Recipes

Ranch Turkey Burgers (Dairy-free and Whole30)

January 16, 2018
Course

This recipe uses one of my favorite things…RANCH! These super juicy and zesty burgers are a nice way to switch things up on your next burger night! Feel free to use any type of ground meat that you have on hand. Personally, I think the “ranch” flavor shines the best with turkey or chicken, but it would taste delicious mixed with beef too!




Check out my handy, go-to Ranch Seasoning Mix that I used in this recipe. There’s also an option if you do not have that!

Print Recipe
 Ranch Turkey Burgers (Dairy-free and Whole30)
Course Dinner
Servings
burger
Ingredients
Course Dinner
Servings
burger
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. I like well seasoned foods! Therefore, I use a full 4 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning. The meat mixture will be a fairly sticky glob. However, you will still be able to form it into a patty easily, I promise! Your hands will just need a good washing afterwards!
  2. So I can easily divide it into 4 patties, I like to flatten the mixture in my bowl and gently score it into quarters.
  3. Take each section and flatten out into a 3/4"-1" thick patty. Press your fingers gently in the middle to create a dimple. You want the center to be a bit thinner (about 1/2" thick) to prevent your burgers from doming up in the middle.
  4. In a pan over medium-high heat, add your cooking oil. Allow the pan to heat up for a couple minutes. You want it to be nice and hot. Place your burgers in the pan and cook for your burgers for 3-4 minutes. You should hear a sizzle when you place the patties in the pan. The sizzle is key for a nice crust on your burger. When you have a nice golden brown crust, it's time to cook the other side!
  5. After a few minutes and the crust has formed, using a wide, flat spatula (makes for easier flipping), flip your burger and cook the other side for another 3-6 minutes - depending on your preferred doneness.**
  6. Top with your favorites! I like grilled onions, but some bacon and jalapeños would be delicious too!
Recipe Notes

*This recipe uses my Ranch Seasoning Mix. If you don't have that made you can substitute in these amounts: 2 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dill, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp minced onion, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp pink salt, 1 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground mustard.

**Cooking times:

 

For a medium-rare burger: cook the second side for 2-3 minutes (6 minutes total)

For a medium burger: cook the second side for 3-4 minutes (7-8 minutes total)

For a medium-well burger: cook the second side for 4-5 minutes (8-9 minutes total)

For a well-done burger: cook the second side for 5-6 minutes (10 minutes total) - this burger will be a bit drier - FYI!

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Ranch Seasoning Mix (Dairy-Free)

January 15, 2018

Ranch…one of life’s greatest pleasures. 🙂 It’s not just for dressing your salads! Besides putting it on basically any potato out there and being left with something delicious, you can mix it with meat and make a tasty burger (check out my Ranch Turkey Burgers for proof!), or meatloaf for a zesty change on a classic. You can also make a mean pasta/casserole inspired by that yummy condiment. The possibilities are endless, really!!



I don’t know about you, but 9 times out of 10, I always have a side of ranch with whatever I’m eating. Don’t judge. Ranch is pretty much delicious on everything. HANDS DOWN. If it says it’s covered in ranch, I’ll try it. I have a slight obsession, you could say. My obsession is to the point where it was worked into my wedding vows. Sorry, not sorry. My fellow ranch-lovers out there will understand going to certain restaurants JUST BECAUSE their ranch is AMAZING.

Prior to my husband realizing he was lactose-intolerant, our seasoning cabinet always had plenty of those wonderful little ranch seasoning packets. I would mix them into everything! I had to come up with something similar to keep on hair to easily sprinkle over anything and everything when it just needed that extra something – in my mind, that extra something is always ranch!

Here’s what I came up with, minus the milk powder that is typically involved with these types of mixes. Try sprinkling it over some of your dishes and see what you come up with! It’d be great sprinkled over homemade, savory trail mixes or over some oven-roasted potatoes. Use your imagination! 🙂




Print Recipe
 Ranch Seasoning Mix (Dairy-Free)
Servings
Cup
Ingredients
Servings
Cup
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes

Mix 1-2 tbsp into a cup of mayo (or your favorite sour cream/greek yogurt substitute) and a couple tbsp of almond milk for a dipping sauce! ...Or go right ahead and use sour cream, if you can tolerate dairy!

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Paleo Tortillas/Crepes

January 11, 2018

Since the first day I made these, my husband has been obsessed! He actually says that he likes them better than regular tortillas. I have to admit that they do NOT taste like corn or flour tortillas. I can’t fake that corn taste. NO CAN DO. They actually have a bit of an eggy flavor that we personally love!



The best part about these is that they are almost indestructible. haha! They don’t break when you fold them up. A broken taco is a quick way to ruin your meal. 🙁 These tortillas will never let you down in that department!

These shells can also double as crepes! Fill them with eggs and veggies or berries and some coconut whipped cream for a yummy breakfast!



Print Recipe
 Paleo Tortillas/Crepes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5-10 minutes
Servings
tortillas
Ingredients
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5-10 minutes
Servings
tortillas
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients. When making tortilla shells for tacos, I like to add garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin for extra flavor - totally optional!
  2. Over medium-heat, pour 2-3 tbsp (a little bit less than 1/4 cup) of batter in a small nonstick pan** and swirl around to form a circle.
  3. When the edges start to curl up slightly, its time to flip! This usually takes about 30-45 seconds. I like to use a silicone, heat-resistant spatula. I just lightly slide it around the edges to loosen. Because of the nonstick pan, you should be able to easily slide the spatula around and flip your tortilla effortlessly.
  4. Flip and cook the other side for another 30-45 seconds.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have used up all of your batter. This recipe typically makes about 8 tortillas - give or take. It just depends on how thick you make them!
Recipe Notes

*I would not substitute anything for the avocado oil. I have tried coconut oil and butter. However, when added to the cold eggs, it solidifies and doesn't cook evenly. Therefore, the recipe will yield some clumpier tortillas.

**I use a 6-inch pan. Make sure to use a non-stick one! It's essential!

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Tahini Chocolate Chip Blondies

January 10, 2018
Course

These are my version of a chocolate chip and peanut butter blondie/cookie bar. Who can say no to CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER!?!? My household sure can’t. Even the dogs are crowding around me when I mix up a batch of these. Then again….I can’t recall a time that my dogs AREN’T crowding around me in the kitchen. They’re beagles. It kind of comes with the breed. Gotta love my fur babes. <3

To begin with, if you haven’t ever tried tahini, give it a shot, please! It’s easier on digestion than peanut butter, and a lot more versatile in your cabinet! If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s ground up sesame seeds – THAT’S IT! (That’s all it should be, anyways. CHECK YOUR LABELS!) AND it’s superrrr delish!! It has more of a roasted flavor than peanut butter and makes super yummy dressings too! You can find tons of cooking uses for it! You just have to have an open mind. 🙂



My favorite way to use it…is in baking! It gives things a yummy PB flavor without any of the possible overly-processed, toxin-filled legumes that don’t mix well with my husband’s gut. It’s much preferred in my house!

Enough about tahini and all of the other not-really-important blabbering from me…here’s the recipe!

 

Print Recipe
 Tahini Chocolate Chip Blondies
Course Dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
thick blondies
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
thick blondies
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, combine tahini, honey, sugar, melted butter/ghee, vanilla, apple cider vinegar, and eggs.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, maca powder, salt, baking soda and collagen peptides.
  4. Add your dry flour mixture to your wet mixture and combine. If you really don't feel like dirty-ing up another bowl...don't! Feel free to add all of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture without combing them separately. Just make sure you mix them together VERY WELL and aren't leaving clumps of flour throughout the batter.
  5. Pour the batter into a baking pan (I used an 8X8) and bake for 23-25 minutes until the center is done.
Recipe Notes

*  Browning your butter is optional - but highly recommended! It gives it more of a rich, nutty flavor. When it comes to baking cookies, I almost always brown the butter! It's super simple to do. In a saucepan over medium-heat, melt your butter. It will begin to foam after a few minutes. Cook it for another 3 minutes or so, until the foam is almost gone and the liquid underneath is a caramel color. you should see little brown bits at the bottom - those are dairy solids. If you strain those out, you're left with clarified butter, also known as GHEE! You can use them or toss them out! I like to cook my ghee until it's a deep caramel. Whatever your preference, it'll be tasty!

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Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake with Maple Icing

December 31, 2017
Course

I’m not usually a sweets-for-breakfast person…I almost always go for the biscuits and sausage gravy or meaty omelets. I do, however, enjoy a bite or two of pancakes along with those. I have a problem with wanting a bite of everything on the menu … every time – every meal. I just can’t help it!


Sometimes, a bunch of maple-y goodness sounds like the perfect way to start my day! Filled with sweet caramelized apples and tons of cinnamon, this french toast bake does not disappoint! It’s super moist consistency and eggy-french toast taste is sure to be the perfect, cozy and comforting breakfast any day of the year, but is particularly wonderful when it’s FREEZING – like it is in the Midwest right now!

This bake isn’t heavy on the carbs either … which is ALWAYS a plus when eating something bread-like and sweet! It only has about 10-15 carbs per serving, depending on if you top it with icing or not. Either way, it’s delicious and won’t make you regret eating it!



Print Recipe
 Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake with Maple Icing
Course Breakfast
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Optional Maple icing:
Course Breakfast
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Optional Maple icing:
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a cast iron skillet over medium high heat, sauté apples, ghee, honey, cinnamon (I used a full 2 tsp - use less depending on preference), nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of avocado oil for about 3 minutes or until apples have soften and remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients (reserve the coconut butter and 2 tbsp of maple syrup for the drizzle) to create the batter.
  4. Pour batter over apples and sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes or until it's cooked through in the middle.
For the icing:
  1. In a saucepan, melt coconut butter and maple syrup just until they combine. If it's too thick, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup to make it easier to drizzle.
  2. Drizzle over your warm french toast bake and DIG IN!
Recipe Notes

I feel like this bake only gets better with time. Everything with fruit and spices just gets more flavorful as it sits...so you may want to make plenty to have the next day too!

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Instant Pot Quick General Tso’s Chicken (Paleo with Whole30 option)

December 28, 2017
Cuisine

I try to not make every recipe in my Instant Pot – and that’s hard! Not everyone has been converted over just yet! However, after making General Tso’s Chicken in under 15 minutes…I’m pretty sure you will be!


This version is an unbreaded version. I would not suggest trying to make the breaded version in your IP, as it will probably end up soggy and just not very appetizing. This is strictly a quick and clean version of a take-out favorite! Totally guilt free and delicious when paired with my Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice (which happens to be Whole30 compliant as well!) This recipe can be easily converted to Whole30 compliant by replacing the honey with pureed fruit – such as pineapple or peaches! (or omitting the honey altogether. Some find that the coconut aminos are sweet enough) Either alternative would still yield a yummy dish!

Print Recipe
 Instant Pot General Tso's Chicken (Paleo with Whole30 option)
Cuisine Chinese, paleo, Whole30
Cook Time 13 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cuisine Chinese, paleo, Whole30
Cook Time 13 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Set your Instant Pot to Saute mode.
  2. Add sesame oil and chicken to the pot and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until most of the chicken has some white on it. It does not that to be anywhere near cooked through! This step helps cut down on cooking time AND for the pot to come to pressure quicker!
  3. After your chicken has cooked for those few minutes, combine your remaining ingredients in a separate bowl (except for the arrowroot powder and water) and pour over your chicken.
  4. Place the lid on your pot, turn the valve to seal, press manual and set the time for 8 minutes.
  5. Once the timer goes off, do a QR (quick release), and open it up! It will be bubbly and on the runny side. Now is the time to thicken!
  6. Combine the arrowroot powder and water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into your chicken until the sauce has thickened! This should only take a minute or so. If you find that it's not thick enough, you can always add a bit more arrowroot/water mixture until the desired consistency is reached.
  7. Be sure to turn the pot off too! It automatically switches to "Keep Warm" mode after cooking. I have forgotten that a time or two! ENJOY!!
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Pork Fried Rice (Paleo & Whole30)

December 28, 2017
Cuisine
Course

Does anyone else always want Chinese food on Mondays – the day that every Chinese restaurant is closed? Or is that just me? I just love good Chinese food…which, honestly, is RARE! Good as in tasty AND healthy! This “rice” is all of the above. Jam-packed with protein and veggies, this dish is one you can feel good about eating!

If you can find all of the prepped ingredients in your grocery store’s freezer section and have leftover ham (or have a go-to clean, natural brand of already-cooked pork), this dish comes together in MINUTES, is made in one pan, tastes so similar to take-out, AND is Whole30 approved!

Make it a complete meal by pairing it with my Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken! That can also be Whole30 compliant and, the best part, it’s made in under 15 minutes with the help of that handy pressure cooker!

Print Recipe
 Pork Fried Rice (Paleo & Whole30)
Course Dinner, side dishes
Cuisine Chinese, paleo
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Course Dinner, side dishes
Cuisine Chinese, paleo
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large sauce pan, add 1 tbsp cooking fat and chopped onion and sauté over medium high heat for about 5 minutes or until onions become translucent.
  2. Once the onions have softened, add your chopped ham, riced cauliflower, and remaining fat. I like to crank the heat up and get a nice char on the meat and cauliflower - so much flavor! (that's always my favorite rice - the stuff that has some charred bits in it!)
  3. After about 3-4 minutes, add the remaining ingredients (except for the eggs), and cook until the vegetables are fork tender. This should take about 5 minutes. Note: I used all organic, frozen veggies that were already chopped and riced. HUGE TIME SAVER!
  4. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add your beaten eggs. I make a divet in the pan in the middle of my rice and pour the eggs in there. Once they begin to cook, I just keep stirring everything up until they're all the way cooked. This only takes a couple minutes! No need for another pan - in my opinion! We love eggs, so I add 3 to this recipe. Feel free to add more or less!
  5. Taste now and adjust your seasonings and add more salt, coconut amines, or sesame oil. Just a bit though! You can always add more, but you can't take it out! Personally, I tend to go a bit heavier on the coconut aminos and salt. I love that soy sauce flavaaaa!
  6. Finally, stir in your chopped green onions and you're done! I like them crunchy, but feel free to cook your rice a minute or two longer after stirring them in! ENJOY!
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Spicy Queso (dairy-free and vegan)

December 28, 2017
Cuisine

Before I get into this yummy dip, don’t judge this recipe just because it’s classified as vegan! I know that there are some of you out there that will! If you want, use chicken or beef broth and make it just dairy-free! 😉

Anyways……

Having a husband that is lactose intolerant has really changed perspective on things. I have to omit one of my favorite ingredients from every meal (CHEESEEEEEE!) or make two meals (who wants to do that?!) and risk antagonizing him with what I’m eating. Therefore, I have had to get very creative and come up with replacements that are still tasty and give us that cheese fix! Mind you, many dairy-free things are far from the original and by no means, taste the same. However, they are still delicious and help us not to miss all of that cheesy goodness so much. We still splurge from time to time on QUALITY dairy.

Give your body a break now and then from all of that cow’s milk. It’s filled with sugar, cholesterol, saturated fat and many times hormones that were pumped into the cows. It also has been linked to an increased prevalence of acne in many studies. It’s just not something you should be consuming large amounts of in every meal. You absolutely still need fat and calcium, but try finding substitutes elsewhere for a couple of meals! Your body will thank you!

Oh, look! Here’s a great substitute for a cheesy dip! 😛

I like to drizzle this queso over tacos or mix with some ground beef and taco seasoning for a jazzed up dip!

Print Recipe
 Spicy Queso (dairy-free and vegan)
Cuisine Dairy Free, paleo
Prep Time 3-4 hours of soaking cashews
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Cuisine Dairy Free, paleo
Prep Time 3-4 hours of soaking cashews
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a high powered blender*: Combine all of the ingredients until a smooth, creamy sauce is formed. This usually tastes about 3-5 minutes. If you're having trouble getting the mixture to puree, add a bit more broth/coconut milk.
  2. Once blended, taste and add more salt to your liking! Serve warm with chips or tacos!
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Spinach Artichoke Dip (dairy-free and vegan)

December 28, 2017
Cuisine

In the past, whenever I would go out to eat, and Spinach Artichoke Dip was on the appetizer menu, I’d always order it! I loved all of that creamy, cheesy, goodness. Sometimes, I’d just make a meal out of it. However, I’d often leave the restaurant feeling overly stuffed, heavy, greasy, and just not so good. All of that cream and cheese can wreak havoc on one’s tummy – especially the dairy allergic or lactose intolerant tummies! Don’t get me wrong, the dip was always amazing…ALWAYS, but once I began paying more attention to my body and what I put into it, I really began noticing the effects food had on it. I consciously began asking myself, “Is it really worth it?” Now, I’m not saying to never order the spin-dip again. Just…maybe…try passing on it the next time, and going home and making this recipe the next day! (I know, it’s more work and definitely isn’t instantly gratifying. I promise though, it’s worth it!)

This version is packed with protein from the cashews and tons of flavor from onions and garlic – you won’t miss the cheese! (that much 😉 haha) If you’re someone that is lactose intolerant or has a dairy allergy, this is a great substitute to give you that fix!

Print Recipe
 Spinach Artichoke Dip (dairy-free with vegan option)
Cuisine Dairy Free, paleo
Prep Time 3-4 hours of soaking cashews
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Cuisine Dairy Free, paleo
Prep Time 3-4 hours of soaking cashews
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a sauce pan, saute onions in butter for 5 minutes or until they've become translucent and started browning.
  2. While the onions are cooking, drain water off soaked cashews. In a food processor or high powered blender, combine cashews, broth, and coconut milk. Blend until the mixture has lightened and is very creamy. If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a couple tablespoons more of broth until it begins to blend completely.
  3. If your spinach is frozen, follow the cooking directions until it has thawed enough to squeeze the moisture out. You want VERY LITTLE moisture left. If your spinach is thawed, simply wring out the liquid using cheesecloth. You will be surprised with how little spinach you're left with!
  4. Once you've completely pureed the cashews, add the mixture, drained spinach, and remaining ingredients to the cooked onions. Cook the dip over medium low heat for about 10 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasonings! If you want a cheesier flavor, you can add more nutritional yeast. If you want more garlic, (I ALWAYS WANT MORE GARLIC) add more chopped garlic or some garlic powder. I've found that when I add more nutritional yeast, I also have to add more salt amount as well. Use your own discretion! 🙂
  6. Serve hot with tortilla (I like Siete brand chips! They're grain free and made with minimal ingredients!) or try some plantain chips! YUM! Leftovers of this don't go to waste either. It's delicious when mixed with shredded chicken and cauliflower rice!
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Cake Batter Cheesecake with Sugar Cookie Crust (Dairy, Gluten, and Grain free)

December 27, 2017
Course

Is there much to be said after I mentioned cheesecake? Personally, I’ve never met one that I don’t like. The cashews add a nutty flavor that only brings out the cake-battery-ness (yes, that’s a word – at least, in my dictionary) even more! This version of a cheesecake is completely diary-free (there’s a vegan option too!), so it tastes a bit different from your normal cream cheese based one, but it’s not lacking in the flavor department! If desired, you can omit the sprinkles – they just make it so dang purrrrtty. I couldn’t resist. Unless you can find sugar and grain free ones, the sprinkles are NOT paleo. Life’s all about balance!

This dessert would be perfect to make for a party or to introduce something paleo to your friends! It’s a sure hit with kiddos too – who can pass up sprinkles or something with cake batter in it’s name?!

You won’t miss the dairy at all with this creamy dessert! This cheesecake is one you won’t feel guilty about havings seconds…or thirds!

Print Recipe
 Cake Batter Cheesecake with Sugar Cookie Crust (Dairy, Gluten, and Grain free)
Course Dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Passive Time 2 hours of chilling
Servings
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust
Cake Batter cheesecake filling
Course Dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Passive Time 2 hours of chilling
Servings
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust
Cake Batter cheesecake filling
Instructions
For the cookie crust:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry crust ingredients.
  3. Beat the egg white separately until stiff peaks form.
  4. To the butter and sugar mixture, add the remaining wet ingredients for the crust, except the egg white.
  5. Once everything is combined, gently fold in the egg white.
  6. Form crust into a shallow pie or tart pan and bake for 15 min until golden brown.
  7. Set aside to cool.
For the filling:
  1. To a high powdered blender*: combine all of the filling ingredients. (start with 1/2 tsp of almond extract - you can always add more later!) The cashews should be very soft from soaking. This is key to a quick creamy consistency. *I use a Vitamix 5300.
  2. Blend everything for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture has become lighter in color and very creamy. You shouldn't feel any grit from the cashews. If you do, add a bit more coconut milk and blend for another minute or so.
  3. Once the desired consistency is reached*, pour mixture into your cooled sugar cookie crust. *if desired, you can add sprinkles to the mixture at this point.
  4. Freeze cheesecake for 2-3 hours or overnight before serving. Enjoy!
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