Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Allergy Free Wednesdays Week 80: August 14, 2013

Hello and welcome to Allergy-Free Wednesdays (AFW).
  AFW is a weekly blog hop where folks can share their allergy-free cuisine, gain knowledge about allergy-related topics/issues, and connect with others living or caring for someone with food allergies.

This is a weekly blog hop hosted by myself and six other fabulous allergy-free bloggers.  Your weekly submissions will be shared on all 7 blogs!  Check back each week for reader favorites and recipe highlights.  

Before linking up – PLEASE click HERE to review rules, guidelines, and legal information.  Thank you!  
_________________________________
Featured Recipes & Highlights

Each week AFW features the most most popular recipe from the previous week, and the six AFW hostesses will highlight their favorites.  Please note that your submission must contain a link back to our Allergy-Free Wednesday’s Blog Hop in order to be featured.  

So without further ado…

May I present you with the most popular submission (most viewed by readers):

Why I Gave Up Peanut Butter
From:  Real Food Forager 

And here are my favorite recipes/posts from last week:

Testing Essential Oils – It Is Reliable?
From: Whole New Mom

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
(gluten free, vegan, extra moist)
From: Tessa The Domestic Diva 

Cauliflower Rice
From: Gluten Free, SCD, and Veggie 

 *

Thanks for visiting Allergy-Free Wednesdays!
And thanks for being awesome and reading through our guidelines before linking up!
_________________________________

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Posted by Amber at 3:57 am

Labels: Allergy-Free Wednesdays.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Coconut Mango Spinach Smoothie (dairy free)

Need a kid-approved green smoothie?  Join me today over at Green Thickies as I share a new green smoothie recipe with you…sure to please children and adults alike!

Click HERE for the recipe.  
________________________________________
Shared on: Fat Tuesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesday, Raw Foods Thursdays , Wellness Weekend ,Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays
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Posted by Amber at 4:11 pm

Labels: guest post, smoothie, summer treats.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Zughetti with Mushroom Fennel Pasta Sauce (SCD/GAPS/Paleo)

I was surprised by the interest in this recipe I posted on FB last week.  I figure zucchini pasta is such old news by now as I’ve been making my sun dried tomato and artichoke heart zucchini pasta for about a year and a half (and freaking LOVE it).  Also check out my raw pesto sauce with zucchini and carrot noodles.  Well, turning squash into noodles may be a standard in our house, but it’s not common for everyone.  Anyway, it’s a good reminder that everybody is on a different journey and at different points on their journey.  This recipe is near and dear to my heart.  The meat sauce is based on my Gramie’s pasta sauce recipe.  I love making it because the smells bring me right back into her kitchen.  As you might know from reading my blog, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up and lived with them for many years of my life (in childhood and as a teenager).  And I was exposed to my Gramie’s deep, devout love for food and her passionate cooking and baking (everything was from scratch).  I made a few adjustments from the original pasta sauce recipe, but it’s still wonderful and lovely and if she were still alive today, I have no doubt she would gobble this up…and laugh hysterically at these funky little non-pasta noodles.
 Zughetti with Mushroom Fennel Pasta Sauce 
  
Ingredients:
-3 to 4 pounds of zucchini (I do 3 1/2 lbs)
Sauce

-2 1/4 cups homemade marinara sauce or THIS is my favorite store brand (it’s in a glass jar, organic, and salt free)

-2 pounds ground turkey 
-1/2 cup chopped onion
-1 chopped fennel bulb (1 1/4 cup)
-2 cups chopped mushrooms
-1/4 cup coconut vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
-1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or sub: honey, maple syrup)
-2 tablespoons coconut oil + 2 tablespoons coconut oil 
-1 teaspoons salt + 1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon 
-2 teaspoons garlic granules 
-1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and basil (both optional) 
How To:
Sauce
1.  In a large skillet add 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, onions, and fennel and saute 5 minutes on medium heat.  Add in the mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt and saute for 3 minutes. 
2.  Move the onion mixture to the sides of the pan, add the two final tablespoons of coconut oil to the middle of the pan and then add the ground turkey in the middle, chopping it up, browning, and incorporating it with the onion mixture.  
3.  After the meat and onion mixture are well combined and the meat is starting to brown, add in the garlic granules and the final teaspoon of salt.  
4.  Now add in the marinara sauce, the vinegar, and coconut sugar.  Mix everything together, turn down to low, and cover for 20 minutes.
5.  Turn off heat, remove the cover and add in the fresh chopped basil and additional dried spices (optional).
Pasta
1.  Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil 
2.  While the water is coming to a boil, peel and trim edges off zucchini. Make sure the cuts are straight to work best in the spiralizer.  
3.  Create the zucchini noodles.  I love this gadget or this peeler works too.
4.  Place noodles in the boiling water for 4 minutes (I love the texture at this cook time).
5.  Drain into a colander and allow the water to drain off for 5 or 10 minutes or so (you could also rid excess water by spinning in a salad spinner).  
6. Plate the zucchini noodles (zughetti) and top with the sauce and fresh basil (or parsley). 
Serves 4 to 5

Notes:
*Try THIS recipe for a nightshade free marinara sauce 
*Vegetarian?  Simply skip the meat and double all the veggies.  I would also add in 2 cups chopped carrots and 1 cup chopped celery.
Fabulous zucchini noodles! 
Boil
Drain
Shared on: Fat Tuesdays, Allergy-Free Wednesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays
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Posted by Amber at 3:35 am

Labels: allergy-friendly, GAPS, main dish, Paleo, SCD.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Diva Stuff Giveaway Winner Announcement

Marylin Monroe Quote
Congratulations to Manda.  Random.org generated her entry number (#43) as the winning number for this giveaway.  Thank you for participating.  You have 24 hours to respond to the email we sent out and claim your prize.  Thank you.


Here is Manda’s comment:

I am a fan on FB!
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Posted by Amber at 2:58 pm

Labels: giveaways.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

All Natural Homemade Facial Toner Recipes

Facial toner may not be a part of your beauty regimen.  But I have to say, it’s an important part of mine.  I use facial toner at night before bed and after my morning shower.  I use different toner recipes for different skin issues.  For example, my Tea Tree Tingle comes in really handy for those monthly breakouts.  The Witch Hazel with Rose Oil is great for chapped and lightly burned skin, an excellent anti-inflammatory, and also used to reduce the appearance of pores.  The Apple Cinder Vinegar toner is excellent for returning an even pH balance to the skin (also great for breakouts).  The tea-based recipes shared below are great for everyday and all skin types.  I don’t have complicated skin…it’s pretty average – if anything it runs slightly dry which is why I include vegetable glycerine in all my facial toners.  It’s such a great moisturizer, and I usually don’t need to apply additional moisturizer after I use toner with the added glycerine (but I do always add moisturizer under and around my eyes).  I’ve been using my latest lotion as facial moisturizer for wrinkle prone areas and it has markedly reduced fine lines on my face.  I’m feeling pretty great about my facial routine these days.  I wanted to share these all-natural recipes that are so easy to make at home!  Remember that healthy living is not only about what you put on the inside, but also what you put on the outside.  Make it a safe, natural choice! 
All Natural Homemade Facial Toners 

Tea Tree Tingle Facial Toner 
-1/2 cup filtered water
-2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine 
-15 drops pure tea tree oil

Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Rose Oil
-1/4 cup alcohol free witch hazel 
-1/4 cup filtered water 
-10 drop pure rose oil

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Toner with Sweet Orange Oil 
-1/4 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar 
-1/3 cup filtered water 
-8 drops orange oil (or oil of choice, the oil is optional and used mostly for scent)

Tea-Based Facial Toner Recipes 
(from The Tasty Alternative) 

Green Tea Facial Toner
-6 ounces fresh brewed room temperature green tea 
(2 T loose green tea leaves + 6 oz water, steep & strain)
-2 tablespoons alcohol free witch hazel 
-2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine

Chamomile Lemon Facial Toner
-6 ounces fresh brewed room temperature chamomile tea
(2 T loose dried chamomile flowers + 6 oz boiling water, steep & strain) 
-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice 
-2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine 

Fresh Mint Facial Toner 
-6 ounces fresh brewed room temperature mint tea
(2 T loose dried or fresh mint leaves + 6 oz water, steep & strain)
-2 tablespoons alcohol free witch hazel 
-2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine 

Notes:
*Benefits of: Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, Vegetable Glycerin, ACV
*Always shake toner before using.
*Personally, I would refrigerate the tea-based toners and use within 4 to 5 days.
*The other toners can be left at room temperature for weeks (a bottle lasts me 10 days to 2 weeks).
*If you have very sensitive skin, decrease acid based recipes to 1 tablespoon of lemon and dilute the ACV to a 1:3 ratio. 

Here are my other favorite homemade recipes:

Lotions 

Other 

_______________________________________________
Shared on: Wellness Weekend, Whole Food Fridays, Healthy Vegan Fridays
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Posted by Amber at 7:40 pm

Labels: homemade gifts, homemade remedies.

Allergy-Free Wednesdays Week 79: August 7, 2013

Hello and welcome to Allergy-Free Wednesdays (AFW).
  AFW is a weekly blog hop where folks can share their allergy-free cuisine, gain knowledge about allergy-related topics/issues, and connect with others living or caring for someone with food allergies.

This is a weekly blog hop hosted by myself and six other fabulous allergy-free bloggers.  Your weekly submissions will be shared on all 7 blogs!  Check back each week for reader favorites and recipe highlights.  

Before linking up – PLEASE click HERE to review rules, guidelines, and legal information.  Thank you!  
_________________________________
Featured Recipes & Highlights

Each week AFW features the most most popular recipe from the previous week, and the six AFW hostesses will highlight their favorites.  Please note that your submission must contain a link back to our Allergy-Free Wednesday’s Blog Hop in order to be featured.  Click HERE for last week’s entries and the appropriate back link.  

So without further ado…

May I present you with the most popular submission (most viewed by readers):

Grab and Go Oatmeal Bars
From:  Allergy-Free Alaska 

And here are my favorite recipes/posts from last week:

Why You Should Refuse Fluoride Treatments for Your Children
From: Real Food Forager

Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Snacks
 (Dairy Free & Paleo)
From: Laura’s Gluten Free Pantry

Sugar Free Strawberry & Peach “Ice Cream”
From: Gluten Free, SCD, and Veggie 

 *

Thanks for visiting Allergy-Free Wednesdays!
And thanks for being awesome and reading through our guidelines before linking up!
_________________________________

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Posted by Amber at 1:29 am

Labels: Allergy-Free Wednesdays.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Asian Chicken with Sweet Orange Cabbage Salad (Paleo, gluten free, soy free)

You all know I love cabbage.  I LOVE it.  Many things upset my digestion, but cabbage has always been okay (crazy right).  Did you know that cabbage juice is used for those of us with IBD flare ups (especially helpful for colitis)?  Have you heard of this?  You simply run the raw cabbage through a juicer and drink six ounces four times per day.  It’s also touted to heal ulcers.  So my friends, if you are in a flare and nothing is pulling you out, try the cabbage juice.  You might need a chaser…so also juice some fresh apples and mix together (if need be).  Okay, back to the food, this is perhaps one of my favorite dishes.  I love the Asian flavors along with the warm baked chicken and cold cabbage.  The fresh squeezed orange juice creates a nice sweet and sour touch.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family.  So easy to make. Oh and I’ve included my other cabbage recipes at the end of the post for ya! 
Asian Chicken with Sweet Orange Cabbage Salad 
(gluten free, soy free, paleo)

Ingredients:

-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 

The marinade
-1/4 cup coconut aminos 
-2 tablespoons honey
-2 tablespoons sesame oil
-1 teaspoon garlic granules (or fresh)
-3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
-1 teaspoon fresh ginger (zested)
-1/2 cup chopped green onions
The Salad
–1 pound red cabbage
-1 pound savoy cabbage (a sweet, tender cabbage that I love)
-1 1/2 cups sliced red onion

The Salad Dressing  
-3 tablespoons coconut vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
-2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons sesame oil
-2 tablespoons honey
-1 teaspoon garlic granules
-1 teaspoon ginger (zested)
-1/4 teaspoon salt 
-1 tablespoons sesame seeds
-1 large segmented orange for garnish 
-1/2 cup green onions for garnish 

How To:
1.  Combine all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl, mix.  
2. In a glass Pyrex baking dish combine the chicken and marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour (I do about 3). After the chicken has soaked up this yummy goodness, preheat an oven to 400 and put the glass Pyrex with the chicken right into the oven and bake for 30 minutes (or until internal chicken temp is at least 180 degrees).  I cover the Pyrex baking dish with a baking sheet while the chicken cooks, but this is not necessary.   
3.  For the salad, thinly slice both cabbages.  Wash and spin dry.  Place the cabbage in a large bowl.  Add in the sliced onions.  
4.  Make the dressing, including everything from the coconut vinegar to the salt.  Mix and pour over the cabbage.  
5.  Mix the cabbage dressing well.  The cabbage will shrink down by half (it wilts quickly with liquid and salt). 
6.  Garnish with oranges, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Serves 4

~Other cabbage recipes by The Tasty Alternative~

Shared on: Melt in your Mouth Mondays, Motivate Me Mondays, Fat Tuesdays, Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays
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Posted by Amber at 3:17 am

Labels: chicken recipes, main dish, Paleo, sides, summer cuisine.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Diva Stuff Beauty Bundle Giveaway – $40 value (all natural skin care products)
This Giveaway Is Now Closed As of 
August 9, 2013.  

Last month Vanessa, a representative from Diva Stuff, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in trying their all natural beauty and skin care products.  I was hesitant at first, because as you know, I make my own lotions, face cream, body spray, etc.  But I always try and keep an open mind when companies contact me – I’m very exclusive here on The Tasty Alternative…only the best, most natural, non-toxic and (if possible) environmentally friendly products.  So I did some searching around on the Diva Stuff website with my trusted Skin Deep Cosmetic Database Resource and checked through quite a few products and the ingredients.  Everything looked all natural with ingredients I recognized.  But you will have to contact the company for the entire list of ingredients.  For some reason, they are not all listed on each product.  I know many of you out there suffer from severe food allergies, so please, PLEASE, make sure you know exactly what you are putting on your skin and email the company to verify the ingredients if need be.  

Before we jump into the giveaway, I want to share two product reviews with you.  Here’s my honest opinion about these products.

#1 
Black Charcoal,black Walnut Hull And Vodka Detox 
& Acne Soap Bar, for Face & Body 6oz

I don’t have a huge issue with face or body acne (just your typical monthly acne),  but I love charcoal (I take it internally for bloating) and so I was totally intrigued by this soap.  I can honestly say, after using this soap for about a week, that it did help clear up the small clogged pours on my chest, shoulder, and back.  Just a few things to consider: (1) it’s black (obviously) so it will transfer onto your shower and make a bit of a mess if you don’t have a nice spot for bar soap, and (2) it has a fairly strong scent.  I asked for the full ingredient list to make sure there wasn’t anything synthetic or unnatural in there.  It all checked out, but just be mindful of the scent factor.  It’ not totally overwhelming, but I have pretty severe chemical sensitivity, so everything smells strong to me.
(here is the full list of ingredients: soap–glycerin soap, vodka, charcoal powder,black walnut powder, natural fragrance face wash– distilled water, charcoal, sulfur, tea tree oil, lime oil, vitamin b3, xantham gum )

#2
 Premium Acne Face Wash With 
Charcoal, sulfur And B3, 6oz

I’m a total snob when it comes to facial cleansers.  I mean really, I have very high standards.  It has to be completely all natural, not overly drying, and it must effortlessly remove all my eye make-up without stinging my eyes.  I was happy to find that this charcoal face wash removed all my eye make up and did not sting a bit.  It is a little drying in my skin, but understandable giving this is a acne face wash, but nothing too extreme.  My husband likes this product as well.  

~Diva Stuff Giveaway~

If you’re interested in trying Diva Stuff Products, you can enter to win 5-piece beauty bundle (a $40 value).   

Here’s what the bundle includes:

1- Honey Lime Face Scrubbies—glycerin soap, honey, lime oil

1-Ancient Mayan Secret Chocolate Mint Face Mask


1-Fountain of Youth Wrinkle Cream


1- Pampering Peppermint Foot Cream


1-Orange Cream Cupcake Lip Balm


Here’s how to enter:

You have 4 ways to enter and therefore 4 chances to win!

1.  Like the Tasty Alternative on FB and leave me a comment saying you are a new fan or established fan.  

2.  Like Diva Stuff on their FB page and leave me a comment saying you are a new fan.

3.  Leave a comment here sharing what Diva Stuff product you would like to try.

4.  Share this giveaway on FB and leave me a quick comment saying you shared (I will check the shares on the FB post to confirm).

Guidelines and Details: 

1.  The giveaway is available to US readers only.  However, international orders are welcome on the website

2.  The contest will end on Thursday August 8th (at 11:00 pm) and a winner will be announced by random.org and announced on August 9th.  

3.  The contest winner will have 24 hours to claim the prize  Please email me within 24 hours.  I will continue to pick random entries until the prize is claimed.

4.  A good way to keep updated on the contest is to follow The Tasty Alternative via email.  Visit The Tasty Alternative and find “Follow By Email” option on the left sidebar.  

5.  Can’t wait for the contest winner announcement   Diva Stuff is offering 1st time customers 20% off  by using this code during checkout: DIVAVP20

6.  As you know, The Tasty Alternative is a green living blog, dedicated to decreasing waste and advocating for the use of non-toxic materials.  I do no support companies that use Styrofoam as packaging, and I’ve asked Diva Stuff to please use paper and other easily recyclable materials in their packaging.   

Good luck!!
______________________________
Shared on: Inspire Me Monday, Motivate Me Monday, Weekend Whatever Link-up, Sunday School Full Plate Thursday, Tasty Traditions, Fat Tuesdays, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Whole Food Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesday, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, SaltTree Social, Titus 2sday, Hearth & Soul  Hop, Fat Tuesday, Show Me What You Got Linky, Creative Corner Hop and Better Mom Mondays.

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Posted by Amber at 4:19 pm

Labels: giveaways, Product Review.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Allergy-Free Wednesdays Week 78: July 31, 2013

Hello and welcome to Allergy-Free Wednesdays (AFW).
  AFW is a weekly blog hop where folks can share their allergy-free cuisine, gain knowledge about allergy-related topics/issues, and connect with others living or caring for someone with food allergies.

This is a weekly blog hop hosted by myself and six other fabulous allergy-free bloggers.  Your weekly submissions will be shared on all 7 blogs!  Check back each week for reader favorites and recipe highlights.  

Before linking up – PLEASE click HERE to review rules, guidelines, and legal information.  Thank you!  
_________________________________
Featured Recipes & Highlights

Each week AFW features the most most popular recipe from the previous week, and the six AFW hostesses will highlight their favorites.  Please note that your submission must contain a link back to our Allergy-Free Wednesday’s Blog Hop in order to be featured.  Click HERE for last week’s entries and the appropriate back link.  

So without further ado…

May I present you with the most popular submission (most viewed by readers):

Grain-Free Pizza Crust
From:  Laura’s Gluten Free Pantry 

And here are my favorite recipes/posts from last week:

Decadent Raw Chocolate Cake
From: Sweetly Raw 

Kombucha Berry Popsicles
From: Phoenix Helix

Foolproof Gluten Free Pizza Crust
From: Allergy-Free Alaska

 *

Thanks for visiting Allergy-Free Wednesdays!
And thanks for being awesome and reading through our guidelines before linking up!
_________________________________

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Posted by Amber at 1:33 am

Labels: Allergy-Free Wednesdays.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Raw Peppermint Patties

These raw peppermint patties are dedicated to my handsome chocoholic husband.  This is his favorite combination (chocolate, peppermint, and coconut).  I love creating healthy treats for my family…I feel like such a superstar mom when I’m like, “Why yes, we have a fun sweet treat for snack, or yes, there is something tasty and healthy for dessert.”  I love it.  I’ve been working on this recipe for a while. I’m excited to share the final product with you today.  Enjoy!   
Raw Peppermint Patties 
 
Ingredients:
 
Chocolate Shell
-1/4 cup melted cocoa butter
-1/4 cup honey (vegans use 3 T maple syrup, 4 T coconut nectar or 1 teaspoon stevia) 
-1/4 cup raw cacao powder
-1/4 cup melted coconut oil 
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
-Tiny pinch of salt 
Filling
-1 cup shredded coconut
-1 to 2 tablespoon honey* (vegans use maple syrup or coconut nectar) 
-1 teaspoon vanilla 
-1 tablespoon peppermint extract/flavor (or more to your preference) 
-1 tablespoon cocoa butter (optional, but worth it) 
-Cacao nibs (optional) 
How To:
1.  Melt the cocoa butter.  Here is how to keep it raw while melting: fill a small pot with water (half full) and place a 1 cup glass Pyrex in the water.  Add the cocoa butter (shredded for quicker, more even heating).  Stir while it’s melting.  Once melted, remove from the water.  
2.  To the melted cocoa butter add in all the above chocolate shell ingredients.  Stir until the raw cacao powder is incorporated.  
3.  Don’t skip this next step:  Use an immersion blender (or some blender) to emulsify the mixture for only about 10 seconds* (see notes).  If you skip this step, the honey will sink to the bottom and will not be evenly distributed throughout the chocolate.  
4.  Pour chocolate (as much or as little as you like) into the bottom of a mold (silicone or paper) – place in the freeze for about 5 to 10 minutes to harden.  
5.  In a food processor make the filling.  Add the 1 cup of shredded coconut and blend 3 to 5 minutes.  Scrape down sides as needed. Add in the rest of the ingredients and blend until incorporated.  If adding the cacao nibs, add last and pulse a few times to incorporate.  
6.  Remove the molds from freezer and (with your hands) add in the filling on the layer of chocolate, leaving enough room on all side for the top layer of chocolate to form around the filling and touch the bottom layer of chocolate.  Add as much or as little as you like. 
7.  Transfer to fridge or freeze to harden.  
8.  Makes 4 to 5 large peppermint patties.  I pour any leftover chocolate into small silicone candy molds and refrigerate.   
Notes:
*Be careful…DO NOT blend the chocolate too long.  Something crazy will happen: the honey and coconut oil blob together and the cocoa butter separates.  There is no recovery when this happens.  
*I use 1 tablespoon of honey for the filling – these puppies are RICH, but add in more sweetener to your preference.    
Here they are with cocoa nibs for added texture and flavor 
Here’s what they look like made thin(er) 
*
Here is the general building process
Shared on: Fat Tuesdays, Raw Foods Thursdays, Allergy-Free Fridays, Wellness Weekend, Healthy Vegan Friday 
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Posted by Amber at 11:31 pm

Labels: candy alternatives, chocolate, dessert, Paleo, raw.

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