I don't know about you, but I have been conditioned to think of chocolate and red roses when February 14th - the day of the heart(s) -draws near. Good or bad, that is the where my little psyche goes. It doesn't mean that I feel better or worse if I have these things or not, but I'm just saying that those are what come to mind around this celebrated 'heart' day. 

But today I am thinking about actually celebrating the heart in a literal sense. Did you know that this magnificent organ is the first one to be created in the womb and continues as the most important influencing mechanism in the body throughout our lifetime until its last heartbeat?

I came across this on Pinterest originally and thought I'd try it since I love experimenting with chia seeds and lemon is one of my favourite flavours. My intent was to create something for breakfast. When I ate it this morning, I decided although it was delicious it might not provide enough protein and healthy carbs to keep me going all morning. Instead, I think it would make a delicious dessert, particularly for someone who cannot tolerate dairy. This recipe is dairy-free and uses coconut milk and some almond milk and very little sweetener.

This has to be one of my favorite cakes... I have not made it in a while but I came across this photo from the last time I did and thought "I must celebrate this wonderful walnut cake today." I only just read that walnuts are actually harvested in August so it is appropriate, me thinks!

​As many of you know, I often experiment with substituting with gluten-free flours. Well, this cake is NOT one of those. Perhaps why I like this one despite it's white flour is because there is not a huge amount in it. Granted if you are gluten-intolerant than this cake will not be for you. But hey, I still may experiment with a gluten-free flour option for this cake at some point.

​One of the reasons I love this cake - aside from the fact that it originates from Italy and it's deliciousness - is that it calls for walnuts and walnut oil. Walnuts are a wonderful nutrient, kernels chock full of goodness in the way of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E and several of the B-complex vitamins. ​Apparently, since ancient times walnuts have been viewed as a symbol of intellectual strength. If you have ever looked at an intact walnut, they actually even look like a human brain! Don't you feel smarter already and you haven't even tasted the cake? 

​If I still have your interest, read on for the recipe.