber, iron, magnesium, and copper. Not only is maca powder popular for increased energy levels and vitality, it provides a sweet “honeycomb” flavor to the chocolate.

Toasted quinoa provides a nutty crispy texture to your bark while providing high amounts of protein and fiber.

MCT oil is easily absorbed throughout the body providing your body an instant source of energy that can be converted into ketones to fuel your brain. I like using this brand: Sports Research

Not only is the base full of superfood ingredients, so are the toppings! I used a random mix of just about everything but you could use whatever you have in your pantry. For example, I used bee pollen, goji berries, cashews, cacao nibs, pepitas, and coconut flakes.

This bark is rather bitter but with a honeycomb undertone. If you prefer your bark a little sweeter, then gradually add 1 Tbsp of pure maple syrup or honey until desired sweet flavor. If you do not have MCT oil, you can use coconut oil instead. Coconut oil does not replace MCT oil as far as nutrition, it just provides an oily consistency that you need when melting the bark.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Ingredients

• 1 bag (10 oz) organic dark chocolate

• ½ cup quinoa

• 2 Tbsp MCT oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 tsp maca powder

Toppings

Cashews, almonds, pistachios, goji berries, cacao nibs, bee pollen, chia seeds, coconut flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spread quinoa in a single layer.

3. Toast quinoa in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly brown and toasted.

4. While the quinoa is in the oven, melt chocolate by placing the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and nuking the bowl in the microwave in 30 second increments.

5. When the chocolate is completely melted, add the toasted quinoa, MCT oil, and maca powder. Stir to combine.

6. Transfer chocolate mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Spread chocolate using the back of a spoon to spread it out into a rough rectangle.

7. Scatter toppings over the chocolate while it is still warm. Feel free to get creative!

8. Place baking sheet in the fridge for up to 1 hour or until the chocolate has set.

9. Use a sharp knife to chop the slab into rough pieces.

10. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

The Holiday Mule

A seasonal spin on the classic moscow mule.

I used to be a bartender for a catering company so I’m surprised that this is my first official adult bubbly post. But to be honest, I’m not much of a drinker. I would rather eat my calories than drink them if you know what I’m saying! When I do drink, it’s usually at social gatherings. So, with the holidays in full swing, here is my all-time favorite holiday drink!

Moscow mules are very simple to make. No need to make a fancy simple syrup or use various spirits, all you really need is:

Lime

Ginger beer

Vodka

Ice

To take your moscow mule to a seasonal level, you can add natural fruit juices like pomegranate, cherry, and cranberry. These fruits are great for your health and would be a great healthy addition to your beverage.  I’ve been loving the holiday mule with cherry juice as cherries are great for exercise recovery and muscle soreness. During the holiday season where there is a higher risk of cold and flu, cherry juice can strengthen your immune system.

If you are hosting a Christmas party, your guests can choose what fruit juice they prefer and you can simply combine all ingredients into your copper mug and stir -- no need for a cocktail shaker, although you may feel fancier using one! This cocktail is super easy and can be very festive with garnishes like pomegranate arils, frozen cranberries, rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and lime wedges.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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The Holiday Mule - A seasonal spin on the classic moscow mule. 

ingredients

• crushed ice

• 2 oz vodka

• 1/2 lime

• 1/3 cup fruit juice (pomegranate, cherry, or cranberry)

• 5 oz ginger beer

Garnishes

Pomegranate arils, frozen cranberries, rosemary spring, orange slices, and lime wedges

instructions

1. Fill your copper mug with crushed ice.

2. Measure 2 oz of vodka, and pour into mug.

3. Squeeze up to half of lime and ⅓ cup of preferred fruit juice into mug.

4. Top off with ginger beer until full and stir.

5. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy responsibly! ;)