spicy pork rinds

“We are the happy ones. Not only to be here tonight, but for the beautiful hindquarter of pork you sent us. It has been heaven itself. What a happy porkery it must have come from. (laughs) We’re so obliged for your sending it to us. Pork!”
(Miss Bates, Emma 1996 film)

Ingredients:
4 oz. unflavored pork rinds
2 tbs. dark red chili powder
1 tbs. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
dash crushed red pepper
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Toss together all ingredients until pork rinds are well coated.

These are the perfect, crunchy snack for a spicy fix.
Also a delicious breading for spicy ‘fried’ chicken.

For THM, a Deep S.

meatloaf

“Simba, it’s to die for!”
(Scar, The Lion King film)

Ingredients:
3 lbs. ground beef or turkey (or both)
4 stalks celery
2 small onions
1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 c. barbecue sauce (I use homemade)
1 c. liquid egg whites
1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt
3 tbs. all-purpose spice mix
1-2 tbs. hot sauce
1 tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbs. parsley
1 tbs. coconut oil
4 tsp. liquid smoke (optional)
4-5 c. leftover macaroni and cheese (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 F.
Wash, chop, and saute vegetables.
Mix together with all other ingredients, except pasta and 1 c. barbecue sauce.
Pour half of meat mixture into greased baking pan.
Layer with pasta, and top with remaining meat.
Spread with 1 c. barbecue sauce.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, until juices run clear.

This is the ultimate meatloaf, perfect for stormy winter days.
Alternatively, layer baking pan with bacon before baking.

For THM, an S.

all-purpose spice mix

“You’re the one who was gettin’ fancy with the spices!”
(Alfredo Linguini, Ratatouille film)

Ingredients:
1/2 c. garlic powder
1/2 c. dehydrated onions
1/3 c. Italian seasoning
1/3 c. onion powder
4 tsp. dried parsley
4 tsp. dried basil
4 tsp. crushed red pepper
4 tsp. Stevia powder
2 tsp. dried tarragon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Directions:
Mix together all ingredients.
Store in an airtight container.

Use for seasoning meats, sauces, and other savory dishes.
For a spicier mix, add 1 tsp. cayenne pepper.

For THM, a FP.

the best granola

“You know the thing about good food? It brings folks together from all walks of life. It warms them right up and it puts little smiles on their faces. And when I open up my own restaurant, I tell you, people are gonna line up for miles around, just to get a taste of my food.”
(James, The Princess and the Frog film)

Ingredients:
3 c. oats
1 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. unsweetened dried fruit
1 tbs. blackstrap molasses
1 tbs. cinnamon
3 tbs. coconut oil
1 oz. 85% dark chocolate, chopped
1 c. unsweetened dried coconut (optional)
3/4 c. chopped cranberries (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Toss together all ingredients.
Spread over greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once.
Add chopped chocolate pieces and mix well.

This is the easiest and best granola I’ve encountered.
For a specially satisfying comfort food, sprinkle over ice cream.

For THM, a CO.

Rachel’s cinnamon rolls

(this one comes from my sister)

“When breakfast was ready, we lolled on the grass and eat it smoking hot.”
(Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn book)

Ingredients:
2 tbs. yeast
2 1/2 c. + 2 tsp. xylitol
2 tbs. blackstrap molasses
1 1/4 c. + 2 tsp. hot water
3 eggs
1 3/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
5 1/2 c. wheat flour
2 tsp. salt
1 c. maple syrup
2 tsp. pepper
1/3 c. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. powdered xylitol

Directions:
Let yeast stand in 1 1/4 c. water with 2 tsp. xylitol for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix together 1/2 c. xylitol, flour,  salt, eggs, and 3/4 c. applesauce.
Add water mixture and blend together.
Refrigerate for at least 72 hours to ferment.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix together remaining applesauce and 2 c. xylitol, molasses, syrup, pepper, cinnamon, and 1 tsp. vanilla.
Roll out dough and spread with half of filling.
Roll and slice and place in greased deep-dish baking pan. Top with rest of filling.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Meanwhile, for glaze blend together powdered xylitol, 2 tsp. hot water, and 1 tsp. vanilla.
When cinnamon rolls are baked, top with glaze and enjoy!

This is an absolute must-have for Christmas breakfast, complemented by bacon and fruit.
Optionally, add chopped pecans to filling and as a garnish for a Crossover.

For THM, an E.

 

virgin pina colada

“A toast, to the emperor! Long live Kuzko!”
(Yzma, The Emperor’s New Groove film)

Ingredients:
1 c. almond milk
3 pineapple rings
1/4 tsp. coconut extract
2 tbs. xylitol
2 tbs. whey protein powder (optional)
ice

Directions:
Blend together all ingredients until ice is broken up and drink is smooth.
Pour into desired glass and enjoy!

The best drink to sip while lounging by the side of a pool on a hot summer day.
For added protein, side with nonfat Greek yogurt.

For THM, an E.

chocolate strawberry pie

“O stop, stop!” the Mole cried in ecstasies. “This is too much!”
(Mole, Wind in the Willows book)

Ingredients:
2 tbs. almond flour
2 tsp. butter
1/4 c. xylitol
1 egg yolk
1/4 c. almond milk
3 tbs. cocoa powder
dash xanthan gum
dash nutmeg
dash ginger
5 large strawberries
1 oz. 85% dark chocolate, divided
1 tsp. vanilla extract
whipped cream (optional)

Directions:
Mix together almond flour and butter.
Press into greased ramekins and microwave 1 minute.
Wash strawberries and cut into chunks, saving one. Layer evenly over almond crusts.
In saucepan, mix together spices, xylitol, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, and egg yolk.
Add milk and heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
Add .5 oz. of chocolate and vanilla extract. Mix well and pour over strawberries.
Freeze for 15 minutes, until mixture is thick and creamy.
Top with whipped cream and remaining strawberry.
Melt final .5 oz. of chocolate and drizzle over top.

A scrumptious treat for a summery day, in sun or rain.
Best served with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

For THM, an S.

corn and cabbage casserole

“Tomatoes, sausages, nice crispy bacon.”
(Pippin, The Fellowship of the Ring film)

Ingredients:
1 small head cabbage, chopped
1 tbs. coconut oil
1 medium onion
2 ears yellow corn
1 red tomato, chopped
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 c. chicken broth
1 tbs. garlic powder
1 tbs. parsley
2 tsp. black pepper
1 c. part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Chop onion and saute in coconut oil until translucent.
Shuck corn. Microwave, covered with damp paper towel, for 4 minutes, turning once.
Cut kernels from corn cobs and add to cabbage.
Add onion, tomato, tomato paste, chicken broth, garlic, parsley, and pepper.
Transfer mixture to greased 9 x 13 baking pan. Top with cheese.
Bake 30-35 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Make as a side to chicken, use to top rice, or eat as a vegetarian meal.
For a large crowd, add 2 browned turkey or chicken sausage links.

For THM, an E.

lemon bars

“There sat Old Sneep, sucking on a lemon.”
(Robert McCloskey, Lentil children’s book)

Ingredients:
1 c. almond flour
4 tbs. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
3/4 c. xylitol
4 egg yolks
1 tsp. xanthan gum
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. lemon juice

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Mix together almond flour, 2 tbs. butter, and vanilla extract. Press into greased 9 x 9 baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Meanwhile, mix together cream cheese, 1/4 c. xylitol, whole egg, and lemon extract. Chill.
Place xanthan gum, egg yolks, and remaining xylitol in small saucepan. Mix well.
Heat on low, stirring in water and lemon juice.
Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining butter.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over almond crust. Pour lemon mixture over top.
Bake for 35 minutes, until firm and edges begin to brown.

Side with strawberries, whipped cream, melted chocolate, or all three.
Rather tart with a deliciously lemon taste, these are a perfect addition to any summer day.

For THM, an S.

chocolate peanut butter delight

“This is the altar where they worship food.”
(RJ, Over the Hedge film)

Ingredients:
1 c. almond flour
2 1/4 c. xylitol
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1 egg
1/2 c. + 2 tbs. butter
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. peanut butter
3/8 c. maple syrup
1/16 tsp. cream of tartar
8 oz. cream cheese
3.5 oz. 85% dark chocolate
8 peanut butter cups

Directions:
Mix flour 1 1/4 c. xylitol, cocoa, milk, baking soda, baking powder, salt, egg, and 1/2 c. butter. Press in greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
Over medium heat, mix syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Boil 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix together 5 tbs. peanut butter, and vanilla. Add to syrup mixture. Press on parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 10 minutes.
Melt 1 3/4 oz. chocolate. Pour over maple syrup mixture. Freeze for 30 minutes (optional, to add the butter finger crunch).
Meanwhile, mix together 1 c. peanut butter, cream cheese, and 1 c. xylitol. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Crumble butter fingers and peanut butter cups over cake mixture and top with cream cheese mixture.
Bake for 1 hour.
Melt remaining chocolate with 2 tbs. butter. Let cake cool and drizzle with chocolate.

Top with whipped cream and side with strawberries for a decadent treat.
These are so rich they speak for themselves.

For THM, an S.