Carrot Walnut Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients 

For the loaf

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 ground ginger
• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• Chopped walnuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar and eggs. 
4. Stir the vanilla and carrots. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. 
6. Bake for about 65 to 75 minuted. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool the loaf cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In the bowl beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla on medium-high speed until very light, creamy and smooth. On low speed gradually add in the sugar and beat until fluffy.
2. Spread frosting evenly over the loaf. Slice and serve.

This is a family favorite and honestly one of my favorite loaves. Make this and enjoy it with your loved ones.

Dairy Free Chia Pudding

Ingredients 

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• Frozen strawberries

Instructions

1. Add the chia seeds, almond milk and maple syrup in a container. Stir them together and place them in the refrigerator overnight. 
2. I created the strawberry puree by placing frozen strawberries in a blender. It gave my chia pudding a sweet flavor since I opted out of the maple syrup.
3. I topped my chia pudding with shredded almonds and extra fruit that I had in my refrigerator. 

What's so great about this meal is that it's easy to make and you can take it on the go. Make this the night before and it's all ready for you the next day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup coconut sugar
• 5 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. 
2. In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and coconut sugar until well combined.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix.
4. In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, baking power and salt).
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8. Place scoops of cookie dough onto a baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12 minutes
10. Remove and cool for 25 minutes.

I promise these ingredients make the BEST chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy!!

Enchilada Cups

Ingredients

• 1 package of small flour tortillas
• 1 10oz can of enchilada sauce
• 1 14oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 14oz can corn
• 1 4oz can of chopped green chiles
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onion, sliced 

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the tortillas into the muffin tin holder, gently pleating the edges.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, remove and set aside.
4. While the tortillas are baking, combine all the ingredients (enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, black beans, green chiles, corn). Toss until the ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Add your chicken filling into each tortilla cup. 
6. Place a pinch of cheese on top of each cup.
7. Bake for 15 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle cilantro and green onions. 

This is a great dish to make to share with friends. I served mine with a side of guacamole and sour cream. I also had a homemade salsa for the ones that wanted to add a little spice to take it to the next level. I'm all about being stressed free in the kitchen and this definitely is a stress free dish.

Bruschetta Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 store brought pizza dough
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix your ingredients together.
3. Spread your pizza dough round and place on a pizza sheet.
4. Add your pizza sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese to the top.
5. Place the bruschetta mix on your pizza and add a little more cheese. 
6. Bake your pizza for 12 minutes.

This pizza is so easy and simple to make. It only takes a few minutes that you can make it as an appetizer or enjoy it for lunch.

Old Fashioned Apple Crumble

Ingredients

• 6 green granny smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup quick oats
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, chopped

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the apples. 
2. Place the apples in an 11 x 7 oven proof dish.
3. In a separate bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, quick oats, cinnamon and butter until it is crumble like.
4. Pour the crumble on top of the apples.
5. Place your dish in the oven (350 degrees F) for 35 minutes.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and enjoy this sweet treat with your loved ones.

Apple Pie

Ingredients

• 2 premade pie crusts
• 7-8 granny smith apples, peeled, cored & chopped
• 3/4 cup, brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp, sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. In a large bowl, coat the apple slices with the brown sugar, cinnamon and flour. Mix well.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the pie shell and egg wash the visible pie dough.
4. Top with the rolled out pie dough and egg wash the top.
5. Sprinkle over the sugar and cut 2 holes in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape. 
6. Bake until the crust is golden and the apples have softened, about 45 to 50 minutes.
7. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. 

This is a perfect treat for a holiday party or just for a cozy night in. I can't believe how simple it is to make a delicious treat for the family to share!