Simple Brown Rice Pancake Snackers [Low Carb][Vegetarian]

Well they're not green (what a shame!) but as per phone request for baked gluten free coconut flour 'stuffs', I thought I'd whip up some simple and quick higher protein pancakes.  I also hate random products laying around and I was trying to think of what to do with this rice protein I have in the pantry since I haven't used the stuff in ages (cause it's not green as Jon would say).   The verdict was to cook up something which was edible or feed it to the chickens.... so we have pancake snackers! 

 Of course since I don't usually eat nor do I even like bready foods, these are mostly for snacking on when I get home late from art class- or whenever.  They must meet my requirements of a) using something coconut and b) be low glycemic.  Not my usual style, but hey this loose 'recipe' should be sufficient to get ya'll out there making baking recipe phone requests started.  

Brown rice protein is a very clean protein nonallergenic which is highly bioavailable (well for plant based aminos).  I do always have philosophical musings on any protein since any isolated substance probably isn't good for you in the long run.  At least Grog didn't find canisters of powders hanging out in the fields with the bison.... 

These aren't Paleo but they do fit the low carb and low glycemic vegetarian profile for those of you out there.  I usually use hemp powder or straight coconut flour for pancakes but I thought this would have more mass appeal (the hemp makes nice green brownish pancakes which make even worse pictures believe it or not!).

Brown Rice Protein Pancakes

Serving size: 8 small pancakes or 2 servings

 

Thanks girls! (That's to our hens- the green one is probably from Blackbeard, one of our Americanas)

 

Brown Rice Protein, Jarrow brand 1 heaping Tbsp 2.0 x Custom Food (15g)
Egg, whole, raw, fresh 4.0 x 1 small (38g) (courtesy of our hens)
Leavening agents, gluten free baking powder 2.0 x 1 tsp (4g)
Salt, table 1.0 x 1 dash (0g)
wilderness naturals coconut flour 1 T.

water~2 oz or enough to hydrate batter (remember coconut flour absorbs a lot of liquid!)

stevia glycerite liquid to taste.  I used a hefty drizzle but it is optional

spices: 

cinnamon about 1 tsp

cayenne, dash

turmeric, dash

 

Prep:

Crack and beat the eggs in a small bowl.  Heat frypan and melt in coconut oil for frying.  Mix all ingredients well.  Feel free to add some great low carb berries (blueberry, cranberry, etc) or even some nice steamed spinach (mmm.. there I go thinking green again).  Fry about 2 minutes per side and flip when bubbles appear on edges. 

 

They turn out great- nice and fluffy which was surprising since I improvised the whole 'recipe' this morning wandering around with low blood sugar. I'm looking forward to snacking on them when I get home tonight, well if there are any left.

Rough nutritional info, courtesy Nutrition Data.com

Next pancake or muffin post will be one of my staple (and paleo friendly) hemp and/or coconut creations.  Until then sprinkle on some Himalayan pink salt (mmm, better topping than nasty syrup or HFCS "syrups" for sure!) and munch.

Green "Muffins" [Paleo][Low Carb]

Want a healthy Halloween appetizer, snack, or just a plain old hearty munchie? Try some ghoulishly green muffins (don't fret they're just spinach egg muffins).  I was trying to find a good Cindalou option for a Halloween party dish and Jon suggested that I just make some of my normal food- something gross looking and green goo-ish.  For once we agree ;)

I adapted this recipe from Steal This Meal Spinach Egg Muffins, though I have made similar in the past with coconut flour.  This time I added egg whites (since I had them) and used my Vitamix (since I'm lazy).  Steal this meal also has a nice kale recipe for those kale fans out there... that's me, of course.   They have a great Paleo recipe and lifestyle site so check it out.  No, I don't know them I just like their stuff.  Not everyday you can mash the superfood vitamin and mineral packed bags o' spinach and farm fresh free range eggs into a Paleo party bite.  Well, around here it is an everyday thing...  You can almost sing the alphabet in vitamins in this dish- give me a "A," "K," "MaGNESIUM."  Not to mention bioavilable B12, choline, selenium.  You get the idea.  Alas, onto green goodness:

Ingredients:

6 whole fresh eggs

1/4 c. dried egg whites (or 6 egg white equivalent or just more eggs) + water (see below)

3 cloves raw garlic

3 lbs. frozen spinach

1 T. lemon juice (optional)

sea salt and pepper, to taste (about 2 t.-1 T. each)

spices to taste: I used ~1 T. crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, and 1 t. cayenne)

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

Steam the 3 lbs frozen spinach with 1 T. water and 1 T. lemon juice (if desired) until vibrant green but soft and cooked (7-10 mins depending on temperature). Set aside and let cool. 

Line muffin cups and spray with nonstick spray or coat with coconut oil (or real butter). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In the Vitamix (or your blender) add the powdered egg whites (I used 1/4 c. dry egg whites= 6 egg whites of the Deb El Just Whites brand) and water (1/2 c. then additional 1/4 c water to make smooth consistency) and blend on low until dissolved (1-2 minutes, varying speed). 

 

Using a jam press or slotted spoon drain the spinach until very dry. I also used my flat fold colander to help squeeze out all the liquid, though hands work fine also. 

Add the spinach to the egg white-water mixture in blender. Blend on medium for 1 minute to help mix. Add 6 raw eggs. Add garlic and spices (also pepper, 1 T. Italian seasoning and 1 T. crushed red pepper) and extra virgin olive oil. 

Blend on medium mixing with Vitamix damper. When well mixed (2-3 minutes) turn to high and mix vigorously until well blended and bright green (my favorite!) Spoon into muffin cups and bake at 350 for 15-17 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Best toppings (as if they need 'em): raw organic almond butter or coconut oil (butter for ya'll dairy folks out there).  Actually a kalamata olive would go nicely too...

Yield: About 22 medium "muffins" (I swae that count is before I ate half the batch!)

I added this recipe to Nutrition Data for the stats and label: 

Read More http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/recipe/2308774/2#ixzz1btYk6byI

Army of green goblin goodness... ahh yum!

Coconut Milk Yogurt At Last! [Dairy Free] [Soy Free] [Vegan] [Low Carb]

Alas, the coconut milk yogurt has materialized in my kitchen! Sorry for the ridiculously long wait, but as I mentioned previously in my Ginger Sea Bass post, we were waiting on the probiotic and then went to GA for vacation after my exam and blah blah. Yo don't care, right? The yogurt is here in all of its gluten free, dairy free, soy, nut, corn, yeast, yadda yadda free glory!! I am really sorry I am a month late, Seamadien :) Can you forgive me? I am loving your spinach pie and that St. Pats pot pie looks intriguing...

Anyways, back to the coconut yogurt and why I chose Christian from Stephen's Recipes for my adoption way back when. I have a very strong connection to family (at least in my mind, don't ask my mom :) ) and I admire someone who has children and not only devotes their love and energy to them, but also sets aside time to blog about allergen free living for the rest of us! Christian has a sense of humor (see the taste warning at the blog header) and is committed to providing the healthiest environment for her boys. Today in the American age of McDonald's for dinner and tv or texting during a meal instead of family conversation, family values are of high esteem in my mind. I must sound like a crazy fanatical conservative, but sorry to disappoint you Pat Roberson- I just believe in good, ethical, moral living and loving. You chose your flavor of religious, moral, and lifestyle beliefs to suit you, in so long as you do not infringe on others' rights.

In any case, put the tv remote away and don't worry about bringing a Whopper over to dinner at my place. Cindalou's practices good old family mealtime courtesies and stimulating light dinner conversation like "So Mom, what is the exact significance of Jesus being divine for you? Why do people want someone else to die for their sins? That seems like a bit of a break in the personal responsibility chain..?" Ahh, musings of a curious child with really annoying questions and an even more annoying quest for deep, "not canned" responses. I think I offend people with these questions, but I really want to understand. Can you lend me a hand? Or answer? Please..??

And please excuse my politicking; we just met our favorite candidate for NC Congress, BJ Lawson, and "Mr. Liberty" Presidential Candidate Dr. Ron Paul himself is coming to both UNC and Duke on Jon's birthday- May 2nd!! Our amazing Tarheels for Paul coordinator Paige arranged for Jon to have lunch with Dr. Ron Paul, Dr. Lawson, and a few other campaign donors for his birthday too. I'm so excited!! It's not everyday you get that offer since presidential candidates are swamped with supporters at every stop. I believe both Obama and Hillary are in Chapel Hill now as well - I'll have to go check that out. It will just be such a relief to hear something other than McCain being the only Republican candidate on the ticket. This is not true and just shows irritating ignorance. Ergh, enough political frustration - I know everyone feels it in every party (or nonparty) :) How about some gluten/dairy free yogurt goodness?

Coconut Milk Yogurt (half batch)
1 can (15 oz.) organic coconut milk or lite coconut milk
heaping 1/4 t. dairy free probiotic*

Tools Needed:
2 half-quart Mason jars (I used cleaned salsa jars)
large stainless steel spoon
2 large/medium stainless steel pots (I used a double boiler nested pot setup)
kitchen thermometer
a few old clean kitchen towels, a large pot and lid (large enough to hold mason jars) OR yogurt maker

Yeah, we have a wee bit of coconut milk hangin' around...

*I used Culturaid dairy free probiotic since it is free of many of the common allergens: gluten, dairy, yeast, corn, and soy.

*UPDATE* As several of you have pointed out, Klaire Labs has discontinued Culturaid. I've written a length response in the comments section, but to keep it short, we recommend Dr. Ohhira's, Essential Formulas Inc., Probiotic, a 60 capsule probiotic with 12 active cultures, a 5-star rating from 300+ reviews, priced at ~$34.50 - $5 (Referal Coupon Code: JOC350), or $29.50, less than the Culturaid and other competing allergy free probiotics/yogurt starters.

Instructions for Coconut Milk Yogurt
[Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Corn, Yeast Free and Low Carb/Low Fat]

1.) Sterilize your container(s):
I boiled water in my electric kettle to sterilize my yogurt jars and stainless steel pot. After the water boiled, I let it sit for 10 or so minutes while I went onto step 2. When you need two yogurt containers, just discard the hot water.

2.) Pour out the sterilizing water from the pot and pour in the coconut milk. If you didn't shake the can and the milk has separated, just give it a quick stir with a clean/sterilized stainless steel spoon. Turn the milk to medium high heat and keep your thermometer handy. Bring the milk to just boiling with your thermometer in the milk, but not resting or touching the pot (you want the temperature of the milk, not the pot). Continuously stir the milk until it reaches around 160 degrees. I've seen the range of 170-180 degrees for "normal" milk in order to kill the bad bacteria, but the canned organic coconut milk does not suffer bovine growth hormones, animal antibiotics passed into the cow milk, pesticides, or any chemical residues that can hamper regular milk. I am more lax with the temperature for this reason. If you'd prefer to go to the higher temperature, go for it, but make sure to keep stirring so the milk doesn't burn. Several discussions about this post around the internet have questioned my rationale for this step - i.e. "why boil the coconut milk at all? Canned coconut milk ought to be sterilized in the canning process". This is true. The culture requires a coconut milk temperature between 80 - 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so the 160 degrees cited above is likely overkill.

3.) Set up your yogurt-making area.

The yogurt culturing area can be a real yogurt maker or this handy type setup shown below. All that is necessary is that the yogurt stay around 100 degrees (or as close as possible). I placed 2 jars in my largest pot with a few warmed towels on the bottom to insulate the jars. I used 1 jar for steaming hot water and the other jar for the yogurt. Here's a cool site for making yogurt by livelonger on HubPages which gives nice pictures and the incubation idea of a cooler and hot water instead of a yogurt maker.

4.) Let the coconut milk cool. Check the milk comes to around 100-110 degrees before adding the probiotic starter. Once the milk has cooled, stir in the probiotic starter. If you were making normal cow-based dairy yogurt, you could use premade/purchased yogurt with live cultures instead of specialty probiotic starter. For dairy free coconut milk yogurt, we can't do this of course- hence the Culturaid.

Boil some more water and pour into one of your open jars shown above. The hot water in this jar along with the insulating towels and closed pot will help keep the yogurt jar warm so the cultures can grown during incubation.

Pour the inoculated yogurt/coconut milk into the other jar and close the lid to keep it warm. I added a few more towels for jar insulation.

5.) Cover the whole setup or your yogurt maker. I turned my pot to very very low heat (barely on) to keep the setup warm. You may not need to do this depending upon the temperature of your kitchen. It was cold and rainy when I made this (Murphy's law in action). Let the yogurt ferment for 6-10 hours. Mine took more like 10 hours since it was so cold in my kitchen (crazy spring weather). Let the yogurt rest while it ferments.

6.) After the allotted time has passed, check the coconut milk yogurt. It should be firm and more of a yogurt texture. Mine was not as thick as cow milk yogurt (which often has yucky thickeners in addition to the plain old yogurt, especially if you eat the nonorganic kind), but it was definitely thicker. It had a nice slightly sweet-sour yogurt bite to it as well as all those uber healthy (nondairy) probiotics! Now I can down yogurt by the quart like Jon, right? :) Refrigerate the yogurt when it is thick and "finished."

The probiotics in yogurt and fermented foods (kraut, etc) are the "good" guys you want in your intestines to help improve your immunity, keep you regular, build and strengthen your bones, lose weight, and detoxify you. One of my favortie online general health bloggers, Cathy Wong, has a great summary of probiotic health benefits and possible interactions. The Harvard Medical School Health Guide also has a good article with some interesting folk uses for yogurt. Probiotics are especially vital in the healing process for those with compromised digestive systems, like those with IBS, Crohn's disease, and Celiac. In addition to this dairy free yourt, I love homemade red cabbage kraut and NutriWest total probiotics. I've noticed a sincere and immeasurable difference in my digestion and energy. It's just anecdotal evidence, but it does obey my "it works" philosophy. Yet another great resource is USProbiotics.org. A general Google search on the health benefits of probiotics is overwhelming, so I'm barely scratching the surface here. Don't fret, I'll be back ranting about them much more in future posts. My other favored site for health info at World's Healthiest Foods has a great summary on (regular) yogurt. Keep in mind that this coconut milk yogurt is dairy free, but since it is cultured with the probiotics it will contain many of the same fermentation byproducts like some B vitamins.

Oh, and Melissa, I have not forgotten about the 6 line meme! Uhh, I am still struggling with 6 (positive.... or at least not blaringly negative) things to say about myself. Here's a try at 6 words that summarize who I am:

1. independent
   
2. open minded
3. compassionate (my mom might disagree when we get into politics, hehe)
   
4. tenacious (strong willed? what's the difference... it is subtle I guess)
5. assertive
6. principled (to a point of aggravation of others I'm afraid :) )

Do I get another 6 billion words to describe a bride-to-be with a few more weeks until her wedding? Suppose not .. stupid rules! Who makes up these things? Why do we need so many rules... why can't we do fun things, like list the top 6 problems with modeling the cosmic ray muon flux near the surface of the Earth? Come on, please? I could use some help and non-wedding motivation :)

Since this post is already riduclously long, I'll be back with a recipe and/or use for the yogurt later. For now I'll just stop here and go spoon some of the leftover yogurt on some freshly ground flaxseed (omega 3's, high protein, and all carbs=fiber), sliced fresh pear (keeping the washed, organic peel for fiber and vitamins), and a drizzle of blackstrap molasses (high in iron, B vitamins). Hey after writing all of this, I'll a little wiped out for a whole fancy recipe :)

A new recipe using yogurt that looks delicious is from Natalie @ Gluten Free Mommy who whipped up some yummy Yogurt Raspberry Lime Ice Cream. I can't wait to try it or something similar! I use the Vitamix to make many of our ice creams/sherbets, so maybe I'll toss some coconut yogurt into my old Raspberry Smoothie in honor of your ice cream, Natalie! (I don't use the egg protein anymore, its not necessary with the coconut yogurt and protein powders are NOT health foods- they're more like weight-building short term tools (I am still trying to gain weight & muscle) and not long term health or meal replacements. The only powder is still love is Manitoba Harvest's Organic Hemp powder- it comes in protein powder, powder plus fiber, and good old hemp seeds- all with the perfect balance of Omega3:6 fats for optimal health! It makes a killer blueberry smoothie, Yum!

Tangerine and Spinach Omelet [Paleo] [Low Carb]

After a long, blessed holiday season and New Year, we're back with some seasonal citrus and fresh spinach. I hope the holidays were as great for everyone else as for us; I have been so busy visiting with family that I haven't had much time to sit down at a computer at all. I'll fill everyone in on all the boring details of our Celtic wedding shower which we held on Yule (Winter Solstice) and whatnot later, but for now, let's eat!

2 Clementine oranges, peeled & sectioned
4 oz. whole organic mushrooms
1/2 bag (5 oz) fresh spinach
4 free range eggs
2 T. extra virgin coconut oil (frying)
2 jalapeños (optional)
~ 2-3 oz. lite coconut milk (for whipping eggs- optional, can use water)

Seasonings:
garlic powder
rosemary (fresh)
curry powder
1 T. balsamic vinegar
2-4 T. extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and pepper

Turn your skillet to medium high and add the coconut oil to melt. Add a tablespoon of water (or lite coconut or other "milk" or olive oil) and whisk the eggs in a medium bowl. Wash and pat dry the spinach and fresh rosemary. Peel and section the oranges and set aside.

Add the mushrooms, orange segments, and seasonings to the skillet and saute for about 2 minutes until the mushrooms are a bit brown. Add the spinach, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil and reduce the heat to low, covering and steaming for another 1-2 minutes or until the spinach is just barely limp or soft and bright green. Uncover and remove everything from the pan and set aside. You may want to add more coconut or olive oil to the pan so the eggs do not stick.

Whip the eggs one last time and add the fresh rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Pour the eggs into the pan and cover. Cook at low to medium low for a few (~2-3) minutes until the eggs are set and no longer runny (they even steam and "poof" a bit when they cook covered).

Once the eggs are finished, add the previously sauteed veggies to half the egg. Use your spatula to gently lift the sides of the egg to ensure no egg stuck to the pan. Finally, use the spatula as a lever and flip the uncovered half of the egg over the filling and serve garnished with a sprinkle of fresh pepper and rosemary sprigs.

Banana Spice Pancakes

1/2 c. all-purpose gluten free baking mix
1 egg
2 ripe organic bananas
1 t. vanilla (organic/fair trade)
1/2 t. non aluminum baking powder
dash 50-50 cinnamon/cayenne
1 t. cinnamon
dash nutmeg
1/4 c. water
1 T. organic virgin coconut oil or extra virgin coconut oil (frying)
1 T. honey or agave nectar

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in beaten egg, water, and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in the cinnamon-cayenne and nutmeg. Drizzle in the agave nectar (or honey). Slice or mash in the banana and mix the batter until it is smooth.

Melt the coconut oil (or olive oil) in a large frying pan and preheat the pan to medium heat (5). Once the oil is melted, turn the heat down to 3 or 4 and spoon in batter. Cook 2 minutes until the sides bubble. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Serve with a dash of cinnamon, or your choice of fresh fruit topping, Smart Balance Vegan butter, honey, or agave nectar.

Variations:
1/4 c. porridge and/or 1/4 c. raw cranberries

Gluten Free Granola and Hemp Muffins

These muffins come from the recipe off the Enjoy Life Gluten Free Granola which we found as a new item at Kroger yesterday. I was so excited to try the gluten free granola despite the fact that it is almost $5 for a tiny box (of air! - gluten free air specially manufactured in a facility...).

Very berry sawdust, mmm

I made my first mistake in thinking that I ever I missed granola. This will be a very biased review since I never liked granola, but then again I'm not a carb person. My subsequent mistake was in believing it would taste like real granola... or something other than stale brown rice syrup. I should be fair and say Jon tried it and he said it was decent, but would be improved with milk and lots of cinnamon and honey. If you like or miss granola, this might be ok for you since Jon has a better sense of granola than I do.

I followed up my buying mistake with an entertaining hour-long painstaking irritable dance around the kitchen while I tried to follow their recipe. I hate following directions. I can't do it, so I added some organic hemp protein and organic blackstrap molasses (skipped the brown sugar) to make it more my own. I should have added flax just to spite my dad who responded "No flax! I don't like that stuff, yuck" when I asked what he wanted with his homemade steak dinner for Christmas. Got it dad, extra flax. Double flax for that, but no flax here. Plenty of rice monstrosities masquerading as "granola" though :)

1 c. Enjoy Life granola (I used the berry variety)
1/2 c. brown rice flour
1/2 c. buckwheat flour
1/4 t. sea salt
3 t baking powder
1 T. cinnamon
1 small organic apple with skin, chopped
2 T. organic hemp protein powder
2 eggs
1 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c. lite coconut milk
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. agave nectar
1 T. organic unsulfured blackstrap molasses
1/4 c. raisins
1 T. organic raw pumpkin seeds
1 T. raw organic sunflower seeds
1/4 c. shredded organic reduced fat coconut
1 organic banana, chopped

Coat your muffin tins with nonstick spray and preheat oven to 350 degrees. I used a large muffin tin of 12 cups plus smaller 6 muffin tins. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (except the fruit). In a separate smaller bowl, combine wet ingredients while adding the molasses and agave last. Add in the wet ingredients and stir well. I used a potato masher to squash the banana into the dough. Add the chopped apple, raisins, coconut, and seeds and stir until well mixed. Fill the muffin cups about half full and add extra granola on top if desired. Bake 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.

Yield: 22-25 muffins

Cran-Blueberry Coconut Flour Muffins [Low Carb] [Paleo]

1/2 c. organic coconut flour

~1/4 t. (dash) xanthan gum
~1/2 t. non-aluminum baking powder
dash sea salt
4 packets (single serving) Stevia
cinnamon
3 eggs at room temperature
1 T. organic vanilla
2 T. organic virgin coconut oil (melted or liquid form) OR ~1/4 c. Earth Balance Vegan Butter*
1/4 c. frozen raw cranberries
1/4 c. frozen raw organic blueberries
1 T. agave nectar
~15 T. water, added one T. at a time to adjust consistency

Spray muffin tins with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients. In a seperate bowl add the eggs and whisk well. Add the vanilla and coconut oil (or melted and cooled butter) to the eggs and beat together. Pour the egg mix into the dry ingredients while stirring so the coconut flour does not clump up. Add the Stevia, agave, and cinnamon and continue to stir. Stir in the water one T. at a time and mix until the batter is not thick and sticky. Coconut flour's high fiber content will quickly soak up the moisture, so go quickly and use your judgment as to extra amounts of water. I would err on the side of more wet (but not runny) batter since the dough thickens as it sits and cooks. You don't want hockey puck muffins!

Add the berries and stir. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. You may need to cook them longer if you had runnier batter; the muffins are done when the tops are brown and slightly firm to the touch, not mushy.

Yield: 6 muffins

My muffins turned out soft and moist on the inside, but next time I'm going to add some apple butter or applesauce for a richer taste rather than full-on water. The rule I've found experimenting with coconut flour is to make the batter moister since a typical (non-coconut) batter consistency tends to turn out too dry due to the high fiber. It is an interesting trial and error baking process since I am adjusting other coconut flour recipes which all call for a ton of butter and/or eggs.

*Note that often vegan butters contain soy, so if you're soy free read carefully

Avocado Sage Mushroom and Turkey Omelet [Paleo][Low Carb]

Ok, let the leftover turkey recipe bombardment begin! This is the morning-after quick and easy creation which will give you a high protein energy boost for the day. This makes a huge omelet which heartily serves two. If you are cooking for yourself, the leftovers make for a great packed lunch.

4 free range eggs, whisked with ~1 t. water
~ 3/4 c. chopped, cooked turkey
8-10 fresh basil leaves
1 medium ripe avocado, sliced or chopped
1/2 onion
1 large jalapeño with seeds, sliced
~ 4 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms
~ 2 c. fresh torn kale
2 T. organic coconut oil (or more olive oil), for frying
1 T. extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings:
sage
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
dash crushed red pepper
sea salt and pepper

Turn your skillet to medium high and add the coconut oil to melt. Add a tablespoon of water (or lite coconut or other "milk" or olive oil) and whisk the eggs in a medium bowl. Wash and pat dry the kale and fresh basil. Tear the kale into bite sized pieces. Finely chop most of the fresh basil, reserving a few leaves whole for garnish. Slice the mushrooms if they are not presliced and chop the cooked leftover turkey into bite sized pieces or shreds. Chop the onion into small pieces.

Add the mushroom, onion, and turkey to the skillet and season. Saute together for about 2 minutes until the turkey is warm and the onions are a bit brown. Add the kale and reduce the heat to medium low, covering and steaming for another 2-3 minutes or until the kale is soft and bright green. Uncover and remove everything from the pan and set aside. You may want to add more coconut or olive oil so the eggs do not stick.

Whip the eggs one last time and add the fresh chopped basil, sea salt, and pepper. Pour the eggs into the pan and cover. Cook at low to medium low for a few (~2-3) minutes until the eggs are set and no longer runny (they even steam and "poof" a bit when they cook covered).

Once the eggs are finished, add the previously sauteed veggies and turkey to half the egg, as shown above. Use your spatula to gently lift the sides of the egg to ensure no egg stuck to the pan. Finally, use the spatula as a lever and flip the uncovered half of the egg over the filling and serve garnished with a sprinkle of fresh pepper and whole basil leaves. This make a hearty breakfast and lunch of leftovers.

Apricot and Cranberry Biscuits [Vegan][Low Carb Variation]

10 (~ 1/2 c) no sulfur organic apricots, chopped
dash sea salt
3/4 t baking soda
1/2 t. xantham gum
1 T. organic apple cider vinegar
1/2 c. organic brown rice flour
1/2 c. organic buckwheat flour
2 heaping T. potato starch flour
1/4 c. organic raw frozen cranberries
1/2 c. organic unsweetened applesauce
6-7 oz. organic unsweetened apricot jam
2-4 T. cinnamon

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use kitchen shears to chop the apricots into about quarters. Add the apricots, whole cranberries, and cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Spoon in the apricot jam and stir the mixture thoroughly. Add the applesauce and give everything a final good mixing.

Coat either your baking loaf pan or muffin tins with nonstick spray and spoon the batter into them. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until the biscuit tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 16 fabulous biscuits!

Apricot Hunks of Biscuit Delight

Low Carb Option:
3 no sulfur organic apricots, chopped
dash sea salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t. non-aluminum baking powder
1/2 t. xantham gum
1 T. organic apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. organic coconut flour
cinnamon
1/4 c. organic raw frozen cranberries
1 T. organic unsweetened applesauce
1 T. organic unsweetened apricot jam
~ 1/2 c. water (add more if too dry)

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use kitchen shears to chop the apricots into about quarters. Add the apricots, whole cranberries, and cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Add the applesauce and stir. Add the water and mix well. If the coconut flour absorbs too much of the liquid and the batter is very thick, add a few tablespoons of water, one T. at a time, until the batter is thinner. Coconut flour's high fiber will continue to soak up the liquid, so on yoceu've settled on a "good" batter consistency, you should bake as soon as possible.

Coat either your baking loaf pan or muffin tins with nonstick spray and spoon the batter into them. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the biscuit tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 9 luscious small low carb biscuits.

Low Carb Coconut Flour Cinnamon Apricot Biscuits [Vegan][Paleo]

Quick Coconut Grits [Vegan]

1/2 c. dry organic yellow grits
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. lite organic coconut milk

1/2 c. shredded organic no sulfur coconut
2 T. Earth Balance light Vegan butter (or extra virgin olive oil)*
dash sea salt
parsley for garnish

First, bring water and grits to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the sea salt, vegan butter (or olive oil), coconut milk and about half of the coconut flakes. I reserved the rest of my coconut flakes for adding after the grits were finished so there was a nice mix of somewhat crunchy and some chewy flakes. All of the coconut flakes you add in the beginning will absorb moisture and become softer, so adjust the coconut amount and timing to suit your texture preference.

Cover the grits and simmer on low for 5 minutes. After the grits are finished, stir in the leftover coconut flakes and serve topped with parsley. You may wish to add a dash of coarse sea salt before serving. These were great and a nice variation on our weekly breakfast grits.

*Use extra virgin olive oil for soy free since many butters and margarines have soy oil in them.