This is seriously the BEST Dairy-free cheesecake EVER! Those that are not dairy free will have NO IDEA!  You could also add a different topping like Oreos, chocolate, caramel, or any mix-ins! Super easy and delicious!

We used MI-DEL Gluten Free Graham Style pre-made crust but you could absolutely make a home-made graham cracker crust!

White cheesecake filling ingredients:
3 cups cashews
3/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup agave or honey (don't go too heavy on the honey)
3/4 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Fruit topping ingredients:
2 cups frozen strawberries
1/2 cup dates

1. Throw all cream-cheese filling ingredients into your high speed blender and blend! Add as little water as necessary to facilitate blending. Pour mixture on top of crust. 
2. Place the above in freezer for an hour or so (so it will firm up).
3. For topping: throw strawberries and dates in your high speed blender. Blend until nice and smooth. Pour this mixture on top of the crust/creamcheese, which was just in the freezer for about an hour. Place the raw cheesecake recipe back in the freezer. Freeze until this raw cheesecake recipe reaches the desired consistency (5 hours or so). 
4. Defrost this raw cheesecake recipe for about a half-hour before eating (or just slice from freezer and enjoy this delicious raw cheesecake). 

Thank you Kathy Simons for this recipe! It is a family favorite!

These caramelly, delicious, 2- ingredient payday inspired bites are just the right size and natural sweetness for any late night craving or afterschool snack! Thank you @minimalistbaker.com for  original recipe! 

1 1/4 cup roasted salted nuts (we used 1/2 pistachios and 1/2 cashews)
2 cups packed, pitted medjool dates (sticky and fresh) (1 cups contains about 19 dates)
1 pinch sea salt

1. Add nuts to food processor and pulse several times to loosely chop. Set aside on a plate or in bowl.
2. Add to the food processor pitted dates and sea salt. Process until small bits remain or a ball forms. Scoop out. Form into even bites- about 16 and roll them into balls with your hands. They will be a little sticky. That's ok. 
3. Begin rolling date bites into the nut mixture to coat,  pressing down gently to encourage sticking. Continue until each date bite is thoroughly coated with nuts. 
4. Enjoy or chill for 1 hour before eating. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze! Great for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert! Enjoy!

This time of year, it is so easy to get stuck in unhealthy routines and fall back on some pretty high sugar and not so great choices for your foods! Take a moment to pause this week as the holidays get closer, and add something easy and delicious into your routine!

Happy December everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and you aren't getting too overwhelmed with Christmas on its way! It's so easy to get stuck into unhealthy habits around the holidays. You're busy, family is visiting, and the holidays tend to make us crave some delicious yet not so healthy things. I get it! You've followed my health and wellness journey, and I have loved following yours. The holidays bring on some very interesting stress and pressure when it comes to your diet and what you're putting in and on your body.

This got me thinking about a few things. First, take a moment for yourself and your family. It's okay to pause and collect yourself. Sometimes you'll find some holiday spirit waiting for you there! Secondly, take inventory of how you're feeling. Stressed? Tired? Sluggish? Acknowledge this, and see if there are a few small ways you can focus yourself back on track. Thirdly, what have you been eating? Have you been taking the time to put as much goodness into your body as the amount of holiday spirit you're trying to spread outside of it? I know you're short on time right now - which is why I wanted to share a quick a delicious recipe that will help get you and your body back on track during this busy time of year!

If you're not already following me on Instagram and Facebook, pause reading this and go do that right now. If you have been a follower, thank you SO much! You might have seen my post about putting dates into my smoothies, and doesn't that sound delicious? This quick and yummy smoothie will take your version of fast food and flip it on its head!

You Will Need:
-1 Scoop of our JP Vanilla Complete
-1 Cup of Almond Milk
-A handful of ice cubes (about 3-7 cubes, depending on the size of your blender!)
-One tablespoon of flax seeds
-3 Dates
-One shot of Espresso (common - it's the holidays!). This is also optional, only add if you'd like!

Directions:
Place all ingredients into a blender, food processor, ninja, or bottle of choice and blend until smooth! Out comes delicious vanilla caramel goodness! It's a perfect flavor for the holidays, and one you don't have to think twice about. If you do end up adding that shot of Espresso - it turns into the best macchiato you've ever had! Enjoy! Also - if you're looking for a warmer option, skip the ice cubes and steam your almond milk! Make sure you still send your dates through the food processor before you add them in, and blend everything really well!

The Truth About Dates
Speaking of dates, did you know these delicious little treats are an AMAZING surprise full of nutrition? Not to mention they are an excellent natural sweetener to add to smoothies, yogurt, and other treats. They are also great for those who have a sweet tooth but want a much healthier option. Remember, as always, that just like anything you eat - you need to eat these delicious dates in moderation!

Dates are very rich in fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, and vitamin B6. They are incredibly high in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid. They are also very high in polyphenols which help protect from and help with inflammation.

Dates may help with stronger and faster brain functions. They also may help expecting mothers to ease long pregnancies and have smoother and easier natural births. Dates also help with bone health and controlling blood sugar!

Happy Holi-dates
Who knew that such a small little thing could have such a big impact on your life? Add a few into your meal routine and see what happens. There are so many delicious recipes out there with dates, that I don't think you could go wrong! I know the holidays can be hard, but know you're not alone. We are on this journey together! I hope you enjoy this holiday season, and from my family to yours - Happy Holidays!