Gluten Free

  • Oscar Night

    The Academy Awards February 24 do you watch and have a viewing party? I remember the first time I ever watched the Oscars. I was in High School and my sister and I went to our friend’s house for dinner and to watch the Oscars. We had so much fun and we had the best dinner! I love popcorn and went I think of watching a movie I crave a buttery bowl of popcorn!! Related posts:4 Things Stealing Your Energy and How to get it Back!Kristin McConnellHi!! I’m Kristin McConnell,  I am so glad you are here! I am a wife to my amazing husband and a Mom of two…

  • Peanut Butter Cookies Close Up

    Peanut Butter Cookies

    Decembers Recipe Redux Challenge/Theme was to grab the nearest cookbook and “ReDux” the recipe on page 201, 18, 218 – or any combination of the number ‘2018.’ I grabbed my trusty Better Homes and Garden Cookbook my Grandma bought me after I moved out of my parents home.  So to say the least I’ve used this cookbook a lot over the years. Original recipe title Peanut Butter Cookies in the Better Homes and Garden page 218. It was purely a coincidence this recipe was a sweet treat which I feel it totally appropriate for this holiday season! In reality, you can make this treat any time of year it’s a…

  • Healthy Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

    Healthy Butternut Squash & Apple Soup It’s soup season and I have to say my family and I love soup! Especially on cold snow days. I made this butternut squash and apple soup last year and it was a huge hit. I decided to make it again. This time we not only used butternut squash from our garden but we also had delicious apples from our apple trees on the property! I am so in love with the opportunity to have some land so we can have our garden, orchard and I can’t forget my wonderful chickens and ducks. It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating homegrown vegetables!…

  • Spicy Roasted Almonds

    Spicy Roasted Almonds This months Recipe Redux Challenge was to create a crunchy recipe. The first thing that came to mind was spicy roasting almonds. I’m actually been wanting to make these for a while now but just haven’t made time to do so until now.   With hunting season here my husband needs some healthy on the go snacks. He loves some extra spicy treats so this recipe will be perfect for his hunts or for your camping trip or hiking. Oh, course they would also be perfect for school lunches, BBQ’s or just a simple grab and go snack.   Health Benefits of Almonds 1. Boost Brain Health Almonds are…

  • Picnic Season

    Its that time of year! Picnic Season! Did you know that April 23rd is National Picnic Day?!   I am hoping the weather will be nice so we can have a picnic dinner on National Picnic Day! I have always enjoyed a good picnic from driving up to the mountains to a backyard picnic with my kids. When my husband and first started dating we went on a lot of fun picnics, we would drive somewhere preferably in the mountains and where there was a lake, river or stream so Ryan could get a little fishing in. What are your favorite picnic dishes you like to make?   Here is a quick and…

  • Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Easter is almost here! What are your plans and traditions for Easter? We usually do Easter brunch with the family and then we go for a hike if the weather is nice. Decorate easter eggs and look for eggs around the house an yard. This year shoud be super fun with hidding all the eggs throughout the property! If you still have to make some Easter baskets, check out my Candy-Free Easter Basket ideas or my Healthy Easter Recipe Blog Post  For this months Recipe Redux, we were challenged to share our favorite family recipes for springtime celebrations.   My Mom makes an amazing Carrot Cake! My kids…

  • brownie cookies on a cookie sheet

    Keto Brownie Cookies

    Keto Brownies Cookies  “I received free samples of Swerve mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Swerve and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.” Keto Brownie Cookies! Over the weekend I was recipe testing. And, not just any recipe I was testing Brownies!! Yep, My kids were in Heaven! I made a batch and it was good but they were a bit crummy. My goal was to make these Paleo, Keto and gluten-free as well as use this new sugar that I received Swerve. Swerve is a delicious natural sweetener that measures cup-for-cup just like…

  • Zucchini Bread on a wooden cutting board

    Paleo Zucchini Bread

    Paleo Zucchini Bread I love zucchini bread but traditionally made it can have up to 3 cups of sugar! Yikes!!! For this months February  The Recipe Redux Challenge we were challenged to make some bread! I went to my freezer to see what I had on hand to use to make some delicious bread. I found several frozen packages of zucchini from our garden! Score! I love zucchini bread and so does my family. The next challenge was banana I was all out of fresh bananas and then I remembered I have frozen a few for my morning smoothies. I quickly defrosted them. I place the bags of zucchini and banana into…

  • InstaPot Pomegranate Pulled Pork

     InstaPot Pomegranate Pulled Pork ** I received free samples of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by POM Wonderful and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.** POM Wonderful 100% Juice is powered by antioxidants. The pomegranate is whole-pressed, meaning a unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants from two whole pomegranates – including its fruit, pith, and rind – is found in each 8 oz bottle. • Research that includes POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice uses 8 oz per day in its studies on muscle strength recovery, memory and…

  • Pomegranate Spritzer

    Pomegranate Spritzer   ** I received free samples of POM Wonderful mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by POM Wonderful and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.** I am so excited to be able to be part of the amazing #CrazyHealthy contest. Have you tried Pom Wonderful? My family loves this juice. I was given these samples from Pom Wonderful but all the options and recipes are my own. I actually had a hard time keeping my kids from drinking the juice before I had the opportunity to make a new…

  •  PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOW CREAM CHOCOLATE BARS

     On the second day of Cookies, my Trainer gave to me…   PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOW CREAM CHOCOLATE BARS  gluten free, grain free, dairy free,soy free, nut free Prep time – 1 + 1/2 hours + overnight chillingYield – about 12 barsNo bake! Ingredients8 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate1 Tablespoon Coconut oil1 Tablespoon beef gelatin1/4 cup water1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon raw honey1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or 2-4 drops Peppermint essential oils 1 pinch sea salt4 candy canes, smashed Instructions: • Fill a medium saucepan about halfway with water. Place pan on the stove over high heat until the water almost boils, then turn the heat to low. Place a medium sized glass or metal bowl over the…

  • COLLAGEN HOLIDAY LOAF RECIPE

    COLLAGEN HOLIDAY LOAF RECIPE This classic loaf recipe is taken to new heights with this healthy, collagen-infused version. It’s sure to keep you warm all winter long! If you haven’t tried Vital Proteins’ new delicious Collagen Creamers, you need to. These diverse creamers can be incorporated into any recipe your heart desires, so naturally, a holiday loaf needed to be created. Gingerbread cookies and loaves are a time-honored tradition for many cultures, including here in America, where the soft-baked loaves are more popular than the stiff variety used to make gingerbread houses. Ginger root was considered by many ancient civilizations as a valuable commodity, as it helped disguise the flavor…

  • 12 Days if Cookies

    Day 1 of 12 Days of Cookies

    I am so excited to start this blog series this month  12 Days of Cookies! These recipes are delicious and healthier versions. I have something for everyone, Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-Free, Vegan… Day 1 of 12 Days of Cookies!  On the first Day of Cookies, my trainer gave to me…  These energy peanut butter protein balls are my take on the tradition Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie. I don’t just make these protein balls just around Christmas time, I make them for parties or for a quick grab and go snack. I have made these for my bunko group, Christmas party, school parties and they are a big hit. Energizing Peanut Butter Protein Balls Paleo, Gluten-Free,…

  • Super Detox Salad

    Super Detox Salad   This salad tastes amazing! And who doesn’t like a clean healthy anti-inflammatory detox? =) This super detox salad is full of health benefits.   Let’s talk about the dressing ingredients.   Apple Cider Vinegar:  Can help acid reflux, lower blood pressure, improve diabetes and support weight loss. The benefits of apple cider vinegar come from its powerful healing compounds, which include acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics, and enzymes. Turmeric  Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory. This common culinary spice is prized in many cuisines around the world and…

  • Baked Donuts

    You must try these healthy protein packed baked donuts! You can really get creative on flavor. The picture above I make with chocolate protein powder. These baked donuts are great for a quick and easy breakfast or dessert. I would recommend eat them with a side of bacon and eggs. My kids love these and totally freaked out the day I made them! “You made DONUTS!?!?!” I just love seeing their excitement over these healthy baked donuts. These did not last very long in our house they are pretty much gone as soon as they are glazed. Comment below and tell me what you think of this recipe. I’d love…

  • Strawberry Lemon Protein Muffins

    Strawberry Lemon Protein Muffins   Strawberry Lemon Protein Muffins These muffins are so good. My kids love them and could easily eat the whole batch if I would let them!! These muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go, add in your lunch for a quick snack.   Related posts:4 Things Stealing Your Energy and How to get it Back!Kristin McConnellHi!! I’m Kristin McConnell,  I am so glad you are here! I am a wife to my amazing husband and a Mom of two fabulous kids. I love gardening, raising chickens, bee keeping and baking sourdough bread! livesimplywithkristin.com

  • Beef and Broccoli

      Beef and Broccoli Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy dinner recipe your whole family will love. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful! Just think Protein and Produce. Related posts:4 Things Stealing Your Energy and How to get it Back!Kristin McConnellHi!! I’m Kristin McConnell,  I am so glad you are here! I am a wife to my amazing husband and a Mom of two fabulous kids. I love gardening, raising chickens, bee keeping and baking sourdough bread! livesimplywithkristin.com

  • Pumpkin Breakfast Bake

    Related posts:4 Things Stealing Your Energy and How to get it Back!Kristin McConnellHi!! I’m Kristin McConnell,  I am so glad you are here! I am a wife to my amazing husband and a Mom of two fabulous kids. I love gardening, raising chickens, bee keeping and baking sourdough bread! livesimplywithkristin.com