Chocolate Peanut Butter Pecan Fat Bombs

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pecan Fat Bombs hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet and help increase your fat macros. Plus they’re super easy to make! 

chocolate-peanut-butter-pecan-fat-bombs-recipe

I’m hopping back on the LCHF way of eating and have successfully been on plan for the past week. That means I’ve been able to get through a mini vacation up to Palm Springs AND our annual Cookie Christmas celebration + brunch on New Year’s day with my family. Now that I’ve tackled this first week, I know I can keep it going.  As I continue this journey I’ll be sharing over on my other blog, Low Carb San Diego. I’ll include great recipe ideas, tips and tricks, as well as my personal journey. I hope you follow along! 

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pecan Fat Bombs hit the spot and help me increase my fats (something I always have a problem with). It’s a great treat for the end of the night or for when I know I’m going somewhere with lots of sweet treats. Bringing a fat bomb and one of my favorite low carb bars helps me say no to temptation and press forward. 

chocolate-peanut-butter-pecan-fat-bombs-with-monkfruit-in-the-raw

Find the full recipe here

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SamsClubMag #CollectiveBias

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts

As the seasons change and winter draws closer, I am still dreaming about pumpkin goodies. I’ve made quite a few delicious foods with pumpkin before and love what a great alternative it is to oils and butter in my recipes (although I’m not one to knock oil or butter!). It just brings a richness to certain dishes and a delicious flavor. Plus it’s full of fiber and vitamins! One thing I’ve missed since changing to a LCHF lifestyle, are the pumpkin muffins, waffles, and donuts I make every year. 

I decided to jump in and start recreating my favorite high carb pumpkin recipes into a lower carb option. I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with the results! While these donuts are a little dense, they have the pumpkin flavor I’ve been craving and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee! I could eat them with or without the frosting. And if you’re not a fan of salty with your sweet, omit the pumpkin seeds on top or chop them smaller!

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts - the perfect LCHF pumpkin treat during the holidays

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts

Serves 8 | Calories: 116 Carbs: 5 Fat: 9  Protein: 5 Fiber: 2

Ingredients

For the donuts:

  • 1 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar free granular baking sweetener
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting (not included in nutritional info as portions vary):

  • 1 ounce softened butter
  • 1 ounce softened cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon sugar free maple syrup
  • pumpkin seeds (optional)

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts - making the batter

1. Plug in your donut maker to preheat. Mix together the donut ingredients until well incorporated. Batter will be a little thick.

2. Pour or spoon in batter into each well of the donut maker per your donut maker’s guidelines, don’t overfill!

3. Let bake until slightly golden and done inside.

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts - baked in a donut maker

4. While donuts are baking, whip up the frosting by adding all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisking together until incorporated.

5. When donuts are done, dunk them upside down into the frosting bowl. Place right side up onto a plate and top with pumpkin seeds.

And you’re done! Enjoy.

Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts - add frosting and roasted pumpkin seeds

Looking for more great recipe ideas? Check out these Healthy Living recipes here! You can find lighter versions of your favorite dishes and don’t have to feel like you’re missing out on anything. Plus you can find everything you need for a lighter holiday at Sam’s Club! We were able to find all of our ingredients in the baking aisle.

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Keto Friendly Pumpkin Donuts - perfect with a glass of almond milk

How do you lighten up your recipes during the holidays?

Keto Friendly Grilling Meals: Hatch Green Chile Chicken Drumsticks

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LegendaryTailgate #CollectiveBias

Keto Friendly Grilling Meals- Hatch Green Chile Chicken Drumsticks

So it’s been a little over a month since I’ve switched over to a low carb high fat lifestyle (LCHF) and I’m starting to get the hang of things. I’m a bit obsessed with experimenting in the kitchen and love to find great meals that I can tweak. One of my favorite recipes to make over and over again is mashed cauliflower. I don’t know why… maybe it’s the heavy whipping cream and butter? Yeah, it’s definitely the heavy whipping cream and butter!

But I can’t just eat mashed cauliflower for dinner. Or serve it to the family. They might riot.

This weekend I was doing my grocery run sans kids (yay!) with coffee in hand (double yay!) and I headed down the marinade and sauces aisle. It’s one of my favorite aisles to peruse for help for dinner. Not only are there plenty of lower carb/sugar options, but they help make tasty meals in little to no time. This time around I found a delicious green chile marinade in Stubbs Anytime Sauces. Paired with the Foster Farms drumsticks I picked up on sale, I was ready for grilling!

Keto Friendly Grilling Meals - foil wrapped asparagus Keto Friendly Grilling Meals Mashed Cauliflower with Butter

One thing I love about grilling, even in November, is that I can prepare just about anything on the grill. What’s not to love about a full meal being cooked outside while I don’t have to dirty up the kitchen? Less dishes in my sink. With the help of some foil, I was able to cook up the asparagus and the cauliflower right on the grill along side the drumsticks as they cooked. 

And? It’s perfect for tailgating meals too. When we head out to watch our team play on the field when they’re here in town we love enjoying a meal on the grill before heading into the stadium. Or when we’re hosting family over to watch the game on TV. Grilling makes it easier for us to host our family and enjoy time with them while they’re visiting with us. 

Keto Friendly Grilling Meals BBQ Hatch Green Chile Chicken Drumsticks

Hatch Green Chile Chicken Drumsticks

  • 1 jar Stubb’s Anytime Sauces in Green Chile
  • 1 package (24oz) Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Drumsticks
  • Olive Oil

Place the drumsticks in a 9×13 baking dish. Pour Stubbs Anytime Sauces over chicken. Cover dish with saran wrap or lid and marinate for 4-24 hours.

Preheat grill. Grab a paper towel and blot with olive oil. Rub on grates to prevent meat from sticking.

Once grill is heated, add drumsticks to the grill. Barbecue for 30-35 minutes or until completely cooked.

Let rest for 5 minutes and serve with veggies.

Serves 8 | Nutritional Info: 123 calories, 2 Net Carbs, 2g Carbs, 5g Fat, 16g Protein, 0g Fiber

Keto Friendly Grilling Meals Hatch Green Chile Chicken Drumsticks, Mashed Cauliflower, Asparagus

What’s your favorite thing to grill on the barbecue?

Looking to make grill time easier? Check out Stubbs anytime sauces at Vons! I found mine in the BBQ Sauce and Vinegar aisle.

When you’re in the store, check for an Instant Redeemable Coupon that can be found in-store on the Foster Farms chicken packaging for a discount on Stubbs BBQ sauce so you can save instantly. The coupons expire on 12/31/15.

Stubbs Anytime Sauces at Vons

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna

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Finding an alternative to comfort foods has never been easier. I’m getting creative with making my favorite dishes with help from our sponsor Foster Farms and their Sauté Ready chicken like this Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna recipe.

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna

For months I’ve felt trapped in my post partum body. While I knew having a third baby would change me yet again, I didn’t realize how much harder I’d have to work after my c-section to get my body back. And when I was finally ready to tackle my weight once Norah turned 6 months old, I got hit with a gallbladder attack and my interest in starting a LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) way of eating was curbed. High fat isn’t good when your gallbladder is full of stones. I’d much rather wait it out than feel the wrath of another gallbladder attack.

However I did finally have it removed and felt amazing afterwards. After having my gallbladder removed I was finally able to hop on board and start eating healthier. While I was twiddling my thumbs waiting until my surgery, I read everything I could about keto friendly diets and why butter and cream are actually good for me. During my pregnancy I didn’t care much for sweets. In fact, they made me feel sick. After I had Norah, that didn’t go away. Anytime I ate sweets or carbs I would feel gross and sluggish. So when I finished reading this book, I was able to change my way of thinking and have laid off the carbs and increased my fat intake. Boy does my body prefer this way of eating!

Foster Farms Sauté Ready in the freezer

I stay focused and on plan with the help of planning. I keep a simple list of foods that I call my “go-to” menu stocked up in the pantry, fridge, and freezer to stick with a keto friendly diet. And with Foster Farms Sauté Ready Chicken in my freezer I can make a delicious dinner that’s on plan while still appeasing my family. They’re the perfect high-protein (21g protein/serving) option to keep on hand for quick, healthy mid-week meals. Plus the chicken is 100% natural and cooks in about 10 minutes with no thawing required. Talk about a time saver! And it takes the guesswork out of dinner – it’s homemade made easy.

But when cravings hit and all I want is comfort food, I don’t mind taking a little more time to create a delicious dish. And this Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna sure does hit the spot! All of the flavors of my favorite chicken lasagna with a considerable decrease in carbs. Plus, it’s something the kids would actually try. Like one bite. Hey! It’s better then them turning their noses up, telling me that it’s gross, and then demanding that dad go take them to get chicken nuggets. Yes… that has happened. And yes, dad did give in.

What I love about this recipe is that it really isn’t that difficult. It just has a few extra steps. But if you aren’t watching your carbs you could totally use jarred marinara to make it easier. It’s protein packed, delicious, and full of cheesy goodness. Exactly what I was hoping for when I started cooking. And since I only use 1/2 of the spaghetti squash in this dish, I have more for other recipes throughout the week.

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna with Foster Farms

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 15 ounce can of Italian diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk mozzarella
  • 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning plus more for sprinkling
  • 6 ounces Foster Farms Sauté Ready Garlic Herb Marinated chicken

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Grab your spaghetti squash, a cutting board, a large knife and your muscles (depending on the squash). Cut your squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds (toss or save a few to plant in the garden next year). Put the squash on the foil flesh side down. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until squash is cooked.

While squash is cooking, take 1/2 of the tomatoes and blend until pureed. Set aside. Mix together the ricotta and cottage cheese with the Italian seasoning. Grate the mozzarella.

Once the squash is done, remove from oven and turn around. Reduce heat to 375 degrees. Grab one half of the squash and, while using a fork, scrape out the “noodles” into a bowl. Mix in butter and salt and pepper into the squash.

Add back in 1/2 of the squash. Cover with 1/2 the ricotta/cottage cheese mixture and sprinkle with 1/3 cup of mozzarella. Pour some of the tomato sauce over the cheese and sprinkle with diced tomatoes. Add the chicken. Repeat and cover with remaining mozarella. Sprinkle with Iralian seasoning and bake for 20 minutes.

Serves 4 | Nutritional Info: 309 calories, 8 Net Carbs, 9g Carbs, 19g Fat, 25g Protein, 1g Fiber

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna with cheesy goodness

Looking to save a little on dinner? Simply download and print the coupon you can find here to get $1 off any 1 ONE (1) package of Foster Farms Sauté Ready, or share the coupon with a friend (via Facebook, Twitter or email) for get $2 off any ONE (1) package of Foster Farms Sauté Ready.

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna - low carb and keto friendly

What’s your comfort food?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Foster Forms.

Fall Favorites: Pot Pie + Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

This shop featuring our fall favorites including Pot Pies and this delicious brussel sprouts with bacon recipe has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PotPiePlease #CollectiveBias

Fall Favorites Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon

I have a confession to make. I never had brussel sprouts until two years ago when I had them at a restaurant event. One of their specialty sides was their fried brussel sprouts with pancetta. And oh my word were they good! That’s when I started making brussel sprouts at home. And I’ve finally perfected the recipe. I don’t know why but eating them just feels comforting. Savory, tasty, good.

The best part? They pair perfectly with all of our favorite fall meals. Including our favorite pot pies from Marie Callendar’s. They go with just about every variety too. So when my husband wants to enjoy a delicious turkey pot pie but I want chicken, we can still enjoy the same side dish with our meal. I always keep a bag of brussel sprouts in the fridge and pot pies in the freezer for that last minute comfort food meal.

Fall Favorites Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon dinner

The best part about keeping a well stocked freezer – with plenty of Marie Callendar’s pot pies – around this time of year are the guests we have stopped by unexpectedly around the holidays. I already know that both my mom and my brother are making their way out here in a two months so instead of planning then when everything will be crazy, I plan now and grab a few extra when we’re at Walmart.

Marie Callendar's Pot Pies at Walmart

You can find Marie Callendar’s pot pies in the Dinner aisle of the freezer section. They’re super easy to spot next to the other Marie Callendar’s meals in the freezer.

Oh, and a little bonus tip: you can use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe OR regular bacon. Whatever floats your boat. Also? Pancetta is a welcomed substitution as well. Yum! This meal takes a total of 20 minutes to take and that’s more than welcomed around the holidays so we can spend more time with our family instead of in the kitchen.

Fall Favorites Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon side dish

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4-6 pieces bacon, diced
  • 1 pound brussel sprouts, sliced
  • drizzle of olive oil

Grab a large skillet and heat on medium high. Add butter and cook until it is browned and smells nutty.

Add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent. Add bacon. Reduce heat to medium and toss in brussel sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil. Let saute for about 15 minutes or until brussel sprouts become golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!

Fall Favorites- Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon 30 minute meal

What’s your go-to comfort meal to have on hand in case guests come over during the holidays?

 



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