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Instant Pot Chori Pollo Sopa (Chicken & Chorizo Soup)

March 20, 2018
Cuisine

Chori Pollo has been a mexican favorite of mine since the first time I had chorizo. I almost always choose chicken over beef or pork, however, the combination of chicken with the spicy sausage is perfection and I can’t pass it up!

This dish combines all of those flavors with one of my other favorite things – SOUP! It’s also made in the Instant Pot – yet, ANOTHER one of my loves. However, you can make it on your stove top or in your crockpot, as well. It’s will just take a little bit more time.

Print Recipe
 Instant Pot Chori Pollo Sopa (Chicken & Chorizo Soup)
Cuisine Mexican
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cuisine Mexican
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. With your instant pot set to "Saute", cook onions, jalapeños, chorizo, and chicken pieces for 3-5 minutes or until onions have began to soften. TIP: Sautéing your food for a couple minutes in the beginning will help the pot come to pressure quicker.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to your Instant Pot and stir to combine. Hit the "Cancel" button to take it off of "Saute" mode.
  3. Attach the lid and turn your valve to seal. Press the "Soup" button, adjust the time to 15 minutes, and let it cook!
  4. When the timer goes off, turn the valve to vent, and do a QR.
  5. Serve with chopped green onions, sour cream, avocado slices or my Pepperjack Cheese Sauce (dairy free). See recipes notes for a link to the recipe!**
Stovetop Instructions:
  1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, sauté onions and jalapeños for 5-8 minutes until the onions have become translucent.
  2. Add sausage and chicken to onions and peppers and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add spices, broth, and cauliflower rice to your pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Turn your soup down to low and let simmer until ready to serve.
Crockpot Instructions:
  1. Add all of the ingredients to your crockpot and stir to combine. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
Recipe Notes

*I thaw (or cook for a couple minutes) the frozen cauliflower and then pulse it in my blender for a few seconds to "rice" it. MUCH EASIER than breaking down a fresh head of cauliflower and "ricing" it. You can sub a bag of frozen riced cauliflower. It usually only comes in 12 oz bags; if you prefer not to use a partial second bag, reducing the cauliflower to 12 oz won't hurt the recipe.

**Pepperjack Cheese Sauce

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Cajun Alfredo Sauce (Dairy-Free)

March 15, 2018
Cuisine
Course

Yes, it says dairy-free! I can see your eyes rolling and your head shaking now. I’ve been there! I promise, though, you won’t miss it in this sauce! There is so much flavor that you won’t realize that it’s missing the cheese!

Opting out of dairy in your meals can do so much good on your digestion and your skin! You may not even realize the effects it has on you, until you give it up for a week or so and then go back to it! You’ll notice a difference! Give it a try! There are so many awesome products out there now that can help make the transition so easy! Your gut will thank you!

 

Print Recipe
 Cajun Alfredo Sauce (Dairy-Free)
Course Dinner
Cuisine Cajun
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Course Dinner
Cuisine Cajun
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cream cheese and butter until melted and combined. This should take 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and seasonings and combine.
  3. Add Nutpods, cashew milk, and juice from the lemon and whisk together until well combined. (if you're using it, add nutritional yeast now, as well)
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes or until ready to serve!
  5. I like to serve this sauce over our favorite pasta and top it with shredded, cajun-seasoned chicken thighs! DELISH!
Recipe Notes

*You can substitute cashew, coconut, or almond milk. The sauce just won't be as rich and creamy. Start with a cup and add more until desired consistency is achieved. You could also add a tablespoon or two more of cream cheese for extra creaminess!

If you tolerate dairy, some quality heavy cream could be used here as well!

**Many people have found that too much nutritional yeast can upset their stomach. So, it's totally optional here. I tend to use it more often in regular alfredo sauces. Taste the sauce before you add it and see if you even need it! Personally, the cajun spices in this recipe add plenty of flavor for me.

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake (Dairy free/Gluten Free)

March 14, 2018
Course

Ok, Ok…let me start off by saying, this shake is NOT going to taste just like that cookie dough milkshake you had from ColdStone, Dairy Queen, Culvers (insert your favorite ice cream shop here) last week! It just isn’t. If you want to splurge and have that, by all means, you go and get that milkshake – AND ENJOY IT! However, there are people and circumstances that are not allowed to consume that for numerous reasons. This recipe is here to aid in that situation or when you want a guilt free indulgence!

Personally, I’m a huge cookie dough lover. HUGGGEEE. That was always my go-to choice of ice cream. This shake has turned into a favorite because of that. It reminds me of that addicting flavor, but it isn’t packed with a bunch of unhealthy junk! BONUS: there’s fruit AND veggies in it! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. VEGGIES IN A MILKSHAKE?! Yes, you read that right, and please don’t let it scare you.

Take a chance and make this the next time you feel that craving come on! It’ll surprise you!

Print Recipe
 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake (Dairy free/Gluten Free)
Course Dessert
Servings
shake
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Servings
shake
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine all ingredients (except chocolate chips) until smooth.
  2. Add the chocolate chips last, and blend for 20-30 seconds until they have broken up slightly.
  3. INDULGE!
Recipe Notes

*Feel free to use the whole banana! It will just make the shake thicker and have a bit more of a banana taste. If you don't want it thicker, just add a bit more nut milk!

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Mock-PB & Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

March 12, 2018
Course

I’m always looking for new snacks for my husband. Particularly, one’s that will stop him from buying a pack of peanut M&M’s every day during his break time at work. haha!

Typically, we stay away from peanuts, and other legumes, in general. We consume plenty of the other nuts out there. Some following the paleo diet, still eat them – to each his own! There is tons of information out there about the toxins in peanuts and the things they do to certain people’s digestive system. I’ll omit the rest of the explanation from this specific post, and leave you to the research, if you feel inclined…because, let’s be honest, you’re here for the recipe!

These little bites are a great snack and easy to whip up! NO BAKING REQUIRED! They’re packed with healthy fats and proteins – you can’t go wrong!


Print Recipe
 Mock-PB & Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
Course Snacks, Sweets
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes-cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Course Snacks, Sweets
Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 20 minutes-cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, mix together flour, collagen peptides, coconut, coconut sugar, protein powder, salt, and maca powder until combined.
  2. Add sunflower seed butter, coconut oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Finally, stir in chocolate chips.
  4. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls (I used a melon baller scoop) onto a baking sheet, or whatever mobile, flat surface that you have handy). Place tray in freezer to set for 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for a couple hours or until firm.
  5. Store balls in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Sheet Pan Flank/Skirt Steak with Roasted Veggies

February 25, 2018
Course

Sometimes, steak can be intimidating, right? I know I used to feel that way about it sometimes. …Especially cuts like flank and skirt steaks! Don’t be afraid! If you don’t feel like getting out the grill, or if you don’t have a big cast iron skillet, (Really, if you don’t have one, get one!) this recipe is for you!

Everything gets mixed up in one big bowl, tossed on a lined sheet pan, and cooked in the oven. It doesn’t get any easier than that! You are, however, required at one point, to turn the broiler on, and  to flip the steak, but I don’t feel like that’s asking too much. 😉

Afterwards, you are left with a juicy steak and super crispy veggies! Please note, you do not have to cook the veggies for the full amount of time. We prefer them VERY crispy, so they get the full treatment!

Although this meal is quick, resting the steak outside of the oven is just as important as the quick cooking process! Do not cut short, skip, or omit that step!

Also, marinating your steak is totally optional! Life doesn’t always permit extra time to do so! 😉

 

Print Recipe
 Sheet Pan Flank/Skirt Steak with Veggies
Course Dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Passive Time 10 minutes - resting
Servings
Ingredients
Seasonings for steak
Course Dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Passive Time 10 minutes - resting
Servings
Ingredients
Seasonings for steak
Instructions
  1. Optional: If you have the time, you can marinade the steak. (However, it is not necessary.) In a ziploc bag or shallow baking dish, mix together 2 extra tbsp of oil and a tsp of each of the spices listed above. Coat both sides of the steak with the marinade and let it sit for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  3. Chop your vegetables into bite size pieces. The brussels are usually fine just cut in halves.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables, oil, and seasonings (except for the steak seasonings) until everything is coated evenly.
  5. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread out the vegetables.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes - half way through, flip the vegetables.
  7. Remove the sheet from the oven and set your oven to the BROIL - High setting.
  8. Move the vegetables to the edges and position the steak in the middle of the pan.
  9. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle half of each of the seasonings on each side. (If you marinated your steak, you do not have to season your steak again.)
  10. For a medium steak, broil for 6 minutes on the first side, flip and broil for another 3-4 minutes on the remaining side.*
  11. Remove the steak from the baking sheet, cover with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  12. After 10 minutes, slice the steak, against the grain, and serve with the vegetables.
  13. Top with garlic herb butter for extra flavor!
Recipe Notes

*Cook for 1 minute less for Medium-rare and 1 minute longer for Medium-well.

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Nut & Dairy Free Cheese Sauce

February 22, 2018
Course

My favorite way to make cheese sauce involves cashews, however, there are some allergies out there that do not permit eating those. So I wanted to come up with a comforting, cheese-like sauce anyone could enjoy!

I like to mix this with cauliflower rice or paleo pasta for a “Mac ‘n Cheese” inspired meal!

It’s even delicious as a soup! (Mind you, I LOVE SOUP!) There is no guilt involved in eating this sauce because it is PACKED with veggies. It’s a great way to sneak in a new vegetable that your kids may not normally want. They won’t even know that they are eating a….SQUASH! That’s right! The main ingredient in this “cheese” sauce is a vegetable! The color it adds is amazing! I swear, the cheddar-cheese color of this sauce makes it taste even cheesier!

My instant pot comes in super handy with this recipe! It cooks the squash in less than 5 minutes! CRAZY! If you haven’t heard about the Instant Pot craze…get on it! It’s my favorite appliance! SO WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Disclaimer: THIS IS NOT AN ACTUAL CHEESE SAUCE. IT IS NOT GOING TO TASTE THE SAME. However, to those with dairy intolerances or those who just want to eat better, it is delicious and nice way to change things up!

Print Recipe
 Nut & Dairy Free Cheese Sauce
Course Sauces, side dishes
Cook Time 10-15 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Course Sauces, side dishes
Cook Time 10-15 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Cook your squash however you prefer! See recipe notes for different cooking methods.*
  2. To a blender (you could use an immersion blender too!), add your cooked squash and remaining ingredients.
  3. Blend until smooooooth!
Recipe Notes

*

  • You can cut the squash in half (long ways), remove the seeds, and roast it in the oven for 30-45 minutes at 400 degrees, or until soft. Then scoop out the insides of the squash and add it to your blender.
  • You can peel it, remove the seeds, chop it into 2 inch chunks and boil it until it's soft.
  • OR You can cook it in the Instant Pot, like me! I peel it, remove the seeds, chop it up into chunks and cook it for 4-5 minutes on HP. It comes out perfect!

Tip: I cook the other half of the squash at the same time. Then, I freeze the cubes for smoothies later! OR you could double the recipe for more "Cheese" sauce!

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Pepperjack Cheese Sauce {Dairy Free}

February 21, 2018

This may have been the best thing I’ve ever made…and it couldn’t be more simple! Besides some spices, it has ONLY THREE INGREDIENTS! I’m obsessed with simple flavorful recipes and this is definitely that kind of recipe!! It has just the right amount of kick without being overpowering and is oh-so-rich and creamy – without having a bit of dairy or dairy replacement!

I’m always looking for new ways to give us our cheese fix…since we don’t eat dairy – or much of it, anyways. (My husband is lactose intolerate. You can read more in my “About Me” section of the blog!) This cheese sauce completely HITS THE SPOT!

This sauce is a clean, healthy option to swap your cheese out for, and extra nutritious if you make it with some good bone broth! There isn’t anything in here that I feel guilty about consuming! Just make sure that your cashews are raw and not roasted! If roasted is all you can find, it will still work. It will just have some added oils from the roasting process. Check the ingredients! Sometimes, raw is hard to find!

I’ve made this two nights in a row now, guys. I just can’t get enough. I already have a soup recipe in the works that uses this as well! I meant it when I said I was obsessed!

I made a southwestern-inspired hamburger helper with this and it was AMAZING! I simply mixed the sauce with a pound of ground beef and 8 oz of pasta! EASY! This sauce is delicious as a dip for tortilla chips or drizzled on top of a burger or potatoes too! I’m pretty sure I could on and on about ways to eat this! 😉 Instead, let’s just get to this recipe!

Print Recipe
 Pepperjack Cheese Sauce {Dairy Free}
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. For this recipe, I use a high-powered blender. You can use an immersion blender or whatever blender you have! However, if yours is lacking in the power department, soak the cashews in water for 3-4 hours or overnight. It will make getting the sauce creamy, much easier!
  2. Cut the stem off of each jalapeño, remove the seeds, and slice each one in half - the long ways. ( if you're one of those, keep the seeds and add them for extra heat!) I usually use 3 large jalapeños for this. Feel free to start with two if you're worried about the heat. You can always add more!
  3. Lay each jalapeño half face down on a baking sheet and broil on high for about 5 minutes or until most of the skin has blistered. You can do this over a gas stove too. Just lay them directly on the rack above the flame! I just find that broiling is easier.
  4. To your blender, add your cashews, broth, seasonings, and roasted jalapeños. Plus some seeds if you want extra heat! Start with 1/2 tsp of salt - you can always add more later! I usually go with 1 tsp, but some don't like things very salty!
  5. Blender on high until completely smooth. This takes about about 1-3 minutes, depending on your blender.
  6. The consistency you're left with is thick and luscious - perfect for dipping If you'd like a drizzle consistency, add 1/2 cup more of broth. To use this as a pasta sauce, add 1 cup more of broth. Salt/pepper may need to be adjusted as well.
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Breaded Chicken Cutlets/Tenders (Gluten/Grain Free)

February 19, 2018
Course

Chicken tenders…for kids young and old! They just never get old! These cutlets are wonderful served over creamy pasta, cauliflower rice and gravy, or make them into tenders and dip them in some good ol’ RANCH! You can’t go wrong. Totally kid-approved!

These are made with a combination of gluten free flours and spices that make the crust, crispy and flavorful! Don’t let fried chicken intimidate you. These are a great way to try it out! They’re super simple to bread and fry – you’ll impress yourself! 😉

 

Print Recipe
 Breaded Chicken Cutlets/Tenders (Gluten/Grain Free)
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20-25 minutes
Servings
cutlets
Ingredients
Course Appetizers, Dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20-25 minutes
Servings
cutlets
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a medium sized bowl (big enough to toss chicken pieces in), beat the egg and water. Set aside.
  2. In a shallow bowl or plate, add 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together remaining ingredients (except for the chicken breasts).
  4. On a cutting board, slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thin slices. (about 1/4-1/2 inch thick) You do this by placing the chicken breast, flat on the board, and laying your hand on top. Hold your knife sideway (parallel to your hand and the board), and cut into the breast. Eyeball it and cut 1/4 inch above the cutting board, leaving a thin chicken slice. I typically can do this 1-2 more times with each breast. It just depends on the thickness.
  5. You can also make tenders, by simply cutting the breast into long chunks. Cooking times may vary with the thickness of the chicken pieces.
  6. In a large, deep cast iron skillet (you could use a good, nonstick or heavy bottom pan/pot), heat oil over medium high heat. (it should take about 4-5 minutes to heat up)
  7. Dip each piece of chicken in arrowroot powder, being sure to evenly coat all sides. Use a fork or your fingers! You might get a little messy! (It's worth it though!)
  8. Follow by dipping each piece of chicken into egg mixture.
  9. Finally, coat all sides of each piece with the seasoned flour mixture, being sure to pat the mixture onto the chicken.
  10. Gently shake off excess flour and place each chicken cutlet into hot oil. Make sure it sizzles when you place it in there. That helps to get a nice crust on the chicken! (Do not over crowd the pan. I usually fit about 3 pieces at a time.)
  11. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown and flip. You should easily be able to flip the chicken when it's done on the first side. If it sticks, do not flip, and cook for another minute or so.
  12. Cook the chicken pieces for 3-4 min on the other side. The thinner you slice the chicken, the quicker it will cook! Usually, when both sides are evenly browned, it's done.
  13. Repeat steps 7-12 until all of the chicken is cooked.
  14. I like to keep the chicken cutlets/tender warm by placing them on a baking rack on top of a baking sheet in a 250 degree oven. It keeps them nice and crispy until you're done cooking them all!
  15. Serve over pasta or rice, or with some Ranch or BBQ sauce! 🙂
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Taco Cauliflower Rice

February 19, 2018
Cuisine

It’s hard for me to eat plain food. I LOVE seasonings. When it comes to rice, I never really enjoyed plain white rice. However, cauliflower rice has a nice mild flavor that makes rice SO much more enjoyable for me, personally. It just needs some butter and S&P too – sorry, not sorry! 😉

I decided to take this rice to the next level. With the help of a handful of seasonings, I was able to add tons of flavor, then I piled on some steak and toppings for burrito bowls!  After making this rice, I probably could have left the steak out of the bowl and been just fine! This rice reminded me so much of taco meat! So, for vegans out there, you could totally swap this recipe in for some psuedo-ground meat on your next tacos!


Print Recipe
 Taco Cauliflower Rice
Cuisine Dinner, Side dishes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Cuisine Dinner, Side dishes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings
cups
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet or sauce pan, add ghee/butter/oil and melt over medium heat.
  2. Add the riced cauliflower and remaining ingredients to the pan.
  3. Cook for 10-12 minutes (stirring every few minutes) or until cauliflower is softened and done to liking. You can use frozen or fresh cauliflower rice. Cooking times may need to be adjusted for frozen.
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Loaded “Sour Cream” & Chive Twice Baked Potatoes (Dairy Free)

February 17, 2018
Course


Balanced Health

Words don’t do these potatoes justice.

My husband was obsessed to say the least. I’m just gonna get right to the recipe so that you can hurry up and make these. THEY ARE SO GOOD!

 

Do yourself a favor, and make plenty! Leftovers are still just as tasty!

Balanced Health

Print Recipe
 Loaded "Sour Cream" & Chive Twice Baked Potatoes (Dairy Free)
Course Dinner, side dishes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings
halves
Ingredients
Course Dinner, side dishes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings
halves
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Clean and cook whole potatoes until you can easily poke with a fork or knife. However, don't cook them until they're falling apart! The second cooking will cook everything further! You can bake them for 45 minutes - 1 hour, depending on size OR microwave them for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
  3. Once potatoes are cooked, cut in half - long ways!
  4. With a spoon, scoop out the center, but leave just a tad of potato around all of the inside. This helps keep stability. I like to push the limits here, myself. I scoop out as much potato as possible, so I can get a crispy skin!
  5. Place skins on a baking sheet face down first - almost touching each other. (I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup!). Baking them face down and closer, helps them to hold their shape and not flatten out. Spray inside and outside of each skin with olive, coconut, or avocado oil. Feel free to sprinkle some salt on the outsides too - I love it!
  6. Bake skins for 8-10 minutes, flip, and bake the other side for another 8-10 minutes or until desired crispiness is reached.
  7. While the potatoes crisping up, combine remaining ingredients with the potato you removed from the skins. If you decided to add bacon, set aside the bacon pieces for the topping, and add the bacon grease to your filling. This addition is completely optional and not necessary! However, bacon grease makes everything better!
  8. Taste your filling and adjust the salt and pepper! We like our potatoes, not only crispy, but SALTY! Therefore, I add close to 2 tsp to this recipe.
  9. Once the potato skins are finished crisping up in the oven, remove them and add filling to each. Don't be afraid to go heavy on that filling! For this recipe, each half took about a cup of filling. Use it all or save some to snack on as these finish cooking! 😉
  10. Top with bacon pieces and bake for 10 minutes or until the tops have just slightly started to brown up.
  11. Top with more chives or sour cream alternative of choice and DIG INNNNN!
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