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...
Read morePumpkin Spice Muffins with Crumble Topping
Hooray! Just in case you were feeling like you weren’t getting enough pumpkin spice goodness into your life I have another gourd-ious recipe for you (har har). OK, but in all seriousness pumpkin muffins are a paleo classic, and the crumble topping is irresistible. These fluffy delights are also my fall-time gift-basket go-to and are a major hit with everyone who sinks their teeth into them. Not too sweet, the perfect consistency, and packed with immune-boosting benefits of pumpkin, clove, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these awesome muffins are the perfect seasonal treat, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven and dripping in melted grass-fed butter...mmmm…
Read moreStone Fruit and Berry Crumble
Crumbles aren't inherently bad for you. Take away the refined sugar, and the unnecessarily high-carb often overly-processed topping (ie. refined flour and refined oats), and you’ve got yourself a pretty stellar treat! It’s a great way to use up whatever seasonal fruits you have lying around, and if you’re adding in healthful fats like nuts, seeds, coconut oil, and even that coconut-y cream-y dollop on top, the blood sugar spiking risk of the sweeter ingredients will be significantly diminished.
Read morePaleo Apple Cinnamon Pudding Cake
As I mentioned in the Chewy Chocolate Chunk Walnut Cookie post, I am a strong believer that there are no such things as failed desserts, just opportunities for a new pudding recipe! Enter Exhibit A: the apple cinnamon pudding cake. It was supposed to just be a normal apple cake, but I added a tad too much tahini, liked what happened, then remade the recipe with some warming spices for a delightful fall treat!
Read moreSavoury Herb Bread (grain-free)
One of the biggest things people miss when cutting out gluten or grain-based foods is fluffy moist bread. Rice and tapioca-based gluten-free flours are notoriously chalky, and many people who are avoiding grains in general, or are taking on a low-carb lifestyle, feel that bread is completely off the table. Not so! I am here to tell you that there IS an alternative! I present to you my moist and oh-so satisfying grain-free herb bread.
Read moreChocolate Espresso Cake (grain-free, refined sugar-free)
Oh coffee and chocolate! The delightfully deadly combination is many people’s Achilles Heal for a reason. Rich, sinful…energizing! One of my personal favourite indulgences in the world is sipping on a lovely little latte or espresso while nibbling on a piece of rich dark chocolate. So what happens when you combine the two in a moist, decadent cake? Pure heaven!
Read moreChewy Chocolate Chunk Walnut Cookies (grain-free, refined sugar-free)
There comes a time in every chef or home-cook's life when they feel truly accomplished. When they feel complete. When they can hang up their apron, turn off the oven, and sleep soundly knowing they have fulfilled their purpose in life. When they make, the PERFECT chocolate chip cookie. Friends, I feel I have done just that.
Read moreHealthier Hamantaschen (Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free)
Purim is one of my favorite Jewish holidays (and there are so many to choose from). You get dressed up, get wine-drunk, and tell stories about how a very oppressed group of people were saved buy a smart, courageous and beautiful woman named Esther. Talk about girl-power! But one of the tastiest elements of this celebration are also not very kind to the body. Hamantaschen represent the 3-pointed hat pf the evil oppressor, Haman, who wanted to completely obliterate the Jewish people (a plan that was foiled by the above mentioned Queen Esther). They’re usually made from white flour, vegetable oil, sickly sweet jams, and lots of refined sugar. But, as you’re already well aware, one of my missions is to find healthier alternatives to traditional treats and comfort-food faves...
Read moreThumbprint Jam Cookies (gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free)
Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, ginger molasses…when thinking about the classic cookie staples, there’s one more that always comes to mind: thumbprint jam cookies! Why? Well the rich cookie base, and that sweet jam center are a serious recipe for delight...
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