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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HOW TO PREVENT & TREAT INSECT BITES NATURALLY

Summertime calls most of us to spend time outdoors. Alas, bugs can be a real buzz-kill at best, and carriers of disease at worst. Additionally, most commercial insect repellants contain a chemical known as DEET, which should be used with caution, if at all.  

Luckily, there are loads of ways to keep bugs at bay that don't call for harsh chemicals.  Personally, I love doTERRA Terrashield. It has a great scent, works on animals and is still gentle enough for children. 

  

In addition to repellents, it's important to make sure to wear protective clothing.   A determined bug will completely disregard your oils and elixirs, so cover up in areas that are overrun with weeds and pools of stagnant water. 

Should your preventive measures fail, there are well over a dozen different home remedies that can help, from herbs to baking soda to ice packs or heat, whether in the form of a heated or cold spoon.

Treating Bites and Stings Naturally

You've been bitten; now what?  There are plenty of natural remedies to try that will relieve the pesky itch and swelling. 

Aloe vera:  130 active compounds and 34 amino acids that are beneficial to your skin.	Calendula:Soothing, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties.	Chamomile: The most soothing herb of all, whether used in a tea or applied to the skin.
Cinnamon: Said to repel mosquitoes, it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.	Cucumbers are helpful for reducing swelling.	Basil: Relieves itching. Either crush up some fresh herb and apply directly to the bite, or buy the essential oil.
Lavender: One of the most popular essential oils for its calming scent, lavender is as antimicrobial as it is soothing.	Lemon:  Anti-itch, antibacterial and antimicrobial actions. Avoid applying citrus juices to your skin when outdoors.	Peppermint: Its cooling sensation can block other sensations, such as itching, providing temporary relief.

Place a cooled chamomile tea bag over your bite to reduce swelling. For bites all over your body, take a long soak in a bathtub filled with warm water and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar can help stop the maddening itch.

No apple cider vinegar? Dissolve some baking soda in your bath and soak for about 30 minutes. 

Not into soaking? Mix some baking soda with a small amount of water or witch hazel to create a paste, and apply directly to the bite. This concoction will aid in reducing the swelling

"Where do I pick up these oils Jess?" Don't worry, I've got you covered. Visit my Essential Oil page on ways to purchase doTERRA oils of your very own. 

Want to know more about essential oils? 

Join the ESSENTIAL OIL LOVER'S Facebook Group

So, you've read what I have to say about natural bug remedies, but now I want to know what you use.  Share your bug repellent and remedy favorites by commenting. 

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PEPPERONI QUICHE MUFFINS

Things have been slightly different around the kitchen lately. I've found that I, personally, do a lot better in the mornings if I have a ketogenic based meal. Carbs early in the morning do not work for me and definitely do not carry me through my busy work day.  With that new development that also means you may see more recipes that include dairy, but I'll do my best to make sure they're not dairy based and removing any cheese from the recipe will be easy peasy.

I don't know what took me so long to make these guys. My love for pepperoni now runs deep and true.  Breakfast, snack, lunch AND dinner, these things are so tasty especially when dipped in a good marinara. Num num num!!!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. oregano, dried and chopped
• 2 tsp. garlic salt
• 1 c. mozzarella, shredded
• 6-12 Applegate pepperoni slices
• marinara sauce (to dip - optional)
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375F and grease 6 muffin tins (or line with foil liners)
2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oregano and garlic salt
3. Stir in mozzarella
4. Divide evenly into the 6 tins
5. Top each with 1-2 slices of pepperoni
6. Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown
7. Serve warm with a side of marinara for dipping (optional)

What would you add to this recipe to make it even tastier?

Bell peppers, mushrooms, sausage...? 

 

          

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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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GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIE TRIFLE

Today I'm sharing a super basic recipe.  This is something I love to make when I have leftover brownies, broken brownies or even cake bits.  A trifle is a great way to repurpose a dessert and is fun for the kids to make. 

You don't HAVE to make this difficult.  If you want to use boxed brownie and pudding mix and a jar of strawberry preserves go right on ahead. I've done it. No judgment here. 

Trifle is an English dessert dish made from thick (or often solidified) custard, fruit, sponge cake (often soaked in sherry or other fortified wine), fruit juice or jelly, and whipped cream. These ingredients are usually arranged in layers. - Wikipedia

INGREDIENTS:

Quantity is dependent on what you have handy

• Dark Chocolate Brownies
• Strawberry Chia Jam
• Dairy-Free Vanilla Pudding
• Coconut Cream or Whipped Cream

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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Layer ingredients in a bowl or glass 
• Brownie
• Strawberry
• Pudding
2. Continue to layer until the glass is full OR until you've had enough
3. Top with cream
4. Eat!

This recipe is linked to Gluten-Free Wednesdays

           

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D.I.Y. LEMONGRASS FACIAL TONER

For years I've spent more money than I'm willing to be honest about,  on toners and serums for my skin. Ooooh my sad aging skin. Constantly looking for that miracle to save me. Alas, I'm aging and thats that. 

Anyway, in order to save my money (and sanity) I began playing with essential oils a bit more than usual.  I've always used them as a form of perfume and rarely used for any medicinal purposes. A little oil really goes a long way, which makes it a budget friendly household essential.  

With a bit of research and I found the perfect toner for my skin. Note the word "MY". Not everyone is the same, that's the one thing we all have that's the same...hmmm. Depending on what's going on in my life, my hormones get a little outta whack and I have to modify amounts slightly. However, my new favorite toner recipe below has worked really well on both my daughter and my skin. 

D.I.Y. LEMONGRASS FACIAL TONER

• In a large glass container combine
• 1/2c. rosewater
• 1/4 c. witch hazel (alcohol free)
• 1/4 c. distilled water
• 4 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• Apply at night with a cotton ball

This facial toner has been working wonders.
Of course, like everything, you may need to adjust according to your body chemistry.

     

   

STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM WITH TOMATO BASIL AND SAUSAGE ~ Guest Post Tina of Oh Snap Lets Eat!

I'm so happy to have Tina, of "Oh Snap! Let's Eat!", as this weeks guest blogger. Tina's site is filled with amazing recipes, you most definitely need to try her chocolate chip cookies.  Today she shares her recipe for Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, a delicious, nutrient dense, Paleo meal. 

I love the taste of tomato and basil together, so I thought they would go perfectly well in a Sausage Stuffed Portobello Mushroom!  What’s awesome is this is first time, I used the basil I planted in my backyard garden (thanks to my brother who gave me the seeds and what not) for a recipe!  I hope you enjoy this paleo stuffed portobello mushroom recipe :)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 large portobello mushroom caps
• 1/2 lb. sausage
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/2 c. fresh basil
• 1 medium tomato
• Olive oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Remove the stems from the portobello mushroom.  You can either throw these away or chop them up and use them as part of the stuffing.

 2.  Cook your sausage with chopped garlic and also the chopped mushroom stem if you decided to go that route.  Once done, put aside.

3.  Preheat your oven at 400°F.

4.  Chop up your tomatoes and basil.

6.  Rub each portobello mushroom with olive oil.

7.  Scoop your tomato basil sausage mixture in to each of the caps.  Try to cram it all in there, but if it doesn’t work you can still cook it on the side.

8.  Place on baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.

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WEEKLY MEAL PLAN ~ 5/26/14

Here's another week of gluten-free meal plans. To keep the shopping list to a minimum I make meals stretch and repurpose leftovers. 

Most of the meals will be prepared Sunday and ready to re-heat. 

As usual, leftovers paired with a salad are typically lunch.

BREAKFAST

Italian Sausage Frittata
OR
Bullet Proof Coffee
There's going to be a lot of breakfast on the go for me this week

TREATS

Sunbutter Cookies

ENTREES 

Zingy Chicken and Veggies

Slow Cooker Chili and Cornbread

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Chicken & Spinach Salad
Leftover Zingy Chicken, mixed veggies and spinach

Chili Leftovers and Salad

Gluten-Free Spaghetti Marinara
with chopped leftover stuffed bell peppers (if any)

Steak and Yucca Fries

           

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A SPIKED TWIST TO YOUR FAVORITE ICED CAPPUCCINO

If espresso is the king of all coffees then cappuccino is surely the queen. A massively popular and widely consumed beverage, the frothy cappuccino is an important part of our daily lives. From brightening up our breakfast to providing a refreshing feeling during lunch, a cup of cappuccino goes with every season and occasion.

This spring, add a twist to your favorite cup of cappuccino by making it Irish. The warm spring days call for a refreshing, stimulating and energizing drink that is both cold and has a punch. A spiked Nescafe Iced Cappuccino epitomes just that. 

The Nescafe Iced Cappuccino is a creamy, frothy mix of rich espresso and buttery milk. This frosty, frothy cup of bliss is a delight to have on its own but combine it with some liquor and the taste will tantalize your taste buds and revitalize you.

 Image from nruly-things.com

Combine the creamy, frothy coffee flavors of a traditional cappuccino with the liquor of your choice and enjoy a sip of heaven. Those who like their coffee with a nutty undertone can combine some Amaretto Liquor with the Iced Cappuccino to get their heart's desire. The almond undertones of the Amaretto go extremely well with a strong cup of iced cappuccino adding not only to flavor but also to the foaminess of the drink. 

Those with a sweet tooth can add Dark Rum to make their iced cappuccinos saccharine. Make your iced cappuccino extra strong to balance the sweet, caramel flavor of rum and enjoy this rejuvenating drink with friends. 

Vanilla lovers can add bourbon to get a velvety vanilla accent in their iced cappuccino. A hint of cinnamon really enhances the flavor and adds a sweet fragrance to the beverage, perfect for having on pleasant spring evenings. 

Image from diyinspired.com

For a real punch, blend some vodka in your iced cappuccino and enjoy the taste. 

Nescafe iced cappuccino can be enjoyed any day, any time of the day. It's delicious flavors can be enhanced and enriched blending in liquors of different flavors and strengths. So, get creative and design your own perfect cup of spiked iced cappuccino. What’s more, as a part of their spring promotion, you can currently get a Capsule Carousel for free if you buy 3 boxes of coffee, so now’s definitely a good time to grab their coffee.

Just as an added bonus for you, here is a wonderful cappuccino cocktail recipe that you can try at home:

Frosty Cappuccino Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ¼ cups coffee (strong)
• 1 ½ cups half-and-half
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed firmly)
• ½ cup half-and-half
• 3 tbsp. bourbon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put coffee, sugar, cinnamon and 1 ½ cup half-and-half in a large bowl and mix it well together until the ingredients are completely incorporated. Pour this mixture into ice trays and leave it to freeze.
2. Put the frozen mixture into a blender with the bourbon and remaining half-and-half. Blend them together until they form a smooth mixture. Serve with a pinch of coffee or ground cinnamon sprinkled on top.

           

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