Tag: chocolate

Banana Bread Muffins (All natural, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo/Keto Friendly!)

IMG_7295Banana bread is one of my favorite treats. I have never been wild about bananas (in fact the texture really freaks me out), but I love the flavor! I love the depth of flavor they bring to a simple bread recipe, so it is no surprise that I often let bananas become overly ripe just so I can use them in banana bread. However, the banana bread I am most familiar with is filled with butter and flour and things that make my stomach hurt and body feel sluggish. So I made it a goal to create the same comfort that banana bread brings but with a healthy twist (surprise, surprise).

Now, I love these muffins, but it was one of those recipes that I was nervous for my family to try because they are not as fluffy or full of buttery goodness. Thankfully, these muffins made my parents question the “healthy” factor. They could not believe it was only sweetened with Pure Maple Syrup and that the buttery notes were replaced by coconut oil! They loved the denser texture and the fact you could really taste the bananas. I was obviously thrilled and we consumed all 16 within 2 days.

I honestly do not have as many words as I typically have to share with my other recipes because there are no secret benefits and I am honestly not trying to convince you to try anything too new. These are simply banana bread muffins and if you are looking for a little comfort food in your life, these will give you that comfort without giving into bread made with potentially harmful ingredients.

Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

This recipe yields anywhere from 12 to 16 muffins depending on how big you make them. Feel free to heat them up and add almond butter before consuming. Trust me, it is a great treat!

Ingredients

  • 3 bananas; the riper the better
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon baking power
  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Optional: walnuts, coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
  2. Peel and mash your bananas until smooth.
  3. Add eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Combine with a handheld or standing mixer.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Slowly pour mixture into the banana mix and stir until smooth. If desired, add optional ingredients such as walnuts, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate chips.
  5. Grease your muffin tins (or use cupcake wrappers) to make sure your muffins do not stick! Slowly scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in each muffin tin. This should make 12 to 16 muffins.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes depending on your oven.
  7. Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle on the muffins while cooling (if wanted!)
  8. Enjoy!

 

All Natural, Low Carb Cookie Dough Balls (Vegan, Dairy-free, and Gluten-free)

What if I told you that just because you are trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle does not mean you have to give up cookie dough? I’m not talking about eating cookie dough in moderation (although this is absolutely okay too.) I am talking about getting some healthy fats, protein, and satisfaction from cookie dough that you can eat everyday. Sounds crazy, right? My friend Ryan thought so too after I told him what I was eating as a late night sweet treat that would not harm my body.

IMG_6587If you learn to cook with ingredients that do not harm your body, you can create a variety of different recipes that satisfy certain cravings. We all diet or eat healthy for different reasons. Some are trying to lose weight, some are trying to gain healthy weight, some are trying maintain their weight, some are trying to gain muscle, some just want to be healthy, and if you’re like me, you are trying to fight a chronic condition naturally (to learn more about mine, click here.) All of these reasons are absolutely valid, and you deserve to still indulge, but if you can have an indulging treat that actually had benefits, wouldn’t you take that? I know I would, and I do! So, what are some of these ingredients that are used to make cookie dough balls that have benefits?

  • Coconut Oil: Yes, coconut oil is high in fat, but the fat it is high in is healthy! It actually has the power to turn bad cholesterol into good cholesterol helping aid in digestion, weightless, and curbing your appetite. It is also a powerful brain food that improves memory and brain function. And my favorite benefit? It actually helps fight off unwanted bacteria via lauric acid. Lauric acid is great at killing bacteria and viruses both internally and externally. I once had poison oak, and I was told if I put coconut oil on the spots, it would improve the condition quickly. I actually woke up the next morning and it was almost gone! I personally use Vita Coco Coconut Oil that runs for about $8 at Target…and it is sometimes on sale for only $6! I find it to have the best flavor and scent.
  • Almond Flour: As my readers know by now, I am gluten-free. Almond flour has been a great way for me to be gluten-free without the extra carbs that come from rice and corn flour. Almond flour is actually paleo friendly as well! Not to mention, the high amounts of protein that are in the flour itself. In just 1/4 cup, you can find up to 6 grams of protein! I buy a large bag (3lbs) for $10 at Costco. You can find it elsewhere, but this is a great price!
  • 100% Pure Maple Syrup (all natural and organic): This is not the same as Mrs. Butterworth, or even Sugar-Free Syrup. Pure Maple Syrup is a perfect alternative to sugar. It is lower on the glycemic score, and effects your blood sugar way less drastically than regular cane sugar. It also contains natural antioxidants and vitamins, helps fight inflammation, and improves your digestion. Maple Syrup, like everything else, should be consumed in moderation. However, it is a perfect sweetener to start using in your baking! You can buy an expensive brand, but the one I use is actually from Target for only about $4!

So, have I convinced you to look at my Cookie Dough Ball recipe yet? I made them chocolate chip flavor for this recipe, but in the past I have also made Snickerdoodle, Peanut Butter, and Double-Chocolate Chip. If you’d like the recipe to these flavors as well, let me know in the comments below!

All Natural, Low Carb Cookie Dough Balls Recipe

This recipe yields 8-10 balls depending on the size. Now you can share them, or you can store leftovers in the fridge…or consume all at once. Remember, no judgement here (;

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 4 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup (honey is a great alternative as well)
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup almond or coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • optional: 2 tablespoons 100% pure vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine your coconut oil, almond or coconut milk, vanilla, and maple syrup.
  2. Slowly add your almond flour and mix well by hand.
  3. Gently fold in your dark chocolate chips.
  4. Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Place on a plate or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until solid.
  6. Enjoy!

IMG_6581Not pictured: the two cookie dough balls I instantly consumed to make sure this recipe was delicious x2. Sometimes recipe testing does that to you (; And yes, I used a plate because my fridge has limited room! This clearly works just as well as a cookie sheet!