Chocolate Ginger Molasses wafers

Tags

cookie craving, gluten free recipe, Keto, Paleo, The Plant Paradox

This week is my birthday week. Yes, I indulge myself all week. Although I have stuck to my gluten free, Plant Paradox/Keto/Paleo/intermittent fasting diet for over a year (and lost ten pounds!), today I had a craving for ginger cookies and came up with this recipe. Gluten free, Paleo and Keto friendly, and while I am writing, I cannot stop eating them!! Recipe follows:

Formed dough rolled in Turbinado sugar (yes I splurged with the sugar!)

Close up of one dough ball…these were large and unmeasured as I was experimenting.

Right out of the oven…HUGE, larger than the palm of my hand. Next time I will measure with a 1″ ice cream scoop. More to enjoy!

Can you smell these beauties? When cooled they are chewy yet crispy. Enjoy with a beverage of your choice. I like organic half and half.

The Recipe:

Step One:

1 stick of unsalted butter
1/3 cup dark brown sugar (yes rule breaker!)
Put these into a stand mixer and beat until fluffy.

Step Two:

Mix together:

1.5 cup fine almond flour
2 T. cacao powder ~heaping (I use TJ’s organic, fair trade)
2 t. ground ginger ~ heaping
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. ground cloves
1/4 t. ground nutmeg

Step Three:

Dissolve 1 t. baking soda in 1.5 t. boiling water (set aside)
Measure out 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
With a fork, beat one large egg in a small bowl

Optional: Add 7 oz. of dark chocolate chips to the batter and/or 1/4 cup chopped crystalized ginger

Assembly:

When butter and sugar are fluffy, add the dry ingredients from Step Two.
With mixer on low, combine.
Add Step Three and mix everything well.
Remember almond flour contains no gluten, so thorough mixing does not toughen the dough.

Scrape the sides of the bowl and refrigerate dough for two hours.
While dough is chilling, pre-heat your oven to 325F. (I dont use convection for these.)
When dough is chilled, line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

Using a scoop form the dough balls. (I used a large spoon and balls were too large).
I think a 1″ scoop or teaspoon would be perfect.
Drop each ball into a bowl of Turbinado sugar and swirl to coat (optional).
Place each ball on cookie sheet, leaving at least 2.5″ apart. (six balls per sheet)
Place the sheet pan in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Pop the sheet into the oven and bake 12-15 minutes. Check them at 12 minutes. They will be very puffed at this point. I baked these the full 18 minutes, but be warned, this dough will not tolerate overbaking! Scorched cacao and molasses are NOT good.

Remove the baked cookies and cool sheet pan 5 minutes on a rack.
At this point, if any cookie edges are bumping, just take a sharp paring knife and cut at the seam.
Continue to cool, then after 5 minutes, place cookies on the rack to cool completely.
Once completely cool, store cookies in an airtight tin container and keep in the fridge.

Confession: I could not resist eating four of these after the 5 minute cooling period. Now I sit writing with a very full cookie belly. Things could be much worse. After all, this is my week to spoil myself.

Next Day: These wafers, when stored in the fridge, are extra delicious and crispy. Smeared with fresh mascarpone they are extra yummy! Two smaller wafers could sandwich the mascarpone “filling” and would be so pretty at parties! Warm cookies could be cut with a shaped cutter for “pretty” shapes. And if the sugar is too much of a shock for Keto-ers, hold off on rolling the dough in the crystals before baking. Keep in mind too, that this recipe is my birthday splurge. We cannot be good all the time, yes?

Happy spring to all who live in this hemisphere. Those down under are readying for seasonal change.
I am so happy to report that our Congress is voting to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. Mr. Biden, please sign the bill. Turning clocks back and forth has never been fun, and apparently the time change negatively affects humans. The birds never care.

Stay safe my followers and do let me know if you try this recipe.

PS: Do you know the difference between cacao and cocoa powders?

Copyright 2022 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved.

Winter warmer when we pause

Tags

Keto, Paleo, quick recipes, Winter Warmer beverage

I write this on a January morning, with overcast skies and the temperature at 48F. At last I can boast that the interior temperature is now a blazing 68F! A far cry from last week!
There is still frozen snow about, making any yard work impossible. The broken crape myrtle branches are a sad sight, on the ground and many still hang from the crown. I have no way to trim/dispose of these, and must wait to hear from my reliable landscape crew. They are currently inundated with chain saw/chipping requests, so I must wait as I am a small property owner. Thousands of properties were damaged last week. Seven inches of wet snow delivered a wallop to everything in its path.

Still seeking a bit of storm recovery comfort, I decided it was time to create a new Keto/Paleo friendly winter warmer beverage. The perfect way to pause and reflect as we ready for the new year ahead.
So set those tax papers aside, and try this simple recipe.

On hand ingredients made for a quick concoction on this cold winter day…

Following a quick spin in the Vitamix, and brought to steaming on the stovetop, this is a comforting beverage that boosts the soul. This could also be a fine beverage during warmer months, spun with a few ice cubes.

Ingredients: Serves 1

8 oz. RO or spring water
1 T. organic CACAO powder (not cocoa)
2 T. MCT oil
2 T. JOI almond paste
1 t. Matcha powder (ceremonial grade from Japan)
Splash of organic heavy whipping cream
1 T. raw turbinado sugar (Fair Trade, organic), if desired

Spin all this in a blender pitcher until well blended.
Transfer liquid to a pan and heat over low heat just until steaming.
Pour into your favorite cup or mug.
Top with a sprinkle of organic cinnamon.
Enjoy!

PS: I do not received compensation for mentioning/featuring ingredients. I just like to share good product information.

Copyright 2022 By Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Feeling it

Tags

aging in place, body fat, downsizing, healthy food, inflammation, Keto, Lectin free recipes, lifestyle, organic ingredients, pain management, Paleo, quick meals

Days never seem to slow, and meals are simple, healthy, and quick. Below are a few new meal photos that are lectin free, gluten free, both Keto and Paleo friendly and always organic.

I use my dry crepe pan to heat almond tortillas and top them with eggs and hemp seeds. Yummy breakfast. Sometimes my eggs go awry in the pan.

Here are roasted/shredded organic, free range chicken thighs, sliced artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, and a sheet of organic Sushi Nori seaweed stuffed with goat cheese. Almond tortillas add a crunchy twist. Somehow that Nori looks like an eel.

Another breakfast meal variation: Organic, free range eggs, roasted chicken, macadamia and pistachio nuts, artichoke hearts, and a splash of organic olive oil. A one skillet meal always accompanied by a half cup of organic blueberries and a T. of organic heavy cream. A large mug of Rooibos tea with a splash of organic 1/2 and 1/2 or freshly brewed Matcha hits the spot. And yes, I confess I do eat right out of the skillet some days. 😉

Hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, roasted chicken garnished with crumbled goat cheese over toasted almond tortillas make a satisfying meal. Steamed organic kale is a fine side dish.

For months I have enjoyed intermittent fasting, finding my best windows at 8AM and 2PM. So far I have lost 7 pounds and most of that fat. Am I happy, yes indeed.

The trying summer of 2021 is behind me and the gardens are nearly tucked in for their winter’s rest. I mowed for the last time on Sunday. My hips are so relieved. Many outdoor projects are winding down…exterior painting, house washing, removal of the old deck boards on the concrete slab patio, and rock relocation just to name a few. Next week the construction of a new retaining wall on the lower patio is scheduled. Lumber arrives on Monday.

I found a home for my vast collection of heirloom peonies, as in twenty years, they became too much for me to handle. They will be dug, transported, and replanted next Tuesday. My legacy continues.

My heirloom peonies will go to a new home next week.

Downsizing the gardens and aging-in-place continues. My battle against inflammation is ongoing.

How are your projects going? Are you ready for a long winter’s rest?

Keep safe.

Copyright 2021 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

the journey continues

Tags

belly fat, healthy aging, home, Keto, leaky gut, Lectin free recipes, pain management, Paleo

Last post, I blogged about my learning curve regarding aging and pain. Since then I found few recipes online that are lectin-free. I surmise that the Keto craze prevails among the masses.

One thing I did do was carry a copy of lectin-free foods (link is in my last post) and below are some snaps of my quick, easy, fast lectin-free meals. If you are interested in the topic of leaky gut syndrome, follow along. Even if you are from Keto Land, you may learn something.

One skillet meal: Since I cook for one, this example I consume at 2 PM and vary the contents. Contents: Quorn sautéed with organic veggie broth, romaine, Red Garnet sweet potato (pre-baked) and topped with goat cheese, avocado, and aminos. I roast 2-3 Red Garnets ahead of time and keep in the fridge sans skins. One skillet-toasted almond tortilla is always a side for crunch. For dessert I have a piece of organic, fair trade dark chocolate.

If you have not tried Red Garnet sweet potatoes, you are missing out. This variety is the only one I consume. Found at WF and always organic, this potato is so sweet and tender, it needs nothing else. Just roast the scrubbed potatoes on a sheet pan until baby-bottom tender…about 40 minutes at 375F.

In this dish, I have Quorn on the bottom, a large handful of organic cole slaw mix, sliced fennel and radishes that were steamed until tender. Then topped with sweet potato, avocado, goat cheese, and hemp seeds if you like them.

This was a breakfast: Two scrambled organic/free range eggs, sweet potato, pistachio and macadamia nuts, artichoke hearts, and one toasted almond flour tortilla. Not pictured is half-cup of organic blueberries topped with 2 T. of heavy cream. My favorite morning beverage is double-strength organic Rooibos tea with a splash of organic 1/2 & 1/2.

Breakfast always includes two eggs. Thanks to all the hard-working chickens out there. Sometimes I have a wee slice of organic/free range chicken thigh that I roast and shred like pulled pork. Roast the chicken with herbs and spices of choice…I like cumin and chile powder. Perhaps a grab of nuts, and frequently an opened capsule of Host Defense Mushrooms, Comprehensive Immune Support by Fungi Perfecti, LLC. top the eggs.

I am happy to report that this way of eating is melting belly fat. Less weight on my cranky hips is always a good thing. Yes? And I always end my shower with cold water. Ah, refreshing.

Some readers may wonder why I do not mention fish. On occasion I do eat boiled, wild caught shrimp, but rarely. Deeply distressed about the state of our planet’s oceans, I sadly consider oceans a cesspool, filling daily with human contaminates. Perhaps in the highlands of Scotland, the rivers run pure and the wild-caught fish are pristine. Alas. I do drink The Botanist gin. 😉

As I continue my life’s journey, I research and remain curious. One thing both my health care team and I agree on is: I want to continue my life doing the things that I love. Caring for my gardens, where I host toads, skinks, and wild birds, nurturing my creativity, and remaining independent all remain paramount.

Good Read: The End of Alzheimer’s Program ~ the first protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline AT ANY AGE. By Dale E. Bredesen, MD.

Has this blog post inspired you? Can you relate? Please let me know in the comments section.

Keep well and safe.

Copyright 2021 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

My food journey

Tags

aging, belly fat, Keto, Lectin, lifestyle, pain management, Paleo, Plant based diet, Quorn, weight gain, Wim Hof

Aging throws many curve balls.

During the past year, I never worked harder. Keeping up with doubled online baking orders, last September my body baulked. My hip sockets froze. Some days I could hardly walk! For a very active senior, gardener AND baker, this was not the scenario I planned.

Last November, I began my fact-finding journey by seeing spine and hip specialists, had injections, x-rays, ablations, months of deep tissue massage, tried topicals, CBD, and of late, an MRI, yet to date no medical intervention helped. Nada!!!
Living with chronic pain is exhausting and frustrating, especially when the medical profession is of no help…”all the King’s horses…” Pain Management prescribed a muscle relaxer RX that rendered me stupid. Acupuncture was short lived, as Medicare does not cover such treatments. I felt like I had run out of options!

Still the gardens required weeding, weekly mowing, and with a summer drought/heat/humidity from hell, dragging the hose around to new plant material was frequently required.

As a frequent YouTube follower, I discovered only last week, a crazy/passionate guy named Wim Hof. Since traditional docs kept mentioning inflammation, I did further research on Hof. I took his free mini course and began daily deep breathing exercises when I woke, braved the cold shower. YES, A COLD SHOWER!!!!

See his link here: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/free-mini-class

I admit I found the deep breathing a snap, but the thought of the cold shower was daunting. As Nike says, “just to it.” After merely three days, I no longer take hot showers! Only two minutes in the cold, while lathering up, I find my body warming up! And when I step out of the shower, NO pain! Yes, crazy Hof may have ended my suffering.

As I continue my research on pain management, I found yet another topic on YouTube describing leaky gut. At my ripe old age, I presume that I have it. Stubborn belly fat and weight gain convince me, despite an active lifestyle.
I checked out three library books on the topic, and began a new way of eating. I printed out the free list of lectin free foods (https://gundrymd.com/wp-content/pdf/Plant-Paradox-Shopping-LIst.pdf), gave away all gluten/lectin containing foods, and will let you know what happens. I also began intermittent fasting three months ago and eat at 8 AM and 2 PM. I dont miss the snacks or three meals. Of course the new diet permits chocolate…72%, and Trader Joe’s has the perfect bar…organic, Fair Trade, and 72%.
SIDEBAR: I find Gundry’s podcasts oh-so-slow and too much like an infomercial. His books cause me to glaze over, so skimming is the way to glean the info I am seeking. I will continue to look for lectin-free recipes online. OR I will post my creations here on this blog.

The following photos show a few of my new food finds at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Kroger. Quorn Meatless Grounds are also sold at Kroger. * See note below.

Quorn…who would have guessed? From the UK, found at WF and Kroger, and a great substitute for meat made from mushrooms and egg whites. BEWARE: not all the Quorn products are clean… all others I checked contain SUGAR and other non-desirable additives. Always READ LABELS! I also found decent almond tortillas at Trader Joe’s. Just blister them in a carbon steel pan on low heat. Great substitute for traditional “toast.”

Organic hemp seeds from Trader Joe’s…lightly toasted, yummy on just about anything, but made me queasy. The new coconut aminos in BBQ flavor add good flavor to some bland foods.

Lazy moi, WF sells organic coleslaw, raw or steamed…good fast gut food.

Modest first gut healthy meal…sliced green banana, organic radish, almond tortilla, Quorn Meatless Grounds sauteed with good quality, organic olive oil, a splash of Imagine organic veggie broth, and WF slaw is a one pan meal (cover the pan for three minutes and slaw will steam, and grated fresh ginger… topped with goat cheese, coconut aminos, another splash of olive oil, and toasted hemp seed. Voila!

So readers, let me know what you think of my food revelation?
I will keep you updated on my progress. Please share in the comments section and kindly share any links.

Please stay safe, get vaccinated, and wear a mask.

PS: as always, I am never compensated for mentioning items or links. Just want to share knowledge.

Copyright 2021 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved