Archive for December 18, 2015

Christmas Morning Traditions

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It is hard to believe that Christmas is only a week away.  We are all busy preparing for the day, and I have had questions about what to serve for Christmas morning breakfast.  Growing up, we always had the same thing.  We started with grapefruit that my grandfather bought at the produce market.  Then, we moved on to breakfast casserole and either coffee cake or cinnamon roles.  I carried on this tradition with my own family, but need to revamp the pastry portion.

You can always make the breakfast casserole which is a favorite around here!  Check out that recipe here.  You can use any meat…bacon, chorizo, crumbled browned breakfast sausage or grilled links.  They are all delicious.  You can use many breakfast casserole recipes.  Just swap out the milk for cream and do not add any bread.  I promise it will cook just as well.

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Now for the pastry!  I have dabbled around with a few recipes, and we have found a winner for a special occasion.  It takes a little time, and is a little different, but it turned out “amazing”, and that quote is coming from the kiddos!  I hope you enjoy it!

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Crust:

2 cups almond flour

2 T coconut flour

3 T Swerve granular

6 T butter softened

6 egg white whipped very stiff (you want those mountain tops)

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp xanthan gum

 

Filling:

12 oz cream cheese

3/4 cup Swerve confectioners

1 egg

2 tsp vanilla extract

 

Topping:

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup Swerve granular

2-3 T melted butter

 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all your dry crust ingredients:

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Cut in your butter:

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Meanwhile, beat your egg whites:

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They should be very stiff!

Once beaten, fold in your eggs whites.  Losing the volume is normal as you fold, but be gentle.  You want it even and fluffy.

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Place half of your “dough” in a parchment lined 8×8 pyrex or other baking dish.

Bake for 10 minutes, just until it is slightly firm.

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To prepare your filling:

Combine your softened cream cheese, vanilla and Swerve. Beat until it is smooth and creamy.

After your crust has baked 10 minutes, remove and let cool for 5 minutes.

Spread your cream cheese filling on top of your crust.

Then add the rest of your “dough” and smooth over the top.

Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the dough, and drizzle the butter over the top.

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Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes until you have a deep golden brown crust.  It should get dark and crispy.  The “sugar” will caramelize!  YUM!!!!

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Let cool for 30 minutes before serving or it can sit overnight at room temperature.

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Slice and serve!

 

Just as a note, we will be taking the next two weeks off to spend time with our families.  We wish you each a safe, joyous, and blessed Christmas filled with lasting memories, new family traditions, and most of all, love!  God bless, and Merry Christmas!

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What’s in a Mason? Christmas Giving Continued…

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We are still going along with the theme of Christmas gifting!

My mother always told me, “It is better to give than to receive,” and I truly believe that giving someone a gift from the heart is a tremendous blessing!  It really is better to give!

My problem…What to give when you don’t give sugar or bake?

Since I was a small child, I baked with my mother, and then more recently on my own and with my own children.  It is a Christmas tradition.  I have given homemade cookies as gifts for as long as I can remember.   This will be the first year that I do not hand out over 35 dozen iced sugar cookies for Christmas, and I am already hearing about it!  I am known as the “Cookie Lady”, “the friend that gives us the green trees” and am often told, “My (fill in the blank) looks forward to your cookies all year long.”  So, for those of you expecting cookies from me, I apologize in advance.  I just felt it was hypocritical to deliver something that I know is harmful to your body.  I am on track for a healthier gift this year.

Erin talked about things to give that are not necessarily edible.  I want to talk about things that can be delivered in a mason jar.  Why mason jars?  First, they are practical, stay fresh, and reusable. Second, they can be dressed up with cute ribbons, bows, stickers, you name it – go for it on the creativity!  That is, at least, half the fun.  Lastly, the options are endless!  We have posted many recipes that you can use in a mason jar that I will link you to below. Have fun trying out some new fun recipes that you can give to others to enjoy.

So go get your mason jars, and get ready to get creative!

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I have loaded up on tomatoes, Serrano peppers, cilantro, garlic and onion for some red hot Texas salsa.  This will be my main gift for teachers, helpers and neighborhood friends this year.  You can find the salsa recipe here.

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Another great one is the Refreshing Cukes!

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They look gorgeous in a mason jar!

 

Another favorite is some Sugar Free Bar-B-Que Sauce!  Yum!!!

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Or how about a homemade salad dressing or Ranch Dip?

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One of Erin’s family favorites is the Marinated Black Olives.  They were amazing and gorgeous in a mason jar!

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Of course you always have mixed nuts or some kind of nut medley.  You can always season a roast your nuts as well.  There are some fabulous recipes out there for roasted nuts.

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You can also season up some cream cheese or pimento cheese and place it in the mason jar.

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Last, but not least, is a touch of sweet!  We can’t leave out the fat bombs!

These are so delicious, it is hard to just eat one.  Best of all, you can tailor these to your needs based on what you or your friends like.

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There really is no going wrong.  Who ever receives your gift will certainly love it, and you will know it is healthy as well.  Enjoy the holiday season filled with miracles, joy, love, and best of all, giving from the heart.  Rejoice in this season of wonderment!

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What to Gift When Bread Pudding ISN’T an Option

What to give? What to give?

 

We all have those friends, family, and acquaintances that we would like to share some seasonal cheer with this time of year. The ideal gift is personal, thoughtful, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. (Bonus points for items purchased or produced in bulk!)

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That’s why homemade treats are the best! But, once you know how bad sugar and most store bought “goodies” are, it’s hard to give them to people you care about.

 

There are plenty of great recipes out there where you can swap out sugar for a natural sweetener. But, mass producing can be tricky and can also get pricey, especially if you are still experimenting with almond flour, coconut flour, and various sweeteners.

 

So what are other options besides gift cards?

 

Coffee or tea-Have a variety that you love? Share it! People don’t often branch out once they find their morning companion.

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Lotion or other self care item-Some people spend money on these items, other’s really don’t see the need, or don’t know which to try. There is something to be said about a nice shave butter/creme.

 

Candle or candles- I recently received a small soy candle as part of a hostess gift, it was purchased off Etsy and it was AMAZING. I know the moment I have people coming over I run around the house lighting candles.  They just make a home more homey, and with 2 dogs and a cat, one can never be too careful.

 

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Stationary, thank you cards, or desk note pad-it doesn’t have to be personalized and I can almost guarantee it will get used.

 

Small succulent or super easy house plant-think aloe vera or “mother-in-law’s tongue”

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If you do want to try your hand at food items, think about pickles, cheeses, olives, nuts, cured meats, salsa, or the like.

 

Remember wine and various alcoholic beverages can be keto-friendly too!

 

This year we are getting together with extended family on my fathers side. It’s been a few years since we have all seen each other; new cities, new babies, new jobs, chemo, life… Years ago we stopped doing traditional gifts and now just do a “White Elephant” it’s a good time! I’m sure our version is likely different than other’s-only 3 “hand changes” then the gift is essentially frozen and the person that drew #1 gets to pick at the end.  Every year couples end up plotting their moves, the occasional bribe gets tossed out, and it gets oddly competitive. This year will be no different I am sure. However this year, the $25.00 gift must be at least partially consumable. I have gone around and around in my head about what to bring. Of course I have to purchase two gifts one for me and one for the hubs- he tends to let me do most of the leg work in these situations. But I would love some suggestions! Please, if you have any ideas for a group ranging in ages from 25 to late 60’s, I would love to hear them. We are an eclectic (but fun) group, and of course, I want to win the best gift (or 2) in the pile both given and received.

Why was this not our Christmas card?

 

Baby, It’s Cold Out There!

It’s starting to FEEL (and look) a lot like Christmas!  My favorite season of the year!

We had such a hot fall in San Antonio, I was beginning to think it would never get cooler around here, but ‘lo and behold, we finally had a great cold front!  Finally!

The first cold morning around here, the kids were begging for HOT CHOCOLATE!!!

Can hot chocolate be Keto?

Absolutely!

Look at these smiling faces!

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There is nothing better on a cold morning than curling up in your cozy chair with a steaming hot cup of cocoa!  The kids were cozy, happy, and warm!

So how to?

Keto Hot Chocolate

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Do you see that half-gallon of cream????  Oh, yes it is!  Sam’s Club!

You can use more cream and less milk for more keto cocoa and thin with some more water, however, for the kiddos, I don’t mind them having whole milk.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1/2 cup 100% cocoa

1/4 tsp himalayan salt

3/4 cup Swerve granular

2 cups milk

2 cups heavy whipping cream

peppermint flavored Stevia to taste – I used 2 droppers full

The kids especially liked the peppermint flavor added, but you could use any flavor Stevia drops.

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In a heavy large saucepan, combine all your ingredients and whisk well.  Keep watch as you heat over medium heat.  At the end, when everything is combined, it can boil up quickly and make a huge mess, so keep and eye on your sweet treat.  When everything is combined and comes to a light boil, pour in mugs and top with sugar-free whipping cream!  Yum yum delicious!

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