Deep Dark Forest Nut Clusters

Are you the one who steals all the nut clusters from that box of chocolates? 

Do you think milk chocolate is too sweet and mild?

Do you want low carb but homemade?

 

Well, saddle up my friends and get ready for a fast, easy ride into the deep, dark forest.

 

 I have made chocolate bark before, but it was too sweet for my taste and had too many steps. I came up with this concoction and was very pleased with the results.

 

 I used large flaked unsweetened coconut which is nice and chewy and way more flavorful than the shredded stuff. I think even coconut haters would like this stuff.

 

If you are like me and love peanut butter cups, try some crunchy Barney Butter Bare on top of your clusters for a nice mix up.

 

Here is the carb count for the bars (17.5 net carbs for the whole bar), not too bad as it makes a bunch.

 

Nut Clusters

3 Cups nuts of your choice

2  3.5 oz. bars of 90% Cocoa

1 1/2 cups large flake coconut

Himalayan pink salt or kosher salt

 

Completely melt the chocolate in the microwave.

Mix in the nuts and coconut.

Turn the mixture out onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and spread it into a "singleish" layer.

 Sprinkle the salt sparingly across the entire top.

Set mixture in a cold place to harden.

Break into large chunks and store in the fridge.

 

I Kimchi, do you?

Do you want to add some spice and flavor to your next meal?

Have you heard of Kimchi but were too afraid to try it?

Do you have some in your fridge but don't know what to do with it?

Fear not, Grasshopper.

Kimchi may seem exotic but it is simply napa cabbage, garlic and spices. There are lots of brands out there and some are definitely hotter than others. I just picked up a package from Trader Joe's and it has great flavor with just a little heat. I found it in the refrigerated section with the other produce.

 

My husband made a quick stir fry last night and it was so good, we made it again tonight!

 

1 large chicken breast cubed

 

2 medium carrots sliced

 

3 stalks celery sliced on the diagonal

3 cloves garlic minced

1/2 large red pepper chopped

 

1/2 package kimchi

1/2 tsp ground ginger or tsp minced fresh ginger

1 TBS  agave nectar or honey

1 TBS oyster sauce

1 TBS soy sauce

pinch dried cilantro or 1 TBS fresh minced cilantro

 

 

His served over traditional rice

 

Mine served over Miracle Rice

 

Put 2 TBS of olive, coconut or macadamia oil in the pan and sauté the chicken.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. 

Add the carrots to the pan and sauté for a minute, then add the celery, peppers and garlic.

Once the veggies are crisp tender, add the rest of the ingredients and the cooked chicken into the pan.

Saute for a minute or 2 more.

Add your starch of choice to the pan to soak up the juices and heat everything together for another minute or so, then enjoy.

 

It is sweet, spicy, salty and just plain delicious!

 

 

 

 

Miracle Noodles

Do you love pasta but don't love the carbs or calories that go with it? Do you want to avoid soy based Shirataki noodles?

 

Try  Miracle Noodles.

 

Miracle noodles are a good pasta substitute! These noodles are a little springy but they do make you feel like you are eating pasta. Now that I am used to the texture, I actually prefer them since they are much lighter and don't give you that bloated feeling pasta does.

They are also a nice change of pace from squash noodles. Don't get me wrong, I like squash noodles, but they can be too soft sometimes.

 

Be sure to follow the directions on the package and take these few easy steps to ensure they taste their best.

Drain the noodles and rinse them for a few minutes in cold water.

 

Boil for a few minutes in salted water, drain, then put them in your favorite recipe. The noodles will soak up flavor just like pasta.

 

Since the noodles are very long, cut them into smaller lengths with kitchen shears so they are easier to eat.

 

When adding vegetables to your "pasta", sauté them until they are caramelized and their flavor has become very concentrated.

 

Miracle Angel Hair with mushrooms, cream sauce, romanesco broccoli and freshly grated parmesan. 

Miracle Rice with shrimp, zucchini, sesame oil and coconut aminos. This "rice" looks more like Acini de Pepe pasta and it would be good in Italian Wedding soup too.

 

Miracle Fettuccini with meat sauce, shaved parmesan and a side of herb salted, crispy cucumber. 

 

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