This lemon tart, made with a buttery crust and sweet and citrusy lemon filling, is a wonderful way to end a meal! The shortbread crust has 1/2 cup of coconut to add some additional flavor and crisp texture. It can be difficult to ...Continue Reading
Loaded Baked Potato Soup (Gluten-Free)
Loaded baked potato soup is perfect for a winter day. It's wholesome, creamy, buttery, and will warm you up from the inside out. The potato soup is a combination of carrots, celery, onion, butter, bone broth (or meat stock), ...Continue Reading
Butterflied Roast Chicken with Red Onions
Butterflied roast chicken with red onions is my “I don’t want to cook” meal. It’s fast and requires very little hands-on preparation. To prepare - I butterfly the chicken, brush it with ghee, add some onions, season with coarse ...Continue Reading
5-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Creams
These dark chocolate creams are the perfect Valentine's Day treat for you and your loved one, or for the whole family! The beauty of this recipe is that it only requires 5 ingredients, you can serve it warm or cold, and it's ...Continue Reading
2022 Gift Guides
The holidays are here and I'm so excited to bring you my 2022 gift guides! Kitchen Essentials (under $70) Classic Paring Knife: High quality knives are essential for everyday use, and this one is durable and versatile. ...Continue Reading
Homemade Sausage Recipe
Homemade sausage is easy to make and much more healthy than many of the options at the grocery store! I know making homemade sausage can sound difficult, but it's actually very easy. You cut up the meat into large pieces, freeze ...Continue Reading
Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles (Gluten-Free)
Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish and I've upgraded the ingredients with zucchini noodles so they are all grain-free! The chicken is pounded thin, dredged in almond flour and eggs, fried in ghee, and topped with a bit of parmesan ...Continue Reading
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup (Gluten-Free)
Homemade cream of mushroom soup tastes so much better than the variety wrapped in aluminum and is also much healthier! The soup can be served alone as a meal, or you can use it to add to any recipe that calls for "cream of ...Continue Reading
Simple Beef Chili
A comforting beef chili with all the toppings, is a great way to end the day! I streamlined this recipe so there's very little hands-on work involved. The one thing you need to plan for is to soak the beans the night before. ...Continue Reading
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins
Broccoli salad with bacon and raisins is an old Southern favorite. It's a combination of broccoli, red onion, raisins, carrots, pumpkin seeds and bacon and is tossed with a creamy and slightly sweet dressing. This salad is ...Continue Reading
Creamy Chicken, Tomato and Vegetable Soup
Creamy Chicken, Tomato and Vegetable Soup has been a reader favorite for over 8 years now! It's creamy, full of flavor and super comforting. I have a secret for all my soups - sweat the vegetables. This simple technique adds ...Continue Reading
Green Beans with Dates, Oranges, and Hazelnuts
Green beans with dates, oranges, and hazelnuts is an easy side dish to whip up for your Thanksgiving dinner. Is it really important to know what's in everything you eat? I think feeding ourselves and our families requires educated ...Continue Reading
Coffee Cake (Gluten-Free)
This grain-free coffee cake is nice and moist without being too sweet, and has a crumbly topping. Coffee cake is a traditional European cake that was served alongside a cup of coffee. It was traditionally a single layer cake with a ...Continue Reading
White Sangria – A Guest Post from “Easy Peasy Organic”
I've been following Amanda's blog, Easy Peasy Organic, for several years now and I've always loved her honesty, humor and laid-back vibe. She's a strong lady who has survived breast cancer and is very honest about her struggles. I ...Continue Reading
Strawberry Cow
Last week I thought I’d make something fun for the kids. A strawberry cow was fun to sip through straws and the girls loved it. Unhealthy beverages can undermine a great diet. If you’re eating vegetables, healthy fats, meats, and ...Continue Reading
Paleo Bread (Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Gaps)
Most of us like to sink our teeth into a piece of bread, slather some butter on a muffin or eat a crunchy cracker every once in a while. Eating gluten free, grain free, or Paleo can complicate that for us, though. With all the tricky ...Continue Reading
The Unprocessed Kitchen: Step 5 – Salad Dressing
When we’re trying to eat better, we usually add more salads to our diet. Sadly, many of us don’t realize that most supermarket salad dressings are loaded with soy, preservatives, GMOs, processed salts, additives and other unwanted ...Continue Reading
Reading Food Labels
Have you read the labels on the food packaging in your pantry and fridge? Did you find anything surprising, or confusing? Many times the labels can deceive, so I thought we’d walk through the definitions of many common terms found on ...Continue Reading
Chocolate Truffles (Grain Free, Dairy Free, Paleo)
Christmas is in the air! Hymns and carols serenade us as I pack foods like these chocolate truffles for family. My giddy girls complete the joyous process of their last few weeks - carefully finding and wrapping gifts for friends and ...Continue Reading
Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Hazelnuts
Brussels sprouts with lemon and hazelnuts is an easy, nourishing side dish that's perfect for the holidays! Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens which can inhibit the uptake of iodine into the thyroid (which creates low thyroid ...Continue Reading
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars and Cultures For Health
As you know, I’m a “from scratch” kind of girl. Sometimes I enjoy digging a bit deeper by making some of the ingredients for my cooking and baking, like homemade cream cheese for these eggnog cheesecake bars. Making cheese at home is ...Continue Reading
Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Dairy Free, Paleo, Grain Free)
The homemade variety always trumps processed food found on store shelves for me, like homemade chocolate hazelnut spread. There’s always a way to create the same flavors at home without so many harmful ingredients. I’ve made dozens ...Continue Reading
Chocolate Chestnut Mousse Cake (Grain Free, Paleo, Dairy Free)
Chocolate chestnut mousse cake is the perfect holiday dessert to make for the upcoming Christmas season. I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We laid low and stayed home - just the four of us. We played ...Continue Reading
Mashed Cauliflower (Grain Free, Gaps, Primal)
Mashed cauliflower is maybe not a fancy dish, but a welcome one. Its creamy and buttery, but without all the carbs. Of course, Thanksgiving comes with indulgences, but if you want to save your indulgence for another dish, creamy ...Continue Reading
Chicken Noodle Soup (Grain Free, Paleo, Primal, Gaps, Gluten Free)
A bowl of chicken noodle soup is comfort and nourishment. Nothing fancy. Just simple, whole ingredients. Like most people, I’ve watched the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy with a heavy heart. Many people have no power or ...Continue Reading
Pumpkin Ice Cream with Graham Cracker Crumbles (Dairy Free, Paleo, Gaps, Grain Free)
I saw a new Ben and Jerry’s flavor at the grocery store the other day - Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream with Graham Cracker Swirl - and knew I needed to try out a recipe at home. I skipped the “cheesecake” flavor so those of you who are ...Continue Reading
Apple Cake (Grain Free, Paleo, Gluten Free, Gaps)
I posted a whole wheat recipe for this apple cake a couple of years ago and now I've adapted it so it doesn't include grains! What a whirlwind week! I spent the last six days in North Carolina working for Lisa on her upcoming ...Continue Reading
Spinach Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
Spinach salad with roasted butternut squash is a lovely salad that's perfect for the fall and winter seasons. As the temperatures drop and we get closer to the holidays, I like to stock my pantry with flavorful herbs, spices and ...Continue Reading
Pumpkin Pie Shake (Grain Free, Gaps, Paleo, Primal, Dairy Free)
A pumpkin pie shake is a blend of nourishing ingredients that tastes like fall! Sometimes I make it as an after-school snack, but you can make it for an easy breakfast or, topped with whipped cream, a nice ...Continue Reading
Sautéed Leafy Greens
It's been a busy week. A family member was very sick, so I spent most of my week in Texas helping to provide care. What a privilege to spend precious time with family, cooking soups, organic, grass-fed meats, and sautéed leafy ...Continue Reading
Banana Bread (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Primal)
Banana bread is a comforting staple, and now it can be grain-free! Somedays I start feeling discouraged about the food situation in America. I try to focus on the good being done by so many, but it often seems we’re up against ...Continue Reading
How to Roast Bell Peppers
It's easy to roast bell peppers at home, but often times we purchase them from the store instead. Many roasted and jarred bell peppers contain preservatives and additives that are best to avoid if possible. Making roasted bell peppers ...Continue Reading
Zuccotto (Grain Free, Paleo, Primal, Gluten Free)
I think I might be having too much fun with desserts, like zuccotto. I haven’t developed a new sweet-tooth, but am fascinated and challenged by just how many recipes there are to create without grains. I fell in love with this ...Continue Reading
Homemade Air Freshener and NYR Organics
Years ago, I decided to give up all my scented candles and conventional air fresheners and find organic, toxin-free replacements. I adore the scent of a sugar cookie dough candle at the holidays or lemon during the summertime, but ...Continue Reading
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Primal)
Grain free baking is the best, and this chocolate chip cookie recipe is just one example! The ingredients and methods are usually very simple. There’s no worry about over-mixing and causing too much gluten to form. The cookies don’t ...Continue Reading
Back-to-School Lunch Ideas (Paleo, GAPs, Grain Free, Gluten Free)
I think every back-to-school post starts with “I can’t believe the summer is gone!”. That’s exactly how I feel. Summer was great, but all of a sudden it’s time to buckle down, get back to a schedule, and start packing lunches each ...Continue Reading
Hazelnut Frangipane Tart with Peaches and Creme Fraiche (Grain Free)
Sometimes, I want to get creative and whip up a beautiful, fancy dessert like hazelnut frangipane tart with peaches and creme fraiche. Wonderful ripe stone fruits and berries abound this time of year and I love letting my ...Continue Reading
Vegetable Tian
A vegetable tian is a nutritious side dish loaded with vegetables and lots of flavor! Traditionally tian is a layered dish that features thin vegetable slices atop a tomato sauce base. Overtime, other vegetables have been added, ...Continue Reading
Honey-Sweetened Strawberry Jam
If you’ve contemplated making strawberry jam this summer, now’s the time! The berries and fruits are in their prime and with a few simple ingredients, you can make an easy honey-sweetened version of the store-bought variety. Apples ...Continue Reading
Chopped Waldorf Salad
A chopped Waldorf salad is full of crunchy fruits and vegetables and makes a great side dish in the summer! For this recipe you'll need: Boneless skinless chicken breasts Mayonnaise - I like to purchase this one, or make ...Continue Reading
Coconut Tart (Raw, Paleo, GAPs, Grain Free)
Every once in a while, I come across a dessert that makes me head straight to the kitchen, immediately working to adapt my own version. I had my first bite of this delightful coconut tart while in Texas and proceeded directly to Whole ...Continue Reading
July 4th Menu
Fresh produce from the market makes preparing an Independence Day meal much easier. Tomatoes, cherries, herbs and pastured organic beef will headline our menu tomorrow. Here's a look at what we're cooking up: Grilled (Bunless) ...Continue Reading
Roasted Eggplant with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
Roasted eggplant with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil features some of the best summer has to offer. Start with eggplant brushed in ghee and roasted (or grilled) until golden on the edges. Then include one of the most popular ...Continue Reading
Infused Vodka and Other Organic Spirits
One of my favorite ways to preserve the flavors of summer is by infusing spirits. Throw some berries in a jar, pour some vodka, rum, or gin overtop, let it sit for at least 3 days and you’re done - flavored spirits for the entire ...Continue Reading
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds have gotten a lot of buzz lately for their health benefits and ease of use, so I'm sharing this easy chia seed pudding recipe. The tiny little seeds look a bit like exotic black and white swirled eggs from up close. They ...Continue Reading
Gluten-Free Graham Crackers (Paleo)
There’s something so nostalgic about a good graham cracker. Whether you’re making s’mores, whipping up a pie crust, or just want a crunchy snack with a glass of raw milk — this homemade gluten-free graham cracker recipe checks all the ...Continue Reading
Coconut Flour Waffles (Grain-Free, Paleo)
These coconut flour waffles are the perfect nutritious Mother's Day breakfast. Mother’s Day is Sunday and the traditional act of love is breakfast in bed. Many kids and husbands can have a little trouble trying to figure out what to ...Continue Reading
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Some like it crunchy, others doughy. I waffle back and forth, but lately I wanted a grain-free cauliflower pizza crust I could pick up, eat cold, and send with the kids to school without worrying it will fall apart. I love my recent ...Continue Reading
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
This chocolate peanut butter ice cream is one of the best ice creams I've ever had! It's ultra creamy and has an intense chocolate flavor. This recipe is adapted from the book The Perfect Scoop. It's one of my very favorite ice ...Continue Reading
Coconut Flour Cake with Lemon Curd, Strawberries and Cream (Grain Free)
Coconut flour cake with lemon curd, strawberries and cream is a lovely dessert for the summertime! Before beginning my real food journey, I had a terrible sweet tooth. I couldn’t go a day without some form of sweet: honey, maple ...Continue Reading
Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie, known as "Shepherd's Pie" in America, is a comforting stand-alone meal. Cottage Pie has a bottom layer of ground beef, onions, celery, carrots and thyme. It's traditionally topped with creamy mashed potatoes, but for ...Continue Reading
Healthy Skepticism – The Chipotle Video
I’m starting a new series entitled “Healthy Skepticism”. In our world of confusing labeling, genetically modified foods, and very creative marketing, it’s important to ask hard questions before purchasing food. Each month, I’m going to ...Continue Reading
Smoked Salmon, Poached Eggs and Micro Greens
I’ve been a bit preoccupied with breakfast lately. Staying grain-free can lead to mundane breakfasts, and nothing bores me more than eating the same thing over and over. Taking grains out of my diet has fueled my creativity, though. ...Continue Reading
Coconut, Berry, and Spinach Smoothie (Paleo, Gaps)
This coconut, berry, and spinach smoothie is the perfect way to sneak in extra veggies. "This has spinach in it?" My daughter made my day with his question. I've learned a little lesson - when I'm using new or different ingredients, ...Continue Reading
Apple, Cherry and Blueberry Crisp (Gluten-Free)
Apple, cherry, and blueberry crisp is a dessert for anytime of year! This crisp is a combination of apples, berries, sugar, a bit of arrowroot to thicken and some bright zest of orange and lemon. It's topped with some almond flour, ...Continue Reading
Baked Eggs in Prosciutto Cups
Baked eggs in prosciutto cups is our new favorite breakfast. The prosciutto crisps and creates the perfect shell to hold the runny eggs. If you prefer fully-cooked eggs, you can whisk the eggs together before pouring them into the ...Continue Reading
Coconut Hot Chocolate with Almond Whipped Cream
I love whipping up a batch of coconut hot chocolate with almond whipped cream when the days start getting colder. We often discuss organic, unprocessed foods in our house. As I learn, I've made a point to share with my kids so they ...Continue Reading
Coconut Bars
I love these subtly sweet and easy coconut bars. I love the versatility of coconut. The water in the middle of the fruit is full of electrolytes and makes for a refreshing drink. The meat can be dried and flaked to make any number of ...Continue Reading
Pizza (Grain Free, Paleo, Primal, GAPS)
You won't believe how good this grain-free pizza recipe is! I spend most Friday afternoons outside with my neighbors. We pull up our lounge chairs, pour some wine, and catch up from the week. For the past couple of months, I've ...Continue Reading
Blueberry Muffins (Grain Free, Paleo, Primal, Gluten Free, Gaps)
Blueberry muffins are a quick gluten free and grain free breakfast you can even eat on the go! Many of you have requested recipes without almond flour, so I’ve been busy testing baked goods this week. My first is blueberry muffins ...Continue Reading
How to Make Ghee
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, has become my new favorite cooking oil. It can withstand high temperatures without oxidizing or smoking and lends a nice buttery, nutty flavor. It sounds fancy, but it's very easy to make. ...Continue Reading
Pancakes and Waffles
This pancake and waffle recipe is a new family favorite! In my mind, this recipe shouldn't work. 5 ingredients - nut butter, egg, yogurt, vanilla, and honey. With skepticism, I whisked them together, poured them on a griddle and ...Continue Reading
Granola (Grain-Free)
Boy have I missed granola lately! It makes for a quick snack, packs easily for trips, and forms the perfect substitute for store-bought cereal. I've avoided granola for the past few months because it's usually loaded with grains, ...Continue Reading
Gingerbread with Whipped Cream (Grain-Free)
Gingerbread with whipped cream is the perfect holiday dessert to make for friends and family. We are off to be with family for the holidays, but I wanted to share one last recipe before Christmas. A moist, sweet gingerbread cake ...Continue Reading
Almond Coconut Fudge (Paleo, Primal, Dairy Free)
This almond coconut fudge is the perfect treat for the holiday season! As the holiday rush starts to creep in, I'm doing my best to fight it and keep everything calm. This week featured a whirlwind of events from parties to ...Continue Reading
Baked Shrimp with Fennel and Feta
Is there ever a time when a one-dish meal like baked shrimp with fennel and feta doesn't come in handy? Either for a quick dinner at the end of the day or for last-minute guests, I turn to soups, stir-fries or anything else I can ...Continue Reading
Pecan Coconut Muffins (grain-free, gluten-free)
These pecan coconut muffins are so delicious that you'll have a hard time eating just one! Almond flour is a relatively new ingredient for most of use, especially those who’ve recently gone gluten or grain free. I’ve received ...Continue Reading
Huevos Rancheros (Grain-Free)
Many mornings I rush around trying to get the kids off to school and also cook a healthy breakfast like huevos rancheros. I find myself simultaneously signing school papers, emptying the dishwasher, getting a load of laundry ...Continue Reading
Slice and Bake Sugar Cookies (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo)
I've got a fun recipe for grain-free slice and bake sugar cookies! I originally posted this recipe back in 2011, and updated it to add some new decoration ideas for you! This recipe for grain-free sugar cookies is very versatile! ...Continue Reading
Homemade Chicken Stock
There's no comparison between homemade chicken stock and stock poured out of a can. The flavors are much deeper, and the quality of nutrients far surpasses anything you'll find wrapped in aluminum. Chicken stock serves as the ...Continue Reading
Roasted Eggplant with Bell Peppers, Chicken, and Mozzarella
Eggplant has become one of my favorite vegetables lately, so I thought I'd share this recipe for roasted eggplant with bell peppers, chicken, and mozzarella with you. In the past I would buy one or two a year, but never really got ...Continue Reading
Homemade Almond Joy Candy Bars
I like to have a piece of candy occasionally, and making some of our favorite candy bars at home isn't difficult, like these homemade almond joy candy bars. The kids have fun helping, too. My kids are getting really excited for ...Continue Reading
Sesame Crusted Salmon
I made sesame crusted salmon this week and didn't even miss the breading! How's it going? Have you found it challenging to remove the grains from your diet? I want to warn you about replacing grain with sugar. It's an easy thing to ...Continue Reading
Homemade Beef Jerky (Grain-Free, Paleo)
Memorial Day weekend arrives in just a few days, which means lots of summertime road trips and homemade beef jerky! Kids are getting out of school, so summer vacations can’t be far behind. In our family, we like to take road ...Continue Reading
A Whole Foods Thanksgiving – Gluten Free Popovers
I tinkered around in the kitchen the other night and came up with these positively perfect gluten free popovers. The crisp outside wraps an eggy, buttery inside. The easy to prepare batter provides a "no big deal" recipe when you've ...Continue Reading
Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Pie
I noticed at the market this week the summer produce is slowly starting to dwindle. I sighed a little when it hit me: cherry season is really, truly over. Happily, several bags of cherries wait safely in my freezer for use later this ...Continue Reading
Strawberry Coconut Smoothie
I love making my strawberry coconut smoothie for breakfast or a midday snack. Wow, it feels good to be back. After 32 hours of driving, we finally made it to the desert of California. We are now living on an isolated Air Force Base ...Continue Reading
Chocolate Caramel Bars
I was going to wait until December to share these chocolate caramel bars with you, but I just couldn't. I found it in a Martha Stewart magazine the other day and thought for sure I could change up the ingredients a bit using whole ...Continue Reading
Red Pepper, Corn and Potato Soup
I love this red pepper, corn and potato soup! I was inspired to make it after this past week when my husband and I took the kids to Disney World. We had a fabulous time watching the girls eyes fill with wonder and excitement, eating ...Continue Reading
Chocolate Mousse
There's few things I love more than a bowl of creamy chocolate mousse! This recipe is easy to make and big on flavor, making it a family favorite. For this chocolate mousse recipe you're going to need: Organic coconut ...Continue Reading
Everyday Whole Wheat Bread
Here is my favorite everyday recipe for whole wheat bread. The bread can be made start-to-finish in less than two hours and is very easy to put together. It makes two full loaves but you can easily cut the recipe in half. The bread is ...Continue Reading
Whole Wheat Tortillas
These whole wheat tortillas are made with soaked grain and are a great source of carbs without inhibiting digestion. Grains contain a high amount of phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that make it difficult for the body to digest, ...Continue Reading