LAYERED CHICKEN AND SPINACH CASSEROLE

PIN IT: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124910870962/

After our very very long winter, we are now having a very hot end of May.  I think we hit 90 today.  So I don't like to do anything in the stove or oven.  I decided to do a microwave dish.  This was contrived from my Microwave Spinach Lasagna recipe as sort of a chicken version.  It's not exactly a chicken lasagna though. You could make it with alfredo sauce if you don't want to make my sauce. But I made a chicken cream sauce. My hubby does not like cream cheese in sauces and he doesn't like alfredo sauce. So if you want it to be a chicken alfredo and spinach lasagna, without the noodles, just use a 16 oz jar of alfredo sauce. Either way, I think it's a keeper!

PIN: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124910870976/

I did not bake this in the oven. I used my microwave so the instructions are for microwave.  If you prefer the oven, I would guess 350F for 30 to 40 minutes, as most casseroles.

LAYERED CHICKEN AND SPINACH CASSEROLE                    

1 pound  chicken breast
   salt and pepper -- as you like
   garlic powder
   onion powder
   italian seasoning -- (all seasonings just sprinkled on over chicken to taste)
                        Cream Sauce
 1/4 cup  butter
2 tablespoons  arrowroot powder
1 teaspoon  chicken bouillon -- or chicken soup base such as "Better Than Bouillon"(gluten free, no msg)
1/2 teaspoon  onion powder
1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
1 cup  chicken broth
3/4 cup  unsweetened almond milk (original)
                      Spinach-ricotta layer
1 cup  frozen spinach -- thawed, all water squeezed out
1 cup  ricotta cheese
1 large  egg
1/4 cup  low carb *bread crumbs -- (if you have them, or almond meal and parmesan toasted in a pan to make crumbs)
1/4 tablespoon  red pepper flakes

1 cup  mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup  parmesan cheese

Place chicken in crockpot and sprinkle with salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.  Cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  Remove and chop into cubes. Save the broth for the cream sauce. I came out with a cup of broth without adding any water to the chicken.

Cream Sauce: In medium saucepan, add butter, arrowroot powder, chicken bouillon, onion powder, and garlic powder.  Bring to a boil, stirring all the while until very bubbly.  VERY SLOWLY, add the chicken broth and almond milk stirring constantly.  Let it come again to a boil, and lower heat and stir for 1 minute.  Add to chicken and mix together.

Spinach-Ricotta layer: In a medium bowl, mix together spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 of bread crumbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir together well.

Spray 9 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Layer 1/2 of the meat sauce.  Top with the Spinach-Ricotta mixture.  Sprinkle Mozzerella cheese on top.  Add another layer of remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle remaining bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on top.

Place in microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes, then cook 15 to 18 min. power level "50".  Let sit for about 5 minutes after removing.

Copyright:
  "© ginnyslowcarbkitchen.blogspot.com"
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6 Servings/Per Serving: 358 Calories; 26g Fat (64.8% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 135mg Cholesterol; 476mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 3 Fat.

NOTES : *Bread crumbs are not listed in nutrition info, because it will depend on what kind of bread you use, or if you use a substitute

KEFIR LABAN STRAWBERRY DESSERT

Kefir is the best probiotic food I know of and delicious to boot! I've been making kefir a lot lately. I have the same grains I had since 1998! They are hearty and last forever if you take care of them right. I usually get it out for a while and then freeze my grains again, because I get tired of making it.  But my whole family has benefited from the probiotics of kefir and kefir laban (cheese). I made a video of how to make kefir cheese a while back. So I'll post that again here for you.




It most likely will not work to make kefir cheese from store bought kefir.  I don't know why.  I only know I tried it with one brand and it did not make cheese.  The store bought kefir does not have as much probiotic as if you have the grains and make it yourself.  Dom's site is the best source I know of for information on making kefir and kefir cheese.

This is what my kefir laban looks like. I used 1/4 cup of it for this dessert.

KEFIR LABAN STRAWBERRY DESSERT                      

1/4 cup  kefir cheese, plain (*see note)

2 tablespoons  heavy cream

liquid sweetener to equal 2 tbs to 1/4 cup -- (depending on your taste) I used this: 

EZ-Sweetz Debittered stevia

1/2 teaspoon  vanilla extract

2 tablespoons  strawberries -- chopped

In a small bowl combine kefir cheese, heavy cream, sweetener, and vanilla extract. With an electric whisk, whip for about 1 minute or until very smooth and creamy. 

Transfer into serving dish and top with strawberries.  Add some whipped topping if desired.

Source:

  "Ginny's Low Carb Kitchen"

Copyright:

  "© http://ginnyslowcarbkitchen.blogspot.com"

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1 Serving: 240 Calories; 24g Fat (87.4% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 72mg Cholesterol; 53mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 0 Fruit; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 2 Fat.

*NOTE: The nutritional info for kefir laban is not exact.  It will depend on what type of milk you made it with and how long you let it culture.  The longer it is cultured, the less carbs there will be in it.  So the nutrition information is an estimate according to what I used.  I use whole milk and culture it for 24 hours and sometimes longer.

LASAGNA IN A MUG, LC, GF

PIN: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124910728006/

I just got back home Thursday, after spending a week visiting my mom and helping out after she had hip replacement surgery.  I was exhausted when I got home, and was really hungry for something good, but also something quick and easy to prepare! I had all the ingredients for this on hand, thankfully, and it took very little time to throw together, microwave, and I was soon relaxing with a very tasty lasagna in a soup mug. I only wish I had thought of it before my trip, so I could have had it as a lunch option while there.  I have a difficult time when away from home, thinking of easy foods that I can either take along, or make easily at someone else's house.

I don't have small kids anymore, but I'm thinking, if you have children, they would love this.  It would be a great kid's meal.  I only have big kids now... adult kids that is, but this is great for any age.  I am thinking it will be a lunch I'll make for myself often.

I made a quick video for you so you can see how I put it all together.



                   

LASAGNA IN A MUG

1 tablespoon  Classico Pizza Sauce
1/4 cup  ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons  Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon  garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon  onion powder
1/4 teaspoon  oregano
1/8 teaspoon  salt
2 tablespoons  mozzarella cheese
1 Pork Sausage Patty, precooked, chopped
2 tablespoons  Classico Pizza Sauce
2 tablespoons  mozzarella cheese

Spray 1 soup mug or small bowl with non-stick cooking spray.

Add 1 tbsp pizza sauce and spread on the bottom of your mug.

In small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Mix together well.  Pour into soup mug on top of pizza sauce.

Add 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese on top.

In small bowl, mix pork sausage with 2 tbsp pizza sauce and spread on top of cheese mixture.

Sprinkle 2 tbsp mozzarella on top. Microwave 2 to 2 1/2 minutes on high. Let cool for a couple minutes.


  "© ginnyslowcarbkitchen.blogspot.com"
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Makes 1 Serving: 478 Calories; 38g Fat (71.1% calories from fat); 24g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber;

CHICKEN CHILI

PIN --> http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124910625833/

We had this for supper the other night, and it was one of those recipes where you just got an idea and started throwing things together, and voila! it turned out wonderful.  My husband and son said I HAVE to share this or something! I agreed. It was too good to keep it to ourselves.  Good things must be shared. Hence... I am back sharing recipes now and then.

This is a wonderfully spicy flavorful green chili.  You can make it more or less spicy as you please.  In the recipe I went mild on the seasonings compared to what I actually put in.  So since that is a matter of preference, I leave it to you.

CHICKEN CHILI

6 servings                    

1/4 cup  coconut oil
1 pound  chicken breast -- diced
1 tablespoon  chili powder
1 tablespoon  cumin powder
1 teaspoon  onion powder
1 teaspoon  garlic powder
salt and pepper -- to taste (I just sprinkled it over all)
1/4 teaspoon  hot sauce
32 ounces  green taco Sauce, Ortega-mild -- (2 16 oz. bottles)
15 ounces  black beans, canned -- drained and rinsed well
15 ounces  diced tomatoes -- (canned)

In large frying pan, add 1/4 cup coconut oil, or oil of your choice, and melt.  Add chicken, chili powder, cumin powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper and hot sauce.  Stir and cook until chicken is cooked through.

Transfer the chicken into a 2 or 3 qt pan and add green taco sauce, black beans, and diced tomatoes.  Stir together, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Copyright:
  "Ginny Larsen, 4/14/2014"
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Per Serving: 268 Calories; 16g Fat (52.9% calories from fat); 17g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 39mg Cholesterol; 1038mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Fat.

NOTES : 9g net carbs per serving

A LITTLE HELP FOR MY FRIEND

I have not been blogging much lately, and that's because a very dear friend of mine who is more like a sister to me recently had a terrible accident a couple weeks ago.  Brenda was coming home from grocery shopping and going up the stairs from her garage into their town home.  We don't know what happened but she fell backwards off the steps onto the concrete floor and fractured her skull. She had multiple spider fractures and massive bleeding in her brain and has been in a coma.  She very recently came out of the coma, but is only semi back.  She has a long road of recovery ahead of her.  Each day we hear of a little more progress.  She doesn't recognize people yet, but she is beginning to say a few words now and then.  She just had her feeding tube removed and hopefully will be able to eat again on her own.  There is a very long road of therapy and rehabilitation needed for her and the financial burden is tremendous, so I started a fundraiser.  I hope nobody will get offended at my posting the link to that here, but I want to give every opportunity I can for people to help this dear couple.  I'm just bringing it to the attention of everyone I know, because I love my friend and I miss her greatly and pray daily that we'll have her back again to her normal self one day.  I would want someone to do the same for me.

Me (left) and Brenda (right) in 2010 when she came to visit

I've set up a site where people can donate http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/brenda-jean/115358  I'll be placing a widget with a link to the site on my sidebar as well.

All donations go directly into their paypal account.  I'm doing all I can to get the word out!  I want my friend back!

God bless! None of us knows what tomorrow brings.  Be thankful for friends and family while you have them and show them you love them!  If all this makes you do is be thankful for them and give them a huge hug today, then that too is a good thing.

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP, LC, GF

PIN: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124909797093/

I looked outside this morning and it was a beautiful sunny day.  Said I to myself, "Good day for a walk!" I checked my Weather Bug however, and discovered it was 7 degrees F out there with a -7 degrees F windchill.  Quickly I changed course and decided to spend some time in the kitchen warming up the house with something good.  Hot sounded really good today.


CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP                    

1/2 Crepes recipe (Below)
32  ounces  chicken stock -- (organic or homemade)
10  ounces  canned chicken -- (or use left over chicken or turkey)
1/4 cup  chopped onion
1 small  carrot -- shredded
1 stalk  celery -- chopped
1/2 cup  green pepper -- chopped
1 tablespoon  minced garlic
1 teaspoon  sea salt
1/2 teaspoon  basil
1/2 teaspoon  thyme
1/2 teaspoon  onion powder
1/8 teaspoon  cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons  cold water
1 envelope  knox gelatine, unflavored

Cut egg noodles out of "Egg Noodles or Crepes" recipe, (OR you can use zucchini noodles, or shredded cabbage - nutrition info will vary).  Set aside.

In large pot, add chicken stock, chicken, (OR turkey), onion, carrot, celery, green pepper, garlic, salt, basil, thyme, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.  While soup is simmering, in small cup, add cold water and sprinkle gelatine over the top and let it dissolve.

After soup has simmered 15 minutes, add gelatine mixture and stir.  Add noodles to soup and simmer 1 more minute.

Nutrition information is for entire recipe.

Copyright:
  "©ginnyslowcarbkitchen.blogspot.com"
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Per recipe: 695 Calories; 26g Fat (36.5% calories from fat); 77g Protein; 26g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber

EGG NOODLES OR CREPES
                     
2 tablespoons  heavy cream
1 tablespoon  cream cheese -- softened
1 teaspoon  coconut flour -- (Bob's Red Mill is what I used)
1/8 teaspoon  salt
3 eggs -- (use 4 eggs if making lasagna noodles)

Mix heavy cream, softened cream cheese, coconut flour, and salt in a small bowl, and beat until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth.

For lasanga noodles--line a 9 x 13" cake pan with parchment paper, and spray well with non-stick cooking spray.  pour mixture into pan.  Bake 350 degrees for 10 min.  I make double and pour into 2 cake pans and bake.  When done cool completely, use one pan for bottom layer.  Layer meat sauce and cheese layers on top.  Peel the other "noodle" out of the other pan, rolling it up.  Layer it on top of meat and cheese, and add another layer of meat sauce and cheese toppings.

For Crepes--Pour 3 tablespoons of the egg mixture into a hot buttered 7-8" skillet, and swirl around until mixture coats the bottom of the pan.  Cook until eggs are set but not browned.  Flip and lightly cook other side.  Use as crepes in recipes with fillings, or cut into strips to make noodles.

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6 SERVINGS/Per Serving: 64 Calories; 5g Fat (74.1% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 115mg Cholesterol; 89mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat.

TIME TO ENJOY THE BOUNTY AND GIVE THANKS!

It's that time of year again! So many ideas out there it's hard for one to know where to start!  Most of us tend to have the same traditional meals each year, but when low carb and gluten free it can be a challenge and somewhat depressing not to be able to have our favorites. But with such an array of choices out there, there is no need for deprivation on the holidays whatsoever!

Carolyn Ketchum from "All Day I Dream About Food" has a Thanksgiving Roundup for us to make it a little easier to find some great low carb choices to make. She has 30 delicious low-carb recipes to choose from.

There are many choices to choose from for every part of your meal from the stuffing to the dessert and everything in between!  A few of my own recipes are shared.

My Pumpkin Chiffon Pie


My Spiced Cranberry Sauce


My Browned Butter Squash


A couple more of my favorites are Butternut Squash Pie


OR
Pumpkin Cheesecake



HAPPY COOKING! And HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY - from our house to yours.

HOMEMADE COLD CEREAL, SF, GF, LC

I don't really need cold cereal all that often.  Once in a great while though, I am in the mood for it.  I've been seeing some great ideas lately online, so I thought I'd put them together and come up with my own variation of cold cereal.

This fit the need for sure.  First I saw this recipe of "Frosted Flakes" and I happened to have just bought some coconut chips from my local health food store from a bulk bin.  Then I saw this recipe from Kent Altena about toasting coconut.  I sort of took a bit of each recipe, and put together my own tweaks.

PIN: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124909760602/

I also decided to add a few things to the mix to make it stretch farther so I'd have a nice bag of cereal for the week if I want it. So I took the almond thins recipe that is all over the internet, and made it with half flax and half almonds and added some sweetener and some cinnamon and some Capella graham flavor drops.  If you don't have them, and don't want to order them, not to worry.  You can make it without, but I just really like that graham cracker flavor.

So this filled about 3/4 full a gallon sized bag, as you see.  I also added some cashews, but when I saw the amount of calories and carbs I was racking up, I decided to leave them out of the recipe and next time I won't add them. You can if you choose.  I have to say this was really filling and kept me all morning so that even by lunch time I was not feeling particularly hungry.

The dried cranberries in the recipe are from this recipe.

HOMEMADE COLD CEREAL, SF, GF, LC         

COCONUT LAYER:

3 cups  coconut chips

1 tablespoon  coconut oil

1/4 teaspoon  EZ-sweetz Stevia and Monk Fruit -- (OR other liquid sweetener drops to equal 1/4 cup)

Cinnamon -- (I just sprinkled it over all, did not measure, perhaps a tsp.)

GRAHAM CRACKER LAYER:

1/2 cup  flaxseed meal, golden

1/2 cup  almond flour

1 egg white

1/4 teaspoon  EZ-sweetz Stevia and Monk Fruit -- (OR other liquid sweetener drops to equal 1/4 cup)

16 drops  Capella Flavor Drops, graham cracker concentrate -- (optional, but if you have them, it gives it a graham cracker flavor)

1 packet  Truvia

           

1/2 cup  Dried Cranberries, whole, SF

1 cup nuts (optional--not included in nutritional info)

COCONUT LAYER: Preheat oven to 350F.  Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil.  Spread coconut chips out on cookie sheet.  In small bowl, place coconut oil and EZ-sweetz Stevia and Monk Fruit, and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to melt.  Drizzle over coconut flakes and stir until oil is well mixed over all.  Sprinkle with cinnamon, and stir together again. Bake about 4 minutes.  Remove and stir.  Bake another 3 minutes, or until golden brown.  Be careful not to burn!  Spread on paper towel and let cool.

GRAHAM CRACKER LAYER: Preheat oven to 325F.  Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. In food processor, add flaxseed meal, almond flour, egg white, EZ-sweetz Stevia and Monk Fruit, and Capella Flavor Drops.  Process until it is mixed well and makes a stiff dough. Place onto parchment paper. Top with plastic wrap, and roll out very thin, especially in the center so that it is evenly rolled out.  Sprinkle with packet of Truvia.  Cut into small pieces with a pizza cutter.  Bake 10 minutes.  Remove any on the edges that are done, and put back in, baking 2 to 5 minutes at a time, checking to make sure it does not burn, removing those on the outside that are done, and putting back in until all are crisp and lightly browned.  Let cool.

Mix cooled coconut flakes and graham cracker pieces together.  Add dried cranberries.  Mix well.  Add chopped nuts if desired (optional).

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About 7 -1/2 cup servings/Per Serving: 343 Calories; 32g Fat (77.8% calories from fat); 6g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 9g Dietary Fiber

NOTES : 6g net carbs per serving

MAPLE FLAVORED SYRUP AND ONE BIG FLUFFY PANCAKE

PIN: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124909749193/

I've been wanting to do a maple syrup recipe for quite a while now, and had one in my mind that I had tried before but it needed some tweaking.  A reader asked me if there was a maple syrup anywhere out there that didn't have sucralose or malitol in it but sweetened with erythritol and stevia.  I didn't know of any.  And most of those low carb syrups out there are way too expensive for me to want to ever have syrup with my pancakes anyway, if I did find one.  It gets pricey to eat this way sometimes!  You either pay the price or go without and eat boring food.

A boring food eater I'm not.  I like good taste.  This syrup turned out very rich and full of flavor.  It does not taste like a diet syrup.  I thought it was too thin at first but when I compared it with syrups from the store, it is the same consistency.  If you heat it, it will be thinner, if you serve it cooled, it is a bit thicker.  If you want thicker than what it is I'm thinking (though I have not tried it yet) that you could do 1/4 cup butter instead of 2 tbsp. and 2 tbsp. arrowroot instead of 1.  The arrowroot adds only a trace of carb per serving, as well as the blackstrap molasses in this recipe.  The carb count is very low per serving.  I didn't use xanthan gum because I don't really care for xanthan gum.  It takes away the flavor and sweetness.  This has all the flavor and sweetness.  Then there's the pancake...

This pancake was the cakiest pancake I've ever made! I was not going by any recipe, just started adding this and that and wow! This is one thick fluffy pancake. I realized I forgot to add any oil to the recipe when it was all done but I don't think it needed it.  Low carb flours tend to be so oily anyway.  But if you think you want it, by all means add a tsp or so of oil.  I'm trying to add more flax into my diet again.  I know some people think flax is bad and some think it's a miracle food.  I tend to go with what my body tells me.

 Digressing just a bit here, coconut oil is the big healthy oil for the day.  I gave it a good try. I really did.  I ate lots of coconut oil trying to see how it would help me.  It did not lower my blood sugar. It did not help me lose weight.  It did not give me energy.  I really gained nothing from using it except a few more pounds.  I do still use it but in moderation.  I cook with it, because I like to.  One thing I've always noticed about flax is that I get an immediate sense of energy and well-being whenever I use flaxmeal and/or flax oil.  I just do.  If you don't and you think it's bad, that's ok.  But I ALWAYS, when using it, feel wonderful and healthy.  When I'm run down, I go back to my flax! I've had nothing but health benefits from it and that immediately and noticeably.  I've seen wrong information posted on the oil being destroyed when baking with flaxseed, which according to the Flax Council of Canada, this is not true.  Here is an informative article about that: http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/english/pdf/stor.pdf  and more information: http://www.flaxcouncil.ca/english/index.jsp?p=sitemap
and many studies proving the health benefits:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed#1

Breast cancer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24013641

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23354422%20

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22591208

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22925074

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18502107 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23885993

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24126178

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23261749

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19515737

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18779299

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22642930

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2703189/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14684762

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11588903

https://nutritionfacts.org/…/flaxseeds-breast-cancer-preve…/

https://nutritionfacts.org/…/flaxseeds-breast-cancer-survi…/

So, if anyone tells you flax is toxic, bad, or dangerous, show them the studies.  They may quote from some blog or media but they won't have sound scientific studies to back up what they say. If you like flax but were told it's bad, here is enough evidence to the contrary.  Use it with confidence.

So I've begun kefir/flax oil smoothies again, and using flaxmeal in my baking again.  It was flax oil and flaxseed that lifted me out of my chronic fatigue bed and my brain fog years ago, after reading about Dr. Joanna Budwig's diet, and how she cured many of cancer and other debilitating diseases with it. Though I did not follow all of her diet I did incorporate the flax oil/cottage cheese or kefir into my diet as well as using flaxseed meal.  It's what cleared the lumps from my cystic breasts.  It's been nothing but good for me in so many ways.  No other omega 3 oil has done the same or given me the same results, and coconut oil has not either.  So to each his own! I believe we should all find what our bodies tell us works!  If all kinds of information on the internet tells me something different than my body is telling me, I listen to my body.

Ok, so I got that out of my system! Ha!  On to the recipes!

MAPLE SYRUP *Updated 6/22/2019
                 
2 tablespoons  butter
1 cup erythritol, or 1/2 cup Pyure + 1 Tbsp xylitol (or a similar sweetener equal to 1 cup sugar)
1 tablespoon  arrowroot
1/2 tsp. xanthan gum (optional, but will thicken a bit more)
1/8 tsp salt
1 teaspoon  blackstrap molasses
2 cups  water
1 teaspoon  maple flavoring

In medium pot (one that has room for this to boil up high), add butter, sweeteners, arrowroot, and blackstrap molasses.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

VERY slowly add water, just a bit at a time and stir.  This will boil up fast as you add the water so it's important to add it very slowly as you stir.  When all the water is added boil stirring for about 30 seconds.

Remove from heat and add maple flavoring.  Cool completely. Store in the frig.  Stir before serving.

© Ginny's Low Carb Kitchen
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 31 Calories; 3g Fat (81.8% calories from fat); trace Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber

If using xylitol:  35 Calories; 3g Fat (69.8% calories from fat); trace Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber

NOTES : 8 - 1/4 cup servings approximately

ONE BIG FLUFFY PANCAKE

1/4 cup  flaxseed meal, golden -- (2 tbsp of seed ground in a coffee grinder)
1 tablespoons  Biochem Whey Protein Isolate -- or whatever brand you have.(edited from 2 tbsp. after making it again-11/23/13) (I now use Isopure whey protein Isolate which has zero carbs per serving - 6/22/2019)
1 teaspoon  psyllium seed husk powder -- (freshly ground husk is best)
1/4 teaspoon  baking powder
1/4 teaspoon  baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg
2 tablespoon  kefir -- (or yogurt or buttermilk or sour cream will do) (I now use unsweetened almond milk, vanilla flavored 6/22/2019)
2 tbsp Pyure granulated sweetener (equal to 1/4 cup sugar) (edited 6/22/2019)

In small bowl combine flaxseed meal, whey protein isolate, psyllium powder, baking powder, and baking soda.  Whisk together well.  Add egg, kefir, and sweetener. Whisk together until it is a smooth batter. If need add enough liquid to bring to consistency you prefer. The thicker the batter, the thicker the pancake.  If you wish you can add a tsp. of oil.  I made it exactly as written above and it was a very cake-like pancake.

Cook on a griddle on one side until bubbly and drying on the edges.  Flip, cook other side until done.

Copyright:
  "© Ginny's low carb kitchen"
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1 Serving: 276 Calories; 17g Fat (55.5% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 14g Dietary Fiber

NOTES : 1g net carb

CHICKEN PEPPER STIRFRY WITH PUMPKIN SPICE SALSA

Wonderful Fall flavors in this very easy stir-fry just blend together to make a delicious experience for your taste buds! My family loved it, so even though it turned out a bit higher carb than what I usually make or post, I decided to post it anyway.  I normally stay around 12g carbs or less per meal, but this was worth a little extra and so healthy besides with all the vitamin C and nutrition of peppers.

PIN--> http://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124909732611/

This recipe uses a salsa that I found at Aldi's.  If you have an Aldi's near your house you should be able to find it there.  Another reason I hesitated to post this recipe, since the sauce may not be available to all, since I've only seen this brand at Aldi's.  It was so good though, that it has inspired me to try to come up with my own Pumpkin spice salsa recipe.  That's for the future!  I must!
                   

CHICKEN PEPPER STIR-FRY WITH PUMPKIN SPICE SALSA
         
8 ounces  chicken breast -- cut into strips
   onion powder -- to taste
   garlic powder -- to taste
1 red  pepper
1 yellow  pepper
1 green  pepper
8 ounces  sliced mushrooms -- (I used portabellos)
16 ounces  Specially Selected Spiced Pumpkin Salsa -- (I got it at Aldi's)

In a large skillet, over medium high heat, melt some coconut oil or butter, or both.  Add chicken strips, sprinkle liberally with onion powder and garlic powder (I didn't measure, just sprinkled on), and fry until browned.  Remove onto a plate and set aside.  In same skillet, add more oil if necessary, and add red pepper, yellow pepper, green pepper and mushrooms.  Stir fry until vegetables are cooked but still crisp.


Add chicken back into the skillet.  Stir all together. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

  ©11-7-2013, Ginny Larsen
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6 Servings/Per Serving: 124 Calories; 3g Fat (23.7% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber

CHICKEN NOODLE BROCCOLI BAKE

What's your definition of comfort food?  I think we all have our own.  To me, this is comfort food, that is, food that makes my tummy feel all warm and cozy and comfy and satisfied and happy.  When my tummy is happy, the rest of me tends to be happy too!

To make this I made a white sauce using arrowroot flour or powder.  I know arrowroot is a starch, not low carb, but over all, it only adds 2 g carbs per serving, which isn't much more than cream cheese.  Yes, you could make a cheese sauce using cream cheese, or a store bought alfredo sauce, which is what I've done many times, but my husband doesn't like the taste from cream cheese, or from alfredo sauce in a jar.  And we both really like the taste of a good roux.  Arrowroot is nice because it is a healthier alternative to wheat flour or cornstarch, and you don't need as much to get the same effect.  This made a wonderful, tasty, smooth, rich, creamy cheese sauce--just what we wanted! I hope you'll like it!

The noodles are made with zucchini, with a vegetable peeler, by just peeling strips lenth-wise all the way around, down to the seeds.  Easy peasy.  I like my broccoli in very small pieces.  If you don't, you won't have to take the extra step of chopping them, but I chop mine up pretty small.

CHICKEN NOODLE BROCCOLI BAKE
                                   
2 medium  zucchini -- made into wide zucchini noodles with vegetable peeler
12 ounces  chicken breast -- cooked and chopped
12 ounces  frozen broccoli -- steamed and chopped into small pieces
Cheese Sauce
1/4 cup  butter
1 tablespoon  chicken bouillon -- (gluten free)
1 tablespoon  minced garlic
2 tablespoons  arrowroot
1 cup  heavy cream
1 cup  water -- mixed together with cream.
1 1/2 cups  fiesta blend shredded cheese -- OR cheddar

In 3-qt. casserole dish, place zucchini noodles, chicken breast, and broccoli.

In medium saucepan, add butter, chicken bouillon, minced garlic, and arrowroot. Heat on high until butter is melted and bubbly.  Reduce heat to medium and slowly pour in cream and water mixture stirring and bring to a boil. Boil for about 1 minute and remove from heat.

Stir in shredded cheese until melted and pour sauce into casserole.  Stir together.

If desired you can top this with low-carb bread crumbs if you have some, or sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.  Bake 375F for 30 to 40 minutes, or microwave on high for 20 minutes and then place under the broiler to brown the crumb topping if using.

Copyright:
  "10-22-2013, Ginny Larsen"
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6 Servings/Per Serving: 401 Calories; 34g Fat (74.2% calories from fat); 17g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber (6g net carbs)

PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE

I know I know... everyone's posting pumpkin this and pumpkin that!  But I love pumpkin! I can't help it! I love it all year round, and love all the ideas that come out this time of year for using it.  This one was a winner in my family.  Especially with me... the only low carber in the family.  I have to let you know how easy this is to make.  I was ending my first week of ECFE classes, which turned out to be a rather exhausting week for me, plus ending up subbing in another class on Friday morning.  By Friday afternoon I was pretty tired and didn't want to cook or bake or anything.  We ended up with this amazing gourmet meal of roasted chicken breast with garlic mushroom sauce and steamed broccoli seasoned with garlic butter. Yes there was lots of garlic! I ended it with this Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.  And I did not spend a lot of time in the kitchen! The chicken breast was thrown in the crock-pot when I got home from work.  Seasoned with thyme, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. That's all.  I let it cook on low until supper time.  Meanwhile I had a nice nap.  About an hour and a half before supper I made this pie.  It did not take me long and I chilled it in the freezer for a quicker chill.  It was quick and easy to throw together and really made us feel like we had a nice dinner out or something.

PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE                    

12 ounces  Philadelphia 1/3 less fat cream cheese -- (or regular cream cheese)
7.6 ounces  Nestle Media Crema table cream
1 cup  sweeteners of choice -- (I used 1/2 tsp. ez-Sweetz Stevia and Monk fruit, and 1/2 cup  Swerve)
15 ounces  pumpkin -- (1 can)
1 teaspoon  cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon  salt
1/2 teaspoon  ginger
1/2 teaspoon  nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon  cloves
CRUST
1 cup  almond flour -- (such as Honeyville)
1/2 cup  flaxseed meal, golden
1/2 cup  whey isolate, vanilla flavored -- (I used Biochem, <1g carb per serving)
1/4 cup  butter -- melted (OR coconut oil)
1/4 cup  sweetener of choice -- (I used 6 packets of Truvia)

CRUST: Preheat oven to 320F. In 10-inch pie plate combine almond flour, flaxseed meal, whey isolate, butter, and sweetener.  Mix all together with a fork until it looks like crumbs.  Press down and up the sides of pie plate.  Bake 10 minutes.  Cool.

In large bowl combine cream cheese, table cream, and sweeteners.  Beat with electric mixer until very creamy and smooth, about 1 or 2 minutes.  Add pumpkin, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmet, and cloves.  Continue beating about 2 more minutes, until well incorporated and thick and creamy.  Spread into pie crust.  Chill thoroughly for about 6 hours or overnight for best results.  If you're in a hurry place in your freezer for 2 hours.

Serve with whipped topping if desired.

Copyright:
  "9/27/2013, by Ginny Larsen"
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12 Servings/Per Serving: 243 Calories; 21g Fat (79.3% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber

NOTES : 4g net carbs per serving

SMALL CHOCOLATE CAKE, LC & GF

This small chocolate cake is actually a bigger form of a much smaller chocolate cake recipe that I did when I first started low-carbing.  It comes from this recipe
which was an off-shoot of the 3 minute chocolate cake recipe going around at that time.  I doubled this recipe and added some tweaks as you'll see.  I intend to experiment more with it with both flours and sweeteners.  It was sweet but it could be just a tad bit more sweet.

I did not make the chocolate whipped topping in the original recipe but this is a very wonderful Marshmallow Fluff from LC Foods.  Love this stuff!  Make sure you use real eggs if you do it and not egg whites from a carton.  I made that mistake the first time and though it was still very good as a marshmallow sauce it didn't thicken like it did this time with the real egg whites.  Wanna know what it tastes like compared to real marshmallow fluff?  It tastes like real marshmallow fluff.  I have some left over too, so I'm going to use it.

So you can decide how you want to top it. I'm just giving the nutrition info for the cake, but if you buy the Marshmallow Fluff Mix, you can get that from the back of the package and add to the cake. This makes an 8-inch square cake.  I cut it into 6 servings which gave nice sized pieces.  You can cut it into 9 if you like or how ever many you wish.  It rises well but is dense, not airy and fluffy like a cake mix would be.  Sort of brownie like actually but not quite.  Maybe I should call it a brownie cake.  The original cake with just flaxmeal was more cake-like. I think you can sure make it with all almond flour if you want to.  But then you would have to adjust the liquid.  Just so you bring it to a cake batter consistency.  I'm going to experiment more.

SMALL CHOCOLATE CAKE, LC & GF                    

1/2 cup  flaxseed meal, golden
1/2 cup  almond flour
2 tbsp.  coconut flour
4 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup  Swerve -- or equivalent
4 tbsp. Torani vanilla flavored sugar-free syrup
4 tbsp. shortening, Spectrum organic, non-hydrogenated -- (or other oil)
4 eggs
1/2 cup  HOT water

Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease 8-inch cake pan. In medium mixing bowl, combine flaxseed meal, almond flour, coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and Swerve.  Sift together with whisk or electric mixer.

Add sugar-free syrup, shortening, and eggs.  Beat for 1 minute on low speed. Continue beating while adding hot water and beat for about 2 minutes.  If it is too thick, add a little more water until it is cake batter consistency.

Pour out into pan.  Bake about 40 minutes or until tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Top with Marshmallow Fluff or Whipped Topping.

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Per Serving: 248 Calories; 21g Fat (72.2% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber

MORE SIDE DISH ROUND-UP

Getting through these weeks of meetings, cleanings, preparing for the coming school year has been pretty busy!  There's always so much to do to prepare for those sweet little toddlers and preschoolers. I haven't had a lot of time for cooking lately, so I'm doing some round-ups and if you're like me, one of the things you most have difficulty with in a meal is the side-dish.  It can make or break a meal.  It can change a blah meal to something really special.

I've got a few more sides of my own to share, as well as some other food bloggers. Starting out with one of my most colorful and wholesome salads.
Marinated Asparagus and Vegetable Salad.   Salads make such a nice side dish, but I really do not like washing and cutting or eating lettuce all that much, unless it's topped with gobs of other good things and is only a small part of the salad.  I like putting together a mix of my favorite veggies instead.

Brocolli, Pepper, and Peach Salad: Another salad full of goodness, easy to toss together and if you want to make your meal even easier throw in some leftover meat and make it a whole meal.

DJ Foodie's Creamed Brussel Sprouts: Wouldn't you just love to have him as your personal chef?
Ok, how about onion rings?  Mellissa from "I Breathe I'm Hungry". "Crunchy and savory on the outside, and sweet and soft on the inside."  

Vegetable AuGratin Casserole: by Jennifer Eloff. I don't think anyone would go away hungry from this table.

Roasted Butternut and Cauliflower Squash, from Lisa of 24/7 Low Carb Diner. I can almost smell this.

Hungry for fried rice? Try this one from Karen, "Living Low Carb One Day at a Time."  You know, there's just no reason to feel deprived of anything if you are low-carbing!

Linda Sue's Broccoli Mushroom Casserole.  Linda has so many great ideas on her site!

Hope you find some good ideas! Have fun and happy eating! :)

SIDE DISH ROUND-UP!

Sometimes a meal can be completely transformed by just the right side dish.  I mean you can have a plain chicken breast with a little seasoning and a plain vegetable or you can have a special side dish that really makes the meal a meal that you are still savoring after it's all finished.  Many times the side dish is what makes the meal.

This spicy pumpkin side dish is one of my favorites any time of the year. We had it again last night.  So good, either hot off the stove or cold the next day. I decided to post some of my favorite side dishes for you all as well as do a round up of other side dishes that I've found to share.

Zucchini Lime Salad - refreshingly good

Browned Butter Squash This one was incredible! Higher in carbs,  but good alongside some cooked turkey or chicen breast to really spice up your meal.

Smokey Cheese Cauli-mash Oh yes! Not just your ordinary faux-tatoes!

Mushroom Mozzarella Bake by Jennifer Eloff - mouth watering goodness.

Bacon Vinaigrette Marinated Asparagus (and a grill give away if you check it out today) by Karen from Living Low Carb One Day At A Time.

Miracle Cauli-Tabbouleh by DJ Foodie - Oh my yums!

Roasted Brussels Salad by Lisa from 24/7 Low-Carb Diner - that looks amazing even if you don't think you like Brussel Sprouts!

Jalapeno Popper Cauliflower Casserole by Mellissa from "I Breathe I'm Hungry" - making my eyes pop out!

Happy eating!!!

BREAKFAST LONG JOHN

I called this a Long John, because, well, it reminded me of a Long John that I used to eat fresh from the bakery.  I guess it's more of an "Oblong John" or a "Half circle John" since I make it in my GT Xpress and that's the shape it makes.  But whatever shape you make it in, it makes a great breakfast treat, without the grains, without the carbs, without the excess calories; and you can have it for your breakfast because it is nutritious, with protein and fiber, to start your day, instead of a huge dose of transfats, empty calories, and carbs that you have to try to recover from the rest of your day.

This is really versatile.  You can make it in the oven or in the microwave, or in your GT Xpress if you are so fortunate to have one.  I'm really loving mine for little treats like this.

But this little treat makes a full breakfast for me, for breakfast.  Some mornings I do add a couple strips of bacon.  I mean, everything is better with bacon, right?  There are also many variations you can do with this.  I've made a lemon bun with it.  Just do lemon juice in place of the liquid, and add 1/2 tsp lemon flavoring. If you really like it lemony, add some lemon juice to the coconut oil, for the topping.  You can make it a filled roll, which then would make it a "Bismark."  I used to love those too. You can make a chocolate ganache for the topping, or for the filling.  You can make a custard filling if you like and top it with a chocolate ganache.  Mind you, I haven't tried all these yet, but I have endless thoughts of the possibilities for this!  It's sort of an off-shoot of my "Donut Bun" recipe, only this is a bit different with almond flour and psyllium powder, instead of coconut flour.

                      

BREAKFAST LONG JOHN

                          

2 tablespoons  Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon  almond flour -- (Honeyville is what I prefer)

1 teaspoon  psyllium seed husk powder

1/4 teaspoon  baking powder

1 egg

1 tablespoon  buttermilk -- OR kefir, whey, yogurt, or club soda

1/4 cup  sweetener of your choice -- or equivalent (I use 1/4 tsp EZ Sweetz Stevia and Monk Fruit)

1 teaspoon  vanilla

Topping

1 teaspoon  coconut oil -- or butter

1/2 tbsp of your favorite powdered sweetener, such as Swerve or Truvia (I powder them in the coffee grinder)

Preheat GT Xpress oven adding 1/2 tsp coconut oil to the side using. (Or preheat oven at 350F and grease small oven proof bowl). In small bowl combine Parmesan cheese, almond flour, psyllium seed husk powder, and baking powder.  Wisk with wire wisk until blended well.

Add egg, buttermilk (OR substitutes), sweetener, and vanilla.  Mix until smooth. Pour into one side of GT Xpress, close, and bake for 12 minutes, (if using the oven, bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until it is well risen and tests done, lightly browned on top. If using microwave, cook on high for approximately 1 min. 40 sec. depending on your microwave).  Watch close and test!

Remove from GT Xpress and spread coconut oil over the top.  Sprinkle powdered Truvia over it and spread over with a knife.  

Optional: You can add cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter as well if desired to give it a doughnut like flavor.  

Other options for the topping: Some people do not like the taste of Truvia and get an aftertaste.  I don't get that and to me it tastes as close to sugar as you get, but if you don't care for it you can use xylitol or erythritol or Swerve, and powder them in a coffee grinder. Or glaze with your favorite low carb glaze or frosting.  Another option is to mix xylitol and cinnamon for a cinnamon-sugar topping. You could also make a chocolate ganache by heating some cream and sweetener and then melting chocolate in it, stirring until thickened and pour over.

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1 Serving/Per Serving: 233 Calories; 16g Fat (63.4% calories from fat); 12g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber (4g. net carbs)