Category: Sweets and Treats

Sweets and Treats and all things dessert!

Chocolate mint cookies Chocolate Mint Cookies
Home · Sweets and Treats

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Featured zhealthyhousewife2 Comments

Sugar-Free, Keto, Thm

Do you have a certain smell, taste or sight that is directly connected with Christmas? I do. Except its not just one. It’s like a 304!

I love the Christmas tree (the real one, with the REAL smell) all set up right after thanksgiving. I love the Christmas music softly playing in the background whenever I cook or bake. I absolutely love the Christmas tree lights on after all the kids go to bed, when I can actually sit and enjoy it, and the cozy soft glow that it gives off. Somehow, everything seems better around Christmas time.

There is an array of different cookie recipes that I love to bake around Christmas time, but these taste just like Christmas to me. I came up with the recipe last year when I was playing around with some ideas. One evening, as I was scrounging through the cupboards for something sweet (does anyone else do that???), I found an old box of Girl Scout cookies. Mint thins! I smelled them to make sure they were good still…they weren’t. So, I decided to make some chocolate mint cookies, inspired by an old bad box of Girl Scout cookies! The clincher was, they were going to be the healthy version so that I could thoroughly enjoy them!

Staying “on plan”

You see, I have a hard time staying on track with my health and fitness around the holidays. Is it only me? I feel like thanksgiving always starts it off for me, because I always end up baking enormous amounts of pies, cheesecakes and the like. Its not that I am a binger on all that is junk, but my messed up thinking always gets me in the end. I start to think, “well, thanksgiving is this week, so I guess I will have one of those cookies,” or, “I have to have a homemade roll with my dinner!”. That thought process just continues for a couple of weeks, when finally I am ready to get back to eating “on plan” again. Then it is Christmas week, and the whole process begins again.

I know I am not alone on this. I’ve talked to so many of my friends who struggle with this too. And don’t get me wrong, it’s not the end of the world if you take advantage of the wonderful bounty of deliciousness around the holidays. However, if it becomes the “norm”, then it can be.

So with all of that being said, wouldn’t you love to start incorporating healthy options to your holiday traditions? Try these guys on for size! I would love to hear some of your family traditions, your favorite cookie recipes etc, but especially how you liked these Chocolate Mint Cookies!

So grab a cozy blanket, a glass of milk (or cashew milk-one of my favorites), and put on that old Christmas classic movie, and enjoy one of these timeless cookies…with none of the guilt! Feel good about serving healthy options this Christmas!

Heres the recipe! I hope you enjoy them!

God Bless!

-Zaneta

Chocolate mint cookies
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Chocolate Mint Cookies

A Christmas Favorite! Sugar-free, Keto, THM

Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Servings 30 cookies
Author Zaneta Francis

Ingredients

  • 3 Eggs At room temp
  • 2 sticks Butter (unsalted) Softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Sweetener I love gentle sweet, monkfruit or an erythritol blend
  • 1 tsp Xanthan gum to thicken and bind
  • 5 drops Vanilla creme stevia
  • 1 1/4 tsp Mint extract
  • 2/3 cups Cocoa powder
  • 3 tbs Pyrure Stevia blend
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 2 cups Almond flour It works better with the fine ground almond flour
  • 1/2 cup Oat Fiber This is another trick to make it bind together

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. In Mixer: Blend together the softened butter and all sweetener until creamy.

  3. Add in room temp eggs and mix until fluffy

  4. Add in vanilla drops and mint extract. Continue to mix.

  5. In seperate bowl, mix together remaining dry ingredients.

  6. Add Dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until well mixed together.

  7. Once Mixed together, leave mixture in bowl. Place in Fridge for 20-30 minutes.

  8. Once chilled, place round 1 inch balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Slighty press down on dough.

  9. Bake in oven for 12-14 minutes.

chocolates Z’s Fat Burning Almond Chocolates
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Fat Burning Almond Chocolates

zhealthyhousewife1 Comment

Sugar-Free, THM-S, Keto

Fat Burning Chocolate???

“Excuse me? Did I hear you right? Chocolate that burns fat?” Yes…There is such a thing!!! These bad boys rev up the fat burning mode of your body, yet are decadent and delicious!

There is just something beautiful that happens when you mix dark chocolate, cream, shredded coconut and almonds!

7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
    • Very Nutritious. …
    • Powerful Source of Antioxidants. …
    • May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure. …
    • Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation. …
    • May Reduce Heart Disease Risk. …
    • May Protect Your Skin From the Sun. …
  • Could Improve Brain Function.

(healthline.net)

In addition, when you mix dark chocolate with MCT oil, it only increases the fat burning mode in your body…

-Coconut oil is 55% MCTs, while MCT oil is made 100% of MCTs. Furthermore, coconut oil contains all 4 medium-chain fatty acids, including large quantities of lauric acid, the least efficient MCT. MCT oil only uses the two most efficient MCTs for energy: caprylic and capric acid. (perfectketo.com)

-Many ketogenic diet and MCT oil spokespeople say that MCT’s energy sustaining powers can be explained as follows: when MCT oil is metabolized in the body, it behaves more like a carbohydrate than a fat. Remember that the fuel of preference for the body is carbohydrate. Unlike other fats, MCT oil does not go through the lymphatic system. Instead, it is transported directly to the liver where it is metabolized so it releases energy like a carbohydrate and creates lots of ketones (which
an be used for fuel) in the process. (bodybuilding.com)

These little chocolates are sure to impress! Satisfy those sweet and salty cravings with no guilt!

Prepare

I don’t know about you, but when I am busy (which is all the time), it is often hard for me to resist little snacks or treats when I am out and about. I have found that it is easy to just throw some treats together like once a week, and then have them readily available to just put in a little Tupperware or baggie, making it easy to take them on the go.

Cookies, bars, candies and muffins are easy to transport, thus making it easy to have grab and go treats! It also makes it so much easier to resist the yucky stuff and stay “on plan”.

creamy chocolate

These yummies are so creamy and irresisitable.

The secret to resisting those candies and treats in the stores??? Just prepare for those sweet cravings and make your own treats ahead of time! You have nothing to feel guilty about when the treats you are eating are healthy and good for you!

The Recipe

I know you must be “rummaging through” through your cupboards right now, in your mind. Am I right? But don’t worry! This recipe is so easy and delicious, why wouldn’t you try them?

Without further delay, here is the recipe!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 1 package (4oz) of unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • dash of salt
  • 1/8 cup MCT oil
  • 2 tbs pyure sweetener
  • 1/2 fine ground erythritol (or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup of raw almonds

Instructions

  1. "!"In a medium pan:
  2. Add water. bring to soft boil.
  3. "!" In a medium bowl:
  4. Place the medium bowl on top of the medium pan of water. (This will allow the chocolate to not burn.)
  5. Add in the Chocolate bar (add in small pieces at a time)
  6. With a whisk, mix continuously, until melted.
  7. Add in MCT oil and continue mixing.
  8. Add Heavy whipping cream slowly, and mix continuously. (this part is important because the chocolate can curdle easily if you add in cold cream too fast)
  9. While mixing, add in the remaining ingredients.
  10. Once the chocolate is melted and creamy, turn heat off and continue whisk occasionally.
  11. Pour melted chocolate into small baking cups.
  12. Add two to three almonds per cup.
  13. Sprinkle tops with desired amount of shredded coconut.
  14. Place in fridge until firm.
  15. Enjoy!
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2019/01/17/zs-fat-burning-almond-chocolates/

Z’s Snickerdoodles
Home · Sweets and Treats

Z’s Snickerdoodles

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-free, Keto, THM-S

A Cookie was Born!

Seriously, how can you enjoy fall without snickerdoodle cookies? Seriously.

Well, last week was the official start of fall! Yippee!

One early morning, I was sitting on the couch and feeling a “baking spree” coming on. I was feeling especially “fall-y”. I had my traditional pumpkin smelling candle going, a nice warm fire in the fireplace and a cozy blanket on.

I started thinking to myself, “What cookie says fall? Hmmmmm……”. Hello! Snickerdoodles!

My dilemma started when I immediately remembered that I was supposed to be on a low carb plan that whole week! WHAT?!?! Who’s dumb idea was that???

I really wanted snickerdoodle cookies, BUT I really wanted to stick to my low carb week.

Thus, a cookie was about to be born!

I hurriedly got up and went to my kitchen. I began looking through my cupboards for any kind of ingredients I could use. Of course, I always have almond flour and sweetener around, so that was no problem. I also found butter and a half carton of cream cheese. I found a bunch of cinnamon and other yummies, and I began to go to work.

Mind you…When you picture me in the kitchen, I’m sure you picture a put together mom in her pretty little apron, perfect hair and makeup, gliding around the kitchen in baking perfection mode. NOPE.

My picture of reality is slightly different.

I was still in my pajamas, my hair was a rat’s nest, I hadn’t brushed my teeth yet, there were dishes all over and in the sink from the night before, my boys were running around like wild banshees getting ready to start school (homeschool) and doing chores, and I’m pretty sure my daughter was crying in her room about something.

But I didn’t care at that moment. I wanted to create a recipe. I was on a mission! (task-oriented much?)

Sometimes life is not conducive to having that perfect “baking experience”. You know what I mean? That perfect scenario that we all picture?

The perfect kitchen, the perfect hair and makeup WHILE baking. That just aint reality.

At least for me.

I say, despite your environment, JUST OWN IT! Whatever your kitchen scenario is… OWN IT!

A Fall Favorite

Now that you have a picture of how this recipe came to be, we can talk about snickerdoodles! This traditional cookie is definitely a fall favorite around this house! But this year, my family got to experience this favorite in a healthier way!

These cookies are still buttery and rich, but with none of the guilt that accompanies regular sugary snickerdoodles! They have a very tiny amount of carbs in them, so they allow you to only burn one fuel at a time when you eat them (see Trim Healthy Mama for further details)! Yay for slimming your waistline while eating yummies!

I call them Z’s snickerdoodles because this is my own adaption to the traditional snickerdoodle recipe.

I really love being able to create healthier options to craveable favorites such as snickerdoodles. These did not disappoint!

snickerdoodles

Be Fall-y!

It’s nice and cool now (unless you live in the south), so I encourage you to go be “fall-y”! Put on a pumpkin smelling candle, start a cozy fire, put some good music on and create your fall-y atmosphere.

Trust me…you’ll love it! Even if you don’t have the perfect kitchen, you don’t have your hair and makeup perfect, your kids are less than great, or your house is a mess. Sometimes you just gotta “roll with the punches” and find ways to bless yourself and bless your family! Baking is no exception! It is a blessing to all that around!

So go be fall-y and bake some Z’s Snickerdoodles!!! (recipe below)

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Wet ingredients:
  • 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
  • 3 eggs
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 Tbs Super sweet (or 1 tsp straight stevia)
  • 3/4 cup Erythritol
  • 10 drops vanilla creme stevia drops
  • Dry ingredients:
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 3 tbs cinnamon
  • 2 tsp cream of tarter
  • 4 scoops of collagen (or 1/8 cup)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • pinch of salt
  • For cinnamon/sugar coat:
  • 2 tbs cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup xylitol or sweetener of choice

Instructions

  1. In stand mixer:
  2. Cream together the butter and sweetener until creamy.
  3. Add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix until creamy.
  4. In separate bowl:
  5. with a whisk, mix all dry ingredients until well mixed.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well.
  7. Chill dough for 20 minutes.
  8. Once chilled, roll into 1 inch balls, then place in cinnamon/sugar mix to coat.
  9. Place on uncreased baking sheets and then slightly flatten (not too flat).
  10. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown around edges.
  11. Enjoy!

Notes

keeps well in fridge.

7.8.1.2
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/10/08/zs-snickerdoodles/

Nutrition

Calories

3553 cal

Fat

338 g

Carbs

106 g

Protein

70 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

z choco chip ex cookies Z’s Choco Chip EX cookies
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Choco Chip EX cookies

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-free, low-carb, THM-S, Keto

Why the EX?

There are chocolate chip cookies, and then there are chocolate chip cookies with “EXtra” stuff in them. Hence the “EX”. (No, I wasn’t going to talk about one of my ex’s, sorry if you were looking for some drama! I aint no drama mama! lol.)

These bad boys are lightly sweetened and have Lilly’s dark chocolate chips, so they are the perfect little not-too-sweet snack.

I often like to create recipes that are both delicious and also beneficial to my health. These cookies do both!

Choco chip X

The “extra” ingredients really aren’t needed to create a sweet treat, but isn’t nice to know that you are having a sweet treat AND helping your body be healthy? I don’t know about you, but I sure do!

Here are the two “Extra” ingredients that are in these bad boys:

Flax meal: Ground flax seeds, which is known as flax meal is very good for you. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s. Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. I love to use GROUND flax seeds (flax meal) because once the flax seeds are ground, your body can digest the awesome vitamins and minerals that the seeds possess. If you just eat straight up flax seeds, they will pass right through your body, and you won’t benefit from their nutritious benefits.

Protein powder: Protein powder is a popular nutritional supplement. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. Using protein powder may also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles. I like to use a protein powder that has three different kinds of protein in it. It allows your body to digest these separate proteins in a slower fashion, thus helping aid building muscle! Yes please!

The art of baking low-carb

I have learned that baking with almond flours and other low carb flours is an art. It really is. I have had many failures when creating healthier recipes, and have learned a lot about what not to do.

Almond flour is my preferred “low-carb” flour. I have heard of people liking to bake with coconut flour, but unfortunately, I have NEVER had luck with it. Not only does it does it have the consistency of chalk, but the coconut flavor permeates through everything!

Perhaps you like the taste of coconut, but I do not. That is why I have learned to love baking with almond flour. One of the tricks that I have learned is to use xanthan gum to bind the flour together. I’m not sure scientifically how that works, but I have found it to be very helpful in the texture of my cookies.

cookies on baking sheet

I am still learning to bake in a low carb fashion, and to make the textures just as good as the traditional recipes. And I do still occasionally like to make yummy traditionally baked treats as well (i.e. regular chocolate chips cookies, full of sugar and butter). I do however, love to experiment at making cookies and treats that I feel less guilty eating. Because I love treats!

The Recipe

This recipe is really easy. I just add the “wet” ingredients first in the stand mixer, mix the dry ingredients together and then throw it all in the stand mixer to mix. After that, I let the cookie dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes (this is another little trick to baking low carb). That way, after the dough chills, it is very easy to make into balls. I just add the balls of dough onto the baking sheets, smoosh them down slightly and then bake! Easy peasy!

So, without further adieu, here is the recipe! Enjoy!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter (softened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla (or two 😉
  • 3/4 cup of sweetener (I used a blend of stevia and erythritol)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp mollases
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 cup flax meal
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 7 oz Lilly's dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. In a stand mixer:
  3. Cream together softened butter and sweetener.
  4. Add in room temperature eggs and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
  5. Add in remaining wet ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy
  6. in a separate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (except chocolate chips) together with a whisk.
  7. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until smooth.
  8. Add chocolate chips.
  9. Mix until well combined.
  10. Place stand mixer bowl of dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  11. Once chilled, roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on uncreased cookie sheet. Smoosh balls of dough down lightly.
  12. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown along bottom.
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/10/04/zs-choco-chip-ex-cookies/

Nutrition

Calories

3947 cal

Fat

318 g

Carbs

198 g

Protein

89 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

 

 

Banana Creme Pie Z’s Banana Creme Pie
Home · Sweets and Treats

Z’s Banana Creme Pie

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

With Chocolate Crust

No sugar added, Low carb

Bananas everywhere!!!

I recently had bought a bunch of bananas because they were on sale. However, because of our home addition that we started last week (long story), the house has been “opened up” quite a bit…which has caused the house to be very warm during the days. Thus, turning all my newly bought bananas brown!

I usually make a banana bread (try my Banana Walnut bread here….https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/01/07/banana-walnut-bread/), which is good…but I wanted to make something yummy and sweet. I wanted to make a pie.

So, I was debating on what to make, when my husband came into the kitchen and suggested that I make a banana pie with chocolate crust. Thus started my brain wheels spinning!

I looked through my cupboards and gathered together what might taste good in a banana pie, and because I only had a couple of hours until my nephews party started, I needed to come up with something fast!

banana creme pie

My brother in law requested for me to bring some sugar-free desserts, so I decided to make this and my other popular recipe: Z’s Double Strawberry Cheesecake.

Here’s the recipe for that one…https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/06/19/zs-double-strawberry-cheesecake/.

So I made both of these bad boys, and brought them over! Needless to say, they were a hit! Everyone loved them both…but my husband said that his new favorite was the Banana Creme Pie!

Bananas for the win!

I am usually not a fan of banana anything, but I actually thoroughly enjoyed this pie! This pie was definitely win, win!

My favorite part was the chocolate crust!!! The crust was to die for! So chocolatey and perfectly thick!

Also, topping it with Lily’s dark chocolate chips was a perfect finish! (here’s a link where you can buy them…)

What I am not a big fan of though, is using products that are processed. I just have to say, straight up…I did use a box of Jello sugar-free vanilla pudding mix in this recipe! I know! BAD GIRL!

I am sure there are ways you can tweak it to not have that processed stuff in it, but because of my lack for time and no opportunity to go to the store for special ingredients, this is what I used.

I usually like to stick to healthier choices. But,I think it’s ok to indulge every once in a while! EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE GUYS!

After all, it’s always better to choose things foods that won’t spike your blood sugar…even if occasionally it is processed or contains Sucralose.

Note: Eating foods containing Sucralose on a daily basis can have major health detriments. I would not suggest eating it very often.

The Recipe

Again…this bad boy was made in my Vitamix Blender!!! So stinkin’ easy! I have been spoiled rotten with that machine, and frankly, I am in love with the ease that it allows for making pretty much anything! If anyone wants to buy one…check out my main page on the sidebar! (I’ll get a small commission if you buy from my site:).

This pie was a hit, and I know that it will grace our tables many times to come!!!

I hope that you will enjoy this pie as much as my family and I have!

God Bless! -Z

Z’s

Recipe Image

Ingredients

    Crust:
  • 4 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar substitute
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 cup golden flax meal
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
    • Filling:
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 box Jello sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (instant)
  • 20 drops vanilla creme stevia drops (or 1 tsp vanilla)
  • 1/3 cups Gentle Sweet
  • 1/8 tsp xantham gum
  • 4 medium ripe bananas

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all crust ingredients in medium bowl until well mixed.
  3. Lightly grease a pie pan (I used Pam baking spray).
  4. Place crust mixture in pie pan and firm down with fingers.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. In blender:
  7. Whip up heavy whipping cream in blender until firm. Add the rest of the filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add filling to cooled pie pan and place in freezer until firm (about 3 hours).
  9. Garnish with bananas, whipped cream and Lily's dark chocolate chips.
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/06/28/zs-banana-creme-pie/

 

double strawberry cheesecake Z’s Double Strawberry Cheesecake
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Double Strawberry Cheesecake

zhealthyhousewife2 Comments

Sugar-Free, THM-S, Keto

Strawberry Obsession

I may or may not be a strawberry dessert obsessed person! Especially in the summer time! Strawberries are just so easy to make sweet and delicious desserts with. Not only are they easy to make yummy treats with, but they are beautiful!

This dessert was another one of my “accidental” creations. I needed something to use my cream cheese in and something that I could use all my strawberries in. Alas! This delicious and easy masterpiece was created!

It’s called “double strawberry” because, instead of just having strawberries on top, there are strawberries inside! Lot’s of them! So…you get double the strawberries! Yes please!

I made this cheesecake twice now, and both times, it was literally devoured before I could take any pretty pictures. So, this is officially my first recipe post that doesn’t have pretty pictures of all angles and with pretty lighting. Just the two hastily taken pictures before the cake was destroyed by my husband and kids.

double strawberry cheesecake

Needless to say, this cheesecake was a hit!

Nothing fancy, no pretty lighting…just raw and unfiltered cheesecake, in all of it’s glory! See, we all have messy kitchens and bad lighting! That’s ok! Just be happy to make delicious and healthy treats! That’s what I do.

11 Year Celebration

Two weeks ago was my husbands and my 11 year anniversary! Yay us! I made this cheesecake for the first time on that weekend, and my husband fell in love with it. He especially loved the tiny hint of cinnamon in the crust!

As he stuffed his happy face with the delicious cake, he nodded his approval and mumbled with his mouth full. Once he was done chewing (barely), I asked what he said. He told me, “I think this is your best one so far!”

He really loved it. Almost as much as I love him. 11 years with this stud is a blessing, and I pray that I get many more! He is my rock, and I could not do life without him!

We went to a wedding at the beach as part of our anniversary weekend getaway! Gotta love southern Cali!

The Myth, the Recipe…

Back to this little cheesecake recipe. Once more, it was made in my Vitamix Blender! I mean seriously, can it get any more easy to make delicious and decadent desserts??? I think not!

I actually made this before church on Sunday! I baked the crust first, and then added the creamy and delicious filling from my Vitamix, and then put in the freezer! That’s it! Easy Peasy!

Of course, later, I sliced up strawberries and added a little bit of sweetener and then added it to the top! Viola!

It’s really not a myth that you can make healthy, easy and super quick desserts! It’s the real deal, and it’s my jam!

I hope you enjoy this super simple dessert!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

    Crust:
  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 stick butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp molasses
  • 1/8 Gentle Sweet (or preferred sweetener)
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • Filling:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese
  • 20 strawberries
  • 1 Cup Gentle Sweet (or preferred sweetener)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 20 drops Vanilla Creme Stevia
    • Topping:
  • 3 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1/8 cup Sweetener (I used xylitol to give it that course texture)
  • 2 tbs water

Instructions

  1. Bake Crust first. Let cool.
  2. Add heavy whipping cream to blender first.
  3. Whip up until fluffy (about 20 seconds on high speed).
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients.
  5. Blend until smooth and the cream mixture turns pinkish/red.
  6. Add to cooled crust.
  7. Freeze until firm.
  8. Garnish with the fresh sliced strawberries, water and sweetener mixed.
  9. Enjoy!
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https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/06/19/zs-double-strawberry-cheesecake/

Z's strawberry gelato Z’s Strawberry Gelato
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Strawberry Gelato

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-Free, Dairy free, THM, Keto

Frozen Strawberry Bliss!

The summer time is a perfect time for frozen treats! And what better treat than a sweet strawberry dessert? This dessert cannot, and I repeat, CANNOT get any easier! It literally takes about 2 minutes to whip together!

Thank the kitchen gods for high powered blenders! They make whipping up desserts a breeze!

There is just something about frozen strawberries that has that ability to just melt in your mouth and bring about feelings of pure bliss! At least for me anyway…lol.

Most Gelato recipes for me have turned out chunky. All the other recipes I have tried, just cannot compare to the creamy and irresistible consistency of this recipe!

The Secret Ingredient

Have you ever tried to make a frozen dessert in your blender, only to get a chunky and dissapointing consistency? Or, when you put it in the freezer and then go to take a bite the next day, it is literally frozen solid? Well, I have had that experience, and I have to tell ya…It aint fun! I get so frustrated, that I usually have to throw it away!

This bad boy has a secret ingredient that I think you will be surprised about.

Rasberry Vodka!

Yup…VODKA! Don’t worry though…it is not enough to even get a buzz on. There is only a minimal amount. But, the effect that the vodka has on the consistency is heavenly! And I dare say, I like the flavor better when the vodka is part of the mix!

I use raspberry Vodka, but you can use any flavor you want. I like the raspberry because it gives the strawberry flavor a bit of a twist.

I like how my backdrop is hanging off the table. Lol.

Note for Trim Healthy Mama’s: Because this has the vodka in it, I am not entirely sure what this dessert would technically land on in a Trim Healthy Mama category. I would say that if you use a nut milk, that it could be a Fuel Pull (FP), but if you use the half and half, then it would definitely fall in to the Satisfying (S) category. I will have to check into it and see what it technically on THM.

 Go make It!

Because this is so dang easy… it is perfect for those last minute desserts that you need to make in a pinch. Maybe your in-laws dropped by un-announced and you need something quick and easy. Whip out the good stuff! It will be sure to please!

If you have an uncontrollable urge for a frozen strawberry treat with a twist… This recipe is perfect! It is also so much better than binge eating a pint of ice-cream, that you will FOR SURE regret later! Go with this healthy and deliciously creamy alternative!

Now that your mouth is watering…Go make it!

Enjoy!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 12 oz package of frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 cup raspberry vodka (any brand is fine).
  • 1/2-3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla nut milk (cashew, almond), or half and half
  • 1/4 cup Gentle Sweet

Instructions

  1. In high powered blender:
  2. Add all ingredients.
  3. Blend on high (or frozen treat setting).
  4. With the smasher (the black thing that comes with your blender to push food down into the blender), Push down on the strawberries until everything becomes thick and creamy.
  5. Serve immediately.
  6. Enjoy!
7.8.1.2
43

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/06/07/zs-strawberry-gelato/

Z’s Lemon Cream Cheesecake
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Lemon Cream Cheesecake

zhealthyhousewife3 Comments

Sugar-free, THM-S, Keto

Like a Drink of Lemonade

This cheesecake is divine! So refreshing and yummy, like a summer afternoon drink of lemonade!  to be honest, I am not much of a lemon fan. I usually pass up lemony desserts. I actually made this for my husband because I had a bunch of extra lemons.

You see, I had done the Master Cleanse, and ended up stopping a day early. So needless to say, I had a ton of extra lemons to use up. I hate to waste food, so I ended up thinking, “I should make something for my husband!”. This is the recipe that came to mind!

I have to admit that I really didn’t think I would like it, but I tried it always. Boy am I glad I did! It seriously is one of the most refreshing desserts I have ever had!

It is delicious!!!

I am so glad that I tried it! I am learning that you always have to at least try things! You may have written foods off when you were younger, like I have, but you never know if your taste buds have changed! Mine have for sure!

Easy as Pie!

This recipe cannot get any easier! I made it in my Vitamix! I seriously cannot say enough about how easy it is to make things when you have a good blender!

Yes please!

I just added the whipping cream and whipped it up (seriously in a matter of 5 seconds!), and then added my cream cheese, sweetners and vanilla’s to it, and blended! It seriously only took a minute!

I say “vanilla’s” because I added in a “secret ingredient”, that in my opinion, made this amazing!

Any of ya’ll ever heard of the Vanilla Creme stevia drops? If you haven’t used this before, it will change your world! Such a creamy vanilla taste, with none of the aftertaste that I have come to hate about stevia! I even love to add a couple drops to my coffee in the mornings!

You can buy them here (click link above). If you click the link above, I will get a tiny commission. Thanks!

This is a little slice of heaven right here!

I originally wanted to make a pie, but it turned out so simple, creamy and delicious that I felt it would be wrong to try to make it anything but this yummy and refreshing cheesecake! Maybe one of these days I will make this cheesecake into a pie too! We’ll see. 😉

The Recipe

This was such an easy cheesecake to make! If you ever want a pretty and decadent dessert that makes you look like a genius dessert maker, but takes all of 20 minutes total to make…this here is your ticket!

You can even dress it up with some whipped cream, more lemon slices or just eat it plain! It’s so easy…why not?!?!?

Hope y’all enjoy it as much as my family and I did!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • "!For the crust:"
  • In medium bowl add:
  • 2 cups almond four (I used finely sifted)
  • 2 tbs brown sugar substitute
  • 1 tbs Super Sweet blend
  • 1/8 flax meal
  • 1 stick melted butter
  • "!For the Filling:"
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 8oz bricks of cream cheese
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla cream stevia drops
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • Juice of 3 fresh lemons (I just cut mine in half and squeezed into the blender with the other ingredients)
  • 2 tbs Super Sweet blend
  • 3/4 cup Gentle Sweet

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In Medium bowl, mix all the ingredients for the crust (I use my hands, but you can use a spoon or spatula).
  3. Place in greased (I used Pam Baking Spray) Springform pan.
  4. Press down with your hands until spread out evenly and firm.
  5. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
  6. Let cool completely.
  7. "!For the Filling:"
  8. Whip the heavy whipping cream first, in your high speed blender (or a stand mixer).
  9. Add in the softened cream cheese and remaining ingredients.
  10. Blend or mix until smooth.
  11. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  12. Place in freezer for 3 hours or until firm.
  13. Garnish with sliced lemons or whipped cream. Or leave plain!
  14. Enjoy!

Notes

The longest part about this baking process is the waiting for it to firm up in the freezer! It is so easy to make!

7.8.1.2
41

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/05/17/zs-lemon-cream-cheesecake/

 

muffin tops Double Chocolate Muffin Tops
Sweets and Treats

Double Chocolate Muffin Tops

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-Free, THM-E

What I love

You know what I love about THM (Trim healthy Mama)? I love that I can have carbs and not feel guilty. Healthy carbs are a great way to get energy. And what better way to get energy, than by eating chocolate muffin tops…with NO GUILT?

Yes please!

The thing I really don’t like about “fad diets” is that they often take away whole food groups, like carbs. Carbs are such a good thing though! We need them to function! Not to mention the great things that healthy carbs do for your gut!

My Handsome Husband modeling a muffin top.

These little guys are loaded with yummy and nutritious oat flour. I grind my own flour in my blender (Teddy), and it makes the most fine oat flour I’ve seen. The homemade oat four is so much better than store-bought! Fine oat flour makes for fluffier and plumper muffins for sure!

I love eating healthy carbs, and I especially love feeding my kids healthy carbs. It really does give them so much energy!

Teddy Does His Job

I made these bad boys in my blender too! I mean, come on! It can’t be that easy, right? But seriously, I make so many recipes in my blender lately! Why not…when it is that dang easy?!?!?

I am finding new ways to love my blender everyday. His name is Teddy and he does his job!

This recipe really can’t get any more simple. I blend everything in the blender, pour into muffin tins and then top with Lilly’s dark chocolate chips. Such a fun way to bake! Instead of having pots and pans everywhere and a mess in the kitchen, I just use my Teddy (did I mention he is self-cleaning?)!

These muffin tops are also a great way to use those super ripe bananas! I just throw all the ingredients in the blender and the bananas barely even have to be handled! It that weird that I don’t like to touch ripe bananas?

They also make for a pretty tea cake.

My handsome husband loved these :).

So, here is the yummy recipe! I hope you enjoy them as much as we all did!

Enjoy!

God Bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 4 cups oats (ground-I use my blender for this)
  • 1 1/2 cups egg whites (I use the carton)
  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 3 medium bananas
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbs baking powder
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup gentle sweet (or preferred sweetener)
  • 3 tbs super sweet
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2/3 c unsweetened vanilla cashew milk
  • 1/4 cup oat fiber
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 bag of Lily's dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In blender:
  2. Grind 4 cups oats into a fine flour
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until well blended.
  4. Pour into greased muffin pans.
  5. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
7.8.1.2
40

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/04/26/double-chocolate-muffin-tops/

Nutrition

Calories

1762 cal

Fat

34 g

Carbs

267 g

Protein

77 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

 

 

Z’s Cinnamon Pecan Swirl Bundt Cake
Sweets and Treats

Z’s Cinnamon Pecan Swirl Bundt Cake

zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Sugar-Free, THM-S, Keto

Too Beautiful to Eat

This cake was so easy to make, yet one of the most decadent and beautiful cakes I’ve made. It not only makes for a gorgeous dessert, but because it is sugar-free and low carb, it would do great for breakfast with a piping hot cup of coffee!

Yes please!

This cake has a rich texture, full of surprises! The butter, cinnamon and crunchy pecans are a wonderful combo!

This cake is not only beautiful, but actually has health benefits! This cake has oat fiber and collagen in it!

I mean, come on! How can a cake that is so pretty, be so healthy to eat???

bundt cake

This is why I LOVE the THM way of life! I get to eat stuff like this every day! What’s not to love?

Theadore to the Rescue!

As you well know by now, I named my blender Theadore (affectionately called Teddy). I seriously use my blender every day! Sometimes more like 3 times a day! The thing I just can’t stop raving about, is the fact that you can literally make anything in it!

Guess what? This beautiful specimen was made in my Vitamix blender!

Yes, you heard me right! In my blender!!!! Theodore to the rescue!

(Here’s a free link to a discount on an amazing Vitamix Blender. This is series that I have. Use this link Ascent Series Blenders)

My beautiful niece Kyla, modeling some bundt cake.

The Recipe

Needless to say, this cake is a real crowd pleaser! It is beautiful, easy to make, and most importantly…delicious!

If you have a high speed blender, you will love this cake for a fast and decadent dessert!

Without further adieu, here is the recipe!

Hope you enjoy it!

God bless!

-Z

Recipe Image

Ingredients

    For the Cake batter:
  • 1/2 cup egg whites (carton works great)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp xantham gum
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (2%)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup erythritol (or gentle sweet)
  • 2 scoops collagen
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup oat fiber
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans (hold 1 cup for swirl)
  • pinch or salt
  • 1 tbs baking powder
    • For the cake swirl:
  • 3 tbs cinnamon
  • 4 tbs melted butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
    • For the Icing:
  • 1 brick cream cheese (8 oz)
  • 5 tbs gentle sweet
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2-3 tbs half and half

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a high speed blender:
  3. blend egg whites, eggs and xantham gum for 40 seconds
  4. Add in the remaining cake batter ingredients
  5. Blend for 45 seconds or until creamy
  6. Add cake batter to a greased bundt pan.
  7. Mix the cake swirl ingredients together.
  8. Add the swirl mixture in 4 large spoonfuls, on top of the cake batter.
  9. Swirl the cinnamon/pecan/butter mix all around in the cake pan, until well swirled.
  10. bake cake for 45 minutes.
  11. Let cake cool completely.
  12. Frost with the cream cheese Icing. Top with extra pecans and dust with cinnamon.
  13. Enjoy for a dessert, or with coffee for breakfast!
  14. Enjoy!
7.8.1.2
39

https://zhealthyhousewife.com/2018/04/16/zs-cinnamon-pecan-swirl-bundt-cake/

Nutrition

Calories

3456 cal

Fat

278 g

Carbs

126 g

Protein

142 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info