Love is in the air.

Well, almost. It’s super close- three days away so it’s close enough for me to send y’all a lil’ love and a sweet recipe.

I’m not gunna lie. I got one of those pretty Yankee Candles a few weeks ago and the scent was Apple Pumpkin. O man! I know you’re thinkin’ pumpkin is soooooo Autumn but seriously this smells so yummy that I’ve been lighting it every night while I write my book! I just consider it ‘Food for Thought’.  Anyway, I was sitting here last night staring at this ol’ candle with writers block and I thought- heck- I’m takin’ a book break and making a lil’ treat for myself.

And so, that’s how this here Apple Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait was born.

Get your spoons ready- everyone’s gunna wanna bite.

I guarantee it.

It’s a vegan dessert and no one’s even gunna know it…you can tell anyone that it’s a gluten-free dessert but they still may not believe you. It’s just that good.

And since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, take a minute to reflect on your life and your love. Where does your love come from? Do you rely on others for love? What does love mean to you?

To me, love means happiness and feeling cozy n’ warm inside like a snuggle bunny, hehe! I love my work, I love my family, I love my friends and I love all of you.

Yes, it’s another Valentine’s Day when I don’t have a Valentine- but it’s a great day because I’m happy. I’ve been my own Valentine for the past few years because I’ve taught myself how to love myself and I’ve followed my dreams to do the work that I love, as well. So, even though everyone else is getting roses n’ chocolate- I’m just sittin’ here sippin’ a cup of hot tea thinking about y’all and wishing you love and happiness whether you have a Valentine or not. Because love isn’t about having a Valentine- it’s only one day out of the year and you CAN love yourself and love your life without having a Valentine. Take it from me- it CAN be done.

And if you are sad, cheer up Charlie! Don’t feel desperate for love or chocolate or roses or a lover.  Instead, try to turn your desperation into inspiration.  Move away from feeling desperate and move into being accountable, responsible and capable for your own happiness. Doing this will teach you how to learn and grow to love yourself and the life you want.

Happy LOVE Day!

Hope you all have a beautiful Valentine’s Day full of LOVE.

Apple Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait

Serves: 12

 

Print

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

2 minutes

Total

12 minutes

 

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan

Author: Amie Valpone

Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

• 2 15 oz cans pumpkin puree
• 2 large apples peeled, cored and chopped
• 2 tsp. Frontier Organic Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Frontier Organic Nutmeg
• 2 tsp. Frontier Organic Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tbsp. So Delicious Almond Milk
• 1/4 cup stevia
• 32 oz. So Delicious Dairy-Free Greek Plain Yogurt
• 1 3/4 cups gluten-free granola such as KIND Snacks Clusters

Instructions

1. Place apples in a food processor; pulse until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, almond milk and stevia; mix well to combine.
2. Layer pumpkin mixture and yogurt into 12 glasses.
3. Sprinkle with granola and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Apple Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait

Amount Per Serving (12 g)

Calories 173 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Cholesterol 3mg1%

Sodium 40mg2%

Potassium 357mg10%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 11040IU221%

Vitamin C 4.4mg5%

Calcium 130mg13%

Iron 1.9mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

And here’s a special VALENTINE’S DAY GIVEAWAY from one of my best friends, Jess who just published the most amazing cookbook called Sodium Girl’s Limitless Low Sodium Cookbook. It’s insanely amazing; I just received my copy last week and I’ve already made 15 recipes. They are incredible and amazingly delish- even though they are so low in sodium. Check out her new book and enter to win a Vitamix for her amazing giveaway. AND YOU get to pick out the color that you want. How cool is that?

Details below; simply click on this icon below and enter your email address, then LIKE ‘The Healthy Apple’ on Facebook and you’re entered to win your very own Vitamix!

Good luck! Jess will be picking a winner on February 18th at Midnight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Winner must be a US resident in order to win.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim prize before another winner is chosen. The name of the winner will be announced on SodiumGirl.com and the Rafflecopter Widget once the giveaway has ended. In the event the Sponsor (Vitamix) fails to send the prize, the Host (SodiumGirl.com) and all Participating Hosts (Participating Bloggers) will not to be held responsible or liable in any way. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Twitter or Facebook. Complete terms and conditions can be found within Rafflecopter Giveaway Widge above and here.

Giveaway and photos provided by Vitamix. Sodium Girl was provided a Vitamix product as part of the giveaway promotion, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.