Wow, It’s a Sugar-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo Chocolate Cake

Posting a little ahead of schedule to give y’all a heads up that National Chocolate Cake Day later this week – on January 27th to be exact. I want to give you plenty of time to start thinking of how you to pay homage to one of the world’s most popular desserts — will you partake in a cupcake, a layer cake, a Bundt cake, a sheet cake or even a single-serve mug cake? Heck, make them all!

Wow, it’s a Sugar-free, Gluten-free, Diary-free Chocolate Cake is a healthier option for dessert and can be made in single servings, in a brownie pan or as a traditional layer cake. This treat is lower carb,  paleo and diabetic diet friendly.

This year, my Wow, it’s a Sugar-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free Chocolate Cake needs to top your must bake list. I’ve topped it with rich butter macadamia nuts, but it’s equally delicious eaten plain with just the ganache or topped with other garnishes like raspberries, pistachios or orange zest. Even though it’s dreamy and decadent-tasting enough for a hardcore chocolatavore, it’s got some decent nutritional value and is even Paleo diet friendly, gluten-free and lower carb

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Sugar-Free Caffe Mocha POPCORN !

National Popcorn Day is coming up (January 19th) and that’s a food holiday on my food bucket list . . . my literal list of foods to eat from a bucket (haha)! But, seriously, popcorn is totally worth its salt as a snack food, it’s a healthy whole grain (a seed, actually) that is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO, gluten-free and a great source of dietary fiber. It’s inexpensive and delicious gobbled up simply fresh-popped or drizzled, coated or tossed with any number of other yummy things. And, “yummy things” is the segue into my recipe for Sugar-Free Caffe Mocha PopcornSugar-Free Caffe Mocha Popcorn makes a healthy snack with under 100 calories per serving.

Yes, Sugar-Free Caffe Mocha Popcorn! It’s like a coffee house and a movie theater hooked up and produced hundreds of perky little chocolatey offspring.  It’s just so delicious, and you don’t even have to feel guilty – only 99 sugar-free calories!

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How to Make Salted Preserved Lemons that are Yummy in Everything!

Preserved LemonsWhen life hands you lemons, make Preserved Lemons! Although back in 80-degree weather in January (!), a super cold spell last weekend required harvesting of citrus off the Meyer Lemon trees . . . including a bumper crop coming from my aunt in Houston. While making lemonade, lemon curd, lemon preserves and other citrus-y staples are a sweet way to use an abundance of the fruit, I was looking for something to use in savory dishes.

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Banana, Quinoa, Oats ‘n More Breakfast Bake

Feedback is in from friends, family and those of y’all around the Internets . . . . this hearty, healthy Banana Quinoa, Oats ‘n More Breakfast Bake is a winner! Other nutritious ingredients I’ve snuck inside this make-ahead breakfast meal — hemp seeds, chia seeds and cacoa nibs!  Banana Quinoa Oat 'n More Breakfast bake

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Gluten-Free Almond Protein Waffles with Dark Cherry Syrup

Weekends are for waffles, especially around the holiday season! I “leggo” the typical waffle a long time ago, they are so carb heavy and the straight-up sugariness would always leave me with the hangries an hour or two later. But, not so with my Almond Protein Waffles with Dark Cherry Syrup when I pump up my waffles with a little protein powder, almonds and a little Greek yogurt on top, I get a morning meal that makes me feel fuller longer.

Gluten-Free Almond Protein Waffles with Dark Cherry Syrup are a better way to fuel up in the morning -- also sugar free and dairy free (without Greek yogurt topping).

I’ve used a gluten-free flour blend to keep it friendly for those with intolerances and it’s also dairy-free if you choose not to dollop with Greek yogurt at the end. Depending on what type of preserves you choose at the store, the recipe can also be refined sugar free.

black-cherry-almond-protein-waffles

Feel free to make a double batch, let cool, and then stick in the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast later – they are so good sandwiched with nut butter in the middle (and convenient for car munching)!

breville-waffle-makerMy old-school, weary waffle maker is on it’s last legs and I’ve asked Santa to take me to the next-level of waffle making with the Smart Slice Waffle Iron from Breville. It has “Waffle IQ” — I need those smarts!

Also, please take a look-see at these other healthy waffle recipes that will start your morning off most magnificently – I have a sweet and a savory option for you!  Why not make some for your holiday guests?!

 

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles perk up fall breakfast and brunch -- perfect for Thanksgiving an

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles

 

 

 

 

Hatch Green Chile Cornbread Waffle with Egg - TheFitFork.comGreen Chili Cornbread Waffles with an egg on top!

 

 

 

So, whatcha doing this weekend? Making waffles? What is you favorite type of waffle and/or topping? Please share (so I can drool) in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

Gluten-Free Almond Protein Waffles with Dark Cherry Syrup
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Fill up your tank with these easy gluten-free waffles that are boosted with protein powder and sweetened with a healthier syrup if delicious dark cherries.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For Waffles:
  • 1 cups gluten-free baking blend
  • 1/2 cup cup protein powder, vanilla
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 cups Almond Milk
For Syrup:
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen, pittend dark cherries
  • 3/4 cup cherry juice or pomegranate juice works too
  • 1/2 cup cherry preserves
  • 1/2 cup real maple syrup
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup toasted, unslated slivered almonds
Instructions
  1. Preheat waffle maker to medium heat.
  2. Place gluten-free flour blend, protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl and whisk to combine.
  3. In smaller bowl, whisk together legs, vanilla extract, butter and milk until frothy.
  4. Stir wet mixture into dry mixture until combined; okay if a few lumps.
  5. Using a 1/2-cup measuring cup, scoop mixture onto waffle maker. Spread evenly and close. Let cook for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. To make syrup, add frozen cherries to medium sauce pot and pour in juice. Stir in cherry preserves and real maple syrup; bring to light boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat and let simmer until thickened and syrupy, approximately 20 minutes.
  7. To serve, pour syrup over waffles and top with a dollop of greek yogurt and toasted almonds.