Back of the Pack Grain Free Low Carb Blondies

A recipe in photos:

My adjustments – I cut the recipe in half for a trial run and used a metal bread pan instead of a 8×8 pan. I reduced the time to 20 minutes x 350 degrees due to the smaller volume, but should have reduced it further to about 18 minutes. I had to remove it from the pan immediately so it didn’t overcook and that is why it is slightly broken on top.  Other changes were using 1/2 sugar free honey and 1/2 sugar free maple syrup (Honest syrups maple flavor) – both of these have been wonderful to bake with – plus 1 pack of nunaturals stevia. I used a pasteurized egg since this was a new recipe, so I could taste the batter. I substituted fresh ground peanut butter (I keep this in the freezer and thaw before using) for the almond butter for a bit more creamy texture. The last change was using Lily’s sugar free dark chocolate chips, but it would also be lovely with nuts instead or in addition (pecans, walnuts or chopped hazelnuts).

Almond Butter Blondies 1 Almond Butter Blondies 2 Almond Butter Blondies 3 Almond Butter Blondies 4

Back of the Pack Grain Free Low Carb Blondies

New Low Carb No Bake Cookie Dough

I love cookie dough enough that I was salivating in front of a box of chocolate-covered cookie dough bites while waiting for my prescription to be filled at the pharmacy yesterday. I went with my usual strategy; ask myself if I really want it or is it just hunger or boredom talking (I really wanted it), purchased only a few pieces if possible e.g. from a bulk bin or “mini” size (not possible, it was a medium-sized box), and as a last resort share it in a setting where I will not be able to eat all of it eventually, meaning work/communal setting instead of home. The last option was my only choice, and I have been enjoying my 3 pieces per day, as have my coworkers!  Today when I went back to the snack drawer for another taste, I realized I should design another no-bake cookie dough recipe.

My previous recipe tastes wonderful and is low in sugar and high in fiber, but the main ingredients are shelled, cooked chickpeas, along with nut butter and a date, but I have not made the recipe recently for a few reasons. First, I have been following a lower carb diet recently to help with blood glucose stability, and though the recipe is very healthy, chickpeas and dates are high in carbs (though decent carb choices!). The more important drawback is that it is perishable and cannot be made in a small portion since it uses a whole can of chickpeas.

no bake cookie dough 1 No bake cookie dough 2

This new recipe checks all of the boxes:

3 Tbs Thin Healthy Mama baking blend (45 Kcal, 9 g fiber, 4.5 g protein)

1 Tbs coconut flour (30Kcal, 2.5g fiber, 1 g protein)

dash of salt

dash of cinnamon

dash of baking powder for taste

3 teaspoons light butter substitute (can use coconut oil or softened butter) ~35 Kcal

1 Tbs low carb maple syrup or other thick liquid sweetener – I used Choc Zero maple syrup (30 Kcal per Tbs, 15g carb, 14 g fiber), could also try Walden Farms pancake syrup (calorie free but thinner, I suggest starting with 1/2 Tbs)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 pack Nunaturals stevia, or to taste (I have a very sweet tooth)

1 Tbs whipped pasteurized egg whites ~10 Kcal, 1.5 g protein

10-15 Lily’s sugar free chocolate chips (can substitute with coconut flakes, peanuts, slivered almonds, or a combo of your choices) ~10 Kcal

Nutrition totals: ~130 Kcal, 11.5 g fiber, 7 g protein

Combine dry ingredients, use a Tbs spoon to scoop the butter-like ingredient first, then use it to measure the syrup-like ingredient (it will come out easier and clean up easier – a trick for the future – if no fat is needed in a recipe, spray the measuring spoon with spray oil before measuring out any sticky ingredient…it will slide right out!), add vanilla extract and blend together until crumbly. Mix in the whipped egg whites (easy trick – buy pasteurized egg whites in the carton and shake the carton briskly to whip – this works best if it is not full to the top of the carton). When the texture is to your liking (add a touch of unsweetened almond milk if it is too thick for you, or a touch more coconut flour if it is too soft), add in the chocolate chips or other goodies and enjoy!

Note that it is very high in insoluble fiber, so I recommend sticking to 1 serving size.

New Low Carb No Bake Cookie Dough

Shirataki Marinata Recipe

I am experimenting with food for my clients again!

Shirataki Noodles are a good option for someone who wants to add bulk (more mentally and physically filling) to meals, without adding carbs and very minimal added calories. I am not a big fan of fake meals, so I like to make a meal that I usually would (heavy on veggies) and add a bit of Shirataki noodles for different spin on a recipe that I make often. For example, it’s nice to add about 1/4 cup to soups or to a stirfry.

One complaint about Shirataki noodles is that they are more firm than regular noodles and also that they can have a little bit of a sea-like taste to them. A tip to improve both of these factors is to first sautée your veggies and then add the noodles to slightly brown. Next, and add the sauce to the pan. Cook the noodles and the sauce for a few minutes and they will absorb the flavor and also get a little softer.


Shirataki noodles with tomato sauce and veggies; adding a little meat is optional. Next time I would also add shredded zucchini.

Shirataki Marinata Recipe