Spinach Artichoke Dip

     There are all kinds of things that you can do in the Crockpot, and dip is one delicious option.  Hello appetizer of the year.  My daughter in law introduced me to this wonder via the slow cooker, and I will never look at Spinach Artichoke Dip the same again.  And, not to mention, this is so low carb,  a real Keto dream come true~thanks Ash!  ;)


Ingredients~
8oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
7oz 5% Fage Yogurt
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped Onion
14oz can drained Artichokes, chopped
10oz bag fresh Spinach Leaves
Dash Cayenne Pepper

     Line Crockpot with disposable liner, or coat well with cooking spray.  Add all ingredients to Crockpot, stir to combine, add lid, cook on low for 1-2 hours.  Stir again to blend well, and serve with fresh vegetables, miniature Bell Peppers are an excellent dipping option.  Enjoy  :)

Breakfast Monster Cookies

     Are the mornings hectic at your house, are you always flying out the door and grabbing anything you can shove in your mouth, are you starting your day feeling frazzled!?  Whelp, I have a couple of suggestions.  First, get up earlier, second, plan better, and third, make a batch of Breakfast Monster Cookies on Sunday afternoon, then pass them out to every member of your family on their way out the door...(or secretly hide them all for yourself).  #choices  Each of these 9 Cookies are filled with health and nutrition, not only that each one is only 251 calories, 16.5g carbs, 6.4g fiber, 6.7g sugar alcohol, 3.4g net carbs, 7.2g protein and 21.4g fat.  See you when the sun comes up!  (PS. slather with some nut butter and feel all the feels). For a complete list of Back to School Breakfast and Lunch, click here~

https://foodfitnessbypaige.blogspot.com/2019/07/back-to-school-breakfast.html

Ingredients for Nine Jumbo Cookies~
1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded Coconut
3 Large Eggs
1/4 cup Chia Seeds
1/4 cup ground Flax Seeds
1/4 cup chopped Pecans
1/2 cup Almond Flour
1/4 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 for discount at checkout
1/4 cup Lily's Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Vanilla
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Salt

     Add all ingredients to bowl, stir til well incorporated, chill for an hour, then drop by 1/4 cup on silpat lined cookie sheet (I like to keep mine on the thick side), bake at 375 for 13-15 minutes (less time if you flatten them out, just keep an eye on them).  Enjoy  :)

Brownie Batter

     So when did eating Brownie Batter become legal, ...AND ENCOURAGED!?  right NOW!!!  Can a breakfast, snack or dessert get any "funner"!?  You will almost feel like you are getting away with something.  For each rounded cup of Brownie Batter it is only 337 calories, 43.8g carbs, 11.7g fiber, 2g sugar alcohol, 30.1g net carbs, 30g protein and 8g fat.  Make this up at night, stick it in the fridge and it will be ready to eat by the time the sun comes up in the morning!  Brownies for breakfast for the win  ;)

Ingredients for 3 rounded cup servings~
1.5 cup 25 cal/cup Cashew Milk
1 cup Old Fashion Oats
5.3oz Dannon Light&Fit Vanilla Greek Yogurt
4oz mashed Banana
2 scoops Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
1 Quest Double Chocolate Chunk Quest Bar, diced
2 Tablespoons unsweetened Cocoa
2 Tablespoons ground Flax Seed
Dash Lite Salt
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla

     Blend all together and sit in fridge several hours or overnight.  Serve and Enjoy  ;)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

     Raise your hand if the Crockpot is your favorite kitchen accessory!?  Shout out to the slow cookers of the world, they make our lives better in countless ways, oh how I love you.  BUT, did you know, they are not just for meat!?  They are for all times of the day and night, and that includes dessert.  Yes, you heard it right.  I have made cakes, breakfasts, dinners and now dessert.  Each of these (approximate) 9 Bars are only 178 calories, 23g carbs, 4g fiber, 15g sugar alcohol, 4g net carbs, 6.1g protein and 14.5g fat.  I use the term "approximate" because I had to trim the round edges to make perfect squares...the remnants may or may not have been disposed of thru my esophagus.  But who is counting...not me!  ;)

Ingredients for approximately 9 servings~
4 Tablespoons Butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
2 Extra Large Eggs, room temperature
1 cup Chocolate Peanut Butter Powder ( I use Betterbody Foods, my fave)
1/4 cup Lily's stevia sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Vanilla
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2 Tablespoons Butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup/2oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons Lakanto Confectioners Monk Fruit~use code Paige20 at checkout for discount
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1 Tablespoon/60 Lily's stevia sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips

     Use mixer to blend first set of ingredients together til fully incorporated, pour into parchment paper lined Crockpot, and bake on low for 2.5-3 hours with the lid.  Remove from heat and cool on wire rack (while still in pot) for another 2-3 hours. Meanwhile, beat second set of ingredients til well blended, gently remove Bars from pot, trim rounded edges, spread on Frosting, sprinkle with Chips.  Cut and serve.  Enjoy  :)

White Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream

     Who doesn't love the combination of White Chocolate and Fresh Raspberries.  No one, that's who.  Your admiration will grow in leaps and bounds when you find out the macros are deceptively healthy.  Each of the four, approximately 3/4 cup servings are only 109 calories, 17.6g carbs, 6.5g fiber, 6.5g sugar alcohol, 4.6g net carbs, 11.8g protein and 3.2g fat.  If you are doing keto, low carb or just trying to be a better version of you, this is the ticket to all your Ice Cream dreams.

Ingredients for 4 servings~

1 scoop Quest Vanilla Protein Powder

1.5 cups 25 cal/cup Cashew Milk

Dash Cinnamon

Dash Vanilla

6oz fresh Raspberries

1 Quest White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar, finely diced

Add first 4 ingredients to Magic Bullet or blender and mix well.  Add contents to preferred Ice Cream maker, follow manufacturers instructions.  I use a Cuisinart 2qt Ice Cream &Yogurt maker, churn in frozen bowl for 20 minutes.  Or add to dish and put in freezer, stir every 15 minutes til set, usually about 1.5-2 hours.  Toward the end, add in Raspberries to churn into mixture, then follow with blending in the Protein Bar Chunks.  Ready when firm.  Enjoy  :)

Apple Donuts

     If you have picky eaters at home, and breakfast or snacks are a chore, then here is a suggestion... Apple Donuts (complex carbs plus protein = a winning combination).  These are simple Apple slices, topped with Peanut Butter and what ever else tickles your fancy.  Raisins, Chocolate Chips, Bananas or Berries, etc.  These are particularly helpful when you are trying to get out the door early in the morning, the key is to make them the night before.  Even better yet, if these are for the kiddos, involve them in spreading the Peanut Butter and decorating the top with their faves.  These should hold up perfect in the fridge and be ready to consume when the sun comes up.  And who said Donuts were bad for you...!?

Chicken Fajita Soup

     I know that soup is cold weather fare, but dare I say I made this mid summer...I live on the edge that way... a real risk taker.  Anyhoo, I digress.  This Chicken Fajita Soup just sounded darn good, and it really hit the spot, regardless the outside temperature.  This can be a perfect keto meal as well, just omit the beans.  All the flavors wrapped up in one easy Crockpot meal makes this a champion all the way around.  And did I mention Crockpot liners for the win!?  My life would not be the same with out these lazy girl dreams. One pot, super delish and no clean up... have I sold you yet!?

Ingredients~
2-3 pounds Chicken Breast
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon chopped Garlic
1 Chicken Bullion Cube or 1 teaspoon Granules
1 cup Water
Dash Cayenne Pepper
1 Taco Packet
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1 diced Onion
1 diced Green Pepper
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8oz Cream Cheese
2 cans Rotel
2 cans Black Beans (can sub with favorite Bean, or omit for low carb)

     Line your Crockpot with a disposable Crockpot liner (omit if you don't mind cleaning), add first set of ingredients, add the lid and cook on low for 6 hours.  Then take two large forks and shred Chicken Breasts, add second set of ingredients, cover and cook on high for one more hour, stir in last set of ingredients til Cheese is melted and heated thru.  Serve with desired garnishments.  Enjoy  :)