Thanksgiving Sides (Zesty Cranberry Sauce + Orange Basil Sweet Potatoes)

Its the beginning of the best time of year, holiday season!! Its Thanksgiving this week and I have been non-stop getting in the holiday spirit, baking, making recipes for Thanksgiving and spending time with friends and family. But, lets be real, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of year and who doesn't want an easy way out or a quick recipe to make! Thats why I am sharing with you these two amazing and incredible easy recipes that your friends and family will love. 
Push that can of already made cranberry sauce to the side and say hello to this fresh & zesty cranberry sauce that takes no longer than 10 minutes. Throw in some fresh cranberries, orange zest, some sweeteners and let boil, then you're ready to go! You can find the recipe and details, here. 

Moving on to my second favorite and technically more healthy item than your average mashed potato is this incredible orange, basil mashed sweet potatoes from Andie Mitchell's recipe book Eating in the Middle.  Throw a few whole sweet potatoes in the oven for an hour. When the sweet potatoes are soft in the middle scoop the insides out and transfer to a bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, nutmeg, salt & pepper and mash together well! Before serving add some chopped fresh basil and serve!! 

Duh, these are the two easiest side dishes you could make on this crazy day of cooking, prepping, traveling, or just relaxing. Make prepare these ahead of time and reheat as well to ease your stress away! 

Thanks again for following and have the best Thanksgiving day!  

Absolute Musts-dos in Amsterdam

Wow, after being in Prague for nearly 3 months now, I couldn't imagine a more incredible first weekend traveling, than my time spent in Amsterdam the other week with my girlfriend. I can't even begin to count how many times I've thought of going to Amsterdam and decided against it, thinking it was too touristy and overcrowded. I am so excited to share with you all of the incredible places we went to, but I don’t even know where to begin. There were so many places I had on my list to check out and not enough time, so we made sure we hit up the cutest neighborhoods, cafes and places to grab dinner and cocktails.  

When arriving in Amsterdam I was completely overwhelmed with the charm and accessibility of the city. Not once, did we take public transportation as most places are easy to get to and stumbling upon hidden alleyways, graffiti painted walls, local shops and the endless canals throughout the city were some of my favorite times while in Amsterdam.

I still can’t describe to you how much I fell in love with Amsterdam after visiting and the best part is that we barely did any of the “touristy things,” that most people come to do. Having no agenda and getting lost within the city made for the most enjoyable times.

Although my major recommendation to anyone visiting, would be to first just wander and explore the streets and canals, I of course have some incredible places you must check out as well.

Shown below: 

Must Visit Café: Lavinia Good Food Café

Must Visit Café: Café Georgette

Must visit restaurant: Bull & Dogs

Must visit place: Pulitzer Hotel

Must visit restaurant/bar: Palladium (mainly for drinks) (not pictured)

Must Visit Café: Café Georgette

Recently opened this cafe, is light, bright and incredibly well decorated. Their healthy and incredibly creative food options are endless and beautifully done. We both ordered avocado toasts, one being pomegranate, feta and avocado and the other with arugula, prawns and a soft-boiled egg. YUM! Oh and of course, I needed to test out their acai bowl. Pretty much in love.

Must Visit Café: Lavinia Good Food Café

So, I have to be honest, this place was so good, we went back for a second time. The food is so fresh, healthy and there are a ton of veg/vegan options, it is the perfect place for everyone. Additionally, the endless options of fresh juices, nut mylks, dairy free options and the turmeric golden latte, had me swooning. I ordered their breakfast truffle, egg and tomato flatbread and can pretty much say it was one of the best things I've ever tried. Clearly this is a must stop when visiting Amsterdam. Oh...and its incredibly cute inside. Perfect for taking photos. ;) 

Must visit restaurant: Bull & Dogs

This place...I literally have no words. It was heaven. Look at this milkshake. After coming across this place while doing our research, we knew we NEEDED to stop and check out Bull & Dog's incredibly creative and artistic milkshakes and hot dogs. Interesting combination, but it works. My friend Catie & I decided to go with the Big Banana Bash surrounded with peanut butter and chocolate mixed somewhere in there. Needless to say, it was gone within a matter of minutes as well as the Bourbon Bacon Dog we ordered too. This is definitely a must on my list of places to check out. 

Must visit place: Pulitzer Hotel

If you are looking for a perfect place to grab a cocktail or glass of wine with incredible decor, this is the place. Located centrally in the Nine Streets neighborhood its incredibly convenient to get to. Make sure to check out the incredible gardens

I can't wait until you experience all of the wonders this adorable town has to offer. Comment below if you visit and have anymore tips for future travelers. 

Cheers!! Make sure to follow my adventures on Instagram @tripleoblog 

Prague's Cutest Cafes pt. 1

Hey all!! 

Can you believe almost a month has gone by since my arrival in Prague? Things have been nonstop since getting here, and I've made sure to jump right in and explore something I love to do most...relax while drinking a beautifully handcrafted coffee amidst a cafe's eclectic and charming decor. 

While there are many more cafes that I have yet to explore here in Prague, I managed to visit a handful of the ones I love most. I think that these top picks of mine are definitely worth exploring and visiting when and if visiting Prague. I also managed to stop by and of course taste some delicious donuts at one of the cafes as well. 

I started my search early in the morning and headed to an area in central Prague known as JZP, Jirio Z Poděbrad.

1. Spižírna 1902- My first stop started at a cafe which just opened nearly a week ago. I was lucky to stumble upon it & was overwhelmed with the charm and artistic mural paintings along the walls and ceiling. Comfortable chairs to lounge in and windows that span from floor to ceiling, there is no lack of natural sunlight shining through. I have put this not only at the top of my list, because it was my first cafe to visit, but in regards to ambiance, comfortability, taste & decor it the best. The cafe offers beautifully crafted foods and drinks, with the option of non-dairy options, using nut mylk. In the evening, this cafe turns into a Tapas bar and serves food + beers & spirits. Its a must on my list. 

2. Coffee Room - Right down the road from the first cafe, is the Coffee Room. The Coffee Room is much smaller in size and but overflowing with people. There is a reason why this coffee shop is consistently busy. Its incredibly "California-esk" type food will make you swoon. Avocado toast with sesame seeds...do I need to say more? Acai smoothie bowls with beautiful fruit overflowing, grain bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes and pomegranate seeds, and these are just a few dishes. The food menu is only a portion of the amazing items to order. There are a variety of drinks, which also include nondairy options, but one thing that stood out the most to me was the homemade lemonade. Freshly squeezed lemons, thyme and kiwis all come together to form a fresh, heavenly and refreshing beverage. Again, this cafe is a must visit for me. Make sure to grab a seat outside, if there's room. 

3. Donut Shop - I know this isn't exactly a full on cafe, but, who cares, they have donuts...and coffee. This adorable and unique shop is also located in the JZP area and funny enough has the same owners as the Coffee Room. I had to put this place on my list of cafes to check out, because every morning donuts are made fresh and they also offer a delicious oat milk latte. Their oat milk latte is creamy, smooth and not overly sweet. Furthermore, its located right beside a wonderful park where you can take your coffee and donut to sit and eat outside. To make this place even "sweeter," they offer "plant based" or vegan donut options for those vegans out there, but you wouldn't ever be able to tell the difference. I'd highly recommend the blueberry and peanut butter donut for your next visit. 

4. Pekárna - I saved one of the best for last. Located right around the corner from my flat in the area of Prague 2 - Vinohrady, I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a lovely area and this cafe only makes it that much better. The highlight of this cafe, is the homemade bread freshly made every Monday, Wednesday & Friday when they are open. Their traditional Czech bread fills the air with an incredible aroma and the lovely table decorations along with the record player quietly playing tunes creates for an atmosphere you won't want to leave. The first time visiting this adorable cafe, I was greeted by a lovely young Czech girl, who spoke such wonderful English & made all of the customers feel welcome. If you're looking for a place to relax, spend some time doing work & enjoying a latte or espresso, this cafe is another one I recommend. 

I have only started to skim the surface of cafes and restaurants here in Prague & I am sure I will have many more recommendations to come. Can't wait to share more about my cafe & restaurant obsessions in the coming months. 

-Ciao xx

Coconut Cream Protein Cookie Sandwich

Lately I have been on a coconut kick and can't get enough of its creamy, delicious taste. This morning I wanted to make something quick, easy and relatively healthy. Something which was gluten-free, low in sugar and filling. Thats when these coconut cream protein cookies were brought to my attention and I knew I had to make them. They are made with all-natural sweeteners and are packed with protein from my favorite Vega protein powder. 

Also, this recipe is vegan, making them perfect for anyone. The coconut cream filling gives these cookie sandwiches the perfect sweetness and makes them fun to eat. They're the perfect anytime snack or for breakfast or an after workout snack. 

Lastly, these protein cookie sandwiches take less than 20 minutes to make with only a handful of ingredients required. The recipe calls for sunflower seeds, but I didn't have any in my pantry so I added pumpkin seeds and walnuts instead. You can find the recipe here. 

To make the Coconut Cream filling, you need 1 can of coconut cream, 1/2 cup of coconut flakes (or enough to thicken the coconut cream mixture), 1/4 c. maple syrup and 1 tsp. of vanilla. 

Chocolate Coconut Cups (V)

I've found my newest obsession and its in the form of sweets...obviously. Also, its just in time for Valentine's Day. These Chocolate Coconut Cups are incredibly easy, all naturally sweetened and vegan. Also, they take no longer than 10 minutes to make and require no more than 5 ingredients. 

These are an absolutely must-try and are the perfect little thing to satisfy any chocolate craving. I found the recipe from one of my favorite blogs: Its To Die For

Ingredients 

For the filling:

1 414mL can coconut cream (refrigerated for at least seven hours)
1 1/2 c. unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 c. maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla
1 tsp. Himalayan or sea salt

For the chocolate coating:

1 c. coconut oil
1 c. cocoa or cacao powder
1/3 c. maple syrup (or more, to taste)
3/4 tsp. HImalayan or sea salt
Splash vanilla

Directions

1. Add all filling ingredients into a bowl and combine until smooth with a whisk. Note: for the coconut cream, use only the solid ‘cream’ component (discard or save the watery part for a smoothie). Set in fridge while you make the chocolate coating.
2. Melt coconut oil in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
3. Place baking/muffin cups in your muffin pan (if your paper muffin cups are firm enough you may not need the muffin pan — I find it helpful). Pour a small amount of liquid chocolate sauce into each cup and roll it around so that the chocolate coats the lower sides of the cup. Set in fridge to firm up and then repeat this process up to four times.
4. Next, add your coconut filling to a ziploc bag and snip off the corner of the bag. Pipe the filling into the cups – as little or as much as you like. I like lots.
5. Lastly, with a spoon, finish the cups by spooning more liquid chocolate into each muffin cup — make sure the coconuty filling is completely covered. Place in fridge until completely firm and enjoy!

Halloween Marshmallow Pops

Happy Halloween!! 

I just had the most wonderful weekend, spent in Chicago, celebrating Halloween with some awesome people & friends!

I am back in home & so excited, because I found the cutest recipe to continue celebrating Halloween. Today I am making Halloween Marshmallow Broomstick pops! The best part about these pops, is that they are easy, convenient and can be made any way you want, you just need to get creative! 

I love celebrating all holidays and getting into the spirit, and these marshmallow pops are such a great way to do just that. They are incredibly versatile, you can change up the decorations or colors of the sprinkles to suit the specific holiday you are celebrating. When I was young, I would always be in the kitchen baking cookies, frosting and decorating desserts and hanging up holiday decor to get my family and I into the spirit! 

For this recipe, I made the pops completely free of dairy, therefore they are vegan, so everyone can enjoy. The marshmallows I used are Dandies, all natural vanilla marshmallows and the chocolate is dairy free as well. I used two types of chocolate, the first was a gnash made of melted coconut oil, maple syrup and cocoa powder and the second was melted diary free chocolate chips. 

View fullsize

Once you have dipped the marshmallows into the chocolate mixtures, put the sprinkles on while it is still melted, so they stick and stay on. Then put the pops into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to harden. 

I can't wait to share these with you & am excited for you all to try for yourselves. Come say hi on Instagram and tag me @oliviasobjectsofobsession 

Ingredients: 

2 Tbsp of cocoa powder
1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
1/4 c of maple syrup
Sprinkles
1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 cup of diary free chocolate chips
1-2 bags of marshmallow (V)
cake pop sticks

Directions: 

1. Take 1-2 bags of marshmallows and insert the sticks into them
2.Melt the chocolate chips on 30 second intervals, until it is thoroughly melted and creamy. 
3. For the second chocolate mixture, melt the coconut oil, and add the cocoa powder and maple syrup to it and mix together thoroughly. 
4. Dip the marshmallow sticks into either chocolate mixture
5. Roll the wet chocolate into the sprinkles, pecans or any topping of your choice

Triple Chocolate Banana Bread (V + GF)

Recently, I've been on a baking kick, looking for the best, most delectable recipes, while still being conscious of the sugar and ingredients added into them. This past week, I came across this vegan & gluten-free Triple Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe from the website Dear Kitchen and knew this would be the perfect thing to share with you all. Especially with the upcoming holiday season.  

This banana bread was so moist, because of the ripened bananas added to it, which also gave the banana bread some its sweetness as well. But, the best part about this banana bread is that it only uses natural sweetener, like maple syrup to sweeten it up. The gnash topping encapsulates this delicious treat and bumps up the flavor and sweetness as well. I adapted this recipe slightly and added a bit of maple syrup to the gnash and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts opposed to blueberries. But, if you want to be creative, most anything can be added to the top: coconut flakes, blueberries, raspberries, nuts, etc. 

I love seeing the pictures and recipes you post, so make sure to tag your social media posts with #tripleo and @oliviasobjectsofobsession 

Ingredients: 

1. 2 cups (500 ml) oat milk
2. 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
3. 3 tbsp maple syrup
4. 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut oil
5. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
6. 1 cup all purpose flour
7. 2/3 cup (60 g) cocoa powder
8. 1 tsp baking soda
9. 2 tsp baking powder
10. 1/2 tsp salt
11. 4 tsp cinnamon
12. 100 g dark chocolate chips 

Ganache: 

1. 100 g dark chocolate
2. 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut oil

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a bread rectangular baking dish (34x12 cm, 2 litres) with baking paper.
2. Mix together oat milk and vinegar and leave for a few minutes. In a larger bowl whisk together maple syrup and coconut oil. Add the milk and vinegar mixture and mashed bananas. Whisk to combine.
3. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Slowly add to the wet ingredients while whisking on low speed or with hand. Fold in the coconut chips and transfer to baking dish. Bake for 1 hour.
4. Leave it to cool completely. On a double boiler melt together the chocolate and coconut oil. Pour over the bread and leave to cool down and harden.