Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

     Nothing says the Holidays like Christmas Sprinkle Cookies.  And, nothing says good cheer like a cookie for only 55 calories, 1.4g net carbs and 5.5g protein.  Kinda makes you wanna shout Ho Ho Ho...(or is that just me!?  :0)  You will not be able to resist these melt in your mouth treasures, in fact, I didn't resist and ate about 3...ok ok, 4...but who is counting...!?  Merry Christmas  ;)

Ingredients for 19 Sprinkle Cookies~
1/4 cup melted Coconut Oil
1 Extra Large Egg
1 scoop Quest Salted Caramel or Vanilla Protein Powder
1/2 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
Dash Almond Extract
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2oz/1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tablespoon Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
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Sprinkles if desired (not included in macros)

     Mix first set of ingredients together thoroughly, batter will be slightly sticky.  Drop by Tablespoon onto Silpat lined cookie sheet, should yield 19 cookies, bake at 350 for 8 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix second set of ingredients and chill til ready to frost cooled cookies.  Top each cookie with 1 1/4 teaspoon frosting, and decorate with Sprinkles if desired.  Enjoy  :)

Mint Molten Brownie Cupcakes

     When Neilsen-Massey sends you some of their finest Peppermint Extract around the Holidays, what choice do you have other than whipping up a batch of Mint Molten Brownie Cupcakes!?  ...none, right!?    Especially when you know their dedication to quality is matched only by their commitment to their customers.  Not to mention their pledge to provide pure vanilla and flavor products of unparalleled excellence, batch after batch, time after time.  AND, you will be delighted to experience my end product and know that each of the 6 cupcakes are only 201 calories, 6g net carbs and 18g protein.  Go to nielsenmassey.com to find all you've ever wanted to know about this great company and where to find their exceptional products.   #mintmadness

Ingredients for 6 Cupcakes~
1/2 cup melted Coconut Oil
1 Extra Large Egg
1/3 cup 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 scoop Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
1/4 cup Cocoa (I use Dark or Black Cocoa)
3 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
1/4 cup Swerve Confectioners or Granular Erythritol
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
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4oz 1/3 less fat Cream Cheese, softened
7oz 2% Fage Greek Yogurt
1/3 cup Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
1 teaspoon Peppermint Nielsen Massey Pure Peppermint Extract
Green Food Coloring
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Sprinkles, optional

     Mix first set of ingredients thoroughly and equally divide among 6 Silpat lined cupcake tins.  Batter will be very full in each, almost near the rim.  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix together second set of ingredients with mixer til smooth, chill til ready to frost on cooled cupcakes.  Top with Sprinkles if desired.  Store leftovers in fridge.  Enjoy!  Note: Cupcakes will puff up and crown during baking, but will deflate at top of crown during cooling process and will leave a nice little molten surprise.

The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook

     The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook by Nancy S. Hughes provides busy families everything they will need to get dinner on the table in no time flat.  Each recipe incorporates a secret "cook's tip" to help readers make healthy, diabetes friendly meals in a fraction of the time it normally takes.  All recipes use just four ingredients (or less) and adhere to the dietary standards of the American Diabetes Association.
     A celebrated cookbook author and recipe developer, Nancy has created more than 18,000 recipes throughout the years and is a nationally recognized authority on food and diabetes.  Simpler really is better, faster and can be more delicious when every ingredient counts.  Meal-planning and whole food cooking are all the rage in cookbooks today, but few come with the promise of simplifying your life and enriching your taste buds at the same time.
     Did you know 1 in 3 Americans are currently living with diabetes or pre-diabetes?  Each recipe includes the American Diabetes Association's approved meal exchanges and detailed nutrition information, while Nancy adds an arsenal of simple hacks to transform the neophyte cook into an amateur chef.  I loved so many of her offerings, it made it hard to decide which one to try first.  This is such a valuable addition to any kitchen, as well as the perfect gift idea to any health conscious friend.  Get yours today at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-232-6733.  In good health, paige  :)

StarKist Tuna and Salmon

     As we enter the New Year, everyone is ready and motivated to kick start their New Year Resolutions.  For the most part, people are looking for a sustainable way to include a fitness regime and healthy eating plan to their already busy schedules.
     StarKist understands the struggle and therefore can offer you healthy, simple and delicious Tuna or Salmon products that can be prepared with great recipes to keep everyone on track for 2017.  Check out their great recipes at starkist.com.  My weight management secret is having a large green salad for lunch with a packet of StarKist on top.  I allow myself a full fat dressing, but only 1 Tablespoon.  Of course, a light dressing or no dressing at all is even better.  One of my favorite parts about StarKist is the perfectly pre portioned servings, it sure makes life easy when they are doing all the work!  ;)
     They know it takes a lot of determination to look and feel your best.  Their goal is to provide simple tips and ideas that will make life easier.  They want to inspire you to live your personal, healthy best!  Their website starkist.com provide articles that promote healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle management.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more healthy tips and quick recipe ideas, or just to see what's cookin' in their kitchen!  Check out your local Grocery Store for many of their super products.  In good health, paige  :)

Ground Beef

     I was telling my friend that I am the worst gift giver, I never know what to buy people.  Her response surprised me, she told me I wasn't trying hard enough, and she was a great gift giver because she had a talent for really thinking about a person and their needs.  Hmmm...maybe I could try a little harder after all.
     Step One was deciding who I was going to practice on first.  The obvious Guinea Pig needed to be my friend who challenged my sub par abilities.  Step Two was thinking about her wants, needs and lifestyle.  Step Three, get to work.
     During Step Two I realized I needed to think thru the receivers day and where they spend their time.  That's when I  had my Aha moment, ... for those who are giving gifts to fitness friends or busy mothers, what would they love more than to have hep with their weekly meal prep process.  (Thank you, ...thank you very much)  Genius right!?
     For Step Three I bought 5 pounds of Laura's 96% lean Ground Beef, each 4oz has 140 calories, Zero Carbs and 24g protein.  Follow my recipe for the perfect prepped meat!

Ingredients for 5 pounds Lean Ground Beef~
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large Onion, diced
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper
5 pounds Laura's 96% lean Ground Beef

     Heat EVOO in skillet and add diced Onion, Garlic and Cayenne to skillet til golden brown, may take 20-30 minutes.  Add Beef til cooked thru and crumbled, drain off all grease.  Weigh out equally into 5 freezer proof containers and store in freezer til ready to use, or give as a gift.  Note~cooked and drained Beef may only yield 14-15oz out of each pound.  Enjoy  :)

Pumpkin Frosted Gingerbread Cupcakes

     Wow, just wow!  These Pumpkin Frosted Gingerbread Cupcakes turned out spectacular!!!  Just in time for the Holidays, these are the perfect treat to get you into the spirit!  To make them even more alluring, each one is only 230 calories, 5g net carbs and 14g protein.  You won't find any "grinching" round this house while these are on the table.  See for yourself, and don't be surprised if the first bite makes you start singing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"!  ;)

Ingredients for 6 Cupcakes~
1/3 cup Coconut Oil
1 Extra Large Egg
1 scoop Quest Salted Caramel Protein Powder
1/3 cup Swerve Granular Erythritol (can sub with Confectioners)
1/4 cup Almond Flour
1/4 cup 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 Tablespoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Allspice
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
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1/4 cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese Pumpkin Spice (Holiday Flavor~sub with Regular Cream Cheese)
7oz 2% Fage Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup Swerve Confectioners Erythritol

     Mix first set of ingredients and pour into 6 Silpat lined muffin tins.  Bake at 350 for 19 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix second set of ingredients and chill in fridge til Cupcakes have baked and cooled.  When ready, frost and Enjoy!  :)

Walnut Fudge

     Thank you Whole Foods for having those wonderful bins filled with those beautiful Walnuts and Dates just waiting for my scooper to scoop you up and drag you home with me!  To make the Holidays complete, a batch of Fudge must be on the agenda!  More specifically Walnut Fudge, sans white sugar, butter or marshmallows...this is actually a good for you goodie.  This large batch makes 50 decadently rich pieces, each having only 83 calories, 8g net carbs and 2g protein.  The flavor is so intense you will be completely satisfied with one pieces... ok ok, maybe two... ;)

Ingredients for 50 pieces~
1 cup pitted Dates soaked in 1 cup Water
3 cups Walnuts
3 cups Cocoa
3/4 cup Coconut Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
Dash Cinnamon

     After leaving the Whole Foods parking lot, head directly home and cover Dates in Water for 10 minutes, drain and reserve 1 cup of Date Water, set aside.  Add Walnut and Cocoa in food processor til well combined, add Dates, Dates Water, Sugar, Vanilla and Cinnamon and continue to process til Fudge like consistency.  Pat into parchment lined Jelly Roll pan and set in fridge for at least 2 hours to set.  Sprinkle with extra chopped Walnuts if desired and pat into Fudge. (not included in macros)  Enjoy  :)

Disclaimer: I am a Whole Foods Market Blogger Ambassador and this post was inspired by their monthly themes and gift cards received to purchase ingredients for posts of my choosing. I am not compensated by Whole Foods Market for my blog posts and am free to post whatever I see fit to my own blog. 

Gingerbread Men

     No Holiday would be complete without biting the head off of at least one Gingerbread Man...am I right!?  Especially when the men are healthy good for you treats! (... and finally a man that doesn't talk back... am I right!?...please forgive, could not resist...)   The other bonus to these dudes, each gentleman is only 132 calories, 6g net carbs and 9g protein (macros do not include piping garnish).  With stats like these you can forgo online dating, just whip up a batch and spend a perfect evening in...a Gingerbread Man is all the man you will ever need!

Ingredients for 6 Men~
1/4 cup Nut Butter
1 Extra Large Egg
1/4 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout
1/4 cup Almond Flour
1 scoop Quest Salted Caramel or Vanilla Protein Powder
1 Tablespoon Molasses
1 Tablespoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Allspice
1 teaspoon Salt
Optional~ dash Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cloves
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Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese (sub with regular flavor)

     Mix first set of ingredients, batter will be VERY sticky.  Separate dough into 6 equal portions.  Using your Gingerbread Man cookie cutter, spray it with Pam and set on Silpat lined cookie sheet, press the dough into the cookie cutter and then gently lift the cookie cutter away from the dough.  Repeat with the 5 remaining pieces of dough.  Bake at 325 for 13 minutes, cool and add Cream Cheese to baggie, snip the corner and decorate as desired.  Enjoy  :)

Honey Roasted Peanut Butter

     Struggling with what to give that person that has everything!?  Hate to give calorie laden foods as a gift (that is no gift at all)!?  Want to give something unique and heart felt!?  Want to keep things healthy but still fun!?  Have I got a solution for you!  Homemade Peanut Butter!!!
     When it comes to gift giving, I love to give food, but never want to be labelled as a saboteur.  I have given  homemade Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cocoa Powder and now Honey Roasted Peanut Butter.  This is so simple it will make you laugh,  then so delicious it will make you cry... out of sheer joy.  Don't be intimidated, it's time to put your big girl antlers on and start a DIY in the kitchen!

Ingredients~
2 pound 2.5oz canister of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts

     Pour nuts into food processor and grind for 3 minutes or until smooth, stopping as necessary to scrape down sides of bowl.  When done pour into jars and store in fridge.  Should yield 3-4 half pint jars.  Enjoy  :)

Sugar Free Meringue Cookies

     What if I could offer you a sugar free, practically calorie free, crispy sweet fun little meringue cookie...would you like that!?  #thoughtso  And, did I mention the extra benefit of a delightful craft project!?  Perfect for special occasions, and no one will know they are good for you...and no need to share all your secrets!  (It's good for a girl to remain a little mysterious if you know what I mean)  So, whip these up today and I can't wait to hear what you think of my Sugar Free Meringue Cookies!  :)

Ingredients~
6 Tablespoons Aquafaba (1/2 the drained juice from a can of Chickpea's)
1/3 cup Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

     Add all the ingredients to the small bowl of your Kitchen Aid, stir to incorporate and then set bowl into place, start to whip  on medium high with the whisk attachment and set the timer for 10 minutes.  Then drop by the spoonful or add batter to piping bag with a star tip and pipe onto Silpat lined cookie sheet.  Bake in a 200 degree pre-heated oven for 2 hours and then turn off the oven, DO NOT OPEN DOOR til the oven has cooled completely,  I suggest 6-8 hours or just be safe and leave over night.  Voila!  Enjoy  :)

Pumpkin Pie

     Pumpkin Pie is to Thanksgiving as stretchy pants are to Thanksgiving Dinner, not required but an enjoyable tradition.  To further spread the joy, each of the 6 servings are only 79 calories, 4.4g net carbs and 7.4g protein.  Since it's a Holiday, go wild and have 2 pieces...with macros like these, seconds are not to be feared, but revered.  :)

Ingredients for 6 servings
15oz can Pumpkin
2 jumbo Eggs
1/2 cup Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout (sub with Sugar or half Sugar and half Erythritol)
1 scoop Quest Salted Caramel Protein Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Vanilla
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Nutmeg
Dash Ginger (can sub Nutmeg and Ginger for Pumpkin Pie Spice)
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Sugar Free Whipped Aquafaba for topping, if desired~http://foodfitnessbypaige.blogspot.com/2016/11/sugar-free-whipped-aquafaba.html

     Line Pie Pan bottom with Parchment Paper or spray pan with non stick spray.  Mix all ingredients together til well combined and pour into Pie Pan, bake at 400 for 15 minutes, reduced heat to 325 and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove, cool and top with Sugar Free Whipped Aquafaba if desired.  Enjoy  :)

Taco Pizza

     When Thin Slim Foods (thinslimfoods.com) sends you a Pizza Crust to try, what choice do I have but create a Taco Pizza.  Their high protein low carb breads and pastas knock my socks off, the entire Pizza Crust is only 400 calories, 8g net carbs and 64g protein.  And the Pastas are outta this world delish.  Try my recipe or get creative and you do you boo, and let your imagination be your guide.  Voila  :)

Ingredients for 6 servings~
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium Onion, diced
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper
1 pound ground lean Beef, Chicken, or Turkey
1/2 packet Taco Seasoning
1 Thin Slim Foods Pizza Crust (thinslimfoods.com)
1 cup fat free Refried Beans
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded Cheddar
1/2 sliced small Avocado
1 diced Roma Tomato
1/2 cup My Brothers Salsa House Medium
Cilantro, as desired
Light Sour Cream, as desired
Sliced Purple Onion for garnish, as desired

     Heat EVOO in skillet, add Onion, Garlic and Cayenne til golden brown.  Add meat til cooked thru, drain fat.  Stir in Taco Seasoning til well incorporated.  Spread Beans on Pizza Crust, top with meat mixture, sprinkle with Cheese, top with Avocado, Tomato, Salsa, Cilantro, Sour Cream and Cilantro.  Enjoy  :)

Vegan Peanut Butter Brownies

     I am learning more about the world of Vegans.  That being said, I was interested in trying my hand at creating a Vegan friendly Brownie that would delight my senses, I think I could get used to this!  These turned out magnificent and may be my new go to dessert.  Each of these 9 decadent pieces are only 104 calories, 5g net carbs and 5g protein (does not include Sugar Free Whipped Aquafaba topping, which is also Vegan and practically calorie free, type that in the search bar for recipe).  Take a walk on the wild side and try your hand with a Vegan recipe and see what you think, you may be like me and want to start exploring more.  Nothing to lose, everything to gain  :)

Ingredients for 9 servings~
3 Tablespoons melted Nutiva Organic Buttery Coconut Oil
6 Tablespoons Aquafaba (drained juice from canned Garbanzo Beans)
1/2 cup 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1/2 cup Black Cocoa (can sub with regular Cocoa)
1/2 cup Swerve Granular Erythritol
2 Tablespoons Nutiva Coconut Flour
1 scoop Nutiva Organic Chocolate Plant Protein
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
2 Tablespoons Vegan Chocolate Chips
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2 Tablespoons Betterbody Foods Peanut Butter or Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder PB Fit
1 Tablespoons 30 cal/cup Almond Milk (or amount for desired consistency)
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Sugar Free Whipped Aquafaba ~ http://foodfitnessbypaige.blogspot.com/2016/11/sugar-free-whipped-aquafaba.html

     Mix wet ingredients in first set, mix dry ingredients in first set except for Chocolate Chips, blend together and pour into 8X8 parchment lined pan and sprinkle with Chocolate Chips.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until lightly firm to touch, remove and cool.  Meanwhile, stir together PB Fit and Almond milk from second set of ingredients, may need more to achieve desired consistency.  Add topping to baggie, snip corner and drizzle over cooled Brownies.  Top with Sugar Free Whipped Aquafaba if desired, not included in macros.  Enjoy  :)