Almond Flour

Chili Garlic Turkey Meatballs

June 9, 2018

I don’t know what exactly it is about meatballs that make them so appetizing. Maybe it’s the slightly browned edges along the outside of each one, or the fact that they’re so quick and easy to chow down. Not sure, what aspect it is, but I love them!

I’m always switching up my spices and ingredients to jazz up whatever ground meat I’ve chosen for the dish. Any meatball is great as an appetizer or bite-sized food for a party, but sometimes, I pair them with veggies and a sauce for a complete meal.

For these, the combo of spicy chili sauce and lots of garlic is deeeelish! You’re going to want to double this batch.

Print Recipe
 Chili Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
meatballs
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, sprinkle all of the seasonings evenly over the ground turkey.
  3. Add in the eggs, chili sauce, and flour.
  4. Gently mix together just until combined.
  5. Onto a lined or greased baking sheet, spoon individual meatballs out, about a tablespoon and a half in size, until all of the meat is portioned out onto the baking sheet. I like to use a melon ball scooper - makes it super easy and fast! If you want, you can roll each one in your palms for a rounder meatball, that just takes way more time that I usually want to invest. To each his own!
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the centers are done.
  7. Drizzle with more chili sauce, if desired and serve immediately or keep them warm in a crock pot!
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Anti-Inflammatory Spiced Peach Bars

June 8, 2018

When I choose to have sweets, I try to always make sure there are some health benefits included in my indulgence. That usually makes it super guilt-free in my book. 😉

These Anti-Inflammatory Spiced Peach Bars are moist, perfectly sweet,and have medicinal benefits from the ginger, turmeric, and ceylon cinnamon (google the difference in cinnamon – I’ll spare you that explanation now, and save it for a different post). There is even some black pepper in them to maximize your body’s absorption of the turmeric! These are things that help your body function properly. Read on to hear just what I’m talking about!

So, what’s the big deal about this anti-inflammatory stuff? WELL, let’s go into a mini explanation of inflammation of the body. Anti-inflammatory foods help to…you guessed it, reduce inflammation. Inflammation is triggered when your immune system is activated by something foreign entering your body, i.e. pollen, chemical, microbes, or a number of other things. Small happenings of inflammation can protect your health by threatening these invaders of your body. Wait, so that should be a good thing, right? Why would you want to reduce inflammation? Sometimes, inflammation persists daily even when you are not threatened by something foreign in your body. Depending on what foods you consume, you could be triggering inflammation day in and day out in your body! This is when it can become un-friendly. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s have been linked to chronic inflammation. Clearly, that’s when it has become your enemy. Instead of medical looking charts showing all of this, I’m still going to show you pictures of these bars, because, let’s be real, that’s why you’re really here!

A healthy diet that stays away from foods that increase inflammation is a great start to regulating inflammation and your risk of many diseases. Refined carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, margarine, processed meat, and even too much RED meat can all cause an increase of inflammation. So, how do you know if you’re a victim of chronic inflammation? If you have a diet completely filled with these foods, that is a dead give away. Other signs include: aches and pain, fatigue, irritated skin, excess weight or inability to lose weight. These are some signs that you might have a war going on in your body. Much like when you’re sick and you feel tired – because your immune system is fighting off an illness which is causing inflammation – you could be causing similar fatigue from eating that fast food burger and fries for dinner.

Eating foods such as nuts, leafy greens, avocados, pineapple, salmon, bone broth, coconut oil, broccoli, blueberries, chia or flax seeds, papaya, and….cinnamon (ceylon cinnamon specifically), turmeric, and ginger (all three of which are in this recipe!) can reduce unwanted inflammation in your body. Now, keep in mind, I am not suggesting that you make these bars and consume them on a regular basis just because they include some beneficial ingredients. They are still a treat! 🙂

Life is about balance, but when you can treat yourself with good, beneficial whole foods – WHY CONTINUE TO EAT CRAP INSTEAD? It’s just not always worth it, especially after feeling just how great your body can function, it’s hard to go back to letting it just not function at it’s best. Analogy time! > It’s kind of like filling up a lawn mower with tainted gas. Sometimes, gas can become filled with water, sediments, or a number of things that prevent a gas motor from functioning properly. It still runs, yes, however, it just chugs along most of the time, and doesn’t sound or look very good. This has happened when some rainwater got into one of our gas tanks and we filled up a mower with said gas. IT WAS FANTASTIC – NOT. We ran the gas out of the tank, and refilled it with quality gas and it was good to go. Same goes for your body. You can repair damage by simply putting some good fuel in your tank. Once you fill up with the good stuff, your motor is going to run so well, you’re going to want to keep filling it up with the same quality fuel. Ok, my rant and cheesy perspective is over. 🙂 Let’s get to the goods!

Print Recipe
 Anti-Inflammatory Spiced Peach Bars
Cook Time 16 minutes
Servings
bars
Ingredients
Cook Time 16 minutes
Servings
bars
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and sweet potato until combined.
  3. Add in remaining ingredients, except for the peaches.
  4. Pour batter into a greased or lined baking pan. I used a square 8X8 pan.
  5. Lay peaches slices across the mixture.
  6. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the center is done.
  7. Serve warm with homemade coconut whipped cream or yogurt for some creaminess!
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Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}

May 11, 2018

It’s summertime and the berries are IN SEASON! Has anyone seen all of the gorgeous strawberries at farmer’s markets and the grocery stores?

It’s got me craving all of the strawberries and blueberries! So, of course I had to incorporate some of them into this week’s batch of protein balls!

These Strawberry Shortcake protein balls don’t require strawberries to be in season, however. This recipe calls for freeze-dried strawberries instead! (Sidenote: Has anyone ever made them at home? I just saw a post about drying them out in the oven – I might have to give that a try!)

These Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls are filled with healthy fats, protein, and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re free of dairy, gluten, grains, and sweetened with only dates! They’re perfect for a snack between meals, and you’ll feel like you’re eating a little bite of dessert each time!


Print Recipe
 Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}
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 food processor: combine dates, nut butters, and coconut oil until smooth.
  2. Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl and add in salt, vanilla, almond flour, peptides, and coconut butter. Stir to combine.
  3. Lastly, mix in strawberries pieces.
  4. On a tray, portion out balls in the size of about 1 1/2 tablespoons or whatever your liking. I use a melon baller scoop to get even sized balls. That size will yield about 30 balls.
  5. Freeze for 20 minutes to set or refrigerate 3-4 hours.
  6. I like to store them in the refrigerator, but it's not necessary.
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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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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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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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Cherry Cobbler Protein Balls

April 7, 2018

I’m always brainstorming about making bite-sized snacks. I try to fill them with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, yet still keep them tasting like an indulgent little treat!

These Cherry Cobbler Protein Balls are just that! They’re packed with cashews, almonds, and collagen powder to up the protein factor, and they’ll keep you feeling full for longer with the healthy fats from the coconut oil, coconut butter, and grass fed butter. If you’re vegan, you can sub in your favorite mild-flavored protein powder for the collagen, and substitute more coconut oil for the butter!

Cherries were my choice of fruit for these, but any dried fruit would work! I’m thinking blueberries next!

Print Recipe
 Cherry Cobbler 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 blender or food processor, combine the cashews, almonds, coconut oil, coconut butter, maple syrup, and butter until a chunky butter has formed. This should only take a minute or so. You don't need it smooth.
  2. Transfer butter to a mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients (except for the cherries), and combine.
  3. Mix in the chopped cherries last.
  4. With a spoon or a melon baller scoop, scoop out balls onto a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper - easy cleaning! (If the mixture is falling apart slightly, chill it in the fridge for 5 minutes or so - don't forget about it though!)
  5. Freeze balls for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm.
  6. If you don't feel like making a bunch of individual bites, you can make bars by pressing the mixture into a shallow baking dish. Just chill the filled dish and cut them into bars after chilling! Super easy!
Recipe Notes

If you happen to have cashew butter and almond butter, you can substitute that for the raw nuts and some of the coconut oil. Start with 1/3 cup of each of the nut butters and 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Combine with the remaining ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, add another tbsp or two of coconut oil until it turns into a thick paste-like mixture that you can form into balls.

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Banana Mocha Chip Breakfast Protein Cookies {GF/DF/V}

April 3, 2018

Cookies, for breakfast? YES, you read that right. There’s protein, fruit, and fat in these cookies. That’s a complete breakfast! So, no judgments here!

They’re a totally acceptable choice for breakfast, ESPECIALLY compared to some of those breakfast cookies out there that are packed with things that your body has no clue what to do with. These cookies come together in a snap and are packed with an addicting espresso-like flavor with bits of chocolate. What’s not to love in the morning?

You’ll definitely feel like you’re indulging with each bite of these.

Print Recipe
 Banana Mocha Chip Breakfast Protein Cookies {GF/DF/V}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
cookies
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the ground chia seeds and water. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, collagen peptides, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, mash up the banana.
  5. Add the oil, honey, vinegar, vanilla, liquid coffee, and chia mixture ("chia egg") to the banana. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the banana mixture to your dry mix and stir just to combine the ingredients.
  7. Mix in your coffee grounds and chocolate chips.
  8. Onto a greased baking sheet (or one lined with parchment paper - easy clean up!), drop 2-3 tablespoon sized portions onto the tray. Be sure to leave them each a couple inches to expand.
  9. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until they have started to brown around the edges and are done in the center.
Recipe Notes

*The ground chia seeds and water are used to create a "chia egg" which replaces an actual egg in this recipe. If you are not vegan, feel free to omit Step 2 and substitute any egg for the chia seeds and water.

**The ground coffee is optional. It just adds a great espresso-like flavor to these breakfast cookies! If you omit the grounds, replace with a tbsp of almond flour.

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake (Dairy free/Gluten Free)

March 14, 2018
Course

Ok, Ok…let me start off by saying, this shake is NOT going to taste just like that cookie dough milkshake you had from ColdStone, Dairy Queen, Culvers (insert your favorite ice cream shop here) last week! It just isn’t. If you want to splurge and have that, by all means, you go and get that milkshake – AND ENJOY IT! However, there are people and circumstances that are not allowed to consume that for numerous reasons. This recipe is here to aid in that situation or when you want a guilt free indulgence!

Personally, I’m a huge cookie dough lover. HUGGGEEE. That was always my go-to choice of ice cream. This shake has turned into a favorite because of that. It reminds me of that addicting flavor, but it isn’t packed with a bunch of unhealthy junk! BONUS: there’s fruit AND veggies in it! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. VEGGIES IN A MILKSHAKE?! Yes, you read that right, and please don’t let it scare you.

Take a chance and make this the next time you feel that craving come on! It’ll surprise you!

Print Recipe
 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake (Dairy free/Gluten Free)
Course Dessert
Servings
shake
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Servings
shake
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine all ingredients (except chocolate chips) until smooth.
  2. Add the chocolate chips last, and blend for 20-30 seconds until they have broken up slightly.
  3. INDULGE!
Recipe Notes

*Feel free to use the whole banana! It will just make the shake thicker and have a bit more of a banana taste. If you don't want it thicker, just add a bit more nut milk!

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Mock-PB & Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

March 12, 2018
Course

I’m always looking for new snacks for my husband. Particularly, one’s that will stop him from buying a pack of peanut M&M’s every day during his break time at work. haha!

Typically, we stay away from peanuts, and other legumes, in general. We consume plenty of the other nuts out there. Some following the paleo diet, still eat them – to each his own! There is tons of information out there about the toxins in peanuts and the things they do to certain people’s digestive system. I’ll omit the rest of the explanation from this specific post, and leave you to the research, if you feel inclined…because, let’s be honest, you’re here for the recipe!

These little bites are a great snack and easy to whip up! NO BAKING REQUIRED! They’re packed with healthy fats and proteins – you can’t go wrong!


Print Recipe
 Mock-PB & Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
Course Snacks, Sweets
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes-cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Course Snacks, Sweets
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes-cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, mix together flour, collagen peptides, coconut, coconut sugar, protein powder, salt, and maca powder until combined.
  2. Add sunflower seed butter, coconut oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Finally, stir in chocolate chips.
  4. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls (I used a melon baller scoop) onto a baking sheet, or whatever mobile, flat surface that you have handy). Place tray in freezer to set for 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for a couple hours or until firm.
  5. Store balls in an airtight container in the fridge.
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