{clean} Frozen {dairy-free} Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

I've been wanting to make these for some time now, but I just keep forgetting...until now! It was so simple and the good news (for me) is that I always have these ingredients on hand in my kitchen.  

{clean} Frozen {dairy-free} Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

Ingredients:

(adapted from spoonful.com)

• 3 bananas
• 1/3 cup creamy nut butter (I used Parkers Farm brand peanut butter from Costco)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate (I like dairy free Enjoy Life brand)
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (I highly recommend Barlean's brand)
• 6 wooden craft sticks

Directions:

1)  Mix nut butter and cinnamon together.

2)  Cut each banana in half and then slice each half lengthwise.
3)  On one side of each half, spread the nut butter mixture and press a stick flat onto it, about halfway up. 
4)  Add other half of the banana and press together. Freeze for about 45 minutes.
5)  In a small microwavable bowl, melt coconut oil and chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. (30 seconds at a time) With a spatula or table knife, spread a thin layer of the chocolate over the outside of the banana. (Mine was so runny that I poured the chocolate over each side with a spoon) Freeze for another five minutes, until the chocolate is frozen.
6)  Serve frozen. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three days.

NOTE: Make sure to use parchment paper or your banana pops will stick to the tray (or whatever you are using).  Feel free to add unsweetened coconut or chopped nuts to the outside.  Make them "super" pops by mixing in some ground flax with the butter. Or, if you love chia seeds and their crunch you can sprinkly chia seeds on the outside too! So many options with this recipe.

{clean} Chocolate Chia Pops

These are a big hit from kids to adults. They are simple to make and are packed with superfoods (Chia seeds and Cacao Nibs). Chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3's and high in antioxidants (much higher than flaxseeds even). They are also high in fiber and protein.  Cacoa Nibs are an excellent source of antioxidants as well.  They are also known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium. 

I will have these on hand often through the Spring - Fall months. 

{clean} Chocolate Chia Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or filtered water if you don't have almond milk on hand)
• 1 ripe banana
• 2-3 Tbps Chia seeds
• 1 1/2 Tbps Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (I use Ghirardelli brand often)
• 1-2 Tbps Cacao Nibs (optional)
• 2 Tbps honey (local is best)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Add all ingredients to a high speed blender (like the Vitamix) and blend on high until smooth.

2) Add to Popsicle molds.

3) Freeze overnight.

NOTE: The higher quality of these ingredients you go the better they will taste. I use my own homemade almond milk recipe. Sometimes with just almonds and filtered water (as in this case). 

Also, I use Barlean's Chocolate Powdered Greens for half the cocoa powder when I have it on hand to give them a boost of greens. 

Cilantro Pineapple Green Juice

I love green juices and this one is awesome with the mix of cilantro and pineapple. Give it a try.

Cilantro Pineapple Green Juice

• one bunch of Kale (approx 10 leaves)
• one large cucumber
• half of a pineapple (skin removed)
• one bunch of cilantro