Category Archives: Gluten-free

Gluten-Free Almond Protein Waffles with Dark Cherry Syrup

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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 

 

Fuel for your weekend workout –>Almond Protein Waffle with Dark Cherry Syrup #glutenfree

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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.

Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread | Gluten-Free #PurplePowerToThePeople

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Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread is gluten-free, grain-free and dairy-free.White bread ain’t got nothing, not one single thing on my Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread. That is, unless you actually like gummy simple carbs and are willing to put your bod through the resulting blood sugar surge/crash and gathering of gluten all from eating one puny slice.

Stokes Purple Sweet Potato

This kinda weird, but decidedly delicious flatbread has none of that nonsense. Featuring Stokes Purple®, a special type of California-grown, non-GMO sweet potato with purple skin and vibrant purple flesh that get even brighter when cooked, this bread alternative is nothing to “loaf” about – flat is where it’s at! #PurplePowerToThePeople

The texture of a Stokes Purple® is a little drier and denser than a traditional sweet potato, rendering it perfect for a substitute flour filler in my grain-free, gluten-free flatbread recipe. Purple sweet potatoes offer similar nutritional benefits of regular orange sweet potatoes in the fact that they are both healthy source of complex carbs with a low GI impact, are full of dietary fiber and many essential vitamins and minerals. The Stokes Purple® also has anthocyanins, a plant flavonoid that not only gives the potatoes their distinctive purple hue, but also have been linked to a host of health benefits including reductions in certain cancers, lowering of bad cholesterol,  improvements in vision, liver and heart health, and have also been linked to boosts in cognition.Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread is a gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free and dairy-free bread substitute! Eat as a starter, sammie, snack or side dish!

So back to the sweet potato flatbread details, the recipe also features almond meal, and coarsely chopped pumpkin and sunflower seeds. There are a couple eggs in the recipe, but otherwise it’s dairy-free and suitable for a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. If you have an allergy to nuts, sub out the almond meal for an equivalent amount of oat-flour to keep it nut-free.

nutty-purple-sweet-potato-flatbread Eat this gluten-free flatbread warm out of the oven, spread with a little honey butter – it’s like eating a sweet potato in portable, easy-to-pick-up format. But, a little more interesting and flavorful than that “sweet potato toast” trend on Pinterest. You can also use two slices to bookend your favorite sandwich fillings – since I made these right after the holidays, my gluten-free sandwich is layered with leftovers including turkey, cranberry relish and spinach!

nutty-sweet-potato-flatbread-sandwich-feet

Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes available in select markets and by mail.

Sammie, starter or side dish, Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread is powerful #glutenfree goodness #purplepowertothepeople @friedasproduce

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Have you ever had a purple sweet potato? What are your favorite potato toppings or sammie stuffings? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread is gluten-free, grain-free and dairy-free.
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Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
Enjoy as a sandwich, starter or side dish, Nutty Purple Sweet Potato Flatbread is nutritious, delicious, and gluten-free option for dinner, lunch or snack.
Course: Appetizer, bread, Sandwich, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted, roasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1 teaspoon seasalt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teapsoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potato flesh room temperature
  • 1/3 cup almond milk (or milk of choice) may need a splash more
  • 3 large eggs
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 400F degrees. In small food processor, coarsely chop sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Add to small bowl, along with other dry ingredients including almond flour, salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic powder.
  2. In small blender, add milk, eggs and 1 cup of pre-cooked sweet potato mash and process until smooth. Stir in remaining cooked sweet potatoes with spatula, adding a splash more milk if needed, but consistency should remain fairly thick.
  3. Scrape this wet mixture into bowl with dry ingredients and mix with spatula until well combined.
  4. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread batter from end to end, corner to corner, keeping even thickness. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin and sunflower seeds, if desired.
  5. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until edges and top are turning lightly golden brown. Remove from oven to cool on wire rack.
  6. Cut into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. Save leftovers in zip-top bag in refrigerator – reheat in microwave or toaster oven before serving.

PSL & Thank You! Gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles

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Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles perk up fall breakfast and brunch -- perfect for Thanksgiving anPumpkin fans, you’re going to love these waffles a latte! They are crispy on the outside, soft and delicious on the inside with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, fall spices and coffee. Yup, coffee for that little extra morning kick — nothing like keeping the love for PSL strong! Gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles are a must-make for your next weekend brunch – heck, even throw a scoop of coffee ice cream on top for an amazing autumn-inspired dessert!

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

bite-of-pumpkin-spice-latte-wafflesMade with gluten-free ingredients, nutrient-rich pumpkin, and coconut oil and coconut sugar (low glycemic impact), my waffles are so much healthier than those frozen store purchased alternatives – and really not that hard to prep. My recipe makes 12 huge, 4-square waffles (so 48 individual waffles), that can be stored in the freezer and popped in the toaster oven on those crazy mornings.

 

 

 

Sugar Free Pumpkin Protein Donuts with Cinnamon FrostingSugar Free Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Frosting

No added sugar in these scaled down delights — fun for a Halloween day breakfast or snack.

Need a mini donut pan?

 

 

 

Pumpkin Pancakes with Pecans, Caramel & Greek Yogurt - TheFitFork.comPumpkin Pecan Oat Pancakes

 

All-time winner, any season, with my family — I stockpile canned pumpkin just to make these in the summer!

 

 

 

 

pumpkin-vanilla-chai-oats-cupPumpkin Vanilla Chia Protein Oats

Make this one in the slow-cooker – added protein powder makes this breakfast a long-lasting winner.

 

 

 

 

 

#PSL & Thank You! Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles perking up breakfast! #fitfluential

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What is your favorite pumpkin spice flavored recipe or product of the season? Please share in the comments, XOXO — jennifer

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles perk up fall breakfast and brunch -- perfect for Thanksgiving an
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Gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Perk up your fall breakfast or brunch with a stack of these fall-flavored waffles that are sure to please the whole family.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 large (4-square) waffles
Ingredients
  • 2 cups oat flour *see note below about making own
  • 1 cup brown rice flour
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar can substitute brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 15 ounce can pumpkin puree scant 2 cups
  • 1 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1.5 cups milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, liquid
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
  1. Mix together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in large bowl.
  2. In a second bowl, add eggs, sugar, pumpkin, coffee, milk, coconut oil and vanilla; beat well.
  3. Gently fold in the flour-spice mixture to the moist mixture.
  4. Cook according to your waffle iron directions, until a deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  5. Serve with honey butter, maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
  6. * You can make your own oat flour by putting old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats in a food processor or blender and pulsing until they are finely ground. Oats are gluten-free by nature, by if you have an allergy, make sure that you are buying certified gluten free oats that have been processed in a gluten-free facility.

Pumpkin Vanilla Chai Protien Oats + #Giveaway for Hot Cereal / Rice Cooker

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This post and giveaway sponsored by Hamilton Beach, however all opinions, comments, content and enthusiasm are my own.

One morning this summer I made a family favorite recipe for Pumpkin Protein Muffins. When the kids woke up to the amazingly “autumn” smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin baking, they were disoriented. . .. but excited, nonetheless.! “Is it already Thanksgiving, mom? Did we sleep through the first day of school and Halloween and wake up in the middle of the fall holidays?” 

By the way, I’m giving away a really awesome Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker from Hamilton Beach this week – this counter top appliance will Change. Your. Life.  Hop to the bottom of the post to enter.

Pumpkin Vanilla Chai Protein Oats in Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker

That got me to thinking. Why DO we primarily limit cooking and baking with pumpkin to the months of September through December?  While fresh pumpkins may be seasonal, the canned puree is equally as nutritious and a heck of a lot more convenient. Pumpkin ( a fab source of fiber, vitamins Vitamin A, and healthy complex carbs) is a veggie I’d like to see more of in my life for the entire year!  And, so here I am in September, as cliché as it may be, sharing a pumpkin recipe – but, good gourd, this one is workable into anyone’s busy schedule, 365.

Pumpkin Vanilla Chai Protein Protein Oats -- 288 calories, 26g protein, fiber and healthy carbs to fuel your day or workout. Plus, this recipe is made in a rice cooker in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Pumpkin Vanilla Chai Protein Oatmeal – why, hello creamy pie-and-coffee-shop inspired morning concoction that is actually as nourishing as delish. I’ve used a blend of old-fashioned oats mixed with my favorite seeds (hemp, chia, flax, pumpkin – you can tweak as you like) along with pumpkin puree, creamy almond milk, and vanilla protein powder to bring each serving into the approximate 25g protein range which is what I strive for at my morning meal

Now Foods Products used in Pumpkin Protein Oats from thefitfork.com

***Please note, the recipe nutrition will vary based on the protein powder you use (I used Vanilla Whey Isolate from Now Foods) and mix ins (I used the Triple Omega Seed Blend from Now Foods) . With just 288 calories per hearty serving, I’ve kept this sugar-free recipes under 300 calories buy using my preferred cup-for-cup measure sugarless sweetener (Sugarless Sugar Baking Blend from Now Foods).

In a rush? This recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. If you’re in a super morning rush, set everything out in the rice cooker (except the perishables) the night before and finish off in the morning. Oh, and did I mention that there is caffeine built right into this recipe thanks to steeping chai into the liquid used to make oatmeal. It’s genius.  Of course, please use caffeine-free tea if you are sensitive.

hamilton-beach-rice-cooker-2Did you notice how I alluded to a Rice Cooker? The convenience factor here is that I’ve made this pumpkin oatmeal recipe in a Rice Cooker!  You heard me right – rice cookers aren’t just for cooking rice anymore, you can make some amazing recipes in a rice cooker like cheesy grits, steamed salmon with rice and veggies, chocolate cakes and more!  I’ve made my recipe in the 4-20 Cup Rice and Hot Cereal Maker from Hamilton Beach, it’s the best small kitchen appliance evahhhhh!  I’m giving one away, jump to bottom of post to enter!

hamilton-beach-rice

I resisted getting a rice cooker for a really long time, thinking it would just hog up space in my cabinets and rarely get used – not the case! It’s more of a “multi” cooker than a “rice” cooker and I it at least once a week to prepare a meal for the family – even my teens know how to make simple recipes for dinner in it. Plus, with a 20-cup capacity, it’s perfect for meal planning – I often double or triple my batches of rice, quinoa, oats or whatever I have going in in the cooker and then freeze portions for later in the month.  It’s a busy mom’s best friend!

Make pumpkin protein oats + enter my multi-purpose Rice Cooker giveaway @hamiltonbeach #spon

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Have you cooked anything unusual in a rice cooker? What is your favorite fall flavor? Should pumpkin be a year-round thing? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer

Enter Giveaway Here:

 

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Pumpkin Vanilla Chai Protein Oatmeal (Rice Cooker)
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
13 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Enjoy the delicious flavor of pumpkin in a warm and nourishing bowl of oatmeal that has been pumped up with protein powder and seeds. Whips up in 10 minutes in rice cooker!
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 cups unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 3 chai tea bags
  • 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup "nutrition boosts" like seeds, nuts, etc I used blend of chia, hemp and flax seeds (can sub additional 1/4 cups oats)
  • 1 cup vanilla protein power of choice I used a whey
  • 1/4 cup “cup-for-cup” measure equivalent sugar baking blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree (not sugary pie filling)
  • Optional Garnishes Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, honey pecans, etc.
Instructions
  1. Add almond milk, water and tea bags to large glass measuring cup and microwave until hot, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and let steep another 3 minutes. Discard tea bags and set liquid aside.
  2. In bowl of rice cooker, add oats, nutrition boosters (seeds, etc), protein powder, sugar substitute, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix together until combined.
  3. Add pumpkin to bowl and pour in milk/tea mixture. Mix together until everything combined.
  4. Put lid down on rice cooker. Set timer for “heat/simmer” for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened to desired consistency. I prefer mine thicker!
  5. Serve warm in bowls with Greek yogurt and pecans or other garnishes. May store leftovers in refrigerator for days or in freezer for 6 months.
  6. To make in microwave, place all ingredients in 2 quart lidded casserole and microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring halfway.

Good Morning! Plantain and Lentil Coffee Cake (gluten free)

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Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake Today I’m sharing a mouthwatering and marvelously moist (apologies haters of that word) cake that’s approved (by me) to eat along with your cuppa Joe at breakfast . . . or at lunch or dinner, for that matter. It’s a Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake! No, I’m not pulling your LEGume, but I did use legumes (that is, lentils from Farmer Direct Co-op) to keep my quick-to-fix cake tantalizing tender as well as boost up the nutrition.

Plantain and Lentil Coffee Cake is free of refined sugar and the lentils add extra protein and fiber!

This yummy, quick-to-fix cake is a healthy solution for those sweet breakfast or snack cravings. Free of high-gylcemic sugars and overly-refined flours and grains, this recipe relies on the wholesome goodness from plantains, lentils and a gluten-free baking mix. I used a one-to-one measure sugar replacement to keep the calories and carb count down – my go-to is Ellyndale Naturals™ Sugarless Sugar™ from NOW Foods. But, you can also swap in a different sweetener, like coconut sugar, if you prefer.

Farmer Direct Co-op Lentils

I use Farmer Direct Co-op as my source lentils, these little green gems are organic, non GMO and fair trade.  In the past, I had a hard time thinking of uses for lentils past soups or stews . . . or keeping a jar of cooked lentils in the fridge to sprinkle on my salads. But then I had a light bulb moment –why not use pureed lentils (or beans) in recipes for baked goods to add moistness with less oil – plus more fiber and protein!

slice plantain lentil cake toes

I knew my kids would be suspicious if I told them we were eating a cake made of plantains and lentils – so I didn’t say a word. When they gobbled it up and asked for more “banana bread,” I knew this recipe was a winner! While I have cooked it in a 10” pie dish, it also bakes up well in an 8” x 8” brownie pan or as 12 standard-sized muffins.

farmer direct logoWhen it comes to being organic, farmer-owned and fair-deal, Farmer Direct Co-op is 100-percent all of the above and more. Their mission is to promote their co-op farmer’s organic products while building and promoting a healthy environment and socially just food system. When you purchase from Farmer Direct Co-op, you’re buying more than a pea, a lentil or a bean . . you’re buying into part of an evolution of eating aimed at truly nourishing the mind, body and soul.

Head on over to Farmer Direct Co-op to learn more about their awesome company and products like 1lb. shelf bags of Pinto Beans, French Green Lentils, Split Green Peas, Regular Rolled Oats and Quick Rolled Oats. STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY!  They also have a nice collection of healthy recipes on their blog made with whole foods.

Well gooood morning! Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake @farmer_direct #spon

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Have you ever used beans or lentils in a a baked recipe, how so?! Please share in the comments, XOXO — Jennifer 

This post is sponsored by Farmer Direct Co-Op, however all opinions, comments and enthusiasm are my own.

Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake
Print
Plantain and Lentil Coffee Cake
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked organic French green lentils from Farmer Direct Co op
  • cup peeled and chopped very ripe plantain (about 1 medium)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large eggg
  • 1/2 cup one-for-one sugar baking substitute (like Sugarless Sugar)
  • 1 1/3 cup gluten free baking mix your favorite brand
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup raw sliced almonds or tiger nut slivers
  • Coconut oil cooking spray
  • 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
  1. Cook lentils in water according to package instructions, let cool to room temperature. Drain cooking liquid.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  3. Add cooked lentils to food processor along with chopped plantain and almond milk. Process until reasonably smooth. Pulse in one egg oil and coconut oil until combined.
  4. Remove work bowl from processor and add sugar substitute, stirring in to combine. Add baking mix and mix until just combined, scraping down sides of bowl with spatula, as needed.
  5. Pour batter into baking 10-inch round or 8" x 8" square baking dish coated with coconut oil spray. Sprinkle top of batter with shredded coconut and sliced almonds (or tiger nuts).
  6. Bake at 350 F degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center pulls clean. Let cook and cut into nine slices served with a drizzle of honey over the top.