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!