Antipasto Board (Gluten & Grain Free)

Antipasto Board (Gluten & Grain Free)

I love preparing antipasto boards! They are fun and easy to put together–and the list of healthy whole foods that can be added to the board is endless!

This antipasto board has a variety of different flavours and textures–from sweet and salty to soft and crunchy. There’s something for everyone.

So, whether you’re looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer board for your next dinner party or just need some snacks to accompany a glass of wine – this antipasto board will not disappoint.

Want more healthy appetizers? You’re going to love these …

Antipasto Board

What you need for this Antipasto Board 

Prosciutto
Cured sausage
Cherry tomatoes
Asiago cheese
Goat cheese
Dry-roasted mixed nuts
Olives (green and kalamata)
Grapes
Bosc pear
Fennel
Tangerines

INSTRUCTIONS:

Grab a glass of wine and let your inner artist have fun with laying out these foods on a wood board or large platter. Don’t forget to brag about your food art when company arrives 😉

“Spaghetti” with Classic Tomato Sauce (Gluten Free, Low-Carb)

“Spaghetti” with Classic Tomato Sauce (Gluten Free, Low-Carb)

“Spaghetti” with Classic Tomato Sauce is bursting with simple and beautiful Italian flavours! This guilt-free & healthy dish will be your new go-to on pasta night…guaranteed!

Do you feel bloated or ‘heavy’ after eating a bowl of pasta?

What if you could enjoy the flavours of a classic and heart warming Italian dish without having to worry about the negative impact it might have on your body?

What if you could find a replacement that is naturally rich in nutrients, low in carbohydrates and even looks like the spaghetti noodle?

Might you be convinced to try it?

Drum roll please ….

… I present to you, The Spaghetti Squash!

Before you shake your head and say – “I’ll never give up my favourite pasta dish for sauce on squash” – hear me out…

I’m sure most Italians would agree that the magic in a bowl of pasta comes from the sauce. Nonna’s sauce tastes amazing on just about anything!

So my theory is, if you have the perfect sauce, the noodle just doesn’t matter as much.

We’ve all tasted a not so good tomato sauce at one point or another. Bottom line is, if the sauce ain’t good, the pasta ain’t good, no matter how perfect the noddle.

That doesn’t mean we should put less attention on the noodle, but it does mean we have a little room for play instead.

So now that I have you half convinced, let’s move forward to cooking the perfect spaghetti squash. The trick here is simple – don’t overcook it! This will ensure that you maintain the traditional ‘al dente’ texture of the noodle. See my instructions on cooking spaghetti squash below.

Now for the magic. I love to keep my tomato sauce simple and classic – as the smell fills my home with memories of my grandparent’s kitchen growing up.

"Spaghetti" with a Classic Tomato Sauce (Gluten Free, Low-Carb, Plant-Based)

What you need for “Spaghetti” with Classic Tomato Sauce

  • Spaghetti squash
  • Pureed tomatoes
  • Garlic
  • Basil
  • Extra virgin olive oil

 

Want more guilt-free spaghetti recipes? You’ve got to try these …

Spaghetti with classic tomato sauce

"Spaghetti" with Classic Tomato Sauce

"Spaghetti" with Classic Tomato Sauce is bursting with simple and beautiful Italian flavours! This guilt-free dish will be your new go-to on pasta night. Gluten free, plant-based, paleo & low-carb.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Italian, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1 600-700 ml can or jar pureed tomatoes, (tomato passata)
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves, or 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper , to taste

Instructions
 

Spaghetti Squash

  • Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove seeds with spoon.
  • Bake at 400F for 30-40 min (first 10 min bake with flesh down, then turn so skin is down for remaining time). Fork should pierce skin easily when squash is cooked. See notes below.
  • Use a fork to scrape out the strands of squash.

Classic Tomato Sauce

  • In a sauce pan, sauté garlic and basil in olive oil over medium heat until garlic becomes fragrant. If you are using fresh basil, add basil leaves in after step 2.
  • Add tomatoes and bring to a light boil for 5 min. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to medium-low heat and let simmer for 45 min.
  • Add tomato sauce on top of cooked squash noodles and enjoy!

Notes

  • Cooking time varies depending on the size of the squash. Check regularly to avoid overcooking the squash. You want the noodles to be ‘al dente’.
  • Time your spaghetti squash so that it’s done cooking around the same time as your sauce, so your noodles don’t cool.
Keyword Italian, pasta, spaghetti, squash, tomato sauce
Chocolate Banana Avocado Mousse 

Chocolate Banana Avocado Mousse 

Are you struggling to find healthy dessert options that aren’t loaded with refined sugars, crappy oils and other nasty junk?

Healthy treats can be a hard find, which is why I like to get creative in the kitchen and whip up my own delicious and squeaky clean desserts.

Avocado mousse is one of my go-to healthy desserts. It’s super quick and easy to make – and packed with nutrients and healthy fats.

Check out my rich and creamy Chocolate Banana Avocado Mousse recipe. It’s gluten and dairy free making it a perfect low-carb, paleo and plant-based dessert.

Chocolate Banana Avocado Mousse

INGREDIENTS: (serves 1-2)
1 ripe avocado
1 banana
1/4 cup coconut milk (canned, full fat)
4 tbsp. cacao powder
2 tbsp of maple syrup or other natural sweetener of choice
Pinch of sea salt

Toppings (optional):
Cacao nibs
Fresh berries
Sliced banana

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients (except for toppings) into a food processor or high speed blender.

2. Blend until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency.

3. Chill avocado mousse in the fridge for a cool dessert.

4. Add toppings and enjoy.

Want to turn this healthy dessert into a nutrient-dense breakfast? Add 1 scoop of protein powder to the list of ingredients and blend. If you’re using my recommended PurePaleo protein, I suggest leaving out the honey/maple syrup/stevia since the protein powders are sweetened with stevia. Add more coconut milk if needed.

Cauliflower “Rice” (AIP, Low-Carb, Paleo)

Cauliflower “Rice” (AIP, Low-Carb, Paleo)

Are you looking for a low-carb and gut friendly alternative to grains like rice, quinoa and couscous? Look no further than Cauliflower “Rice”! This nutrient-dense vegetable is a perfect substitute for grains and will leave you feeling satisfied.  It’s extremely versatile and can be used as a base or side for so many dishes.

A few great ways to add Cauliflower “Rice” to your menu …

1. Use it as a side to a salmon fillet, juicy steak, chicken breast or another protein source.

2. Use it as a base for stir fries or curry dishes.

3. Top it with some soul-warming chili.

4. Eat it on its own as a mid-day snack or mix in canned tuna and call it lunch. It tastes great cold too, so no need to warm it up.

Here’s my quick and easy go-to recipe for Cauliflower “Rice”.

Cauliflower "Rice" (AIP, Paleo, Low-Carb)

What you need for Cauliflower “Rice”:

  • Cauliflower
  • Onion or shallot
  • Lemon
  • Avocado oil
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley

There are so many herbs and spices that go well with cauliflower, so don’t be shy and change up the flavour each time you prepare this dish.

Looking for more healthy sides? You’re going to love these …

Cauliflower "Rice" (AIP, Paleo, Low-Carb)

Cauliflower "Rice"

Are you looking for a low-carb and gut friendly alternative to grains like rice, quinoa and couscous? Look no further than Cauliflower "Rice"! This nutrient-dense vegetable is a perfect substitute for grains and will leave you feeling satisfied.  It's extremely versatile and can be used as a base or side for so many dishes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Chop cauliflower into chunks.
  • Put into a food processor and process into a rice like consistency (be sure not to over-process).
  • In a deep pan, sauté onion in oil until soft then add riced cauliflower.
  • Add lemon juice and sea salt. Combine ingredients.
  • Cook at medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add in a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley near the end.

Notes

  • There are so many herbs and spices that go well with cauliflower, so don't be shy and change up the flavour each time you prepare this dish.
Keyword avocado oil, cauliflower, cauliflower rice, cilantro, gluten free, grain free, herbs, lemon, parsley, soy free

 

Bacon & Egg Muffin (Keto, Paleo)

Bacon & Egg Muffin (Keto, Paleo)

This Bacon & Egg Muffin recipe is the perfect way to prepare eggs for the entire family! It’s an easy and super cool method that will have you wondering why you’ve been fussing with a frying pan all this time. Only 2 whole food ingredients needed for this fun and delicious breakfast recipe. Get crackin’!

DID YOU KNOW? Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. One egg provides 13 essential nutrients, which are found all in the yolk! #eattheyolk

Check out this easy and fun way to prepare eggs for the entire family without feeling the need to throw your frying pan across the kitchen!

What you need for Bacon & Egg Muffin:

  • Muffin tin
  • Eggs
  • Bacon
  • Sea salt & black pepper

How to make Bacon & Egg Muffins:

  1. Cook bacon half way through on stove-top.
  2. Wrap inside of muffin tin with one strip of bacon per muffin.
  3. Crack one egg into each spot lined with bacon.
  4. Season with sea salt & black pepper.
  5. Bake in oven at 350F for 15-minutes.
  6. Remove with spoon, plate and enjoy with sides of choice (see suggestions below).

Bacon & Egg Muffin (Paleo, Keto)

Serve these breakfast muffins with:

Want more wholesome breakfast recipes? You’re going to love these …

Bacon & Egg Muffin (Paleo, Keto)

Bacon & Egg Muffins

Bacon & Egg Muffins are the perfect way to prepare eggs for the entire family! This easy and super cool method will have you wondering why you've been fussing with a frying pan all this time. Only 2 simple and whole food ingredients needed for this fun and delicious breakfast recipe. Get crackin'!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Muffin tin

Ingredients
 

  • 8 eggs, pastured
  • 8 slices bacon, pastured
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Cook bacon half way through on stove-top.
  • Wrap inside of muffin tin with one strip of bacon per muffin.
  • Crack one egg into each spot lined with bacon.
  • Season with sea salt and black pepper.
  • Bake in oven for 15-minutes.
  • Remove with spoon, plate and enjoy with sides of choice (see suggestions in post)!
Keyword bacon, dairy free, eggs, gluten free, grain free, healthy breakfast
Turmeric Basil Hard Boiled Eggs (Keto, Paleo)

Turmeric Basil Hard Boiled Eggs (Keto, Paleo)

5 steps to perfect hard boiled eggs

1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with cool water by an inch.
2. Bring water to a boil over high heat.
3. Once water begins to boil, remove pot from burner and allow eggs to cook in the pot of hot water for 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain water and immediately run cold water over eggs until cooled.
5. Peel and enjoy in your favourite recipe or on its own.

Make your hard boiled eggs mouth popping good by adding your favourite spices, oil and sea salt. Give my Turmeric Basil Hard Boiled Eggs a try!

Serve these eggs alongside sliced tomato and avocado for breakfast OR add them to a salad for a healthy lunch

Love eggs?  Check out more awesome egg recipes:

Turmeric Basil Hard Boiled Eggs

INGREDIENTS: (serves 1)
2 hard boiled eggs
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise.

2. Drizzle olive oil over eggs then add spices and sea salt on top.

healthy hard boiled eggs