To quote T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study, and Karen Campbell, Director of the Center for Nutrition Studies, “The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook is great cookbook for treating and reversing heart disease as well as a wide variety of other ailments and diseases. Try these recipes and see for yourself what a fantastic difference they can make for your health. Dr. Esselstyn’s amazing accomplishments are backed up by Ann and Jane’s health enriching recipes.”
I had the pleasure several years ago to “work” with the awesome Esselstyn family after Dr. and Mrs. Esselstyn’s son, fireman and professional triathlete Rip Esselstyn called to inquire about getting the vegan Chocolate Cake to Live For, which he’d seen on the cover of my 2006 book, More Great Good Dairy Free Desserts Naturally, for his upcoming wedding. I had just seen the New York Times front page feature about how Rip convinced his firemen brothers in Austin, TX to go vegan to one of their own lower his dangerously high cholesterol. I was not alone in being intrigued. So were publishers, and the result was Rip’s first book, the Engine 2 Diet. I recognized the Esselstyn name in the Times story. I’d presented at conferences where Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. MD, surgeon and author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, the patriarch of this remarkable plant-pushing family, was featured. If you’ve seen the award-winning film Forks Over Knives, you’ve met Dr. Esselstyn, Rip and Ann.
But back to the wedding: Rip said his mom Ann was in charge of the food and to expect her call. And so began what was remains for me to this day, one of the most delightful adventures of my vegan baking life. Ann is widely considered the Julia Child of plant-based cuisine and she is as much fun ans she is knowlegable. The same can be said of the entire family.
It was decided that each table of guests, at least 10 I think, would have its own single layer glazed chocolate cake (an early version of the Chocolate Torte to Live For, updated in Vegan Chocolate) and Rip and Jill would cut a layer cake. I finished the cakes onsite and was invited to the wedding, which was simply amazing. My cakes are made using unsweetened cocoa and at least 50% whole-wheat pastry flour. (I used 100% whole-wheat pastry flour for Rip and Jill’s cakes. The wedding buffet followed SOS (no salt, oil, sugar) as prescribed by Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease and The Engine 2 Diet, other than the cake, which did contain some maple syrup, a small amount of fat, and teeny bit of vegan sugar. A caterer, non-vegan as I recall, prepared the food, from Ann and Rip’s recipes and the mostly non-vegan guests gobbled everything up — including, I am happy to say, the cakes. I made the rehearsal dinner treats too, as a gift, following SOS, which is to say, that recipes can be adapted. I did just that to make the Minty Frozen Chocolate Balls in Ann and daughter Jane’s enticing new cookbook.
Frankly, I didn’t expect the chocolate balls, which are made entirely with cocoa and not chocolate – no oil, no salt – to taste as good as they did, or to be as hard to resist as they were. I did make a few minor variations, which I have noted in the recipe. Whether you wish to follow the Esselstyn’s program absolutely, as many people do––former president Bill Clinton and actor Samuel Jackson, who endorsed the book, among them – or ‘lean in’ , the point is to eat more plants, whole foods, not fun foods. Then, you might have a once in a while treat, made to please your palate. The fact is, once you start eating clean, your taste changes. My personal mantra is to eat green and clean and then, assuming you are healthy and comfortable with doing so, save room for a once in a while treat. Rip included a recipe for my no sugar added, high percentage, no sugar or fat added Chocolate Truffles in his follow up cookbook: My Beef with Meat. These Minty Frozen Chocolate Balls are less indulgent, but no less yummy!
Minty Frozen Chocolate Balls
BALLS MAKES AROUND 40, DEPENDING ON HOW MANY YOU EAT AS YOU GO!
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, to taste
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon chocolate balsamic vinegar or Mandarin Chocolate balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup Kashi 7 Whole Grain Nuggets or any Grape-Nuts-like cereal
Instructions:
- Blend all but the oats and cereal together in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add oats, and mix well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Put Kashi Nuggets in a small saucer with sides or a small bowl.
- Using the big end of a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop up little wet, sticky chocolate
- balls one by one. Drop them in the Kashi, and with a spoon or with your fingers, gently cover
- the surface of the ball with nuggets. Carefully place them on the parchment paper (you may
- find it easiest to use your fingers). Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a spoon. Freeze.
- Remember to serve frozen or when they are just beginning to thaw.
Reprinted from The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2014, Ann and Jane Esselstyn.
Here are my variations and notes:
I used mint oil, which is much stronger than the extract in the recipe. If you do the same, add it drop by drop so the mint does not overpower. Ditto, if you were to use orange oil, which I did for test two. (The orange flavored chocolate balls were my favorite.)
I did not have Kashi 7 Whole Grain Nuggets or Grape Nuts in my pantry, but reasoned that if certified gluten-free oats were used and the wheat coating omitted, we’d have a gluten free recipe, easy peasy. The balls did need a coating though and a crunch. I used about 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, mixed with a teaspoon of good-for-us cinnamon to dust the chocolate-banana-oat mixture and then rolled them in heart healthy omega3 rich, crunchy chia seeds.
I ate quite a few while I was rolling the not-as-messy-as I expected balls. Maybe that was because I froze the mixture first, and then defrosted it in the refrigerator, just until it could be shaped. I suggest working with half at a time. The photo shows bigger rounds than I made. 30-35 is more like it for walnut shaped rounds.
I’m always interested in recipes that happen along the way to a finished recipe. Here I was excited to find the puree that binds the oats: cocoa, maple syrup, almond milk, banana, with a bit of the extract or oil, of your choosing, makes a WONDERFUL chocolate sauce to drizzle on fruit or a special Sunday brunch oatmeal. I am going to ask Ann and Jane what they think about this.
Today my freezer holds a bag of about 15 of naked Frozen Chocolate Balls. I’ll coat them in the crunchy cereal or cocoa powder and chia before serving. I like these semi-frozen best.
I’m really interested in hearing what you think about the recipe as written and any variations you may make. Why not freeze the mixture flat and cut squares. What ideas do you have?
The book has many photos – all full color – and clear advice on setting up, stocking your pantry, and many tips. It reads like Ann and Jane are coaching you in the kitchen. I learned that you can sauté, make hummus, and roast veggies without oil and still eat delicious satisfying food. The Esselstyn family members are healthy, happy, athletic and passionate. The cookbook’s subtitle: Over 125 Life-Saving Plant Based Recipes is worthy of consideration.
I have a copy of the The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook for one lucky winner. Follow the instructions below to enter. Good luck and good eating!
Would love this book, curious to taste some of their delicious recipes! And the mint chocolate balls look divine.
Good luck Lauren!
They are definitely easy to make and yummy! Good luck in winning the book!
I have followed the Esselstyns since Dr. E’s book came out. I would love to add this new book to my collection, which includes Dr. Barnard’s books, the McDougalls’ books and the Happy Herbivore series.
You have a good collection of health supportive books, Kathy. Good luck to you in winning this new one!
This book has been on my Amazon wish list ever since I heard about it! I am a new vegan and am looking for new and delicious recipes!
I’m trying to eat healthier and it looks like this cookbook is full of delicious recipes, which would definitely make it easier! Thanks for the chance to win.
Eating healthy food is the best way to be healthy and delicious is definitely not a problem! Good luck!
I have fallen back into a processed eating trap. Need some new recipes to help motivate!
Monica, it really is all habit. Make some new ones and start eliminating processed foods. Your body and your wallet will thank you.
I can’t wait! <3
This recipe looks delicious, btw! I would love to win the new book by Ann and Jane so that I can expand my WFPB repertoire (along w/my vegan cookbook collection!). Plus it’s my birthday soon. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win it, Fran.
I’ve been waiting for this cookbook – more great recipes from the Esselstyns! Hope I win! Looking fwd to trying the minty balls recipe.
Let me know how you like the Minty Chocolate Balls. (They can be orange scented balls or anything you like)
I’d like a copy of this book to give to my mother. She needs to see how delicious and easy it is to eat plant based (and she is not one to search for recipes online!)!
I would love to win this — if I don’t I just may have to add it to my birthday list… I am looking forward to checking out your wonderful site!
Thanks Carol. I add things to my own birthday lists too!! I hope you will check out my site and my facebook page too. Best of luck!
So excited about this book! Can’t wait to get a copy and add new delicious recipes to my favorites.
It is avery exciting book!! I am sure you will like the new recipes!
I have been eating plant based for six years and am excited to try the new recipes in this book…thanks for the opportunity to win it!
Six years is great! Best of luck to you.
I’m looking forward to learning more about balancing my approach … Careful adherence to a whole-food plant-based diet with an occasional treat like this delicious recipe.
Exactly right! Healthfy whole foods diets can include the occasional treat.
I would love a copy of the new cookbook. I’ve been on the Esselstyn diet for one year and six months. I’ve gotten off my blood pressure meds. I’ve had RA for fifteen years and am slowly getting well. I am so thankful to have found their information.
Contratulations on your improved health. This is a truly healing diet.
My best wishes to you on your continued progress.
I had the pleasure of spending time on a vegan cruise with the Esselstyns as speakers. Would love the new cookbook.
We met Dr Esselstyn and Ann at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo in LA a year ago in October. We have been eating Vegan since then & feel great plus we have more energy then we ever have! Looking forward to the new book!
That is the truth isn’t it- increased energy!
I really enjoyed reading your post and am excited to try this recipe! I did not preorder the cookbook, so I plan to purchase it… the chance to win it is like the plant strong icing on something that promises to be delicious!
That’s a good one, plant strong icing! I’m going to make sure the Esselstyn’s hear that.
I would love a copy of this cookbook, I need to incorporate more healthy recipes as I am battling several autoimmune diseases and need to be more careful with my diet.
Definitely incorporate whole plant foods! Good luck with your transition. Dietary choices really matter.
I am vegan and love to cook, and give a lot of food away, to help others and encourage them to eat healthier. That starts with my 3 young-adult children, as we all live in Denver. Beyond that, I work with women experiencing homelessness in Denver. Helping them eat and when possible, cook, healthier, and feel empowered to care about themselves enough to care about what they put in their bodies, is part of my work mission. I look for recipes that are vegan, not too complicated, and using readily available ingredients. I’d love to use this cookbook in these ways in my life! Thank you for the good work all of you do!
You are doing such important and loving work. Thank you.
Would love to win a copy of this book to help me overcome my fat addiction to nuts and avocadoes.
Best of luck and thank you for entering.
I need all the help I can get to cook and bake the plant based way so I won’t fall backwards on my forward journey to better health. I have reaped many benefits since going plant based and want to stay on track. Thanks to all who contribute their skills and knowledge for others.
I’m wishing you the best of luck in staying the course. There comes a point where you will not consider going backwards1!
I love the Esselstyns! And I love Ann’s passion!
For sure, she is a dynamo!
Everyone has their reason for wanting this book, and I am not different. My biggest concerns involve my parents and the fact that both my fiancé and myself have hit the 50 mark in our lives. Heart disease is linked to so many other diseases that I want to help find ways to incorporate other healthy ways to help my family. With diabetes, lupus, HTN, asthma in our families, we knew if we didn’t repair what damage has already been made with our old lifestyles, we would end up burying one, or both of us way too soon. We have made many changes over the past several years, but we know it needs to be brought up a few notches. I feel this book can help provide some of the steps to help us on that path. Thank you.
The members of my immediate family have auto immune diseases, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes. So we have genes, but we are not our genes. Healthy eating can reverse and prevent as Dr. Esselstyn points out. Good luck!
I’d love to share this book with a friend who is thinking about adopting a plant based diet…If I win it, maybe we can make some recipes together and it won’t seem so difficult to her! Cooking is always better with a friend to share it with. And I definitely think making a sort of frozen bark out of these is a good idea! It could serve as a tasty garnish with frozen banana ice cream (though I’d skip the mint oil if that were the combo). 🙂
Cooking and eating is about sharing. I’m not sure these would work as a bark though. Let me know. The mint oil is not a must. I didn’t use it.
Looks wonderful–can’t wait to try them!
It is wonderful!!
THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN THIS BOOK.
You are welcome. Good luck to you!
I have joked about having a kale cake for a long time. Imagine my surprise when I saw there really was one! Would love to make it!
Let me know how the kale cake works for you!!
I would love a copy of the cookbook. I am eating better and I am convinced that this is the way to go. I manage to stay vegan for a few months but can’t seem to stay on it. New recipes will help me convince my family to convert over.
As I have been eating a whole foods plant based, IE: healthy vegan diet for over 22 years, I can attest to the fact that it is really the way to go. You can do it. Good luck.
I have been WAITING for this book, but also waiting were many things that drained away the finances these past two months. Winning it would truly solve everything! I loved your story about the wedding and the recipe looks delicious as well. Here’s hoping….. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed reading my story about Rip and Jill’s wedding. It was really a magical weekend for all. Every person in the Esselstyn family is remarkable, smart, fit and supportive. Good luck in winning a copy of the book!
I have never seen your website before but am working on being 100% vegan. Looks amazing! I also think this cookbook would be so helpful with my transition. Thanks for the chance to win.
You are very welcome. Every step towards whole foods vegan is a good one. Good luck!
My husband and I recently made the transition to a completely WFPB lifestyle. Would love a copy of this book. It will help me make sure our meals are heart healthy for my husband (and me too) who had a stent put in 7 years ago at age 48. I want him to be around with me till the end!
I’m happy that you and your husband made the smart choice to go WFPB.
Fran, great write-up. Good talking points. I have this book and love it. The “Buffalo Cauliflower Wings” recipe has been my fave so far.
Loved reading this.
Thanks Char! I had my eye on the “Buffalo Caulilfower Wings too. That’s just calling for me to have a party!
I’d love to read this book. Anything I can do to help ensure lifelong health.
It is really a gift to be in control of our health!
I’ve been following a WFPB diet on and off for several years and it’s time to get serious about it! This cookbook will be a powerful tool to help me meet this goal!
I’d love a copy of this book! Need new recipes!!!
New recipes are inspiring. (Good new recipes of course!)
Wow, can’t wait to try those freezer balls! This book will give me lots of inspiration.
The books has lots more fun and easy and delcious recipes to inspire!
I went vegan after reading prevent and reverse heart disease about 5 years ago. There is a lot of heart disease in my family. One brother had by pass surgery at age 49. My other brother had a major heart attack at age 45. My sister has high blood pressure. I do not want to join those clubs. So I started researching and Dr E changed my life. The cookbook would be wonderful to give me new recipes to follow and keep me motivated!!
Dr Essy has changed a lot of lives. Bless him and his family and good for you for taking charge of your own health. Good luck!
I will love to have a copy of your heart healty cookbook my father died of a stroke and I know I have to take care of my self and my heart to live a long and healty life.thanks
I’m sorry about your father. How wonderful that you are taking control of your life!
I am the sole plant-based eater in my family. Would love to win the book so I can convince the rest of my family that this way of eating is not only healthy but delicious!
Our family is working on changing our diet to a whole-foods, plant-based diet. My 4 growing boys are slowly, a few more slowly than others, becoming converted. I would love a great recipe book with delicious, healthy foods for our family to try. Thanks!!
Can’t wait to try the recipe. I need a healthy cookbook to get me cooking again. This recipe looks simple enough to accomplish!
I have been following the Esselstyn family for a long time now and they are amazing. i have both of Rips books and love his recipes. Would love to check this one out too….I KNOW I will love it:)
I attended Plantstock in August and would love to have a copy of the new cookbook to have more plant-strong recipes to make!
Plantstock! Best name ever for an important event! Good luck!
I changed my diet 7 years ago after seeing video of Dr. E showing a blocked artery. My Dad had repeated strokes, and that is NOT how I want to live my life! I have not kept completely “legal”, and want to get back on track, with tasty food that is good for me!
Tasty ‘legal’ food will bring you back on track!
I started plant-based eating approximately 1 month ago. I am addicted 🙂
I no longer crave sweets but I do crave some recipes!! This book would be awesome to have! Thank you for the chance to win it. Good luck everyone!
I’m inspired by your comment. It’s amazing what right diet can do.
I have been vegan for about 2 1/2 years, and am trying to stay WFPBNO. This cookbook would help keep me (and my hubs) on the right track. Thanks for the giveaway!
My husband has heart disease so I am always looking for new healthy & tasty recipes
I love new healthy recipe ideas!
Then you will love this book!
This recipe looks great and filled with good tastey nutrients. I have been vegan for nearly five years. I have never enjoyed food and felt better than the last few years. Thank you for your dedication to the truth and good health promotion. My daughter declared to me nearly five years ago that there was no good reason to not be vegan. She declared she was going vegan and that it was going to be fun and she was giving nothing up. She has kept that resolve and happily I have too. We have lost approximately 150 pounds without really trying. Our kitchen is such a joyful place.
Your comment is very inspiring. Blessings to you and your daughter!
It’s good to have many kinds of recipes in your arsenal, especially really great, unique and tasty healthy ones! Something like this would also be great for potlucks and events, since many people follow the oil-free vegan, whole food vegan diet these days.
I am on a journey to becoming vegan and would love to have this cookbook for the new amazing recipes to try and to serve to my family.
Any general idea how many calories are in these Frozen Chocolate Minty Balls? We just started following Dr Esselstyn and his family and the AMAZING recipes from the cookbooks. But need a treat – the chocolate minty balls look to be easy and hopefully delicious. Just curious about calorie content. Thanks!
I have no idea about the calories, Virigina, but as this is an Esselstyn recipe, your can be sure this is a legal treat.
Just made and tasted the frozen choc mint balls….Soooo good! Thanks for a great treat recipe!