Tag Archives: chocolate

Nancy Valentino’s Café Mocha

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I’ve come up with a Café Mocha that is 100% better than the Starbucks version! Don’t get me wrong–I love Starbucks but I don’t love their fancy prices. A girl has got to save her money for things like clothes, shoes and makeup.

One of the best investments I’ve ever made was getting an espresso maker. You could try making lattes & cappuccinos sans the espresso maker but in my opinion, it tastes more authentic using the machine.

My espresso maker was only $65–think about this…if you are an avid drinker of Starbucks espresso beverages, think about how many visits you make there a year–it adds up. This machine pays for itself after 15 lattes.

Here is my version of the Café Mocha:

Until recently, I didn’t realize that the term “mocha” stood for a method in which to prepare a cappuccino or latte. It’s merely adding chocolate to the drink.  I didn’t know but many coffee houses prepare it either way.  I made mine cappuccino style because I love the bold flavor of espresso. I feel that it pairs nicely with the chocolate.

To Begin, I used equal parts cocoa powder & hot water to make a rue.

Add a sweetener if desired. Pour the sauce in your mug.

Next, I brewed my espresso. I used Carte Nior coffee. It’s a bold French coffee that I absolutely adore.

Pour the espresso and all it’s beautiful foamy goodness into the chocolate sauce.
Steam your milk & be sure to froth approximately half of it.
It will double in size…
Pour the milk into the mug then top with foam
Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to garnish
…and some whipped cream!

Fin.

Figure Friendly Brownies-Only 88 Calories!

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For all things fitness, fashion & beauty related, check out my website: www.nancyvalentino.comFollow Me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/MsGlam710
***Disclaimer: I am NOT a nutrition professional. The information presented in this video is intended to provide support and tips to those who trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. It is highly recommended that you consult a physician before beginning any exercise program or altering your diet.***

Double Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar (Splenda is optional if you’re looking to cut out sugar)
1/4 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (or instant coffee powder)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (I like dark chocolate chips)
Fat Free Butter-flavored cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 inch non-stick cake pan with spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, using a sturdy whisk or spatula, mix the applesauce, vanilla, egg whites and sugar until they are well combined.

Add the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir the mixture until it is just combined and no lumps remain. Pour it into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chips evenly over the top. Bake the brownies for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry (a few crumbs are okay).

Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow them to cool 5 minutes. Cut into 12 equal brownies. Makes 12 (1 brownie) servings.

Each brownie has approximately (these numbers will be slightly lower if you use Splenda): 88 calories, 2 g protein, 19 g carbohydrates, 1 g fat, less than 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 133 mg sodium

Traditional Double Chocolate Brownies have: 260 calories, 3 g protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 12 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 165 mg sodium

Health & Fitness: Low Fat Dark Chocolate Strawberries

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Homemade Low Fat Dark Chocolate Strawberries–I personally prefer this method over the traditional Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

***All products mentioned in this video were purchased personally by myself, and I am in no way affiliated or sponsored by the makers of these products***

My Incredible Bonne Bell Collection!!

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My Bonne Bell Lip Collection

My Bonne Bell Lip Collection




Now this is pretty hilarious to look at but this is my Bonne Bell collection!!! As I like to say, I have rekindled my love affair with Bonne Bell. I have acquired most of it within the last 6-7 months. I am a huge fan of the Bonne Bell Lip Lites & Lip Shakes. But I do have other items such as the Lip Frosting, Lip Balms, Lip Smackers, and so on… I really love flavored lip glosses, especially ones that are priced on the cheaper side ;-)


Believe it or not, some of these lip glosses can look as good as a higher end glosses. I do adore my MAC lipglasses however,  they are a little pricey and Bonne Bell is a cheaper alternative.  In order to achieve a high end look, you usually have to apply a few coats. I usually like to reapply every hour or so. I know a lot of gals don’t want to be bothered with reapplying gloss so frequently but I really don’t mind.  The delicious flavors make up for the fact that you have to reapply every so often.


The Lip Shakes tend to be more on the creamer side, I prefer to wear these in the winter. Most of my Bonne Bell glosses are pretty sheer and I prefer that  because 99.9% of the time, I have some sort of smoky eye going on.


If you are a person that loves scented glosses & if you do not mind reapplying, then I totally recommend that you try out the Bonne Bell lip products!