Monday, September 30, 2024

Peppermint Bark Donuts



These Peppermint Bark Donuts are a perfect treat for the holidays. They combine the rich flavors of chocolate, peppermint, and white chocolate to create a delightful and festive dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and grease a donut pan

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

In another bowl, beat the eggs and add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract

Mix well

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined

Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and semisweet chocolate chips

Fill each donut cavity in the pan about 2/3 full with the batter

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth

Dip each donut into the white chocolate mixture, allowing excess to drip off

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each donut while the white chocolate is still wet

Let the white chocolate set before serving

Enjoy your festive Peppermint Bark Donuts!


Friday, September 27, 2024

Grain-Free Fudgy Chocolate Cookies



Enjoy these rich, fudgy chocolate cookies that don't have any grains in them. Coconut sugar and maple syrup are used to make them sweet. They are made with almond flour and cocoa powder. Almond butter is the secret ingredient. It gives the cookies more flavor and keeps them moist and chewy. Great for people who want to eat something without gluten!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup creamy almond butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F 175C

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt

Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients

Mix until well combined

Fold in dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, if using

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie

Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Enjoy these delicious, fudgy chocolate cookies!


Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Korean-Style Chicken Wings



The umami flavor of soy sauce, the heat of gochujang, and the sweetness of honey all come together in these Korean-style chicken wings to make them taste great. Great as a snack or part of a tasty meal on game day!

Ingredients:

  • 1
  • 5 lbs chicken wings
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400F 200C

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to make the marinade

Add chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated

Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results

Place marinated chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are cooked through and crispy

Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds

Serve hot and enjoy!


Sunday, September 22, 2024

Layered Christmas Smoothies



Not only do these layered Christmas smoothies look nice, but they are also a healthy way to start the day during the holidays. With layers of red, green, and white, they look like the holiday spirit and will make both kids and adults happy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey optional
  • Red and green sprinkles for garnish optional

Instructions:

In a blender, combine frozen strawberries, Greek yogurt, banana, spinach leaves, and almond milk

Blend until smooth

Pour the strawberry layer into a glass, filling it about 1/3 of the way

Rinse the blender, then add frozen blueberries and unsweetened cranberry juice

Blend until smooth

Slowly pour the blueberry layer on top of the strawberry layer in the glass

Rinse the blender again and add frozen mango chunks, vanilla yogurt, and honey if desired

Blend until smooth

Carefully pour the mango layer on top of the blueberry layer in the glass

If you'd like, garnish with red and green sprinkles to give it a festive touch

Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and colorful Christmas treat!


Friday, September 20, 2024

Maple Bourbon Glazed Apple Bacon Fritters



These Maple Bourbon Glazed Apple Bacon Fritters are a delightful combination of sweet and savory. The crispy fritters are packed with diced apples and crispy bacon, then drizzled with a luscious maple bourbon glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast treat or a delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups diced apples peeled and cored
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg

In another bowl, combine the milk, bourbon, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract

Mix well

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined

Do not overmix

Fold in the diced apples and crumbled bacon into the batter

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350F 175C

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, using a slotted spoon or scoop

Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, turning as needed for even cooking

Remove the fritters using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil

For the glaze, mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon bourbon until smooth

Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters

Serve the Maple Bourbon Glazed Apple Bacon Fritters while they are still warm and enjoy!


Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Fluffy Pancakes



For a tasty breakfast treat, try these fluffy pancakes. They're simple to make and great for a morning with family or friends on the weekend.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined

Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay

Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray

Pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake

Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on both sides

Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream


Friday, September 13, 2024

Grown Up PB + J Cookies



Grown Up PB + J Cookies are a refined take on the classic peanut butter and jelly combination. The nutty, sweet, and slightly salty flavors complement the fruity strawberry jam and dark chocolate perfectly. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt elevates these cookies to new heights.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup strawberry jam
  • 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth

Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined

Fold in the chopped peanuts and chopped dark chocolate

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie

Fill each indentation with a small amount of strawberry jam

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden

Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the tops

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely


Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes



These vegan vanilla cupcakes are not only tasty, but they also don't have any oil or gluten, so they're a better choice when you want something sweet. They are light, fluffy, and full of vanilla flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners

In a small bowl, mix together almond milk and apple cider vinegar

Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle

In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt

Add vanilla extract and unsweetened applesauce to the almond milk mixture

Mix well

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined

Do not overmix

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely


Monday, September 9, 2024

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites



These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites are a delightful low carb and keto-friendly dessert option. With a nutty almond flour crust and a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, they are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without derailing your diet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 large egg

Instructions:

Turn on the oven and heat it up to 325F 160C

Melted butter, 2 tablespoons of powdered erythritol, and almond flour should all be mixed together in a bowl

Mix until it falls apart

Spread the dough out in the bottom of a square baking pan lined with parchment paper to make the crust

Once it's done, take it out of the oven and let it cool

Beat cream cheese until it's smooth in a different bowl

Blend in an egg, 1/4 cup of powdered erythritol, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree

Mix everything together well

Put the pumpkin cheesecake mix on top of the crust that has been left to cool

Use a spatula to make the top smooth

Put the cheesecake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it's set but still has a little give in the middle

Take it out of the oven and let it cool all the way down

For at least two hours or until firm, put it in the fridge

Once it's cool, cut it into squares that are easy to eat

Serve and have fun!


Saturday, September 7, 2024

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad



This Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The earthiness of the Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, it's a delicious and healthy choice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup delicious pecans, toasted
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese if desired, and red onion

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly

Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together

Serve the Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad as a delightful side dish or a light main course

Enjoy!


Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Paleo Chocolate Biscuits



Savor these guilt-free, low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, and flourless paleo chocolate biscuits. Ideal for giving in to your chocolate cravings without sacrificing your nutritional values.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Turn the oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 175 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Almond flour, baking soda, chocolate powder, and salt should all be combined in a mixing bowl

Mix the dry ingredients with the melted coconut oil, sugar-free maple syrup, and vanilla extract

Blend until thoroughly blended

Add sugar-free dark chocolate chips to the dough and fold them in

Take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and put them on the baking sheet that has been preheated

Using a fork or your fingers, slightly flatten each ball of dough

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the biscuits are set and the edges are crisp, in a preheated oven

Take them out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling

Enjoy your delicious paleo chocolate biscuits after they've cooled!


Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Curried Quinoa Salad Nutrition Stripped



Curried Quinoa Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that has a lot of different colored vegetables and the spicy flavors of curry. This salad is a great choice for a healthy meal or side dish because it is full of protein, fiber, and important nutrients. Quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful curry dressing come together to make a delicious dish that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized all day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup roasted cashews
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed

Remove the cooked quinoa from heat, fluff it with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, roasted cashews, and raisins

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to create the dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl and toss everything together until well coated

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld

Serve the Curried Quinoa Salad chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired

Enjoy!


Sunday, September 1, 2024

Raw Egg Nog Smoothie



Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of egg nog without the eggs or gluten. This vegan and gluten-free raw egg nog smoothie is a delightful and healthier alternative to the traditional holiday beverage.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup almond milk or any preferred plant-based milk
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Medjool dates for sweetness, optional
  • A pinch of salt
  • Ice cubes optional

Instructions:

Put everything into a blender

Mix until it's creamy and smooth

If you need to, taste it and change how sweet or spicy it is

You can add ice cubes and blend again if you want it to be cold and smooth

Put it in a glass, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top, and serve right away


Black Eyed Pea Quinoa Salad

Black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese are added to a tasty and healthy ...