Lemon Ginger Sesame Chicken Salad

I used to think that whenever I served a salad, it had to be lettuce. I am not sure why, it was just how I grew up I guess. Since then I have learned how much I love cabbage. I prefer it to lettuce really. Especially if making a salad ahead of time. 

This salad is lite and refreshing. Perfect for a make ahead salad. I like to make it the day before and serve it for lunch the next day. That way all of the flavors have married. The cabbage keeps it crisp. Best served cold. 

Lemon Ginger Sesame Chicken Salad

1 Chicken breast

1 head cabbage 

1/4 cup olive oil 

2 drops lemon sweet drops

1/4 cup sesame oil 

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar (white wine vinegar will do in a pinch) 

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 

In a blender add; olive oil, sweet drops, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and fresh ginger. Blend until fully blended. This will be your dressing. Set aside. 

Shred the cabbage, and set aside. 

Cook your chicken breast your favorite way, You can also use leftover chicken or pull the meat off one of the rotisserie chicken they sell at stores. 

Toss cooked chicken, cabbage and dressing.  

Top with sesame seeds and serve. 

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Free Greek Yogurt

 

I am so in love with SweetLeaf® Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops™. Have you heard of them? They are made with stevia leaf extract and natural flavors, can be added to foods or beverages – from yogurt to oatmeal, water to coffee, sauces to smoothies – for sweet, sugar-free flavor. The drops are available in 17 flavors(Coconut • Watermelon • Cola • Lemon Drop • Valencia Orange • Berry Chocolate Raspberry • English Toffee • Vanilla Crème • Hazelnut • Peppermint • Root BeerGrape • Apricot Nectar • Chocolate • Cinnamon) and come in a convenient dropper bottle.

You might as well get to a whole foods soon and get them, or you can order them directly from sweet leaf here: http://www.sweetleaf.com/products/sweet-drops-products because I am going to be bringing you a lot of sugar free recipes using these little drops of goodness.

Now I am shocked that still a lot of people don't know what Stevia really is. It is a composite herb native to South America whose leaves are the source of a noncaloric sweetener. Translated, it is just a plant. There is not any chemicals or artificial flavors. It is a safe natural herb that happens to be sweet.

So because I don't like the chemical laden yogurt sold at the store, I am making my own favorite flavor. Takes a minute to make and is oh so good. Enjoy!

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Free Greek Yogurt

author: Christi Silbaugh

Juice from one clementine, cutie, tangerine etc...
1 cup plain greek yogurt
5 drops valencia orange Sweet Drops™
5 drops vanilla creme Sweet Drops™

Mix all ingredients together and serve. It tastes so good mixed with fruit. 

Almond Crust Pizza

I am going to get right to talking about the food today. I am notorious for making crust substitutions. Cauliflower crust is a staple in this house. After a while, I missed the crispy crust. Sure there are plenty of gluten-free pizza crusts available, but I wanted one that was completely wholesome. 

So it got me thinking. Almonds work so well at adapting to flavors they are cooked with. Why not try making a crispy crust with ground up almonds. 

Wow. I love this pizza. I could not tell the crust was almonds. So healthy for me, and now I can enjoy pizza anytime I want. Make it, you won't be sorry. Because it was meatless Monday, I did a veggie pizza, but you can add whatever toppings you like. 

Almond Crust Pizza

makes 1 12" pizza crust

2 cups almond meal

2 eggs

3 tbsp olive oil

¼ tsp baking soda

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Toppings:

1 cup marinara sauce 

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Fresh veggies of your choice
Toppings of your choice

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 

Using a spoon mix all crust ingredients together until it becomes very thick. 

 Using your hands, form the dough into a ball. Lightly grease a pizza pan or a baking stone with olive oil, or cover with parchment paper. 

Place the ball of dough in the center of your cookie sheet or pizza pan and using your hands, push and pat the dough down into the shape of a circle. Pressing until the dough is flat and 12 inches across. 

Bake the crust in your pre-heated oven for 20 minutes. 

While your crust is cooking, prepare your toppings.

 After the crust if done, remove from the oven  and evenly spread the marinara sauce over the crust. 

 Follow with cheese.

Add the rest of your favorite toppings. I went for a vegetarian pizza with red onion, peppers, and mushrooms. But you can put whatever you choose on. 

Bake again for an additional 25-30 minutes.

Slice and serve.

If you like my recipes, please support my work and get my cookbook! Featuring 150 recipes, 100 of which are not on the blog. That's right! 100 new recipes! Gluten-Free Made Easy is the perfect guide to your new lifestyle! Learn dozens of tips and tricks for avoiding gluten and over 150 tasty, simple recipes. Going against the grain has never been easier!

"Gluten-Free Made Easy" is available for sale at Barnes and Noble, Books and Things, Cedar Fort, Amazon and many other great bookstores.

vanilla almond granola

I have had the most blissful week. It has been 80 degrees downtown San Diego. My tulips, lavender, and daffodils are in bloom, and the hummingbirds are really active. I snapped this shot of "echo" drinking from one of my humming bird feeders. She is one of our hummers. I like to name them all. 

My little urban paradise makes me so happy!!! 

Here is a picture of echo's two babies, and my tulips blooming.

Life is good!

I suppose I should now get on to sharing a recipe with you.

Yesterday I brought you some fabulous protein packed chocolate granola. So today I want to bring you my favorite recipe for Vanilla Granola. Like the chocolate granola, this recipe is packed with protein. I like to keep it on hand in an airtight container, to curb sweet cravings and hunger. The more whole grain options I have around, the less likely I am to eat items that are bad for me. 

Gluten-Free Vanilla Almond Granola

2 cups certified gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup of sucanat

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 Tablespoon of coconut oil, melted {or butter}

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

To get started, preheat over to 325º.

In a large bowl, toss old fashioned oats, sliced almonds, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix the wet ingredients, melted coconut oil {or butter}, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.

Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and toss to coat everything.

On a baking sheet, place either a silicon baking mat or wax paper. Then spread granola mixture out across entire pan.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until granola is slightly browned, turning the granola every 10 minutes to prevent it from burning. 

Remove from oven and let cool.

If you like my recipes, please support my work and get my cookbook! Featuring 150 recipes, 100 of which are not on the blog. That's right! 100 new recipes! Gluten-Free Made Easy is the perfect guide to your new lifestyle! Learn dozens of tips and tricks for avoiding gluten and over 150 tasty, simple recipes. Going against the grain has never been easier!

"Gluten-Free Made Easy" is available for sale at Barnes and Noble, Books and Things, Cedar Fort, Amazon and many other great bookstores.

The Artisan Food Entrepreneur

Recently I was blessed by being able to review the book;

The Artisan Food Entrepreneur (Where Woman Create Business). It is a great book that profiles thirty of the top “foodie” entrepreneurs in the industry. This book is full of beautiful photography, and inspiring stories from restaurant owners, farmers, beekeepers, bakers, and more.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is thinking or interested in diving into the "foodie" business. The book is filled with tips for success as well as honesty about how hard you have to be willing to work to make your dream a success. 

Where else can you get advice from 30 of the industries leaders? The book is full of helpful information, like this business tip:

Recipe for Success

Ingredients:

1 part Strong Passion, steeped until robust enough to hold its strength even when more hot water is added!

1 part Crystal Clear Plan

4 Essential Essences: 

1. Know your Numbers 

2. Leadership Skills

3. Stick to Core Competencies

4. Nurture all Relationships

Method: Review and revisit your ingredient list monthly. Do better each year. Be open to the possibility that there is always a better recipe. Be a student of all new ingredients for improvement. 

Being in the business, I know well how people think it just falls in your lap. If I hear "you are so lucky" one more time I am going to scream. It is NOT luck. I work. I work very very hard. When I am not working, I am networking. Nothing every falls in anyone's lap. It takes the 3 D's; Diligence, Drive, and Determination.

So if the Artisan food world is calling your name. Go out and get this book. It will be the best first step you could possibly make. 

You can get your copy of  The Artisan Food Entrepreneur (Where Woman Create Business) Here: http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Entrepreneur-Where-Create-Business/dp/1592538940

Chocolate Protein Granola

I love all things chocolate. That can be a problem, but it can also be a solution. For those of you that don't know, real chocolate is good for you. It is what is added to chocolate that isn't good for you. If you get a good dark chocolate (72% cocoa or more), then you are doing your body more good than harm. I like to add it to a bunch of super seeds to make a fabulous granola. With cocoa being a super food itself, you are simply making your granola extra super! 

So here is an easy recipe packed full of protein, flavor, and all things scrumptious. Enjoy!

Chocolate Protein Granola
adapted from Whole Yum


2 Cups Rolled Oats
1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Raw Mountain Honey
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds
1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
1/4 Cup Sliced or Whole Almonds

Preheat Oven to 275 Degrees.

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.

Mix all liquid ingredients in a separate bowl.

Combine all liquid, and dry ingredients together in a large bowl; stirring evenly.

Place some of the coconut oil on a deep baking sheet.

Slowly add the granola to the baking sheet and place in oven.

Stir the granola every 15-20 minutes for even heat distribution for about an hour.

Let the melted chocolate settle in the granola and cool for 30 minutes.

You can munch on this plain for a snack, or eat it with almond milk for a meal. 

If you like my recipes, please support my work and get my cookbook! Featuring 150 recipes, 100 of which are not on the blog. That's right! 100 new recipes! Gluten-Free Made Easy is the perfect guide to your new lifestyle! Learn dozens of tips and tricks for avoiding gluten and over 150 tasty, simple recipes. Going against the grain has never been easier!

"Gluten-Free Made Easy" is available for sale at Barnes and Noble, Books and Things, Cedar Fort, Amazon and many other great bookstores.

Healthy Snickerdoodle Cookies

I am curious what every one else's morning routine is. I think the morning routine is the most important routine you can have. The way you start your day, sets the scene for what is to come the rest of the day. I may be more ritualistic than some, but it works for me. 

My ritual starts the night before. I try to get 8 hours of sleep. I found some amazing organic insomnia loose leaf tea at my local farmers market. A mug of that 30 minutes before I turn out the lights, and I am done for. Monday through friday I try to get to sleep by 10pm. It might be early for some, but for me it allows me to wake up refreshed by 6am. My husband usually brings me my morning green tea as he is getting ready for work. Since I work from home, I like to start my day in bed with green tea and my laptop. Because my blog is 24/7 I usually spend the first hour of my day answering readers questions.

By 7:30 am I am in my yoga clothes, I have taken my morning vitamins, and I am deep into my morning devotions. By 8am I submit my posts to my various employers (blogs, magazines, pin boards, etc...). At 8:45 I turn on my meditative music and get my mind ready for yoga. 9 - 11 am is all about yoga for me. That is my morning in a nutshell. The rest of the day is spent writing and cooking. I think I am productive because of the way I start my day. 

To keep myself healthy and satisfied through the day, I keep healthy "cookies" on hand. This is the last healthy cookie recipe in my "healthy cookie series". I am sure I will bring you more flavors later, but I am all stocked up with flavors. Again these are healthy and so easy to make. Enjoy! 

Healthy Snickerdoodle Cookies

adapted from My Whole Food Life

1 cup certified gluten-free rolled oats

1 cup almonds

1 vanilla bean (pulp only)

2 tsp cinnamon

12 medjool dates

1/4 cup water

In the food processor, grind up the oats and almonds.

Then add in the rest of the ingredients until a dough starts to form.

Roll into balls and then flatten them with your palm.

Store in an airtight container in the freezer. They last for months. 

Healthy Banana Bread Cookies

These are my daughters favorite in the healthy cookie series. 

To date I have brought you: Healthy Cafe Mocha cookies, Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies, Healthy Apple Pie cookies, and Healthy Vanilla Chai Cookies. All of which are scrumptious. So it is time for another classic flavor. My daughter loves banana bread. I find it funny because she does not like banana's. She likes their flavor, but not their texture. So she used to always have me make banana bread. She makes a good one too. The problem is, banana bread is really not good for you. So full of sugar and processed flour. Not really something she should be eating. So I put her favorite flavors in a healthy cookie instead. When she bit into one of these her eyes rolled back and she said "Oh. My. Gosh. Mom, these are the best you have ever made! By far my favorite!". So there you have it. Straight from the expert. 

These cookies are suitable for breakfast. 142 wholesome calories in each cookie. (One piece of toast has 130 calories). Full of all things wholesome. Enjoy!

Healthy Banana Bread Cookies
Recipe by Christi Silbaugh
makes 12 cookies

1 cup dates

1/2 cup dried banana

1 cup raw almonds

vanilla bean pulp

1 tsp cinnamon

Add all ingredients to your food processor and process until a dough forms. 

Roll 2 Tbsp dough into a ball and press it flat into a cookie on parchment. 

Store in an airtight container in the freezer and they stay fresh for months.

Almond Crusted Chicken

I know I have been bringing you all sorts of healthy sweet recipes, so it is time for a savory one. Almonds have quickly become a staple in this house. I love their versatility. They adapt to any kind of food you are cooking. I am so glad no one in our home has an almond allergy! I know some who do and that would just be awful. 

Why I love almonds so much? The top reasons: 

• Lower LDL-Cholesterol and Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
• Almonds Provide Double-Barreled Protection against Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
• Reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
• Improve Blood Fats
• Their healthy fats help you lose weight
• Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
• Full of Manganese, Copper & Riboflavin—More Help with Energy Production
• Help Prevent Gallstones
• A Protein Powerhouse

You can read all about the health benefits of almonds here: Almonds, the world's healthiest food.

So because they are so healthy, I decided to use them to bread my chicken, rather than use the usual high calorie tortilla chip. The result was pure bliss. All of us agreed that this is the way I will be breading my chicken from now on. I can't wait to make a chicken Caesar wrap this way! 

Healthy Almond Crusted Chicken

16 ounces skinless chicken fillet
1 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg

*optional:

greens
Ranch

Preheat oven to 425°F. 

Ground up your almonds in a food processor until they resemble bread crumbs.

 Mix together the ground almonds, paprika, Parmesan, salt and pepper into a shallow dish and set aside.

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels, then cut into even-sized long portions. Whisk your egg. Coat each piece of chicken with egg, then dip evenly into the almond mixture. 

Place each chicken stick on a lined baking sheet and drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20 - 22 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside. 

They are great served by themselves, or  I serve mine over super greens and homemade ranch. 

If you like my recipes, please support my work and get my cookbook! Featuring 150 recipes, 100 of which are not on the blog. That's right! 100 new recipes! Gluten-Free Made Easy is the perfect guide to your new lifestyle! Learn dozens of tips and tricks for avoiding gluten and over 150 tasty, simple recipes. Going against the grain has never been easier!

"Gluten-Free Made Easy" is available for sale at Barnes and Noble, Books and Things, Cedar Fort, Amazon and many other great bookstores.