Avo Cream Dream

Avo Cream Dream
Serves 2

For recipe, go HERE

Smoked Oyster Pâté

I adore "ersters." They provide a healthy dose of protein (16 grams per 6-oz serving), and are loaded with vitamins C and B-12, plus essential minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron. This creamy spread is an easy and super healthy app, a real treat for any oyster lover like myself :)

Smoked Oyster Pâté
Yield: About 1 ½ cups

For recipe, go HERE 

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade

I adore olives and this tasty tapenade is loaded with flavor and feels fancy. Grab a box of Mary's Gone Crackers and dig in ;)

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade 
Yield: Makes about 2-1/2 cups

For recipe: go HERE

Quick Italian Meatballs

I love meatballs, but often they contain breadcrumbs which means I avoid them and that's a bummer. SO I make my own and these are a snap to throw together and quite tasty. Also, they're great on salads, mixed with veggies and squash, or on sweet taters :)

Quick Italian Meatballs

For recipe: go HERE

Keto Spiced Butter Pecans

I love pecans, which are a great source of manganese, copper, and other essential vitamins and minerals. A handful of these rich and flavorful roasted pecans is a perfect holiday fat bomb! Delicious as-is, or make a tasty topper for healthy pie, squash soup, sugar-free ice cream, or my n’oatmeal, or chia pudding recipes (search on blog). Enjoy! 

Keto Spiced Butter Pecans

For recipe, go HERE

Cinnamon Spice “N’Oatmeal”

I used to eat oatmeal almost daily for bfast for years, till I learned it can spike blood sugar and promote an inflammatory response. But I was jonesin’ for a tasty warm bowl of breakfasty goodness, so I came up with this tasty recipe using spaghetti squash instead of oats as a filling grain-free alternative. Different vibe but I dug it, let me know what you think :)

Cinnamon Spice “N’Oatmeal”
Serves 4

For recipe, go HERE

Herbed Crustless Quiche (“Squiche”)

Need a healthy and tasty meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? I got you. Quiche is delicious morning, noon or night, and this grain-free healing and hearty dish always satisfies. I like to serve with a side of sweet potato home fries for bfast or brunch, and a mixed greens veggie salad for lunch or din. Enjoy!

Herbed Crustless Quiche (“Squiche”)
Serves 4-6

For recipe, go HERE

Spaghetti Squash Casserole (“Squasherole”)

I adore spaghetti squash, and this casserole is an easy and delicious one dish meal, loaded with clean protein, good fat and healthy carbs. I even like it better the next day, once it’s “set up," served cold! Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh ones make this dish super special. 



Spaghetti Squash Casserole (“Squasherole”)
Serves 4

For recipe, go HERE

Squash Cakes

I've been loving spaghetti squash lately since I've been following a lower-carb personalized gut healing protocol from Viome (viome.com/tcd), and these squash cakes are tasty little bites of fried goodness. They can be a little messy, so make sure your skillet is well-oil/buttered. Enjoy!
Squash Cakes


For recipe, go HERE

Keto Rainbow Cupcakes

I had the idea for these rainbow colored treats for a while, and the dream finally manifest into these tasty little cakes. I was pretty loose with the frosting ingredient amounts, so feel free to play around with the recipe and let me know what works for you. Enjoy! :)

Keto Rainbow Cupcakes
Makes about 12 cupcakes

For cupcakes:
¾ cup coconut flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
9 large eggs
½ cup salted butter, melted
½ cup xylitol (non-GMO)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt

For frosting:
½ cup salted butter
¼ cup xylitol (or more to sweeten)
½ cup coconut oil
½ tsp sea salt
1 tbs vanilla extract
Coconut flour to thicken as needed

Rainbow food colorings:
For green: add 30 Energybits spirulina algae tablets smashed into powder with a mortar and pestle
For yellow: add 1-2 tsps of turmeric powder
For pink: add 1-2 tbs of beet root powder

1. Combine coconut flour and baking soda in high speed blender
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into 12 non-bleached cupcake liners in trays
4. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes
5. Remove from oven and frost.
6. Enjoy!

Gut Healing Tropical Green Smoothie

I love tropical flavors, and this tasty green drank hits all the high notes, with gut healing ingredients to boot. What's not to like?

Gut Healing Tropical Green Smoothie
Serves 2

1-2 cups kale
1-2 cups spinach
1-2 tbs grass-fed collagen powder
1 cup sliced pineapple
1 tsp. grated ginger
1 tsp Stevita stevia or raw honey
2 cups coconut milk (or coconut water or filtered water or a combination)
1 tbs lemon juice
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp L-glutamine powder

1. Blend all ingredients until combined.
2. Enjoy!

Creamy Cauli Alfredo Sauce with Chicken and Veggie Noodles

Creamy, rich and guilt-free alfredo sauce? Sign me up! This recipe is a great way to get a ton of veggie into your day in the most delicious way :)

Creamy Cauli Alfredo Sauce with Chicken 
and Veggie Noodles
(makes about 2 quarts)

For recipe, go HERE

Cauliflower Shrimp and Veggie Sushi

Sushi is a fun and interactive cooking experience. Back in my macro days, I ate rice like it was going out of style. Today, I eat much less grain, and cauli rice is a nice substitution. These can get messy, so make sure the "rice" is not too wet before attempting to roll! Bamboo mat needed :)

Cauliflower Shrimp and Veggie Sushi

For recipe, go HERE

Herbed Cauliflower Biscuits

Who doesn't love a good biscuit? Back in the day, I used to HOUSE a basket of cheddar bay biscuits at Red Lobster...true story. Since I've wise'd up, these simple grain-free and keto-friendly treats do the trick. Slather with grass-fed butter to upgrade ;)


Herbed Cauliflower Biscuits
Makes about 16 muffins



For recipe, go HERE

Cauliflower Berry Blast Smoothie

I've been looking for ways to incorporate more veggies into my diet, and this tasty smoothie is a sneaky way to up your fiber intake. You'll never taste the cauli, and the coconut yogurt adds a creamy, probiotic boost. Cheers!

Cauliflower Berry Blast Smoothie
Serves 2

For recipe, go HERE

Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad

I love smoked salmon AND Caesar salad, so I combined the two to create this super simple and keto/paleo/AIP friendly salad. I scored the sockeye salmon (sugar free!) at Trader Joe's for the win :)

Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad

Serves 2

For recipe, go HERE

Nutty Kale Salad

We all know that kale is a nutritional rockstar, and this salad offers a tasty and vegan-friendly way to get it in: cover kale with this creamy, zesty, healthy fat loaded homemade dressing. Great with or without the pastured, hard-boiled eggs.

Nutty Kale Salad
Serves 4-6

For recipe, go HERE

Creamy Vanilla Grapefruit Pops

It has been a HOT summer in the 'burgh, and thus my freezer is always offering up a tasty frozen treat. My friend randomly gave me a grapefruit, and these creamy, dreamy pops were borne one steamy summer eve...

Creamy Vanilla Grapefruit Pops
1 can full-fat coconut milk
1 whole grapefruit, peel removed
1 lemon, juiced
1-2 tsp stevia powder or raw honey to taste
1-2 tbs collagen powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs MCT oil
1 tsp beet root powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tbs d-ribose (optional)

1. Blend all ingredients at high speed till incorporated.
2. Pour into popscicle molds.
3. Freeze for 2 hours.
4. Enjoy!

Crunchy Sardine Salad

I LOVE canned wild sardines, the perfect convenience superfood. I often take a few cans along during trips as a back-up clean protein source. This tasty salad makes a great meal, even breakfast!

Crunchy Sardine Salad
Serves 4-6

For recipe, go HERE

Melon Mint Salad

The perfect salty and sweet summer fruit salad! Beautiful and delicious. Make sure melons are extra ripe for best results :)

Melon Mint Salad
Serves 4-6

For recipe, go HERE

Chia Matcha Delight

I LOVE matcha, which is green tea powder loaded with anti-oxidants and just the right amount of caffeine to start the day. I allow this one to set-up in the fridge for a little while to allow the chia seeds to “gel” before consuming.

Chia Matcha Delight

For recipe, go HERE

Lettuce Detox Smoothie

Locked and LOADED green smoothie, vegan friendly :)

Lettuce Detox Smoothie

For recipe, go HERE

Cocoa Collagen Bars

Dessert-like snack or mini-meal loaded with healthy fat and protein. Boom!

Cocoa Collagen Bars
makes about 6 small bars

½ cup Nutiva coconut butter, soften
1/3 cup Great Lakes Grassfed collagen protein
2 tbs Designs for Health xylitol (or 1 Tbs. raw honey)
1 Tbs. raw Skinny coconut oil
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder (or carob powder)
¼ tsp sea salt

1. Line a plate or baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.
2. Place all ingredients in bowl and combine thoroughly with a spoon. May take a few minutes!
3. Roll mixture into a “dough ball” and place on parchment paper.
4. Mold mixture into a square and slice into bars.
5. Place in fridge to firm (or freezer for faster firming).
6. Enjoy! Keep bars stored in fridge.

Keto Green Smoothie

I view fruit as more of a treat, and I'm digging this tasty new fruit-free, keto and vegan friendly green smoothie!

Keto Green Smoothie

For recipe, go HERE

Banana Beauty Pops

I love me some tasty popsicles. These pops have a pretty yellow hue from the turmeric and contain healthy fats, clean protein, and beauty boosting ingredients. I purchased my BPA-free popsicle mold on Amazon. Enjoy! xo

Banana Beauty Pops
(makes 6 popsicles)

1-2 frozen bananas
1 can full-fat coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp stevia or 1 tbs xylitol or raw honey
2 tbs grass-fed collagen powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp sea salt

1. Blend all ingredients until well combined. Adjust flavor if desired.
2. Pour mixture into popsicle molds.
3. Freeze pops for at least 2 hours.
4. Enjoy!

Chocolate Raspberry Pudding

Simple treat perfect for a sweets craving--cocoa and raspberries are always a nice duo :)

Chocolate Raspberry Pudding

1 can full-fat coconut milk
1 12-oz bag frozen raspberries
1/2 c organic cocoa powder
3-4 tbs grass-fed gelatin powder (Great Lakes brand)
1/4 c xylitol (Designs for Health)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt
Garnish: raw cacao nibs or fresh raspberries

1. Put all ingredients in high-speed blender and combine until smooth. May need to tamper.
2. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set up.
3. Enjoy!

Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars with Blueberry Sauce

My mom requested "something lemony and creamy" for her birthday dessert, and this recipe was borne. Very satisfying, but not over the top rich or sweet. Keep it simple and make the filling minus the crust to serve in ramekins with fresh berries as a simple treat. 

Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars with Blueberry Sauce
(Makes 24 small bars)

Crust:
2 Large eggs
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ cup xylitol
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Cheesecake filling:
3 packages full-fat organic cream cheese
3 large eggs
½ cup xylitol
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8-10 drops doTerra lemon essential oil
Garnish: organic lemon zest

Blueberry topping (optional):
One 10oz bag frozen blueberries
2 tbs xylitol
2 tbs arrowroot

For crust:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Mix all crust ingredients together. Add more coconut oil or butter if too dry.
3. Evenly distribute crust mixture in 9” x 13” pan.
4. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes at 325 degrees.

For cheesecake, topping and assembly:
1. While crust is baking, place all filling ingredients in large mixing bowl and combine with hand mixer until fully incorporated.
2. Once crust is lightly browned, remove from oven (leave oven on).
3. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over crust.
4. Garnish with lemon zest.
5. Bake cheesecake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
6. Make topping: put blueberries, xylitol and arrowroot in saucepan and heat over medium, stir intermittently till warm and gooey.
7. Once done, allow to cool and then set in fridge for 1-2 hours or until firm.
8. Slice into bars. Top with blueberry sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
9. Enjoy!

Variation without crust:
Make filling and pour into ramekins.
Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
Top with blueberry sauce and enjoy.

Keto Cocoa Cookies

Pittsburgh weddings often have a "cookie table" to pay homage to Eastern European tradition. My keto-loving friends recently wed, and I made a batch of these simple low-carb treats to celebrate :)

Keto Cocoa Cookies 

Cookies:
1 ¼ cup almond butter
2 large eggs
2/3 cup cocoa powder
2-3 tsps stevia
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup raw cacao nibs (optional)

Frosting:
½ cup almond butter
¼ cup coconut cream
2 tsps stevia

1. Blend all ingredients in blender until thick paste forms.
2. Scoop out paste and hand roll into balls.
3. Place balls on baking sheet and flatten with fork, criss cross style.
4. Bake at 300 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
5. While cookies bake, make frosting: combine all ingredients in bowl and mix with hang mixer until combined.
6. Once cookies have baked and cooled, garnish with frosting. Add a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
7. Enjoy!

Green Zinger smoothie

I love the zing of the ginger in this smoothie, loaded with protein and good fat, a meal in a jar!

Green Zinger Smoothie

1 cup coconut water
1 cup filtered water
1 6oz bag organic spinach
2 tbs MCT oil
1/2 cup frozen raspberries (or 1/2 banana)
1/4 cup chia seeds
2" piece fresh ginger
1-2 tsps stevia
2 tbs collagen
1/2 tsp sea salt

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash Boats

I love the versatility of spaghetti squash, a low starch veggie with satisfying texture. What's not to like? These squash boats are simple to make, fun to eat, and pretty enough to serve for a dinner party. The recipe is easily modified, feel free to load up the boats with your fave veggies or other healthy proteins.

Spaghetti Squash Boats
Serves 8

Ingredients:
4 medium spaghetti squash
1 lb grass-fed ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1-2 cups organic marinara sauce (no sugar), depending on preference for amount of liquid
2 cups cabbage, shredded
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil (for sauteing)
Optional toppings: feta cheese or roasted cauliflower crumbles,  fresh basil

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut squash in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds. Place cut side down in a baking dish with 1/2" of filtered water. Bake, uncovered for 35- 40 minutes or until tender.
3. While squash is baking, saute minced garlic and onion in olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or pan until fragrant.
4. Add remaining filling ingredients to skillet and cook until meat is no longer pink.
5. Remove cooked squash from oven. When cool enough to handle, scoop out squash, separating strands with a fork.
6. Fill shells with cooked beef mixture.
7. Garnish and enjoy!

Why I went gluten-free...

My Interview on Gluten-Freeway

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by my dear fellow-health nut and gluten-free baker extraordinaire friend Lauren Marts on her YouTube show Gluten-Freeway (interviews take place whilst driving). We delved into GMO dangers, healing the gut, our most missed gluten containing foods and more. Tons o' fun! Lauren is the best.

Check out our interview and Ms. Marts's amazing gluten-free goodies on her site Baked True North.

Direct interview link for viewing: YouTube

Enjoy! XO.

Probiotic Ginger Fizz

Start the day right with my ginger fizz, full of anti-inflammatory and probiotic ingredients to support gut health and healing 💪🏻 Cheers!

Probiotic Ginger Fizz

3 cups filtered water (or brewed tea for more flavor)
1 two inch piece of fresh ginger
3 tbs raw ACV (Bragg's brand)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1-2 tbs MCT oil
1 tsp Stevita stevia
pinch of sea salt
3 tbs grass-fed collagen (optional)
1/2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon (optional)

1. Blend all ingredients, adjust for taste as needed and enjoy!

Simple avocado dressing

Avocados are one of my favorite nutrient dense superfoods, loaded with vitamin K, potassium, fiber and monosaturated fat.  I like to slice them on salads, mash for guacamole, add to smoothies for extra bulk and good fat and eat plain with evoo and sea salt. This creamy dressing is rich and satisfying, a great topper for veggies or seafood. Cut the water amount and it's a yummy avo dip! 


Simple avocado dressing

1 avocado, pitted and skin removed
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp sea salt
¾ cup filtered water

1. Put all ingredients in blender and mix thoroughly until smooth.
2. Thin with water if desired.
3. Enjoy over salad, veggies, or protein (keeps in jar in refrigerator for about 3 days).

Superfood Smoothie Video

My Epic Superfood Smoothie via Facebook Live :)

I loaded this baby up with coconut milk, avocado, spinach, maca powder, wild organic blueberries, moringa powder, grassfed collagen, bee pollen, cinnamon, sea salt, turmeric, chia seeds, cacao nibs, fiber powder, MCT oil....dang! Enjoy. XO

No Bake Almond Butter Cups

Super simple to make, these tasty treats are pretty enough for a dinner party dessert. Best eaten straight from the freezer :)

No Bake Almond Butter Cups
Makes 24 cups

Base:
2 ½ cups almond meal
4 tbs almond butter
3 tbs coconut oil or grass-fed butter, melted
2-3 tbs pure maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp sea salt

Chocolate topping:
3 tbs coconut oil or grass-fed butter, melted
3 tbs pure maple syrup
2 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp sea salt
Garnish ideas: slivered almonds, unsweetened coconut flakes, sea salt, dried berries

1. In a mixing bowl combine almond meal, almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. Line muffin tin with paper liners or coat with coconut oil. Roll dough into bite-size balls and press gently into muffin tins as base of the butter cups. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder and salt.
4. Spoon chocolate topping over each of the butter cups evenly.
5. Add garnish to cups.
6. Place the tin on a flat space in the freezer for 40 minutes or until firm.
7. Pop out of tin and enjoy! Note: best eaten straight from freezer.

Balsamic Citrus Salad

I recently served this sweet and sour salad with 
paleo eggs benedict: sweet potato "toast" topped with spiced pulled pork and poached eggs (and green chile hollandaise). Made a perfect pairing-a light and refreshing balance to the meal. Enjoy!

Balsamic Citrus Salad

1 grapefruit, segmented
2 blood oranges, segmented
½ cup fresh blueberries
1 handful fresh basil, chopped
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Balsamic vinegar for drizzling
Sea salt, to taste

1. Combine fruit and basil in bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, sprinkle salt to taste. Stir gently to coat.
3. Transfer to serving vessel.
4. Enjoy!