Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

     You've heard me rave about my Blog Bestie Andrea from Protein Cakery, that chic is a genius!!!  Not sure how she does it all, but I'm fine to ride her coat tails from recipe ideas to shopping her online store of Cookie, Cake and Bread Mixes (shop.proteincakery.com).  Her Double Chocolate Protein Cookie Mix pulls double duty, it's great as cookies not to mention FROSTING!!!...yes FROSTING!  Check out my recipe for this over the top creation.  Each of the 8 slices are only 275 calories, 6g net carbs and 20g protein.  This may be my best one yet, I even impressed myself!  ;)

Ingredients for 8 slices~
1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted
2 Extra Large Eggs
1 scoop Quest Peanut Butter Protein Powder
7oz 2% Fage Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup Betterbody Foods Peanut Butter Powder
1/2 cup Swerve Granular Erythritol
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
- - - - - - - - - - - -
6oz reduced fat Cream Cheese, softened
Andrea's Protein Cakery Double Chocolate Protein Cookie Mix (shop.proteincakery.com)
1/2 cup Swerve Confectioners Erythritol
2 Tablespoons 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
- - - - - - - - - - - -
2 Tablespoons Betterbody Foods Peanut Butter Powder
1 Tablespoon 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
- - - - - - - - - - - -
1 Quest Cravings Peanut Butter Cup, sliced into crumbles

     Mix first set of ingredients, bake in Pam sprayed and parchment lined 9'' cake pan at 350 for 35 minutes.  Remove, cool, and cut in half lengthwise.  Meanwhile, mix second set of ingredients til smooth and frost each layer, then stack.  Mix third set of ingredients, add to baggie, snip corner and drizzle over Cake, then top with Peanut Butter Cup crumbles.  Store in fridge.  Enjoy  ;)

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding

     I mean, is this real life!!!???  If you think the picture looks good, it doesn't even come close to how it tastes!  I really out did myself on this one folks.  But I need your help, if the perfect macros are 300 calories, 15g net carbs and 32.5g protein, and the flavor is sweet, do you categorize it as a healthy snack or a meal!? ...keep in mind, I am not above dessert for dinner...in fact, I find it preferable...regardless of social acceptance (I do what I want cause I'm over 50...in addition to the fact I. Just. Don't. Care.).  Anyhoo, that's my dilemma....How bout we just declare Peanut Butter Cup Pudding the perfect food and you can choose to eat it anytime of day or night...go rogue and call it what you will!

Ingredients for one serving~
6oz 0% Fage Greek Yogurt
2 Tablespoons Swerve Erythritol
2 Tablespoons Betterbody Food Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder
1 Quest Peanut Butter Cup, sliced into crumbles and divided in half
30 Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
1 teaspoons 30 cal/cup Almond Milk

     Mix together Yogurt, Erythritol, Peanut Butter Powder and half of Peanut Butter Cup crumbles til smooth and add to bowl.  Sprinkle remaining crumbles on top.  Meanwhile, melt Chocolate Chips and Almond Milk in microwave til melted, stir til smooth and drizzle on top.  Enjoy  :)

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

     Pucker up, it's time to get lemonish!  Could there be anything cuter than a little Strawberry Lemonade Cookie!?  This batch makes 16 for you to adore, and at only 37 calories, .6g net carbs and 2.4g protein per cookie, you can have half the batch for the perfect afternoon snack (Sprinkles not included in macros).  Can you believe a treat that is flavorful and good for you all at the same time!?  When I die and go to Dessert Heaven, I expect to find clouds filled with Strawberry Lemonade Cookies.  :)

Ingredients for 16 Cookies~
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted
1 lemon, juiced (should yield 1/4 cup juice)
1 Extra Large Egg
1 scoop Quest Strawberry Protein Powder
1/3 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
2 Tablespoons Almond Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Almond Extract
Dash Lemon Extract
- - - - - - - - - - - -
2oz Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at discount at checkout

     Mix together first set of ingredients and drop by Tablespoon on to Silpat lined cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, mix second set of ingredients til smooth and spread on cooled Cookies.  Garnish with Sprinkles if desired (not included in macros).  Enjoy  :)

Strawberry Chocolate Parfait

     Is there anything better than a love affair between Strawberries and Chocolate...especially if they are in layers under glass!?  #nope  If you have not experienced amore' of this nature, have I got a treat for you!  Enjoy this pristine Parfait for yourself for only 358 calories, 16g net carbs and 22g protein.  Simple, flavorful, and filled with nutrition...this is no delicate flower.  Make one for yourself today, then make one for someone you love tomorrow!  ;)

Ingredients for one large serving~
1/2 cup diced Strawberries
2 Tablespoons reduced fat Cream Cheese or 1.5 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
6oz 0% Fage Greek Yogurt
2 Tablespoons Swerve Erythritol
1 Tablespoon (60) Lilys Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon 30 cal/cup Almond Milk
1 teaspoon sliced Almonds
5 Blueberries for garnish, if desired, (not included in macros)

     After dicing Strawberries, add 1/4 cup to bottom of glass.  Soften Cream Cheese in microwave for a few seconds to soften, stir in Yogurt and Erythritol til smooth and add half of mixture for next layer, add remaining Strawberries, but reserve a few for garnish.  Add remaining Yogurt mixture.  Put Chocolate Chips and Almond Milk in small bowl and microwave for 20 seconds, stir til smooth and well combined, pour over Parfait.  Top with sliced Almonds, remaining Strawberries, and Blueberries if desired.  Enjoy  :)

Chicken Spaghetti

     You know what, where there's a will there's a way!  My family was having a big Spaghetti feed, and I wanted to join in but without all the nasty carbs... so what's a girl to do!?  Problem solve that's what!  Yes, this takes a smidge more effort to make two different meals for the same occasion, but hey, #priorities...  While my loved one's are overdosing as their blood sugar is on a steady climb, I will peacefully be enjoying my Chicken Spaghetti for a huge serving at 339 calories, 18g net carbs and 26g protein... and did I mention I will be enjoying dinner in my comfortably fitting skinny jeans...(while they are unbuttoning the top button of their mom jeans).  Morale of the story, don't give up, join the party, but just figure out healthier options and keep the portions in check!  #partyondude

Ingredients for 4 servings~
1 small Spaghetti Squash, cut and seeded
1 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium yellow sweet Onion, diced
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper
1 pound ground Chicken
1 pound sliced fresh Mushrooms
1 cup Spaghetti Sauce
4 teaspoons shredded Parmesan

     Place cut seeded Squash face down on foil lined cookie sheet, bake at 400 for one hour.  Meanwhile, heat EVOO in skillet, add Onion, Garlic and Cayenne til golden brown.  Add Chicken and cook thru, drain fat.  Add sliced Mushrooms to skillet, add lid to increase cook time.  Remove Squash from oven and scrape strands to yield 4 cups.  Plate one cup Squash, top with 1/4 cup Sauce, and 1/4 of the Chicken mixture, and garnish with 1 teaspoon Parmesan, repeat with remaining ingredients.  Season as desired.  Enjoy  :)

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Squash

     If you want to know what's good for you, then keep reading.  Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Squash will make you strong, wise, beautiful and rich...okay that's a lie, ...but it is a very healthy dish that will help you reach your goals.  Each of the 4 hearty servings are only 325 calories, 15g net carbs and 28g protein.  Put this in your dinner rotation as soon as possible... and who knows what qualities will start to come alive in your life!

Ingredients for 4 servings~
1 large Spaghetti Squash, halved and seeded
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium yellow Onion, diced
Dash Cayenne Pepper
1 pound ground Chicken
1 pound sliced Mushrooms
1/2 pound Broccoli Florets
1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
1 Tablespoon Lite Butter
1 Tablespoon shredded Parmesan
Diced Red Bell Pepper, as garnish if desired

     Place cut seeded Squash face down on foil lined cookie sheet, bake at 400 for one hour.  Meanwhile heat EVOO in skillet with Onion, Garlic and Cayenne til golden brown.  Add Chicken til cooked thru, drain fat.  Add sliced Mushrooms, add skillet lid and cook til softened, then add Broccoli and cook til crisp tender (keep lid on to steam cook).  After removing Squash from oven, scrape out Squash strands to yield 4 cups, stir with Yeast and Butter, top with Chicken mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese, garnish with Red Bell Pepper if desire, season to taste.  Enjoy  :)

Brownie Pecan Mousse

     Wanna have your Mousse and eat it too...!?  Why of course you do, who wouldn't!?  Would you want it even more if you knew it was only 354 calories, 18g net carbs and 34g protein for a large hearty bowl of silky chocolate!?  Add health and flavor to the list of attributes and you have a winner all the way around!  Time to get your Mousse on!

Ingredients for one hearty serving~
1.5 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, or 2 Tablespoons reduced fat Cream Cheese
6oz 0% Fage Greek Yogurt
2 Tablespoons Swerve Erythritol
2 Tablespoons Cocoa
2 Tablespoons Brownie Batter G Butter
1 teaspoon Pecan chips
20 Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips

     Softened Cream Cheese by microwaving a few seconds, stir in Yogurt, and Erythritol til smooth, set 2 Tablespoons aside.  Meanwhile, stir in Cocoa and G Butter with remaining mixture and add to bowl.  Top with reserved 2 Tablespoons Yogurt mixture, and top with Pecans and Chocolate Chips.  Enjoy  :)

Poke' Tuna Avocado

     In the mood for something light, well if that's the case then Poke' Tuna Avocado is right up your alley...you can thank me later...hey, on second thought, you can thank me right now actually!  This is so simple you will laugh at the ease, not to mention the speed to throw together.  The next time you are in the mood to impress and want to do it in a hurry with little fuss, let Poke' Tuna Avocado be your go to.  Each of these 4 servings are only 311 calories, 8g net carbs and 30g protein.  To really appear to be the "hostess with the mostess", serve with my Roasted Eggplant and Balsamic Asparagus.  A dinner fit for a King...errr, Queen...health knows no social bounds nor prejudice!  :)

Ingredients for 4 servings~
1 pound Sushi grade Ahi Tuna, diced in small cubes
1/4 cup Teriyaki Sauce
2 large ripe Avocado, cut in half, seed removed
Sliced Green Onion, grated Carrots, diced Red Bell Pepper for garnish, as desired

     Stir together diced Tuna and Teriyaki, fill equally in each Avocado cavity, garnish as deisred.  Serve with a Salad, or Roasted Eggplant, and Balsamic Asparagus.  Enjoy  :)

Chicken Pepper Pizza

     I've just made the coolest new discovery, you will simply not believe what I'm going to tell you.  AND,...before you judge, just hear me out...Picture this, pre-cooked meat, prepped and ready to use at a moments notice.  Keystone All Natural Chicken, is a case in point...flavorful and hearty Chicken hand-packed into a convenient can makes your recipes (and life) easier.  Their Natural Chicken has only two ingredients:  Chicken and Sea Salt.  At Keystone Meats, they have other options to choose from as well, such as Roast Beef, Ground Beef, Pork and Turkey.  I know, I know, ... before you start the 180 degree eye roll, just try it.  I have found all their products amazing and intend on buying an assorted case to have on hand when I need to whip dinner together in a flash!  For more info and where to buy, check out www.keystonemeats.com.  In the meantime, enjoy my Chicken Pepper Pizza and see what all the fuss is about.  :)

Ingredients for 8 servings~
4 Bells Peppers, assorted colors
8oz Pizza Sauce
14oz Keystone All Natural Chicken
Pepperoni slices, desired amount
1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella
1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan
4oz sliced Mushrooms
1 Green Onion, diced

     Cut Bell Peppers in half and remove all seeds and stem, fill equally with Pizza Sauce, Chicken, Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Mushrooms and Green Onion.  Put on lined cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Serve with a side salad.  Enjoy  :)

Roasted Eggplant

     If you have not tried Eggplant, you are missing out my friend!  Eggplant does not get the credit it's due.  I'm here to change that and take one for the team.  Roasted Eggplant is simple and delicious, and adds a flair of elegance to any meal.  The next time you are trying to impress, whip this up for all to shower you with praise!

Roasted Eggplant~
1 Eggplant, sliced about 1/4'' thick
Salt
1 jumbo Egg, fork beaten
1 cup Bread Crumbs
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Shredded Parmesan

     Salt sliced Eggplant on each side and rest on paper towel for 30 minutes or more.  When ready dip each slice in beaten Egg and dredge thru Bread Crumbs and lay on foil lined cookie sheet, drizzle with EVOO and bake at 375 for 15 minutes, flip each slice over and continue to bake another 15 minutes.  Sprinkle with Parmesan, and season as desired.  Enjoy  :)

   

Beef and Celery Teriyaki

     Thank you Keli's Hawaiian Sauces for sending me some of your fabulous products!  Did you know this company is female owned since 1992...!?  #girlpower  They make the best Polynesian style sauces in the U.S. and all of them are naturally gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, no MSG and 50% lower in sodium than most teriyaki on the market!  You simply must try out my Beef and Celery Teriyaki and see for yourself.  Each of the 8 servings are only 240 calories, 6g net carbs and 25g protein, how 'bout that for health and flavor all wrapped into one!?  Serve over rice, if desired (not included in macros). Check out http://bit.ly/2moi1J5 for more info and where to buy.

Ingredients for 8 servings~
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium diced Yellow Onion
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper
2 pounds 93% lean Ground Beef
1 large (about 1 pound 5oz) Head Celery, cleaned and diced
1/4 cup Kelis Pineapple Hawaiian Luau Teriyaki (http://bit.ly/2moi1J5)
1/4 cup sliced Almonds

     Heat EVOO in skillet, add Onion, Garlic and Cayenne til golden brown.  Add Beef and cook thru, drain any excess fat.  Stir in diced Celery and cook til crisp tender, stir in Teriyaki and top with Almonds.  Serve over Rice if desired (not included in macros).  Season as desired.  Enjoy  :)