Pumpkin Cheesecake

Crust:

1 1/2 cup Hazelnuts

1 tbsp Splenda

2 Tbsp butter

1 egg white

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

Filling:

2 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup Splenda

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups pure canned pumpkin

1/2 cup sour cream

4 eggs

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees

2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 1/2 inch springform cheesecake pan. Add all crust ingredients into a bowl, and mix. Place the crust mixture to bottom of the springform pan, distributing evenly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, Splenda, and vanilla until fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl.

4. Add the pumpkin and sour cream, mixing thoroughly on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each one. Mix in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. 

5. Pour the batter over the nuts in the pan. Bake for 80 min, or until knife comes out clean when stuck into the center. Cool 20 min, then chill for at least 2 hours, overnight is recommended.

Coconut Flour Brownies

Healthy Coconut Flour Brownies

Serves 12-16

Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 sticks salted organic butter (3/4 cup), softened
OR 1 stick butter, 8 ounces sour cream (for more moist brownies)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup sifted Bob's Red Mill coconut flour
3/4 cup erythritol or xylitol OR 1/3 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon NuNaturals pure stevia extract (increase to 1 teaspoon if using honey)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup organic heavy cream
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brush both sides of an 8" by 8" (or 11" by 7" for thinner brownies) pan with coconut oil, or spray with extra virgin olive oil cooking spray. Place a cut square of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan.

Beat softened cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth. Beat in butter, vanilla, and sweetener. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add eggs one at a time to cream cheese mixture, and beat until incorporated. Add dry ingredients and heavy cream. Fold in nuts. Pour chocolate mixture into prepared pan, and smooth top with a spatula. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes for the wider pan, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and top feels firm to the touch. When done, place pan on wire rack and cool completely. Cool pan of brownies overnight in the refrigerator. Slice into 12-16 squares, and serve. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or freeze cut brownies, individual wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil.

~4g net carbs per 1/12th of a recipe

Creamy Lemon Bars

crust

3/4 Cup Almond Flour
1/4 Cup Oat Flour
1/2 Cup Splenda
1/2 Softened Butter
1/2 tsp xantham gum

Filling

5 oz cream cheese
4 tbsp Splenda
2 eggs
1 1/2 fresh lemon zest
The juice from two lemons


Preheat oven to 350 F. Blend the crust ingredients together and pat into an 8x8 baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake about 18 minutes or until no longer shiny. Let rest until cooled.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar substitute, eggs, zest, and lemon juice and beat until smooth. Pour into crust and bake until set (about 16-18 minutes). Cool to room temperature and chill before serving.


This recipe is a mix between two recipes I found. It is very delicious and goes great with low carb vanilla ice cream or cool whip. Enjoy!

Dude Ranch Soup and "Corn" Bread

This is a great meal for a cold night, or just when you don't have a lot of time. You basically throw everything into the crock pot, and let it do the cooking for you.The "corn" bread takes just 2 min in the microwave, and is very easy to make.

I was able to find this low carb version of corn bread on Food.com. The soup recipe also comes from a great book called "The Everyday Low Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook" by Kitty Broihier and Kimberly Mayone. I highly recommend it.

Dude Ranch Soup Recipe:

2 lbs round steak, cut into bite size pieces
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 4 oz can chopped green chilies
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp adobo seasoning
1 cube beef bullion
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp dried minced onions
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1.Add all ingredients to the slow cooker except the cheese, mix well
2. Cover and cook 7 1/2 hours
3. Add Cheese and cook 1 more hour

"Corn" Bread Recipe:

3 1/2 oz ground almond flour
1 oz melted butter
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1.In a small bowl, mix all wet ingredients.Work in dry ingredients
2.Pour into greased microwaveable dish (about 6 inches square)
3.Microwave 2 min
4.Cut into 8 slices, serve with butter

Syrian Shrimp Kebabs

This recipe takes some time to put together, but it's so worth it! It's honestly one of my favorite recipes from my collection, and turns out great every time. I do like to add extra veggies to the Kebabs (the recipe only calls for onions, lemon wedges, bay leaves). I add mushrooms and bell peppers, so they are a little bit more substantial as far as filling your plate and it adds some color as well. (I found this recipe in Redbook Magazine).

Recipe:
http://www.redbookmag.com/recipefinder/syrian-shrimp-kebabs-recipe

Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos

Here is a great recipe for an or-derv or side item that is delicious and fun. I've made these a few times, and they are always a big hit, because they taste so good and easy to eat. This recipe can be found on cooking.Light.com, but I have included it below

Recipe:

2 slices of center cut Bacon
1/2 cup (4 oz ) Cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup minced green onions
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 small garlic clove, minced
14 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Cooking spray
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp chopped seeded tomato

Instructions:

1.Preheat grill to medium high heat
2. Cook the bacon until crisp (I find the microwave to be easiest). Crumble
3.Combine bacon, cheeses, and next 4 ingredients in a bowl, stirring until well mixed
4. Spread cheese mixture into each of the pepper halves and place on grill coated with cooking spray (cheese side up). Cook peppers for 8 min or until bottoms of peppers are charred and cheese is browned
5. Sprinkle with cilantro and tomato
ENJOY!

Four Layer Chocolate Delight

I made this recipe for a dinner with my husband and my mom, and they both had seconds. It's honestly one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted, and it's low carb! I did find the original recipe needed some tweaking as far as measurements go, but other than that, it turned out great. Here is my version:

Ingredients-1st layer:
3 cups chopped pecans
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:
Combine ingredients and press into 11x13 baking dish. Bake at 325 for 10 min or until lightly browned. Cool.

Ingredients-Second Layer:
1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1 cup Stevia
1 cup whipped cream ( 1/2 cup heavy cream whipped with one packet of Stevia)

Instructions: 
Combine all in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust

Ingredients-Third Layer:
1 4 oz box Jell-O Sugar free chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cup water
3/4 cup Heavy Cream (liquid)
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:
Combine these items into mixing bowl, beat for two min. Pour over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 10 min.

Ingredients- Fourth Layer:
2 cups sweet whipped cream (such as cool Whip) or 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with two Stevia packets whipped together

* REMEMBER to look for "peaks" when making the whipped cream out of (liquid) Heavy cream, that's when it has been mixed correctly

 Instructions:
Spread evenly across the Chocolate layer
ENJOY!

Low Carb Waffles

2 eggs, beaten until fluffy
1/4 c ricotta cheese
4-6 drops liquid stevia
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Add all ingredients to beaten eggs and mix until well blended. Spray waffle maker with MCT or other cooking spray. Pour into waffle maker and cook as usual. I have also done this like pancakes. Just as yummy! Top with toppings of choice: butter, strawberries, blueberries, no-sugar added syrup. Waldon Farms has a good one and the DiVinci’s are yummy too.

Low Carb Hot Chocolate

This is my version of the recipe that can be found on the Hershey's Package of unsweetened cocoa powder. It's simple, and tastes great.

Recipe:

1 cup Whole Milk
1 Tbsp Cocoa powder
1 Tbsp Stevia
1 dash salt
1 dash cinnamon (optional)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. Heat the milk and cream in microwave for 1 min
2. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and
enjoy!

fruit with peanut butter chocolate dip

4 servings (2 tbsp sauce and 1/2 Cup sliced strawberries)
This recipe has about 10 carbs per serving.

2 tbs creamy peanut butter
1 tbs whole whipping cream
1/3 Cup chocolate frozen dessert whipped topping (such as coolwhip)
1/2 Cup sliced strawberries or other low carb fruit


Mix the peanut butter and heavy cream until well blended. Slowly fold in the whipped topping leaving some peaunut butter chunks throughout.
I took this recipe from family circle magazine and changed it a bit to have lower carbs. Enjoy! It's delicious!

Chocolate Muffins

I am always looking for something Chocolate that is also low carb. These muffins are great, because you can have them for breakfast or as a desert, and they are pretty easy to make
 once you get all the ingredients together. I was able to find all the different flours in the Bob's Red Mill brand at my local grocery store. You can find the liquid sweetener with the sugars usually, as well as Stevia (which I used instead of Splenda). They also don't look as pretty as a regular muffin, but they taste great and you can always put a low carb frosting on top

http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/recipes/recipe-bread10.html

Romaine and Turkey Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/romaine-turkey-salad-with-creamy-avocado-dressing-10000001646439/

I make this turkey salad and leave out the bread and parmessian. It's super easy and quick!

This is Linda's Low Carb Pizza, from the LowCarbFriends website.




DEEP DISH PIZZA
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1 ounce (I used the kind in a can)
1/4 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces Italian cheese blend or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup pizza sauce
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Assorted toppings: pepperoni, ham, sausage, 4 ounce can mushrooms, green peppers, bacon, ground beef, etc.
Dash of garlic pepper or garlic powder and some Italian seasoning for top of pizza

In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is well-blended and smooth. Add the parmesan and seasonings, then stir in the 8 ounces of mozzarella until completely moistened. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a well-greased 9x13" glass baking dish or lightly greased and lined with parchment paper (see note below). Bake at 375º 20-25 minutes or until evenly browned, but not too dark. Let cool completely on a wire rack. When nearly cooled, take a metal spatula and carefully pry up the edges to loosen from pan. Ease the spatula under the whole crust to loosen. Keep the crust in the pan. This makes it easier to remove the finished pizza later. Refrigerate, uncovered, until shortly before serving time.

Spread the chilled crust with the pizza sauce, then the cheese and toppings of your choice. Lightly sprinkle with the seasonings of your choice. Bake at 375º about 15-20 minutes or until toppings are bubbly. Let stand a few minutes before cutting.

Makes 8 servings
Can be frozen

Per Serving: 304 Calories; 25g Fat; 17g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 2g Net Carbs

Spaghetti (Squash) with Turkey Marinara

I love this recipe, because it's really easy to make. First, cut the spaghetti squash into quarters and scrape the seeds out with a spoon. Dispose or seeds, and put squash into a microwaveable dish with about 3 inches of water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for about 12-15 min. When cool enough to handle, scrape out the squash  into a bowl (one quarter section for one serving). Brown 1 lb of ground Turkey and then add a low carb marinara sauce (from your grocery store), saute on low for 5-10 min. I like to eat this alone, but you can always have a side green salad with a low carb dressing.

Crispy Fish, Lemon and Dill Sauce, Tomato Zucchini

This Recipe is one of my favorites. Just make sure to go and get fresh Cod from the meat counter, the frozen stuff just doesn't taste as good. When making the dipping sauce, use regular Mayonnaise instead of the Canola that the recipe calls for, this will lower carbs. When preparing the veggies, I simply slice 3-4 green and yellow zucchini and throw them into a frying pan with some olive oil. Next, I add a can of diced tomatoes and some salt and pepper to taste. Cook until soft and enjoy.

Fish/Sauce Recipe:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/crispy-fish-with-lemon-dill-sauce-10000001973612/

Chicken Satay and Egg Plant Fries

 For the Chicken Satay, I made sure to replace the 3 Tbsp of Brown Sugar with Stevia natural sweetener. The recipe comes from Cooking Light magazine. The Eggplant fries recipe was found in Bon Appetite magazine


Fries Recipe:
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/08/eggplant-fries



Chicken Recipe:
 http://www.cookinglight.com/food/everyday-menus/healthy-budget-recipes-00400000056656/page12.html

• 
  

Cauliflower Gratin

This delicious cheesy replacement for potatoes Au-gratin goes great with just about any meal. My husband and I grilled up some filet mignon, but you could have it with chicken, or even meat loaf. This recipe serves 8, so I halved it, but I'd imagine you could make the whole amount and reheat it the next day. Also, the recipe calls for a steam basket to cook the cauliflower, but I used my rice cooker instead. Laslty, I halved the flour and Panko, so there's not as many carbohydrates. It will make the cheese sauce a little runny, but it's still delicious.

 Recipe Below:

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/cauliflower-gratin-00000000044540/index.html

Salmon with Lentils and Arugula

I'm a huge fan or Salmon and Lentils, so finding this recipe made me pretty happy. This recipe comes from Martha Stewart's Living Magazine.

Recipe below:

http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/wild-salmon-with-lentils-and-arugula

Hot Chicken Salad

This is a recipe that my mother gave me. I love eating this any time of the year, whether it's hot or cold out. It's also great because I can prepare it ahead of time and then just stick it in the oven 10 min before it's time to eat. I've modified the original recipe a little to lower the carbs a bit. (Serves 2)

Recipe:

2 cups diced, cooked chicken (I boil it a bit before adding it to the casserole)
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 tsp grated onion
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cups diced celery
3 Tbsp Panko (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mild cheese (I use cheddar)

1. Add first six ingredients and mix until all is coated with the mayonnaise
2. Pour into casserole dish
3. sprinkle Panko and cheese on top
4. Bake at 400 for 10 min
ENJOY!

Avocado Salad with Peaches

Avocado Salad with Peaches

Half Red Bell Pepper

2 Avocados

1 Peach

½ tsp. Vanilla Bean Paste

½ tsp. Stevia

¼ Cup Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

4 Cups Arugula

1 Head of Romaine Lettuce

 

Roast Half a Red Bell Pepper on the grill along with 2 Avocado’s halved and pitted (cut side down). This will take about 5 minutes. Chop the bell pepper and add to the Red wine vinegar, Stevia and vanilla bean paste in a blender or food processor. When the mixture is blended slowly add the olive oil. Chop and peel with Avocado and peach. Add them to the Arugula and Romaine. Toss with the bell pepper dressing.

Grilled Chicken with Peach BBQ Sauce

1 Peach

½ Cup Ketchup

2 tbsp. Lemon Juice

2 Garlic Cloves minced

1 tsp. soy sauce

Salt & Pepper

4 Skinless Chicken breasts

 

Chop peach and add to a sauce pan. Add next 5 ingredients to pan.  Bring to boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Let it cool before adding to a food processor.  When the sauce is blended brush half over the chicken and let marinade 20 minutes before grilling.  Grill on high and cook 1-2 minutes on each side. Brush the remaining marinade over the chicken.  

 

This recipe was taken from an issue of Bon Appetite. It was submitted by Gwenyth Paltrow and it is fabulous!

Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

This recipe is definitely delicious. The broth is a bit thinner than I'm used to in most soups, but it still tastes wonderful. It's also pretty easy to make. It comes from "Lauri's Low-Carb Cookbook"

The recipe is:
1 can Beef Broth
2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup white wine
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup celery finely chopped
2 cups coarsely  broccoli florets
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1. Add broth, celery, cream, wine, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper to pot and boil

2. Add Broccoli, then simmer 20 min

3. Stir in Cheese slowly and stirring constantly till it melts completely

4. Garnish with Parsley if you like

Chicken Kebab and Nectarine Salsa

This meal takes about an hour to prepare, due to all the chopping of veggies and mixing of the marinade. The marinade calls for a Tbsp of Brown Sugar, but I added Stevia natural sweetener instead, which lowers the carb rating. The recipe also calls for 2 cups of Nectarine, but I put only 1 cup, so you don't get too many carbs with the fruit. The salsa makes a very colorful addition to your plate and the Chicken goes perfectly along with it.

Here is the Recipe:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-kebabs-nectarine-salsa-50400000113739/

Asian Stir-fry and Turkey Cabbage Cups

Tonight's menu includes a classically delicious Veggie Stir-Fry (my own recipe) and Turkey Cabbage Cups from Cookinglight.com. For the stir-fry, I used zucchini (from my garden), mushrooms, red and green bell pepper, broccoli, and a little bit of Napa Cabbage. I found a stir fry sauce at my local grocer with a low carb rating. The cabbage cups are made with ground Turkey, Cilantro, Jalapeno Pepper, a mixed sauce, and sprinkled with chopped peanuts.

Pictured: Stir-Fry Veggies

Here is the Link for the Cabbage Cups:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/asian-turkey-cabbage-cups-10000001932640/