Healthy Snacking

Berry Baked Oat Squares

Berry Baked Oat Squares with rolled oats, almond flour, No Sugar Added SunButter, and berries. Bake and slice into squares for meal prep!

I know that some of you out there are kindred spirits who also enjoy immersing yourself in some good trash reality TV.

And I say “trash” with affection, because I can’t stop watching the Love Island USA 2024 season.

Like, my jaw literally could not drop any lower and it does so every evening and I watch the new tea unfold as I literally drink tea (kombucha) on the couch.

The first season I watched of Love Island was back in 2020, which I excused because I was going through a divorce and a global pandemic while living alone.

Now, my life’s mission is to rope M into being as addicted as I am.

I know I am victorious when he starts glancing down at his phone less and less, and starts asking seemingly innocent questions more and more.

Aaaaand another one bites the dust.

Something else I’m currently addicted to are these Berry Baked Oat Squares.

They’re made with rolled oats, almond flour, No Sugar Added SunButter, and berries.

Bake and slice them into squares for an easy meal prep situation.

By keeping your oatmeal prepped, you ensure that your tea is hot, too.

And they’re the perfect back-to-school snack so you can get back into a routine this fall!

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Strawberry SunButter Bark

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Strawberry SunButter Bark made nut-free with fresh strawberries, No Sugar Added SunButter, and vegan dark chocolate. The best sweet treat!

Hi, friends!

If you receive my weekly emails or if you follow me on Instagram, you know that M and I have some big news.

We’re getting a puppy!!!

Her name is Flora and she’s a red tri Australian Shepherd pup.

I’m counting down the weeks and days until we can scoop her up in early August.

Like with most new and large responsibilities that I take on, I’m a big fan of the little steps every day approach.

This means every day doing either: puppy proofing the house, watching a puppy training video, or just gushing over her latest photo updates with M.

Every day I think we get a little closer to being ready to be puppy parents.

Of course, it’ll be a learn as you go experience for all of us (Flora included!), but I’m so excited to take on this journey with M.

So now there actually IS a Flora from Flora & Vino, friends, and it’s not me!

This is kind of an inside joke because I have gotten countless emails over years the addressing me as “Flora” from people who saw my brand name and…assumed.

Also because I think the name Flora is adorable and it’s so on brand, isn’t it?!

You know what else is on brand?

My latest recipe that I’m about to share with you to beat the heat.

This Strawberry SunButter Bark is made nut-free with fresh strawberries, SunButter, and vegan dark chocolate.

Enjoy it for a fresh frozen treat this summer to beat the current heat wave!

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SunButter & Jelly Quesadilla

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

SunButter & Jelly Quesadilla made on the stovetop with grain-free tortillas for a portable on-the-go snack for outdoor adventures.

Summer is for adventuring.

I live for the weekends we pack up and go camping, the Fridays I take off early to climb outdoors, and the day hikes with friends that are always longer than anticipated.

Being a planner, I always like to have my gear laid out, my clothing choices fully supported by the weather, and my food options readily available.

The next big adventure we have coming up is a week long tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!

If you’ve done your share of hiking, camping, and adventuring, you know that the food can be, well, underwhelming.

It’s hard to find something that’s lightweight, portable, doesn’t require immediate refrigeration, and is delicious (that isn’t already a prepackaged bar or bite)!

Back in the day I used to survive on protein bars, trail mix, and veggie slices and then devoured a massive meal afterwards.

And while there’s nothing wrong with the snack-y approach, I found something hugely delicious and satisfying that also happens to be gluten-free and vegan.

Enter the SunButter & Jelly Quesadilla, a now staple in my outdoor adventuring meal plan.

So much so, that all of my friends ask me about it expectantly at the summit, laughing as I pull out my thin and concise aluminum wrapped lunch.

You just need three ingredients to make this SunButter & Jelly Quesadilla and it’s bound to be your new favorite hiking meal.

No more sad smashed sandwiches, soggy bagels, or lukewarm protein shakes!

This is the protein-packed portable meal you can slip into your hiking pack and enjoy hours later on the trail, rock, or campsite.

You can rest assured I’ll be making one daily while I’m in Wyoming!

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Cheezy White Bean Dip

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Cheezy White Bean Dip made with white beans, nutritional yeast, and tahini. Serve with vegetables or crackers or added to salads and bowls.

This past week I gave M the prestigious role of being my accountability buddy for my writing course.

His job is to check in me with daily and ask, “How is your writing going, Lauren?”

Lately he’s taken to asking as a snarky retort to a conversation.

For example, I’ll ask if he did the dishes yet, and he will respond with, “No, but how is your writing going?!”

Well, you got me there.

I think we can agree that while this isn’t the best delivery, but the man is doing a good job of keeping my accountable, friends.

The goal of the class is to have “sitting in the chair” for at *least* one hour every day, practicing our writing.

Luckily, I do a lot of writing for my blog, social media, and correspondence with brands and the F&V community.

But, does that count?

And I’m asking for myself, not expecting you to have a response, friend.

I’m still working on what I want to write, what I want to say, and whether or not that can be found inside of the tiny niche I have created in the vegan food scene.

But today we are very much inside of the vegan food scene, and I’m glad to be here with you.

Today I’m sharing a dip that is to die for.

This is a dip that hands down makes everything taste better, elevated, …MORE.

This Cheezy White Bean Dip is made with white beans, nutritional yeast, and tahini for a delicious dip that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

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Tahini Chocolate Chip Bliss Balls

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Tahini Chocolate Chip Bliss Balls that taste like an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie in energy ball form! Perfect for a meal prep snack.

Last week I wore shorts outside on a warmer day for the first time this season.

As is annually customary, I felt naked pretty much the entire walk.

I kept a good pace so as not to blind neighbors with my ghostly legs and managed to stress-walk the 30 minute walk in about 20.

Since it’s warming up, I’ve stopped baking as much and am focusing more on hand-mix snacks and bites.

These Tahini Chocolate Chip Bliss Balls are my favorite fuel right now.

They taste like an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie in energy ball form!

If you’ve been here a while, you know that I’m tahini obsessed.

When I realized I didn’t have a bliss ball made with tahini, I was disappointed in myself.

So, please enjoy this post and consider its deliciousness as an apology for keeping you waiting for so long!

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Viral Date Bark (Nut-Free!)

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Viral Date Bark made nut-free with Medjool dates, No Sugar Added SunButter, sunflower seeds, and vegan dark chocolate. The best sweet treat!

I have a list on my phone for all of the “viral” trending recipes that I want to try from TikTok.

So many recipes, so little time!

Sometimes I don’t get around to making them until the trend is already old news on social media.

Like the baked feta pasta that I *just* got around to making a few weeks back (and wasn’t fully impressed with the vegan version!).

However, this week, I dug out some dates from the back of the refrigerator and decided it was time to try the Viral Date Bark, with a few variations.

I was surprised at how delicious this simple recipe is!

The few ingredients pair together beautifully to create a sweet and salty treat with an addictive crunch.

That paired with how insanely easy it was to make meant I have to share it with you.

You’re going to love my version of Viral Date Bark made Nut-Free with SunButter and sunflower seeds.

It’s perfect to store in the refrigerator or freezer for those instances you just need a little something sweet and healthy.

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Raspberry Chia Pudding

By Flora & Vino 9 Comments

Raspberry Chia Pudding with fresh raspberries and soaked chia seeds naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect to prep for a quick snack!

February means a few things to most of us: the shortest month of the year and Valentine’s Day!

Oh, and groundhog’s day.

(Did he see his shadow this year???)

My favorite part about Valentine’s Day is the excuse to make pink variations of all of my favorite foods.

Well, aside from the chocolate.

Raspberries are a favorite of mine for V-Day because they look beautiful and (spoiler alert) they turn a pretty pink color when blended.

If you’re looking for something pink to make this Valentine’s Day, try out this Raspberry Chia Pudding.

It’s made with fresh raspberries and soaked chia seeds naturally sweetened with maple syrup.

Try preparing it for a quick snack or breakfast for the week ahead!

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My Go-To Green Smoothie

By Flora & Vino 1 Comment

My Go-To Green Smoothie made with frozen berries, a handful of spinach, and a spoonful of SunButter. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!

I’m baaaaaaack!

Hi friends, I’m finally home and super excited to get back to recipe creation.

On the flight home, I kept myself busy making a giant handwritten list (I’m old school) of all of the recipes I want to make for me and for you this year.

And while I’m itching to get the creative juices flowing, I’m also equally interested in getting back to the basics.

That means making simple meals that focus on protein and greens while tasting delicious.

…Did I mention protein and greens?

These two things were tricky for me living a vegan lifestyle on the go in Iceland.

So, what better way to kick off 2024 than with my Go To Green Smoothie?!

This smoothie is one that I keep coming back to over the years.

You might have made a variation of it at some point, but I’m convinced my variation might be the best.

This Go To Green Smoothie is perfect for a quick blended breakfast or snack.

I love to make it in less than 5 minutes with frozen berries, a handful of spinach, and a big spoonful of SunButter.

Bookmark this and come back to it whenever you need a reset, energy boost, or nutrient dense breakfast or snack!

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DIY Vegan Holiday Food Gift Ideas

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

A collection of simple and delicious DIY vegan and gluten-free recipes that are perfect to make, gift, and give for the holiday season.

How’s it going with the gift giving this year?

Truthfully, I don’t like buying gifts just to have a wrapped box to give someone for the holidays.

As an aspiring minimalist, I don’t want to give you something that will add clutter to your home.

I also don’t want to give you something that doesn’t add value or inspiration to your life

So, sometimes homemade gifts are the best, because they’re heartfelt and meaningful while saving you money.

Unlike some of my crafty friends, I can’t make jewelry or crochet or sew, but friends, I can cook and bake for you!

Homemade holiday food gifts serve a purpose, too, because they will feed your friends and family into the new year.

I love showing up with baked bread, gooey cookies, or homemade truffles to share with the people I love.

If you’re going DIY these season, check out these DIY Vegan Holiday Food Gift Ideas.

I’ve included all of my favorite holiday recipes that are easy to make, gift, and love.

This post includes everything from vegan Christmas chocolates, to homemade granola, to fruit jams, and even dog treats for our four legged friends.

Bookmark this DIY Vegan Holiday Food Gift Ideas and come back to it whenever you need a quick gift idea without pulling out your wallet.

Spend time in the kitchen, not money, and show everyone on your list how sweet the season can be!

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

By Flora & Vino Leave a Comment

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies made with natural peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, and hearty oats for the best texture and taste.

I was guilty of blasting Christmas music before Thanksgiving this year.

Because we leave for Germany in mid-December, everything holiday-related that I want to do here in the states has been a bit premature.

I resisted the urge to get a Christmas tree and instead have our gifts arranged under our giant monstera, now fondly referred to as the “Christmas monstera”.

What I really wanted to do was actually hang ornaments on the plant, but I care too much about her to risk damaging her structure for the novelty.

Anyway, so you get the idea, it’s been a truncated end to the year here at F&V HQ.

Being a recipe creator, I’m pretty used to being out of sync with the seasons.

As the goal is always to be ahead on content, that means creating holiday cookies before holiday cookie season.

Speaking of cookies, I have things to say about these circular baked goods.

I’m hereby proclaiming myself the cookie queen because I have the *best* new cookie recipe to share with you.

Save this one and share it with your friends, partners, parents, kids, and Santa himself.

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are made with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and oatmeal for best texture and taste!

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Healthy Snacking

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