One of my favourite markers of this time of year is the first rhubarb harvest. In addition to the delightfully tangy taste, rhubarb has been linked to weight balance, cardiovascular health, digestive ease, bone strength, cancer prevention, improved circulation, and even prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s due to its high levels of vitamin K...
Read moreGrain-Free Carrot Cake with Dairy-Free “Cream Cheese” Icing
As I write this, it’s both Easter and Passover. During Passover, Jewish people avoid foods that naturally “leaven” such as grains and legumes. And then there’s the association of Easter and springtime with rabbits and carrots. Plus a family member who can’t eat eggs and dairy, and then my own personal goal to avoid refined products in my cooking such as white sugar, while keeping it minimally blood sugar disruptive and as clean and natural as possible...
Read moreSnickerdoodle Fat Bomb "Fudge"
For many of my clients, moving towards a diet that focuses more on quality fat and proteins, while simultaneously reducing carbohydrate consumption is the key to their wellness goals. As you’ve heard me explain on numerous occasions before, eating too many carbs causes blood sugar issues, which can lead to a number of health concerns such as mood and energy fluctuations, weight imbalances, inflammation, hormonal problems, and then of course the more serious chronic considerations like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, cognitive dysfunction and memory loss, anxiety, depression…the list goes on...
Read moreFudgy Walnut Brownies
Presenting some seriously chocolaty, fudgy brownies with walnut pieces, chocolate chips, that are grain-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, high fat, moderate protein, and low carb. You can even throw in a scoop of collagen powder into the mix to give them even more protein, and that glorious tissue-reparative benefit of collagen...
Read moreTahini Cardamom Cookies with Cranberries and Pistachios
I’m a sucker for Mediterranean and middle eastern flavours. Maybe it’s because my mom was born in Jerusalem and I visit Israel often and die over the food there every time I go. Maybe it’s because I have many Persian friends who are constantly showering me with their delicious creations. Or maybe it’s just because things like dates, honey, tahini, rose water, and the vast array of spices utilized in eastern cuisine are insanely delicious AND incredibly good for you...
Read moreButter Pecan Bars
Here’s a holiday treat that is safe for the GF folks in your life (you might be included in this), but so yummy the non-GF people won’t mind…or even notice! No, they’re not dairy-free if that’s a concern for you, and yes, there’s a hefty serving of sweeteners like coconut palm sugar and maple syrup terrible for blood sugar control, but as long as you’re using quality ingredients, and only having a small piece, the harm is arguably minimal. And in all honestly, if you can avoid the refined sugar, refined flour, chemical-laden, shit-storm that consumes so many people’s lives at this time of year, you’re doing alright in my books...
Read moreStone Fruit and Berry Crumble
Crumbles aren't inherently bad for you. Take away the refined sugar, and the unnecessarily high-carb often overly-processed topping (ie. refined flour and refined oats), and you’ve got yourself a pretty stellar treat! It’s a great way to use up whatever seasonal fruits you have lying around, and if you’re adding in healthful fats like nuts, seeds, coconut oil, and even that coconut-y cream-y dollop on top, the blood sugar spiking risk of the sweeter ingredients will be significantly diminished.
Read morePaleo Apple Cinnamon Pudding Cake
As I mentioned in the Chewy Chocolate Chunk Walnut Cookie post, I am a strong believer that there are no such things as failed desserts, just opportunities for a new pudding recipe! Enter Exhibit A: the apple cinnamon pudding cake. It was supposed to just be a normal apple cake, but I added a tad too much tahini, liked what happened, then remade the recipe with some warming spices for a delightful fall treat!
Read moreChocolate Espresso Cake (grain-free, refined sugar-free)
Oh coffee and chocolate! The delightfully deadly combination is many people’s Achilles Heal for a reason. Rich, sinful…energizing! One of my personal favourite indulgences in the world is sipping on a lovely little latte or espresso while nibbling on a piece of rich dark chocolate. So what happens when you combine the two in a moist, decadent cake? Pure heaven!
Read moreRaspberry Lemon Cashew "Cheesecake" (raw, vegan, paleo)
There are endless iterations of cashew cheesecake out there, but this version has a lovely, light, almost mousse-like texture perfect for hot summer days when you still want something sweet, but not overly heavy. Plus the seasonally appropriate raspberries and fresh lemon juice give it a delightful zing, that in my humble opinion, couples wonderfully with a refreshing sparkling adult beverage of choice...
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