strawberries

Imagine a bowl of gorgeous blackberries and raspberries swirling around in the beautiful hue of a golden sunset accented with specs of life giving green.
From the Dianne's Delectables Kitchen...

"Let me take you down, cause I'm going to, Strawberry Fields. Nothing is real..."Well folks, I have created a delicious smoothie tribute to The Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever." Strawberries are such a beautiful symbol for all things fresh, abundant, and inspiring. I love to use local strawberries when in season, and they would be a welcomed addition to this recipe when made in the summer months.

These Sweetheart Vanilla Macaroons dipped in Dark Chocolate are the perfect raw vegan Valentine’s Day treat. This dessert uses antioxidant-rich superfoods such as raw cacao and lucuma powder, and is quick and easy to prepare. The combination of dark chocolate with the vanilla and caramel undertones of the coconut macaroon cookie base will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Strawberries. Chocolate. Macaroons. Vanilla = a perfect Valentine’s Day!

With Valentines Day only a week away, I thought it would be appropriate to make my favorite, Dark Chocolate Strawberries. These delicious little devils took a total of 5 minutes to mix and dip. The dark chocolate sauce has the most intoxicating rich chocolate flavor. So make, eat and love!

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Strawberries and Raw Chocolate Mousse

Yields 4 desserts

For the Mousse
3 organic bananas (not too ripe but not green)
5 tbsp raw chocolate powder- cacao powder
1/2 large or 1 whole small avocado
tbsp coconut water (for consistency if required, may substitute filtered water)
1/4 tsp alcohol free vanilla
2-5 drops liquid stevia( or powdered- depends on how ripe bananas are but don’t over do-
Method
Place all ingredients in a good blender and blend on low and gradually build speed to mix into a nice creamy pudding consistency. Scrape down sides of blender to incorporate all ingredients. Add coconut water if needed so as to incorporate all. Slightly riper bananas are easily combined vs under ripe that will require additional liquid and may produce a stiffer mixture. Be aware that a powerful blender will warm this mixture if you have to blend it a lot to combine thus it may require refrigerating for your preference.

For the Cashew Cream
1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp filtered (alkaline) water (add the +2 tbsp only if needed)
5 drops liquid stevia (or to taste but don’t over do this)
Method
Place all ingredients in powerful blender or food process and blend until fine and creamy scraping down sides to combine well. This mixture may be spooned on the berries or drizzled from a squeeze bottle.

For the Berries
1 pint of fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
5 stevia leaves minced
liquid stevia drops (only if berries require a wee bit of sweetening)
Method
Combine above ingredients and let stand for 10 minutes.

Presentation
Divide pudding into 4 dishes, top with berries and a dollop of cashew cream. Enjoy!