On Valentine's Day, We Wear Red!

Hello Lovelies,

I know I know, the concept of 'valentine's day' is like marmite, you either love the day that it is, or you absolutely hate it. But let me just say something, which may be a bit controversial..but just hear me out. I am definitely the type of person who loves any day that focuses on romance and love. That's just the type of person I am. Now let me just say, you can't deny that there is no better feeling than seeing someone you truly care about, whether that is your mother, father, best friend, partner, sibling or even your dog (YOU DO YOU!) in awe of the affection and appreciation you have for them. To me, the day isn't about buying materialistic items and upping one another for who can purchase the most or who can buy the most expensive item. It is about just being there, doing something special with one another, we can all admit that with the stress and worries of daily life. Our awareness of the people we love can escape us, we focus so much on the things that are happening at that moment, those deadlines or stresses that hover over us. We tend to miss out on the special moments, we tend to focus on the short term and forget about the long-term effects of our choices. 

I mean, what is so bad about having one day dedicated to the meaning of 'love', 'appreciation', 'gratitude'. People focus so much on the idea that it is all about having a boyfriend and a girlfriend, and forget that all is it about is taking time out to be with that special someone or someones. I mean, how could you complain about having a day dedicated to rom-com movies, cooking your favourite dinner and chilling with a cup of tea and a few valentine's themed chocolates? I don't think that could ever be a terrible day. But, of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. if it's not a day for you, then what harm. We all just got to remember, no good comes from a negative attitude, and as much as we may feel frustrated or uninterested, the more negative energy you put out into the world, the more you get back. 

My day started with a few hours in university, of course, I then went to brunch at my favourite brunch spot here in Cork. The Liberty Grill has and will always be my favourite spot for breakfast. That night we had a Mexican Fiesta. it's my families favourite meal to cook together and it was amazing to all be together and sit down and just relax. That night, given the day it was, full of Valentine's themed sweet treats and chocolates. I mean, who am I to deny a few heart shaped caramel filled chocolates and Valentine's themed doughnuts? Thank you to Sticky Fingers in Cork City for the amazing doughnut fix.

Believe it or not, I found it pretty hard to think of an outfit which incorporated some red. Red is not a colour I wear often. I tend to stick to navy and blacks. I know they say red is a great colour for redheads, do they say that? I'm sure that's a thing people say, maybe not. My full outfit is Primark. Totally affordable.

Grey Cigarette Trousers / Primark (Missguided Similar)

Red Bodysuit / Primark

Black Tights / Primark

Brown Chelsea Boots / Primark (H&M Similar)

Hope you all enjoy this outfit post and my own opinion toward the concept of Valentine's day. Until next time my dears.

Love Rouxella x

City Discovery #2: Simonds Park Boston

Hello Beauties,

A new year means new travels, another edition of the new cities adventures. To end my 2017 adventures and start 2018, there is no other place id rather be than in the beautiful city of Boston. 

I am lucky enough to have friends in Boston that I came to visit while on university break. And let me tell you something, Boston this time of year, is absolutely freezing. But with each new day comes new places to visit and new cafes and food spots to discover.

Before new years we visited this snow-covered local park, what was amazing was the kids sledding down the snow mounds on their own sleds. To an Irish person, that’s something we don’t see very often. Especially when we don’t get snow very often, and when we do, it's not snow, its just pure slush. 

Everywhere you look is snow upon snow, it's magical, no matter where you take a picture, there is always something beautiful being captured. Everywhere you look it's a great backdrop.

Block Tench Coat: Primark

 Jumper with Ruffled Neck: Primark

Denim Skirt: Primark

Cashmere Scarf: Dublin Clothing Stall

Cashmere Gloves: Dublin Clothing Stall

I hope you all enjoy this 'wintery' inspired cool toned fashion look, I enjoyed taking these photo's as it feels great being back in the states for a little vacation. Which city is next?

Love Rouxella x

Positivity, Food and Bringing People Together!

It was a long awaited journey which I have been planning to go on since the beginning of last year when I first started following this energetic and positive 'Pear' of guys. The Happy Pear are twins, Dave and Steve from the beautiful Greystones town in Wicklow. They spent a long amount of time travelling the world but not together, separately. Discovering new and different cultures, and of course new foods. Dave and Steve eat a plant based diet and their branding and family shop has grown above and beyond their own expectations. The one thing that captivates me most about 'The Happy Pear' is their values and how much emphasis they put on their family and friends. In today's world, it's not very often that you come across individuals who are as genuine and loving towards everyone that they meet.

The Happy Pears vision for making the world a healthier and happier place has sprouted through their own positive attitude towards not only wholesome and plant based foods but also towards life itself and how lucky we all are to be alive and healthy. Through my own ways of living as healthy and happy as I can, their motto really captivates me. I try to live each day, if not second of my life with a positive and happy attitude to not only keep my own mind healthy and happy but to also make sure I am exuding that positive attitude onto others. They are a part of Jamie Oliver's Foodtube network while also setting up their own Happy Heart Course.

From being a little follower of their social media channels to following their daily snapchats, I made it my mission to go to their cafe and really get my hands on their delicious food which I see every day on either their Instagram or Snapchat. I have created and re-created many of their recipes from both their YouTube channel and their book but to have the chance to go to their cafe and taste the true Happy Pear dishes was just something else.

It is well known that food can bring people together, but it's not just the food that brings us together, it is their attitude towards life. They genuinely care about the people(including me) that support and are followers of their journey from a small fruit and vegetable shop to a No.1 cookbook best-seller. The smile on my face as I watch their daily snapchats is something else, it's almost like I am a child on Christmas morning. So you could only imagine the expression on my face as I travelled to 'The Happy Pear' cafe in Greystones. It was a long time coming, but damn was it worth it. We arrived at the cafe just before lunch time so it was the most perfect and ideal time as we beat the long lines of people who line up daily for their delicious food.

The atmosphere and environment which surrounds the cafe is uplifting, it's all 'go-go-go' and everyone is just smiling and laughing and truly having the giggles with one another. The biggest struggle or issue I had was trying to decide what I wanted to order. There was an array of delicious food, and I wanted to taste it all. My mother and I got two different plates so we could try a few different dishes that they had(very tactical I know). I got a plate full of the different salad options that they had were serving that day. I just asked for everything. I had never tried any of the salad options they had so I was excited to taste it all. My mother got the quinoa and black bean burger which was just phenomenal and definitely had the 'more-ish' taste to it.

The food was so filling and absolutely delicious, everything was so fresh and there is no better feeling than eating wholesome foods which just fills your body with the micronutrients our bodies need and crave. Food's that I wouldn't usually have such as beetroot, chickpeas and hummus were the options I tried and since then, I have introduced them into my daily dishes but of course I can't make them taste just as wonderful as 'The Happy Pear' Chefs do. What was most surprising was how full my mother and I felt all day, we couldn't get over how much it filled us up. These dishes kept us so satisfied throughout the whole day. They were definitely those meals that you just didn't want to end.

For dessert, we just had to buy not just one dessert or a slice of their delicious cake, but we just had to buy a whole loaf of their banana cake/bread. And oh sweet baby Jesus, it was delicious. It was gone in minutes and when we returned back to Cork the following day we were on the hunt for the ingredients of the cake so we could make it ourselves and devour it again and again. It was just so moist and it just melted in your mouth, paired with a perfectly brewed 'Latte' it was the perfect 'pear-ing'. Oh, the puns! We replicated the banana bread/cake as best we could but again, there is just no way you could truly make it taste as good as the real thing. This bread is a staple in our household now, every week see's a new banana bread. And I ain't complaining.

I was in awe, walking around the cafe and looking at all the vegetables and different fruits they have available,. I absolutely love discovering new wholesome and nutritious foods and finding out new information about different superfoods etc. And 'The Happy Pear' cafe just encapsulates the wholesome, delicious and plant-based food motto.

So I hope ye enjoyed this little foodie adventure, I know I did.

 Let's hope there is another 'Happy Pear' adventure coming soon.

Love Rouxella x

The Bomber Edit: Grease Lightening Vibes.

If you follow my other forms of social media such as Snapchat(@RouxellaBeauty) and Instagram then ye know that I recently took a trip away to the beautiful city of Dublin before returning back to my hectic schedule of lectures and continuous project work. Dublin is our favourite place to go when we feel ourselves needing a bit of TLC and a few nights away from everyday life and before any stressful events are about to come our way. We know our way around Dublin and we have a few key spots which we make our mission to visit every time we are up there. It’s great to know your way around Dublin while also finding new gems in which then become our favourite spots to visit. There is always such a buzz and upbeat atmosphere in Dublin, while also being quite relaxed as your worries regarding everyday tasks seem to drift away for that short time that you are up there. Before going on a trip I like to have some bit of a plan, this may be due to my love of organising events and activities but also to ensure that we get the most out of our trip away. Dublin is the perfect blogger location for its landscape, historical buildings, beautiful architecture and also the dynamic and modern locations such as Camden street and also around the RDS.

No matter what area you are in, there is always something unique and different which serve as the perfect backdrop for those daily outfit photographs.On day two we took a trip to Greystones in Wicklow, which is just outside Dublin. And of course, this was because we just wanted to visit ‘The Happy Pear Cafe’. We took some great scenic photographs and I also set up a little photoshoot in a park in the centre of Greystones. It was just beautiful and made the perfect location. I mean, if you don't take a picture, it didn't happen, right?

It was the most beautiful day in Greystones, as we were travelling on the dart it was almost like travelling along the coast of Greece. The sun was shining on the clear blue sea and the cliffs were sculpted to perfection. When planning a trip away, especially in Ireland, you just never know what you’re going to get weather wise. Therefore, being able to wear this midi skirt was the cherry on the cake.

Dusty Pink Bomber // ONLY. Black and White Stripe High-Neck Bodysuit // Primark (Similar).
Black Mesh Midi Skirt // Awear. White Pleated Socks // Primark (Similar).
White Brogues // Primark. I hope you enjoyed this summery outfit post, as you can see I am trying to keep those summer vibes before winter truly starts to settle in.

Love Rouxella x

Black Forest Gateau Protein Pancakes

Since posting my first pancake recipe I have been on a constant rotation of creating new and exciting pancake recipes with various ingredients and also using different cooking techniques. I can safely say once you start making these protein pancakes you may not be able to stop, seriously. You can see my original recipe post for my ‘Peaches and Cream Protein Pancakes’ also on the blog.

If you follow my Instagram or Facebook then you would know that I recently went blackberry picking with my mother, just doing this brought back all those childhood memories of foresting for fruit out in the countryside and having to go on my father's shoulders as I was too little to pick the best ones that were always high up. This childhood memory made me think of waking up to the smell of freshly made pancakes. Therefore, I just had to make a healthy alternative to the usual pancake recipe which includes eggs, flour and milk.

The base pancake recipe is the exact same as my previous recipe but with different protein powder flavour and toppings. This recipe has been tried and tested many times and definitely works differently depending on the type of protein powder you are using. If you are using a high quality protein powder then they should work out perfectly. Again, this recipe only requires 3 main ingredients with your additional toppings. Due to the ingredients of these pancakes they are also low carb. As you start adding additional toppings the carb content will increase and vary. These pancakes are a great source of protein and perfect for anyone who wants a mix up from your usual morning omelette or protein packed breakfast.

Egg whites contain the majority of the eggs protein content, the egg white is fat-free and contains around 4 grams of protein, 2.3 mg of calcium for our strong bones and teeth and also 53.8 mg of potassium which is said to be necessary for general organ functioning especially the kidneys and the liver. Due to a high amount of individuals lacking the necessary amount of potassium, this may result in high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease or stroke. Greek Yoghurt is a staple for me in my everyday meals. Greek Yoghurt contains a higher amount of protein than milk and is vital for muscle growth and healthier skin and nails. Greek Yoghurt is also packed full of probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which are said to boost the immune system and help with digestion, a lot of individuals especially in Ireland struggle with digestion. Therefore, consuming more high probiotic and fibrous foods are vital and increasing these foods in your daily meals will make your belly happy and healthy. Chia seeds are packed full of protein and fibre. In just 2/3 teaspoons they contain over 10g of fibre and a whopping 5g of protein. Per gram of chia seeds contains 6 times more calcium than that in milk, an outstanding 8 times more Omega-3 than salmon and a mind blowing 15 times more magnesium than broccoli. Berries are said to keep you mentally sharp with a less decrease in mentally ability with two servings daily while also being associated with reducing the risk of heart disease due to increasing the level of HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing blood pressure. Fruit also contains a high amount of fibre which we need to have a healthy and productive digestive system.

Ingredients

MyProtein Impact Whey Protein( Chocolate Smooth).

3 Egg Whites(O’Egg).
1 teaspoon Baking Powder.
Splash of Water.
Toppings

Glenisk Organic Probiotic Greek Yogurt.
MyProtein Casein(Chocolate).
Adli Whole Chia Seeds.
Walden Farms International Caramel Syrup.

Method

1. In a blender add 3 egg whites and whizz these up to get the egg whites as fluffy and expanded as possible.
2. Once the egg whites have doubled in size I add half of the protein powder. Give it a little mix, then add the second half of protein powder and mix again.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and mix till it is all incorporated. I will only add a splash of water if necessary.
4. The pancake mixture should be a thick and smooth batter consistency. I let this mixture sit while heating up a frying pan.
5. Spray pan with frylight or use coconut oil. Pour mixture into pan, cover frying pan with a saucepan lid and flip after 2 minutes when bubbles begin to form on top.
6. Once pancakes are made let the stacking begin. Between each pancake I use the Glenisk Greek yoghurt.
7. When the pancakes are stacked, I top with chocolate casein sauce (1-2tbsp casein, splash water and walden farms caramel syrup) followed by the black forest fruit and sauce( 1-2 tbsp of boiling water with a handful of black forest fruit and chia seeds).

I hope this post gives you some motivation to not only make some protein pancakes,
but to also go blackberry picking with your loved ones,

Love Rouxella x

Inglot "What a Spice!" Collection is INTENSE.

Photo Credit: Inglot Cosmetics Website

If you are an avid user of social media like myself then you would have seen that news broke out regarding Inglot Cosmetics new autumn collection ‘What a Spice!’. This was definitely an unexpected release for both myself and Inglot Ireland as there wasn't any buildup or marketing here in Ireland.Having said that, for a collection that had little to no marketing or build up in terms of social media and press releases, the response was as big as ever. Just goes to show how having a big following and an outstanding employer brand goes a long way. It’s safe to say this is my favourite Inglot collection to date. The collection includes 10 new Matte Eyeshadows, 10 new Lipstick Matte and also 5 new Colour Play Lipliners. The shades in this collection are a true representative of those autumnal shades that we love, from browns to oranges to reds and even greys. These rich, powerful and fierce shades are inspired by the spices of the world including turmeric, chili and cinnamon. Inglot have truly spoilt us in more ways than one. They have released various shades in three of their existing product ranges; Freedom System Eye Shadow Matte, Lipstick Matte and Colour Play Eyeliner.

FREEDOM SYSTEM EYE SHADOW MATTE
Containing special silicones and treated pigments to give the intense pigmentation and silky texture that Inglots existing eyeshadows are known for while also promising to be long lasting and crease resistant. As you can tell from the title all the shades in this collection are fully matte, this is due to the eyeshadows oil free formula. I am delighted to hear that they will be sold separately and not just in their usual palette form. This allows us to pick and choose the shades that tickles our fancy without having to commit to particular shades that we might not use. Although saying that, I could definitely see myself using 8/10 of these shades if not all.

Photo Credit: Inglot Cosmetics Website

LIPSTICK MATTE
If you haven't copped it yet, Inglot are giving us all the mattes this season. And this makes me a very happy bunny. You may ask why I prefer a matte over a satin finish? Easy answer, the formula will last longer. Therefore you get more bang for your buck and you don’t spend your day reapplying your lipstick over and over again. However, there is a common error when it comes to matte finish lipsticks, we must ask ourselves when is a matte lipstick ‘too matte’. And by ‘too matte’ I mean the lipstick formula is very dry and tugs on the lips when applying, thus making any dry skin on the lips very apparent. The Inglot lipsticks however contain Vitamin E, macadamia oil and also avocado oil to prevent this, leaving the lips feeling moisturised and nourished. The formula is said to be long lasting, with the ideal matte finish which glides on the lips with ease and no tugging, leaving you with an even and opaque finish.

Photo Credit: Inglot Cosmetics Website

COLOUR PLAY LIPLINER
Now being honest I dont purchased a lot of lip liners as I haven't found one that has truly stood out to me as an everyday staple. Having said that,I haven't researched or even looked into what lip liners are the most raved about. But I have definitely heard great and only positive comments on the longevity and pigmentation of Inglots lip liners. Especially the nude shades as they work almost like a primer/base for your lipstick, no matter what the shade. Having quite full and plump lips means that I don't need much defining when it comes to prepping for my lipstick. Lip liners are used primarily for defining the shape of your lips, therefore, making the application of your lipstick easier. The Inglot lip liners come in an array of shades and the pigmentation and payoff of these lip liners is vibrant and most definitely opaque. One of my pet peeves when it comes to lip liners has to be the constant sharpening after every use, Inglot lip liners have a built- in-sharpener and a windup-retractable feature making this tedious task a thing of the past.

Photo Credit: Inglot Cosmetics Website

P.S Here is the Inglot ‘What a Spice’ collection video.

Video Credit: Inglot Cosmetics Youtube

I hope you enjoyed this post and are as excited as I am to get my hands on most shades in the collection. Inglot are such a high quality yet affordable brand, how could we not treat ourselves even just a little bit, I mean, we deserve it right?  Definitely let me know if you are planning on purchasing any products from the collection!

Love Rouxella x

Peaches and Cream Chocolate Protein Pancakes

Now I know what you’re thinking. Cream? Pancakes? Wait what, Chelsea this can’t be, how is cream and pancakes healthy? Are you a wizard? Well in the kitchen I guess I am. Being the recipe finder and creator that I am, I have trial and tested various protein pancake recipes in order to find the perfect recipe which I can share with ye. I am always reluctant at first when I see recipes online which seem too good to be true, but I was a very happy lady when I tasted these delicious and protein packed pancakes.

Pancakes are definitely something which I crave as a breakfast or brunch, but as we all know, most pancake recipes are full of flour, butter and all those ingredients which make them fluffy and I’m not going to lie..absolutely delicious. Because of this, it means we can’t enjoy them as often as we’d like to. But of course, here I am to share with you this low carb protein pancake recipe which has been my go to breakfast on days which I have time to relax and dance around the kitchen as I wait for them to cook.

I make small/medium sized pancakes which yields around 10-12 pancakes, of course you can make larger ones as well but I love making a big stack which ends up looking like the 'leaning tower of pancakes'. My favourite part of pancakes has to be pairing them with delicious toppings which makes them the ultimate breakfast. If you follow me on snapchat then you know how much I love the whole process of the ‘pancake stacking’.

For these protein packed pancakes, the protein comes from the egg whites and protein powder. It’s up to your own personal preference what protein powder you would like to use, whether it be impact whey protein like I use or a vegan blend. It all depends on your own preference and intolerances. I am continuously using the MyProtein brand protein supplements as I feel they are the best on the market for such an affordable price. MyProtein are the number 1 nutrition brand in Europe and are now expanding into the US. They are well known all over social media and have continuously made improvements to their existing products while also launching new products. They use the finest quality ingredients and offer supplements to suit everyone’s goals and needs.

But enough of all that, let’s talk benefits and toppings.

Egg whites contain the majority of the eggs protein content, the egg white is fat-free and contains around 4grams of protein, 2.3 mg of calcium for our strong bones and teeth and also 53.8 mg of potassium which is said to be necessary for general organ functioning especially the kidneys and the liver. Due to a high amount of individuals lacking the necessary amount of potassium, this may result in high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease or stroke. Greek Yoghurt is a staple for me in my everyday meals. Greek Yoghurt contains a higher amount of protein than milk and is vital for muscle growth and healthier skin and nails. Greek Yoghurt is also packed full of probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which are said to boost the immune system and help with digestion, a lot of individuals especially in Ireland struggle with digestion. Therefore, consuming more high probiotic and fibrous foods are vital and increasing these foods in your daily meals will make your belly happy and healthy. Chia seeds are packed full of protein and fibre. In just 2/3 teaspoons they contain over 10g of fibre and a whopping 5g of protein. Per gram of chia seeds contains 6 times more calcium than that in milk, an outstanding 8 times more Omega-3 than salmon and a mind blowing 15 times more magnesium than broccoli. Peaches of course are a great source of micronutrients which are full of vitamins and minerals. Adding fruit to your meals is great for increasing your consumption of potassium and fibre and it is also an easy way to get your 5 a day.

Ingredients

Pancakes:

I ½ scoop Impact Whey Protein Powder

3 O’Egg egg whites

100ml water

1 teaspoon baking powder(Aldi)

Toppings:

Glenisk 0% Fat High Protein Greek Yoghurt

Chia Bia Chia Seeds

1-2tbsp MyProtein Chocolate Casein

Walden Farms Caramel Syrup

Peaches(Aldi)

Method

1. In a blender I add 3 egg whites and whizz these up to get the egg whites as fluffy and expanded as possible.
2. Once the egg whites have doubled in size I add 100 ml water, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and half the protein powder. Give it a little mix, then add the second half of protein powder and mix again until it is all incorporated and smooth.
3. The pancake mixture should be a thick and smooth batter consistency. I let this mixture sit while heating up a frying pan.
4. Spray pan with frylight or use coconut oil. Pour mixture into pan, cover frying pan with a saucepan lid and flip after 2 minutes when bubbles begin to form on top.
5. Once pancakes are made let the stacking begin. Between each pancake I use Greek yoghurt.
6. When pancakes are stacked, I top with chocolate casein sauce (1-2tbsp casein, splash water and walden farms caramel syrup).
7. To finish I topped the pancakes with chia seeds, Walden Farms caramel syrup and those delicious chopped up peaches.

Hope your mornings are filled with happiness and pancakes,

Love Rouxella x

Absolute Jewellery: It's All About Meaning and Signifigance.

After receiving this beautiful piece of jewellery from my mother after she visited Dublin with my family to celebrate her birthday I just knew I had to show this on my blog. I received this as a token for beginning my new and exciting journey of being an intern for the first time. I did not hear of this brand previous and I have no idea how, I must have been living under a rock. Especially because of the fact that Rozanna Purcell is the face of the jewellery line and if you know anything about me you know that I absolutely love everything about Roz.

A little bit about the brand themselves, Azara Jewellery was established by Arlene Nee in 1997 and is the wholesaler for not only silver but also costume jewellery located here in Ireland. Its main brand is ‘Absolute Jewellery’ and is also designed by the talented Arlene. As you can tell from her beautiful jewellery pieces and her very classic and elegant collections, Arlene has an eye for detail and her passion for creating jewellery shines through every unique piece. Since creating the Absolute Jewellery brand Arlene has begun working with designers internationally to bring her collections to her consumers at an affordable price.

Absolutely Jewellery is available throughout Ireland, the range consists of bracelets, necklaces,earrings and even rings. Absolute Jewellery is currently being stocked in over 200 retailers all over Ireland. To check your nearest stockist all you need to do is visit the Absolutely Jewellery website. It is also available from the Kilkenny Shop.

‘The Life Collection’ is available in both Rose Gold and Silver and also in a variety of symbolic meanings. Each bracelet is unique and there is one for every occasion, whether it is to celebrate a new journey, a new beginning or a birthday. These bracelets represent a variety of symbols and meanings and are the perfect present for either yourself or for a special someone. They can be worn alone or stacked on top of each other, either way they look luxurious and elegant.

The bracelet I received is the ‘Tree of Life’, it has a rose gold band with various charms. One being the tree of life symbol which represents ‘connecting all things in the heavens and the earth’, the Tree of Life has a special meaning to both my mother and myself, a light purple jewel symbolising purpose and fulfilment, a rose gold charm with the word ‘HOPE’, a diamante studded horseshoe and of course the brand logo. This is such a precious bracelet and I love pairing it with both dressy and casual outfits.However, I definitely wear it more on special occasions as it is so elegant and it means so much to me.

It is great to receive a piece of jewellery which is not only beautiful but has a special meaning behind it. Buying jewellery for someone is not the easiest, everyone’s preference to jewellery is different. Therefore, having a jewellery brand that provide a range which has a variety of meanings and significance which can relate to a person’s life or a special occasion makes the usual ‘jewellery buying process’ a diddle daddle. 

Hope you enjoyed this post, I would highly recommend visiting the website,

Treat someone special,

Love Rouxella x

Healthy and Indulgent Peanut Butter Cups

Since discovering the Nuts 'n More powdered peanut butter I have used it in literally everything. From smoothies, yoghurt bowls, oats to even healthy desserts. This stuff is amazing, while being a total peanut butter addict it’s great to have a switch up from the regular peanut butter consistency and play around with it in terms of adding it to a variety of recipes. This recipe by far has got to be one of my favourites. To tell you all the truth, I wasn't a fan of peanut butter as a child, I wasn’t overly obsessed with it like I am now.

We all love a naughty Reese’s peanut butter cup. For anyone that loves peanut butter just as much as me then they know how addictive these peanut butter cups can be. Especially now that a variety of Reese's peanut butter products are now available in Ireland, it’s almost like I have to try them all, that if I don’t I won’t get the true Reese’s peanut butter experience. But what If I told you that you didn't have to go out and buy Reese’s peanut butter cups in order to get your peanut butter chocolate fix, that here is a healthier peanut butter cup that you could make yourself which is just as nutty and delicious?

Well here I am again, to grant your wish and make all your peanut butter dreams come through. Here are some healthy peanut butter cups to stop any cravings plus they are not as naughty as your typical peanut butter cup. While I do love my Reese’s peanut butter cups and bars etc. They are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients. So why not get a bit creative in the kitchen and create your own peanut butter cups? What I love most about creating these recipes, especially when I am making a healthy alternative to our naughty cravings is that you can add in whatever you like and make it your own.

This recipe only requires 4 main ingredients with whatever toppings you may like to add. This recipe is rich and indulgent without being full of sugar and unhealthy processed fats. The marcos for this recipe will be shown below, I created this nutritional macro table using MyFitnessPal. It’s a great tool to use to find out the nutritional information on recipes you create or any products you may come across.

Cacao powder comes from the cacao bean which are roasted and ground. Cacao contains over forty times the amount of antioxidants you find in blueberries. Cacao is full of antioxidant compounds with many health benefits such as being a rich antioxidant. Cacao contain flavonoids which is a chemical that promotes general bodily health and is said to lower the risk of various diseases such as cancer. It is also said to be great for your cardiovascular health, with its high magnesium content it will be sure to contribute to a healthy heart. Cacao is said to be a natural mood booster, containing chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, anandamide and phenylethylamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters which are said to be linked to those happy and positive feelings. Nuts as we all know are great sources of healthy fats. Nuts are full of omega 3’s which contribute to healthy skin and nails and also brain function while also containing a high amount of fibre, fibre is an essential part of our daily consumption in order to have a healthy functioning digestive system. Nuts are also packed full of protein so they are a great addition to your daily meals.

Ingredients

2 tbsp Iswari Cacao Powder

2 tbsp Vita Coco Coconut Oil

2 tbsp Nuts 'n More Powdered Peanut Butter

2 tbsp Walden Farms Caramel Syrup (Or Agave)

Water

Method

1.     Start by prepping the 4 ingredients listed above along with the cupcake cases in a cupcake tray.

2.     Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to a saucepan. When the coconut oil has melted, add in 1 tablespoon of cacao powder. I also added 1 tablespoon of Walden farms caramel

syrup to this mix to sweeten it.

3.     When the mixture is smooth with no lumps, take it off the heat and pour 1-2 teaspoons into the bottom of each cupcake case.

4.     Pop these into the fridge or freezer to set. While in the fridge/freezer mix 2 tablespoons of Nuts' n More powdered peanut butter with water (add water gradually until you get a thick yet loose mixture).

5.     After 20 minutes in freezer or 1 hour in fridge take them out. Add 1 teaspoon of peanut butter mixture on top of hardened chocolate.

6.     Melt up 1 tablespoon of cacao powder, coconut oil and caramel syrup mixture again and add another 1-2 teaspoons on top of peanut butter mixture (Add any additional toppings) and put back in the fridge/freezer to set. I left these for 1 hour in the freezer to set properly.

Hope you enjoyed this sweet treat recipe,
 these are a rich and indulgent cup of healthy goodness.

Love Rouxella x