Oh maple-pecan, you classically scrumptious combo. What’s not so scrumptious is the refined flour and sugar that you’re often paired with. Not today! I have you mixed with some healthy fats, blood sugar balancing spices, and gluten-free flours to yield the most delectable little cookies...
Read moreApple Cranberry Chutney
I’m a big fan of flavour, and one of the best ways to infuse some pizazz into your foods is with a dip, dressing, or sauce. Chutney is one of my favourite sauces. Calming to spice, uplifting to savoury, there’s nothing this sweet and tangy taster can’t do! And there are endless directions you can go in in terms of making it your own. Many people think of mango when it comes to chutney, but as long as you have some sort of fruity base and vinegary buddy, you’re on your way to chutney-ville...
Read moreDecadent Dark Chocolate Espresso Cashew “Cheesecake”
This decadent dark chocolate espresso cake is grain/gluten-free, refined-sugar free, dairy-free, egg-free (in fact it’s totally plant-based), and therefore hopefully pleasing to a number of your brunch guests with dietary considerations. And the mocha flavour goes smashingly with a latte, espresso shot, or even Bailey’s and coffee (hey, this is a no-judgement zone), as the feasting comes to a close. Best part of all, you can make it the day before and let it set in the fridge overnight so it’s ready to go without a fuss as the stunning centrepiece of your sweet-treat side table...
Read moreLemon Blueberry Muffins
There’s just something so fresh and summery about blueberry and lemon. And this classic combo goes so beautifully in a big old fluffy muffin! But if that muffin makes you feel sick, tired, grumpy, and bloated, well all of a sudden blueberry and lemon doesn’t seem so “fresh," does it? Well, like all my recipes, I aim to find alternatives that satisfy various wellness considerations and dietary restrictions. This particular recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free for anyone avoiding those common allergens and irritators. And of course, like ALL the recipes on the Whole Happy blog, it’s 100% refined-sugar free. Best of all, it’s foolproof!..
Read moreStrawberry Rhubarb Compote with Lemon-Vanilla Whipped Coconut Cream
One of my favourite markers of this time of year is the first rhubarb harvest. In addition to the delightfully tangy taste, rhubarb has been linked to weight balance, cardiovascular health, digestive ease, bone strength, cancer prevention, improved circulation, and even prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s due to its high levels of vitamin K...
Read moreGrain-Free Carrot Cake with Dairy-Free “Cream Cheese” Icing
As I write this, it’s both Easter and Passover. During Passover, Jewish people avoid foods that naturally “leaven” such as grains and legumes. And then there’s the association of Easter and springtime with rabbits and carrots. Plus a family member who can’t eat eggs and dairy, and then my own personal goal to avoid refined products in my cooking such as white sugar, while keeping it minimally blood sugar disruptive and as clean and natural as possible...
Read moreRecovery Cookies
Wanting to make some grain-free, dairy-free treats, that also worked to reduce inflammation and aid in tissue recovery from the wounds of the C-section, I constructed my client some anti-inflammatory recovery cookies, and man are they tasty! My client even mentioned to me that they were the perfect thing to munch on during those middle-of-the-night feedings when baby is needing a snack of his own...
Read moreFudgy Walnut Brownies
Presenting some seriously chocolaty, fudgy brownies with walnut pieces, chocolate chips, that are grain-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, high fat, moderate protein, and low carb. You can even throw in a scoop of collagen powder into the mix to give them even more protein, and that glorious tissue-reparative benefit of collagen...
Read moreTahini Cardamom Cookies with Cranberries and Pistachios
I’m a sucker for Mediterranean and middle eastern flavours. Maybe it’s because my mom was born in Jerusalem and I visit Israel often and die over the food there every time I go. Maybe it’s because I have many Persian friends who are constantly showering me with their delicious creations. Or maybe it’s just because things like dates, honey, tahini, rose water, and the vast array of spices utilized in eastern cuisine are insanely delicious AND incredibly good for you...
Read moreButter Pecan Bars
Here’s a holiday treat that is safe for the GF folks in your life (you might be included in this), but so yummy the non-GF people won’t mind…or even notice! No, they’re not dairy-free if that’s a concern for you, and yes, there’s a hefty serving of sweeteners like coconut palm sugar and maple syrup terrible for blood sugar control, but as long as you’re using quality ingredients, and only having a small piece, the harm is arguably minimal. And in all honestly, if you can avoid the refined sugar, refined flour, chemical-laden, shit-storm that consumes so many people’s lives at this time of year, you’re doing alright in my books...
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