Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch. Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch! Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, leaves are budding on the trees, and the days are getting longer! (Which is my favorite part!)

Spring is time to renew, refresh, and clean out your closet. Ever year I try to go through my wardrobe, with a determined effort to get rid of stuff I don’t wear. It never seems to work. There is always some reason to hold onto that pilly sweater (but it so comfy), or that pair of pants (that I will surely fit into this year!). Right!? Well, at least I try!

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch! Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

For me its also time to clean up my diet. I know everyone jumps on the Whole 30 deal in the winter, but not me. During the colder months I like to indulge in a little too much sugar, and love my comfort foods. But once it starts to get warm I want to eat refreshing, lighter, and healthier fare like salads, fruits, smoothies, and cool refreshing drinks.

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch! Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

This Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade is everything you want in a spring beverage. It has the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and has a hint of relaxing lavender. Not to mention the bubbles- they make this drink!Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch! Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

If you are hosting Easter brunch this year, this Honey & Lavender Sparking Lemonade will be a huge hit with your guests, and its so easy to make. Serve it in campaign flutes if you want to get super fancy! You can even make the lemon concentrate the night before and add the soda water right before you  are ready to serve. Some other great recipes for Easter or any Spring-day brunch are my Asparagus & Hashbrown Egg Casserole (another super easy dish), or if you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth Cinnamon Bun Pancakes are also an excellent choice.

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch! Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

Happy Spring!

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch. Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

  • 6 lemons
  • 1/3 cup creamed honey ((regular honey will work too))
  • 1 liter sparkling water
  • 2-3 tablespoons lavender sprigs
  1. Juice the lemons, and remove any seeds. You should yield about 1/3 cup of lemon juice.

  2. Combine the lemon juice and honey in a high speed blender and been until honey has fully dissolved and the concentrate is frothy.

  3. Divide the concentrate evenly into 4 glasses, or pour into a pitcher. Sprinkle the lavender sprigs over the concentrate than fill the glass/pitcher with sparkling water. (you can either chill the sparkling water prior to serving or add ice if you prefer.

Lavender & Honey Sparkling Lemonade has the subtle sweetness of golden honey, tart and refreshing lemony zest, gentle floral notes, and the perfect amount of bubbly sparkle! This Springtime-inspired bubbly beverage is great for brunch. Healthy, and not too sweet, this delicious and beautiful mocktail will be a huge hit!

Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean…That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

If you visit my blog often you may have stumbled across my other famous noodle recipes. Sticky Garlic Noodles and Crazy Good Peanut Noodles are my top two most popular recipes on my blog. I guess I have a knack for creating really tasty and addictive noodle dishes, and this dish is no exception!!

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

So I decided to create another finger-licking, can’t stop eating, swoon-inducing delicious noodle recipe! These Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles have the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sticky. Consider this your warning: They are addictive! You will want to put this sauce on everything. I mean everything.

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

Zoodles are my go-to healthy noodles, as they are low cal and grain free, but if you prefer any other type of noodles, go ahead and sub those in. Rice noodles, wheat noodles, even sweet potato noodles would be amazing. This recipe makes one large serving (that you will not want to share), so make sure to double it if others are wanting to indulge.

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

Best of all, this recipe can be made in just 5 minutes! You do not need to skimp on big bright flavor when you don’t have time to cook. Top with some sliced chicken breast, tofu, pork, or beef to make a complete balanced meal. Toss in some spinach an other stir fry veggies to bump up the nutrients.

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

I love healthy, guilt-free dishes that taste sinfully good. These Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles pack a flavorful punch, but they are so very healthy.

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

And that sauce…… So good!

Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean…That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

  • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos ((or soy sauce))
  • 2 tablespoons agave ((or maple syrup))
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon green onion, chopped ((optional))
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds ((optional))
  • 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot starch ((optional)(or cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water))
  1. Spiralize your noodles or cook your noodles and set aside.

  2. Add a dash of oil to a pan and sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and half of the green onions (optional) for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat.

  3. Add the rice wine vinegar, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), agave (or maple syrup), and toasted sesame oil. Simmer and Reduce for 3 minutes or until thickened.

  4. Optional: If you want the sauce to be extra thick and sticky add the arrowroot slurry, mix well, and remove from the heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

  5. Toss the zoodles or noodles in the sauce. (If using raw zoodles you can leave the noodles and sauce over the heat for a few minutes to soften the zoodles.) Scoop them into a bowl and top with sesame seeds and remaining green onion.

Slurp up these Sticky Ginger Sesame Noodles and use a spoon to lick the bowl clean...That is how amazing this sauce is! Best of all this dish can be made in 5 minutes flat with a handful of simple ingredients. Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo, Vegan.

Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

I Heart Chocolate. Dark Chocolate. Milk Chocolate. Chocolate-Covered/Smothered Anything! Chocolate is my true love:)

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

I also love almonds, but chocolate and almonds is truly a heavenly match. Have you tried the Cocoa-Dusted Almonds from Trader Joe’s? Um, well, they are AMAZING! I had a slight addiction to them, and found myself polishing off the entire bag in a day! Oops.

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

(Glazed with Agave)

I decided since I was going to single-handedly put Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almonds out of stock, I decided to make my very own. It would also save me some trips to the store to stock up on these addictive chocolatey nuts.

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

Almonds are a great source of energy, and they are of my favorite snacks. I always have a stash of almonds hanging around the house, and grab a handful when I am feeling hungry or need a bump of energy. But plain ole’ almonds can get a little boring.

If you are in an almond snacking slump you must try this recipe. It adds a little dash of sweetness and burst of chocolatey goodness. You will be impressed!

You can whip these babies up in under 10 minutes, and it only takes 3 ingredients. That’s it!

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

(HOT out of the oven!)

 

Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds

These addictive sweet and chocolate roasted almonds will be your new favorite snack.

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1/4 cup agave
  • 1 package hot chocolate mix (or cocoa power)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional- to make them extra chocolatey)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.

  2. Toss the almonds into a bowl and mix in the agave. Stop to coat all the almonds evenly.

  3. Transfer the coated almonds to a parchment-lined cookie sheet and spread them out.

  4. Last them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes. Check them every few minutes to make sure they do not burn.

  5. Remove the almonds, and transfer them back to the bowl. While they are hot mix in the hot chocolate powder and cocoa (or just cocoa). Stir to ensure they are all coated evenly.

  6. You can leave them in the bowl to cool (some may stick together), or spread them back out on the parchment to cool.

  7. Wait a few minutes, them snack away!

Snack
American

These Hot Chocolate Dusted Almonds are so very addictive, so good thing they are super healthy and very easy to make! Made with only 3 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes.

 

 

Asparagus & Hashbrown Egg Casserole

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It’s super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It's super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

I am big on breakfast. For some reason when I wake up in the morning I am starving and feel as if I could eat an elephant. Really.

I know that some people have no appetite in the morning and are satisfied with a coffee or tea. I just don’t get how that is possible.

Didn’t we just fast for, like, 10 hours? How on Earth can you not be hungry? Heck I’m h-angry!

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It's super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

Well, does this picture make your mouth water? I bet you’re getting your appetite back, yeah?

Well, that is good, because this casserole is so worth it….

This egg casserole happens to be on top of an ultra crisp potato hashbrown crust, topped with fresh asparagus, a bit of parmesan cheese (if you eat dairy), and a sprinkle of chives. The eggs are cooked to perfection, with the yolks, just a tad still runny, so you can use the hashbrown to sop it all up. Yum!

The first step is just to cook the hashbrowns/tater tots until the are golden and crispy, just like this picture. If you are feeling adventurous you can even make them yourself from scratch!

Next, you crack a few eggs, lay down some lovely asparagus, a little bit of cheese, and pop it in the oven. After it’s done baking sprinkle chives, and viola, it’s finished!

And, as many of my followers know I am a huge proponent of pasture-raised eggs for their superior nutritional value and their exceptional taste.

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It's super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

This is my go-to breakfast on holidays when you are going to slaving all day long cooking and baking (and not to mention ALL those dishes!). You do not need an super involved and time consuming breakfast recipe to add to your cooking duties, am I right!? …making this recipe the best option. You can even make it the day before and reheat.

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It's super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

Slice it up and serve…..

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It's super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

It can even be made to suit a paleo diet- sub sweet potato tater tots for the crust, see recipe here: Paleo Grub’s Sweet Potato Tater Tots, and omit the cheese.

Enjoy 😉

Asparagus & Hashbrown Egg Casserole

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It’s super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

  • 12 pasture raised eggs
  • 1.5-2 cups tater tots (or as many hash browns needed to cover the bottom of your casserole dish)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (preferably the thin/skinny kind)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. (or whatever temperature the directions on the hashbrowns say.)

  2. Grease the bottom of your casserole dish with ghee or oil of choice.

  3. Cook the hashbrowns until they are golden and slightly crispy. Just slightly underdone. Then turn down the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.

  4. Place the hashbrowns or tater tots into the dish, using a spatula to smoosh them to cover the bottom of the dish.

  5. Crack your eggs on top of the hashbrown crust. Lay asparagus on top and sprinkle the entire dish with the cheese, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. (If you are using thick asparagus, blanch them first.)

  6. Place the casserole into the oven at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes, or until the eggs whites are fully cooked, but the yolks are still soft. You will need to cook longer if you want the yolks firmly set.

  7. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped chives, slice and serve.

Start your weekend off right with this flavor-packed, delicious, and gorgeous Asparagus and Hashbrown Egg Casserole! It's super easy and quick to make, yet fancy enough to serve for Sunday brunch. Grain free, gluten free, and has a paleo recipe option.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

When I was younger I always steered clear of carrot cake. It just didn’t sound good to me. I mean you’re forcing a veggie into a cake, where it really isn’t suppose to be, right?

And why would you opt for carrot cake when you can have chocolate cake?

Or vanilla cake? Or red velvet? Or ice cream cake even!? Why!?

These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

Well, one day I decided to try it, and it was delicious, despite my years of carrot cake avoidance! It was a homemade carrot cake, made by scratch with love, for a birthday party. Everyone was making such a big deal about how good it was, so I went for it. ….And as I took my first bite I understood the joy they were experiencing. The cake was super moist, had just the perfect amount of sweetness, and oooohhh that frosting! (SWOON!)These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

I don’t know what it is about carrot cake and cream cheese frosting, but it is surely a match made in culinary heaven. They pair perfectly together and I really can’t have one with out the other. Ok, ok, I have been known to eat frosting, especially cream cheese frosting, by the spoonful on occasion, but it’s true home is on top of one of these Carrot Cake Cupcakes!

These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

Cricket isn’t much of a veggie eater AT ALL, but even she likes these cupcakes! Give her a raw or cooked carrot (even drenched with butter), and she will give you the death stare as to say “Excuse me, I’m not eating THAT!”

But give her one of these and it’s gone in a few seconds flat. Leave them on the counter top unattended and you may not see them ever again! Although Cricket has never been officially caught in the act. These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

So these aren’t just any old carrot cake cupcakes, they are are EXTRA SPECIAL! They have a few awesome ingredient that make them so divine, extra moist and delicious, including crushed pineapple! Yes, trust me, just try it. You must!

You can even eat them for breakfast because they are very healthy, and if it makes you feel better to call it a muffin, go ahead, I won’t judge!

Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

  • 1 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cane sugar ((or sub additional coconut sugar))
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup carrots (finely grated)
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 2 eggs ((preferably pasture-raised))
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 1 can coconut cream (chilled (frosting))
  • 2 tablespoons powdered cane sugar ((place granted sugar in a high speed blender to make powdered sugar))
  • 1 teaspoon cream cheese extract
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. Combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, cane sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt and baking soda in a large bowl and mix well.

  3. In a smaller bowl mix the 2 eggs, almond milk, vanilla, maple syrup, shredded carrot, shredded pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, and raisins; mix well.

  4. Add the wet ingredient into the dry, and mix thoroughly. Batter will be thick.

  5. Line a cupcake tin with liners. Fill each one about 3/4 the way with the batter.

  6. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean.

  7. Let them cool, and make the frosting.

  8. Combine the chilled coconut cream, powdered cane sugar, and cream cheese extract in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Top the cooled cupcakes with the frosting.

Dessert
American

These moist and delicate Carrot Cake Cupcakes, topped with light and fluffy cream cheese whip, have a few surprising ingredients that make them extra special and extra irresistible! They make the perfect secretly healthy sweet treat, and are grain free, gluten free, and paleo.

Veggie Christmas Tree (How To VIDEO)

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It’s super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It's super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!

Can you believe Christmas is almost here!? It’s just a few short weeks away and there is always so much to be done. Have you gotten your Christmas shopping done this year? I haven’t even begun. Ugh, it makes me anxious just thinking about it.

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It's super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!I recently moved, and the first thing I did when I unpacked was get out my Christmas decorations. There is something about dressing up the house for Christmas that makes me so joyful. Do you guys feel the same way? Today while I was making this Veggie Christmas Tree I put a pot of potpourri on the stove top and had the Holiday Log Music Special playing nonstop to get that Christmas Spirit up and running.

If you want a few easy peasy Holiday Decor Hacks (with stuff you already have around the house) check out this post I did last year: EASY HOLIDAY DIY DECOR!

My love for all things Christmas goes way back to when I was a little girl. My mom was the ultimate Christmas elf. She decorated Every. Square. Inch. of our home. It was pure awesomeness!

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It's super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!We had multiple Christmas trees, the banisters where dripping with garland and lights, the chandeliers held beautiful springs of spruce and holly, and even the toilet was adorned with Christmas decor! It was a Christmas wonderland, second only to the North Pole.

By the time Christmas arrives and you’ve (hopefully) finished your decorating, and shopping, and wrapping, and shipping, AND cookie making (and eating ;)), and so on, you’re exhausted, right? But if your hosting the holiday festivities this year you’re going to have to rally after pulling that all night gift wrapping extravaganza, and cook an elaborate holiday fest, right?

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It's super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!Well, don’t worry, I have got you covered! The super cute Veggie Christmas Tree only takes a few minutes to make (the kids can have fun putting it together), and it looks amazing. Added bonus, it’s a tasty and healthy alternative to other popular holiday appetizers.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Veggie Christmas Tree

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It’s super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!

  • 1 styrofoam cone ((I got mine from Michaels))
  • 2 packages toothpicks
  • 2 green peppers
  • 1 bag snap peas
  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1 yellow pepper ((star))
  • 1 red pepper ((garland))
  • 1 package cherry tomatoes ((ornaments))
  1. Cut your green pepper in long triangles to form the lower branches of the tree.

  2. Cut the broccoli into individual pieces.

  3. Use a cookie cutter to make a star from the yellow pepper.

  4. Carefully use a pairing knife to make garland from the red pepper, cutting a spiral.

  5. Next, use the toothpicks to make your tree. Place the green pepper branches on the bottom, then the snap peas, and then the broccoli.
  6. Insert the cherry tomatoes, top with the yellow pepper star and wrap with red pepper garland.

  7. Serve with your favorite dip! Enjoy!

This adorable Veggie Christmas Tree makes the perfect centerpiece, and doubles as a healthy appetizer for your holiday meal! It's super easy to make, and the kids will love to help create this festive veggie-art. It will surely impress your guests!

Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it’s gluten free, paleo, and healthy!This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it's gluten free, paleo, and healthy!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but if your judging by the weather here is sunny souther California, you may be surprised its even fall! The summer weather still is going strong, and although we have had a cool down this week it’s still in the mid 70’s here.This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it's gluten free, paleo, and healthy!

No, no I’m no complaining, but it does make it a bit difficult to get into the holiday state of mind. I’m from the northeast and I grew up watching the autumn foliage turn from green to gold to crimson. The crisp fall air would cause me to bundle up in my boots, hat, and scarf before I set out for an autumn hike.

Fall was always the most beautiful time to hike in the Appalachian Mountains. The trail would be scattered with leaves of all colors and I would love to hear them crunch under my feet as I wandered.

Cricket at the Park My partner in crime, Cricket also loves her autumn hikes in the woods. She would always act extra spry due to the chilly weather, darting from tree to tree, sniffing out all the squirrels.:)

Here is California I still take her out for hikes and walks at the park. Although we have some leaves scattered about, but the sun refuses to quit, so the November hikes don’t give us the same invigorating feel that they used to!

Despite the warm weather, we still bake in this house. When it’s autumn, and the holidays are approaching, it is the perfect time for apple pie no matter the temperature outside.

I decided to make my apple pie extra festive this year by tossing is some beautiful crimson cranberries that add a splash of color, and a wonderful flavor reminiscent of fall.

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it's gluten free, paleo, and healthy!The crumble topping is sweet, buttery, and crunchy, adding intriguing texture and mouthwatering flavor. All the ingredients are super healthy- no refined sugars, no grains, but you will never know it!

Did I mention it also looks stunning? It’s quite a looker;)

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it's gluten free, paleo, and healthy!

Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it’s gluten free, paleo, and healthy!

  • 1 Perfect Paleo Pie Crust
  • 5 apples ((Granny Smith or other cooking apples, peeled and sliced in 1/4″ segments))
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons grass-fed butter, melted ((or coconut oil or ghee))
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup almond flour ((crumb topping))
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot flour ((crumb topping)(or tapioca flour))
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup ((crumb topping))
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar ((crumb topping))
  • 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter ((crumb topping)(or ghee or coconut oil))
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Prepare the pie crust, find recipe here: Perfect Paleo Pie Crust

  3. In a large bowl mix the apples, lemon juice, sugar, almond flour, cinnamon, maple syrup, and melted butter.

  4. Place the filling mixture into the lightly baked pie crust.
  5. In a small bowl mix the crumb topping ingredients: almond flour, arrowroot flour, maple syrup, coconut sugar and softened butter. Mix until you get the consistency of wet sand.
  6. Sprinkle the crumb topping on top of the filling.

  7. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until crumb topping is light brown and crisp.

  8. Remove and let cool for at least 15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Dessert
American

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is full of sweet cinnamon decadence, topped with a buttery crisp crumb. The sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in perfect union to create the ultimate holiday pie. All your guests will adore this dessert and they will never ever guess it's gluten free, paleo, and healthy!

Perfect Paleo Pie Crust

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)It’s that time of year again- the holiday season is upon us! It seems to sneak up on me every year. Do you guys feel the same way?? One minute its a hot sweltering summer day in August, and with the blink of an eye (so it seems) we are on the cusp of Thanksgiving! I mean, where does the time go?

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

I actually got to start my holiday season extra early this year because my mom came in town this past week. Since I won’t be traveling back east this year for the holidays we decided to celebrate our turkey day a few weeks early! It was great to have her in town, and she helped me exhibit at my very first art fair! I am so excited to say my Moss Art was a big hit:) What do you guys think of it? (click here for my ETSY shop if you are interested in seeing more!)

milky-magnolia-1-5

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

So this week was pretty awesome with an early Thanksgiving feast and a successful art show! What more can a girl want?

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

With my mom’s help this year, I really perfected all my paleo/ grain free holiday recipes! This pie crust is no exception. My mom is truly a Super Mom. Did I mention she runs marathons and bakes the best pie crust ever!? Yep, that’s a fact! Well she was quite impressed with this one and I am so very happy to share it with you all today!

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

Perfect Paleo Pie Crust

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

  • 1 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot flour
  • 4 tablespoons grass-fed butter, cold ((or ghee or palm shortening))
  • 1 pasture-raised egg
  1. Combine dry ingredients in the food processor and mix.
  2. Add the egg, mix for a few sections.

  3. Add the cold butter, 1 tablespoon at a time until a dough forms, on a slow/medium speed.

  4. Scrape the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper.
  5. You can chill to for 1 hour in the fridge and roll it out with a rolling pin (work quickly because as it warms it gets soft), or you can forgo the chilling and press the dough into the pie plate using you fingers to make smooth pie crust about 1/6″ thick.
  6. Use a fork to poke holes into the bottom pie crust.
  7. Bake as 350 degrees for 12 minutes (if it’s going to be baked again) or 15-18 minutes for use with a no-bake recipe.
Dessert
American

 

This flaky and buttery pie crust is the perfect compliment to your favorite pie. If you love traditional pie crust, this healthy and grain free version will surely satisfy you because it is just like the real deal! Best of all its super easy to make with only a handful of simple healthy ingredients! (Gluten free, grain free, paleo)

Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it's gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it’s gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it's gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!Pumpkin pie has always been my ALL TIME favorite pie. I know, there’s apple pie, pecan pie, cherry pie, strawberry- rhubarb pie, lemon meringue pie, chocolate cream pie….. am I missing any of your favorites? They are all good, I must admit. Each and every one has a special place in my heart (and stomach!), but the pumpkin  pie is the winner.

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it's gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!There is something about the creaminess, the smooth texture, with earthy sweet pumpkin and spice flavor that really satisfies. Heck, it has a seasonal latte named after it that people go crazy for this time of year, so I know I am not the only one who is obsessed with pumpkin pie flavor!

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it's gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!I am usually so stuffed after a Thanksgiving feast that I can barely move and have to fight the urge to put on sweats just for the extra room in the elastic waistband. haha.

But, not matter how stuffed I am, I always make room for a slice of pumpkin pie. I make sure to drown in a several heaping scoops of coconut whipped cream, and then I dig in, and enjoy ever last bite of pumpkin perfection.

This pumpkin pie is extra special because it is the BEST pumpkin pie, not just as good as a traditional one, but I would say, in fact, better! The sticky pecans makes for an sweet and crunchy topping to add in yet another flavor and texture dimension to an already fabulous pie.

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it's gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!It’s a must try, so you got to make it this year. You and your holiday guest will not be disappointed:)

Click here for the PERFECT PALEO PIE CRUST recipe!

Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it’s gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!

  • 1 Perfect Paleo Pie Crust
  • 1 15oz. can pumpkin
  • 3 pasture-raised eggs
  • 2/3 cup full fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar ((or coconut sugar))
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 pinch Himalayan salt
  • 1/2 cup pecans, whole ((sticky pecans))
  • 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter ((or ghee))
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine the pumpkin, eggs, coconut milk, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a food processor (or use hand blender). Mix to combine unit smooth.
  3. Pour the pumpkin pie mixture into the pie crust.
  4. Place the pie in the oven for 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If your crust is browning too fast cover it with foil.

  5. Meanwhile combine the butter and coconut sugar in a saucepan over low heat.
  6. Using a rubber spatula mix the butter and sugar vigorously until the sugar melts and a thick syrup forms.
  7. Add the pecans and stir to coat.

  8. Place the sticky pecans on parchment to cool, and make sure they are separate from on another so they don’t stick to each other.
  9. Once the the pie in finished baking remove and let it cool for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack. 
  10. Top your pie with pecans and set it in the fridge to cool, until you are ready to serve.
Dessert
American

This perfect Pumpkin Pie with Sticky Pecans will stun you with its beauty and win you over with its taste! Its creamy sweet pumpkin filling pairs nicely with some fluffy coconut whip cream-yum! Your guests will never ever guess it's gluten free, grain free, paleo, and healthy! Your holiday spread will not be complete without this one!

S’Mores Galette

This richly indulgent S'mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it's gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

This richly indulgent S’mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it’s gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

This richly indulgent S'mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it's gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

Come on, you can’t look at this picture and tell me you do want it, right!? There is some special magic in a picture of melted dark chocolate that makes my heart start racing, and my mouth salivate. I just ate a piece of this S’mores Galette, and now that I am writing this post and looking at these pictures I am certainly ready for another heaping slice!

This richly indulgent S'mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it's gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

The golden toasted marshmallows have that wonderful crispy crust, and the graham crust is the perfect compliment to the molten marshmallow chocolate center! This beautiful galette only took me 15 minutes to prepare, a quick chill, then off in the oven it went.

So simple.

So easy.

So unbelievably divine!

Cricket has been spending so much of her time in the kitchen lately, and today was no exception. She stared at me longingly with those big brown soulful eyes and followed me with her gaze as I bounced around the kitchen from the pantry to the oven. I so badly wanted to share my exceptional creation with her, but she’s a dog and can’t do chocolate, so that means more for me and none for her. Sorry Cricket!

Cricket S'mores GaletteBut she hung around anyway. You know, just in case something takes a spill onto the floor then it’s fair game!

Really she is in the kitchen when I am cooking and when even I am not! I think she is expecting that I will return at any minute to start my next creation, and she may be wishing it is going to be a doggie dish for her. Yes, it’s true, I haven’t created any doggie dishes lately for the blog. Sorry Cricket (and my other doggie fans!). I will soon, I promise!

So getting back to that S’mores Galette. I know you haven’t stopped dreaming about it! Do not be intimidated by its fanciness, because it’s actually very easy to make. The dough comes together in 5 minutes, and is quite a breeze if you use your food processor. It should look something like this:

This richly indulgent S'mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it's gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

Next, wrap it up in parchment and set it in the freezer for 15 minutes. This greatly speeds up the chilling process which, in the refrigerator, can take hours!

Roll the dough out between two sheet of parchment paper, then fill it with the chocolate and marshmallows, fold up the sides and pop it in the oven. You are almost there!

This richly indulgent S'mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it's gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

When it’s ready the marshmallows and crisp should be a rich golden brown.

Let it cool for 10 minutes then serve it up and ENJOY!

S’Mores Galette

This richly indulgent S’mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it’s gluten free, grain free, and paleo!

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot flour (tapioca should work in place of arrowroot if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (Himalayan or sea salt)
  • 6 tablespoons grass-fed butter
  • 1 egg (cold)
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand)
  • 1 cup marshmallows (Dandies brand or paleo marshmallow recipe HERE)
  • Optional Egg Wash: 1 egg yolk plus slapping of water
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Add the almond flour, arrowroot flour, coconut sugar, salt and cinnamon to the food processor and mix on a low setting to combine.
  3. Add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time on a low setting, then add the egg.
  4. Once dough is formed, remove it from the food processor and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Flatten the dough down to about 1/2″ thick and cover with another piece of parchment paper on top and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  5. After 15 minutes remove the dough from the freezer. Use a rolling pin to roll it out keeping the parchment paper not the top and bottom, until its about 1/4″ thick.
  6. Remove the top parchment and place the dough with the bottom piece of parchment on a cookie sheet or cast iron skillet.
  7. Fill the crust with the chocolate chips and marshmallows then fold up the sides to hold the filling in.
  8. Place on a lower rack in the oven for about 30 minutes, then move to a higher rack for 5-10 minutes to get a nice golden color on the marshmallows and crust.
  9. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes, then Enjoy!

This richly indulgent S'mores Galette is stuffed with ooey gooey melted dark chocolate and fluffy toasted marshmallows! It is so simple to make, but so extravagant. It is sure to wow your dinner guests. They will never guess it's gluten free, grain free, and paleo!