Pumpkin Seed Crackers

Pumpkin Seed Crackers

Pumpkin Seed Crackers

If you’re like me, you probably love a good snack that’s not only tasty but also good for you. Well, these Pumpkin Seed Crackers are just the ticket! Forget those store-bought crackers that are packed with who-knows-what. These homemade goodies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and pumpkin seeds. And let me tell you, they’re not just delicious, they’re loaded with nutrients too!

Pumpkin seeds are little powerhouses of goodness, full of minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron, which are great for keeping your heart healthy, boosting your immune system, and giving you the energy you need to tackle your day. Plus, they’ve got healthy fats and antioxidants to keep your body feeling its best. And let’s not forget the oats! They’re packed with fiber, which is fantastic for keeping your digestion on track and your blood sugar stable.

These crackers are super easy to make and totally customizable, so you can tweak them to fit your taste buds. Whether you like a bit of spice or prefer them plain, these crunchy, nutritious treats are perfect for snacking anytime.

So, let’s get baking and whip up a batch of these tasty crackers—you’re going to love them!

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (45 g)
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds (75 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup cold water (adjust as needed to form a dough)

Directions:

  1. Using a food processor or blender, grind the rolled oats and pumpkin seeds until they turn into a fine flour. Add salt and baking powder, and mix again for a few seconds.
  2. Add water to the mixture all at once or gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, while grinding until the mixture starts to come together and form a dough. Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve a firm but pliable dough.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a surface covered with parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin rectangular shape, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3-4 mm).
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you’re working with the dough.
  5. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into rectangular or square cracker shapes.
  6. Place the baking sheet with the crackers into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes at 350°F or until the crackers turn crisp.
  7. Once the crackers are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool down completely. They will continue to harden as they cool.

Prep Time, Baking Information, and Servings:

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Servings: 10

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Energy: 60 calories
  • Protein: 3.03 g
  • Fat: 3.99 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
  • Fiber: 0.9 g

Storage and Particular Recommendations:

  • Store your crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  •  These homemade crackers are perfect for snacking, dipping into hummus or cheese, or serving alongside soups and salads.
  •  Feel free to customize the flavor by adding your favorite spices like chili flakes, garlic powder, or dried herbs!
Potato Pizza

Potato Pizza

Potato Pizza

Craving pizza but trying to avoid the carbs from traditional flour crusts? This Potato Pizza is your perfect solution! By using potatoes as the base, you not only cut down on carbs but also gain a range of nutritional benefits. Potatoes are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. They support a healthy immune system, promote heart health, and can help regulate blood pressure. The fiber content in potatoes aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer, which is great for maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health.

Including potatoes in your diet can also provide sustained energy, making them an excellent choice for active individuals. This Potato Pizza is not only delicious but also a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.

Let’s dive into this incredibly tasty recipe that’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings while keeping things light and healthy!

Ingredients:

  • 300 g small-sized white potato or any potato of your choice (12 small potatoes)
  • 100 g fresh mozzarella cheese or any cheese of your choice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ½ tsp. pizza seasoning powder (homemade or store-bought)
  • ~1 tbsp. water
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Place the small white potatoes in a pot and boil them for about 20 minutes or until they get tender.
  2. Once cooked, drain them and gently smash them with a hand potato masher until they flatten.
  3. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil infused with garlic and sprinkle some salt to taste.
  4. Place the potatoes on a baking pan and bake them for approximately 25 minutes at 400°F or until they become crispy and golden brown.
  5. Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and spread pizza tomato sauce over each potato, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Add a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top. If desired, top each mini potato pizza with garnishes of your preference such as basil leaves, shrimp, and black olives.
  7. Return the baking pan to the oven and broil quickly for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  8. Enjoy while still warm and gooey.

Prep Time, Baking Information, and Servings:

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25 minutes
  • Broiling Time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 12

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Energy: 69 calories
  • Protein: 2.62 g
  • Fat: 4.16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.76 g
  • Fiber: 0.8 g

Storage and Particular Recommendations:

  • While these mini pizzas can be stored and reheated, they are best enjoyed when freshly made for optimal crispiness and flavor.
  •  Experiment with different toppings and garnishes to suit your taste preferences.
  •  The versatility of potatoes allows you to customize this recipe endlessly, making it perfect for any occasion!

 

Sugar Free Granola

Sugar Free Granola

Sugar Free Granola

This wholesome and nutritious granola recipe is a perfect choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Instead of using butter, oil, or traditional sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, this recipe utilizes homemade applesauce as a natural binder. The result is a light and crunchy granola that’s both calorie-wise and packed with a variety of wholesome ingredients.

Oats are the main ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like manganese and phosphorus. Oats support heart health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Combined with the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of nuts and seeds, this granola is not only delicious but also nourishing.

Enjoy this granola as a healthy breakfast or a snack option throughout the day. It’s easy to make and can be stored for up to a month, ensuring you have a tasty and nutritious option on hand whenever you need it.

This Sugar-Free Granola is a delightful way to start your day or keep your energy up between meals. With its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, it’s bound to become your new favorite granola recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (120 g)
  • ¼ cup chopped almonds (35 g)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (35 g)
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (35 g)
  • ¼ cup pitted dates (50 g)
  • ¼ cup raisins (35 g)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (35 g)
  • 2 tbsp. applesauce (add by small quantities while stirring until the oats get sticky but not wet or saggy)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
  3. Gradually add homemade applesauce, one tablespoon at a time, and use a fork (or your hands) to thoroughly incorporate it into the mixture. Add only small quantities while stirring until the oats get sticky but not wet or saggy.
  4. Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, ensuring a thin and even layer to allow for even cooking.
  5. Bake for approximately 30 minutes in total. After 15 minutes of baking, stir the granola thoroughly to prevent uneven browning. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the granola from the oven and immediately pour it over chopped dates, dried cranberries, and raisins. Mix well while the granola is still hot to get it sticky and naturally sweet.
  7. Once cooled, transfer the granola into a clean glass container.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 10 Servings
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 147 calories
  • Protein: 4.58 g
  • Fat: 6.66 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19.45 g
  • Fiber: 2.9 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your granola in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month for optimal freshness.
  • Enjoy this crunchy and healthy treat as a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

 

1 Ingredient Applesauce

1 Ingredient Applesauce

1 Ingredient Applesauce

This super-simple applesauce, made with just one ingredient—apples—boasts a pure and wholesome flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit. It’s a versatile and healthy treat that you can easily customize by using different apple varieties or adding spices like cinnamon, star anise, or nutmeg for extra flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a topping for pancakes or yogurt, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this applesauce is sure to become a kitchen staple.

Apples are the star ingredient, offering a wealth of health benefits. They are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestion, and they provide a good source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Apples are also low in calories and contain natural sugars that provide a gentle energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars. Making your own applesauce allows you to enjoy these benefits without any added preservatives or sweeteners.

This 1 Ingredient Applesauce is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples. Whether you prefer it plain or spiced up, it’s a healthy treat that everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 kg honeycrisp apples (or other apple type of your choice)

Directions

  1. Clean the apples thoroughly and remove all the skin and seeds. Section the apples into large chunks.
  2. Instant Pot: Add the apple chunks to the basket part and close the lid. Steam for 10 minutes in the Instant Pot.
  3. Classic Steamer: Steam the apple chunks until tender, typically up to 20 minutes.
  4. Let the steamed apples cool down for a bit. Transfer them into a glass jar and use a hand blender to transform them into a smooth puree.
  5. Allow the jar of applesauce to cool down completely before refrigerating.
  6. Let the applesauce thicken in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Enjoy this homemade applesauce as a topping for your crepes and pancakes, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes as a substitute for refined sugar.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 10 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Fridge Time: 4 hours

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 20 calories
  • Protein: 0.07 g
  • Fat: 0.04 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4.51 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your freshly made homemade applesauce in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Experiment with different apple varieties and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

 

Applesauce Pancakes

Applesauce Pancakes

Applesauce Pancakes

These light, fluffy, and naturally sweet pancakes are a perfect choice for those looking for a diet-friendly recipe or sticking to a healthy eating plan without compromising on taste. The recipe combines mainly three wholesome ingredients—oat flour, eggs, and homemade applesauce—for an absolutely amazing and naturally sweet taste.

Homemade applesauce provides a natural and fruity source of sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugars. Paired with oat flour, which is prepared from rolled oats, these pancakes are rich in fiber, protein, and other important nutrients. Oat flour offers the benefits of whole grains, helping to support heart health and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

These Applesauce Pancakes are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast. With their natural sweetness and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your morning routine! ​

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups (100 g) oat flour (by blending rolled oats)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup homemade applesauce (If needed, add 1 or 2 tbsp. of applesauce to get the right batter thickness)
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine oat flour, egg, homemade applesauce, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. If the batter is too thick, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of applesauce to achieve the desired consistency.
  2. Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a fraction of oil.
  3. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the heated griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges begin to look set, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve warm, optionally top with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, yogurt, honey, or maple syrup.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 5 Servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Pan Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 105 calories
  • Protein: 4.68 g
  • Fat: 2.36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.83 g
  • Fiber: 2.4 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving if desired.
  • For the toppings, you can keep it calorie-wise by using applesauce and cinnamon like here, or serve with your favorite toppings!