Monday, July 14, 2014

Carob Cocoa Date Balls

This recipe is courtesy of my beautiful friend Shella Ella - check out these balls!

A tray of golf ball sized carob cocoa date balls, lined up in rows of alternating coats of flavors: coconut, cocoa powder.

 Ingredients:

 2 cups dates pitted and chopped 
1 cup shredded coconut 
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup carob powder 
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon vanilla
Pinch of cinnamon or other favorite spice
Optional: cashew pieces

Directions: 

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and mix together.
  2. Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until mixture is like a thick sticky blob.
  3.  Roll into small balls, and then roll into either cocoa powder or coconut or whatever you like.
  4. Put in freezer for 1 hour.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Platano - Berkeley, CA

Platano (ROTD 3/16/2014)

Go for the lunch specials and you will leave happy with a full belly and only $6 lighter. Outside of lunch time, the entrees are a little splurgier, but there are plenty of other options that will still get you out the door for under $10. Pupusas are $2.50 all the time, and the fried yucca are perfection.

Don't be shy with the tomato-ey sauce and vinegared cabbage on the table - it's the perfect complement to anything and everything on the menu!

I particularly love how satisfying the menu is for someone who needs both gluten AND lactose free options. I never feel like I'm missing out on anything at all!

The ambiance can be a little desolate at night, but just keep your head down and buried in the food (and hopefully good company?) and you'll be good to go.