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Paleo Pear & Cranberry Muffins – Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Refined Sugar Free

Paleo Pear & Cranberry Muffins – Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Refined Sugar Free

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I have a thing with muffins.

I think they may be my favorite thing to make, and these pear & cranberry muffins are no exception. I had a few folks asking for a nut-free recipe since most of my baking usually involves almond flour. I don’t tolerate some of the other gluten-free flours, like cassava and tigernut, plus we try to stay low carb, so that left me with coconut flour.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE coconut flour, but it can be extremely finicky. It can cause the texture to become grainy, or the overall product insanely dry. BUT, these muffins are anything but grainy or dry.

They are deliciously moist and light. Not too dense, and not at all overly heavy. Just filing enough to stand on their own for a grab and go breakfast, and light enough to be an afternoon snack.

I love the gentle sweetness the pear brings, and the bright sharpness of the fresh cranberries. I have not tried it with dried cranberries, but if you do, let me know how it goes! I imagine it would make the overall muffin sweeter, and remove some of the sharpness you get from using fresh cranberries.

I hope you enjoy these muffins as much as I do! They would make a great pre-thanksgiving dinner snack or a beautiful addition to any Christmas day brunch. I can promise you; they will be made for Shirley’s 1st birthday party as a great sweet alternative to the cupcakes my mom will be making!

Let me know what you think in the comments!

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Paleo Cranberry Pear Cardamom Muffins - Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Grain-Free, Low-Carb

These warm and spicy muffins are the perfect treat for your pre-thanksgiving indulgence, or on Christmas morning.
Prep Time8 mins
Cook Time18 mins
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Dairy-free, Gluten Free, LowCarb, Nut-FRee, Paleo
Keyword: Dairyfree, Muffins, Winter Flavors
Servings: 12
Calories: 119kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
  • 1/4 Cup Arrowroot Starch Can sub Tapioca Starch
  • 2 Scoops collagen peptides Vanilla flavored
  • 4 Tbsp Coconut Sugar
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 Tsp Cardamom
  • 1 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp Sea salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil melted
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 Cup Coconut Milk
  • 5 Large Eggs
  • 1/3 Cup Cranberries chopped
  • 1 Cup Pears skinned and diced

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350.
  • Next, mix together your dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Add your wet ingredients to your dry and stir well. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the coconut flour to absorb the liquid
  • Next fold in your pears and cranberries
  • Spray a muffin tin or line with paper liners, and fill cups about 1/2 full
  • Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from muffin pan

Notes

I have never made these with 
Creamy Salmon Veggie Noodle Casserole – Keto, Paleo, Dairy Free, Grain Free

Creamy Salmon Veggie Noodle Casserole – Keto, Paleo, Dairy Free, Grain Free

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I LOVE casseroles. I love them because they can be made ahead of time, or when I’m in a hurry. And while they do take a while to bake, the prep and execution are easy.

I also love having things that don’t need to thaw or chop – aka chicken or beef because you should know I always forget to thaw my butcher box chicken until 4:50, and we don’t own a microwave. And while this recipe can be reasonably labor-intensive if you don’t have anything prepped already, if you do have premade, it is a breeze!

Having things prepped ahead of time like the spaghetti squash and bacon will save you time and make this a dump meal. I have a recipe here for my instant pot, spaghetti squash recipe. This recipe is by far the easiest way I have found to cook spaghetti squash. I make this once a week to have on hand for meals or lunches for Addie and me.

I also like to cook my bacon on a baking sheet in the oven to save time and save the mess that cooking bacon on a stove creates. This is one of the very few times I will use aluminum foil, mainly because it makes the whole process, including clean up, super easy!

After cooking my bacon, I like to pour the fat into my casserole dish instead of greasing it with something else, like cooking spray. I would only do this with good quality bacon. I only buy organic nitrite and nitrate-free bacon (because migraines are the worst), and I also look for sugar-free. Butcher box has great bacon, as well as Jones brand, which I find at our local Walmart. That is also where I find my frozen zucchini noodles. By all means, you could use fresh or make your own, but I like to have frozen on hand because they don’t spoil as fast.

If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water, or your casserole can turn out a bit runny.

Along with that, it does help to sprinkle a little arrowroot starch over your salmon to absorb some of the liquid that is inevitable in this recipe. I suppose you could use cornstarch. I haven’t tried it as we don’t consume corn products. But the purpose is the same, so I imagine it would be a similar result.

This casserole is rich in healthy omegas, lots of protein. It is low carb, keto, paleo, whole 30, dairy-free,  IT TICS ALL THE BOXES. And it’s so filling. One plate will fill you up and keep you full.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. The day I made this, I put it in the oven and set the timer, and went upstairs to nurse Shirley. I had Nathan get it out of the oven for me, and he had to restrain himself from digging in before I got my pictures.

After I got downstairs and took the photos I needed to share with you, he ate five plates. Not because it’s not filling, but because he is a bottomless pit and loved it that much. I will say he skipped dinner that night.

Even Addie will eat it from time to time, though she is a hard one to sell on fish of any kind. I don’t push it too much, but I do keep trying. She used to hate beef and pork too, and now she’ll eat those without any hesitation. Moral of the story, keep trying to get your kids to eat foods that they say they do not like. Keep putting it on their plates(in small amounts) and have them try it. You never know when their tastebuds may change.

If you make this, let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does!

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Keto Salmon Zoodle Casserole -Paleo, Keto, GF, DF, Whole 30

This savory dump and bake casserole is every busy mom's dream. It's easy to make, and full of healthy fats and proteins.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Rest Time5 mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Ketogenic, Paleo
Keyword: Casserole, Dairyfree, Gluten Free, grainfree, Healthy, keto, Paleo, Quick
Servings: 8
Calories: 256kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cans Salmon
  • 1-2 Cups Zoodles I use pre-made zoodles, but you could make your own with a spiralizer. Just make sure to squeeze out excess water.
  • 3 Cups Spinach tightly packed
  • 4 Cups Spaghetti Squash cooked

Sauce

  • 1 +1/4 cup Full Fat Coconut Milk
  • 1 + 1/2 Tbsp Yellow Mustard Omit for AIP
  • 2 Tbsp coconut aminos
  • 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast plus more for topping
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Dill
  • 1 tsp dried Parsley
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Chives
  • 2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste

Topping

  • 4-5 slices Bacon cooked and diced
  • 1 tsp Nutritional Yeast
  • 2 Tbsp Plantain Chips crushed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375
  • Grease your casserole dish. I like to use the leftover bacon grease from cooking the bacon
  • Drain and rinse the salmon and spread along the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with your arrowroot powder. This helps absorb some of the liquid that will accumulate from the veggies.
  • Next, add the spinach, spaghetti squash, and then zoodles
  • Next, mix together the sauce ingredients and pour over the layers of casserole
  • Sprinkle bacon, crushed plantain chips, and nutritional yeast over the casserole
  • Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until it becomes crispy on top and bubbly around the edges
  • Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

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Spaghetti squash. I love it, and I hate it. It always takes so much effort to cook…

UNTIL NOW! I introduce to you, the easiest instant pot spaghetti squash recipe ever!

No more cutting into a hard uncooked squash to scrape out seeds and roast in an oven for what feels like forever. This recipe only calls for 12-15 jabs of a knife into the flesh of the squash before putting the entire thing, along with a cup of water, into your instant pot for 18 minutes or so minutes(depending on the size of your squash). You can see from the above picture; my squash was just shy of 3 1/2 lbs.

I like to cook a squash every week and use the noodles for different recipes throughout the week, or for lunches for Addie and I. While spaghetti squash is low carb, it does not lack in flavor and versatility. I use it for my morning n’oatmeal sometimes, and I use it in casseroles like my, Salmon Veggie Noodle Casserole, I eat it plain with some sea salt and coconut oil.

Spaghetti squash is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin B6. It, like many other winter squash and veggies, is high in beta-carotene. This, along with vitamin C, makes it an antioxidant powerhouse in its respective way, and a valuable part of your winter diet.

One of the pros of cooking it in the instant pot whole is also that the stringy noodles stay a little more al-dente, of which I’m a big fan. I don’t know about you, but I don’t love soggy noodles. Cutting the squash widthwise rather than lengthwise also makes delicate long strings of “noodles as well.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Just be mindful of the size of your squash and know that you may need to adjust your timing a little.

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Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

This recipe is easy enough anyone can make it! It will have you eating this tricky squash on the regular.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time18 mins
Course: Dinner, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, GlutenFree, Ketogenic, LowCarb, Paleo
Keyword: Gluten Free, keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Veggies

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 3.5 lb Spaghetti squash you can use a different sized squash but you'll need to adjust cooking time to accommodate

Instructions

  • Start by rinsing off your squash and removing any stickers or labels that may be on it
  • Next, you will use a sharp knife to carefully pierce the squash about 12-15 times all over. This will help it ventilate and breathe as it's cooking
  • Add a steamer basket or tray inside your instant pot so your squash isn't setting on the bottom of the pan
  • Add 1 cup of water, and your squash to the basket
  • Close the lid and seal the vent on your instant pot
  • Press the PRESSURE COOK button and set time to 18 minutes. Again, note, if your squash is heavier, it may need 2-3 more minutes, or if it's smaller, less time
  • After your instant pot completes the 18 minutes, allow it to depressurize for 10 minutes. It should unlock on its own at this point, but if it does not, you can manually unseal and depressurize the pot
  • Carefully remove your squash and place on a cutting board. Let sit for a few minutes to cool
  • Once your squash has cooled enough to touch, cut widthwise and allow to cool further
  • After your squash is cool enough to touch, you will first want to scrape out the seeds, and then you can peel the skin off or use a large spoon to scrape your noodles out carefully. It should be effortless
  • Store your noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days! Use for stir fry, casseroles, or just a side dish all on its own
Dry Roasted Ranch Almonds

Dry Roasted Ranch Almonds

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I don’t know about you, but I am a professional snacker. Like if you could get paid for snacking, I would be the CEO.

When I’m breastfeeding, I am hungry all the time and being keto and paleo, I need snacks that won’t kick me out of ketosis, and are good for me…and easy to make and take because I’m a busy mom and I don’t have time for nonsense.

I love flavored almonds, but the store-bought kind are typically filled with junk like maltodextrin and sunflower or canola oil. I’m not about that life. So I set out to make my own.

And *spoiler alert*….THEY ARE SO EASY and YUMMY!

Dry roasting almonds is as simple as putting them on a pan in the oven(while it’s on, of course) and watching and smelling them as they toast. It’s a relatively quick process, and you’ll want to keep watching them because the difference between nicely roasted and burnt can be just a few minutes. Mine usually take about 15 minutes at 350, but my oven is literally older than me(it’s 32 years old. And yes, I have no idea how it is still working), so it’s not always the most reliable with very touchy things like roasting almonds.

And the seasoning. Let. Me. Tell. You. It is so simple and so tasty. Once you realize how simple ranch seasoning is, you’ll be putting it on everything. Like chicken, bacon, popcorn(if you eat it), veggies, EVERYTHING. It’s a staple in our household.

I use avocado oil to coat my almonds in mainly because it’s fairly flavorless and one of my favorite nutrient-dense fats to use, but you could use coconut or olive oil, just know that it may change the taste and may need slightly less or more.

These ranch almonds are just the right snack for waiting in those pick-up lines at school, packing in lunches, or eating while you binge Gilmore Girls and the Office on Netflix. Just me?

Let me know what you think in the comments below! And keep your eyes peeled for future flavor combinations.

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Ranch Seasoned Dry Roasted Almonds

These savory almonds are one of the best snacks to munch on when you're on the run! Or when you're watching Netflix.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: glutenfree, Healthy, keto, lowcarb, Paleo, ranch, snacks

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Raw Almonds
  • Avocado Oil Spray
  • 1/2 tsp Avocado oil you can also use olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp dried chives
  • 1/4 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/8 tsp dried dill
  • 1/8 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

Instructions

  • First, preheat your oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Next, you will spread out your almonds on the baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan gently halfway through. Make sure that your almonds are whole. Sliced almonds will roast faster and could burn. You will know they're done when they start to turn a nice warm brown color. Almonds can burn easily, so watch them closely.
  • While they are baking, add your seasonings to a small mixing bowl and stir.
  • Immediately after removing your almonds from the oven, spray them evenly with your avocado oil spray.
  • Next, add your almonds to the bowl with your herbs and spices and mix, making sure they are well coated. Add approx. a 1/2 tsp of additional oil after coating and mix again.
  • Spread the almonds back on the baking sheet to dry.
  • After 10 minutes, use a spoon or spatula to transfer to your jar of choice.
  • Enjoy!!
Low-Carb Grain-Free Pumpkin Spiced N’oatmeal

Low-Carb Grain-Free Pumpkin Spiced N’oatmeal

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I don’t know about you, but I will pick sweet breakfast foods over savory nearly any day of the week. Especially while breastfeeding. ESPECIALLY when it’s chilly outside.

When we went paleo, the thing I missed most was oatmeal(and let’s be real…donuts and bagels and all thing carbs). Traditional oatmeal, whether gluten-free or not, always messed up my tummy and left me feeling horrible. Brain fog, breakouts on my face, fatigue. I knew cutting these grains out of my diet was the best thing for me, but I missed them nonetheless.

I tried different combinations of things to try to recreate the texture and taste, but it just wasn’t right. Until I went keto, and discovered hemp hearts. I talk about them a lot, mainly because I LOVE THEM and they are SO incredibly good for you.

This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats as well, making them keto-friendly, depending on how many carbs your body can handle. As a breastfeeding mother, I can handle 40-80 grams of carbs a day and not get kicked out of ketosis. But know your body, and what you can handle if you are following a ketogenic diet. For those needing to be in high therapeutic levels of ketosis, this recipe may not be for you.

But beyond all these great nutritional benefits, these fake-out oats have just the right texture. They resemble a steel cut oat a bit more than your traditional cut oat, BUT adding in some shredded coconut helps give that bigger oat texture I was looking for as well. They are a dream.

The nice thing about this recipe is it is SUPER easy. It does take a while for the seeds to soak up the moisture from the coconut milk, so give yourself a bit of time when making them, but you can nearly just dump everything in a pot and stir periodically. Making it a great addition to your back-to-school morning routine!

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Low-Carb Grain-Free Pumpkin Spiced N’Oats

These gluten and grain-free fake out oats are just what you want to eat on a cool fall morning. They are filling, warm, and oohhhhh so tasty. They are also keto-friendly! Enjoy!
Prep Time2 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time8 mins
Total Time25 mins
Keyword: fall, glutenfree, grainfree, keto, lowcarb, Paleo, pumpkin
Servings: 3
Author: Faithful in the Mundane

Ingredients

  • 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
  • 1/2 Cup Hulled Hemp Hearts
  • 1/3 Cup Pumpkin Puree
  • 1/4 Cup shredded coconut plus more for topping if desired
  • 1 Can Full Fat Coconut Milk
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Allspice
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1 Scoop Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides, Vanilla Flavored
  • 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 2 tbsp MCT Oil

Instructions

  • First you will want to pour the coconut milk and add the oils into a small saucepan over medium to medium-low heat.
  • Once you see the coconut oil begin to melt, you will then add the rest of the ingredients and mix with a spoon.
  • Continue to stir every 2-3 minutes for the next 15 minutes, so it doesn't stick to the pan.
  • You will see your n'oatmeal begin to thicken. After about 15 minutes, you can turn the heat off or down to low, and let it sit for about 5-10 more minutes. During this time it will continue to thicken into an oatmeal-like consistency.
  • You can top your n'oatmeal with more coconut or hemp seeds, almond butter, granola, raisins or even chocolate chips! Whatever makes your heart and tummy happy! Just be aware that not all toppings are low carb/keto-friendly, and not all toppings are paleo-friendly.

Notes

Feel free to save any leftovers in the fridge! I like to make a double batch at the start and middle of the week, and save the leftovers for easy breakfast the next morning or two. You can reheat on the stove or in a microwave, just add a little extra milk or water as it will get even thicker while stored in the fridge.
Low Carb Paleo N’oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Low Carb Paleo N’oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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Sometimes you just crave a good oatmeal raisin cookie. Just me? But when you cut out not just gluten, but all grains, getting that oatmeal texture just right to meet that craving is SUPER hard.

But look no further. Because I’ve figured out the texture problem. HULLED HEMP SEEDS! I had been using them in my Keto Breakfast N’Oats for months now, why not use them in a cookie too? They add just the right texture along with the shredded coconut.

We love hemp seeds in our house because they are such a SUPER food. We are always looking for nutrient density in the foods we eat, and these little guys offer a punch. They offer 12 grams of omega 3 and 6, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese to name a few. Just 3 tablespoons are loaded with 15 grams healthy fats and 10 grams of protein (and 0 net carbs!), making hemp seeds a keto-friendly snack or addition to any meal. I typically use Just Hemp Foods brand because there are non-GMO verified and verified gluten-free.

These cookies are a smidge high on the sugar content to be keto (though I can get away with them and not get kicked out because breastfeeding and keto is really easy) but you could sub the coconut sugar for something like stevia or another keto-friendly sweetener.

I don’t mind using Stevia in some of my baking, but I prefer sugars like coconut sugar, or honey due to the richness in their flavor and nutrient content. I avoid most sugar alcohols because they offer no nutritional benefit and only make me crave more sugar. Along with that, they can cause hyperexcitability in the brain, which is a huge no-no for me while I’m breastfeeding Shirley. But that said if you tolerate things like erythritol, you could sub the coconut sugar. I just love the warm cinnamon-like taste that the coconut sugar brings.

Anywho, back to these cookies! They. Are. Amazing. And really easy to make. The dough will be a bit sticky, but they puff up nicely and don’t get hard or crunchy. They’re just the right mix of soft and gooey with a touch of cakey.

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Low-Carb Paleo N’oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These Low Carb Paleo N'oatmeal Raisin Cookies will satisfy even the pickiest cookie connoisseur! They are sweet, homey, and just the right texture! You would never know they're good for you!
Prep Time6 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cookies, fall, glutenfree, grainfree, Healthy, Hempseeds, keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Raisin
Servings: 18
Author: Faith Titus

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Almond Flour
  • 2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Hulled Hemp Seeds + 1/2 Tablespoon
  • 1/4 Cup Coconut Sugar
  • .5 Tsp Baking Soda
  • .5 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 Scoop Grass-fed Collagen Peptides Vanilla flavored
  • .5 tsp Nutmeg Optional
  • .5 tsp Cloves Optional
  • .5 tsp AllSpice Optional
  • 1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Crunchy Almond Butter
  • 1/3 Cup Raisins

Instructions

  • Start by mixing all the dry ingredients together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make sure to sift any clumps out
  • Next, add in the wet ingredients. Note the batter will be very sticky. This is normal.
  • Fold in the raisins to the batter
  • Using your hands, you will roll the cookies into 18 equally sized balls. You can wet your hands with water to keep the batter from sticking to your hands
  • Next use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the cookies, pressing down lightly to create the indent.
  • Bake cookies at 350 for 10-14 minutes. You will want to pull them out as they begin to brown around the edges.
  • Enjoy your soft, chewy, delicious n'oatmeal raisin cookies!