Dinner

Korean BBQ Meatballs

February 2, 2018
Cuisine
Course

 

Print Recipe
 Korean BBQ Meatballs
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Cuisine BBQ, Korean
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Korean BBQ Sauce
Korean meatballs:
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Cuisine BBQ, Korean
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Korean BBQ Sauce
Korean meatballs:
Instructions
  1. In a deep, sauce pan over medium heat, add 1 tsp of ghee/oil and chopped green onions. Saute for 5 minutes or until soft. Set aside to cool.
  2. In the same pan, over medium heat, add all of BBQ sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until sauce has reduced slightly. Reduce the heat to low and cover while you prepare the meatballs.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the remaining meatball ingredients along with the cooled green onions.
  4. To the BBQ sauce, drop 2 tbsp size balls into the mixture until one layer has formed. It's ok if the meatballs are touching slightly, just DO NOT overcrowd the pan or try to stir them around just yet.
  5. Increase heat to medium, cover, cook for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Remove cover and shake the pan slightly. Gently flip each meatball. If you find that you do not have enough liquid in the pan, feel free to add about 3-4 tbsp of water.
  7. On top of the first layer of meatballs, add another layer of the meat mixture, in 2 tbsp size balls. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes - shaking the pan every few minutes to slightly move the meatballs around. Repeat until you have used up all of the meat.
  8. After 10 minutes, uncover the pan and gently flip the meatballs around, moving the ones from the bottom to the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes or until you're ready to serve!
  9. Serve these on top of cauliflower rice or as bite-sized appetizers!
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Low Carb Pizza Cups (Dairy Free)

February 2, 2018
Cuisine
Course

I’d say that 99% of the population loves pizza! …including pizza-inspired dishes! These Pizza Cups will be no exception! I used italian sausage for mine and drizzled them with my Garlic Basil “Parmesan” Sauce, but feel free to use your imagination and mix in any toppings that you’d typically get on a pizza! Onions, green peppers, italian beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, bacon…the list goes on and on! Make plenty of these, they disappear quickly! They’re a perfect 2 (maybe 3) bite finger food for a party! Everyone will be grabbing these up.

The crust is made with cauliflower rice so it has much fewer carbs than the normal pizza crust one would serve. You can feel good about eating this pizza! 😉

Print Recipe
 Low Carb Pizza Cups (Dairy Free)
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Cauliflower crust:
Pizza filling:
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Cauliflower crust:
Pizza filling:
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, combine all of the crust ingredients until everything is mixed up well.
  3. Separate crust mixture into the openings of a greased cupcake pan. This recipe should make about 12.
  4. Press mixture down into the bottom and slightly up the sides of each cup.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.
  6. While the cups are baking, crumble and brown the italian sausage in a saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Once the sausage has all browned, add the remaining ingredients for the filling. Start with 1 tsp of salt and add more as desired. Feel free to add more/less fresh basil or even some oregano! The fresh herbs really add to the sauce!
  8. Remove crust cups from the oven and filling each one with about 3 tbsp of filling. If you can tolerate dairy, sprinkle some raw grass fed cheddar on top!
  9. Return cups to oven and cook for another 5-8 minutes.
  10. Remove cups from pan and DIG IN! Drizzle with my Garlic Basil "Parmesan" sauce for extra goodness!!!
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Boneless Buffalo Wings – Gluten/Grain Free

January 28, 2018
Course

For being as good as these wings are, they’re SO EASY! I have found that buying good quality chicken (and meat, in general) goes a long ways in how tasty a dish is! This isn’t to say that $1.99/lb chicken is terrible. I’ve just found that meat to dry out easily and be a tad bitter tasting. All of this isn’t to say that you can’t use that chicken. Use your own discretion. Personally, I buy the most natural, organic brand of chicken, if possible. I understand, everyone’s budget is different, but shop the sales! They’re out there! Look for words like “cage free” and no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. You might pay a bit more, but not only is it better for you, there’s a difference in taste! My husband can always tell if I’ve bought a cheaper brand! 😉

Back to these wings! You can choose to sauce them up, like we do, just eat them plain, or dip them in whatever sauce you’d like! They’re tasty in just about any form! I like to dip them in ranch. You can check out my handy Ranch Seasoning Mix and make your own! I mix that into some homemade mayo and a little almond milk and I’m good to go! I always keep a jar of that mixed up! It goes on everything!


Print Recipe
 Boneless Buffalo Wings
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Cook Time 15-20 minutes
Servings
wings
Ingredients
For the wings:
For the buffalo sauce:
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Cook Time 15-20 minutes
Servings
wings
Ingredients
For the wings:
For the buffalo sauce:
Instructions
  1. Combine your butter and hot sauce and set aside. You'll want this ready when the wings are all done.
  2. Cut your chicken in desired size wings. I typically aim for 2-inch chunks. Try to make them all the same size for even cooking time. Remember, the bigger you make them, the longer they'll take to cook.
  3. Over medium high heat in a large pot, heat up the oil. I also like to have my oven heated up to 300 degrees to transfer my cooked wings to while I cook the other batches. This helps them stay crispy!
  4. In one bowl, combine the flours and seasonings.
  5. In another bowl, beat up the eggs. I typically need closer 1 1/2 eggs, so I usually go ahead and beat up 2. If you happen to only have one (that has happened to all of us!), just add a tablespoon or two of water to the one and you'll be just fine!
  6. First dredge your chicken wings in the egg. Be sure to shake off the excess egg so the flour mixture doesn't get too wet. Then dredge the chicken in the flour mixture making sure to press the flour into the chicken to coat well, also shaking off excess.
  7. Place chicken wings in hot oil and cook for about 4 minutes on each side. Don't over crowd your pan! I cook about 8 in each batch. Once the bottom has turned a golden brown - flip!
  8. Cook the remaining side for another 4 minutes and remove from the oil. I place them directly in the oven on a rack over a sheet pan.
  9. Repeat steps 6-8 until all of your chicken is cooked.
  10. In a large bowl, pour your hot sauce mixture over the wings and toss!
  11. EAT IMMEDIATELY! Not that anyone needed directions on that part! 😉
Recipe Notes

*If you cannot find cassava flour, use 1/4 cup more of almond flour (total 1/2 cup) and sub 1/2 cup of arrowroot powder for the cassava.

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Ham & Chive Chowder

January 28, 2018
Course

Who has ever eaten some of one of those ham and onion-y cream cheese balls (sometimes rolled in pecans)? Growing up, I think it was at just about every single family event. I LOVED THEM! Spread some of that goodness all over a buttery cracker. MMM!

Now-a-days, the cream cheese is at a minimum (if at all) in our household. I’m constantly finding myself creating alternatives for so many of my favorite recipes that involved cream cheese.

This recipe is NOT for a cheese ball…it’s for a soup that was inspired by one! Oh-so-creamy, onion-y, and dairy free, this super comforting and hearty soup is sure to be a family favorite!

Print Recipe
 Ham & Chive Chowder
Course Dinner, Soups
Servings
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Soups
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, sauté both kinds of onion in the butter or ghee for about 5 minutes until the regular onion is translucent.
  2. To your pot, add your cream cheese and cook just until it's all melted and combined. This should take just a minute or two.
  3. Once the cheese is completely melted, add the remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. The longer you let this simmer the more the potatoes will cook away and thicken your soup. I always chop mine a bit bigger (I like a chunky soup anyways) that way I don't lose all of my potatoes in the cooking process!
  4. ...and you're DONE! EASY! I serve these with MORE fresh, chopped green onions on top! You can never have too much green onion! 😛
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4-Ingredient Chicken & Noodles (Dairy-free)

January 22, 2018
Course

Chicken & Noodles is a total comfort food for many people … especially my husband. It’s simple and so yummy! Canned condensed cream of chicken soup used to be a staple in my kitchen. It was always a go to for so many dishes. However, that isn’t the case anymore. I’ve made it a goal to find healthy alternatives to things that we loved to eat! Chicken & Noodles, complete with that overly-processed condensed soup was one of them! I swear that my husband could live off of that and Beef Stroganoff. Even after finding a creamy alternative, it’s been a struggle finding a pasta that wasn’t packed with carbs yet still paleo. There’s a few delicious ones out there, but we keep those to a minimum. I recently stumbled upon a green bean pasta that has only 2 INGREDIENTS – green beans and water! This pasta is so good and packed with protein! It’s now on our dinner menu at least once a week!



I love simple, one-pot dishes! Who DOESN’T love simple tasty meals?! This dish tastes like it’s been cooking forever because of my favorite chicken bouillon paste…and, I promise, you won’t miss the dairy! This paste is liquid gold and goes into so many of my dishes! It’s organic and SO DANG TASTY! Make it a point to grab some the next time you’re at the grocery store!


 My Chicken & Noodles meal comes together so quick when you have a leftover rotisserie chicken! However, you are more than welcome to cook a couple chicken breasts or a few thighs, just for this dish! Alright, let’s get to this easy recipe!

Print Recipe
 4-Ingredient Chicken & Noodles (Dairy-free)
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add pasta. Cook until desired doneness. The pasta that I used cooks in about 4 minutes - it's awesome!
  2. Drain and add the pasta back to your pot.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to the pot and cook for another 10 minutes* over medium heat or until everything is heated through. Taste and add more salt if you'd like! The bouillon paste is usually plenty salty though!
  4. For extra creaminess, add a few tbsp of ghee or grass fed butter - that ALWAYS makes things even better, in my opinion! You can try mixing in some italian herbs or poultry seasonings too. Just be sure to add those in when you add the other ingredients!
  5. You can bulk up this meal buy adding some peas, carrots, or broccoli too! I love to steam a bag of broccoli in the microwave while I'm boiling the pasta and dump it in when I add my chicken. Super easy! It's super versatile and delicious so many different ways!
Recipe Notes

*Be advised, the longer you let this simmer, the more your noodles will cook. Therefore, if you let it simmer for a while on low after it's heated through, you may end up with more broken bits of noodles and a stickier consistency - still delicious. I honestly prefer things this way! haha - A mooshy mess! 🙂


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BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad (Dairy free)

January 19, 2018
Course

This isn’t some extravagant and fancy recipe, but MAN, IS IT EVER TASTY! I’m a huge BBQ and ranch lover, and particularly love when the two are combined! I love different takes on chicken salads and this recipe does NOT disappoint! It’s so versatile and only gets better with time in the refrigerate. The flavors just get more and more happy as the day goes on. It’s definitely something to keep on hand to snack on during the week!



Print Recipe
 BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad (Dairy free)
Course Dinner, Lunch
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Lunch
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Ready for this....Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Done! You can definitely make this ahead of time too! It will only get better as you allow the flavors to combine and get happy! 🙂
  2. Feel free to add more or less BBQ sauce depending on your personal preference. The same goes for the celery salt! I'm obsessed with it...so I tend to add more.
  3. You can eat these like a wrap, treat it like a dip and serve it with chips or tostones, or just eat it with a big spoon! It's good any way you have it!
Recipe Notes

*This salad uses my Ranch Seasoning Mix.

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Ranch Turkey Burgers (Dairy-free and Whole30)

January 16, 2018
Course

This recipe uses one of my favorite things…RANCH! These super juicy and zesty burgers are a nice way to switch things up on your next burger night! Feel free to use any type of ground meat that you have on hand. Personally, I think the “ranch” flavor shines the best with turkey or chicken, but it would taste delicious mixed with beef too!




Check out my handy, go-to Ranch Seasoning Mix that I used in this recipe. There’s also an option if you do not have that!

Print Recipe
 Ranch Turkey Burgers (Dairy-free and Whole30)
Course Dinner
Servings
burger
Ingredients
Course Dinner
Servings
burger
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. I like well seasoned foods! Therefore, I use a full 4 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning. The meat mixture will be a fairly sticky glob. However, you will still be able to form it into a patty easily, I promise! Your hands will just need a good washing afterwards!
  2. So I can easily divide it into 4 patties, I like to flatten the mixture in my bowl and gently score it into quarters.
  3. Take each section and flatten out into a 3/4"-1" thick patty. Press your fingers gently in the middle to create a dimple. You want the center to be a bit thinner (about 1/2" thick) to prevent your burgers from doming up in the middle.
  4. In a pan over medium-high heat, add your cooking oil. Allow the pan to heat up for a couple minutes. You want it to be nice and hot. Place your burgers in the pan and cook for your burgers for 3-4 minutes. You should hear a sizzle when you place the patties in the pan. The sizzle is key for a nice crust on your burger. When you have a nice golden brown crust, it's time to cook the other side!
  5. After a few minutes and the crust has formed, using a wide, flat spatula (makes for easier flipping), flip your burger and cook the other side for another 3-6 minutes - depending on your preferred doneness.**
  6. Top with your favorites! I like grilled onions, but some bacon and jalapeños would be delicious too!
Recipe Notes

*This recipe uses my Ranch Seasoning Mix. If you don't have that made you can substitute in these amounts: 2 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dill, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp minced onion, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp pink salt, 1 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground mustard.

**Cooking times:

 

For a medium-rare burger: cook the second side for 2-3 minutes (6 minutes total)

For a medium burger: cook the second side for 3-4 minutes (7-8 minutes total)

For a medium-well burger: cook the second side for 4-5 minutes (8-9 minutes total)

For a well-done burger: cook the second side for 5-6 minutes (10 minutes total) - this burger will be a bit drier - FYI!

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Pork Fried Rice (Paleo & Whole30)

December 28, 2017
Cuisine
Course

Does anyone else always want Chinese food on Mondays – the day that every Chinese restaurant is closed? Or is that just me? I just love good Chinese food…which, honestly, is RARE! Good as in tasty AND healthy! This “rice” is all of the above. Jam-packed with protein and veggies, this dish is one you can feel good about eating!

If you can find all of the prepped ingredients in your grocery store’s freezer section and have leftover ham (or have a go-to clean, natural brand of already-cooked pork), this dish comes together in MINUTES, is made in one pan, tastes so similar to take-out, AND is Whole30 approved!

Make it a complete meal by pairing it with my Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken! That can also be Whole30 compliant and, the best part, it’s made in under 15 minutes with the help of that handy pressure cooker!

Print Recipe
 Pork Fried Rice (Paleo & Whole30)
Course Dinner, side dishes
Cuisine Chinese, paleo
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Course Dinner, side dishes
Cuisine Chinese, paleo
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large sauce pan, add 1 tbsp cooking fat and chopped onion and sauté over medium high heat for about 5 minutes or until onions become translucent.
  2. Once the onions have softened, add your chopped ham, riced cauliflower, and remaining fat. I like to crank the heat up and get a nice char on the meat and cauliflower - so much flavor! (that's always my favorite rice - the stuff that has some charred bits in it!)
  3. After about 3-4 minutes, add the remaining ingredients (except for the eggs), and cook until the vegetables are fork tender. This should take about 5 minutes. Note: I used all organic, frozen veggies that were already chopped and riced. HUGE TIME SAVER!
  4. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add your beaten eggs. I make a divet in the pan in the middle of my rice and pour the eggs in there. Once they begin to cook, I just keep stirring everything up until they're all the way cooked. This only takes a couple minutes! No need for another pan - in my opinion! We love eggs, so I add 3 to this recipe. Feel free to add more or less!
  5. Taste now and adjust your seasonings and add more salt, coconut amines, or sesame oil. Just a bit though! You can always add more, but you can't take it out! Personally, I tend to go a bit heavier on the coconut aminos and salt. I love that soy sauce flavaaaa!
  6. Finally, stir in your chopped green onions and you're done! I like them crunchy, but feel free to cook your rice a minute or two longer after stirring them in! ENJOY!
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Quick Instant Pot Chicken Taco “Pasta”

December 4, 2017
Cuisine
Course

I’m always amazed at how evenly and quickly my Instant Pot cooks meals. It is one gadget that I seriously can’t say enough good things about! It’s been a year with my IP, I should just get used to it…


If you don’t have an IP, you could still cook this on your stove top. Just bake your spaghetti squash separately (it’ll probably take at least 30-40 min, depending on the size) or microwave it , for a quicker cook…then add it to your chicken taco sauce. Still easy, it will just take a bit more time and you’ll have to keep an eye on that pot. That’s probably my favorite part of the Instant Pot, I can set it and not pay any attention to it until the timer goes off and it’s basically ready! I can’t complain about that aspect a bit!

This “pasta” is made with spaghetti squash – so it’s totally guilt-free! If you’re a taco lover, this is a nice change from your typical tortillas, meat, and veggies. I use my jalapeño crema on top of this too! Love the bright, spiciness it adds!


Switch things up on your next Taco Tuesday …or Taco Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, and whip up this guilt-free “pasta”!

Print Recipe
 Quick Instant Pot Chicken Taco "Pasta"
Course Dinner, Instant Pot, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Toppings ~ Optional
Course Dinner, Instant Pot, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Toppings ~ Optional
Instructions
  1. To your Instant Pot, add your onions, chicken, seasonings, coconut milk*, tomato sauce, and lime juice. *(if you don't have coconut milk, use 1 1/2 cups of whatever milk you want!)
  2. Wash and cut spaghetti squash in half - I do it the short ways, around the middle section - so you're left with two "cups."
  3. Line the pot with a double layer of tinfoil. You can use your trivet, if it fits. For the spaghetti squash I used, the handles of the trivet wouldn't allow the lid to close. If you can fit it all in there with the trivet, by all means, use it. It'd work the same.
  4. Place your halved squash on top of the tinfoil layer. Close the lid, seal the valve, press the "Manual" button*, then press the "+" button until the screen reads 8. The pot will switch to "On" while it preheats. *Make sure it's on High Pressure (if it is on Low Pressure, just press the "pressure" button to get it to High)
  5. Your pot will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure. If you want to speed this up, you could sauté the onions and chicken for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients. For me, this cuts the preheat time in half or more, also you could reduce the cooking time as well. However, then you have to stir and watch the pot more than before. So, do whatever YOU feel like doing. Experiment! When it comes to such a quick cooking time, if something isn't done enough to your liking, it's easy to add a couple extra minutes!
  6. When the timer goes off, do a QR (quick release), and open the lid. Remove your squash and divider.
  7. Make a slurry with the arrowroot powder and almond milk or water and add that to your sauce and stir. Your sauce should thicken in seconds. Personally, we like our pasta saucyyyy. If you want a thicken sauce, you can always make more slurry and add it. Once it's thickened, turn the pot off by pressing "Keep Warm/Cancel."
  8. Remove the inside of your squash, shred, and squeeze excess water out of it. If you don't do this, you will have a VERY saucy pasta - not necessarily bad - but definitely on the "wet" side.
  9. Add your squash to your pot and stir. Serve it up!
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Instant Pot Turkey and Dumplings – Gluten & Dairy free

November 30, 2017
Course
Equipment
Instant Pot

Talk about comfort food! Chicken and Dumplings is always a go-to! During the fall and winter months, everyone has lots of turkey leftovers OR there’s a bunch on sale at the grocery store! However, you could definitely use chicken, if you prefer.

I had to do an Instant Pot recipe right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday – SO MANY Instant Pots were just bought…and so many of them won’t be opened for months, believe it or not. I’m trying to change that! Don’t be afraid. Open it and make this! It’s so easy and you’ll be so impressed! If you don’t have one, put your shoes on and go straight to Walmart or Target and get one! …Or stay comfy and grab one off of Amazon. I have the 8-qt. one and have SERIOUSLY considered getting the new mini. I just don’t know if I really need it…but, don’t you worry, I’m trying to convince myself that I do. 😉

Anyways, I could go on and on about how much I love the IP. I’m not the only one, either. There’s a whole community on Facebook of crazies! It has tons of tips and recipes, plus you can always ask questions there – or simply, search a question and almost always find the answer!

This soup cooks in less than 15 minutes. (plus 10-15 minutes of coming to pressure) Most of that time, you can be doing other things. That’s one of the huge benefits to the Instant Pot! Just set it and forget about it!

If you have any questions about this recipe or how to work your pot, feel free to email me! I’d love to help out! 🙂

Print Recipe
 Instant Pot Turkey and Dumplings Soup - Gluten & Dairy Free
Course Dinner, Lunch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Lunch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Press the "Saute" button and cook the ghee, onions, carrots, and celery until the onions become slightly translucent. This takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on how hot you have the pot set at - I use "Normal".
  2. Add your garlic and cook for 30 seconds or so - then add all of your spices! (i.e. pepper, seasoned salt, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves)
  3. Add your shredded turkey meat, broth, and coconut milk to the pot.
  4. Stir everything up, close the lid, seal the pot (you don't want it to vent), press the soup button, and adjust the time to 8 Minutes on High Pressure.
  5. While that's cooking, make your dumplings!
  6. In a bowl, combine the almond flour, arrowroot powder, eggs, oil, and salt. You should end up with a sticky dough, but not runny. If your dumpling mixture seems to wet, add a tablespoon or two more of arrowroot to it - that should do the trick!
  7. When the timer goes off, do a Quick Release (QR) and drop your dumplings into the pot. I make mine about the size of 2 tablespoons or so. They don't have to be perfect!
  8. Close the lid, seal, and set the timer for 2 more minutes at HP.
  9. Once the timer goes off, do another QR and you're finished! You could always add a thickening agent, like a slurry of arrowroot and water, to thicken it up - whatever your preference! ENJOY!!
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