Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Try making this Spaghetti Squash Bolognese for your next dinner option! Squash offers an extensive list of benefits for your health, as it is rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, is an excellent source of potassium, and supports gut health. Grass-fed ground beef is an excellent source of iron and improves immune function. Tomatoes support bone health and promote digestion. Serve this gluten-free Bolognese with garlic bread and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash

• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery ribs, diced

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb grass fed ground beef

• 1 lb ground pork

• 28 oz crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup full fat coconut milk

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 3 dried bay leaves

• Coconut Oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the squash

1) Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and strings. Brush inside of squash with melted coconut oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2) Position squash face down on baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, depending on preference for softness.

3) Use a fork to scrape “spaghetti” strands from the cooked squash and place in a serving bowl.

For the sauce

1) Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add 1 tsp of coconut oil, celery, carrots, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions become transparent.

2) Add ground beef and ground pork. Sear meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

3) When meat is cooked, add crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4) Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let Bolognese sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.

5) Once sauce is done simmering, add coconut milk and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6) Serve sauce over spaghetti squash. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese and enjoy!

Sausage and Pepper Skillet

Try making this Sausage and Pepper Skillet for your next lunch option! Sausage offers an extensive list of benefits for your health, as it is a source of protein, maintains strong bones, and improves skin complexion. Peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They boost immune function and promote cardiovascular health. Onions support digestive health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help to lower cholesterol. Serve this gluten-free skillet with a crisp green salad and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 yellow bell pepper

• 1 green bell pepper

• 1 large onion

• 16 ounces of gluten-free sweet Italian sausage

• 1 clove of garlic, diced

• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

• ½ teaspoon of thyme

• ½ cup of white wine

Instructions:

1) If sausage is fully cooked, sear all sides of your sausage in a large skillet for about 8 minutes. If sausage is raw, boil sausage for 20 minutes before searing in skillet. After searing, set sausage aside.

2) Slice peppers and onions. In a large skillet, add oil.

3) Cook peppers over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. After 5 minutes, add onion, thyme and garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Then, transfer peppers and onions to a plate.

4) Add wine over medium heat to the skillet. Stir for a minute.

5) Return peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir to coat with wine sauce. Cook for 3 more minutes.

6) Plate your skillet and enjoy!

Almond Yogurt

Try making this Almond Yogurt for your next breakfast option! Almonds offer an extensive list of benefits including boosting cardiovascular health, promoting weight loss, supporting strong bones, and reducing sugar cravings. Although it is sweet, maple syrup helps reduce inflammation, improves skin complexion, and is loaded with antioxidants! Agar agar powder is a plant-based thickener that is rich in fiber and supports healthy digestion. Serve this healthy yogurt with granola and fresh fruit and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw unsalted almonds

• 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup

• 3 cups water

• 3 tbsp arrowroot starch

• ½ tsp agar agar powder

Instructions:

1) Soak almonds in warm water for at least 1 hour. Drain and rinse.

2) In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the almonds, maple syrup, and 2 cups of water. Blend for about 1 minute or until almonds are fully broken down.

3) Use a nut milk bag to strain the almond milk and pour into a saucepan. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can and dispose of the remaining almond fragments.

4) Add the remaining 1 cup of water, arrowroot starch, and agar agar powder. Mix over low-medium heat until dissolved.

5) Bring the pot to a medium heat and slowly bring the milk to a boil. Whisk frequently as the milk is coming to temperature. Once bubbles are rising to the surface, reduce to low heat to maintain a simmer, and whisk for about 2 minutes. This step is to activate the starch and agar, which thickens the yogurt. Remove from heat.

6) Allow the mixture to cool for about 30-45 minutes. As the mixture is cooling, make sure to whisk it every now and then to maintain its smoothness.

7) Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart jar and cover with a lid. Wrap the jar in a towel and place it in a warm, sunny spot in your house, preferably near a window for at least 8 hours. This step allows the yogurt to ferment.

8) When the 8 hours is up, refrigerate the yogurt overnight and enjoy for up to 7 days refrigerated.

S’mores Cookies

Try making these S’mores Cookies for your next gluten-free dessert option! Coconut sugar serves as a healthier alternative to traditional sugar as it has a lower glycemic index. Eggs are an excellent source of choline, which helps boost memory and mood. Eggs also increase good “HDL” cholesterol, which helps fight heart disease. Sea salt serves as an excellent source of electrolytes, helping to promote hydration. Share this cookie recipe with those looking for a delicious gluten-free dessert option and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• ½ cup grass-fed butter or dairy-free butter, melted

• 2 egg yolks

• ½ tsp xanthan gum

• ½ tsp sea salt, plus more for topping

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 ½ cups plus 2 tbsp gluten-free flour

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• ½ cup mini paleo marshmallows

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Combine the coconut sugar and melted butter in a large bowl. Add in the egg yolks and combine well.

3) Toss in the xanthan gum, sea salt, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir until well combined.

4) Pour in the gluten-free flour and mix well. Toss in the chocolate chips and marshmallows and combine well.

5) Use a cookie scooper to scoop about 1 ½ tbsp of the cookie mix and use your hands to roll the dough into a ball. Top the cookies with extra sea salt. (This recipe will yield about 18 cookies). 

6) Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until cookies begin to become golden-brown on top.

7) Allow to cool before serving and enjoy!