Coconut Toffee Bars

These grain-free, dairy-free and nut-free bars are a little bit of heaven to me.  If you're not a fan of coconut you may disagree, but for you coconut lovers, here's the perfect treat for you!

(And nothing makes me happier than satisfying a sweet tooth, without causing a sugar rush or stomach discomfort later.) 

These are great!

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (I use this kind)

- 1/2 cup coconut sugar

- 1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil, melted

- 2 eggs, preferably from pastured hens

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon unrefined sea salt

- 3/4 cup good-quality chocolate chips (I use this kind)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together coconut, coconut sugar, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla and salt.

3.  Press mixture evenly into prepared pan, and bake for approximately 20 minutes, over until set and lightly browned.

4. Turn off oven, remove pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Return to oven for a few minutes so that the chocolate can melt.  Once melted, spread over top with a spatula.

5.  These are delicious warm, but I prefer them much more once they've been chilled in the fridge.

6. Store squares in fridge or freezer, and enjoy!

Makes approximately 12 bars

(Adapted recipe from here)

Hearty Vegetable Soup

I really love this soup.  The flavors are extremely unique with the dill, mint and lemon, which could catch you off guard, but hopefully only in a good way.  :)

It's also packed full of nourishing vegetables, that'll surely zap any cold in an instant.  Hope your palate likes it as much as I do.  Mmmmm.

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 4 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, cut into 1-inch pieces, and washed well.

- 3 celery stalks, chopped

- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into cubes

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 3 pinches of red-pepper flakes

- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

- freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade, or this kind)

- 1 cup water

- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes

- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into cubes

- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

- 1 (15 oz) BPA-free canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

- 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

- 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.  Cook leeks, celery, carrots, garlic, red-pepper flakes, salt and pepper.  Stir occasionally until leeks are translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil.

3. Add squash and potatoes, and return to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

4. Stir in spinach and chickpeas, and return to a boil.  Stir in lemon juice, mint and dill.  Season with salt and pepper, and add more broth if needed, then enjoy!

Approximately 6-8 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake

Sometimes I just need something peanut-buttery, chocolaty, and perfectly creamy.  Using quality ingredients, this incredible milkshake will definitely satisfy your craving, without any sluggish side-effects.

It's seriously so good...

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 large frozen bananas

- 3/4 cup almond milk (homemade is best, or I like this kind), or raw milk

- 1 tablespoon Grade-B maple syrup

- 2 tablespoons cacao powder

- 1/4 cup organic peanut butter (nothing added)

- pinch of unrefined sea salt

- 5 or so ice cubes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth and creamy, adding more almond milk if needed.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Approximately 1-2 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Honey-Lime Sweet Potato Tacos

These tacos are so simple and so delicious.  Plus, the aromas that will fill your kitchen truly can't get better than this.  My daughter even rushed into the kitchen and said, "mmm, it smells good mom."

These tacos are most definitely a winner in my book.

(And my husband, who's not a lover of sweet potatoes, even thinks these are amazing)!

INGREDIENTS:

- 4 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)

- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1 (15) oz BPA-free canned black beans, rinsed and drained

- 1 cup frozen organic corn, thawed

- 3 tablespoons raw honey

- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

- organic corn tortillas, or gluten-free tortillas (such as these, these or these)

Optional toppings: purple cabbage, feta cheese, fresh squeezed lime, avocados, salsa, or hot sauce

(I like mine with just purple cabbage, and a good helping of feta cheese and a fresh squeeze of lime).

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place diced sweet potatoes on top.  Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil.

2. Put cumin, paprika, coriander and cayenne pepper into a small bowl and stir to combine.  Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with the spices, and toss to evenly coat.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender (tossing once halfway through baking).  Remove from oven and set aside.

4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add onion and saute until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes).  Add garlic during the last 30 seconds of sauteing.

5.  Reduce heat to medium low and add in the black beans, corn, honey and lime juice.  Heat until warmed through.

6. Add in the sweet potatoes and cilantro, and gently stir to combine.  Serve over your favorite gluten-free tortillas with desired toppings, and enjoy!

Approximately 4-5 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Macadamia Waffles

I made these waffles awhile back, but there was just no time to stop to take a photo.  I snarfed them up way too fast.  I knew that I had to bring them back for a special Valentine's breakfast, and they were once again a big hit.  The macadamia nuts add a high protein and scrumptious twist to this breakfast classic.  Yum!

INGREDIENTS:

- 6 eggs (preferably from pastured hens)

- 2 cups raw macadamia nuts

- 1 cup coconut milk (I use this kind)

- 6 tablespoons Grade-B maple syrup, or raw honey

- 6 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil, melted

- 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons coconut flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat waffle iron to medium setting.

2. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender, (placing liquids on bottom for easier blending).

3. Blend for about 1 minute, or until completely smooth.

4.  Spoon the batter into a greased waffle iron, spreading evenly over the mold, and allow to cook.  (They cook up fast).

5. Serve warm with good quality butter and Grade-B maple syrup.

Enjoy!

Serves approximately 3-6 people (depending on how hardy your appetite is)

(Adapted recipe from here)

Blueberry Coconut Milk Smoothie

  

Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center have ranked blueberries #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables.  Additionally, blueberries contain vitamins A and C, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium, and are high in fiber and low in calories. 

Bananas provide your body with potassium, vitamins A, C and B6, fiber, flavonoids and antioxidants.  (You just want to eat them in moderation because they contain fructose, which is harmful to your health when consumed in excessive amounts).

Pair these two beautiful fruits with coconut milk, full of healthy fats and lauric acid (which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal), and enjoy yourself a creamy, immune-boosting smoothie!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 cup frozen organic blueberries

- 1 BPA-free can full-fat coconut milk (I use this kind)

- 2 ripe bananas

- 10 ice cubes

- optional: dash of Himalayan Pink Salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.  (If you'd like it a bit thicker, start with half of the can of coconut milk, and add more to desired consistency.)

2.  Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Approximately 2 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Carrot Soup

This delicious soup is perfectly sweet, gently spicy from the ginger, and rich from the coconut milk.  This will most definitely warm you up on a chilly day.

(Also, you might be tempted to peel your carrots before adding to the soup, but it's really not necessary.  You'll never know once the soup is pureed, and plus the skins are full of rich enzymes and healthy micro-nutrients).

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil

- 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped

- 5 large carrots (about 1 pound), un-peeled and chopped in 1/2 inch rounds

- 1 green apple, roughly chopped

- 1/2 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about half of 1 large orange)

- 1 BPA-free can full-fat coconut milk (I use this kind)

- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or this kind)

- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (more or less to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and saute onion, carrot and apple until the carrots are just fork tender (about 10 minutes).

2. Add ginger to saucepan and stir.

3. Add orange juice, coconut milk, broth and salt to saucepan, and turn up heat to a gentle boil.

4.  Once it reaches a boil, turn down heat to a simmer and cook until carrots are very tender.

5.  Carefully transfer soup into a high-speed blender, and blend until very smooth.

5.  Enjoy!

Approximately 4 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Easy Vegetable Curry

I'm a sucker for curries.  Just love 'em I do.  This one is extra amazing because it's packed full of vegetables and anti-inflammatory spices.  And the best part, it's a throw-it-all-in-one-pot meal that can be ready for your family in 20 minutes!  And if you're lucky like me, your toddler will say, "mmm, this is good," while gobbling it up.

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil

- 4 to 5 cups fresh or frozen vegetables, cut or julienned into bite sized pieces (I use broccoli, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms and snow peas)

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 5 teaspoons fish sauce

- 5 kaffir lime leaves

- 3 teaspoons coconut aminos

- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 3/4 teaspoon coriander

- 3 dashes of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon mild curry powder

- 1 to 3 dashes of cayenne (3 makes it fairly spicy, so leave out or add less if you want it extra mild)

- 1 BPA-free can full-fat coconut milk

- optional: rice for serving curry over (I use this kind)
- optional: sea salt for sprinkling over top of servings

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the vegetables, garlic, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves, coconut aminos ginger and spices.  Saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the coconut milk and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. Remove kaffir leaves from curry and discard, then serve as is, or pour over steamed rice.

Enjoy!

Approximately 4 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Cherry Chocolate Pudding

I've been craving chocolate lately, and I'm pretty sure it's the pregnancy talking.  This decadent pudding gives me my chocolate fix, but in a healthy way of course.  The avocado provides the creamy texture and healthy fats, while the cherries add loads of antioxidants and a yummy tartness.  Now you can enjoy a rich chocolaty dessert, without any negative consequences.  Awesome!

(I do think you have to be the kind of person that enjoys cherry chocolates, or this might not be the right pudding recipe for you.  But please, try it out, and let me know what you think!)

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 ripe avocado

- 3/4 cup frozen organic cherries

- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder, or unsweetened cocoa powder

- 3 tablespoons almond milk

- splash of pure vanilla extract

- splash of pure almond extract

- 1 to 2 tablespoons Grade-B maple syrup (taste test to desired sweetness)

- pinch of sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender, and blend until smooth and creamy, while occasionally scraping down the sides.

2. Serve immediately, or store covered in the refrigerator to enjoy later (if you can wait that long).

Enjoy!

Approximately 2 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Black Bean, Corn and Avocado Salsa

Oh how I love a good salsa...and this one is oh-so tasty, and ever-so easy to whip-up.  

So why don't you go make this fresh and colorful salsa at your next gathering, and enjoy the flood of compliments.  Enough said.

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 (15 ounce) BPA-free canned black beans, rinsed and drained

- 1 (15.25 ounce) can organic whole kernel corn, drained

- 4 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped

- 1 small red bell pepper, diced

- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (this is a very mild salsa, and so add another jalapeno if you'd like a kick)

- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

- 1/4 cup diced red onion

- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (adding more to taste)

- 1 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adding more to taste)

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (adding more to taste)

- 3 ripe avocados, diced

DIRECTIONS:

1. Gently mix all ingredients, except for the avocados in a medium bowl.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours before servings.  Before serving, gently stir in avocados (optional: coat avocados with fresh lime juice before adding to preserve freshness).

2. Taste test, and add anymore lime juice, salt or pepper if needed.  Serve with organic tortilla chips, or on top of any Mexican food.

Enjoy!

Serves approximately 10 people.

(Adapted recipe from here)

Healthy Hot Chocolate

My daughter loves, I mean LOVES hot chocolate, but I prefer her to enjoy it without having unnecessary ingredients and loads of sugar.  This version uses only pure and nourishing ingredients, and still satisfies that hot chocolate craving.

(Note: If you have access to raw cream, whip it up, adding a little raw honey and vanilla to taste, and add a dollop to your hot chocolate.  This makes it even that much more delicious, and that much more nutritious.)

INGREDIENTS:

- 4 tablespoons raw cacao powder

- 2 tablespoons raw honey (or more if you like it sweeter)

- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

- 3 cups raw whole milk (substitute full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add milk to a medium-sized saucepan and heat over low heat for about 7 minutes or until desired temperature.

2. In a small bowl, combine cacao powder, honey and vanilla.  Stir until it makes a paste.

3. Add cacao mixture to the warm milk, and stir until mixture has completely dissolved.  (Taste, and add more sweetener at this point if desired).

4. Serve immediately as is, or top with raw whipped cream.

Approximately 3 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Steak with Green Beans and Mustard Sauce

I had a craving for steak the other day, and so this super quick and simple recipe was just what I needed to whip up for my little family.  I was slightly worried though, because my husband is not a big fan of mustard or shallots, but to my pleasant surprise, I got two big thumbs up (and from my toddler too)!

It's a really nice change from your plain 'ol steak and sugar-packed steak sauces.  Hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 1/2 pounds grass-fed organic sirloin steak (or ribeye if desired)

- sea salt

- freshly ground black pepper

- 1 pound green beans, washed and trimmed

- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

- 2 medium shallots, chopped

- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.  Season steak generously with sea salt and pepper.  Let sit for at least 5 minutes, and then grill to desired doneness.  (If you don't own a grill, just broil steaks for a couple minutes on each side, or until desired doneness).  Let steak rest for 5 minutes (very important), then slice thin, on the bias (against the grain).  

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Place green beans in boiling water (with a sprinkling of salt) and cook for 3 minutes, until bright green but still a bit crunchy.  Drain.

3. Place olive oil, mustard, red wine vinegar, shallots and sea salt in a blender and blend until smooth.  

4. Place steak and green beans on a large platter and pour sauce over top (or serve on the side).  Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Approximately 3-4 servings

(Adapted recipe from here)

Healthy Queso Dip

My husband loves queso dip, but I'm not too willing to buy the generic brands for him because of the horrific ingredient content.  So I made it my mission to find a healthy queso dip recipe that'd still make my husband's taste buds tickle.

To our surprise, this dairy-free dip is not only delicious and full of B-vitamins, but it tastes so-oo similar to the popular brands out there, but without any of the processed garbage. 

So why not serve this at your next party, and smile while you nourish your guests without them even knowing it!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in filtered water for 4 hours (no longer), and drain.

- 1/4 cup filtered water

- 1 teaspoon sea salt

- juice of half a lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric

- 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (I use this kind)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the first six ingredients, plus just the liquid from the can of diced tomatoes (about 1/4 cup of liquid).

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and add in the can of diced tomatoes (start with half the can, and add more if you like it extra 'tomatoey').

4. Store covered in fridge until ready to serve.  Just before serving, warm up in a small saucepan to make it more authentic tasting.

5. Serve with organic tortilla chips and/or fresh sliced veggies.

Enjoy!

Makes about 2 1/2 cups

(Adapted recipe from here)