Lemon Amaretti (Plant-Based, Paleo)

Lemon Amaretti (Plant-Based, Paleo)

by | Apr 16, 2019

Lemon Amaretti are a delicious variation on a classic Italian almond cookie. These chewy cookies are absolutely delicious and bursting with refreshing lemon flavour! Made with simple & natural ingredients and free from refined sugar, gluten, grains & eggs.

DID YOU KNOW? Food-grade lemon essential oil can be used in a variety of recipes (from sweet treats to savory dishes) to replace lemon zest or lemon extract.

Lemon essential oil is a highly concentrated derivative of lemons that comes from cold-pressing the lemon peel and not the inner fruit. The peel is the most nutrient-dense portion of the lemon in terms of fat soluble phytonutrients.

Lately I’ve been experimenting with lemon essential oil in my smoothies and baked goods – and OMG, I’m hooked!

Lemon essential oil not only packs a flavourful punch, but it makes my food taste like I’m some kind of pro chef . The best part is – no more chipping my shellac nails on the evil zester!

Tips for incorporating lemon essential oil into recipes:

  1. Zest of 1 lemon = 8-14 drops lemon essential oil
  2. 1 tsp of lemon zest = 1-3 drops lemon essential oil
  3. 1 tsp of lemon extract = 3-4 drops lemon essential oil
  4. Add lemon essential oil into recipes as you would lemon zest or lemon extract.
  5. The flavour of lemon essential oil will dissipate during cooking/baking, so add a couple extra drops of oil to recipes that require cooking.

Lemon Amaretti Paleo Gluten & Egg Free

What you need for Lemon Amaretti:

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

Lemon Amaretti Paleo Gluten & Egg Free

Lemon Amaretti

Lemon Amaretti are a delicious variation on a classic Italian almond cookie. These chewy cookies are absolutely delicious and bursting with refreshing lemon flavour! Made with simple & natural ingredients and free from refined sugar, gluten, grains & eggs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Snack/Treat
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 25

Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 cups almond flour
  • 4 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted & cooled
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil (food-grade), OR zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 25-30 raw almonds, to top cookies

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl) until a batter forms and holds together. If batter is too moist, add more coconut flour. If batter is too crumbly, add more coconut oil.
  • Scoop batter with a small spoon, place on baking sheet and form into preferred shape. Leave 1-2 inches of space between cookies. Top each cookie with an almond.
  • Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes or until edges start to brown. Let cool on baking sheet. Once cooled, store cookies in airtight container.
Keyword almond flour, coconut flour, dairy free, Egg free, gluten free, grain free, healthy cookies, healthy italian recipes, honey, Italian recipes, lemon, lemon essential oil

lemv

Get 24% off all Young Living essential oils (including food-grade oils) here.

Almond Butter & Banana Slice (Gluten & Grain Free)

Almond Butter & Banana Slice (Gluten & Grain Free)

by | Apr 8, 2019

This Almond Butter & Banana Slice brings me back to my Little Jen days. After a long day of school, I would go to town on peanut butter and banana slapped between Wonder Bread.

Given that my Little Jen days are long gone, I’ve made some healthy modifications to one of my favourite snacks. It still tastes yummy as ever and my body (and waistline!) doesn’t hate me for it.

The kale caraway slice from Live Organic Food is packed with whole food ingredients and nutrients. It’s my go-to when I’m craving something that resembles bread.

Here’s why the kale caraway slice from Live Organic Food is awesome…

  • Gut friendly – gluten & grain free
  • Low carb & high fiber
  • Paleo, vegan & keto friendly
  • Nutrient rich & organic ingredients

You can find Live products online and at many stores in Toronto and around the GTA. I usually get my favourite Live products from Nature’s Emporium and Ambrosia.

Now, give this guilt free, gluten free and grain free snack a try!

What you need for Almond Butter & Banana Slice:

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

Almond Butter & Banana Slice

Almond Butter & Banana Slice 

This Almond Butter & Banana Slice is the perfect gluten and grain free snack for those following a low-carb, paleo or plant-based lifestyle!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 1

Ingredients
 

  • 1 kale caraway slice, from Live Organic Food*
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1/4 banana, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Spread almond butter onto kale caraway slice and top with sliced banana. OMG yum!

Notes

Get the kale caraway slice from Live Organic Food HERE.
Keyword almond butter, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy snacks, organic
Drew (drink + chew) your smoothie

Drew (drink + chew) your smoothie

by | Apr 3, 2019

Are you hesitant to give smoothies a go because you feel you won’t be completely satisfied with drinking your food–and maybe you just prefer chewing your food?

I completely understand the need for chewing. After all, we’ve been wired to chew food to obtain nutrients and calories which are used to fuel our bodies.

Chewing is important because it stimulates digestive enzymes, which are essential in breaking down food therefore allowing us to process and absorb nutrients. In addition, chewing plays a significant role in oral health.

In my early smoothie days I felt that I was missing an important part of what consuming food is all about – chewing. So, I began to add different crunchy/chewy foods into my smoothie after blending to create a smoothie that I could sip on and chew through at the same time.

Not only has this little hack made smoothies more filling and satisfying for me, but it has also allowed me to add more nutrients into my already nutrient-packed smoothie.

So, before you write-off smoothies completely, I highly recommend trying this …

After blending your smoothie, stir in 1-2 tbsp. of the following:

Check out some of my go-to brands by clicking on the links above.

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Go wild and mix 2 or more of these crunchy and chewy foods into your smoothie.

Even if you’re completely satisfied with the current way you prepare your daily smoothie, I still recommend giving this smoothie hack a try. You might just be pleasantly surprised at how much you enjoy some chew/crunch to your smoothie.

Would love to hear about the crunchy and/or chewy foods you add to your smoothie after blending. Share in the comment section below.

Check out more of my smoothie hacks here.

Pumpkin & Beef Salad (AIP, Paleo, Low-Carb)

Pumpkin & Beef Salad (AIP, Paleo, Low-Carb)

by | Mar 29, 2019

Pumpkin & Beef Salad is the perfect go to dish during the busy work week! It’s super quick and simple to prepare, and loaded with heart healthy omega 3’s from grass-fed beef, antioxidants from dark leafy greens and fiber from pumpkin. These simple ingredients come together to make this salad absolutely delicious & extremely satisfying.

OK, so I’m only human which means there are many moments where the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen to prepare a healthy meal is just not appealing (especially after a long day of work).

Given that these moments happen quite often and I refuse to settle for low-quality food, I created a handful of go-to recipes that I can whip up in 20-minutes or less.

This Pumpkin & Beef Salad recipe is a heartier version of my Beef Salad and one of my go-to meals when lazy and hungry Jen strikes.

It also makes for a great post-workout meal since 1 cup of cooked pumpkin has 564 mg of the refueling nutrient potassium. Potassium helps to restore the body’s electrolytes after a heavy workout and keeps muscles functioning optimally.

Pumpkin & beef salad

What you need for Pumpkin & Beef Salad:

  • Grass-fed ground beef
  • Lemon
  • Garlic
  • Cumin (omit for AIP version)
  • Coriander
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Salad greens
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic or apple cider vinegar

Want more quick & healthy dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

 

Pumpkin & beef salad

Pumpkin & Beef Salad

Pumpkin & Beef Salad is the perfect go to dish during the busy work week! It’s super quick and simple to prepare, and loaded with heart healthy omega 3’s from grass-fed beef, antioxidants from dark leafy greens and fiber from pumpkin. These simple ingredients come together to make this salad absolutely delicious & extremely satisfying. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cumin, (omit for AIP version)
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 398 ml canned pumpkin
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste (omit for AIP version)

Salad

  • 8 cups salad greens
  • 4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar, (I like to mix the two)
  • Sea salt , to taste

Optional toppings

  • Toasted pine nuts , (omit for AIP version)
  • Sprouts of choice

Instructions
 

  • Add ground beef and lemon juice to pan. Break a part meat as you cook over medium heat.
  • When beef is 3/4 of the way done, add garlic, cumin, coriander, salt & pepper.
  • Cook until garlic becomes fragrant then mix in pumpkin. Cook for 5-minutes. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • In a large bowl, dress salad greens with oil, vinegar and sea salt. Toss salad and place onto a dish.
  • Add cooked pumpkin & beef onto the salad and enjoy!
Keyword gluten free, grain free, grass fed beef, healthy salad, pumpkin, soy free
Pumpkin Chili (Low-Carb, Paleo)

Pumpkin Chili (Low-Carb, Paleo)

by | Mar 7, 2019

Pumpkin Chili is a hearty, paleo friendly and low-carb chili with a unique combination of pumpkin, zucchini, warming spices and cocoa. Your palate will be pleasantly surprised at how well these flavours come together.

You have the option of using either beef or turkey in this recipe–both work really well. Also, feel free to swap out canned pumpkin for roasted pumpkin OR if you don’t have any pumpkin on hand, you can use butternut squash, acorn squash or another similar squash.

So, if you’re a fan of chili and looking for a new recipe to test out on a cold fall or winter day, I highly recommend giving this non-traditional chili a try!

Would love to hear your thoughts on this recipe if you test it out. Just leave a comment below 🙂

If you’re looking for a more traditional chili recipe, check out my Beef & Black Bean Chili.

 

Pumpkin Chili

What you need for Pumpkin Chili:

  • Grass-fed ground beef or pastured turkey
  • Avocado oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Zucchini
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Chili powder
  • Cocoa powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cinnamon
  • Cumin
  • Canned pumpkin

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

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili 

Pumpkin Chili is a hearty, paleo friendly and low-carb chili with a unique combination of pumpkin, zucchini, warming spices and cocoa. Your palate will be pleasantly surprised at how well these flavours come together. You have the option of using either beef or turkey in this recipe--both work really well.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 3

Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef or pastured turkey
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 398 ml canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 12 oz water
  • 398 ml canned pumpkin

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, cook ground meat over medium heat. Set aside.
  • Add avocado oil to pot and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in tomatoes, cocoa powder, all spices, salt and pepper. Add water.
  • Add cooked meat back to pot along with pumpkin. Stir ingredients.
  • Bring ingredients to a boil then reduce heat, cover pot and simmer for 1 hour.
Keyword chili, cocoa, dairy free, fall, gluten free, pumpkin, winter
5 ways to simplify smoothie making

5 ways to simplify smoothie making

by | Feb 27, 2019

In this article you’ll discover ways to simplify smoothie making, so that time will never come in the way of making healthy food choices.

Is lack of time really the reason you can’t turn new, healthy eating habits into permanent ones?

I call bull$#!%.

Making a smoothie is one of the fastest and easiest ways to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods.

You literally throw all your ingredients in a blender, pour into a cup and voila!

There’s no cooking involved and you can even dodge the washing and chopping if you choose. Cleanup couldn’t be more easy with only a blender and cup to wash.

OK – I get it! As easy as making a smoothie might be, maybe your life and daily schedule are just jam-packed with things like family responsibilities, work, extra-curricular activities, social events, you time, etc.

My goal with this article is to help you simplify smoothie making even more.

I don’t want time to ever be a barrier for you when it comes to making healthy food choices, so check out my tips below.

5 ways to simplify smoothie making

1. CREATE A SMOOTHIE STATION

It can be a hassle to constantly reach under your kitchen cabinet to pull out and set up the blender. I suggest creating a smoothie station.

Keep your blender, smoothie tools and dry ingredients in a corner on the kitchen counter, so everything is ready to go when it’s smoothie making time.

2. PREP FRESH PRODUCE AHEAD OF TIME

On the weekend, decide what fruits and greens you plan to use in your smoothie for the upcoming week. Wash, chop, and separate equal portions into bags, containers or glass jars and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

This makes the ‘grab and throw’ method come to life. Just grab your portion and throw it in the blender along with your dry ingredients.

3. GO FROZEN

Using frozen fruits and greens is probably the BEST way to save you time. Taking trips to the grocery store every few days to get fresh produce can be time-consuming. Then, you still need to wash and chop your produce before it’s ready for blending.

I recommend buying frozen fruits and greens in bulk and stocking up your freezer with them. It’s a great way to ensure you always have ingredients on hand.

Also, you don’t have to worry about wasting money on produce that ends up going bad. I personally create all my smoothies using frozen produce and wouldn’t do it any other way.

4. MAKE YOUR SMOOTHIE HOURS BEFORE DRINKING IT

What if you could make your smoothie hours before consuming it? Might this make smoothies more suitable to your daily schedule?

The trick here is to make your smoothie the extra thick way–using avocado and only 1/2 – 3/4 cup water. This will help hold your smoothie together without it separating. Store in a mason jar or cup with lid and keep cold until you consume it. If refrigeration isn’t an option, use a small cooler bag with an ice pack.

If I have a busy day ahead and know there’s going to be no time for lunch or dinner prep, I double my morning smoothie and take the extra to go. This saves me from making poor choices later in the day when there’s limited time, healthy food options and willpower.

5. REPLACE FRESH OR FROZEN PRODUCE WITH A GREENS POWDER

I feel for you if you’re just super strapped for time and find what should be quick and easy, not quick and easy enough. So, in my mission to help busy people feel great through simple and natural approaches, I decided to provide a modified way of preparing your smoothie that is even more time-friendly than my original smoothie formula.

Greens Powder Smoothie

1 tbsp PaleoGreens powder
1 scoop PurePaleo Protein powder
1/2 avocado or 1 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup water
A few ice cubes (optional)

Blend for 30-60 sec and enjoy!

Easy Green Smoothie with Protein

Now how’s that for simple?! Basically, you’ll be replacing fresh or frozen produce with 1 tbsp of PaleoGreens (or other greens powder of choice) that will provide you with a combination of powerful and antioxidant rich vegetables and fruits.

I know there are many greens powders on the market, so you can learn more about why I choose to use this particular one, here.

PaleoGreens unflavoured Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you found these tips helpful. Reach out in the comments section below if you need additional guidance or support.