Mocha Fudge Balls (GF)

These  were adapted from this recipe .

These are a smooth texture with a mocha fudge flavor !!!!

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut   
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
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2 cups dates blended with 1/3 cup instant coffee and 1/2 - 3/4 cup water or coffee (depending on how dry the dates are)

Directions:

Blend dates, instant coffee and water until smooth.

Mix everything together in a bowl until well combined.  

Shape into balls.  Store in freezer. 

I store these in the freezer to keep them firmer, but I actually prefer the taste of them at room temperature.  So I usually take a couple out of the freezer and leave them sitting out until they are room temperature.

Black Bean Spinach Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Enchilada Ingredients: 

• 1 16-oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed
• 2 cups sweet potato, mashed
• 1 Tbsp minced jar garlic
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Enchilada Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.

Place 1 and 1/2 cups of the sauce in the bottom on a baking dish.  Take 1 tortilla and spread a line of the mixture in the center.  Roll up and place the "opened"' side up in the baking dish.  Repeat, placing them next to each other in the baking dish.  

Pour the rest of the sauce over the rolled tortillas.  

Bake 10 mins at 350 degrees.

Enchilada Sauce Ingredients: 

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 4 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
• 1 can tomato paste
• 2 dates, chopped
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 and 1/2 cups water or veggie broth

Enchilada Sauce Directions: 
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and mix with a whisk.  Bring to a boil and stir over medium heat until thickened.

Contribution From Freelance Writer Jess on Vegan Friendly Candles

Choosing Vegan Candles For Ethical And Health Reasons

There are currently no laws requiring candle makers to list their ingredients, let alone having to state if their product is vegan, so it’s always best to assume that it isn’t as there are so many things that can go into a candle that aren’t vegan-friendly or cruelty-free. Finding vegan candles can be easy enough though, such as online where you can support independent and local businesses. Not only will your candle be vegan, but it will also be ethical, toxic-free, and sustainable.

Choosing the best wax option

Candles have long been made using beeswax or paraffin wax, with paraffin still being commonly used. Obviously, beeswax isn’t vegan, but paraffin should also be avoided for a number of reasons. Paraffin is derived from petroleum, causing it to produce a dark soot when it burns that can stain anything the candle is near, but more worryingly, breathing it in over a long period of time is linked to respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, and certain cancers. Choosing a candle that is made from soy wax is a vegan option that has proven not to release any pollutants that paraffin does, as well as being a sustainable and renewable source. Needless to say, a soy candle is a better option health-wise, and it also burns slower, so your candle will last longer.

Paraffin is vegan and you only use candles occasionally

Perhaps you think that picking a paraffin wax candle is the best option for you because it will be easier to find, cheaper, and you don’t burn candles very often so the health problems are less likely to affect you. While paraffin is a vegan product it’s too soft to make a good candle so most of them will have up to 10% stearic acid added to them to harden the wax. Stearic acid comes from animal fat, although a coconut-based option is available. However, most manufacturers will opt for the cheaper slaughterhouse byproduct.

Dyes and scents

Just because a candle is made from soy wax doesn’t mean that manufacturers haven’t used animal products or byproducts to dye or scent the final product. Soy wax is naturally a pale cream colour, so if a candle is any other colour then it’s been dyed. Certain dyes can be toxic, so check that a company is using natural, safe, and vegan-friendly dyes. When it comes to scents, soy candles will hold it better and release it for a longer burn time due to the wax burning slower. Choose candles made with scents from essential oils. This way you know it’s completely natural and you can have aromatherapy benefits too. It’s worth noting that most companies making soy wax candles do so for ethical reasons so are unlikely to add anything that isn’t vegan, but it’s always best to check before purchasing.

Choosing a vegan soy wax candle will not only benefit the animals, but it’s also better for your health and you get a product that is superior, ethical, biodegradable and sustainable.