Pumpkin Almond Apple Slices

This weekend my daughter gave me a "snack challenge" to make something different for her to munch on while watching football. Being that I am gluten-free, I wasn't able to partake in the yummy Triple Pumpkin Toast that I created last week so I wanted to create something gluten free, even grain free, that was Fall themed + we both could enjoy.  The result was this super easy to make, delicious snack that combines just a few simple ingredients.  I used Trader Joes pumpkin butter again in this recipe, and it only takes just a tiny bit to top them off with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients:

1 large sized apple (I used Envy)

3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon almond butter (I used Trader Joes Crunchy)
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin butter (I used Trader Joes)

Sea salt

Directions:

Cut apple from top to bottom to make ten 1/4 inch slices. Spread each slice with 1 teaspoon almond butter and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin butter. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve immediately.

Makes 2 servings

Serving size: 5 apple slices  Calories 248 Protein 6 g Carb 26 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 18 g Fat 14 g Saturated fat l.5 g Sodium 155 mg 

One apple slice: Calories 50 Protein 1 g Carb 5 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 4 g Fat 3 g Saturated fat < 0.5 g Sodium 25 mg 

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Triple Pumpkin Overload Toast

This is daughter’s new favorite snack, courtesy of Trader Joe’s fall products!! I’ll have to figure out a gluten free version for myself soon !!

Ingredients:

1 slice of organic whole grain pumpkin bread

1 tablespoon pumpkin cream cheese 

1 teaspoon of pumpkin butter

Directions:

Toast one slice of organic whole grain pumpkin bread and then spread with pumpkin cream cheese and then the pumpkin butter and eat! 

Makes 1 serving

Serving size: 1 toast  Calories 140 Protein 4 g Carb 21 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 9 g Fat 5 g Saturated fat l.5 g Sodium 165 mg 

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Latest Nutrition News Bites

Here's some of the latest nutrition news....

Repeatedly offering a variety of vegetables at meals is key to acceptance and increased consumption of them by children new study reveals

New research  sheds light on why people gain weight as they get older

Hunger impacts decision making, not necessarily for the better, according to new research !

A systematic review reveals that doctors need more nutrition education

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Quick & Light Summer Salad

This salad can be put together in a flash and is very light and refreshing!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter lettuce

1 cup kale/brussels sprouts mix

1/2 cup blueberries

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or almond slivers

Seasoned rice vinegar or your favorite dressing

Directions:

Add all ingredients to in a bowl, toss and serve!  

Makes one serving

Serving size about 2 cups  Calories 168 Protein 6 g  Carb 24  g  Fiber 3 g Sugars 16 g Fat 6 g Saturated fat <1 280="" g="" mg="" nbsp="" sodium="" span="">  

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Remembering Recipe ReDux

Seven years ago I was accepted into the Recipe ReDux challenge and I have enjoyed creating healthy recipes for the various themes as a way to branch out my culinary skills and enjoy the other dishes from the group members. This weekend is the 8th birthday of Recipe ReDux and it is coming to an end so we were asked to reflect on some of our favorite recipes.

I will miss this group but will continue to develop healthy and tasty recipes for you to enjoy!
In the meantime,  here is a trip down memory lane. I have created 82 recipes with the group, below are some of my favorites:


My very first recipe- Sesame Seaweed Salad!




Strawberry Brownie Bites




Morning Glory Muffins




Maple Walnut Spaghetti Squash With Walnuts and Goat Cheese



Almond Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars



My last recipe post:  Power Salad

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Latest Nutrition News Bites

Here is the latest news in the world of nutrition...

Did you know that meals that include fresh avocado as a substitute for refined carbohydrates can significantly suppress hunger and increase meal satisfaction in overweight and obese adults according to this new study?!


Beware of ultra processed foods because recent research shows they lead to weight gain!


Check out this review of the potential health benefits of fermented foods!

FYI: A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of cataract development as shown HERE! 

And for the latest news and recipe from the Cranberry Institute, click HERE! 

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Brunch Style Cauliflower Fried “Rice”

Ingredients:

1/2 package Trader Joe’s  Cauliflower Fried Rice (or other frozen cauliflowers rice blend)

1/4 cup liquid egg whites 

5 sliced cremini  mushrooms

1 tablespoon slivered almonds

1 teaspoon olive oil to coat the pan 

sprinkle with soy sauce and Tjoes mushroom unami seasoning

Directions:

Combine all in medium sized pan on medium-high heat and sautée for about 5 minutes until golden brown (I added the egg whites about 2 minutes into cooking)

Makes 1 serving

Serving size about 2 cups  Calories 230  Protein 12 g  Carb 18  g  Fiber 6 g Sugars 7 g Fat 14 g Saturated fat 1 g Sodium  280  mg (not including soy sauce or seasoning)

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