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.

 

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!

 

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad

This Avocado Salad is a true celebration of fresh and wholesome ingredients. With its vibrant mix of colors and textures, this salad brings together the crispness of cucumber, tomato, and bell peppers, the creaminess of avocado, the saltiness of feta cheese, and the nuttiness of roasted sunflower seeds to create a perfect balance of flavors. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a delicious and healthy choice for any meal.

Avocado is the star ingredient in this salad, known for its rich content of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamins E, K, and C. Regular consumption of avocados can help improve heart health, support healthy skin, and enhance nutrient absorption. Paired with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is both satisfying and nourishing.

Whether you’re looking for a light and nutritious meal or a refreshing side dish for any occasion, this Avocado Salad is a versatile recipe that allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences.

This Avocado Salad is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to add a burst of flavor and color to your table! ​

Ingredients

Salad Part:

  • 150 g cucumber
  • 100 g tomato
  • 70 g red pepper (or other you prefer)
  • 70 g yellow pepper (or other you prefer)
  • 40 g green onion
  • 2 medium-sized avocados (230 g for both with skin and seed)
  • 100 g feta cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 g) roasted sunflower seeds

For the Vinaigrette:

  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 6 or 7 fresh thyme stems

Directions

  1. Chop (cucumber, tomato) or dice (onion, red and yellow pepper, and avocado) the veggies and cut feta cheese into small pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, mix extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add all chopped/diced veggies and feta cheese. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
  4. Using a spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the vinaigrette and evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Top with diced avocado and roasted sunflower seeds.
  6. Serve fresh.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 4 Servings
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 281 calories
  • Protein: 7.05 g
  • Fat: 23.96 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.85 g
  • Fiber: 5.5 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Serve the salad fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Enjoy this delightful salad as a light and nutritious meal or a refreshing side dish for any occasion!

 

Almond Cupcakes

Almond Cupcakes

Almond Cupcakes

Indulge guilt-free in these delectable chocolate banana cupcakes, crafted with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and ripe bananas. These cupcakes are not only moist, fluffy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, but they are also gluten-free, making them a delightful and wholesome treat to enjoy on any occasion.

Almond flour is the key ingredient in these cupcakes, offering a gluten-free alternative that’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds, which are packed with nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to heart health, help manage blood sugar levels, and support overall well-being. Combined with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these cupcakes offer a healthier twist on traditional baked goods without compromising on taste.

Perfect as a snack or dessert, these Almond Flour Cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals.

These Almond Flour Cupcakes are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy choice that you can feel good about enjoying. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas or 200 g
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
  • 4 tbsp. cocoa powder
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • 30 g chocolate chips for topping (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare cupcake paper liners and place them on a baking tray.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Add cocoa powder and baking powder to the banana mixture. Gradually add almond flour and stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and the batter achieves a smooth consistency, resembling cake batter.
  5. Using an ice cream scooper, portion the batter evenly into the cupcake paper liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 6 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 189 calories
  • Protein: 7.02 g
  • Fat: 12.62 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.31 g
  • Fiber: 4.6 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
  • Enjoy these guilt-free cupcakes as a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Maple Peanut Crunch

Maple Peanut Crunch

Maple Peanut Crunch

Indulge in the sweet and crunchy delight of Candied Maple Peanuts with this incredibly simple 2-ingredient recipe. These delightful treats combine the natural goodness of raw peanuts with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The result is a snack that’s not only delicious but also offers a nutritious boost, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a healthier way.

Peanuts are a nutrient-rich food, providing an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Regular consumption of peanuts has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced weight management. Maple syrup, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese. Together, these ingredients create a snack that’s not just tasty but also beneficial for your overall well-being.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying treat. Whether you enjoy them as a snack on their own or as a topping for desserts, these Candied Maple Peanuts are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (140 g) raw blanched peanuts
  • 4 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 30 g dark chocolate (optional)

Directions

  1. Coarsely chop the raw peanuts and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add maple syrup to the peanuts and mix until the peanuts are well coated with the syrup.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  4. Spoon a tablespoon of the peanut mixture into a circular biscuit cutter placed on the baking tray. Press down on the mixture to flatten. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used.
  5. Bake the candied peanuts for 15 minutes.
  6. Allow the candied peanuts to cool and harden on the baking tray without touching them.
  7. If desired, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled candied peanuts for an extra touch of indulgence.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 12 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 101 calories
  • Protein: 3.04 g
  • Fat: 6.86 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.1 g
  • Fiber: 1.3 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store the candied peanuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep them for up to 10 days.
  • These treats are vegan and gluten-free.
  • Enjoy these sweet and crunchy goodness to satisfy your sweet cravings.