Dessert Dates

These dessert dates will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Dates are full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy nutrients! They are considered a superfood, known to promote good digestion, help treat anemia, and lower cholesterol levels. Almond butter is rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and magnesium. Adding pistachios to this quick recipe will provide you with a number of antioxidants, Vitamin B, and fiber. They are known to improve the immune system, reduce cholesterol levels, and are packed with phytonutrients. Enjoy this sweet treat for a snack or dessert!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pitted dates

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1) Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2) Open each pitted date and fill with almond butter and pistachios.

3) Once each date has been filled, place baking sheet of dates in freezer for around 10-15 minutes.

4) Remove baking sheet from freezer and enjoy!

Slow-Cooked BBQ Pork Chops

This slow-cooked BBQ pork chop recipe is not only tasty but will have your home smelling delicious while cooking in your slow cooker all day. Pork is known to be full of protein as well as low in sodium and fat. It is high in thiamin, vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc! Tomatoes are high in an antioxidant called lycopene, which helps reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Maple syrup is an excellent alternative to refined sugar and a great source of manganese, which is important for bone health. Mustard and onion powder add just the right punch of flavor to this recipe and have powerful anti-microbial properties. If you are looking for a healthy comfort food recipe that cooks itself, you can’t go wrong with this BBQ pork chop recipe!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pork chops

• 15 oz can tomato sauce

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 3/4 cup water

• 2 tsp mustard (ground)

• 3/4 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp of smoked paprika

• 1 tsp of sea salt

Instructions:

1) Place all ingredients (except pork chops) in a medium sized pot and mix well.

2) Cook pot over stove top flame on high heat and bring ingredients to a simmer.

3) Once simmered, lower heat to medium and let cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside 1 cup of the BBQ sauce for this recipe. Let the remaining sauce cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

4) Cover bottom of slow cooker with some BBQ sauce and place pork chops on top. Cover pork chops with remainder of BBQ sauce.

5) Cook on high for 5-6 hours until pork is cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 170F). Enjoy!

Salmon Salad

This savory salmon salad is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients needed to get you through the day! Any type of leafy green implemented into this recipe will be sure to provide you with Vitamin A, C, and K. Leafy greens are known to be rich in iron, lower blood pressure, and help with weight loss. Salmon is known to help improve heart health, strengthen bones, and is a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Adding in avocado will provide you with healthy fats, soluble fiber for digestion, and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of nutrients like Vitamin C and A! Combine all of these fresh ingredients with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and spices and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Makes 2 large salads

• 1 can salmon (wild caught)

• ½ avocado, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• 4 cups mixed greens

• 1 dash salt & pepper

• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1) Drain salmon.

2) Place mixed greens in bowls.

3) For dressing, use separate cup and mix oil, vinegar, and mustard.

4) Top greens with salmon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

5) Drizzle with dressing and top with salt & pepper. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Paleo Samoa Bars

These gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo friendly Samoa bars will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Coconuts are known to be rich in fiber, increase energy levels, improve levels of good cholesterol, and help with weight loss. Substituting almond flour for traditional wheat flour in this dessert is a great alternative, as it is gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. Almond butter is rich in fiber, calcium, and magnesium. Using maple syrup as a sweetener provides antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to this sweet treat. Drizzle on some dark chocolate and toasted coconut and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Yields 16 bars

• 1 cup almond flour

• 2 ¼ cup coconut, shredded

• 1 cup toasted coconut, shredded (for topping)

• ½ cup almond butter

• ⅔ cup maple syrup

• ¾ cup coconut oil

• 3 oz dark chocolate

Instructions:

1) Line a 9 x 5 baking dish with parchment paper.

2) Combine 1 cup coconut (non-toasted), almond flour, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and ⅓ cup of melted coconut oil in a bowl to create the crust.

3) Place well-combined crust into pan and place in freezer for 10-15 minutes.

4) Combine almond butter, 3 tbsp of coconut oil, and the remaining amount of maple syrup and coconut (non-toasted) to create caramel layer. Remove dish from freezer and pour caramel on top. Place dish back into the freezer for another 10-15 minutes.

5) Combine the dark chocolate and remaining coconut oil in a small stove pot and warm until fully melted.

6) Remove dish from freezer and drizzle chocolate over the top. Sprinkle on toasted coconut. Place dish back into the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

7) Once hardened, remove dish from freezer, slice into 16 squares, and enjoy!