Happy New Year!!!!

Now that the holidays are over and a brand New Year has arrived raise your hand if you’re looking to get back on track, clean up your diet and start eating a little healthier?!

Yep, me too!

So, I thought I would go through the archives and pick out some of my favorite quick and easy, deliciously simple, seriously flavorful, lightened up meals to help kick start the New Year.

Below is a collection of 78 (!!!)  of my families favorite eats.

You guys, it was so hard to narrow it down to just 78!!!

I honestly could have listed hundreds of recipes but I didn’t want to overwhelm you with options.

But, I wanted to make sure I included a little something for everyone – so 78 it is!

We have – breakfast, mains, sides, snacks, smoothies and shakes as well as a handful of sweets ans treats – because it’s all about balance baby!

Most of the recipes included are made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in around 30 minutes.

Most of them also happen to be naturally gluten free and paleo friendly and many. if not all, are easily adaptable to fit special dietary needs or be made Whole 30 compliant.

I also made sure to include a little of everything so we have some vegan and vegetarian options as well as recipes using chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, tuna you name it I think we have it covered but most importantly all are insanely delicious and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Breakfast

1 – Apple and Cinnamon Muffins with Maple Vanilla Almond Butter Frosting
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

2 – Apple and Cranberry Grain Free Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo Friendly

3 – Banana Fig and Walnut Muffins
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

4 – Coconut Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Muffins
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

5 –  Cranberry and Coconut “Muesli”
Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

6 – Healthy, Grain Free Black Forest Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

7 – Jamie’s Spring Fritatta
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

8 – Protein Packed, Pumpkin Spiced Overnight Oats

9 – Pumpkin and Cranberry Grain Free Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

10 – Quick and Easy Carrot and Zucchini Fritters
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

11 – Seriously Moorish Strawberry Banana Bread
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

12 – Sweet Potato Egg Boats
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

13 – Vanilla Spiked Protein Pancakes

14 – Vanilla Spiked Protein Waffles

Mains

15 – Asian Style Turkey Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

16 – Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Strawberry Salsa
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

17 – BBQ Chicken Green Chili Baked Potatoes
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

18 – BBQ Chicken and Green Chili Meatloaf Muffins
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

19 – Best Ever Grilled Steak
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly -Whole 30 Compliant

20 – Chicken Bruschetta
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

21 – Healthy, Homemade Asian Style Lettuce Wraps
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

22 – Healthy, Homemade Taco Salad Lettuce Wraps
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

23 – Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple-Jalapeno Salsa
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

24 – Healthy, Homemade Teriyaki Salmon
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly- Whole 30 Compliant

25 – Healthy, Homemade Teriyaki Turkey Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

Jamie’s Spring Fritatta
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Adaptable

26 – Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potatoes
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

27 – Deliciously Simple Garlic and Rosemary Chicken –
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

28 – Raw Rainbow Spicy Peanut Lettuce Wraps
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly & Whole 30 Compliant – switch PB for almond butter or nut butter of choice

29 – Sesame Crusted Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

30 – Spicy Sun-dried Tomato and Chargrilled Red Pepper Tuna Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

31 – Spicy Tuna and Tomato Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

32 – Sweet and Saucy Mexican Spiced Slow Cooked Chicken
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

33 – Sweet and Spicy Sesame Zucchini Noodles
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

34 –Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Sides

35 – Creamy Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower Mash
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

36 – Deliciously Simple, Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

37 – Oven Roasted Vegetables
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

38 – Pan-fried Spinach with Garlic and Lemon
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

39 – Roasted Garlic, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Mash
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

40 – Spinach and Kale Roasted Garlic Pesto
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Snacks

41 – All Natural, Healthy, Homemade Almond Butter
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

42 – All Natural Salted Caramel Coconut Bliss Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

43 –Choc Banana Super food Snack Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

44- Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

45 – Date Chia and Coconut Energy Bites 
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

46 – Deliciously Ugly Lemon Berry Muffins
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

47 – Healthy, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Power Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly (swap PB for almond butter or nut butter of choice)

48 – Healthy, Homemade Tropical Trail Mix
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

49 – Healthy, No-Bake, Sugar Cookie Energy Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

50 – Hummingbird Muffins with Coconut Yogurt Frosting
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

51 – Maple Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

52 – Mango and Passionfruit Muffins with Coconut Yogurt Frosting
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

53 – Oven Roasted Beet Chips
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

54 – Oven Roasted Honey Mustard Cashews
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

55 – Pistachio Choc Fudge Bliss Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

56 – Pumpkin and Pistachio Cashew Cheese Truffles
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

57 – Roasted Garlic Beetroot Hummus
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

58 – Roasted Garlic Cashew Cheese Dip
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

59 – Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

60 – Strawberry and Cream Bliss Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

61 – Sweet and Spicy Savory Nut Mix
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Smoothies and Shakes

62 – Berry, Oat & Yogurt Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly (swap oats for cashews or almonds)

63 – Energizing Green Apple Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

64 – Maple, Almond and Banana Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

65 – Mango and Banana Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

66 – Gorgeous Green Smoothie (That actually tastes good!)
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

67- Tropical Green Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

68 – Tummy Taming Anti-Inflammatory Tropical Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Sweets and Treats

69 – Chocolate Orange Chia Pudding
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

70 – Classic Choc Chip Cookies
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

71 – Carrot Cake Muffins with Vanilla Spiked Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

72 – Decadent and Rich Raw Chocolate Brownies
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

73 – Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

74 – Espresso Choc Chip Cookies
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

75 – Small Batch Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Raw Chocolate Frosting
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

76 – Secretly Healthy, Double Chocolate Mini Muffins
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

77 – Strawberry Choc Chip Chia Pudding
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

78 – Whipped Chocolate and Coconut Chia Pudding
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

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Question of the day –

What are some of your fave quick and easy, deliciously simple, lightened up meals?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it, you know you want to

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The post 78 Deliciously Simple, Lightened Up Recipes to Kick Start the New Year first appeared on Better with Cake.

This super simple 3 ingredient, Chicken Bruschetta is just what you need!

If you follow along on Instagram and Facebook you already know how much I adore this meal!

I’m kind of obsessed with it.

It’s just so quick and easy to throw together and well, it’s just so delicious I know you are going to love it as much as we do – which FYI, is a lot!

It’s all natural, made with just 3 simple ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

All you need to get in on this deliciousness is chicken, tomato and some basil.

Done!

Oh and a cheeky squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper but I don’t really count those as ingredients do you?!

Either way, still super simple, insanely delicious and you need it in your life (and belly) asap!

Perfectly seasoned, pan seared, succulent juicy chicken is topped with a light, fresh bruschetta mix which is nothing more than a combination of diced tomato and fresh basil which we season with a pinch of salt, pepper and a cheeky squeeze of lemon.

Didn’t I tell you it was simple!?

And oh so delicious! Seriously you guys are going to love, love, love it!

Honestly when it comes to nutrition and healthy eating I don’t know why we feel like we need to over complicate things.

Simple, seasonal , good quality ingredients is all you need my friend.

Real food. Real simple is what I’m all about and this chicken bruschetta totally ticks all the boxes.

It’s quick and easy to prepare coming together, from start to finish, in well under 30 minutes.

It’s made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

It’s naturally gluten free and paleo friendly.

But most importantly it’s seriously delicious and something the whole family will absolutely love.

I highly recommend you serve your chicken bruschetta with a side of this creamy, roasted garlic whipped cauliflower, a mountain of good ol’ fashion green beans and some dreamy avocado (like so) – but do what you feel – make it your own and do yourself a favor and do it soon 

Sit back and savor the super simple, seriously flavorsome, light, fresh, delicious, nutritious, knock out of a dinner that you just created all on your own.

Bruschetta allllllllll of the things!!!!!!

Make it. Eat it. Love, love, love it.

Chicken Bruschetta {Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

Serves 2 – 3

Ingredients –

For the chicken –

250g (8 ounces)  boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used 2 large chicken breasts)

Salt and pepper to taste

Coconut oil for cooking – could sub olive oil, Ghee or bacon or duck fat if you prefer

For the Bruschetta mix –

1 cup of baby tomatoes, finely chopped

1/4 cup of fresh basil, finely chopped – or 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice – approx 1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Method –

For the Chicken –

1 – Place chicken onto a piece of parchment paper, season both side with salt and pepper and give it a little pounding with a rolling pin (or implement of choice) to slightly tenderize, flatten out and ensure a thinner and more uniform thickness overall which will result in a quicker and more even cooking.

2 – Place a large skillet or fry pan over medium heat, add a your coconut (or olive oil/ bacon fat or ghee/cooking oil of choice) and cook chicken for 2-3 minutes each side until cooked through.

5 – Remove chicken from heat and set aside to rest while you make your bruschetta mix.

To make the bruschetta –

1 – Place all ingredients into a small bowl and stir to combine.

2 – Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

FYI – It’s fine to make your bruschetta mix ahead of time just don’t add the lemon juice until a few minutes before you are ready to serve as the acidity from can cause the tomato to break down a little after a few hours

To serve –

Simply place a couple of heaping spoonfuls of your bruschetta mix on top of your chicken and serve with a simple salad or your veg of choice.

I highly recommend you serve this chicken with a side of this creamy, roasted garlic whipped cauliflower, a mountain of good ol’ fashion green beans and some dreamy avocado (like so) – but do what you feel – make it your own

Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

What’s your current fave quick and easy dinner solution?

Feel free to share recipes or leave links to recipes in the comments below and please, for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this chicken (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Chicken Bruschetta {Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

So I’m thinking it’s about time we made ourselves some real food . . . sadly no matter how healthy they may be, one can not live on brownies and banana bread alone.

Although, with the variations I keep dreaming up for that incredibly versatile, insanely delicious, dangerously addictive banana bread we just made –  I think I could safely live off that alone for a good few months . . . have your manky over-ripe bananas at the ready people, you have been warned!!

But today, I’m thinking we should have ourselves some proper lunch, what do you say, care to join me?

Today I’m making us some quick and easy, healthy and delicious Mediterranean style lettuce wraps.

You guys are going to love, love, love this lunch. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, coming together in less than 5 mins but, it also happens to be made with just a handful of  real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already. Bonus points – no cooking required.

Not only is it quick and easy to make and even easier (although slightly messy) to eat but, it also happens to be all kinds of delicious.

A delicious little flavour bomb packed with nutrients – Boomshakalocka – that’s what I’m talking’ bout!

It’s no secret that I love, love, love me a good lettuce wrap. I just adore the way those cool crisp lettuce leaves makes the perfect vessel to get that flavour packed filling into my belly.

So light, so, fresh, so, so delicious!

Now, time to build this little flavour bomb, pull up a chair baby, let’s do this –

Our light and fresh lettuce leaves are loaded with crisp and crunchy, shaved purple cabbage, a mountain of buttery chickpeas, some plump and juicy baby grape tomatoes, and a little finely sliced red chill for a cheeky kick of heat.

Next up we balance out that cheeky kick of heat by adding some creamy dreamy avocado and a dollop of Greek yoghurt then, we finish things off with a zesty squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkling of deliciously fragrant coriander (cilantro) and finish things off with some sunflower seeds and pepitas for a little extra crunch.

So much flavour flave!!!

Quick and easy, hearty healthy and all kinds of delicious with no cooking required! I don’t know about you but that’s my kinda lunch!

Simplicity as it’s finest.

Feel free to serve this along side some grilled chicken, fish or a nice juicy steak (or some tofu/tempeh for my vegan friends) for a heartier lunch or a winning dinner but, for me, served simply as is, for a quick and easy, grab and go, flavour packed light lunch – it is absolute perfection!

Plus light lunch = more room for brownies and banana bread right?!

All about balance baby

Light, fresh, quick and easy, hearty healthy subtly spicy, mediterranean style lettuce wraps. A delicious, nutritious, fuss free lunch with no cooking required!

Taste the rainbow . . .

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

Spicy Mediterranean Style Lettuce Wraps
Makes approx 4 light, fresh, crispy, crunchy, buttery, sweet, healthy, delicious and seriously nutritious, slightly spicy lettuce wraps.

Ingredients –

1 x 420g can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (approx 2 cups)
season with salt , pepper and a pinch each of garlic, onion powder and smoked paprika

1 head of baby cos or butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried – at least 2 leaves per serve

1 small red chilli, sliced very finely

2 Tablespoons of coriander (cilantro) roughly chopped

1 cup baby grape tomatoes, sliced

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

1 Avocado

A dollop of coconut or Greek style yoghurt

A cheeky squeeze of fresh lemon juice

A sprinkling of sunflower seeds and pepitas

Method –

You have 2 options here

Option 1 –

Place all ingredients except the lettuce leaves and your Greek yoghurt into a large bowl and stir to combine. Then divide the mixture between your lettuce leaves and finish with a dollop of your yoghurt or

Option 2 –

Lay out your lettuce leaves and build your salad by layering a little purple cabbage followed by your chickpeas, tomatoes, avocado, chilli, coriander (cilantro), squeeze over a little lemon juice then finish with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds and pepitas then finish with a little pinch of salt and whole lotta freshly ground black pepper.

Do what you feel people, doesn’t matter how it gets done, it all goes down the same way

Enjoy

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Question of the day –

What are you lovin’ for lunch lately?!

Feel free to share recipes or leave links to recipes in the comments below and if you make this recipe make sure you snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page or tag me on Instagram or twitter – sharing is caring people

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The post Spicy Mediterranean Style Lettuce Wraps first appeared on Better with Cake.

Is anyone else in serious procrastination mode today or is it just me?

I’m not usually one for procrastinating, it’s actually a (major) pet peeve of mine but, today . . . I just don’t wanna.

Don’t get me wrong I’ve been super busy doing things, important stuff like getting the little lady up, fed and off to school on time then, drinking coffee in blissful silence and eating my body weight in peanut butter but, as far as “work” type stuff is concerned . . . meh, not so much . . .

So, who wants to join me and procrastinate in the most delicious way possible by making ourselves seriously delicious, succulent, juicy, flavour packed roasted garlic and zucchini turkey burgers?

After all, this procrastinating is hungry work!

I know, I know turkey burgers have gone and got themselves a bit of a bad wrap for being the dry and tasteless little hockey pucks of the burger world but, rest assured, that statement could not be further from the truth with these babies!

These roasted garlic and zucchini turkey burgers are like no burger you’ve had before!

Just you wait –

Roasted garlic adds an amazing depth of flavour, a touch of rich smokiness that is simply divine. Let’s face it, roasted garlic just makes everything better! #truth

By adding zucchini to the burgers themselves we help to keep things succulent and juicy – the way a good burger should be!

Spanish (red) onion adds a touch of necessary sweetness, a dash of ground cumin and coriander add a subtle yet incredibly aromatic hint of spice and a cheeky pinch of dried red chill flakes add the tinniest hum of heat that just knocks it out of the park!

You guys . . .

Oh so simple but so much flava flave I can not even tell you!

And bonus fact – these burgers are baked in the oven so you don’t even have to worry about standing and waiting to flip those babies! Simply stir, shape and bake. 15 minutes later it’s time to get your burger on!

Minimum effort, maximum flavour – it’s the name of the game up in here!

On their own our roasted garlic and zucchini burgers pack a serious flavour punch – simply serve with your favourite burger toppings and maybe some of these healthy homemade oven baked beet chips or even some classic baked kale chips on the side and you are good to go but, if I may be so bold as to make a few (delicious) suggestions . . .

Serve your burgers in some cool, crisp lettuce leaves then top them with some of this deliciously vibrant beetroot hummus, some creamy, dreamy avocado then, slice up some baby grape tomatoes, a little fresh chill and thrown it on along with a little fresh coriander (cilantro) Oh, and finish with a nice little sprinkling of sunflower and sesame seeds along with some pepitas . . .

Oh come on, you know you wanna . . . trust me, one bite and you will see these burgers are –

 Light

Fresh

Cool

Crisp

Smoky

Sweet

Succulent

Juicy

An absolute flavour bomb

They also happen to be seriously healthy – low carb, grain free and paleo friendly but, most importantly they are down right delicious.

So delicious you might just blow your pretty little head off!

All natural, seriously healthy, quick and easy, succulent, juicy roasted garlic and zucchini turkey burgers – so much flavour I can not even tell you!

Time to get your burger on baby, because it’s Thursday  . . . and I say so

You know you want in on this – just do it already!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them

Roasted Garlic and Zucchini Turkey Burgers
{Low carb, Grain free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 6 succulent, juicy, slight smokey, perfect spiced slider size turkey burgers

Ingredients –

250g Turkey breast mince – aka ground turkey breast (could sub chicken)

1 small zucchini, grated

1 small red onion, finely chopped

3 large cloves of roasted garlic

1 egg white

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander

a pinch of red pepper/chili flakes – optional

1 teaspoon of salt flakes

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Optional but recommended for serving –

Baby cos lettuce

Avocado

Roasted garlic and beetroot Hummus

Baby grape tomatoes, sliced

Fresh chill, finely sliced

Sunflower, sesame seeds and pepitas

Oh and a side of these healthy, homemade oven baked beet chips or some of these oven baked kale chips would go down very nicely #justsayin

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175’C (350’F) and line a baking tray with baking/parchment paper and set aside.

2 – Place all your burger ingredients into medium size bowl and stir to combine.

3 – Divide mixture evenly and use your hands to shape into 6 slider size burger patties (I used approx 1 heaping 1/4 cup measure per muffin) then place onto your prepared baking tray.

4 – Bake for 15-20 mins until cooked through.

5 – To serve place each burger into a couple of baby cos lettuce leaves, top with a generous dollop of roasted garlic and beetroot hummus, some creamy, dreamy avocado, baby grape tomatoes, some fresh chili and finish with a sprinkling of fresh coriander (cilantro) along with some sunflower and sesame seeds and pepitas.

Enjoy xoxo
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Question of the day –

What/where was the best burger you ever had?

Feel free to share recipes or links to recipes/restaurants in the comments below, sharing is caring remember

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The post Roasted Garlic and Zucchini Turkey Burgers {Low carb, Grain free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

Ummmm what is going on with the weather?!

Seriously?!

So.

Much.

Rain!!!!!!!

Not what I want for our last week of holidays that’s for sure. Safe to say we are all getting a little stir crazy up in here. With all the mixed emotions of the little lady starting big school next week (←sniff) adding a weeks worth of rain into the mix is not what this mama wants.

No thank you!

But, there is something about the rain that makes me crave comfort foods. And what’s more comforting than meatloaf? Well maybe soup, which I am working on but, for now . . . it’s meatloaf!

I’m not talkin’ about just any ol’ meatloaf though, no siree – today sweet invisible internet friend of mine, we are gonna spice things up a little by making ourselves some insanely delicious, super healthy, homemade, succulent, flavour packed spicy, pesto and sun-dried tomato meatloaf muffins!

You guys are going to love, love, love these!

1 -Our spicy, pesto and sun-dried tomato meatloaf muffins are quick and easy to prepare, made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already, coming together in less than 30 mins! And, we don’t have to worry about carefully slicing up that badboy. Meatloaf, although hearty and delicious can also be kind of delicate when it comes to slicing and tends to crumble and fall apart, it does for me anyway but, not something you have to worry about when you make it into muffins! Problem solving here people, you’re welcome

2 – Bonus – Hello perfectly portioned and seriously convenient! Ready to grab and go baby. Pack them into lunch boxes or have them pre-cooked, and frozen ready and waiting for those nights when you want some serious comfort food without having to actually cook anything. Just Grab them out of the freezer and throw them in the oven for 20 mins to thaw/re-heat and dinner is served!

And talk about a deliciously healthy little flavour bomb!

Our spicy pesto and sun-dried tomato meatloaf muffins are succulent and juicy with a zesty hit of pesto and a cheeky kick of heat from one firey little chilly.

You guys know how much I love, love, love the meatloaf muffins (evidence → here, → here,  → here and → here)  I mean aside from the fact that they are slightly unattractive, what’s not to love?

Super cheap and totally convenient but, they also happen to be seriously healthy and all kinds of delicious!

Succulent chicken is combined with your fave, zesty pesto, a burst of tart, sweet chewy sun-dried tomato and finally a cheeky kick of heat from that tiny but mighty little chilli.

So, so good!

FYI – I used my trusty old spinach, kale and roasted garlic pesto (which also happens to be dairy free and paleo friendly) because it’s what I had on hand but any ol’ pesto (homemade or store-bought) should work here.

Perfectly portioned, packed with protein, healthy, delicious, and bursting with flavour! 

Maximum flavour, minimum effort!!

These spicy, pesto sun-dried tomato meatloaf muffins are perfect for a quick and easy, healthy, nutritious lunch or dinner – serve with a simple side salad or your favourite veg. Boomshakalocka – done!

Quick and easy, hearty, healthy packed with all the flava, flave!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

Spicy Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Meatloaf Muffins
Makes 6 seriously healthy, succulent, spicy little meatloaf muffins with a divine hint of pesto

Ingredients –

250g chicken breast mince – aka ground chicken (could sub turkey)

1 small zucchini, grated

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 red chili finely chopped (More or less to taste, with or without seeds depending on how hot and spicy you like things. You could also sub red pepper/chili flakes if you prefer)

1 egg white

1/4 cup wholewheat bread crumbs (could sub almond meal or a few Tablespoons of

coconut flour or chia/flaxseeds for my paleo friends)

2 Tablespoons of Pesto + 1 Tablespoon for brushing over the tops of each muffin before cooking

2 Tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (I use these ready to eat, Sun-dried tomatoes from Sandhurst fine foods)

1 clove of garlic, crushed

salt and pepper to taste

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175’C (350’F) and line a 6 cup muffin tray with paper cases or baking/parchment paper and set aside.

2 – Combine chicken, zucchini, onion, bread crumbs,  2 Tbsp pesto, egg white, garlic and chili along with your salt and pepper and stir to combine.

3 – Divide mixture evenly between your muffin cups (I used approx 1 heaping 1/4 cup measure per muffin)

4 – Spread the top of each muffin with 1 teaspoon of your remaining pesto and bake for 25-30 mins until cooked through.

5 – Serve with your favourite veg or a simple salad and you have yourself one winning dinner (even if I do say so myself)

Enjoy xoxo
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Question of the day –

What is your families all time favourite dinner?

Feel free to share recipes or links to recipes in the comments below, sharing is caring remember

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The post Spicy, Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Meatloaf Muffins first appeared on Better with Cake.

Do you ever get a random idea/lunch time craving that you just can not shake no matter how hard you try?

Well that happened to me last week.

In a big, BIG way!

Maybe it’s because I had been up to my elbows in cake balls and chocolate while making wedding favours for operation here come’s the bride, who knows?!

All I know is out of nowhere, I got hit by this massive craving for asian style lettuce wraps and nothing but asian style lettuce wraps was going to satisfy!

It was intense . . . like asian style lettuce wraps were all I could think about . . .

I figure no point trying to fight it – asian style lettuce wraps had to be made!!!!!

You guys . . . they were ah-maze-zing!

Even better than I dreamed they would be which kinda took me by surprise because I had no idea what I was doing, no recipe in mind, no plan of action – I just randomly grabbed ingredients and threw things together.

Minimum ingredients, minimum effort, maximum taste!

Total win!

You guys are going to love, love, love these babies!

They are quick and easy to prepare coming together in under 30 mins.

They also happen to be seriously healthy made with just a handful of real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already. They also happen to be low carb, grain free and paleo friendly so everybody wins!

but most importantly they are insanely, INSANELY, delicious!

I’m talkin’ serious flavour bomb!

Our asian style lettuce wraps tick all the boxes, they are light, fresh, crispy, crunchy, salty, sweet and just delish, and the contrast in textures will blow your pretty little mind!

Here’s what we are gonna do –

Simply cook our ground chicken breast mince with some basic aromatics (onion, garlic and a cheeky hit of chilli) add in some sneaky veg (carrots and mushrooms) then we add some asian flavours with a splash of fish sauce and tamari (or you could sub hoisin and soy sauce if you prefer) and finish with a cheeky squeeze of fresh lime juce.

Boomshakalocka your base is done! Told you it was easy didn’t I?!

It’s seriously amazing how a handful of basic ingredients can produce so much flavour don’t you think?! So cool!

Next comes the fun part . . . the toppings!

Serve a heaping scoop of your base mix onto a lettuce leaf (or 2) then go to town with your toppings. Please, please do not skimp on the toppings, they are what totally take this dish over the top!

The crisp crunch of that shaved purple cabbage, the sweet juicy pop of freshness from those baby tomatoes, the smooth and creamy avocado, the buttery crunch of those chopped cashews, the aromatic sprinkling of fresh coriander and that cheeky hit of heat from the chilli combined with the warm savoury asian infused base all wrapped up in a cool crisp lettuce leaf.

Gah so good I can hardly stand it!

And so, so pretty! I mean look at all the delicious colour?!

Talk about taste the rainbow!

Who said healthy eating has to be boring?! Not this girl that’s for sure!

They are also kinda fun (aka messy?!) to eat. If you have little ones at home they are going to love, love, love this style of eating!

I seriously can not wait for you guys to try these. I don’t know about you but I know what I’m having for lunch today . . . what do you say, wanna join me?

We can have ourselves some Secretly healthy double chocolate fudge banana muffins for dessert?!

Light, fresh, crispy, crunchy, salty, sweet, seriously healthy asian style lettuce wraps, that are quick and easy to prepare, insanely delicious and all kinds of fun to eat.

You know you want in on this!

Taste the rainbow baby –

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them

Healthy, Homemade – Asian Style Lettuce Wraps
Makes approx 4 – light, fresh, crispy, crunchy, salty, sweet, seriously healthy asian style lettuce wraps that the whole family will love

Ingredients –

250g chicken breast mince (ground chicken breast)

1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

1 large carrot, grated

1 small red (spanish) onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 small red chilli, finely chopped (this is totally optional feel free to leave it out or add extra if you like things spicy)

2 Tablespoons Fish sauce

2 Tablespoons coconut aminos

A squeeze of fresh lime juice (I used 1/2 a lime)

For serving –

8 (ish) baby cos or butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried – at least 2 leaves per serve

1 small red chilli, sliced very finely

Baby grape tomatoes

Shredded purple cabbage

Avocado

Cashews, roughly chopped

A cheeky squeeze of fresh lime

Method –

1 – In a large frypan over medium high heat sauté onion, garlic, chilli and mushroom until tender (2-3 mins)

2 – Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently until cooked through.

3 – Add your coconut aminos and fish sauce and your squeeze of fresh lime juice then stir to combine.

4 – To serve, spoon about 1/2 cup of meat mix per lettuce leaf and finish with a generous sprinkling of each of your toppings.

Enjoy

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Question of the day –

What are you lovin’ for lunch lately?!

Feel free to share recipes or leave links to recipes in the comments below – sharing is caring people

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The post Healthy, Homemade – Asian Style Lettuce Wraps first appeared on Better with Cake.

Like majorly!

My hair is in desperate need of a cut and colour but my hairdresser is away on 6 weeks vacation!

How dare he right?!

Doesn’t he know I need him!

And don’t even get me started on my clothes! Why is it that when I want to go shopping to buy new clothes there is nothing I like but when I don’t have the time or the money to shop I see so many things I want!!!!!

Annoying!!!

Oh and did I mention that my licence is due to be renewed?! Actually, it was due yesterday . . . yep . . . let’s just say I’m really glad that the ladies at my local post office know me my name and that I don’t go anywhere that requires proof of ID because that picture ain’t gonna be pretty. Not at all!

Anyways . . . speaking of things that aren’t pretty . . . I made us some more meatloaf muffins!

Do you like what I did there? Smooth transition right

Today we are making ourselves some succulent, flavour packed sweet chilli chicken meatloaf muffins.

These muffins have so much flavour it’s ridiculous!

They are succulent juicy, sweet, spicy and just bursting with flavour.

A sweet and spicy little twist on a good ol’ family favourite.

One bite of these sweet chilli chicken meatloaf muffins and you get a subtle sweetness with gentle kick of heat from our sweet chilli sauce.

A sprinkling of fresh coriander (cilantro) brings an element of fragrant, freshness that just compliments the sweet, spicy component so perfectly. It’s kind of like these delicious little sweet chilli chicken meatloaf muffins have their very own built in pallet cleansing fresh maker which I just adore.

Side note – I know after asking you guys  on Facebook yesterday that the whole – coriander/cilantro – love it or loath it – is a bit of a hot topic and I would hate for you to miss out just because you’re not in the I  coriander (cilantro) cool kids club so if you are in the “loath it” camp feel free to sub in some fresh parsley or spinach in place of the controversial coriander (cilantro) ok?

I would hate for you to miss out on this delicious little flavour bomb.

Perfectly portioned, packed with protein, healthy, fragrantly delicious, subtly sweet, succulent, juicy, sweet chilli chicken meatloaf muffins . . .

Just look at all that flava flave ↑

Perfect with a simple side salad or your favourite veg, you really can’t go wrong.

I like to serve mine with a dollop of greek yoghurt, a sprinkling of extra coriander, an extra drizzle of sweet chilli sauce and a few extra chilli slices and a cheeky squeeze of lime – I highly recommend you do the same.

Perfectly portioned, protein packed, healthy, delicious, subtly sweet, succulent, juicy sweet chilli chicken meatloaf muffins . . . A sweet and spicy little twist on a family favourite . .

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

Sweet Chilli Chicken Meatloaf Muffins
Makes 6 succulent, saucy, sweet little meatloaf muffins with a fragrant and cheeky little kick

Ingredients –

250g chicken breast mince – aka ground chicken (could sub turkey)

1 small green capsicum, finely chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 egg white

1/4 cup wholewheat bread crumbs (could sub almond meal or a few Tablespoons of coconut flour or chia/flaxseeds for my paleo friends)

2 Tablespoons of Sweet Chilli sauce sauce + 1 Tablespoon for brushing over the tops of each muffin before cooking

1 Tablespoon of fresh coriander, finely chopped

1 clove of garlic, crushed

salt and pepper to taste

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175’C (350’F) and line a 6 cup muffin tray with paper cases or baking/parchment paper and set aside.

2 – Combine chicken, capsicum, onion, bread crumbs,  2 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce, egg white, garlic clove along with your salt and pepper and stir to combine.

3 – Divide mixture evenly between your muffin cups (I used approx 1 heaping 1/4 cup measure per muffin)

4 – Spread the top of each muffin with 1 teaspoon of your remaining sweet chilli sauce and bake for 25-30 mins until cooked through.

5 – Serve with a dollop of greek yoghurt (or sour cream) an extra drizzle of sweet chilli sauce, along with a sprinkling of fresh coriander with your favourite veg or a simple salad and you have yourself one winning dinner (even if I do say so myself)

Enjoy xoxo
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Question of the day –

What is your families all time favourite dinner? Tell me

The post Sweet Chilli Chicken Meatloaf Muffins first appeared on Better with Cake.

So when it comes to lunch I am a major creature of habit.

Like M-A-J-O-R!

For the last few months now my go-to lunch has been a power wrap of some kind . . .

Not the exact same wrap every single day but, a wrap nonetheless.

I just can not get enough.

It’s quick, easy and all kinds of delicious!

And it never gets old.

Ever.

I do change things up with different proteins and then there are amazing little additions like my roasted garlic and beetroot hummus which, not gonna lie, I could eat every single day for the rest of my life and be one very happy little lady.

Very happy.

But sometimes I really like to spice things up,

Which is how this spicy, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomato and red pepper hummus recipe was born.

Talk about kickin’ lunch up to a whole new level.

Let me tell you this spicy, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomato and red pepper hummus packs a serious flavour punch.

Our beloved chickpeas are spiced up with one humble, yet fiery little chilli, the heat from our chilli is mellowed out just slightly with the tart, sweetness  of our sun-dried tomatoes. Next, you get a hum of smoky sweetness from our deliciously caramelised cloves of roasted garlic and those subtly sweet chargrilled red peppers oh and we can’t forget about the hint of nuttiness from those adorable little sesame seeds  

So much vibrant, delicious flavour (and colour) blended into one velvety, smooth and creamy, outrageously delicious little mouthful.

Eat it straight up, by the spoonful,  spread it on your lunch time power wrap (→ like so ←), dip your face, I mean fave veggies and/or crackers in it for the perfect afternoon snack or, serve it alongside your chicken (or steak/fish/eggs/tofu) for one insanely delicious dinner.

It doesn’t really matter how you do it, just promise me you will make yourself a big ol’ batch of this spicy, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomato and red pepper hummus asap!

It’s all natural made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have laying around your kitchen already and it comes together in less than 5 mins flat!

Just throw everything into your food processor or blender and boomshakalocka, you’re ready to get your eat on!

Look at all that flava flave ↑ get. in. ma. belly!!!

The only thing left for you to decide is how you’re going to eat it first?!

Do it, do it you know you wanna?!

All natural, velvety smooth, smoky, sweet roasted garlic, sun-dried tomato and red pepper hummus with the perfect, spicy little kick!

Make it. Eat it. Love it!

Spicy, Roasted Garlic, Sun-dried Tomato & Red Pepper Hummus
Makes approx 1 and 1/2 cups of smooth and creamy, smokey, sweet sun-dried tomato hummus with a nice little kick

Ingredients –

1 x 400g can of chickpeas drained and rinsed (totally optional but I always remove the outer “skins” of the chickpeas, I find you get a smoother, creamy hummus that way. Totally worth it #justsayin)

1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes

2 x chargrilled red peppers – (I use these Whole, peeled, Fire Roasted Peppers by Always Fresh  )

4  cloves of roasted garlic

1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

1 small red chilli

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Method –

1 – Place all ingredients into your blender /food processor and process until smooth and creamy.

2 – Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Enjoy xoxo

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Question of the day –

Are you a creature of habit when it comes to lunch? What’s your current lunchtime obsession?

The post Spicy, Roasted Garlic, Sun-dried Tomato and Red Pepper Hummus first appeared on Better with Cake.