Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Try making these Bacon Wrapped Scallops for your next snack or appetizer option! Scallops are a delicious type of shellfish that offer many health benefits. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are a great source of zinc, and provide plenty of Vitamin B12. Garlic has anti-bacterial properties, helps reduce blood pressure, and serves as an excellent source of antioxidants! Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and great for heart health. Serve these bacon wrapped scallops at your next gathering and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dry scallops (about 14)

• 8 oz bacon (about 7 strips)

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 clove garlic, diced

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Half lemon and fresh parsley for topping, optional

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Season the scallops with sea salt and black pepper.

3) Cut the bacon slices in half so that you get a total of 14 strips. Wrap the scallops in the bacon strips and secure with a toothpick. Evenly distribute them on the prepared baking sheet.

4) In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

5) Coat the bacon wrapped scallops with the garlic-oil mixture, making sure to leave the garlic in the pan.

6) Bake the bacon wrapped scallops for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked.

7) Top with fresh parsley and lemon and enjoy!

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Try making this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta for your next dinner option! Shrimp is packed with antioxidants and is beneficial to both brain and heart health. Organic chicken sausage serves as an excellent source of protein and helps to build muscle. Chicken broth is loaded with essential nutrients including collagen, magnesium, calcium, and iron. It also helps improve digestion, promote healthy skin, and protect your joints. Cashews offer a wide variety of health benefits including supporting healthy bones, aiding in weight management, and regulating blood sugar levels. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Cajun Spice Mixture:

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp sea salt

Pasta:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 lb shrimp

• 12 oz organic chicken sausage cut into ¼ inch round slices

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• Half white onion, chopped

• 12 oz box of gluten-free penne pasta

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder

Cream:

• ½ cup water

• 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews, soaked in warm water for about 20 minutes

Instructions:

1) In a small bowl, combine all the cajun spices to form the mixture.

2) Begin cooking the shrimp by heating 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a large and deep skillet. Add in the shrimp and 2 tsp of the cajun spice mixture. Cook for two minutes on each side, transfer to a separate dish to keep warm, and set aside.

3) Add the remaining tbsp of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the sausage slices, red pepper, and onion. Toss and sauté for about 5 minutes.

4) Pour in the pasta noodles, chicken broth, and remainder of cajun spice mixture and stir well to combine.

5) Cover the skillet and bring to a boil. Set heat to medium-high heat and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes or until noodles are fully cooked through and broth has reduced. 

6) In a small bowl, mix together the water and arrowroot powder. Pour this mixture into the skillet and combine well. Add in the cooked shrimp as well. Reduce heat to low and mix until mixture begins to bubble.

7) While that is cooking, begin making the cream by blending the soaked cashews and water in a high-speed blender until a creamy mixture is formed.

8) Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cashew cream. Top with chopped green onions and other toppings of choice and enjoy!

Paleo Dark Chocolate Pancakes

Try making these Paleo Dark Chocolate Pancakes for your next breakfast option! Cacao powder helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, boosts heart health, and supports brain function. Almond flour contains less carbohydrates than traditional wheat flour and helps reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Coconut oil helps to increase energy levels throughout the body in addition to supporting cardiovascular health. Maple syrup serves as a great source of amino acids and is also an excellent alternative to refined sugar. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour, finely ground

• ⅔ cup tapioca flour

• ⅓ cup organic cacao powder

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 4 eggs, whisked

• ¼ cup maple syrup, plus more for serving

• ¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce

• 3 tbsp coconut oil, plus more for cooking

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Fresh berries for topping, optional

Instructions:

1) In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, cacao powder, sea salt, and baking soda. Mix well.

2) In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Once those ingredients are whisked together well, add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and combine altogether.

3) Melt coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once that is melted, begin to pour the batter into the skillet to form the pancakes. Cook each side of the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes or until fully cooked.

4) Serve the finished pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup if preferred and enjoy!

Gluten and Dairy-Free Oatmeal Creme Pies

Try making these Gluten and Dairy-Free Oatmeal Creme Pies for your next dessert option! Gluten-free oats provide the perfect amount of complex carbohydrates and fiber to balance blood sugar levels. They also help lower cholesterol levels and promote bowel regularity. Honey is packed with antioxidants and helps promote gut flora balance. Coconut oil improves brain function, helps regulate thyroid function, and serves as an excellent source of fiber. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Cookies

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup dairy-free butter

• 1.5 cups coconut sugar

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup gluten-free oat flour

• 2 cups gluten free whole oats

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp xanthan gum

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp baking soda

Filling

• ½ cup palm oil shortening at room temperature, soft

• ½ cup coconut oil softened, but solid

• ¼ cup honey

• ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp tapioca flour

• ⅛ tsp sea salt

• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) In a stand mixer, add in the eggs and butter on medium speed for 2 minutes or until fluffy.

3) Add in the coconut sugar and vanilla extract and mix for about 1 minute on medium speed.

4) Toss in the oat flour, whole oats, all-purpose flour, xanthan gum, sea salt, and baking soda, and continue to mix on medium for an additional minute.

5) Form cookies with the dough and evenly line on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until cookies are golden. Allow to cool for at least 4 hours before combining with the filling.

6) While the cookies are cooling, begin to make the frosting.

7) Add the shortening and coconut oil to the stand mixer and mix until fluffy. Add in the honey and beat on low until combined.

8) Add the tapioca flour, sea salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy.

9) Transfer the frosting to the refrigerator and allow to chill until cookies are ready to be frosted.

10) After the cookies have cooled for at least four hours, fill a pastry bag with the frosting and frost the bottom of one cookie. Take another cookie and combine with the frosted cookie to make a creme pie.

11) Transfer finished creme pies to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Enjoy!