Don’t be tricked by processed sugars this Halloween

Say NO to processed sugar and YES to whole foods this Halloween! Audrey Barron, Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe, tells us:

As we move into the holidays, as a collective society we start consuming more sugar.  This is because we’ve been trained that it’s just what we do!  We buy candy at Halloween, we over-eat at Thanksgiving and we consume more cookies, pies and candy in general.

Unfortunately, these items are all made with processed sugar, which has negative affect on the body.  It taxes the heart, starts the process of adding fat to your organs, affects your energy level, your sleep and your weight.  Cancer is also directly linked to sugar consumption.  There really isn’t anything good about it, except for the taste.

The good news is that you can get that sweet flavor without processed sugar!  Check out my two recipes I’m sharing today for two delicious and fun recipes that are totally processed sugar free.

And Happy Halloween!Chef Audrey’s Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte

 This is my healthful version of a popular holiday latte.  The lattes from the coffee shops often are made with processed sugars, corn syrups and other ingredients that drastically tax your immune system.

My Pumpkin Spice Latte gives you the flavor and experience of that favorite fall drink while actually boosting your immune system instead of taxing it.  My version doesn’t include coffee so feel free to trade out the hot water for coffee if that sounds good to you!

Latte

• 1 cup almond milk, gently warmed
• ¼ cup soaked cashews
• 1 large date, pitted
• ¼ cup steamed sweet potato
• ½ tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice (clove, all spice, cinnamon, nutmeg)
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/3 cup hot water (or more depending on how warm you want it)

Almond Milk

• 1 cup whole, raw almonds, soaked 8-12 hours, drained, and rinsed (about 1 ½ cups after soaking)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 3 pitted dates, soaked
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

1. To make your almond milk, place 1 1/2 cups of the water and the almonds, dates, and vanilla in a blender. Blend on high speed until very smooth. Add the remaining 1 cup water and blend until smooth. To separate the “milk” from the almond skins and pulp, squeeze the blended mixture through a double layer of cheesecloth or through a sprout bag.
2. To make your latte, blend all ingredients in your blender until very smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Chef Audrey’s Sweet & Crunchy Caramel Apples

Makes approximately 4 caramel apples

This is one of my all-time favorite treats from my childhood.  Again, it’s another sweet treat that is often riddled with ingredients that are simply not good for you.  And this time of year is when we need to be boosting the immune system, not taking from it!  Especially our kiddos in school who are surrounded by germs.  Let’s upgrade how we celebrate this holiday!

Caramel

• ½ cup almond butter
• ½ cup soaked dates, pitted
• ¼ cup date soak water
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 4 apples
• ¼ cup pistachios

1. To make your caramel, blend all ingredients except apples and pistachios in blender until smooth and creamy.
2. Slather your apples with caramel and sprinkle with pistachios.
3. You can put a popsicle stick in each one or you can even slice each apple and use the caramel as a dipping sauce. Have a fun and healthy Halloween!

To learn more, visit www.ezrasenlightenedcafe.com.