Category: Gluten Free

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pie with a Vanilla Honey Graham Gluten Free Crust

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It’s Thanksgiving long weekend here in Canada and I’m about to get my bake on! And of course, get cooking too! Truth is, I don’t truly need a reason to bake something special. Baking is a creative outlet for me, and if you’ve been following me over on Instagram @holisticwellnessfoodie – then I’m sure you’ve seen many of my baking creations. 

The thing is, pumpkin pie is not really a favourite of mine. I love baking with pumpkin and you can find many pumpkin dessert recipes on my site, like these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, or my Spice Pumpkin Loaf.

But, pumpkin pie – not my thing. So this year, I had the intention of making a pumpkin pie because well, everyone else in my family loves it, but I wasn’t too excited about it. And then I was going to make a peanut butter pie and thought to myself… “why not just combine the two together? Brilliant!”

And so, my Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pie recipe was born. It’s also damn easy to make and no-bake too.

A few other recipes I’ll be cooking up this weekend include:

My Brussel Sprout Walnut Salad with Bacon (this recipe is in my NEW book, which I will release details about VERY soon!)

Keto Stuffing (I’m using Thornbury Keto bread – and this will be a first. So we’ll see how it turns out)

Pumpkin Marshmallow Almond Butter Rice Krispie Squares (this is also a first and not something I would typically make. I came across pumpkin marshmallows at Natures Emporium and had the urge to try them)

We’re also making my Roasted Turkey Thighs with Fresh Sage and Melted Butter – another recipe you’ll find in my book. This is G’s favourite and to be quite honest, it’s much easier to cook than a turkey.

It’s potluck style, so friends and family are filling in the gaps elsewhere. 

Whatever you get up to this weekend, Thanksgiving or not (for my US friends), I do hope you’ll find the time to do the things you love most, eat some delicious food and bake up my deeelicious Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pie. Be sure to tag me over on Instagram @holisticwellnessfoodie and let me know how you like it!

P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (click here to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise! 

*As a note – I do suggest you add parchment paper to your pie dish. I didn’t, so I couldn’t remove the pie from the dish and had to snap photos of it with the dish. Or, use a springform pan. 

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
2 hr 15 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
2 hr 15 min
Ingredients
  1. VANILLA GRAHAM COOKIE CRUST
  2. 2 boxes Enjoy Life Vanilla Honey Graham Cookies (you'll need roughly 25 cookies)
  3. 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
  4. PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKIN FILLING
  5. 3/4 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter (if you prefer more of a peanut butter taste, go with 1 cup)
  6. 3/4 - 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (again, your preference here on how much you'd like to use)
  7. 1/2 cup full fat coconut cream (from the can)
  8. 2 tablespoons monk fruit (or coconut sugar)
  9. 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  10. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they are ground into a flour like consistency.
  2. With food processor running, slowly pour in melted butter.
  3. Pulse a few times until all is combined, then pour crust into a parchment lined pie dish (roughly 9-inch in size). Using your fingers, press the crust into the dish and slightly up the sides.
  4. *Keep some of the crust in the food processor. This will combine with the filing and add a nice crunch. Also, keep some aside to sprinkle on top of pie or use any leftover cookies and crumble over pie.
  5. Place crust in the freezer to set and begin making the filling.
  6. Add all filling ingredients to the food processor and blend until smooth and well combined.
  7. Pour on top of crust, sprinkle with shredded coconut and cookie crumbs and place in the freezer to set for 2 hours.
  8. To serve, leave pie out on counter for 30 minutes to come to room temp. Garnish with a dollop of coconut whip and serve!
Notes
  1. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or covered, in the freezer for up to 2 months
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
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Gluten Free Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

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As we approach summer, I think we’re all craving no-fuss weekday meals that can easily be thrown together and that don’t have us in the kitchen all night long. 

It’s all about capitalizing on that extra bit of daylight at the end of our work day and soaking up that sunshine. I mean…here in Ontario, we’ve waited for it all winter long, right? 

This one pan meal is not only simple and convenient but it’s also nutritious, hormone balancing and loaded with flavour. I think it makes the perfect no-fuss weekday meal! 

Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish, or my personal favourite, over cauliflower rice.

Did you know that cruciferous veggies such as broccoli actually help us to balance out our  hormones? It’s true. These foods help us to clear excess estrogen from our body. So, eat your broccoli ladies because it’s truly one powerhouse of a vegetable. 

Speaking of our hormones, we’re launching another round of our Metabolic Reset this summer. It’s going to be 8 weeks and we’re including tons of updated information, recipes and other goodies for you! 

As with most women, you might be suffering with hormonal imbalances such as low thyroid function, PMS, PCOS or menopause. Our 8 week high fat, low carb weight loss program is designed specifically for women so you can lose weight with ease and balance your hormones with delicious foods. 

It’s meals like this that you can enjoy in the Metabolic Reset program. One of the questions we’re often asked is, “what will I be eating?” Our answer? Food just like this! Delicious food. Easy to prepare food. Food that the entire family will love. 

So if you’ve been wanting to balance out your hormones and lose weight all without deprivation then get on our wait list here. 

This Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly. It’s a savoury dish with tender strips of beef and stir fried broccoli with a rich umami sauce with garlic, ginger and just a hint of sweetness. 

Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
This Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly. It’s a savoury dish with tender strips of beef and stir fried broccoli with a rich umami sauce with garlic, ginger and just a hint of sweetness.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 large grass-fed steak
  2. 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 2 tsp ginger, grated
  5. 2 Tbsp Bragg’s all purpose seasoning (or extra Tamari)
  6. 1 Tbsp tamari
  7. 1.5 Tbsp coconut sugar
  8. 1/4 cup water
  9. 1 head of broccoli, cut florets
  10. 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  11. sprinkling of sesame seeds, for garnish
  12. 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced
  13. pinch crushed red pepper, optional
  14. 2 cups cauliflower rice, optional
  15. sea salt
  16. black pepper
Instructions
  1. Remove steak from the fridge and let it come to room temp (about 30 min). Get a cast iron pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
  2. Pat the steak dry using paper towel and season generously with sea salt and pepper. Add 1-2 Tbsp olive oil to the pan.
  3. Sear steak in cast iron pan, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium cook (depending on the thickness of your steak).
  4. Remove steak from pan and allow it to rest.
  5. In the same pan, lower the temp and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger and cook out for about 1 minute.
  6. Add Bragg’s all purpose seasoning, tamari, coconut sugar and water. Bring to a simmer for 4-5 minutes or until thickened.
  7. Add broccoli florets, cover pan and cook until bright green and slightly tender.
  8. Slice beef and add it back to the pan with 2 tsp rice wine vinegar for about a minute to coat it in the sauce.
  9. Portion out beef and broccoli and garnish with sesame seeds, green onion and pinch of crushed red peppers.
  10. Optional: serve over whole grains or cauliflower rice.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
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Gluten Free Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

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There are some dishes that you just can’t pass up and gnocchi are it for me! They’re pillowy and delicious – true comfort food. Anyone else love them?

I’m totally a pasta girl. I grew up in a big, Italian family so I think it’s just part of my make up now 😛 As a nutritionist, I’m definitely not anti-pasta and you shouldn’t be either! We eat pasta at least once a week in our household. I love the simplicity and convenience of pasta dishes.

The trick, however, to incorporating pasta on a healthy diet is including a TON of veggies in the dish for extra FIBRE. This is KEY and can’t be overlooked. Veggies help slow the release of the sugars from the carbs in the pasta, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. You also want to look for gluten-free varieties or even bean or legume based pastas which are loaded with fibre and some protein – these are going to be MUCH healthier than your average white pasta. Also, be sure to include quality, healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, ghee or grass-fed butter. Skip the heavy cream sauces and all the cheese (or at the very least, opt for an organic or raw cheese if you can find it) and instead use a pesto or sugar-free marinara sauce.

I’m always on the hunt for new pastas that are gluten-free or have a serving of veggies in them. I’ve also tried a number of packaged, gluten-free gnocchi but they definitely pale in comparison to a homemade version. It really boils down to texture and taste.

My mission was to replicate a traditional homemade gnocchi recipe but ensure that it was gluten-free and whole foods based. I wanted to cut some of the white potato with some sweet potato just to boost some of the nutrients in the dish. I also purchased them organic so that I could use the skins in the recipe. Not only does this save time with preparation but the skin is where most of the nutrition lives – HUGE BONUS here!

This version is awesome because once the gnocchi are made, there’s no boiling involved. Just pan fry them until golden brown and that’s literally it! This recipe also only uses 3 main ingredients for the gnocchi. It’s simple and healthy without compromising on texture or flavour.

Best part – you can whip these up anytime! No need need to reserve them specially for the weekend because the method we’re using cuts down on prep time.

Of course, you can adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences:

Dairy-free? Use a red pasta sauce or pesto instead of the brown butter sauce. More protein? Add some crispy organic bacon or prosciutto or if you’re plant-based sprinkle with 3 Tbsp hemp hearts for about 10g of protein. Use what you have: If you don’t like brussels sprouts or don’t have any at home, this recipe would also suit broccoli, rapini or cauliflower. Use what you have!

Gluten Free Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage
Serves 4
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 5 small russet potatoes, chopped
  2. 1 large sweet potato, chopped
  3. 2 pounds Brussel Sprouts, quartered
  4. 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 3/4-1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour
  7. 5 Tbsp grass-fed butter
  8. 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  9. 6-8 sage leaves
  10. sea salt and fresh black pepper
  11. Broccoli micro greens (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425F.
  2. Wash and chop potatoes into 3 cm chunks, leaving the skin on.
  3. Boil in salted water for 12 minutes or until fork tender.
  4. In the meantime prep the brussels sprouts by removing the outer leaves and trimming the stem. Then halve or quarter them and give them a rinse. Toss them in 2 Tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper. Lay them on a parchment lined cookie tray and roast for 15-20 minutes.
  5. When the potatoes are done, strain them into a colander and let them sit for 2 minutes to
  6. steam. Return them to the pot and mash with sea salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
  7. Place the mashed potatoes out onto a clean surface. Using your hands scrunch the mixture
  8. into a ball with 3/4 cup all purpose gluten-free flour. You may need to use a whole cup but use your judgment. If the dough is too wet, add more flour.
  9. Cut dough into 4’s and roll out into long tubes using your hands. Using a scraper (or knife), rustically cut the tube/dough into gnocchi shapes.
  10. Make the brown butter sauce by adding grass-fed butter to a pan on medium low heat.
  11. When it begins to bubble, add chopped garlic and allow it to sauté for a minute. Then add chopped sage leaves. When butter starts to brown, remove it from the heat.
  12. In a large frying pan over medium low heat add in 2 Tbsp olive oil and pan fry the gnocchi until they get golden brown on each side.
  13. Remove and serve with brown butter and sage sauce, a generous serving of brussels sprouts and broccoli micro greens if you’d like.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/

Did this change how you feel about pasta? Do you feel better avoiding it altogether? Super curious about you have to say on this topic. Share below!

 

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Raspberry Coconut Cream Parfait – Low Carb, Paleo, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free

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Valentine’s day is fast approaching and I don’t know about you but what’s more romantic than a home cooked meal?

These days, our lives are so fast paced that we seldom have the opportunity to slow down for dinner. I mean really slow down: light some candles (non-toxic, of course :P), set the table, break out the organic wine, really connect and make it a special event.

I mean, of course it’s nice to get out of the house and have someone cater to you and even nicer to have someone do the dishes (right?!). So I get dining out. But I honestly think it’s far more romantic to make something yourself. It’s the thought, the effort and the gesture behind it. Maybe just get your partner to do the dishes since you did all of the cooking 😛

After a delicious Valentine’s day meal you HAVE to have dessert! Here’s where we have you covered! This Raspberry Coconut Cream Parfait is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a simple, healthy and low-sugar recipe. It’s also whimsical, light and in Valentine’s Day appropriate colours. It may not be chocolate covered strawberries but it does have whipped coconut cream, which is totally sexy in our opinion 😛

And don’t worry, this dessert is NOT time consuming. Just remember to refrigerate your can of coconut milk the night before. I actually like to keep 1-2 cans on hand, in the fridge for when I spontaneously feel like whipping up something like this 😛 Because isn’t it such a bummer when you’re in the mood to bake and you pull out a recipe and something needs to be soaked or refrigerated for 24 hours? UGH! Preparation is key!

This dessert is perfect because it looks sooooo sinful and yet it’s low in sugar, paleo & keto friendly, gluten, dairy and grain-free. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Raspberry Coconut Cream Parfait

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Keyword: cleaneating, gluten free, grain free, high fat, highfatlowcarb, holisticwellness, low carb, low sugar, paleo, paleodesserts, raspberry coconut cream parfait, refined sugar free, treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

CRUMBLE

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup raw pecans chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds chopped
  • 1/3 cup Lakanto sweetener or coconut sugar
  • 4 Tbsp coconut oil gently melted over the stovetop pinch of sea salt

RASPBERRY LAYER

  • 1 cup frozen raspberries thawed
  • 2 tsp Lakanto sweetener or coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

COCONUT CREAM WHIP

  • 1 can full fat coconut milk chilled in the refrigerator overnight
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp Lakanto sweetener or coconut sugar
  • 70 % dark chocolate shaved or grated (garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375F.
  • Mix all of the crumble ingredients: almond flour, shredded coconut, chopped pecans & almonds, Lakanto sweetener, melted coconut oil & sea salt. Spread out onto a baking sheet & bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • While the crumble bakes, prepare your raspberry layer by mixing together raspberries,Lakanto & vanilla and set aside for now. (I like mine to have a bit of texture, but if you want it to be more of a jam-like consistency then place it in your food processor for a smoother texture).
  • Remove coconut milk from refrigerator and flip upside down. Scoop out the cream only (refrigeration helps separate the cream from the liquid) and using a hand mixer blend the coconut cream, vanilla & Lakanto together until it looks smooth, creamy and whipped.
  • To assemble, portion a bit of the crumble into individual serving bowls and layer with raspberry jam, then a generous amount of coconut cream whip & if you have some good quality dark chocolate, shave or grate some overtop for garnish.

 

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Celery Root Soup (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, AIP)

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Are you familiar with celery root? It’s also called celeriac and it tastes like a cross between celery and parsley. It’s starchy like other root veggies and makes a really fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes (no, really!). So if you’re looking for a low carb alternative, celery root is it! 
 

Although this amazing vegetable offers a lot to write home about in terms of taste and nutrition, it’s one of the less attractive veggies at the market and for that reason, it’s often overlooked. This vegetable gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ It’s shaped like a globe and has this gnarly, uneven and brown appearance – it reminds me of something straight out of Harry Potter 😛 (take a look at the photo and you’ll see what I mean!).

 
On the inside however, this veggie is creamy, white and aromatic – just beautiful. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll kick yourself for not having tried it sooner. 
 
Celeriac is rich in dietary fibre which is essential for maintaining proper digestion. It helps keep everything moving, if you know what I mean 😛 It’s also a good source of Vitamin C and fantastic for helping to strengthen the immune system, especially this time of year (hello cold n’ flu season and cold weather!). 
 
Ok, back to the mashed potatoes talk! When you’re on an AIP diet, the comfort of the white potato is off limits to you. White potatoes are part of the nightshade family and many people who have autoimmune conditions have trouble with them. That’s why it’s invaluable to have substitutes like celery root to lean on when you have these dietary restrictions. You can turn this unassuming veggie into a gorgeous puree or mash to help satisfy that carb craving. 
 
Let’s talk about this soup now. It’s rich and savoury. Luxurious in texture. And adding the cooked bacon bits on top just adds some much needed crunch. Enjoy!
 
We want to know –> what’s the most challenging part of following an AIP protocol for you? Share with us in the comments below. 
 
We love seeing what you’re cooking up! Don’t forget to share your recreations with us on Instagram @holisticwellnessfoodie  @valeriepiccitto
Celery Root Soup
Serves 4
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 slices bacon, cooked & chopped
  2. 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  3. 1 large leek, sliced
  4. 2 1-pound celery roots, cut into 1 inch pieces
  5. 1 cup celery, chopped
  6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  7. 5 cups vegetable stock
  8. 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
  9. 2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  10. sea salt
Instructions
  1. Cook bacon as you normally would. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Chop & set aside.
  2. In a large soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat, add sliced leeks, celery root and celery. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes or until celery root is fork tender.
  5. In batches, carefully blend soup mixture (you can use a hand immersion blender or your blender).
  6. Add the blended soup back into the pot and stir in coconut milk. Season with sea salt.
  7. Portion out soup and garnish with chopped chives and bacon.
Notes
  1. *If you are NOT on the AIP protocol, feel free to add in some fresh black pepper.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
 
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No-Bake Almond Butter Trail Mix Bars (Gluten Free, Vegan, Paleo, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free)

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It’s almost the holiday season! Which means I’m going to be getting my baking on REAL soon. I LOVE cooking and baking for friends and family and these trail mix bars are going to be a hit. 

They took only minutes to whip up and the best part, they are no-bake! I love me some no-bake recipes. It means I can dirty less pots and pans in the process. 

Meet my Almond Butter Trail Mix Bars.

Back in the day when I didn’t care about ingredients and sugar, I ate trail mix and granola bars like they were no ones business. Food companies do a great job marketing their products, leading you on to believe that their bars are healthy. 

And well, I got sold. Over and over again. And so did my parents.

Of course now it’s a different story. I read labels and look out for gluten, gmo ingredients, high sugar content and so on. In fact, it’s not often that I buy packaged foods, unless I know they are from trusted paleo and keto companies. 

Now let’s get real for a minute though. These trail mix bars aren’t meant to be something you chow down on and eat like 10 (although, it’s easy to do that!). They are dipped in chocolate and even though I choose the best organic ingredients and dairy free chocolate, they are a treat. Mind you, a MUCH healthier treat and bar than something you’d pick up at the grocery store. 

They are loaded with healthy fats and omega 3’s, gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free. Get creative with this recipe and use your favourite trail mix ingredients. I used up what I had on hand and for a little sweetness, added in some dried cherries. Cherries and chocolate together are one of my favourite combos! Try my Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins here. 

Onto the baking! Hope you enjoy these delicious gems as much as we did 🙂

P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (CLICK HERE to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise!

 

No-Bake Almond Butter Trail Mix Bars

A no-bake delicious low sugar trail mix bar that is free from gluten, diary and refined sugar. 
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Course: Dessert, Treats
Keyword: baking, dairy free, gluten free, healthy fats, holisticwellness, low sugar, paleo, paleodesserts, paleotreats, refined sugar free, treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Samantha Gladish

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup almond butter
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal I used GoGo Quinoa Chocolate Puffed Cereal
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries or other dried fruit
  • 3/4 - 1 cup mixed seeds I used pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds

CHOCOLATE COATING:

  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

  • Line a baking try with parchment paper. Melt together, over medium-low heat, maple syrup, almond butter and coconut oil. Be sure not to boil the mixture, otherwise, the almond butter will start to burn the bottom of your pot.
  • Once mixture is melted, add in crispy cereal, sea salt, dried fruit, seeds (leaving out the chocolate chips and coconut oil for coating).
  • Combine the mixture well in your pot. Once well mixed, scoop out onto parchment paper and using a spatula, spread it out evenly, making sure to press down firmly. It won't take up the entire baking tray. Just spread it out into a square or rectangular shape. Then place it in the freezer to set.
  • Meanwhile, over a double boiler, melt together chocolate chips and coconut oil.
  • Remove bars from the freezer and using a sharp knife, cut them into 12 individual bars.
  • Dip one side of the bars into the melted chocolate and place chocolate side up, back onto the parchment paper. Once all bars have been dipped (feel free to cover the entire bar in chocolate), place it back into the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
  • Remove from the freezer and enjoy! Store bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or keep in the freezer.

Notes

Links to Products used in this Recipe:
Amazon:
Go Go Quinoa Cereal
Eden Organic Dried Cherries
PureFeast: (use code HOLISTICWELLNESS to save 10% on orders over $75)
Raw Almond Butter
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BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Casserole (Paleo, AIP)

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Casseroles are by far the best and easiest dinners to whip up. Plus, you can make a massive one, enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day and basically meal prep like a BOSS! This BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potato Casserole will definitely win your heart over, and your family too! 

Nothing says fall like sweet potato and although I’m not quite ready to let go of the hot summer weather, I don’t have a choice. I live in Canada and the coldness is approaching – UGH! (I swear I was born in the wrong Country). 

But with fall comes delicious soups and stews, casseroles and all things pumpkin. Like these Pumpkin Almond Butter Bars. They are my favourite and I can’t wait to bake them up again. 

So back to casseroles…

This casserole is quite versatile. Instead of sweet potato, you could use mashed cauliflower, regular white potato, mashed parsnips and carrots, or even cauliflower rice. And to keep this recipe AIP friendly, use an AIP approved BBQ sauce, like this one here. 

You guys might think this dish looks super fancy and time consuming, but trust me it’s not. And when it comes to cooking, I prefer taking the quick and easy route. If I have the time, I’ll make something a little more fancy, but trust me guys – most of the meals that I cook might ‘look’ gourmet but ANYBODY can make them. 

A few notes about this recipe:

  1. I cooked my sweet potato in the instant pot. I placed the rack on the bottom of the instant pot, added in 1 cup of water, then placed 2 large sweet potatoes on top of the rack. I set the timer for manual – 15 minutes and viola. Mashed sweet potato in NO TIME! You can use this method, or boil your sweet potato or roast in the oven. Your call.
  2. The chicken – we bought an organic whole roasted chicken and shredded it up. We used this for lettuce tacos, this recipe of course and for breakfast scrambles. It’s a time saver, but you can roast your own chicken if you prefer.

P.S. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, come join me inside my Healthy Hormones Recipe Club! Are you confused with all the information out there about how to balance your hormones, lose weight + support your immunity? Can’t keep up with all the different diets; Paleo, Keto, Intermittent Fasting, or which one is even right for you Get a monthly meal plan + shopping list + recipes that will help you to support your body, balance your hormones, detoxify and shed some inches in the process! Each month has a different theme (scroll below to read what I’ll be sharing over the next few months!) This Recipe Club is available for a super affordable price, so you can easily say YES to putting yourself first, without breaking the bank. Delicious food & zero deprivation, I promise!

Ok, let’s get cooking. I hope you enjoy this deliciousness as much as we did! Be sure to leave your comments below and let us know how you liked it. We love to hear from you. 

BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Casserole
Serves 4
A Paleo and AIP friendly casserole dish that is loaded with beta-carotene, healthy fiber and satiating protein.
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 5-6 lbs sweet potato, roughly 2-3 large sweet potatoes, mashed (see notes above)
  2. 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter or other choice of fat
  3. Sea salt and pepper (omit pepper for AIP)
  4. 4-6lbs shredded chicken (thigh or breast)
  5. 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose AIP BBQ sauce - see notes above)
  6. 1/3 cup green onion, chopped, plus more for garnish
  7. Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a lage casserole dish.
  2. Mixed mashed sweet potato with coconut oil, salt and pepper.
  3. Spread evenly into large greased casserole dish.
  4. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce and green onion. Spread on top of sweet potato layer.
  5. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Serve topped with green onion and fresh parsley. Serve alongside a large green salad.
Notes
  1. See notes above for tips on cooking sweet potato and preparing chicken.
Holistic Wellness https://holisticwellness.ca/
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Peach Scones (Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free, Low Sugar, Low Carb, Paleo)

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Peach. Scones. Need I say more? Peaches just scream summer and I absolutely love getting my hands on some fresh local peaches and baking up muffins, cakes and all of the things!

This was my first attempt at baking grain free scones and they are a win! 

I’m off to Italy next week and I have a feeling my breakfasts will be filled with croissants, muffins and scones – foods I’m not typically used to eating in the morning. But guess what?! I can’t freaking wait. Bring on the chocolate croissants, the pizza and pasta and the espresso 😉

I do not have one single ounce of guilt or food fear about what I’ll be eating in Italy. I’m going to embrace indulging. But here’s the thing. My body craves eating fresh fruits and veggies, fish and quality meats. So although the indulging will definitely be in full effect, so will the healthy eating. There will be a healthy balance -my healthy balance – and I’m ready to embrace it. 

And with that said, these peach scones are definitely a healthy indulgence. In fact, the ingredients are quite simple and if you’re looking to bring the sugar content down even more, I suggest using Lakanto (my favourite sweetener). You can order it here off the PureFeast.com site. Be sure to use code – HOLISTICWELLNESS – on your first three orders over $75 to save 10%. 

Lakanto is monk fruit. It’s a no cal sweetener and does not impact blood sugar. I used a bit of maple sugar in this recipe because it adds a slightly caramel flavour, which I thought would compliment the peaches well. 

In fact, I wanted to drizzle on some homemade caramel sauce but didn’t have the time. If you’re up for adding some more deliciousness to your peach scones, try my homemade caramel sauce. Click here for the recipe. It’s the same caramel sauce I used for my pecan cookies (which are REEEE-diculously good!). If you haven’t made them yet, it’s a must try. 

OK, I’m off to pack (and eat a scone). Enjoy these treats and savour every bite. Ciao!

Peach Scones (Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free, Low Sugar, Low Carb, Paleo)

Paleo friendly, grain free summer peach scones
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Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Keyword: dairy free, gluten free, grain free, low carb, low sugar, paleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Samantha Gladish

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, sugar, sea salt, and baking powder.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Fold the wet mixture into the dry until a dough forms. (The dough should be pliable but not crumbly or stiff; add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if it's dry.) Fold the peaches into the dough.
  • Place the dough onto the lined pan and form a disk shape/circle, about 1inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges (like a pie or pizza). Move the pieces apart by approximately 1 inch. Bake for about 20-22 minutes, until golden.
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Adaptogen Adrenal Fat Bombs (High Fat, Low Carb, Keto Friendly, Paleo)

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Who woulda thought you could support your adrenals and eat chocolate all at the same time? Well, it’s possible and these adaptogenic adrenal fat bombs are delicious and super simple to make!

First off, let’s go over some of the key ingredients in this recipe that make it magic (aka. adrenal supportive). 

One of the ingredients used was He Shou Wu – a Traditional Taoist Herb and Jing Tonic. He Shou Wu has been used throughout the centuries as a longevity, anti-aging, blood-building, beauty, and rejuvenation food. Long revered as one of the most important and powerful herbs in Chinese Medicine, He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), has a rich and mystical history due to some of its more exotic—and highly sought after—benefits and effects. It is rich in iron and zinc—two hard-to-get essential minerals—and is wonderful for:

  • Improving stamina 
  • Promoting red blood cells
  • Enhancing immune function
  • Increasing antioxidant activity 
  • Can tonify and nourish the blood, hair, skin, nervous system, sexual centre
  • Can stimulate the body to produce many longevity-promoting substances, including superoxide dismutase
  • Can stimulate and harmonize adrenal gland function and promote general endocrine system balance

Sounds amazing right??

Then I added in some Anandamide. I know, another strange sounding ingredient. This is an exquisite blend of unsweetened, raw heirloom cacao and tonic herbs. It’s hand-crafted in small batches using organic or wildcrafted ingredients and freshly-ground spices. This blend may activate and balance the nervous, digestive, and immune systems and is a perfect treat to brighten the mind and open the heart. It is loaded with adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, astragalus, suma, moringa, and reishi mushrooms that may all work together to help boost your immune system, enhance and strengthen energy levels, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Basically, it’s awesome-sauce! And it tastes delicious. I really love using Sun Potion tonics as they are of high quality and great additions to smoothies and elixirs – or amazing just on their own. 

Do keep in mind that if you do not have these products on hand, it’s all good. You can leave them out of the recipe. But, I highly suggest giving them a try since they are amazing for adrenal and hormonal health. 

As you can see from the picture, there is ZERO sugar used in this recipe. If you’d like to sweeten it, I would suggest using Lakanto or maybe stevia. You can add in raw honey or maple syrup, but that will take the sugar content up quite a bit and defeat the purpose of a strictly high fat treat. 

You’ll notice I also used the Perfect Keto Chocolate Collagen. This is a grass-fed keto collagen that provides complete collagen recovery. Collagen has a full amino acid profile and is the most important structural protein in your body. However it’s largely absent from the average person’s daily diet. Keto Collagen protein is 10 grams of collagen peptides from grass-fed cows.

This Keto Collagen is paired with MCTs and gut-healthy acacia fiber for great low-carb energy as well. 

I linked up all these ingredients and if you’re interested in getting your hands on any of them, I shop over at PureFeast.com. This is where I buy just about everything! You can save 10% off your first THREE orders over $75 over on Pure Feast, plus get free shipping, when you use coupon code – HolisticWellness. Please note – they only ship within Canada. 

You can purchase Perfect Keto off the US site here and save 15% with coupon code – HolisticWellness. 

Ok, now, lets get to the recipe. Enjoy!

Adaptogenic Adrenal Fat Bombs

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Course: Dessert
Keyword: adrenals, fatbombs, hflc, high fat, highfatlowcarb, holisticwellness, keto, paleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Author: Samantha Gladish

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup cacao powder
  • 2 scoops Perfect Keto Collagen in chocolate
  • 2 tbsp Anandamide
  • 1 tbsp He Shou Wu

Instructions

  • Add almond butter and coconut oil to a pot and melt over medium-low heat.
  • Once soft and melting, add in remaining ingredients.
  • Stir together until well combined.
  • Pour into silicon molds, then place in the freezer to set for roughly 30-45 minutes. You can use large or small molds, or pour this onto a tray lined with parchment paper to make fat bomb "bark."
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