WILD ORANGE DARK CHOCOLATE MELTAWAYS

I've been eating more of a Ketogenic diet lately and have been feeling great.  I'm not as tired as I have been, my workouts have been better and I feel way more focused. Maybe the new found perkiness has nothing to do with a Keto meal plan, but for now I'm going to just say it does. 

Low carb does not mean NO carbs and it also doesn't mean I can't have a treat here or there. 

These meltways are actually one of my pre-workout breakfast as well as a night time treat. Don't get me wrong, I don't have it twice a day, it's either or, but having a treat before a workout feels so naughty, yet so right. 

The recipe calls for doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil, however you can omit.  Keep in mind when it comes to consuming essential oils you want an incredibly high grade. Not all oils are alike. Many of the less expensive oils you can pick up at health food stores are for external use only, so please be sure to read the label.  doTERRA's Wild Orange IS can be taken internally.  Like I said, you can omit if you want, but I like the hint of citrus with my chocolate. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c. coconut oil, melted
• 6 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 6-8 drops doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil  
• 4 Tbsp. coconut butter (sunbutter with oil drained works well too)
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 packet Stevia (omit for 21DSD modification)
• Topping of choice (chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit etc)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium glass bowl, combine melted coconut oil, Wild Orange oil and cocoa powder until lump free
2. Add coconut butter , ground cinnamon and stevia to oil-cocoa mixture and blend thoroughly 
3. Divide mixture evenly into 4-6 silicone cupcake cases, top with chopped nuts, dried fruit or whatever you want, refrigerate until hard
4. Do not leave out because they WILL melt

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE doterra ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Purchase them from my online store.  

2. Order as a  Preferred Member
Preferred Members pay only $10 for a lifetime membership which allows them to purchase all products for 20% off retail price.
Preferred Members can also take part in the Loyalty Rewards Program. 
Click here to sign up as a Preferred Member.

3. Get Wholesale Prices
As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate you’ll receive the best discounts possible. Everything you purchase will be at wholesale price, which is 25% off retail. It costs $35/year to sign up as a Wellness Advocate.  Membership renewal is only $25 each year, PLUS you will receive a free bottle of Wild Orange Oil to perk your senses.   

CINNAMON PECANS

Oven roasted pecans coated in cinnamon are by far my new favorite snack.  It takes very little preparation, minimal dish washing, low carb, gluten-free and Paleo. 

This is a very basic recipe and when it comes down to it I only have to wash a bowl, spatula and my hand; I use my hand to toss the ingredients together.  This is the best lazy person treat and I say "lazy" proudly.  

INGREDIENTS:

• 8oz. pecan halves
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon, ground
• 1 pack Stevia In The Raw (or sweetener of choice)
• omit stevia for a 21DSD compliant treat

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper 
2. In a medium bowl toss the pecans and olive oil together until pecans are well coated
3. Add cinnamon and sweetener and continue to coat the pecans
4. Spread the coated pecans onto the parchment lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes; checking every 5 minutes to prevent burning
5. EAT

Wanna add a little zing to your pecans? Try adding a few drops of essential oils to the olive oil.  Wild Orange and Lemon pair really well with the cinnamon. 
It's another way of adding flavor, without the calories.

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE doterra ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Purchase them from my online store.  

2. Order as a  Preferred Member
Preferred Members pay only $10 for a lifetime membership which allows them to purchase all products for 20% off retail price.
Preferred Members can also take part in the Loyalty Rewards Program. 
Click here to sign up as a Preferred Member.

3. Get Wholesale Prices
As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate you’ll receive the best discounts possible. Everything you purchase will be at wholesale price, which is 25% off retail. It costs $35/year to sign up as a Wellness Advocate.  Membership renewal is only $25 each year, PLUS you will receive a free bottle of Wild Orange Oil to perk your senses.   

           

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BAKED CHICKEN STRIPS

Today I'm sharing my quick chicken strip recipe. I'm sure there are more sophisticated ways of doing this, but the way I'm about to tell you about works for me and my family. All I do is toss everything together, throw it on a baking sheet, cook and eat.  After long work hours, the last thing I want to do is spend more time than I need in the kitchen; I  much rather get to the eating. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2lbs Organic Boneless Chicken Chicken Breast  
• 1/2 c coconut oil or bacon fat (melted)
• 3/4 c almond flour (fine ground)  
• 2 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Homemade Catsup (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut chicken into thin strips, approx. 1/2" thick, place in a large glass bowl and set aside
2. In a medium bowl, mix almond flour and Old Bay Seasoning
3. Heat oven to 350°F
4. Pour melted oil onto chicken strips and carefully coat all the pieces, being careful not to burn yourself
5. Slowly add the almond flour to the chicken, tossing until coated
6. Once coated, place the chicken on a foil lined and lightly greased baking sheet 
7. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown
8. Remove from oven and eat while warm

What kind of dipping sauce would you use for this meal?

This post is linked to Gluten-Free Wednesdays

           

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TROPICAL TRADITIONS GOLD LABEL COCONUT OIL

Anyone that knows me, really really knows me, understands that I'm frugal, not to be confused with cheap.  Spending money on an item just because it's popular or touted to be "the best thing ever" has never been a huge draw.

Now, if I find it truly is a superior product I will spend the extra money on it. Grass fed beef is far superior to conventional beef in my opinion.  It's much more tender, the flavor is amazing, I feel it digests better, so I will spend an extra dollar or two in order to stock our fridge with it.  On the flip side, there's yet to be a chocolate worth more than a few bucks.  I love chocolate, but I inhale the stuff not making it worth some astronomical price.  I wish I was someone who could allow it to sit on my tongue and melt while I take in all the exotic spices I'm enjoying. Alas, that will never be the case. Once again, chocolate inhaler :(

Coconut oil is something I use consistently and never thought much about buying a high-end brand.  There are a few different process in which coconut oil is made and if you want to learn more about the differences between refined, virgin, traditional and gold label coconut oils, CLICK HERE.

I've read several positive reviews regarding TROPICAL TRADITIONS GOLD LABEL COCONUT OIL. When I checked out their website and saw the price I was totally not feeling it, it's just more than I usually spend on product in a single purchase.  Usually I stock either Normally I buy Trader Joe's brand, Spectrum or Dr. Bronners, usually 14oz jars and ranging from $6.00 - $10.00, depending on what sale I come across.  Please be sure to read the disclaimer at the very bottom, I received a jar of coconut oil as a review product and DIDN'T spend money on the product. Moving on...






When I received my QUART of coconut oil...yep...quart, I was ecstatic and really wanted to squirrel it away for something special, but very eager to try it out to see what all the hoopla was about.  So, I cooked up a few of my favorite dishes using the "high quality" stuff.

Baked Chicken Nuggs
Bulletproof Coffee 
Garlic Cauliflower Muffins 

Right off the bat the entire family noticed what the big deal was, the dishes no longer had the "coconuty" taste we have grown accustomed to, which really changes the dishes, neither good or bad, just different.  Texture remained the same, it was definitely all in the flavor.

Tropical Traditions does offer amazing deals on their products, including BOGO's and Free or Discounted Shipping.  An average 32 oz. jar averages $30.00 on their site, which is slightly more than I usually spend BUT with special offers (which they constantly have) as well as discounted or free shipping, I would say it's worth the investment IF you do not want your dishes to have a coconut flavor. If you're fine with whatcha got, then save a few bucks, but it's definitely a good product to try out at least once.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.  

           

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CINNAMON MUFFINS

This time of year marks the WEEK OF JESS in our house. My husband and I have our wedding anniversary, Mothers Day and then my birthday.  A week of celebrations use to mean a week of treats; it would start with German Chocolate Cake, followed by cookies and ended with a Black Forest Cake.  Now it's  low sugar muffins for breakfast OR cookies and a single slice of cake, I'm slowly growing up. 

Last year I made an Apple Spice Coffee Cake, it's 21 Day Sugar Detox compliant and delicious. This year it's Cinnamon Muffins, also 21DSD compliant. Served warm and topped with Pumpkin Butter, it's definitely the way I want to start celebrate every day. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c. coconut flour, sifted
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp. + 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 6 eggs
• 2/3 c. olive oil
• 1/4 c. raw honey (omit if on a 21DSD and sub w/ 1 mashed green tipped banana)
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar (omit if on a 21DSD)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°
2. Grease 6 muffin tins
3. In a large bowl combine coconut flour, sea salt, baking soda and 2 tsp. cinnamon
4. In a medium bowl combine eggs, olive oil, honey and vanilla extract; beat with an electric mixture until well combined
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until well combined
6. Pour batter into the muffin tins
7. In a small bowl combine remaining 1 Tbsp. cinnamon and 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar and sprinkle evenly onto muffins
8. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes (or until cooked through)
9. Serve warm and with some Pumpkin Butter

Are muffins breakfast, snack, dessert or ALL?
What are your thoughts?

           

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ALMOND MILK

I love nuts (that's what she said) especially ALMONDS!  With 1 cup of raw almonds I can make over 2 cups of almond milk and enough almond meal to bread 2lbs of chicken breast. A little goes a long way.



If you read labels you'll see that most almond milk found at the store contains tons of ingredients that I don't even want to research. Almond milk should be almonds and water, none of that refined cane sugar, guar gum or cargeenan stuff...sorry Blue Diamond.

Ok, some readers might think that an almond milk recipe is super basic, but there are some that think it's much harder than it is.  For those that think it's nearly impossible to make, if I  can do it YOU can do it!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1c. raw almonds
• 3c. filtered water
• 3 dates, pitted (optional for sweetness)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• 1 large mason jar that holds 3 cups
• blender
• cheesecloth
• large bowl
• colander

MAKING MILK:

• Place 1c. raw almonds (and dates) in large mason jar (or other air tight container) fill with water and let the almonds soak for 24hrs (at least 8 hours if you can't wait)
• Strain the almonds (and dates) and place into a blender
• Add 4c. filtered water to the almonds and blend until almonds are broken into tiny bits
• Place colander into bowl and line the colander with cheesecloth
• Slowly pour milk into the cheesecloth lined colander allowing the milk to separate from the meal
• Wrap up the excess meal with the cheesecloth and squeeze out any additional liquid
• Transfer milk back into the large mason jar and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days

           

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SPAGHETTI SQUASH CARBONARA

I feel like I've been dieting my entire life. Even when I say I'm just eating "clean and healthy" the reality is that I'm on a yet another diet. Ugh! 

Even after a 100lb+ weight loss I still have a few pounds left and find I’ll always be a work in progress. Feelin’ me? If you’re reading this I’m sure you do ;)

Now, let’s get down to business.

I’ve never been a traditional breakfast kinda gal.  Steak & eggs over sugary donuts any day.  Today I’m sharing one of my favorite breakfasts; Spaghetti Squash Carbonarra. You read that right…BREAKFAST.  This is a low carb meal that has just enough protein and fat to carry me through my mornings. Of course this can be eaten any time of day, but when you start changing your idea of what breakfast should be, it will open up a world of options for you.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 egg
• 1/4 c coconut milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper, ground
• 4 c. spaghetti squash, cooked
• 3/4 c. sweet onion, diced
• 4 strips cooked bacon, diced
• 1/4 c. nutritional yeast (or grated parmesan)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk, pepper and garlic salt, set aside
2. Heat a large skillet and add diced bacon, cooking until almost crisp
3. Add onion to the bacon and stir until onion is translucent
4. Spoon mixture into a bowl and set aside, leaving grease
5. Using the same large skillet, over medium-high heat, add spaghetti squash until heated and coated with the bacon grease
6. Turn heat off  and slowly add the egg mixture to the squash, constantly tossing
7. Add the bacon and onion mixture to the coated squash
8. Stir in nutritional yeast (or parmesan)

            

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SAUERKRAUT

Ok, let me start by saying I KNOW THIS ISN'T A SEXY FOOD POST.
I know I know, but sometimes I have to throw something non-desserty in the mix. 

Sauerkraut seems like such an underrated food.  Usually thought of as something you only eat with bratwurst & beer, this simple food is really a superfood. When I'm on a 21 Day Sugar Detox I usually eat sauerkraut daily, for some reason I find it helps keep my sweet cravings at bay.

There are several health benefits to sauerkraut (as well as other fermented foods).  Sauerkraut contains vitamin C, lactobacilli, and other nutrients. It is also a source of biogenic amines, such as tyramine. It also provides various cancer-fighting compounds including isothiocyanate and sulphoraphane. 

That was way to scientific for me too. Lots of words that spell check doesn't recognize, total blogger headache. Anyway, I'm sure you get the point ;)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 large head of green cabbage sliced into thin strips (save 1 large leaf unsliced)
• 2 tbsp sea salt
• 2 cloves finely sliced garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place 1/3 cabbage into a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/3 of salt.  Using your hands, squeeze the cabbage until water begins to come out of it.
2. Repeat process 2 more times until all the cabbage and salt is used up.  Add the sliced garlic and mix with your hands.
3. Fill 2 32-oz mason jars, pressing the mixture down so the water releases and rises above the cabbage. Take the large cabbage leaf and lay on top of sliced mixture and press firmly.  Place a shot glass on top to keep the cabbage weighted down.
4. Place mason jars in bowls (incase of spillage) and store in cool, dark place where it will not be disturbed.
5. Check on the sauerkraut every other day to make sure the water level has remained above the cabbage. With a clean spoon, remove any mold that might have formed.
6. Allow the sauerkraut to ferment for at least 2 weeks and taste it on occasion.
7. Once the sauerkraut is to your liking, cover the jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator. It will last for months and will not continue to ferment once refrigerated.

           

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MARCH RECIPE ROUND-UP: 21 DAY SUGAR DETOX RECIPES

If you're reading this post that means there's a huge chance you're either 
A) In the midst of a 21 Day Detox (21DSD) 
B) Interested in a 21DSD 
C) Stumbled upon this and here you are (for more info on Paleo get your free eBook here)


I've successfully completed the 21DSD 5 times. The first time suuuuuucked. The second time was slightly easier. After that, it has been easy peasy and I basically eat a 21DSD meal plan 80% of the time. The KEY to completed it successfully is having all your meals planned. 

There are so many easy to make & delicious recipes in the 21 Day Sugar Detox Book (link at bottom of post).  If you're looking for even more recipes to add to your meal, well, you're in the right spot.  

ENTREES

5-Spice Slow Cooker Pork Ribs
Caesar Salad

Chicken Florentine Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash

Chicken Florentine Meatballs Image by PopularPaleo

Cinnamon Chili Pork Tenderloin
 Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup

Enchilada Omelette

Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake

Pizza Spaghetti Pie
Sausage Spinach Egg Nests

Steak & Veggie Sushi

Steak & Veggie Sushi image by KosherCaveGirl

Thai Chicken Skewers
Turkey Bacon & Leek Soup
Vietnamese Inspired Chicken & Cabbage Salad
Zucchini Pizza Boats

TREATS

Apple Upside Down Pie

Fried Bananas

Green Apple & Coconut 2 Bite Treats
Hazelnut Coconut Cookies

Hazelnut Coconut Cookies by TGIPaleo

Lemony Apple Carrot Bombs
No Bake Chocolate Fudge
Savory Pumpkin Pie

MY 21 Day Sugar Detox Pinterest Board

OFFICIAL 21 Day Sugar Detox Pinterest Board

Visit my 21 Day Sugar Detox Recipe page for more recipes

OFFICIAL 21-DAY SUGAR DETOX BOOK 

AVAILABLE AS HARDBACK OR ON KINDLE

         

Want more info before you buy? Check-out my review.

           

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TOP 100 FAST PALEO RECIPES OF 2013

I'm really excited to share todays post with everyone, especially since it's going to be super short & sweet.

FastPaleo has released their TOP 100 PALEO RECIPES of 2013. Now, the reason I'm excited is because one of my recipes, Stir Fried Meat and "Noodles", was chosen.

Ok, well you can obviously grab my recipe off my site for free, but their are 99 other Paleo cooks out there that have delicious recipes to check out. 

PURCHASE BY CLICKING THE AFFILATE LINK ---> HERE

20 AMAZING baked treats. I've cooked over 1/2 of them so far and haven't had one that I didn't LOVE!

"PALEO" ice cream does exist!

I've made each and every beverage, so simple. Hence the name FAST Paleo I guess ;)

                                       

BAKED SALMON & CRAB SRIRACHA

Sushi gets really expensive, especially for my family. My daughter is a total nut job when it comes to the stuff and a quick sushi restaurant meal easily turns into a $50+ hit to my wallet.

When going out for sushi, baked spicy salmon rolls were my favorite. Alas, I rarely go out for sushi due to gluten cross contamination and I try to keep white rice to a minimal. Deciding to save money, as usual, we stayed home on our designated sushi night and I made Baked Salmon & Crab Sriracha, which has quickly turned into a family favorite. 

Taking the time and making it at home costs half as much and you don't need to worry about how it's being prepared.
 



INGREDIENTS:

• 1lb Salmon - Sliced into 8- 2oz portions
• 1/2 Coconut Aminos
• 8 oz Lump Crab
• Sriracha Cream Sauce
• Avocado slices
• Jalapeno (optional)

 INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Marinade raw salmon in coconut aminos for at least 10 minutes
2. Meanwhile, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
3. Place marinated portions of salmon onto a baking dish lined with greased aluminum foil (keeps the mess to a minimum)
4. Generously cover each piece of salmon with the Sriracha cream sauce (reserve a little for after it’s cooked)
5. Bake for 10 minutes (no longer, salmon will continue to cook once it's out of the oven)
6. Remove from the oven and set your broiler to high
7. Add 1oz lump crab on top of each piece of salmon and a teaspoon of the Sriracha Cream on top of the crab
8. Place back into oven & broil for an additonal 2-4 mins or until sauce on salmon is slightly toasted DO NOT WALK AWAY, you don’t want the sauce to burn
9. Remove from oven and let sit 5-10 minutes.
10. Carefully place salmon onto a serving plate then drizzle the reserved Sriracha sauce on top.
11. Garnish avocado, sesame seeds, green onions, jalapenos or more Siracha (cream or regular) it's up to you!

           

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