pesto spinach bread

This bread is gluten-free and paleo-friendly.

the goods:

5 large eggs

15 oz (1.5 small packages) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

basil (about 15 leaves), chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced finely

1/2 cup raw pine nuts

the process:

1. Preheat oven to 400°

2. Grease baking dish with butter (we used an 8" glass pie dish)

3. Toast pine nuts in sauté pan/skillet, using 1 tablespoon of butter, paying close attention and stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once pine nuts are lightly brown, remove from heat.

4. Crush pine nuts in a food processor, blender or using mortar and pestle

5. Combine eggs, nuts, garlic, basil and spinach in large bowl

6. Pour mixture into baking dish (optional: blend for a few second in blender before pouring in baking dish)

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set

the result:

One 8" bread "pie"

the benefits:

Organic Leafy Greens are a good source of nutrients that may help reduce damage to the heart and are full of antioxidants. Dark leafy greens are rich in vitamins C, E, K, folate, iron and calcium. They are also a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These benefits help to slow the aging process, aid in cancer prevention and reduce the risk of coronary disease. Another benefit to eating leafy greens is the vitamin A which boosts skin health and minimizes the production of sebum, helping to limit acne. This nutrient also strengthens the skin's protective tissue and helps to flush out toxins.

Garlic has a wonderful ingredient called allicin, which is known to have wonderful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels and can help in many types of cancer.

Basil is a great source of vitamin A (and beta carotene), which can help to lessen the progression of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The magnesium in basil helps to promote cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood flow through blood vessels. Basil is also a great source of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin C. 

Pine nuts are high in protein and are filled with amino acids, which make them a great source of nutrition. They are an excellent source of vitamins B1 and B3, manganese, copper, magnesium, molybdenum and zinc. 

the brands (used in this recipe): 

4 Grain Cage-Free Eggs 

Christopher Ranch Organic Garlic 

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almond dark chocolate chunk cookies

These delicious cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free and use agave nectar.

the goods:

2 ½ cups blanched almond flour
½ teaspoon salt (celtic sea salt preferred)
½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup almond oil (or grapeseed oil)
½ cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ cup dark chocolate pieces, chopped in small chunks
½ cup sliced almonds

the process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, cinnamon and baking soda

3. In a medium bowl combine almond oil and agave

4. Stir wet ingredients into the almond flour mixture until thoroughly combined

5. Fold in chocolate chunks and almond slices

6. Spoon dough 1 heaping tablespoon at a time onto a parchment lined baking sheet, pressing down with palm of your hand to flatten

7. Bake at 350 for 8 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden

8. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 20-25 minute, then serve


the result:
about a dozen cookies


the benefits:
Almonds are Rich in Vitamin E and high in protein. They are also claimed to help improve complexion, aid in the prevention of cancer and when eaten daily, help to reduce the number of risk factors in heart disease.

Dark Chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries and far more than milk chocolate or white chocolate). It can also help low blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol.

Cinnamon is a great source of fiber, iron and calcium. When added to food, it helps to naturally preserve the food by inhibiting bacteria growth a food spoilage. It can help to lower LDL cholesterol and can have a regulatory affect of blood sugar levels.

Agave Nectar has a favorable glycemic profile. It provides sweetness, without the "sugar rush" and unhealthful blood sugar spikes caused by many other sugars.

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walnut raisin scones

 

These scones are gluten-free, dairy-free and use agave nectar.

the goods:

2 cups blanched almond flour
½ teaspoon salt (celtic sea salt preferred)
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup unsalted sunflower seeds
¼ cup walnuts, shelled and crushed/chopped

3/4 cup raisins (organic preferred)
1 large egg  (organic, free-range preferred)
2 tablespoons agave nectar

the process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt and soda

3. Stir in dried fruit, seeds and nuts

4. In a small bowl combine egg and agave

5. Stir wet ingredients into dry

6. Use your hands to form dough. Shape dough into a 6 ½ x 6 ½ square that is about ¾" thick. Cut dough into 16 squares

7. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes

the result:

16 scones

the benefits:

Walnuts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems and type 2 diabetes. There are links to walnuts and decreased risk in prostate and breast cancer. Walnuts can also lower serum LDL cholesterol and are high in protein.

Raisins can help in eye care, dental care and bone health. They are rich in iron and rank among the top antioxidant foods and have a key ingredient that helps promote good oral hygiene. Raisins also help to boost sexual libido and protect against the formation of tumor and colon cancer. They can even help fight fevers!

Sunflower Seeds are full of vitamin E, magnesium and selenium. The vitamin E in sunflower seeds has significant anti-inflammatory effects which can can help reduce symptoms in asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Agave Nectar has a favorable glycemic profile. It provides sweetness, without the "sugar rush" and unhealthful blood sugar spikes caused by many other sugars.

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apple banana and cinnamon muffins

These muffins are gluten-free, dairy-free and use agave nectar. 

the goods:

2 1/4 cups Almond Flour

4 eggs (organic, free-range preferred)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 apple (Fuji is a good choice)

2 Bananas (organic preferred)
1/4 cup almond oil
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

the process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line muffin tins with cups (silicone preferred)

2. Using a fork, mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl

3. Add applesauce and finely chopped apple

4. Add all other ingredients and mix by hand. The batter will not be super thick, but more like a cake batter

5. Fill muffin tins about 3/4 of the way full

6. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Muffins will be done when a toothpick is inserted into the middle of one muffin and it comes out clean

7. Serve with a slice of banana and sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of each muffin

the result:

12-16 marvelous muffins!

the benefits:

Bananas contain an amino acid that can help improve mood, balance stress and they are also high in fiber. They help protect eyes from aging, aid in keeping kidneys healthy and are wonderful in preventing high blood pressure because of their high potassium and low sodium levels. Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body, which can help relieve heartburn and prevent ulcers. The B vitamins found in bananas help improve nerve function. Bananas have also been found to reduce risk of strokes.

Apples have many, many benefits including protection against osteoporosis and Alzheimer's Disease. Apples lower LDL cholesterol and can reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer and liver cancer. Along with antioxidant protection, apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol and help to lower the body's need for insulin.

Cinnamon is a great source of fiber, iron and calcium. When added to food, it helps to naturally preserve the food by inhibiting bacteria growth and food spoilage. It can help to lower LDL cholesterol and can have a regulatory affect of blood sugar levels.

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