22 de December de 2021 - AlterNativa3

Day: 22 December 2021

Christmas without waste

Posted on by factoria

Author: Eugenia González.

Enjoying Christmas and at the same time practising responsible consumption, Fair Trade and Zero Waste seems impossible. But is it? Here's another way to celebrate the holidays.

Christmas another year. You look forward to it, it's a special time. But at the same time there are so many things to do: commitments, shopping, invitations... let's face it, celebrating Christmas is a lot of work.. But we like it, especially if there are children in the house. 

And in the midst of all this, the question: can I celebrate the holidays in a way that aligns with my values? Enjoyment, while at the same time not falling into consumerism and wastefulness? Yes, of course!

Christmas is a special time. But it is still a succession of days with their little everyday decisions. You can opt for a conventional product, or you can choose a more ethical and sustainable option. 

You know, your power as a consumer is very great. And precisely because Christmas is a time of heavy consumption, it is an ideal time to practice Fair Trade, responsible shopping and Zero Waste. 

But how to take action? Here are some practical ideas:

  • Responsible gifts
  • Christmas recipes with Fair Trade products 
  • Strategies for Zero Waste Parties

Responsible Gifts

Yes, gift giving is one of the most beautiful and rewarding acts. But sometimes it takes a lot of effort to find the perfect gift, to make the recipient happy. Not to mention all those situations in which we give gifts out of affection... but also a little out of commitment. 

As a gift... why not give Fair Trade products? They are of high quality, they guarantee that the people who produce them have received a fair payment for their work and that the environment has been protected in their manufacture. What more could you ask for?

Fair Trade Coffee

  • Fair trade shops. Do you know what the first shops specialised in Fair Trade products were considered to be? Gift shops (because there you could find a great variety of exotic, handmade and precious items). Nowadays, there are more than 100 Fair Trade shops in Spain. You will find gifts to suit all tastes: handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, stationery, decorative objects, toys... even mobiles.

At the beginning of December I usually go to one of these shops and, in a single afternoon, I order all the presents for Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men.

Looking for a Fairtrade shop near you? Here you will find more than 100:

https://comerciojusto.org/tiendas/

Do you prefer online shopping? Here are 16 specialised Fair Trade portals:

https://comerciojusto.org/tiendas/tiendas-on-line/

  • When I have an engagement and I don't know the person too well, I opt for Fairtrade gift packs: who doesn't like a good coffee, a nice chocolate, a delicious hot chocolate? On the AlterNativa3 website you can find cool and complete gift packs:

https://alternativa3.bio/navidad.html

  • And what do we do with all those occasions when we don't know what to give? You know, the "Secret Santa", the cousin you see a couple of times a year... and those people you love a lot, but who are very difficult to please. In these cases, I am a firm advocate of gift vouchers. 

When you buy something out of pure commitment, without knowing whether it will be liked, you risk that the item will not be used. That's a shame, a waste... don't you think? With a gift voucher, on the other hand, the person buys what they like... and everyone is happy. And I'll let you in on a secret: I love receiving gift vouchers.

The usual recipes... with Fairtrade ingredients

As you know, Fairtrade does not propose that you radically change all your consumption habits. It invites you to replace your usual consumer products with more ethical and sustainable options. 

If during the year you take care of yourself, buy organic products, opt for Fair Trade... why not do it during Christmas? It's clear to me: they are special holidays, but I still do the things that I like and that feel good to me.

Here are three Christmas recipes. They are ideal for the whole family to enjoy.

  • Crunchy chocolate nougat. Low in sugar, intense chocolate flavour... and vegan!

https://alternativa3.com/turron-de-chocolate-vegano/

  • Marzipan: you only need eggs, ground almonds, sugar... and a lot of love. A super-easy recipe, ideal to make with the little ones at home and to explain to them what Fair Trade is. 

https://alternativa3.com/receta-mazapan/

  • These biscuits are our favourite. Honestly? We make them all year round, but at Christmas we bake them in the shape of a star to make it more festive.

https://alternativa3.com/receta-de-galletas-cacao-maca-jengibre/

Zero Waste Christmas

Zero Waste is a philosophy that aims to reduce the waste you generate as much as possible. Let's face it, at Christmas that seems impossible... but it's not. 

I have been practising the Zero Waste and, after a couple of Christmases, these are my tricks:

  • Use cotton bags when you go shopping (for fruit and vegetables, cereals, dried fruit and nuts...) This way you won't waste the ones from the supermarket and you will generate less waste. 
  • If you buy a packaged product, prioritise brands that use biodegradable materials in their packaging.  
  • Reuse all paper. Gift wrapping paper, boxes in which orders are delivered... use them to make crafts. I, for example, cut all the paper into more or less equal rectangles. I attach them with a very large paper clip and I get a very rustic-looking notepad that looks really nice. The notepads I make at Christmas... they last me all year long! 
  • How about giving Zero Waste products as a gift? Many people are curious, but it's a mountain to climb and they don't know where to start. Why not help them with some cotton bags for the grocery shopping? Or a pack of bamboo toothbrushes? Or a nice stainless steel bottle so they can forget about single-use plastic bottles once and for all?

Here is a link to some great Zero Waste gift ideas: 

https://alternativa3.bio/catalogsearch/result/?q=botellas

Zero Waste - AlterNativa3

Merry Christmas... but for all of you

Personally, I find Christmas a slightly stressful time of year... Very beautiful, yes, but full of commitments. That's why I've been looking for a way to enjoy Christmas in my own way. I want the actions I do during these days to be aligned with my values: Fair Trade, responsible consumption and Zero Waste. 

Reducing, recycling, shopping more consciously... every gesture adds up. It's a very powerful form of activism. It makes me feel good about myself. And I know it has an impact on the living conditions of others. And also for the planet. 

How about a responsible Christmas? It's just a matter of substituting some actions for others... but the result is very different. But just as much fun. 

Merry Christmas.

Brownie Recipe

Posted on by factoria

How to make the brownie recipe

Would you like to learn how to prepare this brownie recipe? If you're looking for a healthy breakfast or snack, follow the step-by-step guide from @obradorcatering!. And remember that you can buy brown sugar panela and the chocolate coating on the AlterNativa3 online shop.

Ingredients

  • 210 g of chocolate coating
  • 210 g of panela
  • 50 g butter
  • 90 g flour
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 handful of walnuts
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • 1 sachet of baking powder

Step by step

  1. Melt the chocolate coating in a bain-marie.
  2. Separate the whites and yolks of the 5 eggs.
  3. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the panela and whisk.
  4. Add the chocolate couverture.
  5. Sieve the flour with the yeast 3 times.
  6. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.
  7. Mix all the ingredients we have prepared together and mix them well with the help of a whisk.
  8. Mould the mixture and sprinkle a few walnuts on top.
  9. Preheat the oven to 200ºC for 10 minutes.
  10. Lower the temperature to 180ºC and bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Once out of the oven, let it cool so that it can be removed from the mould and decorate it with icing sugar.

Recipe Marbled brownie biscuits

Posted on by factoria

Making the marbled brownie biscuits

Today we bring you a recipe for marbled brownie biscuits? following the step-by-step instructions of Kerstin Hintz. Everything ready? If you are missing any ingredients, you can buy it in the online shop of AternaTiva3.

Ingredients

Step by step

  1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
  2. While it is heating, mix the chocolate couverture and the butter in a bain-marie.
  3. At the same time, prepare the rest of the ingredients: We mix the flour, the panela sugar, the cocoa with orange and cinnamon, the baking powder, the salt and the applesauce.
  4. When the melted chocolate is ready, mix it with the rest of the ingredients.
  5. Shape the dough into balls, which will be the biscuits. We coat them in icing sugar and put them in the oven, where we leave them for 15 minutes at 180ºC.

Video recipe

You can also follow the process of making the brownie recipe in this video we have prepared for you.

Spiced pumpkin and cocoa cake with caramel

Posted on by factoria

How to make the brownie recipe

Would you like to learn how to prepare this recipe for pumpkin and spiced cocoa caramel cake? If you're looking for healthy food, follow the step-by-step guide of @laxicrapastisseria!. And remember that you can buy sugar at AlterNativa3.

Ingredients

  • 240 g sunflower oil
  • 115 g of Golden Light cane sugar
  • 235 g of organic panela sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 425 g pumpkin puree
  • 185 g yoghurt (may be vegetable)
  • 295 g flour
  • 1 tablespoon of yeast
  • 1⁄2 tbsp. baking soda
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of pure cocoa with chai
  • 75 g mini chocolate drops
  • 165 g Golden sugar
  • 90 g whipping cream
  • 45 g butter

Step by step

  1. Bake a large pumpkin in the oven, halved, at 180ºC for 45 minutes. Once cooled, remove the seeds with a spoon and scrape out all the flesh, discarding the skin. Mash to a puree and weigh out the quantity you will need.
  2. Mix the oil with the sugar and the eggs. Add the pumpkin puree and the yoghurt. Sieve the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into the batter and stir until all the ingredients are combined.
  3. Separate 1⁄3 of the batter into another bowl and add the cocoa and chocolate drops. Prepare a cake tin with butter and flour or non-stick spray. Alternate the two doughs.
  4. Bake in the oven (previously heated) at 170ºC for about 50 minutes. Check if it is cooked by pricking it with a skewer and making sure it comes out clean.
  5. To make the caramel sauce simply: Heat the cream. Put the sugar in a pan with a splash of water and let it caramelise, without stirring. Add the cream little by little. Remove from the heat and add the butter.

Tiramisu crepe cake recipe

Posted on by factoria

Making the tiramisu crêpes

Thinking of new ideas for healthy meals? Today we bring you the step-by-step @lateteradeterrassa to prepare a tiramisu crepe cake recipe. Find out more about organic and Fair Trade products Read on!

Ingredients

Pancake batter

Filling

  • 250 g cream cheese
  • 250 g mascarpone cheese
  • 200 ml unsweetened cream
  • 150 g icing sugar

Cake topping

Step by step

    1. Add the pancake batter ingredients to a blender for one minute; the batter should be very liquid.
    2. To bake the crepe, you can use a crepe pan or a paella pan, whatever diameter you want the cake to be. In our case, there are 25 crepes with a diameter of 21 cm.
  1. Place the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese and cream in a stand mixer and make sure the bowl and whisk attachment are cold. Beat on medium speed until the cream starts to whip, about a couple of minutes, then add the sifted icing sugar and beat again for a couple of minutes.
  2. To make the cake, place the crepe and a thin amount of cream, trying to cover the whole surface, repeat the process until all the crepes are covered. Decorate by sprinkling the cocoa on top.

Recipe inverted orange sacher

Posted on by factoria

Fancy trying something different in the kitchen? This recipe for orange inverted sacher Follow the easy step-by-step guide from @ehtvalles!

Cocoa biscuit

Ingredients:

  • 5 egg yolks
  • 25g invert sugar
  • 93gr white sugar
  • 182g pasteurised egg white
  • 91gr flour
  • 36gr cocoa with orange and cinnamon
  • 55gr melted butter

Elaboration:

  • Put 5 egg yolks, the invert sugar and the white sugar in a bowl.
  • Mix all the ingredients together until they have tripled in volume.
  • Put the pasteurised egg whites in another bowl and mix with the white sugar to make stiff egg whites.
  • When we have both processes, we put them together in a single bowl, to which we then add the flour and the cocoa with orange and cinnamon. Add the sifted ingredients and pour them into the bowl as a rain, and mix with gentle, enveloping movements.
  • Once the dough has a homogeneous and uniform texture, add the butter melted at 40º (so as not to break the structure of the mixture).
Orange marmalade

Ingredients:

  • 1.5gr lemon juice
  • 1.5g orange juice
  • 65g sugar
  • 3,2gr pectin NH

Elaboration:

  • Mix the juices in a saucepan and heat them. When it starts to boil, add the sugar and pectin.
  • Mix everything together to form a homogeneous mass and stir until it reaches 100ºC.
  • Once it has reached 100ºC, remove from the heat and set aside at room temperature for later use.
Milk chocolate cream

Ingredients:

  • 250gr cream
  • 60g egg yolk
  • 18g gelatine
  • 80gr cold water
  • Milk chocolate 126gr
  • Minigotas dark chocolate 64gr

Elaboration:

  • Add the cream and egg yolk to a saucepan and make a crème anglaise.
  • Once cooked, without exceeding 80ºC and with a dense texture, add the gelatine so that it is incorporated and dissolved and the cold water.
  • Pour all the batter over the milk chocolate mixture and the dark chocolate couverture.
  • Once we have the mixture, we pass it through the mixer to integrate it all, avoiding air bubbles.
Cocoa syrup

Ingredients:

  • 150gr water
  • 40gr panela sugar
  • 16gr of pure cocoa

Elaboration:

  • Mix it all together in boiling water. When it boils and the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and add 1.5g of orange liqueur.
Glossy glaze

Ingredients:

  • Cream 100gr
  • Water 25gr
  • Sugar 185gr
  • Gelatine 18gr

Elaboration:

  • Now we will make a glossy glaze to protect the cake and give it a nice and attractive appearance.
  • Put the cream, water and sugar in a saucepan.
  • Bring it to the boil at 95ºC. When it reaches 95ºC, add 60gr of cocoa powder, once integrated, bring it to 100ºC, remove it and add the gelatine.
Orange tile

Ingredients:

  • 50g icing sugar
  • 16g of plain flour
  • 18g natural orange juice
  • 18gr melted butter
  • 20gr of flaked almonds
  • 1 grated orange zest

Elaboration:

  • Mix the icing sugar, flour, orange juice, melted butter, flaked almonds and the grated peel of an orange. Using a piping bag, cover the top of the biscuit with this mixture.

 

Cocoa cream recipe

Posted on by factoria

Looking for a healthy, homemade and delicious alternative to accompany your breakfasts or snacks? This recipe for cocoa cream with organic ingredients from @lamenudadelsfils is easy to prepare and will become a must in your kitchen.

Benefits of making your own cocoa cream

Making your own homemade cocoa cream is not only easy, it also allows you to control the ingredients you consume.

Natural ingredients and no additives

One of the most important advantages of making this recipe is that we avoid additives, preservatives and refined sugars present in many industrial creams. Instead, we use fair-trade and organic ingredients such as cocoa with chai, on mascobado sugar or the vanilla sugarwhich provide real flavour and nutrients.
In addition, by using rice drink instead of dairy products, we get a recipe suitable for people with intolerances or for those who follow a vegetable diet.

How to make homemade cocoa cream step by step

This recipe is ideal for both beginners and those with experience in healthy cooking. You will only need a hand blender or food processor.

Necessary ingredients

To prepare this delicious homemade cocoa cream, you will need simple but high quality ingredients, which will guarantee an intense flavour and a smooth texture.

Preparation of the cocoa cream

With all the ingredients ready, it's time to combine them into a smooth cream, perfect for enjoying at any time of the day.

  1. Grind the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until the texture is as close to creamy as possible.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cocoa, sugars and sunflower oil.
  3. Add the crushed hazelnuts and start beating everything with a hand blender.
  4. Gradually whisk in the rice drink until smooth and creamy.
  5. If the cream is too thick or has a strong taste, you can add more vegetable drink and a little more powdered sugar to taste.

Ideas for enjoying your cocoa cream

This homemade cocoa cream is as versatile as it is delicious.

Perfect as a spread, filling or accompaniment.

You can use it as a spread on bread or pancakes, as a filling for sponge cakes or even as a topping for fresh fruit. Kept in an airtight jar in the fridge, it can be kept in good condition for several days.

An easy and delicious recipe that makes all the difference

Making this cocoa cream at home gives you flavour, quality and the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you're eating. Plus, you choose ethical, sustainable and fair trade products.

Did you like this recipe? Try other healthy and delicious options too:

Cocoa, cinnamon and orange granola

Coffee and pecan nut rocks

Crepes with caramel, yoghurt and coffee

Recipe nabiu sponge cake

Posted on by factoria

Looking for an easy, homemade sponge cake with a deep cocoa flavour? This sponge cake recipe will surprise you with its spongy texture and natural sweetness. In addition, we use fair trade and organic ingredients, such as pure cocoa and panela, for a healthy and delicious result.

Why make the Nabiu cake at home?

The cake of the @nabiuterrassa is not just another recipe: it is an opportunity to enjoy home baking in a conscious and tasty way.

A sponge cake with natural ingredients and full of flavour.

This treat stands out for its combination of wholegrain ingredients, natural sweeteners such as panela and orange juice and an intense touch of pure cocoa. Ideal for an energising breakfast, a special snack or to share at any family celebration.

How to make the Nabiu sponge cake step by step

Preparing it is much easier than you think. All you need is a large bowl, a mixer, a whisk... and a lot of desire to bake!

Necessary ingredients

This is what you will need to prepare this cake. The measurements are given with a cup of coffee with milk, so you don't need scales.

  • 3 cups wholemeal flour
  • 1 sachet of baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons of pure cocoa powder fair trade and organic
  • 2 cups of organic bread from Ecuador
  • 1 cup oat milk
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
  • The juice of a fresh orange

Preparation of the sponge cake

  1. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa and baking powder.
  2. In a blender, combine the eggs, orange juice, vanilla essence, oil and vegetable drink.
  3. Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix with a hand whisk.
  4. Prepare a baking dish greased with butter and sprinkled with flour.
  5. Pour the batter into the baking tin and bake at 180°C for 45 to 60 minutes (preheated oven).
  6. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or wooden stick: if it comes out clean, it's ready!
  7. Leave to cool before unmoulding and serving.

H2: A sweet and healthy closure for any occasion

Nabiu's sponge cake is a very versatile recipe. You can accompany it with fresh fruit, a little vegan yoghurt or simply enjoy it on its own. As it is sweetened with organic panela and made with pure cocoa, it is a delicious and more conscious alternative to processed sweets.

Why choose fair trade ingredients such as those from AlterNativa3?

Using products such as cocoa or panela from AlterNativa3, as well as improving the flavour and quality of your recipes, also contributes to a model of ethical, sustainable consumption that respects the producing communities.

A homemade sponge cake that you will fall in love with inside and out

Baking the Nabiu sponge cake is a simple way to enjoy a homemade sweet with honest ingredients. As well as being delicious, it allows you to opt for more ethical and sustainable baking, without sacrificing pleasure.

Did you like this recipe? You'll love these too:

Cocoa cream recipe

Coffee and pecan nut rocks

Raw mocha-nutella bars

Chocolate muffins with ginger, maca and banana recipe

Posted on by factoria

Fancy a different snack, full of flavour and natural ingredients? This recipe for chocolate muffins with ginger, maca and banana is perfect to enjoy at any time. What's more, thanks to @unmonagranelYou will discover how easy it is to prepare it at home.

Benefits of making homemade muffins with cocoa, ginger and maca

Making homemade pastries is not only rewarding, but also allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy unique flavours, as in this recipe.

Why incorporate functional ingredients into your desserts

Ginger, maca and cacao not only provide an exotic and intense flavour, but also nutritional benefits. Maca is known for its energising effect, ginger for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, and pure cocoa for its antioxidant properties. Combining them in muffins is a delicious way to take care of yourself.

How to make chocolate muffins with ginger, maca and banana

This recipe is ideal if you are looking for a sweet, uncomplicated option with natural ingredients. In just a few easy steps you'll have muffins ready to enjoy.

Preparation of the muffins step by step

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 ºC.
  2. Mash two ripe bananas to a smooth paste, and add a large spoonful of honey.
  3. Gradually stir in the oats, cocoa with maca and ginger, and finally the baking flour.
  4. Mix well until a dense dough is formed.
  5. Form balls the size of half a fist and place them on a baking tray, leaving space between them.
  6. Add mini chocolate balls on top and, using a plate, flatten each ball into wafers about 1 cm thick.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  8. Let cool before serving... and enjoy!

Muffins that have it all: taste, energy and awareness.

These muffins are an example of how baking can be simple, delicious and at the same time respectful of the environment and those who grow the ingredients. By using fair trade products such as cacao with maca and ginger or AlterNativa3 mini chocolate drops, you turn every bite into a conscious and collaborative choice with the communities that produce them.

Other recipes that may interest you

Granola cocoa cinnamon orange

Coffee and Pecan Rocks

Raw mocha-nutella bars

Mona de Pascua Recipe

Posted on by factoria

Do you want to celebrate Easter with a homemade, sweet and traditional recipe? This recipe for Easter Mona is perfect for sharing with the family, and it's made with fair trade ingredients from AlterNativa3. Here's how to make it!

Mona de Pascua: more than just a typical dessert

This traditional sweet, typical of Catalonia, Valencia and other Mediterranean regions, symbolises the end of Lent and is one of the undisputed stars of Easter.

Origin and meaning of the Easter Mona

The Mona de Pascua is a delicious traditional cake with a long history behind it. Originally, it was given from godparents to godchildren as a sign of affection and celebration after the Lenten abstinence. Over time, it has evolved in shape and decoration, but retains its festive essence. Today, making it at home with responsible ingredients is a beautiful way to honour that tradition.

How to make a homemade Easter Mona with values

Here is a simple, fluffy and very tasty version. We use organic and fair trade products such as panela, icing sugar and AlterNativa3 mini chocolate drops.

Ingredients you need for this recipe

Here is a simple checklist to help you get organised. Ideally, all ingredients should be at room temperature:

  • 2 eggs
  • 200 g of panela sugar
  • 150 g olive oil
  • 350 g pastry flour
  • The grated peel of a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 sachet of yeast
  • Chocolate mini-drops to decorate
  • Icing sugar for sprinkling
  • Peach jam for the filling

Step by step to prepare the Easter Mona

  1. In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the panela until frothy.
  2. Add the oil, lemon zest and cinnamon. Stir well.
  3. Add the sifted flour together with the yeast and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking tin.
  5. Bake at 180 °C for 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
  6. Once cool, cut the cake in half and spread a generous layer of peach jam.
  7. Close the cake and decorate the top with mini chocolate drops, icing sugar and, if you want to continue the tradition, coloured feathers and figures.

A dessert full of tradition, sweetness and commitment

Making your own Mona de Pascua is a beautiful and delicious gesture, which also allows you to choose responsible ingredients and support a fairer model of consumption. It is a recipe with a history that adapts to a more conscious present.

We're still cooking together, try these recipes too!

Chocolate Muffins with Ginger, Maca and Banana

Nabiu sponge cake

Homemade cocoa cream

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Alternativa 3 S.C.C.L. ha participado en el Programa de Iniciación a la Exportación ICEX-Next, y ha contado con el apoyo de ICEX, así como con la cofinanciación de Fondos europeos FEDER, habiendo contribuido según la medida de los mismos, al crecimiento económico de esta empresa, su región y de España en su conjunto.
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