Even the most disciplined low carber craves a treat every once in a while... or twice a week, I'm not judging. For those times when your sweet tooth refuses to be silenced, don't give in and reach for a donut or a huge piece of birthday cake (but if you do, get Publix, theirs is the best), try this easy mug cake instead. It only has 5 net carbs and if your kids are like mine, you won't get to finish it all by yourself anyway, so it will probably be more like 3 net carbs. Sharing for the win! I admit, there are a few steps to this recipe, but once you make it once or twice, it will be second nature. Note: It is important to do the steps in order, to assure you don't end up with a bowl full of fried egg.
*If you don't have liquid, you can always use the packets or granulated, but it will add hidden carbs.
0 Comments
Eating low carb doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite goodies, it just means you have to find a work around. This cheesecake recipe was super easy to "doctor up"; I just subbed almond meal for the graham cracker crust and used liquid sucralose instead of sugar and this cheesecake is *just as good as my Mom's, without any of the guilt or blood sugar spikes.
*Don't tell her I said that.
If you're a "true low-carber", you will probably have all of the necessary ingredients on hand, if not, they can all be found easily at your local grocery store. If you can't find almond meal, you can always make your own with a bag of unblanched almonds and a food processor. (for this recipe, I prefer the coarse grind you can only get if you make your own)
When people hear that I have "gone low carb", they always ask me how I do it, how do I go without eating all those yummy, delicious carbs, especially bread and pizza. The answer, I don't. I don't go without anything. I eat the same yummy foods as before, I just make them differently. This recipe is my take on the Fat Head pizza everyone in the low carb community raves about, only I subbed some flax seeds for the almond flour and it worked amazingly well. This recipe is super easy, as long as you have the magic ingredient... parchment paper. Seriously, it is key in making the crust work. For the crust, you will need...
Microwave about another minute or so, until all the cheese is melted and gooey. Turn the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and have another piece of parchment paper handy to cover it with. Roll the dough out, with a rolling pin, between the two pieces of parchment paper. Alternately, you could use your hands (or a can of peas) to spread the dough, if you don't have a rolling pin. Bake the crust for about 7 minutes or so on 425, then remove from the oven and invert the crust, making the bottom the top. This will ensure you have a crispy crust on both sides. Now for the good part... You could use a sugar free tomato pizza sauce, but I chose to use a Tbsp of Ranch dressing (1 carb). Then I sprinkled on all the toppings... (precooked) chicken, baby bella mushrooms, red onions and more Mozzarella. (I totally would've put bacon on it, if I had it, but alas, I didn't) Pop this little piece of heaven in the oven for about 6 minutes or so, just long enough to heat the ingredients and melt the cheese. This recipe is a huge hit at our house, even the kids like it, the little one even prefers it and honestly, so do I and at only 4 carbs per piece vs the 25 you will get in a "regular" piece of pizza, there's no guilt at all; none.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with product samples to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. Recently, I was lurking around in my homeschool Moms group and I saw a question that is on the forefront of every Mom's mind this time of year... "What can I get for my kid that isn't a toy?". I myself have struggled with this one, until this year. This year, we (I) have implemented the "want, need, wear, read" rule. Each of my children will receive gifts from these four categories. Yep, that means they will be getting socks, underwear and books. (plus one thing they reallllly wanted) This could, quite possibly be the best idea I have had (stolen from the internet) in many moons. To help you out, I have put together a few last minute ideas in each of the categories, minus the "want", because I don't know your kid and have no idea what they might want, but it is probably Minecraft related if your kid is anything like mine.
Thanks to the nice folks at Redan publishing, I got to check out 10 of these awesome titles. They have everything from Thomas the Train to Peppa Pig (Micah looooves Peppa). Each issue contains stories, a craft project, a collectible poster and a workbook full of fun educational activities that are designed to give your child a head start in developing their early learning skills with the help of their favorite characters.
Your child will spend endless hours stimulating their imaginations and having fun not realizing they are learning! These interactive magazines make the perfect gift! Redan Publishing is offering my blog viewers a special discounted offer plus a FREE bonus issue for ordering. Go to go http://www.redan.com/USFamilyGuide.html and click on the magazine cover with your child's favorite character to order. Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms. It wasn't until I became a "grown-up" and had children of my own that I realized how hard my parents worked to make sure I had a really amazing childhood. All of the birthday cookouts, the Easter egg hunts at Nannie's house, the hand-made, coordinating Halloween costumes, my very favorite cotton candy body spray every year in my Christmas stocking, watching all the campy Christmas movies with my parents... all these traditions still stand out in my mind 30 something years later. Since having my own kids, I have tried to keep these old traditions alive, while starting a few of my own. Every year, I get each of the kids their own ornament to hang on the tree. We also like to put on our pajamas and pile up in the car and go look at Christmas lights and decorations around the neighborhood or if no one is feeling quite that ambitious, we like to watch old Christmas cartoons together. Unfortunately, some of these traditions are getting harder and harder to keep alive. With one kid away at college, one kid who works a lot (and, at 21, isn't really a kid anymore) and one kid who would rather be at home, watching Minecraft videos, it can get rather discouraging, but that doesn't stop me from trying (and making new ones) A new tradition I started this year, is the idea to gift the kids one item from four categories... Something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read. Since they already have so much stuff, I decided to stick to the basics this year. Yep, that means socks and undies for all. Although we are not what one would call "wealthy", my family is very fortunate. We have a home that is full of love and laughs, we have electricity, we have running water, we have a car that gets us to fun places and the kids never miss a meal... we really can't complain. Unfortunately, 1.5 million homeless children can't say the same thing. According to a 2012 study, more than 1 in 9 children come from "food unstable" households, meaning they don't have consistent access to adequate food. While other kids are complaining because they didn't get the newest video game, others are wondering where their next meal will come from. It's very sobering to think about, but thanks to companies like Hickory Farms and programs like "No Kid Hungry", hopefully, one day, we won't need to have these conversations. Hickory Farms, America’s most famous holiday food gift brand, enjoyed by holiday shoppers seeking the perfect gifts for family and friends for over 60 years has been partnering with "No Kid Hungry" since 2008 and in that time has donated over $4 million dollars to the cause. While we aren't all million dollar companies, we can still do our part to help. For every Signature Party Planner purchased this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to "No Kid Hungry". Whether you're looking for savory goodies like their award winning summer sausage or maybe something a little more on the sweet side, like their decadent white and dark chocolate bark, Hickory Farms has you covered!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary product sample in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. With the highly anticipated release of the newest installment in the widely loved Star Wars franchise coinciding right around the holidays, the market is flooded with awesome Star Wars themed toys and games, which is great for kids, but definitely makes it tough on us grownups. How does a parent know which one is the right one?! Do you get the one that lights up or maybe the one that makes noise or what about the one that moves on its own... Or what about the one that does all of those things and more?! Say "Hello" to Legendary Yoda. This is the lifelike Jedi master that trains young Padawans to fully embrace The Force. With all the realism of the iconic Star Wars character, including 115 spoken phrases (“Ready to train, are you?”), a convincing latex body and fabric robe, and an illuminated lightsaber, this interactive 17 1/2"-tall Yoda assumes three roles for interactive play. As a warrior, Yoda demonstrates his lightsaber technique with lifelike 360° spins, strikes, and parries, granted by seven built-in micro-motors. Yoda trains students how to use The Force to push him backward—a motion sensor detects your movement and hidden wheels roll him away—and his left palm glows when he detects the dark side of The Force. When holding his cane, Yoda’s built-in voice recognition technology responds to six key phrases, to which he will answer yes or no questions to impart wisdom—your interactions reveal to him whether your intentions are good or evil. Requires six C batteries. Ages 6 and up. 16" H x 13" W x 11 1/2" D. Imagine how surprised your little Padawan will be when they wake up to see Master Yoda sitting under the tree. I admit, I am even a little bit "wow'd" by this thing. With over 115 spoken phrases, this is not your mama's electronic toy from back in the day. The force is strong with this awesome toy, but what if you are already a level 12 Jedi master or maybe you can't train due to an old football injury? No worries, Hammacher Schlemmer still has you covered. With the nation's longest running catalog in existence, there's bound to be something for every name on your "nice" list this year.
Not sure what to get great uncle Bob who has everything in the world? Check out Hammacher Schlemmer's handy dandy gift guide for a few ideas. They have taken all the guess-work out of gifting this year, so you have no excuse for showing up at your holiday parties with a tin of mixed nuts, trying to pass it off as a gift. Trust me people, no one likes to receive nuts for a gift... no one. |
Follow Me on Pinterest
|