Why Iggy Azalea thinks I’M so FANCY (schmancy)…

I’m so fancy…or at least it’s fun to pretend! First things first, I’m a realist! I love attending, throwing and cooking for dinner parties with friends and fam. One of my biggest dinner party rules is to make sure you thoroughly enjoy yourself, and not slave away in the kitchen! Quality nights are some of the best times of the year, and what’s better than making memories with your friends?! While I don’t (yet) live in a house with a beautiful party hostess-friendly kitchen, I don’t let that stop me from trying to make my food look as fancy as possible! If there’s anyone else out there renting an apartment and dealing with the kitchen that comes along with it…or falling asleep at night with thoughts of their dream kitchen swirling around in their head- you’re not alone.

The last dinner party I attended was actually a lavishly themed bridal shower. Most of my friends are the type to throw an outdoor BBQ, or a potluck style weeknight get-together. But for this bridal shower, presentation counted! The guests picked from bringing an appetizer, side dish, drink, dessert, etc. Now I knew my other friends were taking the easy way out- bringing a bottle of wine or cheese platter, but I LOVE to share great food with friends, and that often means making it from scratch. So I chose (an easy, make-ahead) dessert 🙂  Now I’m sure a handful of you readers are thinking- dessert?! What business does a #wholefoodie health nut have bringing a dessert to a dinner party?

Well, here at Whole Food Love we preach moderation and try to live by the GBB principle (Good, Better, Best). So I aimed to make the “best” dessert: a healthy AND satisfying treat that people wouldn’t automatically peg as a health food (they’d be too distracted by the decadent deliciousness). Plus I think desserts get a bad reputation, which is totally unfair!

Some experts even preach, “Eating dessert makes physiological sense.” This is because glucose (a basic sugar) can help your body absorb food particles, which explains why even after a huge meal you’ll always have room for dessert. Now before you start fantasizing about having a doctor’s note indicating your NEED to have dessert- I must remind you “Everything in Moderation.”

The following recipe is lower in sugar than its store bought alternative and is “make at home” so you can control the ingredients. This sweet “fancy schmancy” dessert recipe will satisfy your craving, impress your dinner guests, and keep you on track with your #healthy #wholefoodie lifestyle.

 

This fluffy, creamy Fancy Schmancy PB & Walnut Whip is so yummy (and easy)! Did I mention it only takes 5 minutes to make?! Plus it’s packed with protein, good fats (yes there are good ones), and antioxidants. So for all of you who associate guilt with dessert, upgrade your choice and prepare to indulge guilt-free! Whether you want to wow your friends (be prepared to repeat “No really, I made that”) or just give yourself a reason to indulge in an elegant delight on a random weeknight, go ahead- it’s Iggy approved!

 

Fancy Schmancy PB & Walnut Whip

***You’ll need an electric-mixer or handheld mixer

Ingredients:

1 can coconut milk, chilled overnight (I found mine in the Foreign Foods isle)

2-3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

2 Tbsp. organic brown sugar (add in to your specific taste)

¼ cup crushed walnuts

½ oz. dark chocolate bar (we used Cacao for added benefit)

Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

 

Steps:

1. Open the can of chilled coconut milk and scoop the hardened white layer into a bowl. Note that the bottom of the can will have a thinner substance, resembling the coconut milk you see in cartons. Be sure to only scoop the thicker, hardened layer into the bowl.
2. Add the creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice) and vanilla extract and beat with the electric mixer on medium speed until the consistency is smooth and thick.
3. Add the powdered sugar to thicken even more (to desired consistency) and the organic sugar to sweeten to taste. Beat until combined.
4. Line your dessert dish with crushed walnuts until covered. Dollop the PB whip into dish and top with additional crushed walnuts.
5. Break off a piece of the dark chocolate bar and, using a vegetable peeler, shave the sides of the bar for a fancy schmancy curly chocolate garnish. Sprinkle optional cinnamon to taste.
6. Pass out to guests and enjoy!

You can make this delicious dessert a day ahead so you’re not a scrambling hot mess of a hostess. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight mason jar for up to 2 days (NOTE: your walnuts will soften over time if left at the bottom of the PB whip jar).