Meatloaf - Keto & Low Carb Friendly

Temps are dropping here in Texas.. which means its time to break out the casserole dish! 

Who doesn't like meatloaf?! I confess... I didn't used to. The kind I tried growing up was too tart for my taste. My guess is because ketchup was used, I love ketchup but the store bought kind was too sweet (I since have taken to making my own ketchup ;)). I like my meat salty. 

Even when it comes to ham. I'm not for a honey baked ham, add veggies to it for me please! :) 

In any case, this meatloaf is my kind of meaty goodness made with spiced homemade ketchup, which for this recipe, we'll call red sauce. 

Using a 9 x 13 pan there wasn't much to speak of as far as leftovers go! Which is fine, to me that means everyone got fed and got enough. :) Though I'll admit sometimes I try making a huge batch of something hoping for leftovers later! ^-^ I like cooking/baking but sometimes I'd like to just grab something from the fridge and 5 minutes later have a warm meal in front of me. :)

Meatloaf

Serves 4 - 6
Pin it for later here.

What You'll Need:

Base of Meat Loaf:
2 lbs of ground beef
1 lb ground pork
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
1 Cup Diced White Onion
8 Cloves Minced Garlic
1/2 Cup Zucchini Diced or Shredded ( I dice it, every time )
3/4 Cup Red Sauce (see below)
1 Egg Beaten
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper

Red Sauce:
6 oz Tomato Paste
3 Tablespoons Vinegar
1/4 Teaspoon Dried Mustard
1/3 Cup Water
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Powder
1/2 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
Splash of Lemon Juice

To Grease Pan: Bacon Grease

What You'll Do: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1) Combine all ingredients (less the red sauce) in a bowl. Mix well.
2) In a separate smaller bowl, combine all ingredients for red sauce. After mixing the red sauce, take about 1/2 of it and add it to the meatloaf mixture.
3) Use the bacon grease to grease a 9 x 13 pan. Add The Meatloaf mix to the pan, smoothing top of it until mostly flat.
4) Top with remaining Red sauce.
5) Bake at 350 for 1 hr 30 minutes.

SIDE NOTE: Your meatloaf may "shrink". This is normal. 

The leaner your meat, the less it will shrink. Just FYI. :) 

Serve warm and enjoy!

Ground Pork & Green Bean Stew - Low Carb & Keto Friendly

I do the grocery shopping for my family, I make a list every week in an effort to only ever make one trip. And by one trip I mean to Costco, then to Walmart or HEB depending on what the need is. The trip doesn't take very long... about an hour and a half to two hours and I'm usually back home so long as I don't dilly dally. For the most part, this plan works. Since we've moved to Texas and there are still a few moving parts to juggle that aren't usually there once you've settled into a new place I'm not 100% on my game. Which brings me to this past Sunday. I had aspirations of trying a few recipes from my pinterest board, but in perusing my fridge and cupboard came up short in ingredients, not enough mozzarella cheese for one recipe, not enough . Which was kind of a buzz kill lol :). But once I took inventory of what I DID have, well... a problem turned into an opportunity! An opportunity to be creative and make something delicious! I have 3 other adults in my house besides me, so, when I say I hit a home run with this soup I only say that because everyone liked it, A LOT. So much so, that it was gone the same day I made it. Yup. True story. Enough chatting from me though - lets get to the good stuff shall we? 

Ground Pork & Green Bean Stew
Pin it for later here.

What You'll Need: 

1.5 lb Ground Pork Sausage 

SIDE NOTE: I used breakfast sausage, if you get regular pork, 

add 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes to your recipe

2 Cans Green Beans

6 Cups Chicken Broth

2 Tablespoons Bacon Grease

1/2 Tsp Minced Garlic

1 Tsp Pepper

1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 Tsp Ground Sage

1/4 Tsp Ground Mustard

1/4 Tsp Onion Powder

Optional:

- 1 Tablespoon Gelatin Powder ( I add this for the health benefits more than just the taste ;))

What You'll Do:

1) In a large pan, brown the pork.
2) While the pork is cooking, add all the other ingredients to your crock pot and set to high.
3) Once pork is browned, soon it into the crock pot.
4) Leave on high for 2 1/2 hours to let the flavors blend. You could simmer this on low all day as well and eat from it on a lazy weekend day. 

As soon as the soup is to the temperature you like it you can eat it, however the longer it sits the more the flavors have a chance to blend. This recipe would be perfect for a rainy day, or a cozy/lazy weekend. Once it's boiled at least once you can turn that puppy down to "keep warm" and let 'er simmer all day. This stew would also be a great substitute for when your family has come down with a cold. The chicken stock and the bit of pepper/garlic that's in it helps get your nose running! :D

If you are wondering what those *biscuits* are in the photos - they are none other than UplateAnyways' Almond Flour Cheddar Biscuits! Find recipe here.

 I hope you like the recipe and that it's as much of a hit with your family as it was with mine! Thank you for reading! Remember to share the health! ;)

Doctored Stock - For Cold/Flu Season or as an Everyday Drink!

I came down with a cold a few weeks ago. I'd say the best thing I did for myself during that time was grab a box of chicken stock from the grocery store. I heated it up in a cup and savored it like I would tea, but chicken stock has much more body to it and a cozy factor that can't be duplicated with tea or coffee...so once it was gone I was kind of bummed. Since then, I'm back to good health and grabbed a large box of chicken broths from Costco . Initially I was concerned that I wouldn't use them all by there expiration date, but that was a week ago now and I've already used 2 1/2 of the 12 cartons. I'd say I have nothing to worry about after all ;). Especially since drinking copious amounts of water in a day doesn't help me stay hydrated, so increasing my intake of sodium will help alleviate that - ergo, chicken stock replacing tea.

I love this stuff, I've doctored it up a bit to suit my dietary needs. If you need more fat, a bit more protein, more collagen and a reason to have veggieless soup (no veggieless is not a real word ;)) drink this! It's minimal prep time too! 

Doctored Stock

Pin it for later here.

What you Need:

1 cup Stock of Your Choice

1/2 Tablespoon Gelatin

1/2 Tablespoon Butter

Sea Salt to taste 

What you'll Do:

1) Heat stock in microwave for 45 seconds.

2) Remove stock from microwave and add gelatin slowly as it will want to clump, stir well. Add butter and salt if you're exercising this option, mix well. 

3) Put cup back in microwave for 15 - 20 seconds. 

4) Enjoy!

In case you wanted more reasons to add gelatin to anything...

According to Nourishing Traditions and the Weston A. Price foundation, there are various health benefits to Gelatin, including:

1. Can improve digestion since it naturally binds to water and helps food move more easily though the digestive track.

2. Good for joints and can decrease pain associated with arthritis.

3. Can help tighten loose skin. I get questions all the time on how to do this! CLICK Here for information on how to do it from Maria Emmerich of MindBodyHealth! 

4. Supports skin, hair and nail growth.

5. Great source of dietary collagen, therefore it helps reduce cellulite! 

6. Speeds wound healing: Gelatin is mainly composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for a healthy immune function and weight regulation! Glycine, which makes up about 1/3 of the amino acids in gelatin powder is anti-inflammatory and evidence is finding that it can help speed wound healing.

7. Helps with sleep: Glycine in gelatin can also help improve quality of sleep.

8. Balances hormones: We are living in a “Sea of Estrogen” (yes, even men!), which can be caused by consuming alcohol, excess carbohydrates, hormones in food, phytoestrogens in soy, xenoestrogens found in plastics, heating food in plastic, even soap is estrogenic. This hormonal imbalance causes aging, inflammation, and infertility. Gelatin has anti-estrogenic effects which can help offset the effects of excess estrogen in the body.

9. Weight Loss: It boosts Human Growth Hormone production and boost metabolism. The largest surge of Human Growth Hormone is 30-70 minutes after bed

*****

As with all advice or information I post though - I encourage you to do your own research too! Everyone is at a different place in their way of eating and you need to find what works for you. 

Easy Green Salad - Popeye approved! ;)

So you have a protein in your meal all planned out... be it a burger, a brat, bacon or chicken... but what to do for a side? Hmmm.... think, think, think!

*Mental Light Bulb On!*

If you have (at least!) these 3 ingredients on hand, you're going places!

Easy Green Salad

What you'll Need:
- Spinach
- Pickles
- Cucumbers
- Dressing of Choice

Optional to add:
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

What you Do:

1) Grab a handful or two of the nutritious green spinach and add that to your plate.
2) Rinse off that crunchy cucumber you got from the grocer and then cut at least 1/3 of that puppy up and add to the mountain of green spinach on your plate!
3) Find the jar of pickles in your fridge and chop up about 2 tiny ones (or 1/2 a large one) letting the pieces fall liberally on top of the spinach and cucumbers.
4) Add your dressing and enjoy that goodness!

See? Pretty easy right? ...and yummy! That's why I share it with you! ;) Enjoy!

NOTE: If you need a way to get more veggies in your picky eaters diet this should do the trick! I only say that because my husband is not a fan of veggies in the least but he'll eat this! 

Good luck! :)

Easy Cobb Salad

In Texas, I'm kind of slow to get to the kitchen to cook/bake these days, I don't want to add any heat to the inside of the house. Our grill did move here with us (yay! :D) but it's not set up to be easily accessed at the moment. You work with what you have sometimes. :) This recipe just kind of happened the other night, I followed a craving, what can I say? :) I didn't necessarily know this is what it would turn out to be, but I'm so glad it did! This is minimal cooking and you get a bunch of delicious goodness by way of the veggies here. Get it! Get it!

The flavor packs a punch! I don't always have time (or the desire ;)) to make hard boiled eggs or ham that would equate to ham cubes you usually see in a cobb salad. This recipe is a great compromise on items you might normally have for a cobb salad versus what you would see in one if you order it at a restaurant.

Easy Cobb Salad

Serves 1

What you Need:

2 Bacon Strips Cooked (Save your bacon grease! ;))
2 Eggs (Size of your choice!)
1/2 - 1 Cup Spinach
1 Roma Tomato Chopped
1 Small Avocado Chopped
1/2 Cucumber Chopped
1/4 Cup Shredded Cheese
Ranch Dressing

Optional:
3 Miniature Pickles (I love Polish Pickles!!! :))
Cholula Sauce
Salt & Pepper to your taste

What you Do:
I cooked the eggs and bacon at the same time on the stove top. The eggs I made over easy because if you like saucy stuff like I do the runny yolk adds to the dressing! Alternatively, you can cook these over hard and cut it into pieces or scramble them and add to the salad.

I suggest using a plate for this salad - I always tend to make a mess if I try to put mine in a bowl and mix it later.

Add all the veggies to your plate, top with the egg and bacon. Lastly add the ranch and if you want more of a pop in flavor cut up some pickles and add cholula sauce. I've also picked up a habit of salt and peppering all my salads. It enhances the flavor okay? ;)

Enjoy the awesome mix of veggies and protein! Man salads make me happy! ^-^ What's your favorite salad?

Chocolate Flaxseed Bread - Low Carb

Can I just say I love that cocoa is low carb? Per Tablespoon, this chocolate unsweetened powder has 3 g of carbs, and 2 grams of fiber = net carb per Tablespoon of 1. This recipe calls for 6 Tablespoons for the whole kitten caboodle.

And flaxseed meal!? Well, that powerhouse food is 49 grams of carbs and 46 grams of fiber = net carb of 3grams per cup! True story... :)

I find the experience of eating a slice of this bread versus a mini donut of it far more satisfying.
 I hope you like it too!

My husband has been giving me other ideas, to take this recipe to yet another level :). I think it's a recipe for Christmas but if I get antsy I'll get into it to perfect it before then hopefully. LOL Can you wait till Christmas to find out? Maybe I'll move the deadline up to Thanksgiving ;). Maybe...

Chocolate Flaxseed Bread
Pin it for later HERE.

1 cup flax seed meal
1/2 cup unflavored whey protein
1/4 cup Swerve (or 1/4 c Erythritol and 1 tsp stevia glycerite)
6 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Options: 
- Add 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
- Add 2 Tablespoons chopped dark chocolate

What You Do:

1) Mix all dry ingredients.

2) Melt butter in microwave.

3) Add almond milk and vanilla, stir till mixed. 

4) Add melted butter and lightly beaten eggs. Mix well.

5) Let sit for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

6) Spray bread pan liberally with coconut oil.

7) After you've let the batter sit for 10 minutes, pour into bread pan.

8) Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes. Once the top of your loaf if firm, it's done.  

Serve warm or cool. 

I've found after slicing the bread, putting butter or peanut butter on top makes them taste pretty awesome! As always, tailor to your diet needs. I do not add nutrition facts to my recipes because looking at the ingredients, etc. is always up to the consumer. :) 

Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Parmesan

I think you will like this recipe. Pretty sure it will be a go to recipe if you can get past handling chicken ;). This is a hands on recipe and being a crafter, anything hands on is fun for me!
Aside from being fun to make, these are really filling! 

Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Parmesan
Pin it for later here.

Because I was being super productive the other day, not only did I make a 9 x 13 pan of Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Parmesan BUT I made an additional 9 x 9 pan of these and set them in the freezer! I plan to pull them out some morning to let thaw and be cooked later!

Due to me functioning at high efficiency when I put this together, ;) you have options! It really all depends now on how many mouths you need to feed, or what size pan you have clean! :D

What You'll Need:

If you use a 9 x 9 casserole dish: 

Serves 4

4 - 6 Chicken Breasts
4 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
2 Large Eggs Beaten
1 Packet of Bacon

1) Beat the eggs and put them in a shallow dish.
2) On a plate, mix the spices and cheese until combined.
3) Cut each chicken breast diagonally so it resembles a tenderloin size.
4) Wrap the chicken diagonally with the bacon. Dip the bacon wrapped chicken in the beaten egg and then take the whole mess and roll it in the spice mix.
5) Place bacon wrapped chicken in pan and line them up side by side in two rows or however you can get them in the dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is done!

Or if you use a 9 x 13 casserole dish:

Serves 6

6 - 8 Chicken Breasts
6 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 Tablespoons Black Pepper
1 1/2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
3 or 4 Large Eggs Beaten
1 packet of Bacon

Follow the directions as listed above on bake 375 for 35 - 40 minutes or until chicken is done!

As I was working this recipe up, one of the eggs I used was not like the others! 

I grabbed my phone and snapped a pic because I hadn't seen one this pointed before and thought you might thing it was cool too! ^-^

Low Carb Sausage Pinwheels - These Will Rock Your Socks

This is it my friends! The search for an amazing low carb dough recipe is OVER! Elizabeth Nimphius the creator/writer/chef/mastermind ;) of Uplateanyway.com  foodie blog has hit a gold mine coming up with this recipe (and a BUNCH of others as well I'm sure - check out her blog here!!)!!

I found her through a recipe post on pinterest for some Low Carb blueberry muffins O.O (shocking! amiright?! But they hold so much promise!;)) I'm very excited to make them for my family because the texture Elizabeth was able to bring to life in these sausage rolls without the usual use of white flour is amazing. And I stress... Ah-maze-zing! Mkay!? Since I didn't have the ingredients on hand for the blueberry goodness, I went with the next best thing for breakfast ;). Rest assured I will be making the blueberry muffins and sharing about here. :D

*****

Something worth noting is that Elizabeth tends to use the most economical way to make things. 

For example, she will use cheese over almond flour when she can. 

I have a few foodie friends who will appreciate this because almond flour is pricey!

*****

When I made Elizabeth's Sausage Roll Recipe I managed to miss some important points of the recipe, namely the part about kneading and heating the dough a bit. That's right I *completely* neglected to do that part - but guess what?!?! It was still delicious and the crust was flaky and chewy and delicious! Oh, I already said that, you get the point right? :) This leads me to believe, that had I slowed down and read the recipe and followed it completely, I would have been in for quite a treat!! Of course I will soon find out as I am destined to make this again!!!!! And again!! ^-^

Get the full amazing recipe HERE. P.S. Did I mention these are gluten free as well? Yes.... yes they ARE.

Here are the delicious bites!

Pin it for later HERE.

You'll notice I used aluminium foil to line my pan - DO NOT do this! 

I did not have parchment paper :( so I did what I could with what I had. 

The rolls did not come off the foil without a fight, don't let this happen to you ;). 

Sometimes I call them sausage pinwheels, I've seen them called many different things on pinterest... 

call them whatever you want, but at least make them for your family already and make sure to let Elizabeth from Uplateanyway.com know how good they are so she will make more amazing things! ;).

Enjoy!!!

Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe - Great for Grilling!

Hello friends! I know I have been quiet for a bit now, my family and I moved halfway across the country from Virginia to Texas and are trying to get settled in! Many people ask, why we moved and to put it simply, we moved to live. :) In February we visited Texas for about a week and really feel in love with the views, the weather, the people, the pace and the quality of life out here. After we got back to Virginia we took steps to get a job lined up for my husband and get our house sold so we could trek out here! :) It's been quite an adventure I assure you! Initially when we got to Texas, we were living in an extended stay hotel for about two weeks while waiting for our rental house to be ready for us. During that time cooking was nonexistent. Now we are renting a home as we lot and floor plan shop to get started building a home! Late last week I unpacked the last few boxes of kitchen supplies and am happy to be cooking again! As my husband put it, my kitchen is like my office - I do a lot of my work there. :D Does this guy know me or what?! ;) Along with getting settled into our new place until we have ours built, I've discovered Costco O.O ...and have since gotten a membership! I scored some 40 frozen 1/4 lb hamburgers and we've been chowing on those. Most of the last week we ate hamburgers made on lean mean grilling machines (anyone remember those? They are awesome for indoor grilling! Just sayin ;)), which have been tasty but lacked creativity. I also had scored a 5 lb bag of chicken breasts from a Wal-mart not terribly long ago and today I decided it was time to change up our hamburger and side salad routine and toss some chicken in the mix!

This recipe is super simple, not much of a laundry list for ingredients but packs a punch (in your mouth!). Also, be forewarned, as you cook these bad boys, the pepper oils might get caught in your throat and cause you to cough (they did for both myself and my sister!). This is just a prelude to the deliciousness that you are about to experience once you get one of them to your plate and cut into a bite size piece for your mouths enjoyment! :)

This recipe would take the cake at any barbecue.. I can't wait to get these on the grill... but for now, I had them in a pan! Over medium high heat!! :D

Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe

Serves 5 - 8

If you're cooking, you'll want to oil the pan with this:
- 4 Tablespoons butter (or bacon grease!)

If you're grilling, omit the butter or bacon grease and put them straight on those grill grates!

For the seasonings... get to mixing these ingredients... in a bowl...

- 2 1/2 Tablespoons paprika
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 Tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 Tablespoon ground black pepper

Also, have this on hand:

8-10 medium sized chicken breasts, each 4 to 6 oz pieces

Place the dry mix on a plate and put each chicken breast into the mix, coating both sides.

Cook or grill each chicken breast for about 3 - 5 minutes each side, until the pink in the middle is gone.

While cooking, be sure to cover the chicken to help keep in the moisture. If the pan gets too hot and starts to blacken, add a bit of water, reduce the temperature and cover it. Before you know it, you'll have delicious chicken breasts!

If you have leftovers (though I can't imagine you would ;)) this chicken would be excellent cut up on top of a salad! But don't take my word for it! ;)

Also - if you are wondering what to side to serve, might I recommend sauteing onions? See pictures and more description here.

Chicken Breast recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Chocolate Flaxseed Mini Donuts - Low Carb Recipe

No really, you make this with the right ingredients and you're money. 

The cocoa and the flax seed and the whey and the butter.. you're set. It's all low carb. That's right :). 

 My father in law has Type II diabetes and  is staying with us now, so I'm trying to make some "regular" food for him and the family to have low carb options. The first week he's been with us he said his blood sugar has come down since staying with us... and he said he thinks it's because of these muffins. ;0)

 This recipe was adapted from MariaMindBody's recipe. 

Chocolate Flax Seed Mini Donuts

What You'll Need:

1 cup flax seed meal
1/2 cup unflavored whey protein
1/4 cup Swerve (or 1/4 c Erythritol and 1 tsp stevia glycerite)
6 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Options: 
- Add 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
- Add 2 Tablespoons chopped dark chocolate

What You Do:

1) Mix all dry ingredients.

2) Melt butter in microwave

3) Add almond milk and vanilla, stir till mixed. 

4) Add melted butter and lightly beaten eggs. Mix well

5) Let sit for 5 minutes. 

6) Spray each donut mold with coconut oil.

7) Spoon batter carefully into mini donut tin, bake 20 - 23 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Serve warm or cool. 

I've found topping these with peanut butter makes them taste pretty awesome! I also found unsalted butter is tasty as a topping as well. Just throwing those options out there. :) As always, tailor to your diet needs. I do not add nutrition facts to my recipes because looking at the ingredients, etc. is always up to the consumer. :) 

Peanut Chicken - Thai Style - Low Carb & Keto Friendly Recipe

Woo! :) I'm glad to be back sharing a few recipes with you! We've had some major house projects as of late, and then, well, trying to sell our house, etc. Which is why I've been a bit off my cooking/baking game. Sorry for the crickets! ;) Lots of changes are still on the horizon but I hope I'll be snapping pics and sharing recipes with you so you can get your delicious eat on! ;D Yes.

Alright, so Pinterest - love the stuff! I tend to use that site more than Google these days. You get instant photos with descriptions and that's great when you're looking for foodie ideas in my book :). I love me some peanut butter and chicken, well um, anything :). Lets explore the low carb/keto options for this dish shall we? This recipe was inspired by RuledMe's Recipe I did not have all items on hand so I improvised and it came out smashingly good... there were NO leftovers. Case and point ;).

Peanut Chicken

Thai Style

Serves 3 - 5

What You Need:
- 8 chicken tenderloins cut into roughly 1 inch squares
- 1 bag of frozen broccoli
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbspns Olive Oil
- 2 Tbspns Tamari Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbspn Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbspn Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 Tbspn Coconut Oil
- 1/2 Tbspn Erythritol
- 1 Tspn Macadamia Nut Oil (any oil would do here that fits your diet)
- 1/2 Tspn Xanthan Gum
- 1/4 Tspn Crushed Pepper
- 1/4 Tspn Coriander
- Salt and Pepper to taste


What You'll Do:
1) Over Medium heat, put olive oil in Medium sized pan and cook chicken until all sides are browned.
2) Meanwhile, put broccoli in microwave safe bowl, add 2 - 4 Tablespoons of water and cover. Place in microwave for 8 - 10 minutes until desired tenderness is achieved.
3) Mix all remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over chicken. Let simmer for about 5 -7 minutes, or  until broccoli is ready.
4) Serve warm.

Something I will probably do next time is heat up the broccoli as I outlined here in the recipe, but will then mix it in with the chicken before serving.. Either way, its yummy, I just prefer most things to have a sauce on them. I'm kind of an otter, what can I say. :D

I hope you enjoy the recipe! Like I said, there were no leftovers at my house. This is a dangerous recipe ;).

Cheesy Eggs with Sausage - Low Carb & Keto Friendly Recipe

Quick and easy meal for any time of the day.

I serve this with coffee most times. If I serve it later in the day of course we switch to decaf :).

Cheesy Eggs with Sausage

Serves 3 - 4

What you need:
2 Tablespoons Bacon Grease
6 - 8 oz of Ground Sausage
4 Eggs
1 Cup freshly shredded cheese of your choice
1/2 an avocado diced to top
Salt and Pepper to Taste

What you do:

1) In a Medium/Large pan over medium heat add bacon grease and sausage. Cook until sausage is brown.
2) Add eggs and stir continually until the egg whites are cooked through. Turn your heat off once the eggs are done.
3) Add the cheese on top and put a cover over the pan for a minute.
4) Remove cover and mix.

Transfer a few spoonfuls to a plate and top with avocado. Salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken Cilantro & Bacon Soup for your Crock Pot - Low Carb & Paleo Friendly

The flu hit our house this year. It got me first and while I'm definitely on the mend and can see the light at the end of the tunnel I'm not taking that for granted! I'm nursing the soups! ;) Now that I have a bit more energy I'm making a soup for the family. My dear husband, I'm sorry to report is ill but with a cold rather than the flu! Luckily he's much more mobile than I was while ill as well. Until we're back to our work routines and normal energy level I think it will be soups and broth for us! :) Which means... its time to share another soup recipe! Ha! January is shaping up to be full of soup recipes! :D I hope you like them all! ^-^

Chicken Cilantro & Bacon Soup
Pin it for later HERE.

What You Need:

2 Chicken Breasts Shredded
6 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
6 Cups Chicken Stock
4 Tablespoons Bacon grease, divided
6 Bacon strips cooked and crumbled
3/4 Cup chopped Onion
2 Scallions chopped
1 Tablespoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper

Optional: Avocado

What To Do:

1) In a large skillet over medium-high, heat 1 Tablespoon of the bacon grease. Add chicken to skillet and cook until there is no pink in the center. Transfer chicken to a glass plate and shred with a fork.

2) Add shredded chicken to crock pot with all other ingredients (exception of avocado ;)).

3) Set crock pot to Keep Warm for 8 hours or Low for 4 hours.

4) Serve warm with a topping of avocado.

Enjoy!

Chicken Pepper Soup for the Crock Pot - Low Carb, Paleo Friendly Gluten and Sugar Free Recipe

Awe yeah...

Some peppers, some spice and then it's all every one be nice to you because you are the cook and what not. Awe.... yeah... respect to the cook! :)

RESPECT! Amiright?

It's okay, it's your kitchen, you own it! Own that kitchen and get your cook on! Holla!

Now that we've established the owners rights of the kitchen and you, said cook have your game face on,

 lets work your apron and crock pot shall we?

Chicken Pepper Soup

Pin it for later HERE.

What You'll Need:
1 - 3lb whole chicken (or 4 - 6 chicken breasts cut into cubes)
3 cups chopped bell peppers of all colors
1 medium zucchini chopped
1 cup onion chopped
1/2 cup water
3 jalapenos diced
1/2 c chili powder
1 - 6 oz can of organic tomato paste
2 cups beef stock
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon cumin
1/2 Teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 Teaspoon celtic sea salt

Place all items in your crock pot on High for 4 hours or on Keep Warm for 8 hours.
I do recommend stirring every so often.

About 30 minutes before you plan on eating, use tongs (and care!) to pull the chicken pieces from the soup. Let sit for 20 minutes (or set in the fridge for 10 minutes to save yourself from burning your fingers!)

Once the chicken has been cooled, pull the meat from the bones and put in the soup.

***You can hold onto the carcass and skin to make homemade chicken broth... just a thought. ;)***

It's time to eat! I add a bit of sour cream and chili pepper flakes to my own dish of soup, 

but you feel free to garnish however you like to how it suits you! :)

This soup would also be good to make when the family seems to be fighting a cold. The chili powder will help get their noses running and the broth you'll naturally make while cooking the chicken pieces will help them get better faster! I've heard a cup of broth a day keeps the doctor away! ;) 

Vegetable Beef Stew - Low Carb Recipe for the Crock Pot

Since I woke up to a rainy day this past Sunday, I knew it was time to pull out the crock pot and use the beef stew meat I'd had in the freezer.

This time, while making the soup, I held back on the spicy spices to help change things up a bit... After sharing all the recipes I'd made in my first post, I realized I make a lot of spicy things! :) So this recipe is an effort to balance things out and add more variety. Also, though zucchini is not listed in the ingredients, I later realized it would have been an excellent addition! If they are in your kitchen I think adding a medium sized one, all chopped up, would hit the spot! :)

Vegetable Beef Stew

What you'll need:

- 1.5lbs Stew Beef
- 1 Cup chopped onion
- 1 Cup chopped peppers
- 1 can drained green beans, kitchen cut
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3 Cups beef broth
- 1 Cup water
- 2 Tablespoons Bacon Grease
- 1 or 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/8 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Mustard

Add all ingredients to crock pot and set on low for 8 hours.

If you want the soup in 4 hours put all ingredients in crock pot on HIGH for 4 hours.

Serve warm! Add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like! It's equally delicious ;) 

Ahh... the beauty of crock pots...throw things together, set it and forget it... until you're ready to eat!

Spiced Pecans - Low Carb, Gluten & Sugar Free Recipe

We had a group of friends over and while I didn't have time to throw together a meal, I knew we'd do well to have some finger food for them. So I present for you a culinary arts display of colorful veggies...  an assortment of cheese... and spiced pecans to boot! Feast your eyes! ;)

In this spread you see:

- Cucumbers
- Grape Tomatoes
- Green, Red and Yellow Peppers
- Baby Carrots
- Celery

(Literal) Side note here:

I. LOVE. CELERY, TOMATOES & CUCUMBERS!

In dips, salads, etc. 

The dip consists of: 

- 2 Cups Mayonnaise

- 2 Cups Sour Cream

- 2 Tablespoons of my own spice mix goodness that will remind people of ranch. Yes. Will share later! 

The Cheeses:

- Mild Sharp Cheddar

- Pepper Jack Cheese

- Monterrey Jack Cheese

I cut the vegetables into sticks for easy dipping and the cheeses I cut into cubes. What you're really here for though is the pecans... I know.. I see it in your eyes. Here's the recipe for the spiced pecans already ;) ...

Spiced Pecans:

What you'll need: 

- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

- 2 Tablespoons melted butter

- 1 Tablespoon Tamari Sauce

- 1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne

- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt

- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

What to do: 

1) Preheat your oven to 300 degrees

2) In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, Tamari, Cayenne and Garlic Salt. 

3) Add pecans to mix and coat. 

4) From the Tablespoon shake Chili Powder over pecans and stir to coat.

5) Spread pecans on a baking sheet (parchment paper would work wonders here, you know - for clean up sake ;)).

6) Bake nuts for about 30 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes. 

7) Let cool a bit before serving.

In closing... if you miss Chex mix... these spiced pecans will satisfy that craving. 

These are salty, crunchy, slightly spicy and fun to eat! But don't take my word for it ;)

Finger Food for the win! Enjoy! 

Cinnamon Crisp Cookies - Gluten Free & Low Carb

It occurred to me as I shared my first post on Honest to Goodness Eats that I have seriously been lacking in the desserts area. So in an effort to add to the list of desserts that are gluten, sugar and flour free I present to you, for your eating pleasure...

Cinnamon Crisp Cookies
Pin it for later HERE.

What you'll need:
- 2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup Swerve (or 1/3 cup Erythitol & 1/4 tsp liquid stevia glycerite)
- 1/4 teaspoon celtic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

What to do:

1) In a medium bowl add all dry ingredients - almond flour, swerve, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Whisk all ingredients together.

2) In a small bowl mix together melted butter (or coconut oil) and vanilla.

3) Mix wet and dry ingredients, then chill in fridge for about 30 minutes.

4) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

5) Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick, cut out cookies with a cookie cutter about  an inch and half width.

6) Using a metal spatula, transfer cut out cookie to cookie sheet.

7) Bake at 350 for 10 - 15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.

I recommend serving these once they are completely cooles to get a truely crispy cookie! 

My apologies to Santa, he'll have to wait till next year to have these on Christmas! ;) 

I hope you and yours enjoy these!

Welcome to Honest to Goodness Eats!

Welcome to Honest to Goodness Eats!

 Here I will be sharing recipes with you that I've tried at home and have been received well by my critics.;) My husband is a very picky eater, his taste buds do not appreciate many vegetables. He's a good sport though and knows I'm feeding him for his health because I want him around for a very... long... time... :). I want him to enjoy his time too the older he gets so I feel it's super important to feed my family what their bodies need to age with grace :). 

To start here is a list of recipes I've concocted in the past and shared on my crafty blog Lostsentiments.

Recipes with CP after the title stands for - Crock Pot. 

Breakfast:

Spanish Eggs - With Jalapeno, Cilantro & Sausage!

Fiesta Egg Bake

Side Dishes:

Tabasco Broccoli Recipe - Paleo, Low Carb & Healthified Friendly

Cheesy Breadsticks

Main Dishes: 

Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole - Low Carb

Spicy Goulash - Low Carb

Low Carb Green Bean Casserole with Chicken

Spicy Chicken Breasts - CP

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese with Ham Casserole - Low Carb

Low Carb Chicken Alfredo

Homemade Salsa Chicken - CP

Chicken Stir Fry

Garlic Chicken with Option of Crust

SOUPS:

Cheesy Broccoli Soup - Low Carb - CP

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Noodle Soup - Paleo - CP

Zesty Chicken Soup - CP

Burgers:

Chipotle Chicken or Turkey Burgers

Chicken and Cheese Ham Burgers

DESSERT:

Nutter Butter Sammiches

Rest assured there is more where all this came from ;).
I look forward to sharing more with you in the posts to come!
Best, Dawn