desserts in jars: choco-coco cream

this twisted treat is decadently sweet, smooth and super creamy. add some peppermint and goji berries for a festive delight!

the chocolate cream is made with avocado and honestly, you'd never know. non raw-foodies have tried it and loved it. let's not forget, avocado is a superfood! (one that's getting mighty pricey, have you noticed?)

there i am in the spoon=)

the coconut cream is made of cashews and young coconut meat. the addition of vanilla bean makes it taste like vanilla mousse. mmm, vanilla is my favorite.  

the recipes call for raw cacao (though any cocoa powder would do) and coconut butter or coconut oil. more and more are using coconut oil (for more than just cooking, wink wink).

non-gmo soy lecithin in this recipe is optional as a thickening agent. those who like to work with irish moss gel may use that, but neither are neccesary for this dessert. you may also sub vanilla extract for the vanilla bean. i've posted the recipes before but here they are again.

coconut cream

(adapted from sweet gratitude's coconut meringue)

3/4 C coconut milk*

2/3 C coconut meat from one young coconut

2/3 C cashews, soaked about 2 hours

2 T agave

1/2 a vanilla bean (scraped insides only)

1 tsp lemon juice

1/8 tsp salt

blend all in a high speed blender until smooth and creamy, then add:

1 T non-gmo soy lecithin

2 T coconut oil or coconut butter

resume blending until fully incorporated. set in fridge until firm. 

*coconut milk can be made by mixing one part fresh or dried coconut with three parts water.

***

chocolate cream

adapted from heathy's chocolate nutless creme

one large ripe avocado

1/4 C agave

2 T water

1/2 a vanilla bean (scraped insides only)

pinch salt

1 T coconut oil, melted

5 heaping T cacao powder

in a high speed blender, blend first five ingredients well. add remaining ingredients, and continue to blend until smooth. chill for a few hours before serving. 

***

today i'll be making more gifts in jars. it just makes sense when you've got over 100 mason jars lying around!

gifts in jars: homemade tea bags

these gift jars were inspired by a make your own tea-bag tutorial found at a beautiful mess. i made mine a little different and only had to spend five dollars (for the tea bags) to make all six jars!

this project would not have been possible without my wonderful friend, missy. despite being almost eight months pregnant, she sat for hours and sewed fifty tea bags for me without a complaint. she was also taking breaks to go upstairs and fix dinner. whatta mama!=)

missy also provided me fabric scraps for the lids. she makes the sweetest pillow case dresses and i love her choice of floral fabric. the green and turquoise is a vintage scrap my friend carol gave me. (you may recall i used a piece for a three little birds wing).

there are plenty of organic loose leaf tea jars in my pantry to share. the mint and dandelion came from my garden/backyard. the rest i purchase from bulk bins at the local health food store. i swear by herbal teas, especially since discovering plantain tea for my interstitial cystitis flare-ups.

what makes me most happy about these gifts is that they're not only functional and decorative, but so healing! each jar has a mix of:

chamomile tea: a relaxing, soothing tea. helps with sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, migraines, skin conditions, and stomach issues such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. topically it reduces dark circles under the eyes.

green tea powder: super-rich in antioxidants that combat all types of cancer, bacterial or viral infections and cardiovascular disease. studies suggest that drinking green tea lowers risk of death due to all causes.

nettles: packed with vitamins (especially iron), nettles tea treats a slew of ailments such as anemia, arthritis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary issues, asthma, and many more.

dandelion: aids digestion and detoxification of the liver. full of other benefits you can read here.

spearmint: a great-tasting tea that also aids digestion and helps to reduce flatulence. thwppp.=)

fyi - the mason jar lids were hot glue-gunned with circles of felt and fabric scraps. if you have any questions on how i made these gift jars, just ask - i'm happy to help!

handmade gift ideas

this adorable rainbow sorting game is great for toddler's motor skills.

reading blocks - the perfect phonetic tool for beginning readers!

more cute wooden toys from a super responsive seller. 

make your own tea bags with this tutorial from a beautiful mess 

(i'll be working on mine today.=)

a peek into my kitchen

 squash seeds, peach pits, "butters", herbs and olive oil

 baby and mama cactus

 thrifted picture frame with niece alaina

 view from the sink

 african violet

the fridge and bamboo on a shelf

(did anyone notice butters has the same eyes and smile as his late cousin edgar?=)