Raw cashews

“Cheesy” Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos {Paleo, Keto, & Whole30}

January 11, 2019

One of my husband’s favorite appetizers is cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon. This is my healthy (dairy-free) ode to those!

There is no bacon in these, but feel free to wrap them in bacon too!

…if your heart so desires!

Simply filling these with this sausage and “cheese” mixture was more my style. I love some good sausage!

Sometimes, bacon wrapped things just don’t get crispy enough for my liking.

I’d rather just eat the side of crispy bacon!

If you’re serving more than 3-4 people, you may want to double up this recipe. They can go quick! (if you’ve noticed, I’m keeping this post short and direct. Who usually reads a food blogger’s ramblings up in this section?)

Don’t forget to save this recipe and pin it to your Pinterest board for later!

For more healthy appetizers check out Chicken Tenders from Our Oily House and Garlic Green Olive Hummus from The Radiant Chef!

Print Recipe
 Whole30 "Cheesy" Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings
halves
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings
halves
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a saute pan over medium heat, brown sausage with minced onions. Be sure to break it up into very small crumbles.
  2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  3. While the sausage is browning, in a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the cashews, cauliflower rice, Nutpods, and seasonings until extremely smooth. You may have to stop the blender/food processor and scrape down the sides a few times.
  4. Once the sausage is browned, add the cashew mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until very thick.
  5. Taste test and see if it needs more salt.
  6. Scoop 1-2 tbsp of filling into each jalapeno half. I'm usually able to fit 2 heaping tbsp in each half. If the jalapenos are TOO big, they'll be more flimsy once they're cooked.
  7. Arrange the jalapenos onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
  8. After 12 minutes, remove from the oven, spray the tops with avocado/coconut oil, and bake for another 12-13 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on top.**
  9. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes in order to set up slightly and make handling easier. (...if you can wait that long!)
Recipe Notes

*I like to use the 10 oz steamer microwaveable bags of organic cauliflower rice (from Walmart). We eat this at least every other night. So I use about 1/2 of a bag for this recipe and save the rest for leftovers the next day. OR double this batch and use up the whole bag! 

**You can omit the spray, if you don't have any. I just like how it helps it get a little extra crispy in the oven!

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Whole30 Panera-Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup {Instant Pot & Stovetop versions}

January 10, 2019

YUM.

When I see Broccoli Cheddar soup on any menu, it’s always a solid – “YES, PLEASE” from me. I used to make the dairy-packed, cheesy pot of gold all of the time, but after my husband and I discovered his dairy-intolerance, it wasn’t a staple in our house anymore.

Until this recipe.

This Whole30 Panera-Copycat Broccoli Cheddar is about as close as you can get to the real deal. If you’re making it in the instant pot, it cooks in MINUTES.

It couldn’t be easier!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest to save for later!

Print Recipe
 Whole30 Panera-Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup {Instant Pot & Stovetop versions}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
Instant Pot directions
  1. To the instant pot, add onions, broccoli, riced broccoli, carrots, broth, and seasonings.
  2. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
  3. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure.
  4. In a blender, combine the cashews with at least half of the broth and most of the butternut squash and big broccoli florets until very smooth. (it took about about 30-45 seconds in my Vitamix) It's ok if there are still some chunks of onions, broccoli, and squash left behind - whatever your preference!
  5. Add the cashew mixture back to the instant pot and stir to combine.
  6. On saute mode, cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the soup has thickened up.
  7. If the soup is not thick enough for you, mix a couple tbsp of water or broth with 2 tbsp of arrowroot. Add this slurry into the soup and cook on saute mode for another few minutes while stirring constantly. The arrowroot will thicken the soup even more!
  8. If you can tolerate dairy, feel free to mix in a little handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Either way, you're going to get all of that good creamy, slightly cheesy flavor of that favorite soup!
Stovetop directions
  1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, saute diced onions in 1 tbsp of oil for 5-8 minutes until slightly softened.
  2. To the pot, add the squash, broccoli florets, riced broccoli, carrots, broth, and seasonings.
  3. Stir, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until the veggies are very soft.
  4. Remove as many of the big veggies as you can along with about half of the broth and add it to a blender with the raw cashews.
  5. Blend the cashews, veggies, and broth for about 30-45 seconds or until it's completely smooth.
  6. Add the cashew mixture back into the soup pot.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
  8. If the soup is still not thicken enough for you liking, follow the directions in step 7 from the Instant Pot instructions.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free/Vegan}

November 19, 2018
Course

When fall rolls around, I’m definitely guilty of going all out on the pumpkin! However, I don’t usually stop when the season is over.

Anyone else?

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars have been requested by my husband ever since I first made them. I’ve found that I’m hesitant to make them too often, as he will most likely eat them all within two days and then yell at me for listening to his requests. haha! I take it as a compliment though – He’s my number one fan and almost always willing to be my taste tester.

Seriously though, these are delicious and no one would guess that they’re free of dairy, gluten, and grains and refined sugars. These bars are filled with ingredients that your body will know what to do with! They keep well in the fridge, so you could definitely make ahead of time for thanksgiving festivities later on during the week!

 

And THAT CRUST! It’s like a pecan shortbread, and it’s the perfect compliment to the pumpkin cheesecake flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecan, you could just substitute more almond flour or a unflavored protein powder of your liking!

You could use the “cheesecake” part and the crust are a base for another bar. Drizzle caramel or a fruit compote or jam on top – the possibilities are endless! Get creative!

If you make these or any of my recipes, be sure to tag @ButterAddictGonePaleo and #butteraddictgonepaleo on Instagram and Facebook! I love to see all of your guys’ remakes of recipes!


Print Recipe


Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free/Vegan}

Course Dessert

Cook Time 15 minutes
Passive Time 1-2 hours

Servings
bars


Ingredients
Pecan Crust

"Cheesecake" filling

Pumpkin swirl

Course Dessert

Cook Time 15 minutes
Passive Time 1-2 hours

Servings
bars


Ingredients
Pecan Crust

"Cheesecake" filling

Pumpkin swirl


Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the ground flax and water, and set aside for 3-5 minutes. This creates an egg substitute.

  3. In a food processor, finely chop pecans.

  4. In a mixing bowl, combine pecans, almond flour, sugar, arrowroot, salt, and baking soda.

  5. To the flax egg, mix in oil, vinegar, and vanilla.

  6. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

  7. Pour batter into a 8X8 baking pan and bake for 13-15 minutes until the crust is cooked through.

  8. While the crust is baking, in a food processor or high-powder blender, combine the "cheesecake" filling ingredients until smooth. Set aside.

  9. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin swirl ingredients.

  10. Once the crust has baked and cooled, pour "cheesecake" filling onto crust.

  11. Pour spoonfuls of pumpkin swirl onto the "cheesecake" filling and swirl as desired.

  12. Freeze for 1-2 hours or refrigerate overnight until set up.

  13. DEVOUR! 🙂

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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup {w/stovetop option}

October 23, 2018

This soup is my new favorite! Butternut squash is everywhere it seems like…and currently, on super-sale in my grocery store.

…meaning, when this girl see veggies on sale, she buys a ton!

This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup takes MINUTES to cook. When I say minutes, I mean less than 10 minutes. However, you could definitely make it on the stovetop or in your crock pot too (see recipe notes for directions!*).

I just can’t get enough of it! It’s currently my GO-TO for soups and is SO versatile! It’s a great starting point for pretty much any soup! I’m using it to make a low-carb Cheeseburger Chowder for lunches this week – stay tuned for that recipe! It’s totally kid-approved and super comforting!

This soup may be dairy free, but is still so creamy! If you can tolerate some cheese, it’s even better with some shredded cheddar sprinkled on top …or better yet, cheddar AND bacon! It would make a great creamy vegetable medley soup or a veggie-packed take on a Cheesy Broccoli. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

 

 

Print Recipe
 Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup {w/stovetop option}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot.
  2. Set for 8 minutes High Pressure.
  3. Once the soup is finished cooking, do a QR (quick release).
  4. Allow the soup to cool slightly and then add the contents to a blender and puree until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender.
  5. Return the soup to the instant pot if it needs to reheat some. I use the saute mode and it heats up in now time! If your soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a bit more broth at the end and whisk together!
  6. Sprinkle with toppings of choice! My favorites are green onions and bacon!
Recipe Notes

*Stovetop directions:

  1. Saute onions, potatoes, and squash in a large soup pot, over medium heat, for about 5-8 minutes or until soft.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
  3. Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are extremely tender and falling apart.
  4. Puree with an immersion blender or allow the soup to cool and puree in a blender.

Crockpot directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
  2. Once the veggies have cooked until very tender, puree with an immersion blender or allow a bit of cooling and then puree in a blender.

** If using frozen squash, note that the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure will increase but a few minutes.

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Honey-Nut Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, Grain Free}

September 20, 2018

Protein balls are something that you can always find in my refrigerator. My husband wouldn’t say that he is much of a “snacker,” however, if there are not any protein balls stored in the fridge – he makes it known!

These Honey-Nut Protein Balls are a delicious, little snack to keep on hand. They’re packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein to keep you feeling fuller for longer. That’s a big plus with snacks. If they don’t do you any good and give you some sustenance, why are you snacking on them?

Now, I will preface this recipe by saying peanuts are NOT paleo. They’re technically a legume and therefore, not paleo friendly. However, if you tolerate them, feel free to eat them now and then. You can also substitute cashew butter, or any other nut butter, for the peanut butter that is called for. You will still get that “honey-nut” flavor!



Balanced Health

 

Print Recipe
 Honey-Nut Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, Grain Free}
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes of cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes of cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. If using cashews and coconut oil (see recipe notes below), add the cashews and oil to a food processor or high powdered blender and blend until fairly smooth. It's ok if there are some little pieces of cashews remaining.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together cashew butter, honey, pea protein, peanut butter, and salt until well combined.
  3. Onto a lined tray, scoop out tablespoon sized balls. I use a melon baller scoop for this step. It makes it so quick and easy!
  4. Freeze for 20 minutes or more or place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
  5. Enjoy! **Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes

*Substitute 1 1/2 cups of creamy cashew butter in for the cashews and coconut oil.

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Pumpkin Gelato {Dairy-Free}

September 17, 2018
Course

It’s almost FALLLLLL!!!

 

Enter in: ALL THINGS PUMPKIN!!!

I’m definitely every bit of that stereotypical fall-lover. Give me all of that cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, caramel, and pumpkin goodness and I am one happy girl!

Honestly, I don’t even need a specific time of year to put me in the mood for those things, but I’ll take the opportunity now to give you one of my favorite recipes – Pumpkin Gelato! It’s extra creamy and rich like a gelato should be, but so easy to make!

This treat is not only free of any type of dairy, but it’s also made with only honey and coconut sugar to sweeten it. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. It won’t hurt the recipe a bit!

Another plus to this recipe is the fact that you only need a blender to make it – that mean’s no ice cream machine! I don’t know about you, but personally, when I think homemade ice cream, I’m never thinking of a mixture you mix, cook, and add to a machine to churn. That’s just not my thing. I want to simply mix up some stuff, pour it in a pan, freeze it, and scoop my little heart out. Now, THAT is my thing!

This recipe couldn’t be simpler, and it’s one that you won’t feel guilty about indulging in this season.

Balanced Health

 

Print Recipe
 Pumpkin Gelato {Dairy-Free}
Course Dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 2-3 hours of freezing
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 2-3 hours of freezing
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a high powdered blender or food processor, combine all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Pour gelato mixture into a lined loaf pan.
  3. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm.*
  4. If you freeze this overnight, remove from the freezer 15-20 minutes before serving to soften.
Recipe Notes

* If you're too impatient, don't freeze it, and eat it like a smoothie! However, freezing it helps to balance out the sweetness. (Anyone else feel like melted ice creams taste sweeter than their frozen counterparts, or is that just me?)

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Sausage Peppered Gravy {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}

August 14, 2018

3 ingredients…plus water, a few seasonings, and some biscuits and you’ll have one of my favorite meals!

When someone says “comfort food,” sausage gravy and biscuits is one of the first things that comes to my mind. To some of my friends, my mom is still remembered for making them her biscuits n’ gravy. Thankfully, she passed on the knowledge! However, I’ve had to take all of those skills and recipes from her and learn to adapt to the clean-eating lifestyle, which generally, does not include much dairy, gluten, or grains – common things found in comfort foods.

Thankfully, this recipe fits all of those criteria and doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.

Cashews are used in this particular recipe and they offer a creamy, slighty nutty sauce that, when combined with the sausage is deeeelicious! I’ve used both coconut and almond milk in a sausage gravy recipe before and it did the trick when I was craving this kind of dish, however, the cashews definitely win when it comes to my favorite.

This Sausage Peppered Gravy will have you going back for seconds…and thirds! SO BE CAREFUL! 😉

Serve this gravy over a breakfast skillet, chicken cutlets and mashed potatoes, or make a batch of my Easy Vegan (Egg-free) Drop Biscuits for a complete meal!

Print Recipe
 Sausage Peppered Gravy {Dairy Free}
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, break up and brown sausage.
  2. While the sausage browns, blend cashews* and water in a high powdered blender or food processor until completely smooth.
  3. Add in 2 tbsp of arrowroot to the mixture and blend for a few more seconds.
  4. Once the sausage has browned, add the cashew sauce, salt, pepper, and sage to the skillet.
  5. Stir and bring the gravy to a simmer.
  6. Cook for 5-10 minutes until gravy has thickened.
  7. If desired, you can add another tablespoon of arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy even more. Simply mix it with 1-2 tbsp of water to create a slurry and add to the gravy.
  8. Serve it over biscuits, potatoes, chicken, or eggs. It's delicious in so many forms!
Recipe Notes

*Soaking cashews for 30 minutes prior will soften them and help the mixture blend faster and easier.

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Blueberry Cobbler Smoothie {Dairy Free, Paleo, Keto}

August 10, 2018

Smoothies are my favorite way to pack in extra veggies when I’m feeling like a “treat” instead.

Cauliflower is a staple in every smoothie that I make. Any smoothie that calls for ice, I replace it with cauliflower.

I promise, you can’t tell!

Smoothies are a great way to hide veggies from picky kids (and adults!) too. If I have spinach on hand, I’ll throw a little in there too sometimes. Typically, I try to keep my smoothies pretty simple for my digestion’s sake. Too much going on can often lead to discomfort.

My go-to’s are quick and easy and take little thought. I usually grab some frozen cauliflower, some frozen chopped fruit,  yogurt (coconut milk or goat’s milk), cashews for extra creaminess and lots of ceylon cinnamon.

SIMPLE AND EASY!

The cauliflower that I use is either the bagged variety from the freezer aisle in my grocery store or fresh cauliflower that I’ve steamed and then frozen. The latter method helps with digestion, and I always try to do it when I remember. Sometimes, raw veggies can cause bloating and discomfort as well. Everyone is different!

This Blueberry Cobbler Smoothie tastes like dessert and the sweetness level is totally up to you! A few pinches of extra spices totally make this smoothie hit the spot! It tastes like more of a “treat” than a meal or snack, but it’s completely guilt free!

You have fiber from the cauliflower, antioxidants from the blueberries, fat from the cashews and yogurt (plus probiotics!), and anti-inflammatory properties with the ceylon cinnamon. Lots of the goods in this bowl!

Try it without adding anything else sweet and see how you like it!

Usually a few extra blueberries on top and some added granola is plenty sweetness for me!


Print Recipe
 Blueberry Cobbler Smoothie
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a blender, add yogurt and coconut milk first.
  2. Follow by adding the remaining ingredients.
  3. Beginning at the lowest setting and working your way up, blend until smooth.
  4. Add additional milk or water, as needed to blend.
  5. Top with desired toppings such as, granola or frozen fruit.
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Maple Bacon Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}

July 25, 2018

When it comes to bacon, I just can’t help myself. I’m guilty of trying to find an excuse to use it in any recipe.

Protein balls are NO exception. I make a batch of protein balls every week for quick, convenient snacks, and these might have to be a regular occurrence. THEY ARE SO GOOD!

They taste like you just ate the last bite of pancakes and bacon off your plate. YES, PLEASE.

They’re crunchy from the crispy bacon and sweet from the maple syrup and maple sugar.

Protein balls are a great way to snack and get in some healthy fats and protein during the day. Snacks, like these, are the kind that keeps you feeling satisfied longer, along with being fairly guilt-free. Don’t go and eat the whole batch, though. I wouldn’t classify that as being a smart choice!

Not a fan of the salty and sweet combo? Check out a few of my other protein ball recipes below!

Cinnamon Roll Protein Balls

Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls

Birthday Cake Protein Balls

Cherry Cobbler Protein Balls

Double Chocolate Brownie Balls


Print Recipe
 Maple Bacon Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20+ minutes of cooling/freezing
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20+ minutes of cooling/freezing
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a high-powdered blender or food processor, blend cashews and coconut oil until fairly smooth.
  2. Add in bacon slices to the blender and blend for 10-15 seconds until the bacon is broken up into very little pieces and equally dispersed throughout the cashew butter.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cashew butter with the remaining ingredients.
  4. Scoop out tablespoon sized balls onto a tray until all of the mixture is used. Melon baller scoops work great for this step!
  5. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes

*Maple sugar can be hard to find, but it adds extra maple flavor as the pure syrup can sometimes be lacking. If you cannot find maple sugar you can substitute coconut sugar.

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