Tag Archives: gluten-free

Chia Pudding with Blackberries + Coconut

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One of the many things I love about social media is the creativity it sparks.  It can also spark feelings of inadequacy, but that’s another post for another day 😉  I’ve seen a lot of posts about chia pudding/porridge/smoothies around Instagram, and it got me thinking about the ginormous bag of chia seeds in our cupboard.  The Huz goes online and buys various things to put in his after work out smoothies.  This was one of them, yet he wasn’t putting it in the smoothies.  Not sure why, but I hate for things to go to waste!  So…I thought I’d make some pudding!

I am always looking for easy healthy desserts, and this totally fits the bill!  I haven’t tested it out on the boys yet (who would be harsher critics), but Maya gobbled it up and asked for more 🙂  And, with a little extra drizzle of raw honey, I did too haha.Blog Paleo Chia Pudding with Blackberries Coconut Shavings-1 Blog Paleo Chia Pudding with Blackberries Coconut Shavings-2 Blog Paleo Chia Pudding with Blackberries Coconut Shavings-3Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup chia seeds (or more depending on how many people you want to feed-this would make about four to five 1/2 cup servings)
  • 2 Cups unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (or whatever milk you want to use)
  • 1 Tablespoon raw honey or agave, plus a little additional for drizzling.
  • Raw Unsweetened Coconut shavings to sprinkle on top (got mine for totally cheap at the bulk section of PCC)
  • 1 cup of blackberries (or whatever berry you’d like to use!)

Directions

  • Mix, chia seeds and Honey/Agave in with the milk and let it sit overnight, or do it first thing in the morning, if you want to have it for dessert.  It will plump up, and ends up looking like tapioca pudding.
  • Scoop out into bowls.  Top with berries, coconut and drizzle a little more honey over the top.

Enjoy!

Keeping it Real…

This is not a decadent rich dessert.  It’s a relatively healthy option when you are craving dessert, but don’t want to feel too guilty 🙂

dit-elle-Lauren

Papusas

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My sister was in Peru recently and brought back this fabulous recipe – Salvadoran Papusas. So easy, so fun! Basically mix finely ground corn meal (called masa harina or masa de maiz) with water, add whatever toppings/stuffings you want (like cheese, herbs, cooked meat, veggies) and fry in a dry pan (no oil). I topped with Cilantro Lime Crema and these were delicious!

Blog papusas (2) Blog papusas (1)

Ingredients

  • Finely ground corn meal
  • Water
  • Toppings/stuffings: cheese, spices, veggies, cooked meat. I did these simply with some cheddar jalapeno cheese.

Directions

  • Put corn meal in a bowl and add water stirring until a soft dough forms
  • Shape and stuff with toppings
  • Fry 1-2 minutes per side or until golden

More info on these delightful papusas or ‘stuffed pockets’ http://www.whats4eats.com/breads/pupusas-recipe or on Wikipedia.

Super Mom Tip: fun recipe for kids to help make. Have them do the stirring and shaping and you do the cooking! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

Paleo Peach Crisp

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Have an abundance of sweet juicy peaches? This is a wonderful paleo peach crisp – the combination of peaches and a toasted almondy crust is… as my daughter Ava says… “de – de – de – de – delicious”! We added some wild blueberries – any berry would be a fabulous addition! Vanilla ice cream on the side or a drizzle of chilled coconut milk for paleo fans – is amazing too!

Blog paleo peach pie (1)

Sweet juicy peaches with a toasty almond crust – mmm perfection!

 

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds peaches, sliced
  • 1¼ cups blanched almond flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon celtic sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter or palm shortening
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Place peaches in an 8×8 or round pie baking dish
  • In a food processor, combine almond flour and salt
  • Pulse in butter, maple syrup, and vanilla
  • Sprinkle topping over fruit
  • Bake at 350º for 35-45 minutes
  • Remove from oven, then cool and serve

Serves 4

Blog paleo peach pie (4)

Place fruit in pan and sprinkle the topping on

Blog paleo peach pie (3)

Blueberries, raspberries or blackberries would make a fabulous addition

Thanks Elana’s Pantry!

40 Clove Garlic Lemon Chicken // Paleo and Whole30

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I’ve seen this recipe in various forms, and have been so intrigued by all the garlic!  40 cloves sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t!  I might add more next time I make it.  When it bakes, it gets golden on the outside and buttery smooth on the inside.  It’s not overpowering at all and so delicious!!  I added some onion and lemon to give it a little more flavor, and I think next time I will throw in some grape tomatoes!Blog Paleo Whole30 40 Clove Garlic Lemon Chicken-1Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts  (I used boneless and skinless, although you could use bone in!)
  • 40 garlic cloves, peeled (I bought pre-peeled cloves from Costco, and yes, I counted them :))
  • One large yellow onion cut into 1 inch pieces.
  • 2 lemons cut into 1/4 inch slices and quartered.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I did about 20 grinds for the pepper and 10 for the sea salt)
  • Garnish with fresh basil (mainly because I have a basil plant that I’ve managed to keep alive! :))

 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Put chicken breasts, garlic, and lemons in a big bowl.  Pour olive oil over the entire mixture, salt and pepper to taste and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Pour into 9×13 pan and cover pan with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for covered for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and cook for 15 minutes uncovered or until chicken is cooked all the way through.
    (I used really large chicken breasts and did them for an extra 10 minutes.)
  • I served it over quinoa, but it would be fine all by itself with a salad or with some crusty artisan bread that you could smear the garlic on YUM!!!  (Not Paleo or Whole 30 if you do this :))
  • Blog Paleo Whole30 40 Clove Garlic Lemon Chicken-2 Blog Paleo Whole30 40 Clove Garlic Lemon Chicken-3 Blog Paleo Whole30 40 Clove Garlic Lemon Chicken-4Enjoy!!dit-elle-Lauren

Paleo Chocolate Almond Banana Ice Cream Shake // Healthy Wendy’s Frosty!!

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Blog Paleo Healthy Wendys Frosty Chocolate Almond Banana Ice Cream Shake-1I loved the Paleo Banana Coconut Ice Cream Pies so much that I decided to try another variation.  I’m not a big fan of chocolate all on it’s own, but I do like chocolate flavored things.  I decided to skip the crust this time, and just make the “ice cream” all on it’s own. Blog Paleo Healthy Wendys Frosty Chocolate Almond Banana Ice Cream Shake-2

I topped it with crushed almonds, shaved unsweetened coconut and fresh blackberries that Maya and I picked (ok, the ones SHE picked went directly into her belly as seen here :)).

Truth be told, I’ve made this twice in the last few weeks haha.  The first time, it got devoured before I could take pictures of it, so of course I had to make it again!!  The 2nd time I made it, I substituted some chocolate protein powder and convinced myself it was actually ok to have for dinner 🙂  It was just me and Maya because the Huz and the boys were out of town.  Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly saying “no” to Maya or telling her to not do things all day long.  This felt like a much deserved treat for being the sweet kid that she is.  Ok, I wanted it too 😉  For some reason the first time in the bowl, I thought it just tasted like chocolate soft serve, but as soon as I put it in a big glass cup, all I could think about was a Wendy’s Frosty!!  So delicious!Blog Paleo Healthy Wendys Frosty Chocolate Almond Banana Ice Cream Shake-3Ingredients (makes 6 Servings about 1 overflowing Cup  or 4 milkshakes :))

Ice Cream

  • 5 frozen bananas
  • 1 Tablespoon pure Cacao or Cocoa (or a scoop of chocolate protein powder!)
  • 1 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons Almond Butter (can use peanut butter if you aren’t Paleo)
  • 3 Medjul Dates (pitted)
  • Berries, crushed almonds, unsweetened coconut, or just about anything for topping!

Directions

  • Let the bananas sit out for about 5 minutes.  It helps make it easier for them to blend.
  • In a blender or food processor, mix all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  • This really is best served right away, but I bet you can freeze individual servings in Popsicle molds!!
  • If you only want to make 2 servings, it halves easily!

NOW…what variation to try next!?!

ENJOY!!

dit-elle-Lauren

Rhubarb Cake with Toasted Sugar & Cinnamon Top

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The rhubarb in my yard keeps growing, and so I’ve been trying some new recipes. This rhubarb cake is another wonderful dessert. Serve with coconut milk or vanilla ice cream! 🙂

Blog rhubarb crisp cake

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c butter
  • 1/2 c sugar
  • 1/2 c brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 c buttermilk
  • 2 c of flour (you can use white flour, I used a blend of coconut and almond flour and added some more liquid to the recipe)
  • 2 c rhubarb, finely cut (remember to remove leaves which are very poisonous, and clean/wash stems)

Topping

  • 1/2 c sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

  • Cream butter and sugar, add egg
  • Mix other dry ingredients (flour, baking soda)
  • Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture with buttermilk and vanilla
  • Add rhubarb, mix gently
  • Spread in baking dish
  • Top with sugar/cinnamon
  • Bake for ~45 minutes at 350*

dit-elle-Esther

Rhubarb Sauce

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Rhubarb sauce is probably the easiest rhubarb dessert recipe to make! Rhubarb + something sweet + top with coconut milk, cream and optionally crushed almonds or something crunchy = totally yummy goodness!

Blog rhubarb sauce (2) Blog rhubarb sauce (1)

Ingredients

  • Rhubarb – select hard crisp stems, remove leaves (very poisonous) and chop up in bite size pieces
  • Water
  • Some sweetener – honey, agave, maple syrup, cooked and pureed dates, or good old white sugar
  • Splash of vanilla
  • Coconut milk or cream (optional)
  • Toasted nuts or seeds (optional)

Directions

  • Put rhubarb and water in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the pieces are starting to come apart and are soft
  • Add sweetener and stir until well blended
  • Remove from heat and add vanilla
  • Serve warm or cold with cream and any toppings you fancy
  • Enjoy!

Super mom tip: raw rhubarb pieces and rhubarb sauce both freeze very well! Make a batch of sauce and freeze in small or large containers for easy re-heating later! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

 

Zucchini Crust Pizza

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There are many excellent gluten free pizza doughs out there, but what if you want to go grain-free and/or paleo? Veggie pizzas are a great alternative. Think zucchini, eggplant or cauliflower for your crust. Top with sauce, meats and veggies, and cheese (optional) of course! I made this one with zucchini and topped it with tomato sauce, cheese and fresh pesto! Yum! Blog zucchini paleo pizza-2 Blog zucchini paleo pizza-1 Ingredients

  • 2 c. zucchini, finely grated, lightly packed (use grater blade on your food processor for easy prep)
  • ½-3/4 c. almond meal
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 T. coconut oil
  • ½ t. oregano
  • ¼ t. garlic powder
  • ⅛ t. salt (you don’t need much because the zucchini will retain some)
  • Toppings: fresh herbs, vegetables, meats, cheese, pesto
Instructions
  1. Place the grated zucchini in a strainer and sprinkle with a little salt, tossing to mix it in a bit
  2. Place the strainer over a large bowl, and let the zucchini drain for about 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  4. Place the grated zucchini into a dry dish towel and squeeze, or press out as much as you can in the strainer
  5. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
  6. Add almond meal as needed to make a dough (not too wet, not too dry).
  7. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread the zucchini mix out into an oval shape. I use a fork to do this, and I press it down to compact it as well.
  8. Place the pan on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Then place the pan on the top rack of the oven for ~8 minutes, until browned.
  10. Remove the pan and flip the crust, bake for another ~5 minutes. Then remove and turn oven up to 500.
  11. Top the pizza with sauce, pesto, and whatever your favorite toppings are
  12. Place the pizza back into the oven and bake for ~5 minutes more

Thanks Oatmeal with a Fork blogger for this tasty recipe!

dit-elle-Esther

Paleo Banana Coconut Ice Cream Pies

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I’ve been seeing so many pictures of Nana Ice Cream on Instagram, and have been dying to try my own version.  Funny thing…I’m not really a big fan of bananas haha.  So, I added a few other things into the mix to see how it turned out.  OMG, it was so creamy and delicious!!!  One of my favorite desserts (crazy, I know!) is just a plain soft serve ice cream cone.  I am TOTALLY doing that with this recipe later!!

I’ve also been itching to make a crust out of almonds and dates, so….I figured why not make them both…TOGETHER!  You’d think you were eating a decadent dessert, yet not!  Now, with all the almonds and dates, it’s not necessarily low calorie/low fat, but it’s all good for you, so toss the guilt aside, and ENJOY!Blog Paleo Vegetarian Vegan Banana Almond Coconut Ice Cream Pies-So the crust on these…OMG.   I am a die hard LOVER of graham cracker crust.  Like, I double it every time I make a cheesecake or other recipe that calls for it :}  This was pretty darn close and so much better for you!  Totally converting!Blog Paleo Vegetarian Vegan Banana Almond Coconut Ice Cream Pies-1Blog Paleo Vegetarian Vegan Banana Almond Coconut Ice Cream Pies-2Ingredients (makes 8 little pies, or could make one 9 inch pie)

Ice Cream

  • 6 frozen bananas
  • 1/3 Cup Almonds
  • 1 Can low fat Coconut Milk
  • 2 Medjul Dates (pitted)

Crust

  • 12 Medjul Dates (pitted)
  • 1 1/3 Cup Almonds
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

Directions

  • In a food processor pulse the ingredients for the crust until it starts to clump together.  I took 1/3 of a cup and put it in the bottom of each little glass bowl (could use ramicans or place most of it all in a 9 inch pie dish).  I kept a little left over to sprinkle over the top of the pies.
  • I a blender, mix all the Ice Cream ingredients until smooth and creamy.  I spooned 1/2 cup into the little bowls, and then sprinkled the leftover crust mix.
  • This really is best served right away, but you can freeze them and then let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • I topped with shaved unsweetened coconut and fresh blueberries.  Really, the possibilities are endless on how you can vary this!  And…I WILL!

ENJOY!!

Nutritional Facts (I entered all the ingredients into Calorie Count)

Per Individual Pie

Serves 8 //  Calories per Individual Pie- 351 // Total Fat- 17g // Saturated Fat- 7g  // Total Carbohydrates-55.8g // Dietary Fiber-7.3 // Sugars- 33.1g // Protein- 5.8g

dit-elle-Lauren

Summer Fruit & Coconut Milk Popsicles

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It’s summer! And nothing says summer like sweet refreshing popsicles! This is a GREAT kitchen project to involve kids in – Ava LOVES to help make these. I chop the fruit, she adds it to the cup and pours the coconut milk in. Together we use the blender to mix it all up and then we fill the popsicle forms. And it is SO exciting to take them out of the freezer later. So easy, fun and these make a great summer snack.

Blog fruit coconut popsicles (2)

Ingredients

  • Note that quantities will depend on how many popsicles you are making – this batch made 8 for us. Also – you can throw in whatever fruit or berries you have. Strawberries make a beautiful pink color, blueberries will turn everything purple. Enjoy! 🙂
  • 1 peach or nectarine
  • 1 orange
  • 1 large slice of cantaloupe
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk

Directions

  • Peel, chop and blend everything till smooth
  • Pour in your popsicle molds
  • Freeze and serve

dit-elle-Esther