Chocolate Collagen Nice Cream

Cake for one, in one minute! This personal-sized, mini mug-cake is a delicious way to treat yourself at the end of the day or to satisfy that mid-afternoon craving. Deliciously gooey chocolate flavour made with good-for-you collagen in a cup!

I have been using collagen powder in my coffee and smoothies for a long time now, and recently started incorporating it into my baking recipes. As a nutritionist and recipe developer, I love being able to create recipes that have healthy benefits, too. When I was brainstorming a recipe to whip up with the Chocolate Enhanced Collagen, I immediately thought of chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting! I mean, what a great way to kick up the flavour with some more chocolate (the more the merrier). The cupcakes, along with the batter, are super simple to make and they are so decadent! I made them gluten-free, dairy-free and used coconut sugar. You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I taste tested along the way because quality control is important!

Cherries. Chocolate. Almonds. Need I say more?!? In all honesty, though, these scrumptious little no-bake energy bites make a great quick snack, dessert, or breakfast-on-the-go. They are packed with fibre, protein, healthy fats, disease-fighting antioxidants, and my favourite energizing adaptogen, maca. Maca is a great superfood booster and its slightly earthy, butterscotch taste blends well with chocolate. In addition to providing extra vitamins and minerals, maca is recognized as a herbal "adaptogen". This means it helps the body to regulate cortisol levels and deal with stress. Maca may actually help to relieve anxiety while boosting mood, energy, concentration, and even libido. Cherry Chocolate Almond Bliss Balls EASY | SERVES 12 BALLS (More or less depending on the desired size!) Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds 1 scoop natural protein powder OR 1/4 cup shelled hemp seeds 1-2 servings collagen peptides (omit for vegan) 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder 2 Tbsp Organika Gelatinized Maca powder 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (10-12 dates) 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted 1 tsp pure vanilla extract A couple drops pure almond extract (optional) 1/2 cup diced dried cherries 1/4 cup raw cacao nibs Directions: Put almonds, protein powder or hemp seeds, collagen, cacao powder and maca into blender container. Blend until well-chopped. Add the dates, coconut oil, vanilla and almond extract. Blend until a uniform paste is created, scraping the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the dried cherries and cacao nibs and pulse several times to mix or until desired texture is achieved (we like the nibs to provide a bit of a crunch). Scrape mixture onto a plate or parchment paper. Roll into balls. Dust with cacao powder as desired. Enjoy as-is or store in an air-tight container in the fridge for a week, or the freezer for up to 2 months. Directions: Put all of the ingredients except toppings in a bowl or divide among single-serving mason jar(s) and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for a minimum of 6 hours). In the morning, stir, add toppings and enjoy! Cherry Almond Overnight Proats can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. By: Dr. Tara Sunshine (@drtarasunshine) Tara is an avid traveller, fitness enthusiast, and aspiring chef who endeavours to inspire others to experience the joy & richness of life.