Author: healthbyhaven

July 6, 2022

Cacao Matcha Latte

Looking for a morning coffee swap, a refreshing drink on a hot day, a creamy sweet pick-me-up? This latte is for you! Matcha and cacao both have incredible health benefits – alertness and focus without the crash, improved sleep, tons of antioxidants- the list goes on. Blend this up today. It’s bound to be your new favorite drink!

Ingredients

  • 1 c unsweetened coconut milk (the kind from the carton, not the can)
  • 1 tbs cacao powder
  • 1 tsp matcha powder (I love Matchaful!)
  • ½ tsp agave nectar for sweetness 

Directions

  1. Blend all ingredients in the blender.
  2. Pour over a tall glass of ice.
  3. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think about this tasty, healthy latte in the comments below or on Instagram @haven_quinlan! 

July 6, 2022

Homemade Almond Flour

Okay making my own almond flour with the leftover almond pulp from making my own almond milk is hands down the hippiest thing I have ever done in my life. BUT almonds and store-bought almond flour are so expensive. Be good to your wallet, your body, and the environment by using all parts of the almond!

Ingredients

Directions 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees fahrenheit.
  2. After straining the pulp from your Homemade Almond Milk, make sure you ring out as much liquid as possible. 
  3. Don’t throw away the pulp! Instead, dump it onto a baking sheet and use a fork to break it up into super small pieces. Spread it thinly and evenly over the tray.
  4. Bake in the oven for 2 hours to completely dry out the pulp.
  5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. 
  6. Once the pulp is cool, place it in a food processor and process it into a thin flour.
  7. Use for your next baking project! 

Did you make your own Homemade Almond Flour? I want to know! Send me a message over on Instagram @haven_quinlan or comment below! 

July 6, 2022

Homemade Almond Milk

I love a good almond milk. Mostly, I’m thankful for the alternative to cow’s milk, as it makes my tummy much happier. Luckily, there are tons of great almond milk options in the grocery stores these days, but many of them still have stabilizers and preservatives. On busy weeks, those store-bought almond milks work great for me, but when I have a few extra minutes, I love to make my own at home! It’s extra creamy and delicious, and I love knowing exactly what I’m putting into my body. 

Ingredients

  • 1 c raw almonds
  • 4 c cold, filtered water
  • Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Soak the almonds in water for 6 – 8 hours.
  2. After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds.
  3. Blend the almonds and water on high in a high-speed blender for 4 – 5 minutes (+ optional vanilla extract if you want vanilla almond milk).
  4. Place a straining bag in a large bowl. Pour the blended almond milk into the strainer, removing the almond pulp from the liquid. 
  5. Store the pulp-free almond milk in an air-tight container in the fridge (I use mason jars!) for up to 5 days. 
  6. Pro tip: make sure you shake your almond milk well before use, as separation is natural.
  7. Pro tip #2: DON’T THROW OUT YOUR ALMOND PULP!!! It can easily be used to make homemade almond flour! Check out my Homemade Almond Flour recipe to learn how! 

Did you try making your own almond milk? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram @haven_quinlan!

May 5, 2022

Brunch Salad

Ya girl lovessss a brunch, but I don’t love the way I feel after devouring a huge stack of pancakes or waffles. Of course they’re delicious, but they leave me feeling sluggish the rest of the day. Lately I’ve been opting for a savory breakfast instead, and this brunch salad has seriously been hitting the spot. It’s a great source of greens, healthy fats, and protein, and I’ve been having it post-long runs to refuel. Try it next weekend and let me know what you think!

Ingredients (serves 1)

  • 2 heaping handfuls of arugula 
  • Juice from ½ a lemon
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • Coarse sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste
  • Everything but the bagel seasoning and dried minced onion, to taste
  • ½ an avocado
  • 1 egg

Directions

  1. Add the arugula, a drizzle of olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon to a large sauce pan. Heat over low heat for a few minutes, just until the greens are warm and slightly wilted.
  2. While the greens are cooking, fry an egg on the stovetop.
  3. Once the greens are ready, scoop them into a bowl and add top with ½ an avocado.
  4. Add the fried egg to the top of the salad.
  5. Sprinkle with any and all of the following seasonings, to taste: coarse sea salt, cracked pepper, everything but the bagel seasoning, and dried minced onion.
  6. Enjoy!

Did you make this Brunch Salad recipe? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan!

May 5, 2022

Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

This recipe is great for a quick breakfast on the go or as a sweet snack or dessert! The coconut milk provides great healthy fat to keep you full and satisfied and the chia seeds are a great form of fiber. Happy gut + reduced risk of high blood pressure and all that comes with it? Sign me up. The blueberries are high in antioxidants and bring natural sweetness to this recipe. 

Ingredients

  • 1 can lite coconut milk
  • 5 tbs chia seeds
  • 1 tbs vanilla extract
  • 1.5 c frozen blueberries
  • 1 tbs water
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Optional drizzle of honey or agave

Directions

  1. Mix the coconut milk, vanilla, and chia seeds together in an airtight container. 
  2. Cover and store in the fridge overnight.
  3. Combine the blueberries and water on the stovetop. 
  4. Cook on medium heat for 5 – 8 minutes, until blueberries soften.
  5. Mash blueberries down. I like to use a cocktail muddler. 
  6. Allow blueberries to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove from heat and let blueberry mixture cool.
  8. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the mashed blueberries, or just place the blueberries in a container and refrigerate. 
  9. When you’re ready to eat your chia pudding, scoop your desired amount into a bowl and top with the blueberry mixture. Optional – add a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or a drizzle of honey or agave.
  10. Enjoy!

Did you like this Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram at @haven_quinlan. 

April 6, 2022

Classic Veggie Sandwich

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This is the perfect quick meal for any occasion. Pack it for your lunch, make it on the weekend, or have it for dinner one night if you just don’t feel like cooking. It’s great when you have small quantities of a bunch of leftover veggies!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of your favorite whole grain bread. I love Dave’s Killer Bread!
  • Your favorite, clean hummus. Garlic hummus is great on this sandwich!
  • ½ avocado
  • Handful of spinach
  • ¼ bell pepper, sliced
  • About 5 cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced 
  • Sprouts 

Directions

  1. Spread hummus on your bread.
  2. Smash avocado on one slice of bread.
  3. Layer the spinach and sprouts on the avocado and then stack the remaining veggies on top. 
  4. Top with your second slice of bread and enjoy! 
March 25, 2022

Stuffed Acorn Squash

This is hands down one of our favorite cooler weather dinners, but you can easily make it any time of the year! It takes less than an hour, but it truly tastes like a gourmet meal. Best part? It’s completely plant-based and highly nutritious, not to mention satisfying. It’s in our rotation often, and it’s sure to be added to yours soon!

Ingredients (serves 2)

Dish

  • 1 acorn squash
  • ½ c tri-colored quinoa
  • 1 red pear
  • ¼ – ½ white onion (depending on preference and size)
  • ¼ c pistachios 
  • ¼ c pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Maple Tahini Dressing

  • Pure maple syrup
  • Tahini
  • Water 

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Slice the acorn squash in half. Drizzle it with avocado oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the acorn squash halves face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 20 minutes. Then flip face up and bake about 20 minutes more.
  4. While the squash is baking, cook quinoa on the stovetop according to package directions.
  5. Next, slice the onion and pear into thin slices. Caramelize the onion on the stovetop in avocado oil. 
  6. Then, add the pear slices and cinnamon to the same pan as the onion. Cook until slightly soft.
  7. While everything is cooking, shell the pistachios and remove the pomegranate seeds from the pomegranate. 
  8. Once everything else is prepared, mix up the dressing ingredients into a bowl.
  9. Remove the squash from the oven, and fill halves with quinoa. 
  10. Top with the caramelized onion, pear, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds.
  11. Drizzle with the maple tahini dressing, and sprinkle more salt and pepper to taste. 
  12. Enjoy!

Let me know if you tried this incredibly delicious meal in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan. I love to see your adaptations of my recipes, so let me know if you changed something up!

March 25, 2022

Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

When I was growing up, my family made homemade cinnamon rolls all the time. They were fantastic. I always loved the crispy outsides, but hated the gooey middle. So weird, I know. I guess my parents and siblings benefitted from my crunchy roll preferences when they got to eat the middle of my cinnamon roll! Anyways, if you’re like me and have fond memories of mornings with the cinnamonest cinnamon roll, try out this smoothie for a MUCH healthier way to get the same delicious flavor!

Ingredients

  • ½ steamed & frozen sweet potato
  • ½ c frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1 frozen banana 
  • ¾ c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional – not the added sugar-packed fake stuff!!)
  • 1 tbs rolled oats
  • 2 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 
  • 1 tsp each of flax seed and chia seed 

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend. Add more almond milk as needed to reach your desired smoothie consistency. Top with my homemade cinnamon maple granola and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 
  2. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think when you make my Cinnamon Roll Smoothie! Message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan or leave a comment below! 

March 25, 2022

Snacking Dates

For when your sweet tooth is having a moment in the spotlight! Try out these delish, nutrish snacking dates! Medjool dates are full of fiber and are deliciously sweet. Paired with the healthy fat and protein in almond butter, they won’t spike your blood sugar and will serve as a satisfying snack. You can pretty much add any topping, but some of my favorite combos are listed below. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • Pitted medjool dates 
  • Almond butter
  • Your favorite toppings- mine are cinnamon, coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, and granola!

Directions

  1. Slice the date down the length of one side to open it up. Think about a sandwich roll and cut it like that!
  2. Stuff the date with a spoonful of almond butter (or sub your favorite nut butter)
  3. Sprinkle the date with one of your preferred toppings. If you’re feeling wild, add them all.
  4. Enjoy!

Let me know if this recipe satisfied your afternoon or post-dinner sweet tooth in the comments below, or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan! 

March 2, 2022

My Mini Guide to NYC

Billy and I just took a trip to NYC for a long Valentines weekend, and let me tell you, it was just so much fun! I adore the energy of the city and the endless options for food and things to do. It’s true what they say- there’s just nothing like it! Below are some of my recommendations from our most recent trip to the city.

Coffee/Breakfast

1. Maman

This breakfast spot was completely adorable! We had a delicious breakfast complete with the most beautiful latte art. My advice- get a bag of pastries to go. The chocolate croissant and peppermint chocolate cookie were my personal faves. Best news? They have a bunch of locations throughout the city, so you can pick one convenient to you.

2. Matchaful

I’ve been dying to try Matchaful. I’ve heard about them from several food bloggers and fitness influencers I follow on Instagram, and it did not disappoint. I’m typically an iced matcha latte gal, but I wanted to try something different here. I got their iced Cacao Dream and it was incredible! Like Maman, they have several locations throughout the city. Since visiting, I ordered matcha powder from them and have been using it to make my at-home matcha lattes!

Lunch/Dinner

1. Valerie

If you’re looking for a menu with good variety, Valerie is a great spot! It’s located in Midtown Manhattan. I would recommend this place for dinner over lunch. They have a really cool, dark and glowy vibe with a full gin & tonic menu (my cocktail of choice lately). I also had a fantastic salad here, so it’s a good place to get something with redeeming health value between all the decadent food stops.

2. Roey’s

Roey’s is a cute Italian spot in the West Village I discovered by the recommendation of the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts, Mostly Balanced. Billy and I had the most amazing pizzas with burrata- I mean the picture speaks for itself.

3. The Smith

We went to The Smith on our last day in the city. It’s in Midtown and has a large menu- great to please a group. They serve brunch on Sunday, but as we had already eaten breakfast, we ordered off the lunch menu. I also ate a really fantastic kale salad here, and had leftovers for dinner on the plane.

Drinks

1. Daintree 

Daintree is a really cool bar in Midtown with great views of the city. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but I would highly recommend for post-dinner drinks if you want a lounge vs. table and to take in the nighttime views.

2. Peak

Peak is another restaurant with amazing views. We ate there for lunch and the food was good, but to be completely honest it was quite pricey for the portions. I would recommend skipping the meal and going for a drink at the bar instead, so you don’t have to miss the breathtaking views. Peak is in Hudson Yards on the 101st floor, overlooking Chelsea/the West Village and the Hudson River.

Exercise

It’s no secret that NYC has endless boutique fitness options. I tried a Soul Cycle class and really enjoyed it! Of course, you know I have to plug Pure Barre always, and if you don’t want to commit to a group fitness class, there’s always a good ole fashioned walk in Central Park. We were lucky enough to stroll through the park in the snow. Talk about dreamy!

1. Central Park

2. Soul Cycle

3. Pure Barre

Attractions

1. High line

This was a stop Billy really wanted to make during our trip. The High Line is on the West Side/Chelsea. It used to be a train track, but it’s been repurposed into an elevated walking path over the city. Highly recommend for a stroll!

2. Chelsea Market

While you’re in Chelsea, be sure to make a stop at Chelsea Market. It’s a renovated train station, now full of shops and restaurants! 

3. The Vessel 

The Vessel is a bit of a touristy area, but still a really cool piece of architecture to check out if you’re on the West side of Manhattan. 

4. Top of the Rock

This one is quite touristy too, but it was still one of my favorite stops of the trip. We rode the elevator to the top of Rockefeller Center at sunset and it was stunning watching the views turn from golden hour to the nighttime skyline. 

I hope you guys enjoyed a peek into our weekend in NYC. Hopefully some of these recommendations will come in handy next time you travel there! What are some of your favorite food stops and attractions in the city? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram at @haven_quinlan.