by Micky Ellenbecker, Purchasing Assistant
A plant-based lifestyle focuses on plant foods being the primary source of nutrition, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. A plant-based diet is not necessarily vegan or vegetarian, but some may eliminate all animal products while others will choose to reduce their overall intake of animal products. But with any type of lifestyle, there needs to be wiggle room for indulgences, right? Like plant-based sweet treats! I personally love desserts of any sort and know ditching the sweets altogether is difficult, but having better options feels like a more sustainable approach than eliminating sweets altogether. I’ve included both simple recipes and premade options to liberate you (read: me) from the cookie jar.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse (4 servings)
2 avocados
1/2 c. chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark
3 Tbs. cocoa powder
1/4 c. milk, dairy or non-dairy
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Optional: 2-3 pitted dates and 2-3 Tbs. maple syrup
Optional toppings: whipped cream/coconut cream, berries and/or chopped nuts
Directions: Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or on the stove top over low heat and allow to cool. Cut the avocados in half and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add all other ingredients to the food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate (except the toppings) for 2 hours to achieve the mousse-like texture and add desired toppings at time of serving.
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Banana Sandwiches
2 ripe bananas
1/4 c. peanut butter, or other nut butter
3/4 to 1 1/4 c. chocolate chips
1 to 1 1/2 Tbs. coconut oil
Optional Toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles, freeze dried fruit, etc.
Directions: Cut the bananas into 1/4 inch slices, put a dollop of peanut butter in the middle and top with another banana slice. Place the mini sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer until frozen, about 45 min -1 hr. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave or on the stovetop at low heat (Use the full amount of chocolate and coconut oil if you want to cover the sandwiches completely. I prefer to dip one half to reduce the mess and prevent the chocolate from overpowering the other flavors). If you plan to add toppings, have them ready before you start dipping the banana sandwiches because the chocolate will harden quickly. Ideally, you’d have a second person to help; one to do the dipping and one to add the toppings. Once you’ve dipped the bananas, replace them on the parchment paper and return to the freezer for 30 minutes. Enjoy once frozen or save in an airtight container for later!
I’d recommend you seek out other simple homemade plant-based recipes as well, such as fruit crumbles, sautéed fruit ala mode, chocolate bark with dried fruit and nuts, sweet potato brownies, pumpkin cookies, lime avocado mousse, and banana nice cream. But if you don’t have time or interest in making your own plant-based treats, we’ve got you covered!
Bulk Treats
First, let’s circle through the bulk aisle for some tried and true offerings that are minimally processed. You can’t go wrong with Chocolate-Covered Nuts and Raisins, and they’ll round out a meal as well as offer some nutritional value. The same can be said for our Maple Glazed Walnuts and Candied Ginger as well.
Dried Fruit
This is definitely one of my standbys for a snack or rounding out a meal. Equal Exchange Dried Mangoes are my favorite because they are usually a bit softer and tend to have some tang to balance out the sweetness. I personally really enjoy the dried pineapple, prunes, and apricots as well. If you’re someone that likes chewy textured items, dried fruit is a great alternative to chewy candy.
Candied Nuts
While they are likely familiar options for many of our customers, it’s worth mentioning Nutkrack Candied Pecans and Treat Candied Nuts. These locally-prepared, lightly-sweetened, yet very satisfying snacks make it easy to grab a few here and there when you need a little something without overdoing it on the sugar. They do a great job of lightly glazing the nuts, which I’ve found more difficult to achieve when making them at home.
Barnana
Similar to the recipe I shared above, we offer Barnana’s Banana Bites, which are chewy banana pieces covered in peanut butter, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chocolate combo. Their products are certified organic and they use imperfect bananas that would otherwise be destined for the compost pile. These are a definite staff favorite that won’t disappoint!
Willy Street Co-op Baked Goods
Our very own Production Kitchen makes an assortment of baked goods, with a number of options that focus on plant-based ingredients. Some good options to keep an eye out for include Banana Bread, Zucchini Bread, and Vegan Pumpkin Bread. Mini Pies will be available soon as well, with an assortment of flavor offerings, such as Blueberry and Strawberry Rhubarb.