LOW-CARB DECADENT CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

YUMM! Who says chocolate covered strawberries are just for special days like Valentines and anniversaries?


Ingredients
12 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup sugar substitute
1 pound strawberries with stems (this will be around 20-24 strawberries, you want the larger ones that are ripe but firm

Directions
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

You can either melt the chocolate over a double boiler (place a few inches of water in a pan on low heat and place a bowl over it. Then add the chocolate to the bowl and stir until it has completed melted.) or microwave (place the chips in a bowls  and place in the microwave in 1 minute intervals. Remove and mix in-between the intervals until it has completed melted.) Once the chocolate is melted, add the stevia and dip the strawberries in then.

Dip each strawberry in the dark chocolate until it is covered then place on the parchment paper. Do this until all of the strawberries are covered. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes.

Dip a fork in the remaining chocolate and drizzle it over the dipped strawberries for a finished look.
source:https://thisemptyplatedotcom.wordpress.com

Cajun Chicken Stuffed With Pepper Jack Cheese & Spinach

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded (you can use up to 6 oz)
1 c frozen spinach, thawed and drained (you can also use fresh cooked spinach)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning - click here for my homemade Cajun spice recipe
1 tbsp breadcrumbs (I use Italian style)
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lots of toothpicks

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Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Flatten the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the pepper jack cheese, spinach, salt and pepper.
4. Combine the Cajun seasoning and breadcrumbs together in a small bowl.
5. Spoon about 1/4 c of the spinach mixture onto each chicken breast. Roll each chicken breast tightly and fasten the seams with several toothpicks. This part requires a tiny bit of skill and I typically use about 8 toothpicks in each roll to ensure none of the filling seeps out. Be sure to count how many total toothpicks were used!


6. Brush each chicken breast with the olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over all. Make sure you get underneath, too. Sprinkle any remaining spinach and cheese on top of chicken (optional).
7. Place the chicken seam-side up onto a tin foil-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Count to make sure you have removed every last toothpick. Serve whole or slice into medallions. Enjoy!

LOW CARB INGREDIENT CONVERSIONS AMERICAN TO METRIC

ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS ARE IMPORTANT IN LOW CARB COOKING. WHAT IF THE RECIPE IS IN AMERICAN MEASUREMENTS BUT YOU USE METRIC? DON'T WORRY. LISTED ARE THE AMERICAN TO METRIC CONVERSIONS FOR SOME OF THE MOST COMMON LOW CARB BAKING INGREDIENTS.

One of the most common questions I get as a Low Carb Blogger are those about converting American measurements to metric. A lot of my readers are from Europe, South Africa and Australia to name just a few. When I was a kid just about the whole world adopted the metric system of weights and measurements. We Americans stuck with what we already knew!



American measurements are based on volume while most of the world uses the metric system. A common question I’m asked is how many grams is in 1/4 cup of coconut flour, almond flour, erythritol, etc. I can’t answer that question unless I run to the kitchen and weigh it out.

HOW TO GET ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS AND CARB COUNTS FOR LOW CARB INGREDIENTS.

Weighing ingredients is much more accurate than measuring in volume. Because it’s common for ingredients to absorb moisture on humid days, especially coconut flour, 1/4 cup measure of an ingredient one day will weigh more than another. That’s why I always use a digital scale and a good set of measuring cups and liquid measures when I’m in the kitchen. Another thing that can affect accurate measuring and carb counts is how much an ingredient is compacted.

TIPS FOR ACCURATE MEASURING:

Use weight, not volume when you can. A good kitchen scale will be your best friend especially if you are trying to lose weight or mitigate diabetes with diet.
Sift coconut flour and cocoa powder into air tight storage containers upon bringing home to fluff up the ingredients and to eliminate clumps.
Scoop ingredients without packing them into the measuring cups if using volume to weigh. For bigger volumes like a 1 cup measure, I generally scoop and then spoon the ingredients into the cup until the cup is full.
Avoid shaking the ingredients in the measuring cup as it will settle and compact the ingredients.
Once the measuring cup is full, scrape and level the ingredients in the measuring cup with a flat edge like the back of a butter knife.
LOW CARB INGREDIENT CONVERSIONS AMERICAN TO METRIC

For the conversions below, I measured and weighed common low carb keto ingredients several times to obtain an average weight in grams.

Volume
1 tsp = 5 ml
3 tsp = 1 tbsp
4 tbsp = 1/4 cup
1/4 cup = 2 oz = 59 ml

Almond Flour
1/4 cup = 20 g
1/3 cup = 30 g
1/2 cup = 45 g
1 cup = 90 g

Cocoa Powder
1/4 cup = 25 g
1/3 cup = 35 g
1/2 cup = 45 g
1 cup = 90 g

Coconut Flour
1/4 cup = 25 g
1/3 cup = 35 g
1/2 cup = 45 g
1 cup = 90 g

Erythritol
1/4 cup = 45 g
1/3 cup = 65 g
1/2 cup = 105 g
3/4 cup = 155 g
1 cup = 200 g

Ground Flax
1/4 cup = 20 g
1/3 cup = 30 g
1/2 cup = 45 g
1 cup = 70 g

Protein Powder
1/4 cup = 15 g
1/3 cup = 20 g
1/2 cup = 35 g

source:https://www.lowcarbmaven.com/low-carb-ingredient-conversions-american-metric/

Slow Cooker Buffalo-Syle Chicken Wings

Introduction

A farily healthy style of chicken wings, these are baked, not fried. You may substitue mild chicken wing sauce for hot if you perfer a hotter tasting wing. You may also increase the Tabasico sauce. If you perfer your wings on the mild side, stick with the recipe the way it is.



Minutes to Prepare: 20
Minutes to Cook: 90
Number of Servings: 16

Ingredients

3 pounds of chicken wings (frozen)
2 jars of Nance's Mild Chicken Wing Sauce (12 oz jars)
2 TBSPs I can't believe its not butter, regular
1 to 2 teaspoons bottled hot pepper sauce
2/3 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing

Directions

If chicken wings are frozen, place in a 375 degree oven (foil lined baking pan) for 30 minutes, or until brown.
For sauce, in a slow cooker combine chicken wing sauce, melted butter, and hot pepper sauce. Add chicken wings, stirring to coat with sauce.
Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4-5 hours, or high heat setting for 2-2 1/2 hours.
Serve immediatetly or keep warm on low heat setting for up to 2 hourse. Serve chicken wings with salad dressing.

Number of Servings: 16

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 92.6
Total Fat: 9.3 g
Cholesterol: 4.4 mg
Sodium: 224.6 mg
Total Carbs: 1.4 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.0 g
Protein: 1.4 g
source:https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=211804

Skinny Taco Chili (Crock-pot or Stove-top)

This is a fabulous, fiber-rich chili. In fact, each cup contains 9 grams of fiber! It’s so versatile too. Serve in individual bowls and let everyone top their own, stuff a baked potato or top a salad. Each cup has 230 calories, 2 grams of fat and 5 Weight Watchers SmartPoints.  I love to freeze in individual servings for several quick, weekday meals.



Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours on low heat or 5 hours on high heat

Ingredients for Chili:

1 pound extra lean ground beef or 99% fat-free ground turkey breast

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes or 2 (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes

1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce

1½ cups onion, chopped

1 cup frozen corn, defrosted

1 packet taco seasoning (1-ounce), I like Lawry’s Taco Seasonings or use your favorite

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

Ingredients for Topping, Optional:

Tomatoes, chopped

Reduced-fat cheese, shredded

Corn tortillas,  cut into pieces (look for gluten-free)

Onions or scallions, chopped


Instructions

1. For Crock-pot: Brown ground beef or turkey in a large nonstick pan. Drain any fat.
Add browned meat to crock-pot. Mix in tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, onions, corn, taco seasonings, cumin and chili. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or on high for 5 hours.

2. For Stove-top: Brown ground beef or turkey in a large nonstick pan. Drain any fat. Return meat to pan. Place onions in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes, until soft. Add cooked onions to the pan of meat. Stir in remaining chili ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 25 minutes.

3. This chili freezes great. Serve with optional toppings on the side and let everyone customize their own bowl, if desired.

Makes 8 cups total (each serving 1 cup)
source:http://www.skinnykitchen.com/recipes/skinny-taco-chili-crock-pot-or-stove-top/

The Best Low-Carb Eggplant Pizzas You Can Make at Home

There's something for everyone with these five delicious eggplant pizza recipes. From buffalo to Mediterranean, cure those pizza cravings without additional calories and carbs!

Do you often find yourself craving the flavors of pizza but worried about compromising your health goals? With the use of eggplant, calories and carbohydrate intake will naturally decline. Have a pizza party with the best low-carb eggplant pizza you can make at home!


Healthy Eggplant Pizza Recipe:
Nutrition Per Serving (makes 4 servings)
Calories: 123
Total Fat: 8 grams
Protein: 5 grams
Total Carbs: 9 grams
Ingredients
• 1 eggplant - cut into 4 half-inch thick slices
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
*Recipe can be adjusted to accommodate amount of servings desired.

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Brush both sides of the eggplant with oil (and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper if preferred).
3. Arrange eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly tender.
4. Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on eggplant slice and top with shredded cheese. Place back into oven until cheese melts, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

Healthy Eggplant Pizza Variations
The recipe above can act as a blank canvas to harness a multitude of variations. Go beyond basic and let these flavors excite your taste buds!
Traditional. Okay, sometimes the classics are the best! For a more traditional low-carb eggplant pizza, top with mozzarella cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano.
Mediterranean. Let the rich nutrients of Mediterranean cuisine highlight the pizza. Layer pizza with fresh tomatoes, black olives, fresh peppers, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Mexican. Have a hankering for Mexican pizza? Look no further! Replace traditional pizza sauce with fresh salsa and top with ground lean beef, jalapenos, and onion. Dollop with plain Greek yogurt to mimic sour cream while reducing fat and amplifying protein.
The Bayou. Take a quick taste trip to New Orleans! For an alternative spin on traditional po'boys, use fresh shrimp, tomatoes, and Cajun spices. Shrimp is not only low in calories, but packed with protein and healthy fat.
Buffalo. Spice up your taste buds with grilled chicken and low-fat buffalo or hot sauce. For added creaminess and flavor, prepare a ranch dipping sauce by mixing plain Greek yogurt and a dry ranch packet mix.
source:http://www.bistromd.com/arthritis/the-best-low-carb-eggplant-pizzas-you-can-make-at-home

LOW CARB SLOPPY JOE STUFFED SWEET POTATOES

INGREDIENTS
2 Large Sweet Potatoes
2 Tbs. Butter
1 1/2 lb. Lean Ground Beef
3 oz. Onion – Chopped
2 oz. Carrots – Chopped
1 Celery Stalk – Chopped
3 Large Cloves Garlic – Minced
8 oz. Can Rotel Zesty Tomato and Green Chili Sauce
1/3 Cup Beef Broth
1/4 Cup Reduced Sugar Ketchup
2 Tbs. Tomato Paste
1 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp. Yellow Mustard
1 Tbs. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Cumin 
1 tsp. Salt
(2 Tbs. Peace and Love)


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°

Rinse sweet potatoes and cut in half lengthwise.  Place cut side up on a foil lined baking sheet.  Top each sweet potato half with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake 45 minutes.In a large non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat, add ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.  Cook until ground beef is cooked through – About 10 minutes.Drain excess grease from pan.To meat mixture, add Rotel, beef broth, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, chili powder, cumin, and salt.  Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.  Reduce heat to low and simmer 5-10 minutes.After 45 minutes, remove sweet potatoes from oven. Run a fork over top of each sweet potato like a rake to  loosen the potato.  Top with sloppy joe mixture, SERVE AND ENJOY!
Peace, Love, and Sloppy Joes
***For Sloppy Joe Mix Only***

Makes 4 Servings:
1 Serving:
Calories: 355
Carbs: 7.75 net grams
Fat: 12.5 g
Protein:   47.5 g
***For Sloppy Joe Mix and Sweet Potatoes***

Makes 4 Servings:
1 Serving:
Calories: 445
Carbs: 18.75 net g
Fat:   12.5 g
Protein: 49.5 g
source:http://peaceloveandlowcarb.com/low-carb-sloppy-joe-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/