Veggie Garden Bake

     I was inspired by Sarah at The Nutritionist Mom (www.noexcusesnutrition.com) to do a Quiche type bake with Spinach and Artichokes, and then things just grew from there into a complete garden of ideas.  Check her out for all her many creative delicious dishes.  Not to mention, once you throw all this yum yum into one pan, you can't help but come out a winner.  Each of the 8 servings are only 265 calories, 5g carbs, 1.7g fiber, 3.3g net carbs, 19g protein and 13.6g fat.  My biggest dilemma was to declare it a breakfast, lunch or dinner.  We actually used this Vegetarian wonder as an early dinner with steamed Broccoli, then used the leftovers in a salad, ... no regrets.  So the next time you are hankering for comfort food, try this one on for size!  So much healthy flavors all in one bite.  :)  

Ingredients for 8 servings~

8 large Eggs

1 cup Egg Whites

2 cups fresh Spinach, torn slightly

14oz can drained quartered Artichokes

1 diced fresh Red Bell Pepper

1 can drained sliced Mushrooms

1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic

4oz shredded Parmesan

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

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4oz shredded Cheddar

1 chopped Green Onion

Cilantro, to taste (optional)

     Beat all the Eggs together in a mixing bowl, stir in rest of first ingredients and pour into a cooking spray coated or parchment lined casserole pan, I used a 8X11, bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes, or until middle is set.  Remove and top with Cheddar, Onion and Cilantro, return to oven til Cheese melted.  Remove and let set for 10 minutes.  Enjoy  :)

Chocolate Lava Cake

     This is not your typical Lava Cake, this is more a really soft in the center Cake...in fact, I think I prefer just a gooey inside versus a Chocolate fountain erupting with the first bite.  And, what makes this recipe even more special is that it makes two, one for you...and another one for you!  ;)  Each serving is only 291 calories, 46g carbs, 9.5g fiber, 21g sugar alcohol, 15.5g net carbs, 10g protein and 19g fat.  If you really want to impress your tummy, this is one to try!

Ingredients for two servings~

1/2 cup Oats

2 Tablespoons Cocoa

2 Tablespoons Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

Heaping teaspoon Instant Decaf Coffee Granules

Dash Cinnamon

Dash Salt

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1/4 cup Egg Whites

2 Tablespoons Lakanto Chocolate Sunflower Spread, room temperature~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount (sub with Nut Butter)

Dash Vanilla

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2 Tablespoons Lakanto Chocolate Chips~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount

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2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, room temperature

2 Tablespoons Sour Cream

1 teaspoon Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount

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Berries, for garnish, as desired, not included in macros

     Add first set of ingredients to Magic Bullet or blender and grind til Oats have turned to powder, then add second set of ingredients til fully blended.  Spray two Ramekin containers with cooking spray, making sure they are approximately 1/2 cup/4oz in size.  Put a 1/4 cup batter in bottom of each, top with 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Chips in the middle of the batter, then finish by dividing remaining batter on top of Chocolate Chips, bake at 400 for 6 minutes, remove and cool to touch.  Meanwhile, add third set of ingredients to bowl, whip with beaters til fully incorporated, top evenly on each Cake, garnish as desired.  Enjoy  :)