Recipes

Salted Chewy Chocolate Chip Protein Bars {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}

April 30, 2018

I’m always thinking up new protein bar flavors to play around with. This time, I wanted something to taste similar to those chewy oatmeal chocolate chip granola bars that so many of us had in our lunches growing up. I was craving one! I USED TO BE OBSESSED WITH THOSE THINGS!

These Salted Chewy Chocolate Chip Protein Bars come pretty dang close to that flavor. They’re free of grains and gluten all together – so no oatmeal. However, the chia and flax give it just the right crunch that make you think that you’re eating a chewy, slightly crunchy, oatmeal bar.

They’re filled with protein, healthy fats, and some chocolate – all the essentials of a good snack!

I opted to add a little pink salt on top for that addicting salty and sweet contrast, but that’s completely optional!

Try these out next time you’re looking for a healthy snack to keep around the house or to pack in lunches. Kids would love these!


Print Recipe
 Salted Chewy Chocolate Chip Protein Bars {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes - cooling
Servings
bars
Ingredients
Chewy bars
Chocolate topping
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes - cooling
Servings
bars
Ingredients
Chewy bars
Chocolate topping
Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the chewy bars.
  2. In a medium baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread mixture out onto pan. You can use a deeper pan for thicker bars.
  3. Melt dark chocolate and oil.
  4. Stir in maple syrup, if desired. I used about a teaspoon.
  5. Spread chocolate on top of mixture.
  6. Freeze for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
  7. Cut bars into desired sizes.
  8. Store in the refrigerator.
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Banana Cream Pie Smoothie {Dairy-Free}

April 29, 2018

Who doesn’t love a guilt-free dessert? I know I don’t!

I love making smoothies at home because I can control the level of sweetness. Sometimes, I get one and it is just so syrupy and overly sweet. Especially in the morning, that much sugar just doesn’t do much good!

This Banana Cream Pie Smoothie is free of dairy and sweetened with whole foods! You can have it for breakfast, a snack, dessert, or any time! Plus, there’s a secret ingredient that ups the nutritional value – cauliflower! If you’ve never put some in your smoothies, you have got to try this trick! It’s a good way to cut back on the sugar level in your smoothies, but still end up with a thick consistency!

Print Recipe
 Banana Cream Pie Smoothie {Dairy-Free}
Servings
Ingredients
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a blender, add the ingredients, starting with the liquids. (Only use the maple syrup if you want it a bit sweeter.)
  2. Blend until smooth!
  3. ENJOY!
Recipe Notes

*I like to peel and quarter ripe bananas (and some unripe - for less sweet recipes) to store in the freezer so they're ready to go for smoothies. Cutting before freezing them is a must!

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Key Lime Pie Smoothie {Dairy-Free}

April 26, 2018

It’s finally feeling like springtime in the Midwest! It’s the end of April, so I’d say it’s about time for some sunshine and warmer weather!

However, despite all of the snow and cold weather we’ve had the past few months, this smoothie can still brighten my day! The key lime flavor has me dreaming of warm sunshine and beaches every time I make it!

You might notice that there is a vegetable listed in the ingredients. That is not a typo! Cauliflower is a great filler in smoothies, and a better option that more sugary fruit. It’s like hidden nutrients! Give it a try – it won’t disappoint!

I’m so ready for some summertime!

Print Recipe
 Key Lime Pie Smoothie {Dairy-Free}
Servings
Ingredients
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a blender, add all of the ingredients, beginning with the liquids.
  2. Blend until smooth!
Recipe Notes

* Depending on how juicy your lime is, you may need the entire lime. Pop it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds beforehand to make it juicier!

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Smokey Bacon Meatballs

April 25, 2018

Is there anything that bacon doesn’t make better? That’s a big “NO” in my book.

REAL TALK: the only reason I don’t put bacon in more recipes is because I’m too lazy to cook it.

Anyone else have this problem?

Do yourself a favor and just go make some bacon. You’re going to want it for these Smokey Bacon Meatballs! They are easy to make and offer up a subtle change from the typical meatball flavor. They are tender and moist, along with being seasoned just right!

They’re pretty addicting, so you may want to double the batch!

I use good quality grass fed and grass finished ground beef from Strauss Brands meat. If you have never heard of them, check them out! They offer meat BORN & RAISED in the USA! They’re having a promotion through the end of this month (April 30, 2018). It’s goal is to educate consumers on their role in restoring our ecosystem and committing to environmental stewardship. All you have to do is pledge your support of America’s farmers who manage their land sustainably and produce grass fed and grass finished beef – in return, you’ll receive a special offer for 5 pounds of ground beef for $25 + FREE SHIPPING through Strauss. This is an AMAZING deal! Check out the 1 LB Challenge for more information! (NOT SPONSORED: I just love this meat and want to spread the goodness and it’s a great cause to support!)

So, do yourself another favor, and grab some of their ground beef! It has phenomenal flavor and there’s never any fat to drain off of the meat. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, count your blessings that you’ve never had to experience cooking with terrible quality, fatty (not the good kind) meats. Quality is so important with the meat that you eat!


Print Recipe
 Smokey Bacon Meatballs
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, caramelize the onions in oil for about 8-10 minutes or until browned slightly. Remove from heat to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  3. In a bowl, gently combine ground beef, almond flour, seasonings, liquid smoke, egg, and nut pods/cream.
  4. Stir in cooked bacon pieces and onions.
  5. With a tablespoon or a melon ball scooper, portion out meatballs onto a baking sheet (I line mine with parchment paper for easy clean up!) in heaping tablespoons.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until browned and cooked through the center.
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Low-Carb Mashed Potatoes {with dairy free option}

April 25, 2018

For me, one of the first foods that come to mind when I hear comfort food is mashed potatoes. Maybe because they’re usually (or should be!) filled with butter or maybe it’s because it’s an excuse for me to pour gravy over something (not that I need an excuse)…honestly, it’s probably both of those things.

Mashed potatoes are rich and cozy. They just make you feel good! Except when you eat too much and just feel heavy and gross – you know what can help eliminate that? This recipe!

These low-carb mashed potatoes are actually half red potatoes and half cauliflower! You still get all of the delicious flavor of classic mashed potatoes, but half of the carbs and some actual nutrition from the cauliflower! That’s a win-win in my book!

You cook them both in the same pot at the same time – doesn’t get any easier! You can choose the dairy free route, but trust me, real butter, or at least ghee, makes all of the difference!

Print Recipe
 Low-Carb Mashed Potatoes {with dairy free option}
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring to a boil 8 cups of water.
  2. Add chopped potatoes and cauliflower florets.
  3. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
  4. Drain water from potatoes and cauliflower.
  5. Add butter, sour cream/yogurt, salt, and garlic powder to the pot.
  6. Mash or whip with a mixer until desired consistency is reached.
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Southwest Hamburger Helper

April 24, 2018

The name says it all: Hamburger Helper. I don’t know about you, but HH will always have a special place in my heart! Who’s with me?

This southwest take on the classic is total comfort food – the best kind of food, in my opinion. Give me some pasta, a creamy sauce, some ground beef and I am one happy girl!

This Southwest Hamburger Helper uses my Pepperjack Cheese Sauce, pasta, ground beef, and a few seasonings. It’s almost as simple as the original!

You can use any pasta you like – I like to use Banza Chickpea Rotini for this recipe. It’s high in protein and fiber with super-clean ingredients. Chickpeas aren’t paleo, but we do well with them – to each his own! Life’s all about balance. I also love Bellabondanza’s Green Bean fettuccine – it’s DELICIOUS, low carb, and packed with protein too. Do what works for you!


Print Recipe
 Southwest Hamburger Helper
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the meat over medium heat. This should take about 5-8 minutes.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it and add it to your ground meat. (If you used good quality beef, you shouldn't have any fat to drain!)
  4. Add the cheese sauce and seasonings to the pasta.
  5. Combine ingredients and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and thickened slightly.
Recipe Notes

* Pepperjack Cheese Sauce recipe - follow the directions to make it into a pasta sauce. You'll need 2 1/2 cups of broth. You can use the entire recipe or only half, depending on how saucy you like it. The pasta may absorb a decent amount of it, as well.

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Flour Tortillas (Egg & Nut Free)

April 23, 2018

For those with nut or egg sensitivities, this flour tortilla is for you! This recipe just happens to also be VEGAN! My normal go-to tortilla recipe contains mostly eggs, however this one is doesn’t even call for a flax or a chia egg!

Being made up of just a handful of ingredients, these flour tortillas are SO simple to whip up. They do take some patience to cook on the stove, but it’s worth it – I promise!


Print Recipe
 Flour Tortillas (Egg & Nut Free)
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
Tortillas
Ingredients
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
Tortillas
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add in remaining ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
  3. In a small nonstick pan over medium low heat, pour a little less than 1/4 cup of batter into the pan. (I use an 8-inch skillet)
  4. Swirl batter around until a circle is formed.
  5. Cook tortillas for about 90 seconds or until the bottom has started to brown.
  6. Flip and cook for another 45 seconds or until the second side has browned slightly.
  7. Repeat steps 3-6 until the batter is all cooked.
Recipe Notes

*If you do not need it to be a nut free version, you can sub creamy cashew butter for the tahini.

To make larger quantities of tortillas, you could easily double or triple the amounts to yield more tortillas.

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Spanish Cauli-Rice

April 23, 2018

If you’re searching for the perfect side dish for your Taco Tuesday (or any day!) … look no further! This Spanish Cauli-Rice is low carb, and still packs all of that perfectly-seasoned goodness of your typical spanish rice.

It comes together in minutes, especially if you have some store-bought riced cauliflower. That stuff is SO HANDY to keep around when you want a quick meal. However, you can easily rice up your cauliflower in your food processor or blender. Personally, I keep bags of frozen cauliflower florets in the freezer at all times. I thaw them slightly, and then throw them in my blender. I pulse it a few times until the cauliflower is the size of rice, and it’s ready to cook! Super simple!

 

Pair this Spanish Cauli-Rice with tacos or serve it in a burrito bowl with lots of toppings! It’s sure to be a hit!

 


Print Recipe
 Spanish Cauli-Rice
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté cauliflower rice in butter or oil for 3 minutes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  3. Continue to cook for 6-7 minutes or until the cauliflower is cooked to desired tenderness.
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Birthday Cake Protein Balls

April 18, 2018

Another week. Another batch of protein packed treats for lunches. That’s never a bad thing! I love snacks and treats that I can feel good about eating, and that can replace my husband’s urge to treat himself to candy out of the vending machine at work!

These are a total winner and will be a regular flavor from now on! They taste like dessert, but are filled with simple, clean ingredients (that you can pronounce!) that you won’t have to feel guilty about eating!

They’re sweetened with just a touch of honey from the homemade cashew butter, but can be adjusted if you like things a bit sweeter! Also, you can substitute store-bought cashew butter. No worries there! See the recipe note below.*

OH! Do yourself a favor and buy a melon baller like this! It makes portioning these out EFFORTLESS!


Print Recipe
 Birthday Cake Protein Balls
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes - cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes - cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients. If you are adding more honey, you might have to add a couple more tablespoons of almond flour to achieve the right consistency to form balls.
  2. With a melon baller scoop (or just a tablespoon), scoop out balls and roll in between your hands to smooth them out. Place onto a tray.
  3. Roll the balls in rainbow sprinkles for added sweetness and a colorful aesthetic!
  4. Chill the balls for 20 minutes in the freezer or for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain shape.
Recipe Notes

*If substituting store-bought cashew butter (you can also use creamy almond butter):

- If it's unsweetened, add 1 1/2 tbsp of raw honey, depending on how sweet you prefer things.

- Add in an additional 1 tsp of vanilla and 1/4-1/2 tsp (start with less - you can always add more!) of almond extract to the mixture.

** Recipe for Cake Batter Cashew Butter

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Cake Batter Cashew Butter

April 18, 2018

…If nut butter wasn’t delicious enough, we are taking it to another level by making it taste like creamy, sweet cake batter! Can you say, “YES, PLEASE?!”

You can go and spread this on bagels, toast, bananas, rice cakes, whatever your fancy! OR JUST EAT IT BY THE SPOONFUL. It’s THAT good!

I also use it for the base of my Birthday Cake Protein Balls – a healthy little treat that tastes oh-so-indulgent.

Treats packed with healthy fats and protein are the best, in my opinion!

 

Print Recipe
 Cake Batter Cashew Butter
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a high powered blender or food processor, blend the cashews and oil until smooth. (or chunky if you prefer it!) This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and blend a few seconds to combine.
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