Chronically Delicious! |
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 Let's talk food for just a minute here... How many of you often feel overwhelmed by the massive amount of information that is out there about food and nutrition? I honestly believe that if you listen to every single "expert" there is out there, you would probably be forced to result to eating nothing, as tips on diet and nutrition can often be contradicting and counter productive. This is why it SO IMPORTANT that we learn to eat what is right for YOUR body! It's important to listen to your body and what it's trying to tell you because I guarantee you that if you eat something that isn't good for you, your body will be sending you that message the next day. The war on food is raging in our day and I think everyone is forgetting that we're ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! I am not against people who eat gluten-free, as I know people who thrive on gluten-free diets, even if I don't. Same goes for any other diet (Keto, Paleo, etc). And to those who eat foods that are full of chemicals, overly processed, and full of sugar that is incredilby unhealthy for your body: I will ALWAYS encourage you to eat healthy because I care. But I will NEVER look down on you or make you feel like you are less of a person if you choose to eat processed, sugar filled food. Again, we're all in this together and as we teach with love and compassion we can all help each other on our roads through life. I eat 100% organic and refined sugar-free because that is how I can function with Lyme disease and how I can still live a life despite my chronic illness. Not because I'm trying to outrun anyone else in this life. So without further ado, I'd like to introduce the sugar-free Thumbprint Cookie! These cookies are completely sugar free, organic, and free of harmful additives and chemicals. They are made with whole wheat flour and they still melt in your mouth! They're also sweetened with Lakanto Monkfruit sweetener which is full of nutrients and approved for all kinds of healthy diets! Sugar Free Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients:
Directions:
*If you don't have a the powdered version of your Lakanto sweetener, you can take one cup of classic Lakanto sweetener and blend it in a blender on high until it is in powdered form. **Make sure you use the right kind of flour, for if you only use bread flour your cookies will be dry and if you only use pastry flour your cookies will fall apart. ***You can use any kind of fruit preserves that you like. I used organic, sugar free, wild blueberry jam that I ordered from Thrive market.
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 Who doesn't LOVE chocolate!? I've always been a chocolate lover and when I was diagnosed with Lyme I thought I would have to give up chocolate for good! The good news is that I really only gave it up for a year, and I found healthy ways to eat chocolate in small proportions so it doesn't make me sick! This chocolate cake was a hit for my whole family and it's completely organic, refined-sugar free, AND vegan! Yep, that's right! No animal products in this cake! I also have found in my healthy baking pursuit that it's really difficult to make healthy cakes that aren't super dry, but I've FINALLY mastered a refined sugar-free recipe that is super moist and very fudgy on the inside! Even the glaze is sugar free and it adds the final finishing touch to this beautiful cake! I also used cacao powder in this recipe instead of cocoa. Cacao is considered a super food and helps boost your mood and your immune system! Eating chocolate in the right amounts can be good for your body! What a relief!! Vegan Fudge Cake!
Ingredients:
2 cups coconut milk 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup raw honey 1/2 organic maple syrup 2/3 cup organic grapeseed oil 2 Tbs. pure vanilla extract (Yes that's correct! Bring on the flavor!) 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 2 cups whole wheat bread flour 2/3 cup cacao powder (sifted) 2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/4 tsp. salt Chocolate Glaze: 2 Tbs. coconut oil, melted (or if you don't mind it not being vegan you can use organic butter) 1/4 cup powdered Lakanto sweetener 1 Tbs. cacao powder 2-3 Tbs. coconut milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions:
*Use organic ingredients when feasible.
 I know what you're all thinking... "Why am I calling this WINTER peach cobbler?!" Well, because it's winter, and peaches are not in season in the winter time, and yet... here we are! The secret is that I just happen to have a brother that has a lot of peach trees that produce in the summer, and so we spent a lot of time slicing and freezing peaches this summer! The rewards of that are now being feasted upon! It's like having fresh peach cobbler in the winter! Yum! This cobbler turned out delicious and is super easy to make! It's refined sugar-free and and made with organic whole wheat flour! It's also super versatile (most cobblers are), so it would be really easy to make this gluten free if you'd like that to be an option. Simply replace the whole wheat flour with almond flour and your have your gluten free winter treat! You can also top it with organic heavy whipping cream, or if you're dairy free you could top it with coconut cream for your finishing touch! Winter Peach Cobbler!
Ingredients:
Filling: 4 cups frozen peaches 1/4 cup organic maple syrup 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1-2 tsp. cinnamon (depending on how cinnamon-y you like it) 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. clove 1 Tbs. organic corn starch 2 Tbs. water Cobbler: 1/2 cup butter, melted (organic and grass-fed) 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup organic maple syrup 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla Directions:
*Use organic ingredients when feasible.
 Did you know that cinnamon can actually be used as a medicinal herb? It can be used as an anti-bacterial, and it's also known to kill stealth bacteria in our bodies like micoplasma! Who knew?! I have a lot of healthy recipes I've been trying lately that are going to go up on here soon, but I had to postpone all of those because this recent recipe I just made was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! This recipe taught me so much about clean eating and how you don't have to eat bad tasting food to eat clean. These cinnamon rolls look, taste, smell, and make you feel amazing! I don't know why anybody would feel like they need processed sugars and other processed food in their lives when they can eat something this delicious and nourish their body with proper nutrients at the same time! These rolls are made with organic, whole wheat flour, and they're about 98% sugar free, and 100% refined-sugar free! The only refined sugar in these babies is a little bit of raw honey in the dough, and then the filling and frosting is sweetened with Lakanto sweetener which is not processed in your body the same way sugar is. Lakanto is an amazing sweetener that is made with Monk fruit which is a super food and filled with nutrients! You can purchase Lakanto here and you can also find it on Amazon! The BEST Healthy Cinnamon Rolls!
Ingredients:
Dough: 1 cup warm coconut milk (110° F) 2 eggs 1/3 cup butter (melted) 4 1/2 cups organic whole wheat bread flour 1 tsp. salt 1/4 cup raw honey 2 1/2 tsp. yeast (do not use instant yeast! Instant yeast is highly processed) Filling: 1/2 cup golden Lakanto sweetener 2 1/2 Tbs. ground cinnamon 1/3 cup butter (melted) Frosting: 1 (8 oz.) package organic cream cheese 1/4 cup butter (softened) 1/2 cup powdered Lakanto sweetener 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 pinch of salt Directions:
*These rolls stay super fresh for about five days if you store them in the fridge! Then when you're ready to eat them you can either warm them in your warming drawer on high for 10 mins. Or you can preheat your oven to 350°, turn it off once it's fully preheated, and place your rolls inside for about 10 mins. Then when you take them out it will be like having a freshly baked cinnamon roll! *Use organic ingredients when feasible.
 I participate in a health group in my area every now and again, and every month I try to focus on one medicinal herb, what it does for your body, and how we can use it in our everyday food! So, this month's herb is GINGER, and these cookies are not your average ginger snaps! Ginger is a great anti-bacterial herb, and you can use it in many ways! This is obviously ground ginger that we use in these cookies, but you can grate fresh ginger into your favorite chili recipe, or you can make ginger tea by boiling diced ginger in a pot for about 10 minutes and adding honey. Ginger tea is great for keeping colds and flu viruses away, and it works wonders for a natural remedy for strep throat! These cookies are thick and chewy and VERY GINGERY! If you're looking for cookies with a kick, then these are for you! These cookies are also completely organic and refined sugar-free! They're sweetened with pure maple sugar, which means that they're sweetened with dried maple syrup which is filled with lots of minerals and nutrients! Ginger Cookies!
Ingredients:
3 cups whole wheat pastry flour 2 Tbs. ground ginger 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 cup butter (room temperature) 1/2 cup palm shortening 3/4 cup organic maple sugar 1/4 cup molasses 2 eggs Directions:
*Use organic ingredients when feasible.
 I'm seriously CRAVING citrus fruit lately! Lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges, you name it... I crave it. I'm not totally sure why, but I do know that citrus kills cancer cells in your body and is a great source for vitamin C! So... these lemon bars are organic, refined sugar-free, and they pretty much melt in your mouth! I once had someone tell me that they are like ambrosia for your tongue! So they must be good right?! These bars are also super versatile so if you want to convert them to gluten-free or dairy-free it's super easy! I'll show you how in the recipe below! Lemon Cream Bars!
Ingredients:
Crust: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1/4 cup powdered Lakanto sweetener 1/2 tsp. real salt 2 tsp. lemon zest 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces Filling: 4 eggs 1 cup raw honey 1/4 cup classic Lakanto sweetener 1 tsp. baking powder 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons worth) 1 heaping Tbs. lemon zest Topping: 1 8 oz package of cream cheese 1/4 cup powdered Lakanto sweetener 1 Tbs. maple syrup 2 tsp. vanilla extract extra lemon zest to sprinkle on top Directions:
*Use organic ingredients when feasible. *Store bars in fridge. **What to make these bars gluten-free? Easy! Simply replace the pastry flour in the crust for almond flour. **What to make these bars dairy-free? Also super easy! Just replace the cream cheese with a couple cans of coconut cream!
 Okay, I know that it's still January and not quite Valentines season yet, BUT.... I LOVE Valentines day, and I needed something to cheer me up through these gray January days. So... Claire's Kisses were born!! These are a little different than my other chocolate recipes in that they are made with organic cacao wafers, and cacao is a super food that boosts mood, energy, and immune function! It's a common myth that eating healthy means that you don't eat anything that tastes good, and I'm here to say that you DO NOT have to deprive yourself just because you choose to eat and live a healthful life! Confession.... I used to be OBSESSED with Hershey's chocolate kisses! I was that girl in high school that always had a bag of them in my locker, and I probably consumed a handful a day. I wouldn't recommend that for anyone whether you have a chronic illness or not! So... I'm SUPER EXCITED about these because they're organic, refined sugar-free, and full of nutrients that your body will love! Stay tuned for different flavored chocolate recipes all through the month of February because this is for sure my new favorite recipe!! Also, thanks to A Bite of Healthy for helping me out with this recipe! My sister is the creator of this food blog, and she is a food GENIUS! So go check out her blog here. Claire's Chocolate Kisses!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cacao wafers 4 1/2 Tbs. maple syrup 2 tsp. vanilla extract 3 Tbs. coconut butter 1 tsp. coconut oil Directions:
*Use organic ingredients when feasible.
I would HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you to make your own coconut butter! It's a super simple process and it makes enough coconut butter to fill a small jar!
All you have to do is take two cups of shredded coconut and blend it in a small blender on high until coconut reaches a creamy texture! Store it in the fridge when you're done and enjoy it in lots of your healthy recipes! 
 This is me trying my hand at gluten free and dairy free delights! The banana cream pie is super easy to make and it's no bake, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, and organic! I was actually super surprised at how delicious it turned out! This is a healthy pie that you won't want to miss! I originally found this recipe here, but I tweaked it a bit to my liking. But go check out Paleo Bailey and her delicious healthy recipes! Healthy Banana Cream Pie!
Ingredients:
Crust: 1 1/2 cup almonds 1/2 cup almond flour 7 Medjool dates, pitted 2 Tbs. coconut oil, melted 1/2 tsp. cinnamon pinch of salt Filling: 2 14 oz. cans full-fat coconut cream (refrigerate for a couple of hours prior to use) 2-3 bananas, sliced 1/4 cup + 2 Tbs. pure maple syrup 1 Tbs. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. cinnamon chopped pecan and extra sliced banana for topping Directions:
*Use organic ingredients when feasible!
 Cobblers and crisps are my ALL TIME FAVORITE dessert! Mainly because they're so easy to make and so easy to convert to be refined sugar-free. The apple-berry combo is an old family tradition of mine that my mom has been making for years so it often reminds me of my childhood. This crisp is perfect for these long winter nights when you just need some comfort food! You can also use whatever kind of berry you'd like, and it goes a long way so you can serve it at family parties and social gatherings this holiday season! Apple Berry Crisp
Directions:
Berry Filling: 3 cups blackberries (frozen) 3 cups raspberries (frozen) 1/3 cup raw honey 1/2 lemon 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. clove 1 Tbs. corn starch** 3 Tbs. cold water Method:
Apple Filling: 2 large apples (or four small apples) 1/2 lemon 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tsp. cornstarch** Method:
Topping: 2 cups flour 1 cup shredded coconut 1/3 cup classic Lakanto sweetener 1/2 tsp baking powder 2 pinches of salt 1/2 cup +2 Tbs. butter (cold) 1 tsp. vanilla extract Method:
*Store in refrigerator. *Use organic ingredients when feasible. **It's really important to look for NON-GMO cornstarch. If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can substitute with 2 tsp. of tapioca starch instead.
 My favorite food on Thanksgiving has ALWAYS been the pumpkin pie! And when I discovered how much sugar and processed ingredients go into it, I was determined to find a recipe that is healthier and happier! These pumpkin pie squares are easy because they don't require the extra steps that come with regular pie crust. This healthy alternative replaces evaporated milk with canned coconut milk, and sugar with honey! A healthy and happy solution for the whole family! The pie filling can also be used with any of your favorite pie crust recipes as well, and you can top your pumpkin pie with anything you like! Pumpkin Pie Squares!
Ingredients:
Crust: 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup quick oats 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup butter (melted) Filling: 2 cans *pumpkin puree (4 cups) 1 15 oz. can coconut milk 4 eggs 1 cup raw honey 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. clove Directions:
*It's best to use pumpkin puree that came from your own organic pumpkin, but organic canned pumpkin is okay too. *When using the coconut milk, use the entire can. Not just the cream on top. *Use organic ingredients when feasible. 
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Welcome to My Kitchen!
Food is one of the greatest forms of science, art, medicine, and sustenance all at the same time! It's what feeds our lives and pumps through our blood. It's what connects us and what gives us energy to fulfill our purpose. It is for that reason that I have a deep passion for discovering, cooking, and eating only the most nutrient dense foods. In my kitchen, we only use organic, whole ingredients that feed the body, as well as the mind and soul. My hope is to inspire healing through healthy AND delicious food that feeds not only our stomachs, but also our hunger for connection and quality of life.
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Remember, when we spend our money on the most nutritious and whole ingredients, our dollars become our vote for healthier living, and happier lifestyles.
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