Peanut Butter & Jelly Honey Oat Bars

Hi, I'm Lydia, and I'm addicted to Starbucks Oat Bars... I ate one every day for two weeks straight and I still couldn't get enough, so I decided to make my own -- with a Twiss(t), of course!  I chose to add dried fruit to my oat bars, because I had some on hand and I thought the pop of color would look good.  I did not expect these to taste exactly like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; but they do, and they are divine! These bars are much healthier than ones you could ever buy at the store, which makes it easier to ignore the guilt when you mow down an entire batch by yourself.

This recipe is ridiculously easy, it doesn't even require baking at all.  I've said other recipes in this blog are easy, but this one takes the least amount of effort and time than any other recipe I've shared here -- you literally mix everything together in a giant bowl and pop them in the fridge to cool, that's it!  This recipe is also easy to tweak and switch up a bit, depending on your preference for taste.  I used dried cranberries, currants, and raisins for this recipe, but you could use any dried fruit -- try dry tropical fruit, like papaya, mango, or pineapple; or do a mixed nut version instead for extra crunch!  These can easily be made Vegan as well, simply substitute the honey for agave syrup and you are good to go!  If you're allergic to peanuts, try substituting the peanut butter for sunflower butter.  The flavor will be different, but these are easy to customize, so have some fun and play with it!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Honey Oat Bars

Yields:  15 bars

Ingredients: 

2 C rolled oats

1 C shredded coconut (*optional, if you choose to omit, increase oats by 1 C)

2 C dry fruit (I used 1 C dried cranberries, 1/2 C dried currants, and 1/2 C dried sultana raisins)

1/2 C natural peanut butter (or almond, sunflower, or cashew butter)

1/2 C honey (use agave for a Vegan-friendly option)

1/4 C coconut oil, melted; plus more for greasing

Directions:

Grease a 11 x 9" baking pan, or 8 x 8" square pan with coconut oil.  Set aside for later.

In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together and blend well until all ingredients are well incorporated and mixture is thick and sticky (I suggest using a stand mixer if you have one, if not, melt the peanut butter and honey in the microwave for a few minutes to soften it before mixing).

Turn mixture out into the prepared baking pan.  Press down in an even layer until mixture reaches all edges of the pan.  Place parchment paper over top and cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate 30 minutes or longer.  Cut into squares, and enjoy!

*Tips*

These bars freeze really well.  I suggest wrapping bars in plastic wrap individually, and then putting all of them into one large freezer bag.

Try adding cinnamon, cardamom, or any other type of spice you think would go well with the flavors in these bars.  The best part of cooking and baking is making something your own and trying new things!

Sugar & Spice Nuts

As the holidays are approaching, we're all running around trying to get our last minute projects off the ground. Maybe it's picking up a few more things for stockings, or getting that wrapping done, or running to the store to pick up the last few things you need for your holiday baking. Whatever your last minute project may be, we're all in the same boat at this time of year.

If you've left your Christmas baking to the last minute, you're not alone! I've done the same thing -- there's no need to panic! Fresh baked goods should be eaten within 3-4 days after baking, so finishing them as close to Christmas is your best bet (I will add a guide to help you gauge how far in advance you should be baking your treats for optimal freshness).

There are lots of things you can make well ahead of time, so you're not stressed out trying to do everything all at once. Today, I want to share my recipe for Sugar & Spice Nuts. These bad boys are crunchy, sweet and salty, with a hint of heat from my secret ingredients. This recipe is dead easy, too, so if you're in a pinch, or your a novice baker, these nuts are a great starting point.

Sugar & Spice Nuts

Yields: 4 Cups

Ingredients:

4 cups mixed nuts (I used almonds and pecans, but any nut mixture will work)
2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 egg white

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees; line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

Pour mixed nuts into a large mixing bowl. Whisk together egg white and vanilla, and pour over nuts. Mix well so nuts are evenly coated.

In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, chili powder, and salt; mix well to distribute the sugar and spices evenly. Pour half of the sugar mixture over the nuts, and toss to coat evenly. Pour remaining half of sugar mixture, and mix well.

Turn mixed nuts onto prepared baking sheet. Spread into a single, even layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven. If you test the nuts now, they will feel chewy, but they will harden up a lot as they cool down. Allow to cool completely.

Place into an air-tight container for storage, or separate into festive bags to give away as gifts. Michael's is a great place to pick up cute, decorative gift package options that won't cost you a fortune.

**Your guide to storage of baked goods and shelf life**

If you are going to freeze cookies, freeze the dough rather than baked cookies. Baked cookies stored in the freezer will lose both flavor and moisture. You can freeze cookie dough in a ball or disc (or spoon individual balls onto a baking sheet, freeze, and place frozen dough balls in a freezer bag). Cookie dough will last up to four months in the freezer. 

Once cookies are baked, ensure they are cooled completely, place in an airtight container, then follow the guide below for keep-fresh dates:

Soft cookies: 2-4 days
Hard cookies: 5-7 days 
Meringues: up to two weeks
Brownies: 3-4 days 
Pie crust (unbaked): refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to three months
Cake: unfrosted, and uncut cakes can keep up to a week in the freezer. Frosted, uncut cakes can be kept at room temperature for 4-5 days. 

Classic Chicken Soup

Nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup on a cold day.  Just the scent of chicken soup simmering on the stove is enough to make anyone's mouth water.  Since we are quickly approaching the middle of November (whaaaaat?!), now is the perfect time to whip up a big batch of this soup.

This recipe uses two whole chickens, and yields a very large batch -- it does halve easily, if you want a smaller batch or only have one chicken available.  I prefer to cook my own chicken ahead of time.  I have a fool-proof, pain-free method of cooking whole chickens in a crock pot the day before, but if you are in a time-crunch, pre-made rotisserie chicken will work just as well.

Classic Chicken Soup

Yields 12 cups

Ingredients:

2 whole, cooked chickens *preparations listed below* OR use 2 whole rotisserie chickens, bones and skin removed, meat shredded
6 stalks celery, chopped
6 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 C chicken stock (I use chicken flavor Better Than Bouillon in boiling water 1 teaspoon per 8oz or 4 tablespoons for 12 cups water)
Salt, pepper, poultry seasoning (Szeged is my favorite seasoning brand)
2 tablespoons  olive oil

Directions:

Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.  Add olive oil, onions and garlic.  Saute for 2 minutes.  Add carrots and celery, saute 5 minutes until softened.  Add shredded chicken, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.  Bring to a boil.  Lower heat, cover and simmer for 2 hours.

Add salt and pepper to taste, serve hot!

*Tips*

Thicken with cornstarch and pour over cooked egg noodles, OR add pasta while soup is simmering for Chicken Noodle Soup.

*For the chicken*

Wash and dry two whole chickens.  Cover in poultry seasoning, (use Szeged poultry seasoning or a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, marjoram, etc.).  Place chickens in crock pot and cook on low for 10+ hours.  You do not need to add water, the fat from the chicken will allow enough liquid that the chicken won't burn.

Sex in a Pan

Sex in a Pan, AKA, Decadent Delight, AKA, Dessert Lasagna... there are many monikers that suit this dessert, but there is only one true way to describe this rich and delicious treat: perfection!

I grew up murdering this dessert on many occasions over the years, as it was one of my friend's mom's signature recipes (thank you, Tina Blaney).  Imagine this:  a buttery, pecan cookie layer, followed by a rich and tart cream cheese filling, followed by a layer of chocolate pudding, and then a layer of vanilla pudding, followed by a heaping pile of fresh whipped cream, and finished with shaved dark chocolate... it doesn't get any better than this, I promise you!  With just the right amount of sweetness, and just the right amount of tang to balance it out, this incredible treat will never disappoint, and it is sure to please even the most finicky of eaters.  This was my first attempt at making it myself, and I think it turned out pretty well.  I even scored a few rave reviews from some impartial taste testers.

Now, as you know, I prefer to make all my recipes from scratch; however, this recipe does call for instant pudding, so even though most of it was made from scratch, not every element was.  But you best believe that next time I make this dessert, I will be making homemade pudding!  Until then, if you want to try this dessert ASAP, you better keep reading.

Sex in a Pan

Sex in a Pan, AKA, Decadent Delight, AKA, Dessert Lasagna 
Yields: 1-15 servings (depending on how much you like to share)
Ingredients:

For the cookie layer:
1/2 C butter, softened
3 T granulated sugar
1 C all-purpose flour
1 C chopped pecans

For the cream cheese filling:
8oz plain cream cheese
3/4 C powdered sugar
1 C whipping cream

For the chocolate pudding layer:
1 package, instant chocolate pudding
2 C cold milk

For the vanilla pudding layer:
1 package, instant vanilla pudding
2 C cold milk

For the final layer:
2 C whipping cream, 2 t vanilla extract, 1 T granulated sugar
shaved dark chocolate (I used 85%)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13" baking pan, set aside.

In a standard mixing bowl, mix together: softened butter, sugar, flour, and chopped pecans.  Pour into the prepared baking pan and press to evenly coat the bottom.  Bake 20 minutes; remove from oven and let cool completely.

In the mean time:  prepare both flavors of pudding, in separate bowls.  Place in the fridge for at least 5 minutes, to set the pudding.

Mix together: cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipping cream.  Beat until mixture is light and fluffy.  Set in the fridge.

In a large mixing bowl, whip together: whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until the mixture forms stiff peaks.

Once cookie layer has cooled completely:  spread cream cheese layer evenly over top of the crust.  Layer with chocolate pudding, spread to coat evenly.  Layer with vanilla pudding, spread to coat evenly.  Top with whipping cream and shaved chocolate.  Place the final product in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight so it can set.

Remove from fridge and destroy with your forks and spoons until you absolutely cannot fathom eating another bite... wait 10 minutes, then go back for more.

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Sweet Potato, Two Ways

For most of us, January brings the resolution to eat healthier, work out more, and improve our health.  And I love that so many people get excited at the prospect of leading more healthful lives; but let's face it, eating healthy can be challenging, mostly because it can be hard to think of what to eat!  So many of us gorge ourselves on candy, junk, and baked goods over the holidays, and I am no exception to that.  We get used to giving into our every craving for sugar, excess salt, and fat.  Some of us do this for weeks in a row, and this can make it difficult to transition toward healthier eating habits, especially if you decide to go cold turkey off the junk!

Alas, have no fear!  I promise there are so many healthy recipes and delicious foods you can make that are much more valuable to your overall health and wellness than you may think.  Today, I am going to feature two completely different recipes, both of which include one common ingredient that is both healthy AND tasty:  Sweet Potato!

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamins A (over 400% your daily recommended daily intake in one medium sized spud), C, and B6.  They are also an excellent source of potassium; and while they carry more grams of natural sugar than white potatoes, they are far more nutrient dense and have fewer calories.

There are not very many people I know who don't like sweet potatoes... in fact, I can't think of one person I know that doesn't like it.  However, any ingredient will become boring to you if you run out of ways to use it in recipes -- even if you love it!  Sweet potatoes are just as versatile as white potatoes, and you can easily create tons of recipes that are tasty, healthy, and exciting!  Below are two completely different recipes, both featuring our lovely ingredient of the week:

Sweet Potato Fritters

Everyone loves a fritter!  And these sweet potato fritters are so easy to put together, it really doesn't take much cooking, the work is really all in the prep and these bad boys are easy as eating pie (because actually baking a pie from scratch isn't as easy as the cliche makes it out to be).  This recipe can easily be doubled to make extra, and it freezes very well, whether they are cooked first or frozen raw.

Try this recipe this weekend, and make a batch for yourself.  These are delicious eaten on their own, or topped with an egg for breakfast.  Try playing around with the spices, too; it's all about having fun, and making food the way you want it to taste.  I will be making these on a weekly basis, as they are the perfect make-ahead recipe to grab and go when life gets hectic.  

Sweet Potato Fritters
Yields:  12 fritters
Ingredients:
2 C shredded sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 to 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded with a grater)
3 scallions, diced
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 C coconut flour
2 T manioc starch (*if you aren't restricted to a grain-free diet, substitute with corn or tapioca starch)
1 T onion powder
1 T garlic powder
1/2 t paprika
Pinch cayenne powder
Salt & pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl, using a fork, mix together shredded sweet potato and beaten eggs.

In a separate bowl, mix together coconut flour, manioc starch, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt & pepper.  Mix well and add to the sweet potato-egg mixture.  Mix well with a fork.  Add scallions and mix to combine.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare a baking sheet with tin foil or cooking spray.  Spoon 2 heaping Tablespoons of the fritter mixture into your hands and shape into patties.  Place each one on the prepared baking tray, leave about 1" room between each.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping once.  They are ready when edges are crisp and center is stiff.  Remove from oven, let stand at least five minutes before consuming.  Top with cilantro, a spritz of fresh lime juice, and a few drops of hot sauce to really punch these babies up!

*Tip:  Alternative to baking, you can heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.  Fry in heated oil for about 3-4 minutes per side, until edges are crisp and center is stiff.

****************************************************************************

Sweet Potato-Butternut Squash Curry Soup

One of my favorite things about Winter is SOUP.  If I started listing all the different kinds of soup, I would be writing for days... weeks even.  If you think sweet potato on its own is versatile, just look at a few soup recipes and tell me you couldn't find one you don't like:  Cream of Mushroom, Classic Chicken Noodle, Vegetable Minestrone... these classics are what most people think of when they hear the word, soup.  I love all of those, and there are still thousands of other soups ringing in my ears... but this recipe is all about our feature ingredient:  Sweet Potato!

I decided to compliment the sweet potato with butternut squash.  Butternut squash is less sweet and less starchy, adds great color, and a beautiful nutty flavor to this already delicious soup.  Flavors of cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and coriander are brought forward, leaving you with a feeling of warmth from the inside out as you devour this beautifully fragrant soup.  It freezes beautifully and thaws quickly over low heat in a pot for easy consumption later on... that is if you can manage not to eat it all at once.

Sweet Potato-Butternut Squash Curry Soup
Yields:  12 Cups
Ingredients:
3 C sweet potato, peeled and chopped
3 C butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 onion, diced
2.5 liters chicken stock (veggie stock would also be beautiful, for all our Veggie/Vegan friends out there)
2 cans lite coconut milk (68% less fat)
2 T curry powder
Salt & pepper

Directions:
In a large stock pot, throw in chopped sweet potato and squash, diced onion, chicken stock, curry powder, and salt & pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and let simmer until potato and squash are fork tender.  Remove from heat, and blend using an immersion blender until completely smooth and free of lumps.  Add both cans of coconut milk, blend to combine.

*Tip:  try adding a peeled, cored, Granny Smith apple to this soup.  It adds a pleasant sweet, but also tart element to this already amazing soup.

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Why I Follow the Paleo Lifestyle and The Mediterranean Plate

I have been cooking since I was four years old.  Those were the days when I would pull out all the drawers in the kitchen so I could climb up them and watch my Mom cook for our family.  Back then, I would pull out every condiment from our fridge and mix it together with every ingredient from our spice cabinet in the pantry and pretend I was the star of my own cooking show.  Since then, I have always been passionate about food, but my relationship with food has been tumultuous over the years.  For over eight years, I have suffered from an eating disorder and it can be difficult for me to maintain a healthy balance between leading a healthy lifestyle and loving food.  I dedicated years of my life to yo-yo diets, while I battled crippling anxiety about my body image and a voracious need to reach and maintain my "ultimate goal weight", and I put myself through horrific and dangerous diets and schemes to lose as much weight as possible, as quickly as possible.  

Until a few years ago, my concern for my health was never placed above my desire to be thin and I was desperate to love food again.  My introduction to Paleo eating started by reading the book, It Starts With Food and I found many different testimonies by people who were able to improve (and often times, even cure) a myriad of varying health problems and achieve optimal health, simply through using food.  I began bi-annual cycles of The Whole 30, which I have mentioned several times in previous posts (The Whole 30 "Spaghetti" with Tomato Meat Sauce).  It did not take long before I noticed an immediate improvement in so many different areas of my life.  Aside from being able to lose weight at a healthy and maintainable rate, I noticed an increase in my energy levels and positive thinking and I noticed everything about the way food tastes, changed.  Even tap water became sweeter and tasted better.  When you stop eating sugar and processed crap, it doesn't take long before you notice how real food should taste. The pain in my spine I've had for years due to arthritis decreased, as did the excruciating stomach pain I would endure after every meal.  I found I was able to maintain a healthy body weight and feel nourished through eating real, natural, unprocessed and unrefined foods that taste delicious and nourish my body.  I stopped focusing on counting calories and was able to build up the strength to throw out my scale for good!  

It has been three years since my introduction to the Paleo lifestyle and I have been able to learn so much about food and how it works in so many ways to fuel the mind, body, and soul.  Taking the time to work with different ingredients, some more obscure than others - like psyllium husk... wtf? Or discovering that cauliflower is a magical vegetable - has opened my eyes to a whole new world of food and what it means to eat well and be healthy.  It has become my dream to be able to share it all with you!

******************************************************************************************************
Two years ago, I single-handedly cooked thirteen different recipes in a 48 hour period.

Two weeks ago, I single-handedly cooked enough food for thirteen people in an 18 hour period.

On July 7th, I was invited to audition for Master Chef Canada, season 3.  I cooked a dish comprised of five different components, which had to represent my personality and culinary philosophy.  I was given the opportunity to present my dish to a professional taster, who judged it based on Taste, Plating, Skill, and Creativity. 

When I first got the call for the chance to audition my "signature dish", I started to panic... I don't actually have a signature dish.  I have cooked thousands (literally, thousands) of different recipes over the 22 years that I have been cooking, which has given me an extremely well-rounded repertoire when it comes to being able to execute different dishes.  I can bake and I can cook, I can create menu plans and meals congruent with different dietary restrictions, like Paleo and Gluten-free, or Vegan.  There are many recipes that I have become an expert at, but I don't have just one dish to claim as my "signature dish".  But ever since I started working with Paleo recipes, one of my favorite ways to experiment is by recreating classic dishes into Paleo versions without sacrificing flavor or the essence of what makes that dish classic or comforting to us.  I decided to build my dish around that aspect, and the first thought that popped into my head was Tabouli because of its bright, bold, dynamic flavors and colors -- an honest reflection of my personality. Since Tabouli alone does not make a complete dish, I started a list of other components to add to it: Hummus, Tzatziki, Seasoned Chicken, and of course, Pita.  Deciding on the building blocks to complete my dish was easy, but then I had to actually create them, and then perfect them... 

Thankfully, I had a few weeks of preparation before my audition, and I hosted a dinner party for my friends so they could try some of my food and help me decide on what dish to make.  The decision to present the Mediterranean Plate was virtually unanimous, which was both exciting and a huge relief for me.  Top 50 in Canada will be my next stop, if I made it through my audition.  I won't find out if I've made it through until mid-August, but until then, I am going to continue to work on experimenting with food to create new and exciting recipes - and YOU should, too!

The Mediterranean Plate

Tabouli - the inspiration for my dish! Bright, bold, dynamic flavors and colors from beautiful, fresh ingredients:

Ingredients:
2 bunches parsley (I used Italian & Flat leaf)
1 head cauliflower, stemmed and roughly chopped
1 bunch mint
1 cucumber
1 punnet of grape tomatoes
1 red onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 lemons, juiced
2 T olive oil
salt & pepper

Directions:
In a large pot, par-steam chopped cauliflower until tender-crisp (about 5 minutes). Let cool completely, then mince; place into a large salad bowl, and set aside.

Cut the stems off the parsley and mint, and slice into small pieces.  Slicing, rather than chopping will keep the parsley from bruising.  Add to the salad bowl along with cauliflower.

Chop cucumber and red onion to a Brunoise (1/8" cubes).  Add to salad bowl with parsley, mint, and cauliflower.  Slice grape tomatoes into quarters, add tomato and minced garlic to the parsley mixture; toss everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper.  Pour over salad mixture and toss well, ensuring the mixture is well dressed.  Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate. 

*Tips* Tabouli is best served when dressed 1 hour prior to consuming.

Hummus - the first building block to complete my dish; complimentary flavors and outstanding color from reduced beet juice:

Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, chopped
1/4 C beet puree or beet juice**
6 heaping T tahini
1/2 head garlic, minced
2 lemons, juiced & zested
1 T olive oil
salt & pepper

Directions:
Juice beets in a juicer. In a small sauce pan, reduce beet juice to 1/2.  Set aside and let cool completely.  OR cover beets in tin foil and roast at 400 degrees for 1 hour.  Let cool, remove skin, chop into quarters and puree in a food processor until absolutely smooth.

In a large pot, boil chopped cauliflower until fork tender.  Blend in a food processor or blender until completely smooth - you do not want any chunks of cauliflower in this recipe.  The point is to get the correct consistency of hummus!

In the food processor, add cauliflower puree; beet puree/juice; tahini; minced garlic; lemon juice and zest; olive oil; and salt & pepper.  Blend until ingredients are well combined, mixture is bright pink and ingredients are well incorporated. 

*Tips* Let stand 1+ hour for flavors to develop.

Tzatziki - one of my all-time favorite condiments, which adds a bright contrasting flavor to the other components of this dish:

Ingredients:
1 batch homemade mayo - see recipe below
1 long English cucumber, peeled, seeded, grated
3-4 cloves garlic
2 T lemon juice
hefty handful of fresh dill
salt & pepper. 

Directions:

Mayo: 2 egg yolks (room temperature!); 2 T lemon juice; 2 T white vinegar; 1 t Dijon mustard; 1/2 t salt; 1/4 t pepper; 1 1/2 C light olive oil.  

Add yolks, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon, salt, pepper, and olive oil to a jar, blend with an immersion blender for 1-2 minutes until well combined and mayo has emulsified.

Place shredded cucumber in a medium bowl, sprinkle with salt and let stand a few minutes.  Then squeeze as much moisture from shredded cucumber as possible, then pat with paper towel or cheesecloth until it's as dry as possible.

Add cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt & pepper to mayo.  Mix well and set aside in the fridge for 1+ hour to let the flavor develop.

Chicken - classic protein component, and one of the easiest, but most flavorful chicken recipes I have:

Ingredients:
1/4 C poultry seasoning (mix of dried sage, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt)
2 T lemon juice
2 T olive oil
Chicken breast, boneless and skinless

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  

In a small bowl, mix poultry seasoning with lemon juice and olive oil.  

Spread seasoning paste all over chicken and bake 18-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked and juices run clear.  Let rest 5-10 minutes, then slice into strips.

Pita - classic starch component, but of course, with a twist:

Ingredients:
1/2 C coconut flour
2 T psyllium husk 
1/4 C coconut oil
1 C hot water
2 pinches salt
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t cayenne

Directions:
In a mixing bowl, add dry ingredients and mix 1 minute until well incorporated. Add coconut oil and mix 1 minute.  

Heat water to just under a boil, add to stand mixer and blend until well incorporated and mixture begins to form a ball.  Turn onto saran wrap, form a ball and let rest 5-10 minutes.

Slice into quarters.  Form into balls and turn onto lightly floured surface.  Roll out into 1/8" thick rounds and slice into halves.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.  When pan is hot, add pitas and fry 3-4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.

*Tips* Psyllium husk is a form of fibre derived from the Plantago ovata plant, specifically from the husks of the plant's seed.  Psyllium husk acts as a replacement for gluten in baked goods - such as breads, pizza dough, rolls, and pasta - which rely on the protein in gluten to create structure.  You should be able to find it at your local health food store. 

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Classic Pulled Pork

Few things remind me of Summer quite like BBQ. I was walking down my street the other day and could smell my neighbors BBQ-ing in their back yards. I was practically drooling by the time I got home, so I just had to make my Classic Pulled Pork so I could give in to my cravings.

I've posted a recipe for Pulled Pork before, but this recipe has since become by go-to. It's just as simple in its execution, but it is far tastier than my previous version. Try both and see which one you prefer! What I love about this version is that it is lighter, less sweet, and has more flavor. It's smoky with a hint of heat from the seasoning, with a little bit of sweetness from the BBQ sauce I used to dress it. I paired my lettuce wraps with a simple, dead easy coleslaw, as a perfect & classic accompaniment.

My favorite part of this recipe is how effortless it is. The only effort you will have to put in is the patience you'll need while it cooks in your slow cooker. Screw fork tender, this recipe falls apart with a spoon! Try it and see for yourself that it is truly easy, and also delicious.

Classic Pulled Pork

Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

Pulled Pork: 
4lb Pork shoulder roast
1/3 C liquid smoke (I used Hickory, you can find liquid smoke at any grocery store, usually down the condiment aisle)
Spicy pepper medley seasoning (you can use any ol' steak seasoning or Montreal Smoked Spice would be a great one to try)
Cayenne pepper *optional*

Butter lettuce

Pulled pork fixin's: BBQ sauce (I used Organic Dad's Best BBQ sauce from the health food aisle at Safeway, it was delicious!), ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, sliced onion, etc. Get creative and try something new!

Quick Coleslaw:
1 bag coleslaw mix (shredded: red cabbage, green cabbage, carrots)
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1/4 t yellow mustard
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 t salt
1/2 t garlic powder
2 t agave syrup (or honey)

Directions:

Rinse pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towel. Place the roast in your slow cooker, pour liquid smoke over top. Season with pepper medley/spice mix and cayenne. Cook on HIGH for four hours, then cook on LOW for 8+ hours. Shred pork with forks and cook on HIGH again for an hour or so to reincorporate the liquid.

While your pulled pork is simmering, in a small mixing bowl: add mayo, lemon juice, mustard, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and agave/honey. Whisk well until ingredients are incorporated and dressing is smooth. Toss together with coleslaw veggies.

Assemble your lettuce wraps however which way you like them. Keep in mind, these will be extremely messy, so make sure you stock up on napkins!

*Tips*

Feel free to use a different kind of lettuce for these wraps. I like Butter Lettuce because of the width and mild flavor of the leaves. Romaine would be sturdier, however, I usually just eat this right out of a bowl with my condiments and coleslaw on top.

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

"The Dark and Dirty" Chocolate Cake

My favorite flavor of cake is more... as in more of it. I've always had quite the sweet tooth and love sweet baked goods. Cooking and baking have been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I would pull all of the drawers out in the kitchen and use them as steps so I could watch my mom cook. Six years ago I decided to take my culinary skills more seriously and I've been challenging myself to try new techniques and invent my own recipes. It can be difficult to claim that one has truly "invented" a recipe, since so many recipes are similar, if not exactly the same, in many ways. I did not follow another recipe when I created this masterpiece - I used my wealth of culinary and baking knowledge to put it together. When you understand how ingredients work together in baking to create the final result, it is much easier to experiment with recipes and to create your own!

I had so much fun creating this cake and I am thrilled with how it turned out. When you are baking with coconut flour, since it is so much more dense than regular flour, it has a tendency to end up dry or mealy. Baking with coconut flour also requires a lot of eggs in order to stand up to the density of the flour, and because of this, baked goods made with coconut flour have a tendency to result in an "eggy" texture. This cake did not turn out mealy or eggy at all. It is incredibly rich and moist, without being too sweet. I baked the cake on Sunday and the pieces I saved in the fridge were still moist and delicious when I finished them last night (Wednesday). The final point I'd like to make about this cake is the fact that it is 100% Paleo. It is dairy-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and free of GMO products. Anyone can enjoy this delicious, decadent cake, even if you do not follow a Paleo or "clean eating" diet. It is a wonderfully tasty treat for anybody, it just happens to be healthier (and tastier) than your average, basic cake.

"The Dark and Dirty" Chocolate Cake

Yields: 1, single layer 10" cake 
Suggested servings: 12

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 C coconut flour
3/4 C cocoa powder
2 1/4 t baking powder (or use 3/4 t baking soda and 3/4 t salt)
9 eggs
3/4 C coconut oil
3/4 C agave syrup, or 100% pure maple syrup
3/4 C brewed coffee
1 1/2 T vanilla

Raspberry Layer:
1 jar no sugar added Raspberry Jam (I used St. Dalfour Deluxe Raspberry Spread, sweetened with grape juice and thickened with natural fruit pectin)

Chocolate Ganachè:
8oz dark chocolate (70% or higher)
1 C full fat coconut milk
2 t coconut oil

Directions:

For the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350. Set rack to the middle of the oven. Grease the bottom and sides of a 10" round cake or spring form pan. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add coconut flour; cocoa powder; baking powder, and set aside.

Using a stand mixer, beat eggs for one minute. Add coconut oil, agave, brewed coffee, and vanilla. Beat to incorporate.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, blend on low until mixture is incorporated. Then beat on high until fluffy.

Pour batter into prepared cake pan. The batter will be thick because coconut flour is far more dense than regular all purpose or cake flour, do not worry, this is how it should look. Smooth evenly, pick up the cake pan with the batter in it and drop it a few times on a counter or table to keep the cake as flat and even as possible.

Bake for 25-35 minutes. I checked mine at 25 and it was still loose in the middle. I baked it for exactly 10 more minutes and it came out perfect. Stick a toothpick into the center of the cake and it is done when it comes out clean. Let stand 10-15 minutes before removing it from the cake pan. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting the Cake:

In a microwave safe bowl, add chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil. Melt in 45 second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Add coconut milk and mix well. Let stand in the fridge to stiffen. The texture should be between a frosting and fudge.

Once cake is completely cooled and frosting is also cooled, place cake on a stand or plate. Spread raspberry jam all over the top of the cake. Then spread the chocolate ganachè over top. It will be thick and won't spread as easily as a regular frosting - do not fret, just try and spread it all over the top of the cake as evenly as you can. I love how it looks somewhat haphazard and not "perfect", that's why I named it "The Dark and Dirty" Chocolate Cake.

Nutritional Information (per 1/12 serving):

281 calories, 31g carbohydrates, 15g saturated fat, 0g transfat, 9g protein, and 75g sodium per slice. While this particular cake is far healthier than traditionally baked cakes, it is still a treat.

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

WTF is "Caulfredo"?

Cauliflower is being used in all sorts of recipes that normally it would have no business being part of. I've seen recipes out there for cauliflower pizza crust, cauliflower mashed potatoes; and cauliflower rice. But never had I heard of cauliflower alfredo sauce, aka "Caulfredo", until now. I honestly thought it was going to be terrible when I heard about it, but it knocked my socks off and I had to share this recipe with everyone immediately.

You don't have to be lactose intolerant or follow a Paleo diet to enjoy this delicious recipe. Except for an extremely mild cauliflower presence, only in the sweetness at the middle notes of the flavor, it is pretty much uncanny to regular alfredo (but way healthier).

"Caulfredo" (Mock Alfredo Sauce)

Yields: 2+ C

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower, chopped (small for faster cooking)
1 onion, diced
3 or 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 C chicken stock
1/4 C coconut milk
2 T clarified butter (ghee)
2 t oil
salt, pepper, nutmeg

Directions:

In a large sauce pan, heat 2 t oil and add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and onions are transluscent, about five minutes.

Add chopped cauliflower and chicken stock. Cover until cauliflower is tender. Add coconut milk and remove from heat.

Using an immersion blender, blend cauliflower mixture until the sauce is absolutely FREE of lumps. Add ghee, salt & pepper to taste, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend quickly to incorporate spices. Serve hot over zoodles (zucchini julienned and sautéed ), cooked spaghetti squash, or even regular pasta.

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

The Double Pork and Beef Burger

Even though they are dead easy to make, burgers are not something I normally cook at home (I actually think burgers are usually better from restaurants...). I'd been craving a good burger for a while though, and I just started The Whole 30 again on January 1st, so I knew ordering one from a restaurant was out of the question. Luckily I've found an excellent butcher shop right near my place and I was able to use top quality, organic grain-fed meat to accomplish the squandering of my burger craving.

Everyone who knows anything about burgers knows that it's not really a burger without bacon. I honestly built this burger around the double smoked bacon I picked up from Nosso Tahlo on Bloor St. W. Instead of a bun, I used two fresh rings of red onion. I topped the burgers with carmelized onions, portobello mushrooms, and more bacon (hollaaaaaaa!). I won't waste anymore time talking about it, I will just dive in and explain how to make these bad boys:

The Double Pork and Beef Burger

Yields 4 burgers

Ingredients:

1/3 lb lean ground pork

1/3 lb lean ground beef

1/3 lb bacon, finely diced + 4 strips, also finely diced

1 shallot, minced 

1 medium onion, finely diced 

1/2 portobello mushroom, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Handful fresh parsley, finely diced 

Salt, pepper, cayenne (optional) 

1 large egg

Mustard (Dijon or yellow will do)

Olive oil 

Directions:

In a pan over medium high heat, cook bacon until fat is rendered and bacon is firm. Add 1/2 diced onion, 1/2 the portobello mushroom, reduce heat to medium low and sauté until caramelized (about 15 minutes). Set aside. 

In a large mixing bowl, add ground pork, ground beef, finely diced bacon, remaining diced onion, remaining portobello mushroom, garlic, parsley, seasonings, egg, and mustard (I eyeballed it, start with 1 or 2 teaspoons). 

Using your hands, mix well until all ingredients are incorporated and evenly distributed. 

Heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium high heat. Divide meat mixture into 4 sections. Form into patties and squish down to flatten (the flatter they are, the more evenly they will cook). Add a few teaspoons of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Drop two patties at a time, so as not to crowd the pan, and cook 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until cooked all the way through. There should be no trace of pink and juices should run clear. 

Transfer to prepared serving dishes, garnish with your favorite fresh veggies and condiments, and enjoy the hell out of these burgers. 

Enjoy and Buon Appetito! 

*Tips*

Feel free to use one kind of ground meat for this burger. 

These do freeze well, but be sure to separate with wax or parchment paper. 

Paleo Morning Glory Muffins

After a lot of unhealthy food choices lately, I've decided to start eating Paleo again. It just gives me more energy and makes me feel so much better. One of my favorite things about this dietary choice is that you can make a lot of the same foods you love, you may just have to tweak the recipe.

Morning glory muffins are probably my favorite. I've been craving them lately, so I decided to come up with a simple dairy-free, gluten-free recipe. These muffins are healthy, filling and sweet with a hint of spice from cinnamon and cardamom.

Paleo Morning Glory Muffins

Yields: 9 muffins

Ingredients:

3/4 C almond flour
1/2 C mashed sweet potato
1/4 C shredded carrot 
1/2 C shredded coconut
1/2 C raisins
1/2 C dried cranberries
1/2 C walnuts
1/4 C palm sugar
2 eggs
2 T chia/flax/hemp seeds
2 t vanilla extract
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t cardamom
1 t baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with papers, or grease the pan.

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together until well blended. Divide into muffin wells and bake 23-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cool 5 minutes, then remove from the pan... consume!

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

I managed to give my KitchenAid Stand Mixer a run for her money this weekend and baked several different types of cookies - all with the help from my lovely friend, Chenelle :) **click here to see the various models and colors offered at The Bay.ca - we have the Artisan 5qt Stand Mixer in Metallic Chrome with the meat grinding attachment that I am dying to use!**

 

If any of you know me, or have followed my blog for a while, then you know that I really love chocolate. It is definitely my weakness! and I try to incorporate it into my recipes as often as I can. I always enjoy baking as much as possible during the holidays, since I like to give out giant gift baskets to my families instead of individual gifts - it just seems more personal and far less commercialized than purchasing individual gifts for each family member. It's also financially suitable since I have a very large family.

 

These Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies have become a part of my Christmas Countdown this year and it is the first time I've tried these. They have a very chewy, almost pillowy texture, which I really loved. I wish I had added some chocolate extract to enhance the richness of the cookie, but the flavor is still there since I used unsweetened baking squares instead of cocoa powder. The texture of the dough is quite soft and can be a little difficult to roll if it is too warm, if you have trouble, pop it into the fridge for 30-45 minutes and it should be chilled enough to roll nicely.

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies:

Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 C butter, softened
1 C granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 t vanilla extract
2 oz unsweetened chocolate baking squares
2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
20 caramel squares, unwrapped
Pecan halves *optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and chocolate. Mix well. Add flour and blend until well combined.

Shape into 1" balls and press one square of caramel into the center of each cookie. Bake 10 minutes, top with a pecan half and transfer to a cooling rack.

*Next time I make these, I am going to melt the caramels down with a bit of milk so that the caramel stays soft. The caramel squares harden and are a little tough to bite through, unless the cookies are dipped in tea or another hot liquid, which is very nice if I do say so myself.



Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Chocolate Double Chocolate Chip Mint Cookies

I am the type of person who refuses to acknowledge Christmas until December 1st. Today happens to be that day, and I am launching my annual Christmas baking countdown. My last post, "White Chocolate-Cranberry Cookies" technically launched this motion, but now that it is officially December, I am planning to bake at full force.

My initial goal is set to two recipes per week, but I will definitely be crunching in extra recipes the closer we get to Christmas. I have eight recipes lined up, but I wanted to begin with an easy one.

My mom used to make these when I was younger and over the years I have tweaked them here and there. I have baked these so many times over the years, I could make them with my eyes closed.

Chocolate Double Chocolate Chip Mint Cookies

Yields: 30 cookies

Ingredients:

1 C unsalted butter, room temperature
1 C brown sugar
1/2 C granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 t vanilla extract
1/4 t salt
1/3 C cocoa powder + 1 square unsweetened baking chocolate
1 t baking powder
2 C all-purpose flour, less 2 T
2 T cornstarch
2 t peppermint extract
white chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Mix on a medium speed and add one egg at a time, then add peppermint & vanilla extracts and melted baking chocolate.

In a separate bowl, sift together flour & constarch, salt, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Pour into mixing bowl, in 1/2 C intervals, while blending in between additions. Mix until well blended.

Fold in white chocolate chips, scoop onto prepared baking sheet and bake 12 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer to a wire cooling rack, and let stand 5 minutes before consuming.

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

White Chocolate-Cranberry Cookies

I have been slacking on my recipe posts lately. I also seriously need to start baking again! I took a break from it because I would end up eating the entire batch, so my waistline really needed a reality check. Now that I am living with my brother, and have enough friends to share my baked goods with, I am going to start trying out new recipes every week!

This cookie recipe of mine is certainly not new, in fact, I probably posted a similar version on my old recipe blog. Alas, I had enough ingredients in the kitchen to quickly whip up a batch of White Chocolate-Cranberry Cookies. Even if you are the least experienced baker, cookies are very easy to make, just follow a simple recipe and you will almost always end up with good results.

White Chocolate-Cranberry Cookies

Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 C butter, softened
3/4 C brown sugar
1/4 granulated sugar
1 egg
2 t vanilla extract
2 C all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 C white chocolate chips
1 C dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugars with an electric mixer until you reach a creamy consistency. Beat in the egg and vanilla.

Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well between each addition. Once the dough has come together, add the white chocolate chips and cranberries. Fold together with a wooden spoon.

Drop 2 T balls onto the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the centers are set and edges are golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

I love to eat fresh baked cookies when they are still warm in the centers, especially with an ice cold glass of milk!

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Almond Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are one of my top favorite kinds of cookies, but since I switched over to a Paleo diet, we haven't had peanut butter in the house. Instead, we have almond butter and I've been dying to come up with a good Almond Butter Cookie recipe.

Some people don't realize that baking is a science. All the ingredients involved work together to create chemical reactions that allow for certain qualities in baked goods to happen. Some key points to know in baking are which ingredients provide structure and which ingredients provide softness, sweetness and color. Check out this brief guide below:

Flour & eggs for structure; fat and sugar for tenderness:
In baking, flour and eggs are the structure-builders and essentially hold the recipe together. Fat and sugar do the opposite and provide tenderness and moisture. Baking soda and baking powder are used as leavening agents and cause baked goods to 'rise' during baking.

Eggs provide two parts: whites dry out baked goods, while yolks provide velvety, smooth texture. Since yolks are full of fat, you can add extra yolks to add smoothness to your baked goods without having to add more oil/butter.

When using sugar, most people assume it is used as a sweetener, i.e. in coffee/tea. However, in baking its role becomes more complex as it adds volume, tenderness, texture and color.

Brown sugar vs granulated sugar:
These two sugars are virtually interchangeable, however, using brown sugar will create a moister result with a more "butterscotch" flavor as the molasses in the brown sugar will add depth.

Initially I wanted the recipe to be Paleo-friendly, so I used honey in my test batch. While the cookies had great flavor, the texture was far too cake-y for my liking -- I prefer cookies to have a crispy outer edge and a chewy center.

My second round was far more successful as I nixed the honey and replaced it with good ol' fashioned sugar. While these cookies are no longer Paleo-friendly, they certainly are sweet tooth-friendly!!

Almond Butter Cookies:

Yields: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

1 C natural almond butter
1/4 C brown sugar
1/4 C granulated sugar
1/4 C ghee or regular butter, melted
1/2 C almond flour
1 large egg
1/4 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/4-1/2 t cinnamon
1/8 t cardamom
1/2 t sea salt
1 t vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl; cream together almond butter, both sugars and ghee. Add vanilla and egg and beat together until mixed well.

In a separate mixing bowl; add almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom,  and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and fold together. Mix until well incorporated.

Spoon tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten with a fork. Bake 10-14 minutes, turning once. Adjust baking time to suit your oven. I baked these in a convection oven and had to add about 2-4 minutes to the baking time. Serve warm with a cold glass of milk!

*Try adding finely chopped nuts to this recipe. Next time I make these I will add some roasted pecans/hazelnuts to increase the "nut" flavor I was going for. Don't skip the cinnamon and cardamom, they add a beautiful hint of warmth and spiciness that are perfect for Autumn

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Sweet Potato Sausage Stew

I initially made this recipe with Chorizo sausage, which is to die for. The sweetness of the potato beautifully compliments the smoky, spicy flavor of the Chorizo. I should also mention that I use the most amazing sausages, which we buy from Falconetti's on Commercial Drive click 'here' for a direct link to their website. Falconetti's is a hotspot restaurant here in Vancouver and has been featured on the Food Network's popular show "Diner's Drive-Ins & Dives" with Guy Fieri. Aside from being a restaurant, they also have a butcher connected to the venue where they make their own sausages. Made from all natural ingredients, these sausages are amazing!!! I highly recommend trying their classic "Hot Italian", which I used in this stew recipe today, their "Chaurice", which is their version of Chorizo, and definitely try "Lamb Marguez". Excellent flavors and beautiful quality come together to provide excellence for Falconetti's customers. PS this is my Mom's favorite recipe and I made specially for her today :)

Sweet Potato Sausage Stew

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1lb Chorizo or Hot Italian Sausage
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic
1 28oz can diced tomato
olive oil
salt & pepper

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed sweet potato and saute until they begin to soften - about 15 minutes. Add diced onion and garlic, saute 5 minutes.

Add sausage and diced tomato. Stir well and let simmer 15-20 minutes. Add salt & pepper to taste, serve hot - it would be delicious served over steamed green beans!

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Tomato Basil Soup

Now that it is officially Autumn, we can start busting out the best recipes for cold, dreary days. Soup is always a great recipe to make, since it generally yields large batches, which keep well in the fridge or freezer for later use. They are also a great way to get extra vegetables into your diet.

I am a huge fan of blended soups. I like the consistency, the flavor and the warmth of a nice mug full of piping hot, homemade soup. I would highly recommend investing in an "immersion blender", I will link a few places you can purchase one -- I highly suggest Cuisinart as theirs is high quality and very moderately priced at $69.99, but I snagged mine for $49.99 from London Drugs when it was on sale. It also came with a whisk attachment and a small food processor attachment. These immersion blenders are perfect for blended soups but if you utilize the other attachments that come with them you will find yourself using them for a lot of other recipes.

Today I made a basic Tomato Basil Soup, it's perfect for the rainy day we are having. It's very simple, very healthy and definitely satisfying.

Tomato Basil Soup

Yields: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

2 28oz cans whole tomatoes
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 C fresh Basil, chopped
3 C low sodium chicken broth
clarified butter aka "ghee"
salt & pepper
1 C milk *optional*
1/4-1/2 t red pepper flakes *optional*

Directions:

In a large stock pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add chopped carrot, celery, and garlic and saute 5 minutes. Add basil and saute another 2-3 minutes.

Add tomatoes and chicken broth to the vegetables, bring to a boil and let simmer 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are fork tender add milk, salt, pepper & red chili flakes. Remove from heat.

Blend until smooth using an immersion blender. If you don't have one and use a regular blender, make sure you cool the soup completely before blending as hot liquids will expand and can blow the top off your blender.

Adjust the seasoning to your preference, serve hot and garnish with croutons or a bit of shredded cheddar cheese!

*Cuisinart Immersion Blender - London Drugs $69.99
*Cuisinart Immersion Blender - ON SALE - The Bay $55.99

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Paleo Hot/Cold Chocolate Crème

Last weekend I had the house all to myself and it was a real treat! Speaking of treats, it is important to allow yourself some indulgence every now and then, no matter how rigorous your diet/exercise regime may be. While the notion may be true that "it doesn't take one healthy meal to get skinny", it also doesn't take one unhealthy meal to get fat. We all need our "cheat treat" to stay balanced and happy!

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to put together and uses only 3 ingredients. It's dairy-free, refined sugar-free and it is rich, chocolate-y and oh so good. Try it hot or chill it in the fridge/freezer and try it as a cold treat - either way, if you are a chocolate fiend, you will enjoy this Paleo Hot/Cold Chocolate Crème.

Paleo Hot/Cold Chocolate Crème

Yields: 4, 2oz cup servings

Ingredients:

1/2 C coconut milk (Thai Kitchen makes a good one, they also offer a regular and lite version)
2 T cocoa powder
3 T agave syrup

Directions:

Pour coconut milk into a small sauce pot. Mix together agave syrup and cocoa powder, add to coconut milk and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, remove from heat, serve into 2oz espresso mugs and THAT'S IT!

*Place in the fridge/freezer to cool it off if you prefer this treat to be cold
*Try dusting the top with cinnamon or try adding a fruit component; orange or raspberry would be divine!

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Raw Paleo Energy Orbs

One thing I've noticed recently is that a lot more people are getting out and being active. I see more people outdoors, in their workout gear, on their bikes or on a run and it's inspiring! It creates motivation in others to see people getting out there and being physical and staying healthy.

Ensuring that you are consuming enough energy to fuel your marathon runs or your epic bicycle trek into work is very important. My mom is a long distance runner and has been looking for a simple, easy snack that she can bring with her on those treks to hit the pavement. These Raw Paleo Energy Orbs are perfect for that little bite you need to add that burst of energy to your longer, more strenuous exercise days.

I am sure you have seen many recipes that are similar to this and the beautiful thing about food is that you can add/remove pretty much anything you want, because creating flavors to your preference is what it's all about!

Raw Paleo Energy Orbs

Yields: 24+ balls

Ingredients:

1 C pitted dates
1 C mixed nuts *no peanuts if you are following a Paleo diet
4-6 T chia seeds
4 T coconut oil
4 T almond butter
*Optional: shredded coconut
*Optional, but highly suggested: 4 squares semi-sweet baker's chocolate

Directions:

In a food processor, blend dates, nuts and chia seeds until finely chopped.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt coconut oil and almond butter. Add to nut mixture and mix well. Melt chocolate and add to the same bowl, mix until thoroughly incorporated.

At this point you may want to add 1/4-1/2 C almond flour to the mixture if it is too runny. You want to be able to form ball shaped orbs. You can also add more chopped nuts/dates, shredded coconut or chia seeds to absorb some of the extra liquid.

Form 1 T size portions into balls, chill in the fridge/freezer and wrap in parchment paper. Consume before your exercise regime or bring some along with you!

*You could also form these into small squares by pressing the mixture into a small, square shaped pan. Chill and cut into small squares.

Nutritional Info:
per 1 orb serving
92 calories
9.4g carbohydrates
3.7g fat
1.29g protein
12.6mg sodium
6.8g sugar
(please note, nutritional info is approximate as it was provided by MyFitnessPal)


Enjoy and Buon Appetito!