A Healthy Treat for Valentine’s Day: Peppermint Patties

I have BIG news today, but first, in the interest of Valentine’s Day, a super-simple, healthy treat for all you chocolate and mint lovers out there (and I know there are lots!)

Chocolate and mint is hands-down my favorite flavor combination and I used to swear by York Peppermint Patties. So when I tasted the vegan Peppermint Patties by Rockin’ Raw sold at Gingersnap’s Organic, I was in heaven. I knew I wanted to recreate them myself and that’s exactly what I did as a Valentine’s Day treat. I found a recipe online and then tweaked away to create these melt-in-your-mouth sensations. My boyfriend absolutely loves these little nuggets of heaven.

These are so easy to make and require only a few ingredients. Full disclosure: the process can get a little messy but coconut oil makes a great moisturizer for your hands so soak it up!

Peppermint Patties

1/2 c. coconut oil
1/2 c. coconut butter
2 tsp coconut nectar
1/4 c. shredded, unsweetened coconut
a few drops of Young Living peppermint essential oil (or 1 tsp peppermint extract)
1 cup dark or vegan chocolate chips

In a small bowl, combine coconut oil, coconut butter, peppermint oil, shredded coconut and coconut nectar.

Mix well until smooth.

Freeze mixture until it hardens.

Use hands or an ice cream scoop to form little patties and place onto a plate lined with parchment paper.

Place plate into freezer to firm the patties again.

In the meantime, melt chocolate over low heat and allow to cool completely (very important – if the chocolate doesn’t cool, the next step will be impossible)

Drop the patties into the melted chocolate and swirl around until covered. Place on the parchment paper and harden in the freezer once again.

Store in the freezer or refrigerator. Makes about a dozen.

Now, onto today’s BIG news!

You may have noticed the blog looks a little different. Wellll, that’s because I’ve just launched my new web site and blog.

For months, I’ve been focused on creating a web site that embodies so much of who I am as a Health Coach and reflects my own personality and style. HERE IT IS!

What I love most is that my web site and blog are now in one place so you can access all my juicy content in one stop. I’ll still be bringing you my recipes and health tips, but I’ll be peppering in a few special blog series to give you even more content than ever before.

So browse around, set your blog and RSS feeds accordingly and check back regularly.

To celebrate my new web site and blog, I’m offering a LOVE special so you can show your self some love this month. Check out the details here.  There are lots of freebies and cool discounts so don’ t miss it!

I’ll also have some new and exciting things going on at my blog, including two new special series:

• Healthy Hot Spots series will feature a different restaurant each week. As a New Yorker, I like to dine at all the hippest restaurants but that doesn’t mean I sacrifice my healthy lifestyle. You’ve asked for it and now I’ll guide you to the healthiest dishes in Manhattan and offer tips for how to order to ensure you’re getting the most nutrition for your dollar. This will be your sneak peak into my personal dining secrets.

• Women In Wellness series is a project that is near and dear to my heart. I’m so inspired by the strides that women are making in the field of wellness and without them to inspire me, I would not be where I am today. Every Friday, I’ll profile the women in wellness who have inspired me by asking them five questions that get to the heart and soul of who they are. I’ll be featuring yoga greats like Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti Yoga, spiritual sisters like Gabrielle Bernstein and wellness warriors like Denise Mari, founder of Organic Avenue.

Until then, let me know what you think of the new look and of course, the yummy peppermint patties.