Homemade Nutella

Not going to lie, I was patting myself on the back for this one. This homemade Nutella tastes just like the stuff you’d buy in the store!

Homemade Nutella

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 C dry roasted hazelnuts

• 1 T + 1 tsp coconut oil

• 2 T cacao powder

• 8-12 drops liquid stevia

Directions:

1. Add hazelnuts and coconut oil to food processor or high-speed blender like a Vitamix (if using Vitamix like I did, you’ll need to use the tamper)

2. Blend / process on high for 1-2 minutes

3. Add cacao powder

4. Blend

5. Scrape from sides with rubber spatula

6. Add 8 drops of stevia, blend and taste. Add more for more sweetness

7. Use a rubber spatula to scrape nutella from sides of the blender/processor into a glass jar or dish

8. Enjoy with apples, bananas, toast or my favorite way, straight from the jar with a spoon :)

Caprese Salad Skewers

I served these caprese salad skewers at our housewarming party, because hey, I mean who doesn’t love mozzarella cheese? Although I can’t personally tolerate dairy, that doesn’t mean everyone else should suffer right? Quick, easy and pretty.

Caprese Salad Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 tub Ciliegine fresh mozzarella (I got mine from Trader Joe’s)

• 15-20 cherry tomatoes (depending on how many mozzarella balls are in the tub)

• 15-20 fresh basil leaves

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 15-20 toothpicks

• salt & pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, then lower heat to medium and simmer until it's the consistency of thin maple syrup. This should be about 10 minutes. Pour into a bowl and let cool.

2. Cut 1/3 off each tomato to create a “flat” bottom.

3. Thread mozzarella cheese ball, basil leaf (fold in half if large) and a tomato onto a tooth pick and place onto plate, flat side down.

4. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Sprinkle with salt & pepper if desired, then drizzle cooled balsamic reduction on top.