Charcuterie Boards

     When it comes to Charcuterie Boards my first rule is there are no rules.  Everything else is secondary.  The officials will say that you start with your cheese, add the meat, then fill in with the fruits, vegetables, crackers and sweets.  But I say, let your inner creativity be your guide and just enjoy yourself!

     Let's start with a few healthy tips concerning dairy.  I never put out a slab of cheese, but serve individual cubed hard cheese.  That way it helps with portion control, and feels like you are getting more bang for your buck.  Also, when it comes to dips,  I blend a zero fat Greek Yogurt with Ranch Seasoning, (sub with your favorite spices).  High pitched Seasonings can add tremendous flavor without additional fat or calories.

     When it comes to meats, I prefer nuts in the shell for a protein source, my favorite is Pistachios.  The longer it takes to eat something, the more time it allows for your brain to catch up to your belly.  Not to mention, nuts are high in fat, fiber and tremendously filling.  But be careful, those pesky little devils can add up fast in calories.

     Fill in the platter with fruits, crackers and vegetables.  The more fruits and vegetables the better.  If you can find a creative twist to show off your produce, then add that special touch of flair.  Lastly, a few sweet treats will finish it off perfectly.  I try to stick to individually wrapped chocolates to help with portion control, or serve a stevia sweetened goodie for the ultimate healthy yummy.  Even Chocolate Chips are a nice addition, with a little taste of flavor and minimal calories.

     One more tip, stick to a color them to really up the festive nature of your platter.  Regardless of the holiday, by changing the color scheme, you can attached it to any occasion.  Again, the most important is to enjoy yourself and let your creative juices flow.  If you try your hand at your own Charcuterie Board, send me your pictures, I love it when you share!  Enjoy  :)

Swedish Apple Pies

 

     What is more all American than Apple Pie!?  That's about as patriotic as you can get.  To make it even more appealing to the citizens of this country, how about if it is portion controlled, sugar free and filled with flavor!?  How's that for perfection!?  Each of these four Swedish Apple Pies are only 181 calories, 38.3g carbs, 3.1g fiber, 24g sugar alcohol, 11.2g net carbs, 4.3g protein and 12g fat (does not include ice cream topping).  The next time you have a hankering to give thanks for the great USA, head to the kitchen and express yourself thru the joy of baking!  And, luckily these are great all year round!  :)

Ingredients for 4 servings~

4 lunchbox size Granny Smith Apples, peeled and sliced (approx 3.5oz)

1/4 cup Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount

Dash Cinnamon

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2 Tablespoons Butter, melted

1 Extra Large Egg, room temperature

1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons Almond Flour

1/4 cup Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount

Dash Cinnamon

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Ice Cream, for garnish as desired, not included in macros

     Coat 4 one cup Pyrex dishes with cooking spray, set aside.  Trim Apples and add one diced Apple to each dish, top each one with one Tablespoon Monk Fruit and dash Cinnamon.  Meanwhile, stir together second set of ingredients, top each set of Apples with 3 Tablespoons batter, that should come out evenly, garnish with an extra dash of Cinnamon on top if desired.  Bake at 325 for 55 minutes.  Remove and top with Ice Cream if desired.  Enjoy  :)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares

Do you like the idea of no bake desserts?  Do you like the idea of sugar free?  Do you like the idea of super delish!?  If so, I have something you must checkout pronto! Each of the 16 decadent squares are only 213 calories, 26.9g carbs, 7.6g fiber, 8.3g sugar alcohol, 11g net carbs, 4.8g protein and 14.9g fat.  So the next time you have a hankering come on and have about 30 minutes, head to the kitchen and whip this together!  You will thank me  :)

Ingredients for 16 servings~
1 stick/8 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 cup Brown Sugar Swerve, sub with Golden Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout
Dash Vanilla
3 cups Oats
9oz bag Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Chunky Peanut Butter, sub with Smooth

    Melt Butter, Swerve and Vanilla in saucepan, then stir in Oats til fully coated, continue to cook on low for 3-4 minutes.  Meanwhile, add Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter to microwave safe bowl, heat for 30 seconds, stir, repeat if necessary til smoothly stirred together.  Line 8X8 or 9X9 pan with wax paper, press half Oat mixture in bottom, pour melted Chocolate mix on top but reserve one or two Tablespoons, top with remaining Oats, press down.  Add remaining Chocolate mixture to baggie, snip corner and drizzle on top.  Chill 3-4 hours, then cut into 16 equal squares.  Enjoy  :)

Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers

 If trying a few meatless meals is of interest to you, here is an idea for a main course that will set you on fire.  These Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers are sure to please.  Each of the 8 are only 216 calories, 36g carbs, 8g fiber, 28g net carbs, 8g protein and 5g fat.  Put these on a bun, or as a side with some corn on the cob and steamed broccoli, or atop a salad with peanut dressing.  Whatever you choose, there are no wrong answers!  :)

Ingredients for 8 Patties~

1 pound Sweet Potato, peeled and finely diced

1/2 cup Quinoa

1 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth

1/2 cup chopped Onion

1 can drained Black Beans

1 cup Oats, ground to powder

Dash Salt

Dash Pepper

Dash Garlic

Dash Cayenne

Dash Cumin

1/4 cup chopped Cilantro

2 teaspoons Olive Oil

     Add Sweet Potato, Quinoa and Broth to pot and simmer with lid for 20 minutes, then add Onion and Beans and continue to simmer til Potatoes are fork tender, approximately another 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, grind Oats to flour and add Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Cayenne and Cumin to Oats.  When Sweet Potatoes are done, stir in Oat mixture and Cilantro, stir til fully combined.  Divide batter into 8 equal portions, should be about 5 3/8 oz each, pat into burgers and lay on parchment lined cookie sheet.  Add 1 teaspoon Olive Oil to your hands and rub the tops of the burgers, flip over and repeat.  Bake at 400 for 17 minutes, flip and bake another 17 minutes.  Enjoy  :)