Tag: summer

Strawberry Coconut Tofu Ice Cream Cake

A creamy, dairy-free ice cream cake with a secret ingredient: tofu!

A creamy plant-based, dairy-free tofu ice cream cake made from only 6 ingredients!

Strawberry Coconut Tofu Ice cream Cake

I know, I know, the words ‘tofu’ and ‘cake’ aren’t usually used together BUT don’t knock it ’til you try it! I have been experimenting with tofu in various recipes and its versatility as a sustainable, affordable plant protein is unmatched. It’s clear our environment needs a shift towards plant proteins, and the health benefits of soy continue to be shown in research. Not only does soy contain all 9 essential amino acids but it is also a good source of B vitamins, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Contrary to popular opinion, studies indicate that soy may be protective against heart disease, memory and cognitive declines, prostate and breast cancers. Soy contains phytoestrogens that have been shown to improve the metabolic and hormonal profiles of women with PCOS, the most common reproductive condition. 

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I’m all about food with a purpose, so here’s a delicious twist on an old favorite of mine, a gloriously soft and creamy ice cream cake (but without the dairy and sugar!). 

Strawberry Coconut Tofu Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb strawberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup cashews, soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes
  • 1 package or 300 g soft tofu (optional: use Coconut Tofu Dessert for a sweetened version)
  • 20 small dates, soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Kitchen Appliances:

  • springform pan
  • food processor or high-speed blender

Strawberry Coconut Tofu Ice Cream Cake

Instructions:

  1. For the crust, combine dates, almonds and coconut in a food processor on high-speed blender until all ingredients come together. You should be able to mold it into the base of your round pan. (I greased my pan with coconut oil, or use parchment paper if you are avoiding oil).
  2. Place pan in freezer for base layer to firm up.
  3. To begin the pink layer, blend strawberries, cashews and tofu in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth.
  4. Pour pink layer over base layer.
  5. Put cake pan in the freezer for 4 hours.
  6. Remove cake from freezer 30 minutes before serving to soften.

Check out another dairy-free cheesecake recipe I’ve made here.

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Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream Tofu Cake

This post was sponsored by Sunrise Soya Foods. I do not receive affiliate commission from Sunrise Soya Foods.

Inspiralized Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto

A low glycemic alternative to pasta with a vegan’s take on pesto.

Once summer hits in British Columbia, farmers’ markets are in full swing. There is bountiful produce to enjoy, especially if you grow your own veggies or herbs. This recipe makes use of several market goodies: zucchini, tomatoes, mint, basil and garlic. Zucchini noodles are a low glycemic alternative to pasta and, for pesto-lovers, I have created a vegan, mint version high in flavour and healthy fats. Mint can help aid digestion and may even lower cholesterol. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or sharing your versions with me @dr.dylancutler.

Mint growing in garden.JPG
Mint growing in my parents’ garden.

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • cherry tomatoes
  • spiralizer (or sharp knife)

Mint Pesto

How to:

  1. If using a spiralizer, cut both ends of zucchini off and get to work! Otherwise, cut zucchini into thin slices.
  2. Wrap zucchini in paper towel to absorb excess liquid.
  3. Use a food processor to combine basil, mint, walnuts, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice until a smooth paste is formed.
  4. Combine zucchini with pesto and mix well. I added spoonfuls of pesto slowly until I reached the ratio I wanted, which resulted in half the pesto leftover.
  5. Add veggies, like tomatoes, or a high-protein source, such as beans or legumes, if you’d like to make this a meal. Enjoy your minty zoodles!

Pesto Zoodles
Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto

PCOS Powers:

  • zucchini = anti-inflammatory, high in potassium (can help reduce blood pressure), high in fiber (can help lower cholesterol), low glycemic, and a source of polyphenols (may beneficially affect thyroid, adrenal, and insulin regulation)
  • walnuts = no cholesterol, high in unsaturated fats which help reduce both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, may help prevent cardiovascular disease
  • mint = can aid indigestion, may help manage cholesterol
  • garlic = can help lower cholesterol, an antibiotic, & blood cleanser which relaxes blood vessels for easier blood flow
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Zucchini Noodles with Mint Pesto (Vegan, Low-Glycemic)

Lemon Lavender Vegan Cheesecakes (Low-Glycemic)

A low-glycemic, raw, vegan dessert just in time for summer solstice.

In anticipation for summer solstice I made these summery vegan cheesecakes which are low-glycemic, raw, vegan and gluten-free. Both lemons and lavender scream summer to me. Lemons are known for boosting our immune systems and improving digestion. They may also improve insulin and liver function. Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy for its relaxation properties, however, the scientific evidence is limited. This herb can also be eaten and is a small source of calcium and iron.
Lemon Lavender Raw Vegan Cheesecake 1
 Maple syrup and dates are two of my favourite natural sweeteners when trying to make healthier desserts. They are both low on the glycemic index which means they help manage blood sugar levels better than other sweeteners (ex. sugar, honey). This is especially important for women with PCOS who are predisposed to developing metabolic syndrome.
Lemon Lavender Raw Vegan Cheesecake 7
Ingredients (makes 12):
Crust:
  • 1 cup nuts (I used a mix of walnuts, almonds and cashews)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 cup dates
Filling:
  • 2 cups cashews, pre-soaked in water for 4 hrs
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice (I used 3 small organic lemons)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tspns dried culinary lavender
  • 1/2 tspn vanilla extract
Lemon Lavender Raw Vegan Cheesecake 11
How to:
  1. Use parchment paper to oil muffin pan with coconut oil (prevents sticking).
  2. Place long strips of parchment paper in each muffin mold for easier removal (I saw the Minimalist Baker do this and I think it is genius).
  3. Process dates, nuts and chia seeds together in a food processor until you get a rough, sticky mixture.
  4. Transfer spoonfuls of the mixture into the muffin pan and push down firmly and evenly. Set in freezer.
  5. Blend all filling ingredients together in a blender until smooth and creamy. You may need to add liquid to help out (ex. almond milk).
  6. Take muffin pan out of freezer and scoop filling on top of each crust, smoothing out to pop air bubbles. I used a 1/4 measuring cup to distribute the filling to each mold and then went back over with a spoon to even them out.
  7. Decorate if desired (I decorated half with lavender before freezing and the other half with lemons after freezing).
  8. Set in the freezer for at least 5 hours.
  9. Gently pull each cake out holding the wax paper. The wax paper will make indents which I smoothed out easily.
  10. Serve or store in freezer or fridge.

Lemon Lavener Raw Vegan Cheesecake 4

PCOS Powers:

  • low-glycemic = helps maintain blood sugar levels
  • lemon juice = contains vitamin C which boosts immune system, helps improve digestion, may improve insulin function, boosts liver function
  • tree nuts = no cholesterol, high in unsaturated fats which help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, help prevent cardiovascular disease
  • chia seeds = high in omega-3s which can help decrease high testosterone and improve egg quality

Raw Lemon Lavender Vegan Cheesecake 10

Happy Solstice! I would love to see how you recreate this vegan cheesecake! Please share your photos with me on Instagram: @phruitfuldish

Lemon Lavender Raw Vegan Cheesecake 6

Raw Lemon Lavender Vegan Cheesecake

This recipe was inspired by Em at This Rawsome Vegan Life.

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Lemon Lavender Cheesecake (raw, vegan)