Tag Archives: coconut

Lavender & Co

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I always joke that this cake taste like a Lush bathbomb. Haha! I think we always associate the scent of lavender with beauty products. Lavender is so amazing and is often used in creams, lotions and shower gels. Lavender is also very flowery, but once you let go of the bathbomb thing, it is actually amazing to cook and bake with as well. The trick is to not overdo it. You do not want to have the idea that a bathbomb was actually one of the ingredients. It is very nice when you taste a subtle taste of lavender though. I love it! And it looks and smells amazing! If you never tried cooking/baking with lavender I recommend using only 1 tbs of lavender to start with. Once you’re more use to it and your brain now understand that lavender is not only used in beauty products, you can use 1,5 tbs. Just experiment a little and appreciate the taste

LAVENDER & CO

Serves: 8 

dry ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tbs custard powder
1,5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1-1,5 tbs dried lavender
pinch of salt

wet ingredients:
1 tsp vanilla extract
1,5 cup coconut milk (from can)
1/4 cup butter (I used Flora)
1/2 cup coconut yogurt
1 flax egg *
1 tbs lemon (juice)

topping:
1/2 cup coconut yogurt
1/3 cup icing sugar (optional)
1 tsp lemon (juice)
1 tsp dried lavender

*Mix 1 tbs of ground flaxseed with 2 tbs of water and let it set for 10 min.

-Preheat the oven at 180C.
-Mix all the dry ingredients together.
-Mix all the wet ingredients together.
-Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth (preferably with an electric mixer).
-Grease a cake tin with some extra butter (optional: a layer of baking paper) and pour in the mix. Make sure the cake mix is nice and even.
-Put the cake tin in the oven for 45-55 min.
-In the meantime mix the yogurt, icing sugar and the lemon juice.
-Before serving (and when the cake is all cooled down) you can add the yogurt topping and sprinkle the lavender on top.

Are you going to make this recipe? Please let me know or show me on instagram via @freedomevermore. I’d love to see it and hear what you think. Thank you! X

 

Date Me

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The best snack to stop that hungry feeling.. this! Filled dates are one of my favourite snacks. They are so tasty, super filling and a great snack for when you work out. They provide you with energy (I always eat 2-3 dates before I hit the gym and I notice a huge difference), protein and healthy fats. They also just look super nice and make a nice party food. I can hardly call this a recipe as it’s so easy, but promise me that you will make these? And let me know if you liked them. Will you make them with peanut butter or almond butter? I find it hard to choose which one I like best. You can also use both of course.

DATE ME 

Makes: 3

3 medjool dates
3 tsp peanut/almond butter
1/2 walnut
1/4 tsp cacao nibs
1/4 tsp desiccated coconut
1/4 tsp cacao powder

-Cut the dates open on 1 side (in length) and take the stone out.
-Fill each day with nut butter.
-Put the walnut on the first date.
-Sprinkle the cacao nibs on the second.
-Sprinkle the coconut on the third.
-Dust the cacao powder on top of all 3.

Snack time! How can you not love these? When you make the recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, so I can give you a shoutout! You can also use #planetmanel if you like. Thank you! X

Thai The Noodle

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Thai food is probably my favourite food. I love the rich flavours and the creaminess of the coconut. So any Thai curry or soup is very much welcomed by my body. I used to always make curries, but then I thought I could make it in some sort of soup and add noodles instead of rice. So I experimented a bit and this is the result. I loveeeee this recipe! To make it easier, I used a red curry paste. Make sure to use a vegan curry paste. A lot of brands use fish sauce. I used Thai Taste Red Curry Paste. It’s my favourite and it’s 100% vegan. You can make the soup the way you like it best: I used wholewheat noodles, for some extra protein, but you can also use rice noodles if you prefer. I fried the tofu, but a healthier option is to not fry it. You can then just add the tofu at the same time you add the spring onions. To make it spicer, add some chilli flakes. No matter what you prefer, I’m sure you will love it!

THAI THE NOODLE

Serves 3-4 

1 tsp coconut oil
3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
3-4 cm ginger (15 gr, finely chopped)
1 red onion (chopped)
1/2 head of broccoli (chopped)
4 tbs curry paste
2 vegetable stock cubes
750 ml water (boiled)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
3 spring onions(chopped in 2 cm)
4 small heads of bok choy
1 can coconut milk
3 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
1-2 tbs coconut oil
200 gr extra firm tofu (sliced, chopped)
150 gr whole wheat noodles (uncooked)

toppings
Fresh coriander (optional)
Beansprouts (optional)
Sugar snaps (optional)
Lime wedge (optional)

-First fry the tofu in 1-2 tbs coconut oil on all sides until golden.
-In the meantime: Fry the garlic, ginger and red onion for 1-2 min, with the tsp of coconut oil, on medium heat.
-Add the broccoli and fry all together for another 2 min.
-In the meantime: dissolve the stock cubes in the water.
-Add a splash of the stock to the pan and all the curry paste and keep stirring for about 1 min.
-Add the rest of the stock, the coconut milk, the soy sauce, the chilli flakes and both bell peppers.
-Mix well, let it come to boil, turn the heat to a low, add the noodles and let this simmer for about 5 min.
-Add the bok choy and the spring onion to the soup and let it simmer until the noodles are ready.
-Serve in a bowl, with the tofu and choose some of you favourite toppings.

Do you love the Thai kitchen as much as I do? When you make the recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, so I can give you a shoutout! You can also use #planetmanel if you like. Thank you! X

Dark Moon (vegan) Chocolate

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Last year I was delighted to see that there would be a vegan market in Newbury. As this is the closest town for me and there are hardly any vegan things around, I of course went to check it out. It was fairly small, but I was happy to see some familiar faces. I got a hotdog and a yummy brownie and when I made another round I saw something that attracted me like magnet. Big balls of chocolate covered in nuts! I’ve never seen anything like this before and so I had a little chat with the owner to get to know the product. Even though I just bought a brownie, I couldn’t resist getting one of these (in my eyes) magic balls too. I’m so happy I did, because they are amazing!! Since then I ordered them for Xmas and my birthday, in different flavours. I can’t keep them from you and I would love you to try them and so I thought it was time to tell you about this lovely inspiring brand: Dark Moon Chocolate!

First of all I’d like to introduce you to the owner: Dan (35), who was born in Bristol, now lives in a lovely market town Frome, which has a bustling independent trader scene. He used to work as a Food Production Manager at a Farm shop. This seems a bit strange for a vegan, but he wasn’t vegan when he started working there. One day whilst he was stroking some of the cows in the barn (he always used to go and feed them with all the veg scraps from the kitchen) it made him think. He thought ‘I’d always been an animal lover and yet I was eating these beautiful creatures that deserved better’. From that moment he stopped eating animals. He’d always worked in the food industry which he fell into by pure accident and it just turns out that he really loved it. I’m happy he does, because what he does now, makes everyone happy. Time to ask him some questions!

What made you decide to start your own business and why chocolate?
I started it out of necessity, after having to leave my full-time employment because of health problems. I’ve suffered with arthritis and mechanical issues in my legs since I was 19 and had a bad flare-up in my ankle last summer. I had to leave, as it was predominantly an on your feet job. I chose chocolate because I’ve always enjoyed making chocolates and it’s always been my favourite sweet food. I can also sit down when making them, which helps me manage my bad ankle. It seems funny that about 6 months before starting Dark Moon, I made a passing comment to one of my staff members, that I’d love to just make chocolates. Strange how things turn out! I’m now fully self-employed, doing three separate part-time endeavours, the chocolate is the one that really keeps me going though. I’m also an artist and craftsman.

How did you come up with the name ‘Dark Moon Vegan’?
My star product is a sweet chocolate ‘scotch egg’. The non vegan version is a Cadburys Creme egg, wrapped in brownie. I just had to make it vegan. I make all the centres myself, so I can make loads of fabulous flavours. I wanted a name that referred to the chocolate in some way. I use dark chocolate and they also look a bit like a moon, so it kind of just made sense. When I searched for the name ‘Dark Moon Chocolate’ on instagram, someone else had already coined it, although the account looked old and was based in America. Just to be on the safe side, I chose ‘Dark Moon Vegan’. I trade under the banner of ‘Dark Moon Chocolate’ at markets though. It also means that I can have a really cool logo of a dark full moon!

How did you get yourself out there?
Despite all the hype around social media marketing and online presence, for me the best way to get myself out there was to actually physically do it. Meet my customers and spend time in the real world. It felt a bit like jumping into the unknown at first, booking markets and not knowing if I was going to sell much. I was actually astonished at how well the chocolates did. Off the back of that, my online sales are also really starting to grow.

What are the ingredients you like to use and where do you get them from?
My go to chocolate is a bitter sweet dark Belgian chocolate, it’s 54% and it’s really well balanced. Most people who aren’t fans of strong dark chocolate, usually like this one when they’ve given it a try. The company also re-invests directly back into the cocoa farmers to create a more sustainable approach to cocoa farming. I use a fair trade sugar and coconut oil, that my partner gets from her health store. I use a gluten-free buckwheat flour from a company located in the south-west. All my packaging is recyclable and I don’t use single use plastics. I have now ran out of the parcel tape I was using for online orders and will be using an eco-friendly paper tape for my online orders.

Where can people order your chocolate?
I currently do orders through social media and email, I’ll be developing a website to make things a little easier very soon. My email is darkmoon.frome@gmail.com and my Instagram and Facebook is @darkmoonvegan.

Which chocolate is your personal favourite?
My favourite dark moon at the moment has to be ‘The Monkey’s Knickers’ (I ordered 2 of these the last time and they are my favourite too, they are AMAZING!). It’s a salted caramel centre wrapped in a peanut butter brownie then coated on more chocolate and roasted peanuts. It’s inspired by a very well known chocolate bar – the clue is in the weird name! 

What are your plans for the future when it comes to ‘Dark Moon Vegan’?
I’m really just looking to keep things small scale, I’m happy doing markets and fairs and selling online. To keep things interesting there will always be new flavours to try and occasional one off products.

Is there anything else you like people to know?
I have a chocolate problem. (I’m happy he does!! Haha..)

Will there be a special for Easter by any chance?
Of course, I’m in the process of doing a regular monthly subscription box, which will contain new flavours and products. For Easter I am making Vegan Creme Eggs, Caramel Eggs and Chocolate Orange Eggs. There will also be little mini creme eggs, keep your eyes open as these kind of items will be limited edition!

Now, are you excited yet? An amazing chocolate brand, with ridiculous flavours, you can order online, without any plastic packaging! It won’t get any better than this!

Dark Moon Vegan chocolate is my favourite for sure (esp ‘The Monkey’s Knickers’ ..just Wohw!) and I hope you’ll find out for yourself soon. They also make a lovely gift btw! I’d love to hear what you think of these chocolates if you decide to try them. Please let me know in the comments below or on Instagram! Thank you! X

0Waste #4: Beauty Swaps

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Assuming you’ve read my ‘0Waste #1: Intro‘ – ‘0Waste #2: Kitchen Swaps’ and ‘0Waste #3: On The Way Swaps‘ I’d now like to introduce you to some simple things everyone can do to produce less waste in the bathroom!

LINERS/PADS 
One of the last things I struggled with, was liners. I like to use the ultra thin liners from ‘Bodyform’. I absolutely love them! But apart from that they obviously aren’t zero waste or plastic free for that matter, to make things worse, they are also individually wrapped. And using one every day, quickly adds up. So I tried to find a good reusable liner for a while, but they are all so thick and wearing them with lace thongs (only underwear I wear) is just not comfortable. I did find these ones that are quite thin (could be even thinner and maybe a little smaller) and I find them usable. I still don’t love them, but at least it will keep me from using disposable ones. All tips on this subject are welcome! Talking about periods, you can also buy proper pads that are very absorbent, in case you don’t like to use cups. They feel a lot more comfortable than the disposable pads too. Just look on Etsy for example, there are soooo many and loads of different colours and designs.

MENSTRUAL CUPS
Let’s talk about the menstrual cup again. I wrote about these before and they definitely belong on the list with products for living a more waste free life. Also, I’m still a big fan. More and more woman started to use a cup and that is so positive. They are  simply perfect when you decide to live a (more) zero waste lifestyle. I’m using my one for almost 2 years and my cup still looks like it’s new. I have 2 cups actually, the Organicup and my most used one, the Lunette. In case you’re not using one yet, but you are curious, in the articles I explain exactly what they are and how to use them. Please learn about them and aim to use one. It might sound weird and you might have to practice a little at first, but it is soooo worth it. Trust me!

FACIAL CLEANSING 
Me and my face. It’s like the skin on my face lives her own life. I have break-outs since I can remember and even though I kinda accepted it, I always try to find the best way to care for my skin. I tried sooo many things, but something I’m sticking to for a while now, is using simple facial cloths and this little brush I found in a shop called ‘Søstrene Grenes’. I accidentally bumped into this shop when visiting The Hague. I always wash my face with the tea tree oil soap from ‘Faith In Nature’ and 1-2 a week I use the brush (or cloth). It works like a gentle scrub. My skin is reacting well and I love that it’s waste free. The little brush is made out of some sort of silicone, but it’s super durable and I think it will last me a life time really. I’m very happy I found something like this. Works a treat!

NAIL FILE
There are many types of files, metal ones, paper or plastic disposable ones and glass ones. I personally never used the disposable ones, but they are popular though. I always used the metal ones, but they do have a plastic bit on them. I still have a few and I still use them, because even though they have some plastic, they do last ages, years and years really. A few years ago, my mum gave me this glass nail file and I love it. It files really well. It’s actually my best file. The only problem is that, because it’s quite thick, it’s hard to do the sides and little corners of your nails. It’s very gentle on your nails though and that is the main reason I love using it.

BODY BRUSH
Who doesn’t have a plastic (puff) sponge to use under the shower? I used to have lots of them. After a while they go bad and I threw them away to get a new one. They made my skin feel nice and soft and so I never gave it much thought. About 1-2 years ago I stopped using them, because I didn’t want to be responsible for that much waste and so I looked for an alternative. I tried different things and I now have a wooden brush with cactus bristles. I really like it. The bristles are quite hard, but I personally like that. If you have a sensitive skin, you might want to use something softer. When I bought it, I didn’t realise that the bristles are stuck in a little layer of plastic though. Such a shame. Eventually, when this one is not usable anymore, I have to look for something that has no plastic at all. Tips are welcome!

COTTON PADS
Some girls and woman like to use wipes or cotton pads to take their make up off. Especially their eye make up. I never use them, but when you do like to use them, did you know that you can buy reusable pads? There are nice soft ones in lots of colours and designs. Look on Etsy for example and invest in a nice set. This way, you will not only create less waste, but it will also safe you money, because you can use reusable pads for so much longer. Make sure you get nice soft ones, made out of organic cotton or bamboo for example.

TOOTHBRUSH 
Who uses a toothbrush?! Haha.. I’d be surprised if you say ‘not me’. But who’s still using a plastic toothbrush? I’m sure the answers of this last question are not all the same. Many people are still using plastic toothbrushes, even though they are one of the most used plastics in the world. There are so many brands that will sell you a nice toothbrush made out of bamboo though, whereby all the materials are natural, even the bristles. Please go for this option, as it will make such a big difference. I use the ‘Humble Brush‘ toothbrush and I’m very happy with this brand. I personally really like the look of them as well, especially the ones with the black bristles. There are all sorts of colours though, even multi coloured ones. Pick your colour and brush away.

WOODEN COMB
This is one of my most loved zero waste, plastic free items. My wooden comb! I have long hair and so I need something to untangle it once in a while. Luckily my hair doesn’t tangle easily and so I only brush my hair 2-3 times a week. Before I got my wooden comb, I used to always use a plastic hairbrush. I didn’t know any better. Until, about a year ago, I read something about the use of a wooden comb. Apparently this is much better for your hair as well. Wooden combs are more gentle and it doesn’t tend to break your hair as fast. My comb I simply got from Amazon as I couldn’t find a nice one anywhere else (I’m so picky). It’s beautiful! It has a nice grip, I love the colour, size and the little carvings. The teeth of the comb are perfect as well. They aren’t too big or too small, they’re not too close together or too far apart. I feel very lucky to have found it.

COTTON BUDS 
Something I also struggled finding a replacement for, are cotton buds. I love using cotton buds. It feels so nice in my ears, haha! But the little plastic sticks are the worst! So even though I still have some left from the last time I bought them (they never seem to finish), I hate using them now. About a year ago I tried to research for a replacement. There are bamboo ones (Humble Brush sells these as well), but I also found a metal one. I know it sounds a little scary and uncomfortable and I did have to get used to it a bit as well. Once you start using it though, it’s actually ok. It’s a little different, but just as satisfying as the ones you’re used to. I like my metal one now, because it will last forever and so I won’t be creating any waste when it comes to looking after my ears.

SAFETY RAZOR 
I actually, basically do not shave. I’m very much against the whole ‘girls need to shave’ rule. I never shave my legs or my arm pits, but I do shave my bikini line area though. Just to make it look neat, especially when I’m actually in my bikini. I think it’s ok to look after yourself in that way. You can make yourself presentable in public places when it comes to intimate areas like this, but without going over the top. At the moment I’m actually still using my plastic razor, simply because it doesn’t need replacement yet. But as soon as it does, I will invest in a nice safety razor. The one on the picture is from my sister-in-law, who is very happy with hers. Did you invest in one yet?

BEAUTY PRODUCTS 
I can’t stress this enough: Use natural beauty products! Not only for the planet, but also for yourself. No one likes the idea of putting chemicals on their skin, but weird enough, many people do it every day. Swap your chemical products in plastic packaging for natural (biodegradable) products with plastic free (or at least recyclable) packaging. There are many brands nowadays that offer nice products. I love using tooth tabs (look at the pic of the toothbrush) for example. Are you using these yet? I’d still love to learn about this subject a little more though, so tips are very welcome.

I hope this was helpful and will motivate you to swap (some) things in your every day  beauty routine. Do you have more tips or more things you can change/swap in the bathroom, please let me know in the comments or contact me via Instagram (@planetmanel). Thank you! X

CocoNuts

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If it’s with coconut.. yes please! I have a big coconut addiction I’m afraid. I love products and recipes with coconut. It doesn’t matter if it’s chocolate, ice lollies, curries.. if it has coconut, I’m in! Ok, it does have to be vegan too. But luckily a lot of things with coconuts are as it’s used instead of cow’s milk. I also really like cake with coconut, I mean, who doesn’t right? So I created a coconut cake. I can already say it’s not healthy, as I used an area bas. You can of course replace the base for a healthy base if you want to make something a little more guilt free. But I do think this cake does really go well with the Oreo’s. So do you have a celebration coming up soon? Or do you just want to celebrate another day in your life.. this cake is perfect!

CRAZY COCONUT

Serves: 6-8

base
-1 pack oreo’s
-3 tbs coconut oil (melted)
filling
-1 can coconut milk
-1/2 cup plant based milk
-1/4 cup desiccated coconut
-1/4 cup water
-2 tbs agave nectar
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-2 tbs corn flour + 1/4 cup water
-1 tbs agar agar
extra
-desiccated coconut
-palm sugar
-cacao powder

-Baking tin

-Soak the desiccated coconut for about 30 min in the milk.
-Put the oreo’s and the coconut oil in the food processor and blend until it’s sticky.
-Divide the base over the baking tin. Press with the back of a spoon to make it even. Put this in the fridge.
-Put the water and the agar agar in a sauce pan and let it boil.
-Mix the corn flour with the water (I always shake it).
-On a low fire pour in the coconut milk , the milk + the desiccated coconut, the cream, the agave nectar, the corn flour mixture and the vanilla extract. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
-Pour this on the base and put it in the fridge overnight.
-Sprinkle the coconut , the coconut sugar and a little bit of cacao powder on top.

Party, party?!! Are you going to make this recipe? Please let me know when you’ve tried them. You can do this in a comment below. You can also tag me or use #PlanetManel on Instagram. Thank you! X

Palm Sugar / Chick’n Tandoori

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PALM SUGAR
When I use sugar, I use organic palm sugar from Biona. Palm sugar is an unrefined sugar. It comes from the sap, found in the flower buds of the coconut palm tree. It’s heated to take the moisture out and the syrup they get from that, is then further reduced until crystals are formed. This means there are no chemicals used in making this sugar. It even has vitamins and minerals, like: potassium, zinc, iron and it’s rich in B vitamins. It also has a low GI level, what means that it releases it’s energy slowly and prevents the spike of insulin. Most diabetics can even use palm sugar for this reason. Even though it’s a lot healthier than table sugar, it’s still a sweetener and it doesn’t mean you should use this unlimited. The taste is sweet and a it has a slight caramel flavour. I really like the taste. My boyfriend is using it in his coffee and I mostly use it for baking and as a topping for nice cream (super yummy).

CHICK’N TANDOORI
This is not something that I keep in my fridge all the time. It’s a real treat when I get it. Last year I was helping a family out with babysitting and it turned out that the mum was vegan too. This is what she had in her fridge and I had a little taste. I thought it was really nice and bought it for myself and to take it to Holland, to share with my family and (vegan) dad. They liked it too. It’s especially nice on a nice fresh bun or baguette with some fresh veggies, like lettuce, tomato and cucumber. You could also have some on the side of your salad. It has a very nice structure (as most of the Tofurky stuff) and the taste is really nice. I’m sure that even meat eaters will appreciate this and it’s a huge help for people who are transitioning.

Did you already know these products or are you going to try them after reading this? Please let me know or show me on Instagram by using #PlanetManel. Would you like me to test and review your product(s) or do you have any suggestions? Please send me a message via CONTACT! It can be anything (food, drinks, beauty..) as long as it’s vegan. Thank you! X

Coconut milk / Rice cakes

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COCONUT MILK
I love curries. It’s one of my favourite dishes to make, but especially to eat of course. It might be because it’s with coconut milk. I love everything with coconut, I’m quite addicted. A bar with coconut, a smoothie with coconut, a shower gel with coconut.. yes, yes and yes! Now to make curry and all these yummy recipes which include coconut milk (you might have spotted quite a few) I use the coconut milk from ‘Pride’. This is because it has more actual coconut in there than any other brand I know. A lot of times it’s around 50% water and 50% coconut or they added a lot of other very unnecessary ingredients (sometimes even sugar!). Pride coconut milk has 75% coconut inside. If you need the cream of the coconut milk, this is definitely your number one brand. Especially when you want to make whipped coconut cream. So much cream! It’s very tasty too. The only thing I don’t like is that it’s not organic, but you can’t have everything I guess. So the next time you make curry, a hot chocolate or a creamy soup, use this. You can get it in a lot of supermarkets, you get more worth for your money.. and it isn’t even expensive

RICE CAKES
A yummy snack or a healthy lunch, rice cakes are very great. Just a rice cake with nut butter is a perfect protein snack and when you put some cream cheese, humous, avocado and veggies on top, you will have a lovely lunch. You do need quite a lot of these ones if you want to have them for lunch though. Because they’re thin it doesn’t fill you up easily. So in general I think these ones are better as a snack. I love rice cakes a lot, also on its own. If I don’t watch out I will eat a whole pack. I actually especially like the thick ones, but I recently discovered a very thin one I like too. The multigrain thins form Sainsbury’s. They are healthy, have a nice bite, have a very different taste and you only need a little bit of something to put on there, perfect. I really like to have them with cream cheese, cucumber and some cracked black pepper. The only thing what is a little less nice is that they break quite fast. Some of them are even already broken in the pack. It is because they’re so thin.

Did you already know these products or are you going to try them after reading this? Please let me know or show me on Instagram by using #PlanetManel. Would you like me to test and review your product(s) or do you have any suggestions? Please send me a message via CONTACT! It can be anything (food, drinks, beauty..) as long as it’s vegan. Thank you!

Little Coconutters / Falafel burgers

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LITTLE COCONUTTERS
Not sure if you know the brand ‘The Coconut Collaborative‘, but it’s quite a fantastic brand, with lots of great vegan ice cream. Recently I see more and more stores and supermarkets selling this brand. What is really great! Last time I was at Sainsbury’s I saw these ‘Little Coconutters’, I’ve never seen before. They caught my eye because of the nice design on the packaging, with the blue leaves and cheeky monkeys. Coconut vanilla on a stick.. I couldn’t just walk passed this, could I? I’m totally nuts about coconut, so I got them. Good thing I did, because they’re totally delicious! The Coconut Collaborative did’t use refined sugar, but grape juice to make them sweet. What makes me like them even more. There are just too much products ruined by sugar nowadays. They’re not very big, but it’s also not gone within 2 bites, I would say they’re the perfect size. I didn’t try it yet, but I think if you’d blend them with a glass of plant-based milk and maybe even a piece of fruit (banana?) or a tablespoon of cacao powder, they make an amazing milkshake. I think they’re aiming for children, but they’re a super nice dessert or snack for adults too. With the days getting warmer and summer on its way, I only have one thing to say: Go and try these!

FALAFEL BURGERS
Do you remember the ‘pepper steak style pies‘ of ‘Fry’s Family‘ I reviewed before? This brand is amazing and the last time I was at Holland&Barret I saw these falafel burgers. They were not in a classic Fry’s package and I didn’t realise at first they were from Fry’s. They’re quite new! I really like this packaging much more, because I always thought the other packaging looks a bit cheap. This looks more appealing in my opinion. I obviously had to try them, as I love falafel and I like that there is no crap in these. Guilt free burgers! So I made my boyfriend and myself a nice falafel lunch in the weekend. I toasted some whole wheat pita breads and fried the burgers in a pan. To make them fit in the pita bread properly I cut the burger in half, in length (so I had 2 thin burgers). I put them in the bread, together with some iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, gherkins and a good amount of houmous. It was very good and my boyfriend really liked it too! I was a little sceptical at first, because I thought they might be a little dry, because that is what you get a lot. But Fry’s did it again and created a yummy new burger. I like that there are corn pieces in there and some quinoa too. I bet they are very yummy on a proper burger bun too, with red onion rings and some chilli sauce. Perfect lunch!

Did you already know these products or are you going to try them after reading this? Please let me know or show me on Instagram by using #PlanetManel. Would you like me to test and review your product(s) or do you have any suggestions? Please send me a message via CONTACT! It can be anything (food, drinks, beauty..) as long as it’s vegan. Thank you! X

Unroasted Almond Milk / Coconut curls

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img_3078UNROASTED ALMOND MILK
Almond milk is one of the best plant-based milks I think. One of the healthiest for sure, if you get a non-sugar one. I tested a lot of plant-based milks and what I like to use for what. I don’t like almond milk in my tea, but I think it’s great for porridge, cereals, smoothies and hot chocolates. I always bought the Alpro roasted almond milk for that, I did like the taste, but quite recently they came with a new one: Unroasted! It’s so much better. It really tastes like raw almonds and it gives a little extra to your hot chocolate, yum! I’m happy they came with this, I think it must be a little healthier too. So if you’re not into ‘milking the almonds’, I think this is a good alternative. Give it a try!

img_6504COCONUT CURLS
Last time when I was in the Whole Foods Market I saw these Ape coconut curls snack bags. Everything what says ‘coconut’ is interesting I think, because I’m in love with coconuts! I looked them up and I liked the story of how it came on the market. If you want to read about it, go to their website. Later when I was at Planet Organic they were on discount and so I bought one. They also have a peppery flavour (what is an interesting combination I think, I should try those too), but I went for the salted chocolate version (of course). First of all, I like the design of the bags, it makes you want to try them. Second.. it’s deeeeelicious!! You have to try this! Just do!

Did you already know these products or are you going to try them after reading this? Please let me know or show me on Instagram by using #PlanetManel. Would you like me to test and review your product(s) or do you have any suggestions? Please send me a message via CONTACT! It can be anything (food, drinks, beauty..) as long as it’s vegan. Thank you! X