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OTHER:

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Vanilla extract

• Almond extract

• Maple extract

• Arrowroot starch* or non-GMO cornstarch

• Dark chocolate and/or semi-sweet

chocolate chips

• Cacao nibs

• Cocoa powder: There are three different

chocolate powders out there. Raw cacao

powder is made by cold-pressing raw cocoa

beans. This is the most “natural” form, and

it is extremely high in antioxidants. Natural

cocoa powder is made by roasting cocoa

beans at high temperatures, which decreases

the nutritional content. Dutch process

cocoa powder is natural cocoa powder that

has been alkalized to become less acidic

and astringent-tasting. The latter two still

provide health benefits, however, and they are

preferable for baking, as the baking process

negates the point of having raw cacao.

Cutting to the chase—I keep natural cocoa

powder around, and I use it anywhere I’d need

a chocolatey powder. If you want to amp up

your nutrient game, however, feel free to also

use raw cacao in smoothies or no-bake treats.

SOME FUNKY INGREDIENTS

AND OTHER WAYS TO USE THEM

The vast majority of the ingredients in this

book can be found in any grocery store and

probably already sound familiar to you. This

is how I cook—simply and from the same

basic pantry—and it makes life so much

easier. That said, there are a handful of

ingredients you’ll see scattered throughout

that you might not recognize. If you choose

not to buy a single one of these items, you

can still make most of my recipes. However,

I recommend them. These are ingredients

that have enhanced my cooking with their

flavor and nutrition, and often take the place

of less healthy foods. I believe they’re worth

the investment, and your body and tummy

will thank you! Let me tell you a little bit about

each, and why I think they’re worthy of a spot

in your pantry.

Extra-virgin organic coconut oil: Coconut oil

has been a superstar on the health-food scene,

touted for having countless miraculous and

healing properties. While I don’t think it’s the

panacea it has been blown up to be, unrefined

organic coconut oil is an extremely nutrient-

dense food. The monounsaturated fatty acids

in coconut are anti-inflammatory, and they’re

used immediately by our body for energy

instead of being stored first, as other fats are.

One specific fatty acid called lauric acid has

antiviral, antibacterial properties, which can

benefit our immune system in helping fight

pathogens. Plus, it’s a great alternative to olive

oil and butter in cooking, as it lends a lovely,

mild coconut flavor to food.

Other uses: Topically, coconut oil can be

a great body moisturizer for your skin—

test a small amount to ensure there’s no

negative reaction.

Where to find: Most grocery stores, Whole

Foods, The Fresh Market, Trader Joe’s,

Amazon, Vitacost, Thrive Market

Toasted sesame oil: Oh, how I love toasted

sesame oil! It has the most wonderful nutty

flavor. You only need a small amount to create

that signature taste found in many Asian

cuisines. There really is no good substitution

for it, but know that one bottle lasts for a very

long time. On the health front, sesame seeds