Birch Benders Keto pancake mix...

 

Hi everyone. Another day has gone by and things are finally starting to settle down around here. I don't know about you, but I am so glad winter is over and spring is finally here. My husband and I actually took the day yesterday for ourselves and went to a local lake and sat on our lounge chairs for a few hours and soaked up the sun. It was much needed.

 Today I sat in my hanging chair on our front porch and surfed the internet for recipes to try in addition to my notebook of ideas I already have. I am always open for new ideas so if you might have a recipe you would like to share, please drop me a text, I'd love to hear from you, and I'll be sure to give you the credit. Even better yet, follow me and get all my new posts and reviews sent to you!

 In the meantime, I want to share with you my honest opinion of a mix my husband and I recently tried. I’ll be honest and say that to date I have not found a low carb bread that agrees with my stomach issues and I have really missed that soft fluffy texture of breads and such. On a whim while shopping I came across Birch Benders Keto pancake mix and although I didn't totally feel comfortable with the price, I was desperate for that soft, warm, "mouth feel".

 I want to tell you that I was not disappointed. They were so simple to make! The rise is what you would expect from a "regular" pancake and they browned to perfection. Wow! With some keto sugar free syrup, it was basically the best breakfast I have had since going keto. 

 Ok, so a few of the ingredients in the list I have never used before, but I am telling you these are a must try! We enjoyed them so much I just placed an order from Amazon of a 3 pack and they arrived today. Not only did I save $$$ by ordering from their site [ you can order from there to the right of the blog] but I am going to have one great breakfast in the morning.

 Give them a try. You will not be disappointed, I assure you. In the meantime, I am working on my own keto, gluten free pancake mix that I will be hopefully sharing with you soon.

Until next post, Have a Blessed Day!

Sharon

 

Gluten Free, Keto n Me....

Alright, I know it’s been a while since I have posted and I am sorry for that. There has been so much going on in our family lately that it seems I haven't even had enough time to tie my shoes. There has been a surgery in the family. Covid has struck. The flu hit several of my grandkids, the list goes on and on, but I won't bore you with all the details.

With all of this going on my husband and I have come to the conclusion that life is just too important to be ignored and neglected! He being a diabetic, I being allergic to wheat, and both of us have gained weight as we have gotten older, so we have decided to step it up and do something about it.

Thus enters KETO! Ok, I am not talking about gorging ourselves with tons of red meat and the such. Nor are we aiming for what you call ketosis...But the sweets and breads we incorporate into our diet are now keto in order to lower the carbs n sugars for both our sakes.  I am also talking about incorporating more fruits and veggies into our diet along with leaner meats such as chicken and fish and an occasional steak.

His glucose levels are more normal now, and surprisingly enough we have both already lost weight. Yes, it’s totally different than what we were use to eating. I’m a sugar addict! Yes, sorry to admit that, it’s my go to when stressed, which the past few years has had a hold on me. I love my sweets. My husband has always been a snacker. Chips, nuts, ice cream....

I was so pleasantly surprised that after a few weeks of not eating any cake, chocolate, cookies and the like that I actually enjoyed a piece of keto chocolate brownie!!!!! Yes the texture may be somewhat different than what Im use to, but Oh GLORY, GLORY!!! I find I actually enjoy the Atkins keto peanut M&M's more than regular ones now. And raw sliced carrots with just a few Tablespoons of low sodium (kidney disease, remember) ranch dressing is my favorite snack of all time. Who knew???

So, in the future I hope you will not only continue to look forward to my gluten free recipes, but enjoy that they will also be keto and low carb to help keep those extra pounds off! So, until next time, I hope you have a Blessed Easter and enjoy your family and loved ones.

Sharon

 

 

 

                               

                                               

       Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Soup

                                           

 

So, I know Punxsutawney Phil here in Pa saw his shadow again this year, and although Spring is really coming soon, I still hate the 30-degree weather we have been having here this week. So out comes the pot for some warm inviting soup!!! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.

 

Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 25mins

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, peeled and chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped

3 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

3 sticks of celery, trimmed and roughly chopped

50 grams dry red lentils

4 cups vegetable stock

 

Instructions

1. Add the oil to a preheated pan over a medium heat, add the onion and sauté for 10 minutes without browning.

2. Add the sweet potato, carrot, celery and lentils and coat in the oil.

3. Toss so they are well coated and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the stock and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook for 25 minutes or until the lentils are soft and the sweet potato is tender.

6. Puree until everything is smooth. Reheat if need be and serve.

This is a hearty filling soup and warms you right up. Serve with some toasted bread or bread cubes with a side salad. Yum.

 As always, until next time, ENJOY!

 

 

Orange Julius

 Have you ever been to the mall in the past and just had to stop at the Orange Julius for one of their orange delights? It’s been years since I have seen one, so I don't know if they still exist in the area, or at all anymore. Yet I do remember they were one of my favorite confections on those long-ago trips. I’d skip the pizza, candy shops, even the pretzel stands for one of those smooth, creamy confections!

I found a recipe awhile back and it has become buried in amongst my recipe collection and I am just now re-finding it. I’m always in the mood for something sweet, and even though  oranges are among one of the fruits I usually avoid with my kidney disease, I can easily adjust my daily meals for this occasional treat!

Since it’s been years since I have had a "Original" orange Julius, this is as close to the taste that I can remember. Its smooth, creamy, sweet, but not too sweet and has all the bells and whistles of what I can remember from the original.

Its east, quick and delicious. I hope you will give it a try n drop me a comment of your thoughts n opinions. I love hearing from my readers and answering any questions that you might have.

Enjoy, and have a Blessed day!

Sharon

 

                                                                  ORANGE JULIUS

1- 6 oz can frozen orange juice

1 cup whole milk

1 cup cold water

12 ice cubes

1/4 cup granulated sugar 

1/4 cup Splenda

* Or just use 1/2 cup granulated, but will definitely add more calories!

1/2 teas vanilla

Combine all ingredients except the ice cubes in a blender until smooth. Gradually add ice cubes a few at a time until all are added. Serve immediately in chilled glasses, makes 4 servings.