Tag: recipe

Healthy Granola made without nuts, oatmeal cookie granola with sunflower butter

Upgraded Classic: Nut-Free Oatmeal Cookie Granola Recipe

My nut-free oatmeal cookie granola is a classic granola recipe without any dodgy stuff that you’ll find in many store-bought mixes. I use a small amount of maple syrup, but mostly rely on the oats and dried fruit to provide natural sweetness. Coconut flour helps the oats clump into that familiar granola texture! I looove using Sunflower Seed Butter in baked goods. It’s a nut-free alternative that is typically well-tolerated and provides great healthy fats. It’s a staple in my hormone healing diet. This is also a great choice for kids who have issues with peanuts or tree nuts. I like keeping a batch of Nut-Free Oatmeal Cookie Granola on hand for a quick snack. It’s great on its own, paired with a non-dairy yogurt, OR as an easy topping on baked apples. Related: Upgraded Classic: Cowboy Cookies This nut-free oatmeal cookie granola bastes the house in aromas of fall as it bakes. The warm cinnamon and sweet crunch are a perfect pairing for cozy fall days. No need for fall-scented candles when you’ve got this around! What is Sunflower Seed Butter?  Just like other nut butters, sunflower seed butter is simply a blend of sunflower seeds until they create a creamy consistency. Sunflower seeds are high in Vitamin E and Magnesium. You can find sunflower butter in most grocery stores, just remember to check for added ingredients. I like Thrive Market’s Sunflower Butter that’s made with ONLY ground sunflower seeds.   What should I watch out for in store-bought Granola? Many commercial granola mixes add cane sugar, brown rice syrup, or other refined sweeteners. They’ll sometimes use starches or wheat flours to get that ‘clumping’ effect. Lastly, I always check for refined vegetable oils (like canola or safflower). Often, store-bought granola is far from a ‘health food’ due to these hidden additives. I like a well-balanced fat:carbohydrate ratio to prevent blood sugar spikes and the best way to ensure that happens is by controlling the ingredients yourself! What modifications can I make? If you prefer to make this coconut-free, you can replace the coconut flour with oat flour and omit the coconut flakes. Use olive or avocado oil in place of the coconut oil. You can mix up the fruit add-ins or make it with dark chocolate chips! If you don’t have maple syrup, use honey instead. When ingredient shopping, I use Thrive Market. They have the best prices for organic, shelf-stable products like oats, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and maple syrup. Click here to get a free gift with your first order. You May Also Like: Oat Milk Blueberry Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Recipes for All

Thanksgiving is upon us, and I’m thankful to get to gather & celebrate again. I always start planning my thanksgiving menu WELL in advance and I’m always looking for healthy thanksgiving recipes as alternatives to classic dishes. Anyone else??  This year, I’ve done the work for you and gathered my favorite HEALTHY Thanksgiving Recipes to add to the table. Disclaimer: Perhaps I should say, “HEALTHIER” Thanksgiving Recipes – since I believe in lifestyle balance. What I can promise- REAL food with REAL ingredients.  I’ve been gluten-free and dairy-free for a long time, and I’m all about accommodating my guests on special diets. With a little forethought, it’s surprisingly simple to host a GF/DF holiday with healthy Thanksgiving recipes.  Related: Thanksgiving Prep Got any good healthy Thanksgiving recipes for me? Leave me a comment so I can check them out! Starters 1. Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette – (by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen) 2. Savory-Sweet Butternut Squash Dip (by The Facility) 3. Spicy Roasted Cashews (by Fed and Fit) 4. Grain Free Crusty Rolls (by Against All Grain) 5. Cranberry Pepita Salsa (by Noshtastic) Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes: Sides / Vegetables 1. Brussels with Pancetta + Cranberries (by ZenBelly) 2. Hasselback Butternut Squash (by Paleomg) 3. Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes (by Real Food Dietitians) 4. GF Cornbread Stuffing (by Ambitious Kitchen) 5. Loaded Cauliflower Mash (by Balanced Bites) 6. Eggplant + Wild Mushroom Stuffing (by Paleomom) 7. Upgraded Green Bean Casserole (by A Girl Worth Saving) 8. Maple Dijon Carrots (by Our Balanced Bowl) Bonus: Umami Gravy (by Nom Nom Paleo) Desserts 1. Chocolate Pecan Pie (by Paleo Running Momma) 2. Pumpkin Pie Cookie Crisp (by Paleomg) 3. Cashew Cream Pumpkin Layer Bars (by Kate Daugherty) 4. AIP Apple Crisp (by Lichen Paleo, Loving AIP) Drinks 1. Apple Ginger Fizz Mocktail (by Kate Daugherty) 2. Harvest Mule (by Primal Palate) 3. Thanksgiving Punch (by Thyme & Joy) What healthy Thanksgiving recipes look best to you? Are you going for a gluten-free, dairy-free Thanksgiving this year? I order my healthy pantry staples from Thrive Market. They’ve got the best deals on alternative baking products (like gluten-free flour) and paleo snacks. Click here to get a discount on your first order! Recipe Summary: Starters 1. Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette – (by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen) 2. Savory-Sweet Butternut Squash Dip (by The Facility) 3. Spicy Roasted Cashews (by Fed and Fit) 4. Grain Free Crusty Rolls (by Against All Grain) 5. Cranberry Pepita Salsa (by Noshtastic) Sides 1. Brussels with Pancetta + Cranberries (by ZenBelly) 2. Hasselback Butternut Squash (by Paleomg) 3. Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes (by Real Food Dietitians) 4. GF Cornbread Stuffing (by Ambitious Kitchen) 5. Loaded Cauliflower Mash (by Balanced Bites) 6. Eggplant + Wild Mushroom Stuffing (by Paleomom) 7. Upgraded Green Bean Casserole (by A Girl Worth Saving) 8. Maple Dijon Carrots (by Our Balanced Bowl) Umami Gravy (by Nom Nom Paleo) Desserts 1. Chocolate Pecan Pie (by Paleo Running Momma) 2. Pumpkin Pie Cookie Crisp (by Paleomg) 3. Pumpkin Cashew Layer Bars (by Kate Daugherty) 4. AIP Apple Crisp (by Lichen Paleo, Loving AIP) Drinks 1. Apple Ginger Fizz Mocktail (by Kate Daugherty) 2. Harvest Mule (by Primal Palate) 3. Thanksgiving Punch (by Thyme & Joy) You May Also Like: Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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Simple Homemade Hummus with real ingredients

The Secret to the Best Homemade Hummus: Way Better than Store Bought

Homemade Hummus is a comfort food. No debate.  Sure, store-bought hummus is a quick option, but I’m here to change your mind: homemade hummus is EASY, QUICK, CHEAP and miiiiiiiiiles above any store-bought brand.  I’ve adapted this recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks lately, The Gaza Kitchen. I love a cookbook that goes beyond recipes and gets into history, cooking methods, and lifestyle of the area it highlights. THIS is that book.  Hummus is most simply a blend of chickpeas and tahini (sesame seed butter). However, adding acid from citrus and spices elevate this into the creamy, comforting spread we can’t get enough of. I like mixing things up with different add-ins to get variety from batch to batch.  Related: Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Perfect Bars One of my favorite aspects of hummus is that it is so versatile. It’s divine as a dip with raw veggies, naan bread, and chips; but it can also be used as a spread, a dressing, and as a sauce for pasta and stir-fry.  My foundation for good homemade hummus starts with these ingredients: -Chickpeas -Tahini (also called Tahina) -Lemon Juice -Olive Oil -Greek Yogurt  -Garlic, Salt  I will then ‘dress it up’ with various add-ins: -Paprika -Za’atar -Sundried Tomatoes -Cilantro, Basil, or Parsley The quality of ingredients you choose will make or break your homemade hummus. I like checking local Mediterranean markets for red tahina paste. If that isn’t an option check World Market for high-quality Tahini.  I buy organic chickpeas from Thrive Market. You can use cooked, canned chickpeas or take an extra step to soak and pressure cook dried chickpeas.  For a dairy-free option, you can leave out the Greek Yogurt. The texture will be a bit less creamy, but still a step above store bought blends. Replace the yogurt with aquafaba to get your desired consistency. Sometimes I’ll leave a few whole chickpeas for topping (plus a decadent extra drizzle of olive oil) and sometimes I’ll blend them all in. This is more for presentation and aesthetics— always a concern in my cooking.  Serve hummus warm or cold, it’ll keep in the refrigerator for several days.  I order my ingredients from Thrive Market. I find shelf-stable products at cheaper than grocery stores. The AIP-filter is awesome for navigating a tricky diet! You May Also Like: Oat Milk Blueberry Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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Fresh Summer Pasta with Lemon and Green Peas made with Willa's Oat Milk

One Pot Spinach & Green Pea Pasta: With Willa’s Oat Milk

Spring has sprung, summer’s on the way, and I’m looking for ways to lighten up my meals. I enjoy leaning into seasonal eating and there is a natural transition into brighter flavors as the weather warms. This lightened up Spinach & Green Pea pasta dish brings that brightness with lemon and fresh greens. It’s still made all-in-one-pot for quick prep and cleanup! This pasta dish is great warm, but it shines as a leftover cool pasta salad the next-day! This meal gets bonus points with a gluten-free pasta, dairy-free milk, and protein from broth. It’s clean as can be and I feel good about eating it. Oat milk offers a great creaminess without heaviness. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan! For the ultimate sugar-free, clean, dish I use Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oat Milk. Related: Gluten-Free Oat + Almond Bread If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, AND flavor-packed meal- here it is. This dish comes together quickly: with super-clean ingredients that keep you feeling your best.  “One Pot Spinach & Green Pea Pasta” is a perfect quick dinner or lunch that will help you reach your micronutrient goals. If you need a protein boost, add shrimp, chicken, or fish. You can also go completely plant-based by replacing the bone broth with a vegetable broth. There’s room for substitutions here, but this is my go-to ingredient list: -Gluten-Free Chickpea Pasta –Homemade Bone Broth -Garlic, Onions, Herbs -Frozen Peas and Carrots -Fresh Baby Spinach -Lemon –Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oatmilk Lighten things up with this Fresh, Light Pasta cooked with Oat Milk! My newest pasta find is Chickpea Penne. I always order mine through Thrive Market! I order my oat milk directly from Willa’s! You may find this in your local market, but the direct-to-consumer sale means you get a trusted product from a small woman-owned company. Click here to get $10 off your first order! View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE FACILITY 📍Denver (@thefacilitydenver) You May Also Like: Oat Milk Blueberry Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

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Upgraded Cowboy Cookies: My Ultimate High Country Companion

Cowboy cookies are very nostalgic for me. The chewy, soft texture and marriage of oatmeal, chocolate, and salty crunch make up the perfect cookie. They take me back to the days of wrangling and ranching as a crew girl at Deer Valley Ranch. I mean, I had the coolest summer job during college. I wish I could go back to those days! I got to spend the summer months in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado on a DUDE RANCH. People have crazy ideas about what a dude ranch is (Thanks, movies). In reality, I describe it best as a weeklong summer camp for families. We had a program that ran Saturday to Saturday; families would show up for scheduled activities like hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing. All meals were on a set schedule and nightly entertainment included Monday Square Dance, Wednesday Night Hayrides, and Thursday Western Show. Being on staff was a whole new perspective. Summer staff was around 30 college-aged boys and girls–many of whom are still my close friends today. Us crew girls would cook, clean, babysit, and wait tables. Wranglers would manage the stables, horses, and lead guest rides. It was hard work, and a lot of play. One of the most anticipated activities of the week was Wednesday’s Lunch Cookout. We’d pack up and head out to an aspen-lined meadow where we’d grill out and play a *competitive* family softball game. On the menu: Burgers, Beans, Watermelon, and COWBOY COOKIES! Did I mention these cookies were the size of your face? It always amazed me that they stayed so soft and chewy; and even though they were the size of frisbees, they didn’t break! These are cookies of legend. We so looked forward to Wednesdays for the promise of a cowboy cookie. I later learned a ranch secret. If you take a hike on Thursday, the kitchen girls pack a leftover cowboy cookie in your lunch! I can’t describe how good these cookies taste at the mid-point of a high elevation trek. WOW. Here’s what happened: now I crave a cowboy cookie EVERY TIME I go on a high country hike with my packed lunch. Hiking and cowboy cookies just go together. My family is coming to visit for a fall getaway! We’ve got a spectacular hike planned to Grizzly Lake (hint: my favorite spot in all of Colorado). You know what that means… I needed a batch of cowboy cookies! Here’s the original DVR Recipe for Cowboy Cookies. In the years since Deer Valley, I’ve become more conscious of ingredients and inflammatory foods. The traditional recipe doesn’t make me feel my best (and that’s something I do want while hiking). I made a few tweaks to decrease the sugar, swapped out the flour, and upgraded the mix-ins. Aha! I still get my cookie fix in the high country and know that I’m fueling myself with a better-for-me treat. Here are my changes (Shhhhh! Don’t tell Sue!): In place of white sugar, I used unrefined coconut sugar. In place of brown sugar, I used golden monk fruit. I decreased the amount of both sugars and added a bit of unsweetened coconut flakes (which give natural sweetness). Instead of white flour, I used Cup4Cup Gluten Free flour. It’s my favorite mix for baking because you truly can replace white flour 1-1 in recipes (and no one will notice!) I kept the oatmeal, but instead of Quick Oats, I used Whole Grain Toasted Oats. Lastly, I toasted the pecans before adding to the mix (worth the extra step) and I used my favorite stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips. I’m eager to have my family test out this recipe and see if they notice my sneaky upgrades. Heh-heh. SHOP THIS RECIPE:

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