ANOTHER MEATLOAF PIE - RED PEPPER AND CAULI-RICE

PIN IT ---> http://pinterest.com/pin/774124909097871/

Oh sorry, I ate half of it before I remembered to take a picture! It was very good. Inspired by a previous meatloaf pie that I did, I decided to use what I had tonight, and I think I like this one even better.  You can choose, or you can come up with your own, depending on what veggies you have available.  This is a very substantial dish, which didn't really need a side dish, but I made some cabbage salad to go with.

MEATLOAF PIE - RED PEPPER AND CAULI-RICE                    

1 pound  lean ground beef
1/2 cup  Parmesan cheese
1 large  egg
1 teaspoon  Season-All Seasoned salt
2 cups  cauliflower, frozen -- made into small slices or rice
1 cup  Mezzetta Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips -- drained
1/2 cup  fiesta blend shredded cheese
1/2 cup  part skim milk mozzarella cheese -- shredded

In medium bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, egg, and seasoned salt.  Mix well. Grease 10-inch pie plate. Spread meat mixture into the bottom.

Spread cauliflower over meat.  Spread Roasted Red Peppers over cauliflower.  Combine the two cheeses and sprinkle over all.  Bake 375, 45 minutes. Carefully pour out any grease.

Makes 4 servings

Copyright:
  "7/24/2013"
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Per Serving: 471 Calories; 34g Fat (64.5% calories from fat); 33g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber

SAUSAGE CAKES

Just a quickie here today. This was a wonderful treat! I once again, used the pancake mix from LC Foods for this.  Just follow the directions on the package, place in two sides of GT Xpress, and push sausage links into each.  Bake for 12 minutes. It makes 2 cakes.  Top with coconut oil or butter and your favorite low carb syrup.  You'll have to figure out the nutrition info according to the package and what kind of sausage you use.  Happy eating!

CREAMY CHEESY SPINACH

I was browsing all my recipe photos tonight. This is a recipe I had intended on posting about long ago, but for some reason never did, so here it is. This is a great way to serve spinach. It reminded me of the creamed spinach I had at Applebee's one time. Unfortunately theirs was not low carb, and probably not gluten free either.  But this one is! Enjoy!

                   
* Exported from MasterCook *
CREAMY CHEESY SPINACH
                     
1 pound  frozen spinach
8 ounces  cream cheese
1/3 cup  almond milk, unsweetened
1 large  egg
1/3 cup  parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon  onion powder
1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon  dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon  salt -- (or to taste)

In medium frying pan, sprayed with non-stick spray, or buttered, place frozen spinach and cook, stirring until thawed.  Add cream cheese and cook and stir until cream cheese is melted.  In measuring cup, mix almond milk and egg together and pour into spinach mixture. Add Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, and salt.

Cook and stir until thickened, hot, and bubbly.

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Entire recipe: 1118 Calories; 94g Fat (73.6% calories from fat); 48g Protein; 28g Carbohydrate; 14g Dietary Fiber

BACON ONION GARLIC CHEESE DIP OR SPREAD

Still using up all that cream cheese! This was a good way to use some of it.  Another very simple and quick put-together recipe for a lunch or party dish.  I hope you like it.  I'm thinking this would be really great with some almond crackers.  Add more bacon if you wish.  I did not measure the seasonings, sorry. I just shook them in to taste.  Since everyone's taste is different with how much or how little you like in something like this I thought I'd leave that up to you.

BACON ONION GARLIC CHEESE DIP OR SPREAD                      

8 ounces  Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese (Use the full fat if you like, but this is less calories and less than 1 g carbs per serving)
1/4 cup  sour cream
2 tablespoons  bacon grease -- warm
1 tablespoon  Real Bacon Bits
   onion powder -- to taste
   garlic powder -- to taste
2 dashes  smoked paprika

In medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, bacon grease, bacon bits, onion powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Beat with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Garnish with more bacon bits if desired.

Serve with raw vegetables, or use as a spread on crackers or in a sandwich.

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Entire Recipe: 954 Calories; 88g Fat (89.3% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber

NO-BAKE LEMON CHEESECAKE DESSERT, and BOOK SALE!

I apologize for the picture, but this was taken rather quickly as I was eating it, with my itouch camera, which is not a very good camera.  I have one left and could pretty it up for you and get a better picture, and maybe I will tomorrow, or maybe not. ;)  But I did want to share the recipe as it was so good and refreshing and easy and quick to make.                

NO-BAKE LEMON CHEESECAKE DESSERT                

8  ounces  philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese -- softened
7.6 ounces (1 can)  Nestle Media Crema table cream
1 tablespoon  lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon  lemon extract
12 drops  liquid sucralose -- OR sweetener equal to 1/2 cup sugar
Crust
1 tablespoon  coconut oil -- melted
12 drops  Capella graham cracker flavor drops -- (optional)
1/4 cup  flaxseed meal, golden
2 tablespoons  whey isolate, (I used Body Fortress super advanced, vanilla creme)
2 packets  Truvia

Crust: Melt coconut oil and add graham cracker flavor drops if using.  Set aside. In small bowl mix flaxseed meal, whey isolate, and Truvia. Add coconut oil and stir together until crumbly.  Press into bottom of 4 small serving bowls.

In medium bowl combine softened cream cheese, Nestle table cream, lemon juice, lemon extract, and liquid sucralose (Or sweetener equal to 1/2 cup sugar). Beat with electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Place a heaping 1/2 cup into each serving bowl. Chill before serving. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with sliced almonds, if desired. (Not included in nutritional info)

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4 Servings/Per Serving: 369 Calories; 33g Fat (85.2% calories from fat); 8g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber

CARROT CAKE WITH COCONUT RUM CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

My dear hubby and I were sitting at Panara Bread today enjoying the Chicken Cobb salad with Avocado, and I noticed he kept looking over at the sweets.  He said to me, "That carrot cake over there sure looks good."  I've been trying to convince him he needs to lay off the sugar and low carb with me, at least lower carb than what he has been.  We're dealing with a new diagnosis of "mild cognitive impairment" recently and I'm trying to convince him a ketogenic diet is what he needs.  His mother had Alzheimer's and though nothing showed up in his brain scan to show damage that would indicate Alzheimer's or a stroke, we're concerned enough to look for all the help we can with diet and supplements.  I'm reading an excellent book right now by Bruce Fife, MD, called Stop Alzheimer's Now! I highly recommend it for anyone worried about dementia or neurodegenerative diseases of any kind! 

So I told him I'd make him a carrot cake.  I never tried one before but this turned out really yummy.  And I also had a chance to try out my LC-Sweet Brown sugar substitute from LC Foods.  I'm finding it an excellent substitute for brown sugar.  This tasted like it was sweetened with sugar. It really went well with the Cheesecake Icecream I had made yesterday too! I'm sort of on a cream cheese roll.  Still having to use a lot of it up, which I find an enjoyable problem! 

CARROT CAKE WITH COCONUT RUM CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

4 egg whites
12 packets  Truvia, or 1/2 cup equivalent
1/4 cup  LC-Sweet Brown, (5 g carbs and 5 g fiber--carbs are all fiber, 18 cal.-  per serving)
1/4 cup  Swerve
1/4 cup  Greek Yogurt
3 tablespoons  coconut oil -- melted, or softened
1 teaspoon  vanilla
1/2 teaspoon  orange extract
2 cups  almond flour
2 teaspoons  baking powder
1 teaspoon  cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon  ginger
1/2 teaspoon  nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon  salt
1 cup  carrots -- shredded
1/4 cup  HOT water

Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease 8 x 8-inch pan.

In large bowl, add egg whites, Truvia, LC Sweet Brown, Swerve, Greek Yogurt, coconut oil, vanilla, and orange extract.  With electric mixer beat until smooth and well blended.

Add almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Beat on low speed until well combined. Add carrots and hot water and continue mixing until well blended.

Pour into pan.  Bake about 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost with Coconut Rum Cream Cheese Frosting (below)

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8 Servings/Per Serving: 246 Calories; 19g Fat (66.2% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; 8g Dietary Fiber

5 g net carbs

COCONUT RUM CREAM CHEESE FROSTING                    

3 ounces  philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese -- softened (less than 1 g carb per serving and less calories than regular cream cheese)
3 tablespoons  butter -- softened
1/3 cup  powdered sugar substitute -- (whatever your favorite)
1/2 teaspoon  rum extract
1/3 cup  unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons  coconut milk -- or cream--just enough for consistency

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar substitute, and rum extract.  Beat until smooth and creamy. Add shredded coconut and coconut milk or cream, until it is a spreadable consistency, beating until smooth.

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8 Servings/Per Serving: 110 Calories; 10g Fat (75.2% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber

NOTES : 1 g net carbs
Carbs are from my powdered sugar substitute which is a combination of splenda and xylitol and mostly fiber. You can use powdered Swerve or erythritol if you prefer or another sweetener of your choice. Nutrition counts will vary.

CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM

Well, there's just nothing better on a hot day than ice cream, and hot days are finally here in Minnesota.  Just a couple weeks ago we were all very chilly it seems and now we're sweating and eating ice cream.  I have lots of cream cheese so I decided the ice cream for tonight would be Cheesecake flavor.  And it certainly is very much like cheesecake.  I am a bit dissapointed in that it does not remain scoopable after sitting in the freezer.  It's best right out of the ice cream maker, which is the way I like it best anyway... sort of soft serve.  But if you have leftovers, just stick it in the microwave to soften it for a few minutes, or let it sit out on the counter while you are eating your dinner.  The flavor was not a dissapointment at all.  It was great!

This would have been great topped with strawberries or blueberries, but I didn't have any! Or you could swirl some berry jam into it at the end if you like.

CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM                    

8 ounces  philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese -- (you can use full fat if you prefer but this is less than 1 g. carb per serving and less calories)
1 tablespoon  lemon juice -- (more if you want it more lemony)
7.6 ounces  Nestle Media Crema table cream -- (in the mexican section usually)
1 1/2 cups  almond milk, unsweetened -- vanilla flavor
1 teaspoon  Stevia and Monk fruit -- (EZ Sweetz brand) OR sweetener equivalent to 1 cup sugar

Make sure all ingredients are chilled and your ice cream freezer has been in the freezer for 24 hours.

In medium bowl, add cream cheese and lemon juice and beat with electric mixer until smooth.  Add Nestle table cream, vanilla almond milk, and monk fruit and beat until smooth and creamy scraping the sides.

Pour into ice cream maker and process according to manufacturers instructions.

Yield:
  "1 quart"
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Entire Recipe: 1197 Calories; 110g Fat (89.9% calories from fat); 18g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber

8 one half cup servings/Per serving: 150 Calories; 14g Fat (89.9% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber

TWO ZUCCHINI LUNCHES

I love zucchini, which is weird for me, because I never liked it before I started low-carbing. It's such a valuable vegetable for us low-carbers! There are so many uses for it.  I remember one year when I grew zucchini and I had zucchini coming out of my ears, but had no idea what to do with it other than make zucchini bread.  My family was sick of zucchini bread before long.

Today I didn't have any low-carb bread on hand and didn't want to make any.  You've heard of cucumber sandwiches? Well how about zucchini sandwiches with zucchini as the bread. Ok, it's not bread but it is taking the place of bread to hold my sandwich together and it was really good.  Just slice wide slices with a vegetable peeler, and save the rest of the skinnier ones for zoodles in a salad or casserole.  I did not write this up in my MasterCook, or figure the nutritional info, and that will depend on how you make it.  Just spread with your favorite spread, or mayonnaise, add meat and cheese.  Pretty simple.  I spread mine with mayonnaise, chicken deli meat, and Muenster cheese.

I'm having acid stomach issues from having to be on an antibiotic back in April, so my lunch today was Greek yogurt, homemade chicken stock and my zucchini sandwiches.  Hit the spot.  Yogurt (or kefir) and homemade stock always seem to do the trick for me.  I just should have started it much sooner!  Zucchini is so mild as well.

Then last night we had Grilled Chicken Zucchini Pizza Salad.  The picture does not show the Mozzarella cheese, because I forgot to add it until after I took the picture.  If you have a spiral slicer such as this,
you can use the slicing setting and slice very thin ribbons of zucchini.  If you don't have one, use a vegetable peeler and make thin slices and cut them the size you like. I don't know why I call this a pizza salad except that it has pepperoni in it and mozzarella and made me think of pizza.  It does not taste like pizza, really, but you can add whatever dressing is your favorite.

ZUCCHINI PIZZA SALAD

2 medium (about 10-inches) zucchini, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, diced, OR 1 tomato, OR both
About 20 (or how many you like) pepperoni slices cut in fourths
2 green onions, chopped
Dressing of choice
1 lb. chicken strips
Shredded Mozzarella

In large bowl, combine zucchini slices, diced red pepper, OR tomato, OR both, pepperoni slices, chopped green onions, and toss. Add dressing of your choice and toss again until mixed well.

Grill chicken strips until done, and add to salad.  Toss together, Add however much shredded Mozzarella you like to it and toss again.

I did not give nutritional info for this because it will depend on what ingredients you use.  You can make it your own and add or take away, depending on what you have on hand.  We used Ranch dressing, but I am thinking an oil and Garlic red wine vinegar dressing would be great on this.

MEATLOAF PIE

This was an idea, sparked by a recipe I saw on Pinterest, which immediately gave me all kinds of ideas that I could do with it. So this is my own version of a low carb meatloaf pie.  I'm thinking you can use whatever fillings you choose for this and make it your own. It is very substantial and makes a nice meal all by itself, or maybe a salad to go with if you are so inclined. I had coconut rum icecream for dessert after and I'm so full! I did not need dessert!

I was planning on making a salad supper.  No cooking.  Our air conditioner is out. And our ice cream maker quit working. And it was finally hot here! But today was cool.  Back down to comfortable baking weather again so I used my oven today because it may get hot again and then I'll make salad suppers.  So I'm rambling, and I'll quit and give you the recipe.


MEATLOAF PIE                    

 Meatloaf
1 pound  lean ground beef
1/2 cup  shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup  Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon  Season-All Season Salt
1 teaspoon  onion powder
1 teaspoon  garlic powder
Filling
1/2 medium  zucchini -- (1/2 of about a 9 or 10-inch), sliced very thin
1  Roma tomato -- sliced thin
4  ounces  sliced mushrooms, canned or fresh
Topping
1 cup  shredded mozzarella cheese
   sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 10-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.

In medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, season salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.  Mix well. Spread in pie plate.

Layer sliced zucchini, sliced tomato, and sliced mushrooms on top.  Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Bake 45 minutes.  If there is a lot of grease, carefully pour the grease out of the pie plate.

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4 Servings/Per Serving: 498 Calories; 37g Fat (67.7% calories from fat); 34g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber

LC, GF, BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

I tried another mix from LC Foods today! These muffins were so good!  My family loved them, and they are not low carbers.

I'm always a bit leery of trying new foods, especially claiming to be low carb and gluten free, because either they are not all that low carb, or they don't taste all that well.  Here is the nutritional info for these (except for my additions).  They are high in fiber. These had all the qualities I would look for in a muffin.  I filled each tin (12) to the top and had some batter left over so I made an extra big muffin with it.  I added freeze dried blueberries that  I found today at Trader Joe's.

I didn't add very many because they increase the carbs, but just 1/2 cup, plus about a cup of chopped walnuts. They were just right.

Very quick and easy to put together.  Just add butter, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.

My hubby just said to me again, "Ginny that was really a good meal you made tonight."  I wasn't asking him how the meal was. But I keep hearing how good it was.  And he doesn't tell me that when he doesn't mean it.  He's the kind of husband that says, "I don't like this, don't ever make it again" if he doesn't like something.

I'm already looking forward to breakfast tomorrow!

ZUCCHINI AND PEA SALAD

Peas? Low carb?  Well, no, peas themselves are not.  They are a starchy vegetable. I don't usually eat them, but I had some frozen peas thawed and needed to use them, and wondered if I could possibly make a salad out of them low enough in carbs per serving that I could enjoy them.  So adding another very low carb veggie, such as zucchini, did the trick.  This made a delicious once-in-a-while side dish that even a low-carber can enjoy.  I used a "light" mayonnaise that is also low carb but you can use regular homemade mayo if you prefer which would be healthier.  This has a smokey cheddar cheese in it that really gives it that extra something as well.  You can also use more eggs in it, which I would have preferred, but my hubby does not like boiled eggs, so I only put in two and tried to sneak them by him.  He did eventually notice them so I grabbed them off his plate out of his salad and happily ate them for him.  I tell ya, it's a challenge cooking for a family that is all on different diets and has different likes and dislikes!

I also had a zucchini that needed to get used.  So you might say this salad was my end-of-the-week-use-up-the-fresh-veggies-before-they-spoil salad. It turned out delicious! I would have also added celery, which you may decide to do, but my son does not like celery, *sigh*.  What's a mother/wife to do?  So add your own touches to this however you want.  Less of one thing, more of another, whatever.


ZUCCHINI AND PEA SALAD                    

2 cups  frozen peas -- thawed (OR fresh if you have them)
1 2/3 cups  zucchini -- diced (about 1, 9 to 10-inch zucchini)
4 ounces  Smokey Sharp Cheddar, (Hoffman's) -- cubed (or just plain cheddar)-double it if you prefer more cheese (I would have if I had had more)
1/4 cup  green onions
1 tablespoon  minced garlic
2 large  eggs, hard-boiled -- chopped
2 tablespoons Real Bacon Bits
Dressing
1/2 cup  Light Mayonnaise, Hellman's
1/4 cup  Greek yogurt (OR sour cream)
1/2 tablespoon  mustard
2 drops  liquid sucralose
1 tablespoon  vinegar
seasoned salt -- to taste

In medium salad bowl, mix peas, zucchini, cheese, onions, garlic, eggs, and bacon bits.

In mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mustard, sucralose, vinegar, and seasoned salt. Mix well.

Pour dressing over vegetables and toss together.

Makes about 4 cups.


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8, 1/2 cup Servings/Per Serving: 150 Calories; 9g Fat (56.7% calories from fat); 8g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber--6g net carbs

JELLY-FILLED DONUTS, AND OTHER THINGS TO MAKE FROM A PANCAKE MIX

I'm still trying out some products I got from LC Foods. This one was from the low carb and gluten free pancake mix.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I first made the pancakes.  They are the best low carb pancakes I have yet tasted! They really are.  Last night I decided to try using the mix to make a jelly-filled donut.  I used to eat jelly filled donuts for breakfast back in my pre-low carb days and pre-wheat free days, and before I was diagnosed with diabetes.  Not all the time but they were my favorite once in a while treat.  So now I can make a healthy jelly-filled donut, that is an entire breakfast with no sugar or wheat! You can find the nutrition info for the pancake mix here. It is mostly fiber, so only 2 net carbs per serving. 

So for breakfast I used my GT Xpress once again (love that gadget!) and followed the directions using 1/2 cup of the mix, and split the batter in half, putting half in each side of the GT Xpress, and baking in there for 12 minutes.  Came out like this:

Then I took some sugar-free strawberry jam (1 tsp) and mixed with a couple tsp. of a sugar-free strawberry glaze I had...

I put that into my injector I just bought from Walmart:

And I poked a hole in the center and filled it. 

And topped it with some melted coconut oil and powdered sweetener.  This with a couple strips of bacon was my breakfast this morning.  What a treat!

For lunch I decided to use the other one as a sandwich bread.  Not everyone would like a sweet sandwich bread, but if you like making sandwiches out of pancakes, you'll like this.  

I think it would go great for a breakfast sandwich also with some sausage and egg and topped off with syrup if you please.  Or how about a Monte Cristo? Yum!  Lots of possibilities.  

So anyway, definitely 2 thumbs up for this mix! I'm already thinking of an idea for a breakfast casserole. 

CHEESY SKETTI SQUASH CASSEROLE

I've never been one to think of spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute, to be honest with you.  It may look like spaghetti, but it is not spaghetti!  I was thinking of macaroni and cheese today, but of course I could not have macaroni.  But I had a spaghetti squash on my counter I needed to cook.  So though this is not a substitute for macaroni and cheese, it is a wonderful cheesy casserole side-dish.  I like spaghetti squash for what it is... spaghetti squash!

I have been using arrowroot powder to make a white sauce lately.  While arrowroot is not low carb, you use less of it to get the same thickening power.  Some interesting facts about Arrowroot here and here.  I find very little works well to thicken.  I only use half of the amount I would use for cornstarch.  So to make a white sauce with arrowroot is very simple, tastes like a white sauce, and has less carbs in it than if you used flour or cornstarch.  In a casserole it barely adds anything to your carb count.  I love it!  I love the way it makes sauces taste.  It's a little different to use than flour or cornstarch in that you need to be careful not to over cook it.  It will lose its thickening if you do.  So as soon as your sauce is thick you need to take it away from the heat.

This recipe is so versatile.  I am thinking of all kinds of variations I could do with it already.  You may come up with some of your own.


CHEESY SKETTI SQUASH CASSEROLE

1  medium  spaghetti squash
2  tablespoons  butter
1/2  onion -- chopped
1 tablespoon  arrowroot powder
1 cup  almond milk, unsweetened
1/2  teaspoon  italian seasoning
1/2  teaspoon  garlic powder
1/2  teaspoon  salt
1/4  teaspoon  black pepper
2  cups  fiesta blend shredded cheese -- (or any cheese)
1/4  cup  Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375F.  Cut Spaghetti squash in half, and place cut side down in a baking pan with about a half inch of water.  Bake 40 minutes.  Let cool, and remove seeds and strands.  Set aside.

In medium saucepan, melt butter and add onions.  Stir and fry until onions are clear.  Add arrowroot powder and stir and fry for a few seconds, until bubbly.  Turn off heat, and very slowly add almond milk, whisking as you do.  Stir until thickened.

Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.  Add shredded cheese and stir until cheese is melted.  Add spaghetti squash and stir together well.  Pour into greased 1-quart baking pan and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Optional: You can toast some low carb bread crumbs in butter and mix with the parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top if desired.

Bake 375F for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

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6 Servings/Per Serving: 180 Calories; 14g Fat (72.8% calories from fat); 8g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber

Variation: Add diced ham and broccoli, or green beans for a main dish.  Or any cooked meat and vegetable that you desire. Bake 30 minutes.
Mexican Variation: Add Mexican seasonings, diced green chilies, and nopalitos.

SMOKEY CHILI AND VEGETABLES

A hearty chili with green peppers, hominy, mushrooms and tomatoes, with a smokey flavor.  Very flavorful with just the right spice.  This is what we had for supper tonight.


SMOKEY CHILI AND VEGETABLES

1  pound  lean ground beef
1  small  green pepper -- diced
1  tablespoon  minced garlic
1  cup  Juanita's Mexican Style Hominy
4 1/2 ounces  mushrooms -- sliced (1 jar)
28 ounces  whole tomatoes
1  cup  green taco Sauce, Ortega-mild
1  cup  water
1  tablespoon  chili powder
1  tablespoon  cumin
1  teaspoon  sea salt
1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon  liquid smoke flavoring
2 dashes  hot sauce

Brown beef and drain.  Add green pepper and minced garlic and cook, stirring 5 minutes longer.  Add hominy and mushrooms and stir.  Add whole tomatoes and break up with a fork or spatula.  Add green taco sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, sea salt, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and hot sauce.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Yield:
  "6 1/2 cups"
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6-1 cup servings and 1/2 serving/Per Serving: 266 Calories; 17g Fat (56.5% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber

FUDGE BROWNIE MALLOW CUPS

For a loooooooooooooong time, I've been thinking about Mallo Cups.  Remember those?  I used to take my allowance and walk across the street every day during my lunch hour when I was in 6th grade and by a couple Mallo Cups and eat them.  Every day.  I wonder now how I made it through my growing up years with all the junk food I ate!  I lived on Twinkies, Mallo Cups, Peanut Butter Cups, Cheetos, and french fries, and don't forget the pizza.  I could tell you stories.  But I won't.  I'm thankful now for all the good HEALTHY foods I can enjoy instead.

So when my box came from LC Foods I was really looking forward to trying out the Brownies and the Marshmallow Fluff.  And it's not a Mallo Cup, but it's got the flavors of the chocolate and the marshmallow.

 So they sort of reminded me of the Mallo Cups.

Go here for the Brownie Mix. And here for the Marshmallow Fluff mix.

Follow the directions on the package for the brownies and pour the batter into 12 muffin tins. I used parchment paper liners.  I have a handy little gadget I picked up at a kitchen gadget store which worked well for the filling.

You just push it down into the center, turning it while doing so and then pull it up and you have a nice hole for the filling.

Save the portions your pull out to crumble over the top later.  Now make the Marshmallow Fluff.  All you need is water, egg white, and vanilla to add to the mix.  Follow the instructions on the package.  I used egg white in a carton and I'm not sure but I think probably it would have gotten thicker if I had used regular egg whites.  Not sure. Mine was more of a thick sauce than fluff even after sitting for a while.  But it was just right for these.  And it tasted phenomenal! Yes, it tasted like marshmallow.  A taste I have not had for a long time.

So just fill in the centers, and spread more on the tops of each one after centers are filled.  Crumble the center pieces you pulled out and sprinkle over the tops.

ENJOY!  Hubby tested and approved.  The brownies were not real sweet.  So if you like things less sweet, you'll love them as they are.  They were fudgy and just the way a brownie is meant to be.  I would personally add a little sweetener to my batter next time because I like sweet sweet when it comes to brownies.  But then when you add the marshmallow fluff to it they are just right anyway in the end.  Check out more of LC Foods products, many which are also gluten free.  It does say they are made in a facility that processes wheat, so if that is an issue for you, then you need to know that.  For me, though I am allergic to wheat, it seems I can have foods that have been processed in places that process wheat.  In fact my kitchen is a place that uses wheat.  My family still uses it.  I use ways to keep things clean for my own use, but so far it has not been a problem for me.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

Eggs dyed with water from boiled onion skin! Check it out here!

PRODUCT REVIEW-LC-GLUTEN FREE WHITE BREAD

I'm busy getting ready for our Resurrection Day meal tomorrow. I love this time of year. Spring is in the air (finally), even though there's still some snow that needs to go away.  It's warming up! And this holiday is a special one for our family, celebrating what our Savior has done for us.  So I like to have special food to celebrate a special day.  Bread is always special, and will add to a few other dishes I'm making tomorrow.  I was privileged to be asked to review some products recently from LC Foods. I've browsed their store before and noted that they have some great looking gluten free products that are also low carb.  So it was great to be able to try some of them out.  Today I made the white bread.

I was considering doing buns, but decided just to make a loaf since I have not worked with this mix before. I decided just to make it according to instructions.  I added a few ingredients according to the directions.

Some eggs and egg whites, some carbonated water, sour cream, melted butter, and coconut oil.It just came out of the oven a couple hours ago.

Not bad!

I just cut into it and tried a bite with nothing on it.  It was pretty good.  No it does not taste like wheat bread.  But it has a good flavor and a soft texture.  I ate it with some butter.  I like the flavor.  This will make a good sandwich bread.  I haven't tried toasting it yet, but I'm thinking toast in the morning.
A couple pieces of it are going to be part of a Broccoli Parmesan Augraten casserole I'm making tomorrow. 

I'm planning on trying out the Marshmallow Fluff before the days over, and also the Brownie Mix and hopefully come up with a "Mallow Brownie cup" or something.  Remember Mallow Cups? When I was a kid they were my weakness.  I've wanted to try making them, but was not sure how to do the marshmallow part.  Now I have the marshmallow part! Not sure how I'll do this yet.  We'll see. Stay tuned. I have a few more goodies in the box to try as well. 

BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH PIZZA

Just a quick one I'm doing here today. This was what I had for my quick lunch after work today.  Quick and easy idea for a breakfast or a lunch.  You can use whatever toppings you like.  I think I'll try ham or sausage next time maybe.

This is not a crust you can pick up with your hands and eat, more like a cross between an omelet and a pizza.  Not quite a fritatta.  Just quick, easy and yummy. 

BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH PIZZA                      

2 large  eggs

1 tablespoon  almond flour

1 teaspoon  nutritional yeast flakes, NOW -- (OR Parmesan cheese)

1/4 teaspoon  salt -- OR to taste

TOPPINGS

2 tablespoons  green taco Sauce, Ortega-mild

1/3 cup  Fiesta blend shredded cheese -- OR your favorite shredded cheese

1 tablespoon  Real Bacon Bits

10 pepperoni slices, Armour

Beat eggs until frothy.  Add almond flour, nutritional yeast OR Parmesan cheese, and salt.  whisk together well.

In large cast iron skillet, melt butter OR bacon grease (nutrition information does not include), OR spray with non-stick cooking spray, and pour egg mixture into pan.  Cook on medium heat until almost dry on top.  Meanwhile preheat broiler oven.  

Flip over and immediately spread on the green taco sauce, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and pepperoni slices.  Remove from burner and place pan under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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1 Serving: 421 Calories; 33g Fat (69.3% calories from fat); 28g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber

SHAMROCK PUDDING

I have a confession to make.  I went to McDonald's yesterday with my husband while we were out and about and I had a Shamrock Shake.  No they don't have a low carb version.  I had the real thing.  Whew! Got that off my chest.  It was a spur of the moment decision, but it was a decision, not a slip beyond my control.  I chose to have it, contemplating the blood sugar rise it would give me, and what I was going to do about that, and reasoned I don't normally do this, and in fact I've hardly been eating any carbs at all some days, mostly pretty ketogenic lately.  It wasn't a craving either.  It was simply a choice because I had a sour stomach, and neither coffee or soda pop appealed to me.  I wasn't there to eat.  Already had lunch.  I was just there to sit and visit with my hubby and relax a bit.  I used to get those Shamrock shakes every year when they came out and loved them!  It's been over 7 years since the last one.  So I decided to have one.  Just one! I'm not going back.  It sounded soothing to the sour stomach.  And it was.  My stomach was better the whole rest of the day.  But today I decided I have to have a low carb Shamrock something for this time of year.  I've done it with kefir shakes in the past which was pretty good.  But I'm going to a fellowship gathering at our church tonight for family time, and we're having lots of food there.  I wanted something I could bring with for myself as I know I won't be partaking in the dessert there.  So I whipped up this Shamrock pudding.  I made the mistake of a little too much mint.  I used 1/4 tsp. and that was pretty strong.  So I would advise 1/8 tsp. which is what I put in the recipe.  A little mint goes a long way!

                     
SHAMROCK PUDDING

8 ounces  Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese -- softened, (You can use full fat, but this is lower cal, and less than 1 g carb)
1 cup  Thai Kitchen coconut milk -- Refrigerated at least a couple hours, better longer, and then just scoop out the hard cream portion at the top of the can. Save liquid at the bottom for other use)
1/2 cup  heavy cream
2 teaspoons  vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon  peppermint extract -- (or mint--more if you want a stronger mint flavor, but be careful not to get too much as it can be overpowering!)
 Liquid sucralose to equal 3/4 cup sweetening power -- (or sweetener of your choice)
20 drops  green food coloring -- (optional)

In medium size mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, coconut milk, and heavy cream.  Mix with electric mixer until creamy.  Add vanilla and peppermint extract, liquid sucralose, and green food coloring (if using).  Maria Emmerich has some great ideas for natural food coloring on her blog, http://mariahealth.blogspot.com/2012/05/pistachio-gelato-and-matcha-benefits.html

With electric mixer with wire whisks, whip for a couple minutes or until thick and creamy.  Refrigerate until completely chilled.  Serve with whipped cream if desired.

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4 servings/Per Serving: 356 Calories; 34g Fat (89.3% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber

Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NEW ENGLAND HOT DOG BUNS

A while back, I found this pan on Amazon. It's a New England Hot Dog Pan.

I thought it would be great for making some low carb hot dog buns.  But at the time I didn't have a good recipe for the buns.  I've been making my Cheese and Wine Bread in the GT Xpress normally for a bun, which is great but not the right shape.  Today I finally got it out and multiplied my recipe for the Cheese and Wine Bread 5X and spread it in my pan, and baked it at 350F for 25 minutes.  They came out great!  They are light and airy, not heavy like many low carbs breads would be.  They are thin, and if you want you could try to multiply the recipe 8X rather than 5, which is what my Cheesy Loaf of Bread is and just pour that in there.  Probably have to bake it longer if you do that.  I think I'll stick with this one though, as I liked it just the way it was once I cut into it and put my hot dog in there.

Make sure to use gluten free low carb hotdogs!  We like the Hebrew National brand.  I'm thinking some sweet type of goodies to make in this pan also.  I'll have to see what else I can come up with.  I'm going to stick my remaining buns in the freezer so I have them on hot dog nights, all ready prepared for me.

NEW ENGLAND HOT DOG BUNS


1/2 cup + 2 tbsp  Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp almond flour -- (blanched, such as Honeyville, for best results)
1 tbsp + 2 tsp  psyllium seed husk powder
1 tbsp + 2 tsp nutritional yeast flakes, NOW
1 1/4 teaspoons  baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons  Splenda -- Or equivalent, (does not make it sweet, just brings out flavor)
5 large  eggs
1 tbsp + 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil -- (any oil you like, this is my preference)
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp  Marsala wine OR buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350F.  In medium bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, almond flour, psyllium powder, nutritional yeast, baking powder, and Splenda granular.  Sift together with a wire whisk.

Add eggs, oil, and wine OR buttermilk.

Mix well until blended smooth. An electric mixer helps.  Pour batter into pan, covering the entire pan.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Turn out onto a wire rack and let cool.  Slice into buns and slice each bun in half but not all the way through.

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10 Buns/1 Bun per serving:  118 Calories; 8g Fat (63.1% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber  (edited from original post)

Added 3/15/2013--VARIATION: Hamburger Buns: Reduce wine OR buttermilk to 1/4 cup, let dough stand for 5 minutes to thicken after mixing, line baking sheet with parchment paper, and plop 10 rounds onto it.  Smooth each one evenly to a flat round circle with the back of a spoon.  Bake in preheated 350F oven about 12 minutes or until it tests done.  Yield: 5 hamburger buns; 2 circles=1 bun.

Editing this to say, if the batter is not thick enough reduce the oil to 1 tbsp. and the wine or buttermilk to 2 tbsp. It turns out different each time I make it so you may have to adjust the liquid ingredients.  I think the reason is just how you measure. Weight measurements are more accurate that cup and spoon measurements, so perhaps sometimes I'll do this weighing the ingredients.