Chocolate Coconut No-bake Cookies

Makes about 12 -14 cookies

Amazing, naturally sweetened no bake cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way!  They are decadent, delicious and so easy to make.  Give this simple recipe a try; your family and friends will devour them in no time!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tbsp. almond milk (or any other milk you prefer)
  • 3 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
  • 1/3 cup salted peanut butter, crunchy or creamy (can sub any other nut butter of your choice)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (I used gluten-free)
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • Pinch sea salt
  • Crushed nuts or more shredded coconut for topping (optional)

Preparation:

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
  • In a medium saucepan combine coconut sugar, cocoa or cacao powder, almond milk and coconut oil.  Bring to low boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until bubbling for 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and add peanut butter, shredded coconut, oats, vanilla and salt.  Stir to fully incorporate all ingredients.
  • Using a small ice cream scooper or rounded spoon, drop heaping tablespoon amounts of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.  Sprinkle with additional coconut or chopped nuts (optional).
  • Let sit at room temperature until cooled and firm – about 30 minutes and ENJOY!
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Hijiki with Carrots and Avocado

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Serves 2-4

This delicious seaweed salad is not only super easy to prepare and goes with just about anything, but is also highly nutritious.  Hijiki, like many sea vegetables, contains a wide range of essential minerals for the body, as well as significant levels of dietary fiber, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium and iodine.  Try experimenting with this basic recipe by adding other ingredients or serve with soba noodles or rice to make a more complete meal!

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup dried hijiki seaweed
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup julienned carrots
  • ½ cup avocado cubed
  • 1-2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider or rice vinegar
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Preparation:

  • Rinse hijiki to remove any sand.  (if you don’t have a fine mesh strainer, just swirl it around in a bowl of water, then drain.
  • Place hijiki in a bowl with 1 cup of water.  Let soak for 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat oil over low-medium heat.  Add carrots and cook until softened.
  • Drain hijiki and add it to saucepan with vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat, add avocado and toss to mix.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm or cold. 
  • Enjoy!
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

Healthy Dark Chocolate Mousse

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Makes about 4 servings

Thick, rich, creamy, whipped, chocolatey goodness…so decadent, you’d never believe it’s healthy and beyond easy to throw together!  All you need are 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients to make this dairy-free, antioxidant packed mousse that’s the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
  • Extra squares of dark chocolate, shaved, for garnish
  • 2 cans full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight or placed in the freezer an hour before making
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • ¼ cup raw honey
  • Seeds from one fresh vanilla pod (or 1 tsp. vanilla extract)

Preparation:

  • Bring about an inch of water to a simmer in a small saucepan.  Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over the saucepan making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.  Stir chocolate until melted, remove bowl from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Scoop the solid thick cream on top out of the can of coconut milk, trying not to get any of the water and place in a medium bowl.  You can throw away cans with the water in them as you won’t need them anymore.  
  • Add honey.  Using a mixer beat on high until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes.  Reserve about 4-5 tablespoons of the whipped cream to use as a topping for the mousse.  Set aside.
  • Pour the melted chocolate, scraped vanilla seeds or vanilla extract and cocoa powder into the bowl.  Beat on low until smooth and thick.
  • Divide mousse between 4 glasses or bowls.  Top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and berries. 
  • ENJOY!

Butternut Squash Noodles with Shitake Mushrooms and Sweet Peas with Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

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Serves 2

Butternut squash noodles are my favorite new discovery! They’re a delicious gluten-free, low-carb alternative to pasta but more substantial than zucchini noodles.  This dish tasted even better than I expected – it’s rich and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness that really makes you feel like you’re indulging, even though your plate is all veggies and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! This recipe is a sure bet so go ahead and give these fiber-filled noodles a try! 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Butternut Squash, spiralized
  • 1 tablespoon Olive or Coconut Oil 
  • 1-2 tablespoons Ghee 
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons shallots or onion, minced 
  • 1 head Cauliflower Florets
  • ½-1 cup Water
  • ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 cup Almond or any other milk you prefer
  • 1 cup shelled or frozen Sweet Peas
  • 1 cup Shitake Mushrooms
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees convection or 400 degrees.
  • Toss cauliflower florets with oil and spread on baking sheet.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roast for about 20 minutes, toss and roast for additional 10-15 minutes until starting to turn brown. Remove from baking sheet.
  • Toss butternut squash noodles with olive oil and place on same baking sheet and roast for about 10 minutes in oven until tender.
  • Next, melt 1 tablespoon of ghee in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat.  Add minced shallot or onion and garlic and sauté until tender, but now browned, about 5 minutes.  Add milk and nutritional yeast.  Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring until everything is combined and fragrant.  Remove from heat.
  • Transfer contents of the saucepan into a blender or food processor.  Add most of the roasted cauliflower – saving a handful of pieces for garnish.  Add ½ cup of water and season with salt and pepper.  Process until very smooth and creamy, with a texture similar to traditional cream sauce. Add more water if necessary.
  • In the same saucepan or skillet add another tablespoon of ghee.  Sauté mushrooms for 4-5 minutes, turning until lightly browned.  Add peas.  
  • Finally combine the butternut squash noodles, sauce in the skillet with the mushrooms and peas over medium heat.  Stir until squash gets nicely coated and creamy. 
  • Garnish with a few cauliflower florets and chopped parsley.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Slow Baked Chili Salmon over Zoodles and Shitake Mushrooms

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Serves 4

Easiest recipe ever!  Wild Salmon covered in delicious spices and then slow baked so that it melts in your mouth, is impossible to overcook and comes out so flavorful! I served it over zucchini noodles with shitake mushrooms for an omega-3 packed, heart-healthy, gluten-free dish.  This salmon recipe is also great paired with any salad, whole grain or roasted vegetables.
This recipe is dairy-free but if you are not looking to avoid dairy feel free to sub regular organic milk, grass-fed butter and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

  • 1 large piece Wild Alaskan Salmon or 4 pieces six to eight ounces each
  • 2 teaspoons Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
  • Chopped fresh Dill and sliced Lemon for garnish

For the Zoodles:

  • 2-3 large Zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 cup Shitake Mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee or Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup raw Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 2-3 Garlic Cloves
  • ¾ cup non-dairy milk (I used Almond)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3-4 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast (or Parmesan cheese)
  • 1 tsp. Arrowroot flour
  • ½ - 1 tsp. Red Pepper flakes

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 270 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  
  • Combine chili powder, paprika, oregano and salt.  
  • Place salmon on parchment paper and sprinkle with seasoning mixture.  Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes.  
  • While salmon is baking, place pumpkin seeds, salt, garlic, milk, lemon juice and nutritional yeast in a high-speed blender until creamy.  Add more salt or pepper to taste.
  • Pour contents of blender into a small saucepan, add arrowroot and cook over low heat, stirring regularly, until sauce thickens, about 3-4 min.  
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Heat ghee or olive oil and add mushrooms.  Sauté 3-4 minutes, turning until lightly browned.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Add zucchini noodles and sauce to skillet.  Stir until everything is well coated.  
  • Plate zoodles, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and top with salmon, fresh dill and lemon slices. 
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

The Best Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Makes about 12-15 cookies

I’m completely obsessed with these healthy and addictive chocolate chip cookies! They’re soft and chewy and perfect as an afterschool snack or to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime!  Gluten, dairy, and egg-free. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 & ¼ cups Almond Flour
  • ¼ tsp. baking soda
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp. Chia Seeds
  • 1 ½ tbsp. Hemp Seeds
  • 1 tbsp. Flax Seeds
  • ¼ cup Coconut Oil, softened (not melted)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (I used dairy-free Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips)

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a bowl combine the almond flour, salt, baking soda, chia, flax and hemp seeds.
  • In a separate bowl mix the coconut oil, honey and vanilla.  Do not melt the coconut oil.  It should just be soft.  If you do melt it you will need to refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. 
  • Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry and blend together.  Taste the batter and add a drop more honey if you prefer your cookies sweeter.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop small spoonful’s of dough onto the sheet about 1 inch apart
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes.  
  • If the cookies don’t seem done you may need to leave them in for a minute or two longer. 
  • Let cool and enjoy!

Spicy Butternut Squash Fries with Avocado Dip

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Serves 4

These spicy butternut squash fries are probably the most delicious preparation of butternut squash that I’ve ever eaten.  Nice and crispy on the outside and the spicy seasoning makes it so my kids can’t devour them fast enough!  They’re super easy-to-prepare and make the perfect side for any dinner!

Ingredients:

  • 1 large or 2 medium butternut squash
  • 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • Sea salt and freshly group pepper to taste

Ingredients for mashed avocado:

  • 1-2 avocados, mashed
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Sea salt
  • 1-2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 375 convection or 400 degrees. 
  • With a chef knife, cut both ends of the squash.  Then slice vertically into two halves.  Scoop out the seeds and set aside to make a yummy snack .  (Try my recipe for roasted squash seeds)
  • Slice the squash into horizontal pieces to resemble French fries.
  • Throw squash into a bowl; add the oil and the spices.  Toss to coat all pieces evenly.
  • Place squash on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway for even roasting on both sides.
  • For extra crispy fries you can finish them off on broil for 2-3 minutes.
  • Enjoy with mashed avocado mixed with lemon, sea salt and red pepper flakes.
  • Enjoy!

Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash

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Serves 4

Swap pasta for low-carb, gluten-free spaghetti squash in this delicious and super easy to make shrimp scampi dish.  Whether your aim is more veggies or just a new go-to-recipe, this bright and lemony dish is packed with nutrition and perfect for cold wintery days so give these fiber-filled noodles a try!  

Ingredients:

  • 2 small or 1 large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
  • 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • ½ lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or grass-fed butter
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation:

  •  Preheat oven to 375 degrees convection or 400 degrees.
  • Cut squash crosswise; take out seeds and season with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and place cut side down on baking sheet.
  • Bake until easily pierced with a fork, about 40-50 minutes and remove from oven to cool. 
  • Once squash can be easily handled, scrape insides into spaghetti strands with a fork and set aside.
  • Heat the rest of the oil and ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.  
  • Add shrimp and season with salt, freshly ground pepper and red pepper flakes.  Sauté shrimp until pink, tossing often to prevent burning, about 5 minutes.  
  • Remove from heat and add spaghetti squash strands.  Mix in lemon juice and zest.  
  • Sprinkle with parsley, toss and enjoy!

Healthy Rice Crispy Treats

Healthy Rice Crispy Treats.jpg

Makes about 12 - 14

These healthy rice crispy treats made with peanut butter and honey are soft, chewy and so delicious!  This wholesome, made-over version of the classic is a fun and easy recipe to make with kids and is guaranteed to hit the spot for you too!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups organic crispy rice cereal (I used half brown and half white rice cereal)
  • ½ cup peanut butter (you can substitute with any nut butter of your choice)
  • ½ cup of raw honey

Preparation:

  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Put the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl.
  • Melt the peanut butter with the honey in a small saucepan on the stove and then pour the mixture into the crispy rice cereal and combine well. (The peanut butter I used was very soft so I didn’t need to melt first.)
  • Pour mixture onto the parchment paper and press firmly into place. 
  • Refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.  Using a sharp knife, cut into squares and serve.
  • Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Tarragon Chicken Salad

Tarragon Chicken Salad.jpg

Makes 4 servings

I love a really good chicken salad.  It’s so helpful to have a batch made to use all week – on toasted nut/whole grainy bread, scooped on top of a salad, eaten with crackers or just straight from the fridge. However, chicken salad is so subjective, everyone enjoys it in different ways: ground up/chunky, with/without nuts, with/without celery etc.  Because of the innumerable combinations, I won’t even consider claiming this recipe as the best, but I will say it’s pretty delicious.  The great thing is you can use it as a basis for your own and add whatever ingredients you want. And if your family is anything like mine, none of us likes it the same way.  I will add walnuts and maybe chopped apple to mine, but my daughter wants it as is – plain and simple.  My inspiration for this recipe comes from a very delicious and very expensive chicken salad that I buy from a local organic market in my town.  It’s a pretty small container so I would hide it from my family so I didn’t have to share!  I realized it was time to make my own.  It’s creamy, delicious and made with only heart-healthy olive oil and none of the inflammatory vegetable oils store bought mayo is made with.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder 

Mayonnaise:

  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp. dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 cup light olive oil


Chicken Salad:  

  • 2 Celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 green onion
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice 
  • 2 tbsp. fresh chopped tarragon or 1-2 tsp. dried tarragon
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • * Other key ingredients to add:  chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, chopped apple, sliced grapes 

Preparation:

Cook the chicken:

  • Brine chicken breasts (this makes them juicy and super flavorful):  Fill a large bowl with enough water to cover the chicken.  Add ¼ cup sea salt.  Stir to combine until most of the salt is absorbed.  Add the chicken breasts and let them sit in the mixture for 15 minutes.  Or if you have the time you can also cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.  (Some store-bought chicken breasts are now sold pre-brined.  So double-check your packaging before doing this step.  If it has already been pre-brined in a sodium solution you can skip this step.
  • Place chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish.  Brush with oil.  Combine salt, pepper and garlic powder and sprinkle mixture evenly over the chicken.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.  If you use a cooking thermometer, measure the temperature at the thickest part of the breast, it should be at least 165 degrees F.
  • Remove from oven and set chicken aside.

Prepare the mayonnaise: (made with heart healthy olive oil instead of highly processed and inflammatory vegetable or soybean oils and some form of sugar).

  • Combine egg, mustard, vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil and salt in a bowl.  Using an immersion blender pulse for a minute to break up the egg.  With the blender running, add the first ¼ cup of oil a little at a time.  
  • Make sure each addition of oil is blended in before adding the next.  The mixture will start to emulsify.  Once the first ½ cup of oil has been added, you can add the rest more quickly.  Add as much of the oil as needed to reach the consistency you prefer.  The more oil you add, the thicker the mayo will become.  You may not need to use all the oil to reach your desired thickness.


Make the chicken salad:

  • Tear cooked chicken into bite size pieces and put it into a big bowl.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix together.  Then add about half the mayonnaise.  Give everything a good toss.  Adjust seasoning if needed.  
  • Save leftover mayonnaise in a mason jar for up to a week in the refrigerator.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Homemade Fruit Leather

Fruit leather/roll ups are a kid favorite at our house! I love to pack it as a snack because it’s delicious and nutritious and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.  Made with only 3 ingredients, without the artificial everything in the store bought versions and so simple that kids of any age can help make!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups organic berries (I used half frozen strawberries and half fresh raspberries)
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation: 

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
  • Blend fruit, honey and lemon juice in a blender or food processor until smooth.  
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, silicon baking mat or plastic wrap.
  • Pour and spread mixture evenly (1/8 to ¼ inch thick) onto baking sheet.  Mixture should be pourable but not thin enough to run off the baking sheet.
  • Bake for about 3-4 hours or until the center is firm and no longer sticky to the touch.
  • Remove from oven and let cool.
  • Cut into strips and roll up.  Can be stored for up to a month in a covered container.  
  • Enjoy!

Roasted Cauliflower and Crab Chowder

Roasted Cauliflower and Crab Chowder.jpg

Serves 4

This delicious and healthy chowder is a full meal on it’s own.  It’s so rich and creamy you’d swear it included some type of cream but it doesn’t.  It’s naturally gluten-free, low carb, high-protein and very filling.  My entire family loved it and so will yours.  Couldn’t be more perfect for warming up on these cold winter nights!

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut up, including the core
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 leeks, sliced thinly, white and light green parts only
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 3-4 tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 4 cups organic broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 cup water
  • ½-1 cup nut milk of your choice (or organic whole milk if not dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp. Ghee or grass-fed organic butter (optional)
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 ½-2 cups fresh crabmeat
  • ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • Fresh sage leaves toasted as garnish

Preparation: 

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Place chopped cauliflower on baking sheet.  Drizzle or toss with ½ the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.  Roast for about 25 minutes until just browned.  Remove from oven.
  • Lower oven to 250 degrees.  Place pumpkin seeds and sage on another baking sheet.  Spray, toss or drizzle with olive oil.  Then sprinkle or toss seeds with paprika and toss or sprinkle sage with salt.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Remove from oven.
  • In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the rest of the olive oil.  Add the onion, leeks, garlic and celery.  Sauté until soft but not browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Season mixture with salt and then add the roasted cauliflower and toss until it’s completely coated with the onion mixture.  Cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Add 3 cups of the chicken broth and the water.  Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.  
  • Using a stick blender, puree to your preferred consistency.  I like to keep it a little chunky.  If adding the ghee or butter, add it now.  Season to taste by adding salt and pepper.  Then add the rest of the broth and milk.  Finally gently stir in the crab and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until hot.
  • When ready to serve, garnish with a little extra crab meat, sage and spicy pumpkin seeds.
  • Enjoy!

Broiled Grapefruit

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Serves 1

Grapefruit is as delicious hot as it is cold - perfect for a warm breakfast on a cold day.  This recipe uses a naturally sweet topping to balance out the citrusy sourness and broiling caramelizes everything a little, melting it into the tangy grapefruit underneath.  You can leave out the honey if you like the sourness with your sweet, but even with the honey, this is a super low-sugar way to enjoy this delicious and healthy fruit!

Ingredients:

  • Grapefruit
  • Raw organic honey
  • Organic cinnamon
  • Sliced fruit (I used organic strawberries) 
  • Chopped walnuts

Preparation: 

  • Preheat broiler.
  • Cut grapefruit in half and place on a baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle grapefruit generously with cinnamon.
  • Place strawberries and chopped walnuts on top.
  • Drizzle honey on top of each half (optional).
  • Place the grapefruit under the broiler until slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and enjoy while still warm.

Portabella Egg, Smoked Salmon and Avocado Sandwich

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Serves 1

This fried egg, smoked salmon and avocado sandwich on a grilled Portobella Mushroom is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy an egg sandwich without any refined carbs or processed ingredients!  Perfect for a nourishing weekend breakfast or substantial lunch that you will love!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Portabella Mushroom caps, stem removed, wiped clean
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2-3 slices smoked salmon
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • 1 pasture-raised egg
  • ½ tsp. chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation: 

  • In a large skilled (I love a cast-iron skillet for this recipe) heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add mushroom caps, round side up, and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Flip mushrooms over, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove mushroom caps from skillet and place on plate.
  • Lay sliced salmon on top of one mushroom.  Then add sliced avocado on top of salmon.
  • Crack egg into skillet and fry until desired doneness, edges are turning brown.  Remove egg and place on top of avocado.
  • Place remaining mushroom cap on top.
  • Garnish with parsley.
  • Enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Chip Quinoa Muffins

Dark Chocolate Chip Quinoa Muffins.jpg

Makes 10-12 muffins

These decadent dark chocolate chip muffins are so rich and delicious you’ll never guess they’re good for you too!  Made with quinoa flakes so they’re gluten-free, high in plant-based protein and full of fiber.  They’re also dairy and nut-free making them perfect for a nut-free school snack.  Store in the refrigerator or freezer, and pop in the toaster to warm up for breakfast or a healthy treat anytime!

Ingredients:

  • 2 very ripe bananas
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup quinoa flakes
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk (I used almond milk)
  • ½ cup raw cacao powder
  • 5 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • ¾ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life Foods – dairy, nut and soy free)

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Lightly grease muffin tins.
  • In a large bowl combine mashed bananas, egg, coconut oil and milk.  Stir until well combined.
  • Add quinoa flakes, cacao powder, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and coconut sugar.  Stir until batter forms.  
  • Fold in chocolate chips. 
  • Spoon batter into prepared muffin tray.  Top each muffin with a few chocolate chips or sprinkle with extra quinoa flakes.  
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes.  To check if done, stick a toothpick into a muffin and if it comes out clean with small crumbly bits then it’s ready.  Top of the muffins should be firm to the touch too. 
  • Let cool and enjoy!  
  • Store in the refrigerator or freezer and pop in the toaster to warm up for a delicious breakfast or anytime healthy snack!

Wild Mushroom Soup

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Serves 6

I love mushrooms!  They’re so good for you and it’s almost impossible to become tired of them when there are so many varieties to choose from and so many ways to use them.  One of my favorites is this rich, creamy, full of earthy flavor mushroom soup.  This recipe is a slightly adapted version of Jamie Oliver’s and it’s just as delicious as it is healthy! I love to freeze leftovers in glass mason jars in serving sized portions for quick meals. You can view the original recipe here: 
https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/the-real-mushroom-soup/

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1.5 lbs. mixed fresh mushrooms (I used shitake, portabella, oyster and white button)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh thyme leaves
  • Sea salt 
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 liters chicken or vegetable broth 
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond, cashew milk or any other milk you prefer
  • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Preparation: 

  • Place porcini mushrooms in a bowl, add boiling water to cover and let soak.
  • Heat a large 4 or 6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat.  Once hot, add the olive oil and fresh mushrooms.  Stir mushrooms around quickly for about a minute and then add the onion, garlic, thyme and season with salt and pepper.
  • After another couple of minutes, chop half the porcini mushrooms and leave the rest whole and add them to the pot.  Then strain the soaking liquid to remove any grit and add it to the mixture.  Cook for about 15 minutes until most of the moisture disappears.
  • Season to taste by adding salt and pepper.  Then add broth, bring to boil and simmer for around 30 minutes.  
  • Using a stick blender, puree to your preferred consistency.  I like to puree about half and leave the rest whole.
  • Add the parsley and milk and more salt and pepper if needed.  Continue to simmer for at least another 10 minutes to let flavors combine.  
  • Finally, when serving, pour soup into individual bowls and spoon a about a half teaspoon of lemon juice and lemon zest into the middle of the soup.  When you go to eat it, stir it in as it gives the soup a wonderful flavor.
  • Enjoy!

Easy and Delicious Gluten-Free Pancakes

Easy and delicious gluten-free pancakes.jpg

Makes 2 servings

These delicious tasting pancakes will be your new favorite breakfast! They are a pre/post workout favorite or a Sunday brunch staple and the best part is they are completely guilt free!  If you like your pancakes very sweet, feel free to drizzle more honey or maple syrup on top!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 4 pasture-raised eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1-2 tsp. organic raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 2 tsp. coconut oil, organic grass-fed butter or ghee
  • ¼ cup chopped strawberries
  • ¼ cup blueberries
  • ¼ banana sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped raw walnuts

Preparation:

  • Place peeled bananas, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, 1 tsp. coconut oil, butter or ghee, maple syrup or honey (optional), sea salt and baking soda into a blender.  Blend until batter is smooth.
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease with remaining 1 tsp. coconut oil, butter or ghee. 
  • Reduce temperature to medium-low heat and pour the batter in small pancake circles.  Cook until firm enough to flip (approx. 1-2 minutes), then flip pancakes and cook the other side and remove from heat.
  • Top with chopped fruit and walnuts.
  • Drizzle with extra honey or syrup. (optional)
  • Enjoy!

Zoodles with Roasted Veggies

zoodles and roasted veggies.jpg

Serves 2

Here’s an easy and delicious way to prepare zucchini noodles that’s great for a meatless Monday.  It reminds me of the “kitchen-sink salad” where you simply use whatever veggies you have in your kitchen to make the salad except here it’s a “kitchen-sink pasta” made with zucchini noodles as the pasta.  I love this combo as each vegetable brings it’s own texture, but feel free to switch up the veggies based on your preferences. 

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 medium sized zucchinis spiralized or julienned with a vegetable peeler
  • 1 cup brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 cup shitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 3 eggs, scrambled
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoon ghee 
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (dairy-free)
  • handful of fresh minced parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place and leave spiralized zucchini between paper towels to squeeze excess water out.  
  • Spread out brussels sprouts, onions and squash on 1-2 baking sheets.  Mist, toss or drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.  Roast for 25 minutes, then toss and put back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden brown.  
  • Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add mushrooms sauté for about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 min. then push mixture to the side of the pan.  Allow pan to cool for a couple of minutes and then add 1 tablespoon of ghee and pour in eggs and allow them to cook until just beginning to set a teeny bit. 
  • Add the zucchini noodles into the eggs.   Stir gently until the egg is becoming more set and noodles are becoming well coated.   Finally, add the roasted vegetables and another tablespoon of ghee.  Add Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Mix until everything is evenly coated. 
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Plate noodles (I love to put them in a deep bowl) and sprinkle with minced parsley.  
  • Serve and enjoy!

Herb Roasted Golden Vegetables

Herb Roasted Golden Vegetables.jpg

Serves 4-6

During the fall and winter months, roasted veggies are a deliciously healthy way to feed our cravings for warm, comforting and filling foods.  This combination is made up of vegetables that are in season so they’re exceptionally flavorful and packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  This also makes a beautiful and impressive side dish for entertaining that’s really easy to make!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups Red Onions, sliced
  • 2 cups Golden Beets, sliced
  • 2 cups Sunchokes, sliced
  • 3-4 tablespoons healthy oil of your choice  (Coconut, Olive or Avocado)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped Thyme and Rosemary
  • ½ -1 cup fresh Sage leaves
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley as garnish 

Preparation:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Toss vegetables in oil and season generously with salt and pepper. 
  • Roast veggies for about 20 minutes, check and then toss on the baking sheet and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until veggies are almost tender and just starting to brown.  
  • Sprinkle veggies with thyme and rosemary combination and sage leaves and toss everything again on the baking sheet. 
  • Roast for about 10 more minutes or so until sage is crisp, the veggies are tender and perfectly browned.
  • Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats.jpg

Makes 2 servings

This healthy, filling, protein-packed breakfast is super easy to make and tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie straight from the Thanksgiving table!  With amazing ingredients, this recipe is a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and anti-oxidants, providing several health benefits, including improving digestion and heart health, regulating blood sugar and lowering inflammation. Make a few jars on Sunday night and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a week.  Nosh on them when you don’t have time to cook in the mornings, take them to work to enjoy or just eat them as a snack or dessert!

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. pumpkin (fresh or canned with no sugar)

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

  • ¼ cup plain organic Greek yogurt (omit if dairy-free or sub with dairy-free yogurt)

  • ¼ tsp. Pumpkin pie spice

  • ¼ tsp. Cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp. ground Flaxseeds

  • 1 tbsp. Hemp seeds

  • 1 tbsp. Chia seeds

  • ½ tsp. Vanilla

  • 1/8 tsp. Sea salt

  • 2-3 tsp. raw honey

  • 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats or Steel Cut Oats

  • ¼ cup chopped Walnuts

  • Optional additional toppings: More Walnuts, Pecans, berries, drizzle honey

Preparation:

  • In a glass jar (I use a wide mouth mason jar) combine pumpkin, yogurt, and milk. Then add remaining ingredients and stir to combine/shake jar.

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours or overnight.

  • The following morning stir well before eating to evenly distribute the oats.

  • Add any other desired toppings of choice.

  • Add an extra drizzle of honey if more sweetness is preferred.

  • You may enjoy the oats cold, or place in a small saucepan and heat for a few minutes to warm.

  • Enjoy!