Golden Flax Meal and Walnuts add Interest

The flour base is my usual almond and coconut flour with the addition of some golden flax meal. I wanted my pumpkin bread to be a bit denser than my usual recipe. I  went back and forth in my mind between pecans and walnuts and I chose walnuts for that very specific memory from childhood. I  think it was the right choice, but you could certainly go with pecans.

Tips for Making Keto Pumpkin Bread

• Do a spice taste test by microwaving a teaspoon of batter. Adjust to your taste.
• Use parchment paper, as high protein flours like nut flours tend to stick.
• Mix your dry ingredients well with a mix, so the baking powder isn’t clumped in one bite.
• Fold dry ingredients gently into the wet ingredients.
• Use avocado oil because it’s healthy and tasteless. Can use melted butter or olive oil.
• Add a little tiny bit of blackstrap molasses, for a brown sugar taste.
• Take internal temperature of pumpkin bread to 207 degress F.
• Use maple extract if you have it instead of vanilla.
• Cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from bread pan.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, cool bread completely before removing.
• Top with Glaze if you want the pumpkin bread to be sweeter.
• Make sure walnuts are fresh; they can go rancid.
• Sweeten bread with Swerve granulated.
• Make glaze with Swerve Confectioner’s. Wait until bread is completely cool to glaze.
  

Ingredients for Keto Pumpkin Bread

• Almond Flour
• Coconut Flour
• Baking Powder
• Xanthan Gum
• Golden Flax Meal
• Salt
• Swerve Granulated
• Eggs
• Pumpkin Puree
• Avocado Oil
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (homemade recipe here)
• Walnuts

Note on Using Organic Keto Pumpkin: Organic Pumpkin is not as deep of a color and your bread could look a little more yellow than orange. Of course, it’s still good.

Why do I Make Two Small Loaves instead of One Large Loaf?

I use these small loaf pans because almond flour tends to burn and get a little crusty if baked too long. Baking one large loaf may brown too much while cooking the necessary 45-50 minutes for a large loaf. Baking in smaller loaf pans only takes 25-30 minutes and each will yield 10 slices. The other loaf is perfect for the freezer or a friend.

Macros

Calories:172 Carbs:6 Fiber:3 Net Carbs:3 Protein:6 Fat:14

More Keto Pumpkin Recipes from Spinach Tiger

• Keto Pumpkin Cookies
• Keto Pumpkin Bundt Cake
• Keto Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
• Keto Crustless Pumpkin Pie Squares
• Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Keto Pumpkin Muffins
• Keto Pumpkin Pie
• Keto Pumpkin Scones

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Keto Pumpkin Bread

Sugar free, grain free, keto pumpkin

Course Dessert Keto

Cuisine American

Keyword keto pumpkin bread, keto, grain free, pumpkin bread

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 20 Slices

Calories 172kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour 224 grams
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour 28 grams
• 4 tablespoons Golden Flax Meal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg Freshly Ground
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice Homemade Recipe Here
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1 cup swerve
• 5 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree

Glaze

• 1/2 cup Swerve confectioner's sweetener
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream or water

Instructions

CUPCAKE INSTRUCTION

• Preheat oven to 350 F. 180 C. Gas 4
• Mix all dry ingredients including Swerve Sweetener in a bowl. Set aside.
• Mix eggs until fully blended very well.
• Stream in avocado oil.
• Add pumpkin puree and vanilla. Mix well.
• Add in dry ingredients. Mix on low until just incorporated.
• Line bread pans with parchment paper. Give sides a light spray.
• Pour into two small bread pans. (8 x 4)
• Small: Bake 25-30 minutes until internal temperature 207 degrees F.

Glaze

• Mix together adding liquid a little at a time. If It's too runny, add in a little more sweetener. If too thick add more liquid just a tablespoon at a time.

Notes

NET CARBS: 2 

The Nutrition count is for pumpkin cupcakes with a maple glaze made with almond milk.  Nutrition will vary if using a frosting. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 20 | Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g

The post Keto Pumpkin Bread, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

Spinach Tiger loves ground beef. It’s our go to for easy meals that are fast, but not fast food. A meal like this can be made in about twenty minutes, Those of us who don’t want to rely on processed or frozen food need these ideas.  

Crack slaw is one of those easy, approachable recipes that is a savior when you’re eating low carb and you’re short on time. I’m not sure where this was invented or created. There are many recipes for it on the web and everyone puts their own spin on it.

My take for crack slaw is to slather it with an easy three-ingredient comeback sauce.

One of the ways I like crack slaw is to use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork because it makes me feel like I’m eating an egg roll. You can choose your ground meat. Most use beef, but the pork adds in a little extra flavor, resembling more of  that egg roll taste.

How to Make Crack Slaw with Comeback Sauce

It generally start with a little olive oil or avocado oil with some garlic, followed by ground meat. Once the meat is browned, l’ll add in the cabbage, fresh ginger, sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce. My secret for crack slaw is using my own homemade comeback sauce at the end.

Tip for Browning Ground Beef

This is a great tip that actually works for browning ground beef. I don’t know why it works, but it does.

• Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to 2 tablespoons water. Pour over raw beef and wait 15 minutes before frying.

The Comeback Sauce

My comeback sauce is pretty simple. I use sriracha, mayonnaise, and a touch of soy sauce (tamari). I’ve seen recipes with a long list of ingredients, but this does it for me. I’ve tried adding in various ingredients and they did not work!

The ratio is mayo/sriracha is 4/1 and the tamari is to taste. You may want to add a tablespoon of tamari, but I would start with a teaspoon at a time. It’s so good.  It has the acid, fat and salt necesary. Creamy, tangy, and cool enough to counteract some of the heat in the crack slaw.

So tell me, do you have a secret sauce recipe? I’d love to hear about it.

More Ground Beef Ideas

• Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry
• Stuffed Cabbage
• Ground Beef with Peas and Onions, (most popular recipe).
• Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
• Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon and Onion
• Beef Cabbage Soup

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Crack Slaw with with Three Ingredient Comeback Sauce Recipe

An easy ground beef and shredded cabbage dish, using bagged cole slaw mix, sesame oil, sriracha and ginger.

Course Entree

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

Prep Ground Meat

• 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil more if needed once the slaw is added
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground beef see notes
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• salt pepper
• 1 bag cole slaw mix shredded cabbage
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon sriracha

Comeback Sauce

• 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon tamari sauce or soy sauce more if needed

Instructions

• Mix baking soda and water. Pour over meat. Wait 15 minutes before cooking. This helps to brown the meat. In meantime, gather rest of ingredients.
• Saute the garlic in the oil just to soften.
• Add ground beef that has been seasoned with salt and pepper
• After meat is browned, add in the cole slaw mix.
• Mix thoroughly. It will seem like a lot of cabbage, but it will cook down.
• Add in sesame oil, ground ginger, sriraacha.
• Season to taste. You may need to add more oil.

Comeback Sauce

• Mix mayonnaise and sriracha together.
• Add tamari sauce one teaspoon at a time. Add as much as you need to taste, but not so much as to make this salty.

Notes

You can mix half ground pork, half ground beef for more flavor

The post Crack Slaw with Comeback Sauce Recipe appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

How to Fry Eggplant without Breadcrumbs

I discovered this method when making chicken francaise and wondered if this could deliver the same results. All you need are a few ingredients:

• Eggplant
• Eggs
• Parmesan or Pecorino Romano Cheese
• Italian Seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper

I used two kinds of eggplant, the regular size and the long skinny size, which I cut into coins.

• Use a peeler to remove the skin from larger sized eggplant, leaving it on the smaller size. This is a personal preference. You can leave the peel on.
• Slice about a half inch thick.
• Salt a baking sheet. Place eggplant on the salted sheet. Salt the eggplant on top side.
• Allow the eggplant to sit and lose moisture for at least 30 minutes. Then use paper towel to dry eggplant, and remove most or all of the salt.
• Dip in beaten egg. Dip in grated cheese.
• Add oil to frying pan. Make sure it’s hot before adding eggplant.
• Fry a few minutes each side until golden.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian Seasoning.
• Make sure the pan isn’t crowded. Fry in batches, removing eggplant to paper towel.
• Add more oil if necessary for next batch.

Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese?

I prefer pecorino romano over parmesan, but this recipe uses with either. Make sure you grate it fresh and very fine if you can. Pecorino is a sheep’s cheese with a distinctive tang and is saltier.

What to Do with Fried Eggplant

• Eat them just as is with salt. We used to devour the eggplant in minutes.

• Eggplant Bruschetta: Serve as an appetizer with an Italian Chopped Tomatoes, Basil, Olive Oil

• Eggplant Parmesan – this is truly comfort food. Use the eggplant to layer tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

• Eggplant Coins can also be served with a Yogurt Dip, ranch dressing or Tzatziki.

Eggplant Caprese

Make this even better as a starter course by adding tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese for a twist on caprese. You can chop the mozzarella or use mozzarella round. Make sure to add salt and pepper as a finishing touch.

More Eggplant Recipes

• Eggplant Soup
• Eggplant Rollatini
• Eggplant Parm with Pepperoni
• Italian Sausage Stuffed Eggplant
• Eggplant Lasagna
• Eggplant Benedict

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Keto Fried Eggplant Recipe

Course Vegetable

Cuisine Italian

Keyword keto eggplant

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 19 minutes minutes

Counter time for Sweating Eggplant 1 hour hour

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil use as needed
• 2 eggplants
• salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups pecorino romano or parmesan

Instructions

• Remove skin before slicing, using a potato peeler. You can choose to leave skin on.
• Slice eggplant. I like it medium thick, about 1/2 inch if I'm baking it without stacking it.
• Sweat the eggplant. Lay out on cloth or paper towels and salt heavily on both sides. Use more cloth or paper towels to absorb the liquid.
• Make sure to wipe off salt with paper towels before dipping into egg.
• Beat 2 eggs. You may not need all, so beat more as you need them.
• Add salt and pepper into eggs.
• Heat about an inch of oil in frying pan.
• Dip into egg, then pecorino cheese and fry eggplant over medium heat.
• Season with sea salt.
• Eat as is or use for eggplant bruschetta, eggplant lasagna, etc.

Notes

I like grated pecorino romano, but you can use parmesan. Pecorino is a sheep’s cheese. Parmesan is a cow cheese.

The post Parmesan Cheese Fried Eggplant Bruschetta (no breadcrumbs) appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

The cauliflower rice is flavored with a touch of saffron (optional), turmeric, mushroom powder, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper. Additions are peas and tomatoes, which add more texture and color.

The one ingredient though that I think brings this home is the sliced toasted almonds. It brings a crunch and a flavor that makes each bite just right. I also think golden raisins would be a great addition, but I didn’t have them on hand.

First of all use frozen cauliflower rice. Costco sell a version with 4 individual bags, that you can either microwave or dry fry. I’ll explain what dry fry is because that’s how I made this recipe.

How to Cook Frozen Cauliflower

My favorite method is to plop the frozen cauliflower in hot cast iron frying pan with just a touch of fat (either oil or butter). This method gives you a chance to season the cauliflower, and make it less mushy. Any water due to the freezing evaporates, which results in a great texture.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice

• Frozen Cauliflower Rice
• Olive oil
• Tumeric
• Salt, Pepper
• Peas
• Tomatoes (fresh or sun-dried)
• Sliced toasted almonds

Variations

• Replace peas with golden raisins. You could even use both.
• Replace almonds with toasted pine nuts.
• Replace grape tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes.
• Add a pinch, just a pinch, of saffron if you have it.

Mediterranean Rice Pairs with These Recipes

• Roast Chicken
• Za’atar Spiced Lamb Chops
• Grilled Lamb Loin Chops
• Lamb Meatballs
• Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs

More Recipes with Cauliflower Rice

• Keto Shrimp Creole Cauliflower Rice
• Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
• Shrimp and Cheesy Cauliflower Grits
• Cauliflower Rice Risotto
• Keto Cajun Shrimp

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Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice

Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice with Shallots, Peas, Turmeric perfect for low carb dinners.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword cauliflower rice

Ingredients

• 16 ounces frozen rice
• 2 tablespoon olive oil more if needed
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 cup frozen peas see notes
• 1 cup grape tomatoes or 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme or fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper more if needed

Instructions

• Heat a large frying pan. Add frozen cauliflower directly to pan without any fat, at first. Heat the cauliflower through and stir frequently.
• Once the cauliflower is heated through, add the oil, stir through, add turmeric, salt, pepper.
• Slice grape tomatoes. If using sun-dried, add a little of the oil in the jar for more flavor and chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
• Add frozen peas and continue cooking until peas are cooked through. You may add more olive oil.
• Toast almonds in toaster oven for one minute or toast in a frying pan. Keep in mind, almond slices burn easily. Add to rice.
• Add fresh herbs and more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Instead of peas, replace with golden raisins 

The post Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

There are two kinds of blackberries with many varieties.

Blackberries that grow wild on thorny bushes and are a bit hard to eat, and the thornless blackberries cultivated especially for markets and grocery stores.

The triple crown blackberry variety produces large fruits on vigorous plants with a delicious flavor and is just one of the types of thornless blackberries grown today. This is the kind you most likely purchase in the store or market.

Interesting Facts about Blackberries

• Blackberries are thought to have been around in North America, South America, Asia and Europe for over 30 million years. They do not grow native in Australia, but you can now find them there. However, you will not find a single blackberry in Antartica.
• Blackberries have been used for medicinal purposes by the Greeks and Romans, as well as for dyes.
• Early Christians associated blackberry juice with the blood of Christ and the thorny bushes with the crown of thorns.
• Blackberries also appear as ingredients for the occult, but I’d rather not think about that one.

Blackberries are a super food.

Blackberries are considered super healthy, as each little compartment is full of antioxidants, boasting brain health, oral health, high in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese. 

Ingredients for Blackberry Cobbler

• Almond Flour
• Coconut Flour
• Eggs
• Sour Cream
• Baking Powder
• Butter
• Swerve
• Vanilla Extract
• Blackberries

How to Make Keto Blackberry Cobbler

I really like to make cobbler in a cast iron pan, but you can use a cake dish. Make sure you mix all your dry ingredients together before adding to the pan. Beat eggs well. Add melted butter, sour cream and dry ingredients. Push the blackberries into the batter after the batter has been put in the pan.

Swerve is my sweetener of choice. Read here why I use Swerve. You can choose the powder erythritol of choice.

More Blackberry Recipes from Spinach Tiger

• Salad with Blackberries, Fresh Corn
• Best Sugar Free Flourless Chocolate Cake (Low-Carb, Sugar Free)
• Honey Baked Goat Cheese Salad with Blackberry Lemon Vinaigrette
• Blackberry Mint Julep Recipe
• Whiskey Buttermilk Pie with Blackberry Compote
• Blackberry Cobbler in Mason Jars

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Keto Blackberry Cobbler

Perfect, Easy Snack Cake made with fresh summer fruit.

Course Cake

Cuisine American

Keyword keto cake

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 203kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups almond flour
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup Swerve Granulated
• 3 eggs
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup blackberries

Stabilized Whipped Cream Recipe Here

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, 180 C.
• Mix all dry ingredients together.
• Beat eggs for 3 minutes
• Stream in melted butter.
• Add vanilla. Add sour cream.
• Add dry ingredients just until mixed.
• Pour into prepared pan. I used a 12 inch cast iron pan. You can use a 9 inch cake pan.
• Push blackberries in the batter.
• Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Stabilized Whipped Cream Recipe Here

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 12 | Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

The post Keto Blackberry Cobbler with Whipped Cream appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

I found a very easy recipe on line, made the cake, which won’t yet appear here as it became almost what I wanted. White chocolate mousse as well as chocolate mousse are the two key ingredients, as well as either a chocolate or a vanilla cake and a topping of ganache.

I made it with the vanilla cake and while it was fine, when I eventually post it here, I’m going to use chocolate cake.

While my chocolate mousse recipe has more steps and more ingredients, white chocolate mousse is super easy and can be used in many ways, such as tucked inside a layer cake, eaten alone or with fruit.

What is the Best Sugar Free White Chocolate Chips?

I am a keto bakery owner, and exclusively use chocolate chips from Choc Zero. They melt well and don’t disappoint.

Since there is only two ingredients in the white chocolate mousse, the white chocolate chips has to be flavorful. While some recipes using same two ingredients use a half cup of chips, I only used 1/3 cup and it still had plenty of that white chocolate flavor.

Tips for Using Keto White Chocolate Mousse

• Use a low heat to melt the 1/3 cup white chocolate chips in 1/3 heavy cup heavy cream, stirring constantly, and thoroughly. Set aside to cool, covered.
• Whip the remaining 2/3 heavy cream slowly, then more intensely making sure you don’t curdle the cream. Every minute or so, stop and assess. You want the whipped cream to hold, and not fall off the beater.
• MOST IMPORTANT: Refrigerate before using for cakes where you may want to spread the mousse between layers. If it’s warm, it will spread.
• Raspberries marry well with the sweetness of the mousse.

Similar Keto Desserts (all sugar free)

• Chocolate Mousse
• Lemon Budino
• Meyer Lemon Curd
• Chocolate Pudding
• Pots de Creme

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Macros: Using heavy cream, Choc Zero Chips: 1 Net Carb

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Keto White Chocolate Mousse

Two Ingredients Sugar Free White Chocolate Mousse

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword white chocoalte mousse

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Sugar Free White Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions

• Prepare a bain marie. (stainless bowl over simmering water). Try to make sure water isn't touching pan, as you want the steam to heat the bowl. Remove bowl from pot and cool, while making the whipped cream.
• Add 1/3 of the heavy cream with white chocolate chips to bowl. Stir constantly until the chips are thoroughly melted.
• Use a cold bowl and cold cream to make whipped cream.
• Whip the heavy cream until the it has high peaks, but not so much that it breaks. If this happens, smooth out with 2 tablespoons more of heavy cream.
• When it's time to fold the white chocolate into the heavy cream, stir it well and then gently fold in. Refrigerate before serving by several hours.

The post Keto White Chocolate Mousse appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

I feel very blessed this summer. My deck is full of potted herbs and they are flourishing, even harder to grow herbs like parsley and dill. I’m growing lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, mint, parsley, basil, dill, and oregano.  Four of these herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme and sage) will stay around all year.

Parsley will not and I will be making plenty of chimichurri sauce for skirt steak, chicken and even fish.

What is chimichurri sauce?

It’s a herb-based, non-cooked sauce made with parsley, dried oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar and or lemon juice, red chili flakes, salt and pepper.  It is the perfect combination of fat, salt, acid and heat with herbs for more flavor.

Chimichurri sauce finds its roots in Argentina and is served throughout South America as a condiment.  There are various stories as to how it got its name, but most likely created for their grilled meats. There is also a Sicilian version that is used mostly for seafood, and sometimes is made with the addition of capers. However, like pesto, it can be used for other meats such as chicken and lamb. It can also be used as a marinade.

How do make chimichurri?

The typical recipe is very finely chopped parsley, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, splash vinegar, red chili flakes, salt and pepper.  You can use fresh oregano as I did or mix in other herbs such as thyme or cilantro. The main idea is fresh herbs, olive oil and acid to spoon over food, mainly meats. If making for fish, add in some capers and lots of lemon zest.

Is chimichurri a marinade?

While chimichurri is most often served with cooked meats, it makes an excellent marinade, due to the combination fat, acid and salt, which helps to break down the meat and tenderize it. Sometimes I replace the lemon with lime juice if using as a marinade and skip the vinegar.

How do you serve chimichurri?

Simply serve on top of grilled meats or as a side sauce. Meats, fish and even  roasted potatoes would be amazing with chimichurri sauce. Try chimichurri sauce on your kebabs or beef/steak tacos.

Can you freeze chimichurri sauce?

You can freeze chimichurri sauce the same way you freeze pesto. Put in ice cube trays. Once frozen, place in plastic bags, up to three months. Allow to defrost before using.

What is Skirt Steak?

The skirt steak is the diaphragm muscle, a long flat cut of meat, which is chewy, but flavorful. It’s similar to a flank steak, but has more fat. It is THE cut of meat used for authentic fajitas and perfect with chimichurri.

A chimichurri marinade/sauce is perfect for this cut of meat, as the olive oil and acid from the lemon and vinegar act as a tenderizer, and the garlic and parsley deliver flavor.

How to Grill Skirt Steak

Chimichurri is perfect for skirt steak, flank steak and teres major, all less expensive cuts of meat. We grill our skirt steak quickly about 4 minutes per side and then allow to rest for five minutes before cutting across the steak on the bias. It’s a chewy, flavorful steak, but not tough.  Flank steak is another choice, which is a little more tender but not as flavorful.

More Steak Recipes from Spinach Tiger

• How to Make a Perfect New York Strip Steak (our most popular post)
• Teres Major, a Filet Knock-off
• Teres Major Tacos

More Herb Based Condiments/Sauces from Spinach Tiger

• Mint Pistachio Pesto
• Pistachio Pesto
• Basil Pesto
• Gremolata
• Walnut Pesto with Seven Herbs

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Chimichurri with Grilled Skirt Steak

Make this delicious South American Condiment and Grilled Skirt Steak

Course Entree

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

Skirt Steak

• 1 pound skirt steak
• 1/4 cup chimichurri for marinade

Chimichurri

• 2 cups fresh Italian parsley finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or thyme Can sub with pinch dried oregano
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 3/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 pinch red chile flakes
• sea salt
• black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

Chimichurri

• Finely chop parsley, fresh oregano (or thyme) and garlic.
• Zest lemon onto the herbs.
• Juice lemon.
• Add all ingredients to olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper
• Make chimichurri at least an hour in advance. Use a few tablespoons of this to marinate the skirt steak.

Grill Skirt Steak

• Turn grill on to about 400 degrees.
• Grill each side for four minutes to a medium rare.
• Allow meat to rest five minutes.
• Cut across the bias. Arrange in platter.
• Top with chimichurri.
• Season again with salt and pepper as needed.

The post How to Make Chimichurri Sauce – How to Grill Skirt Steak appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

The best we can do this coming weekend is remember the heroes, remember anyone who ever put on a uniform and stood in formation to protect the generations past, the generations future. Stand for the American flag and try to imagine what it would be like to have no protection. If you study history, you have no idea how easy it is for a nation to fall, when patriotism becomes a mockery and people gather in various tribes against each other. Remember the good people who have paid the price for your life right now.

Good Things Have a Price

Good things usually have a price, like desserts. However, you can have your cake without a price this summer with a delicious sugar free, gluten free, keto flag cake.

This cake is absolutely delicious, made with stabilized whipped cream and fresh fruit. It’s easy to assemble and easy to bake. You would never know it’s keto friendly, grain free and sugar free.

This keto flag cake is perfect for Memorial Day and July 4th, which are both important days in America.

I love America for many many reasons, and I hope we can still be in a place to love our country, flaws and strengths.

Why I Still Love America

One of the reasons is the vitality of Americans. I remember being on a train in Paris, hearing a group of girls laughing and I knew immediately that they were Americans. As I walked around Paris, I noticed that American girls stood out, not because they weren’t as fashionable, but because they seemed to be having the most fun.

Great News In Small Business America

Since I wrote this a few years ago, a lot has changed and a lot hasn’t changed. 2020 killed a lot of small businesses, but it looks like many are coming back strong.

Last summer I announced that Spinach Tiger Keto Bakery would be represented in farmer’s markets this summer. You can find me every Saturday morning at the Nolensville Farmers Market 8-12 INSIDE. We are also in Elroy’s Coffee Shop in Franklin, so please follow us on instagram, or subscribe to the bakery page.

My great-grandparents came from Naples at the turn of last century to escape poverty caused by the union of Italian regions. They made a good life, even though they lived in the inner city, lived through the depression, World War I and World War II.

My grandmother had to quit school at age 13 to work in a cigar factory and she got married at age 16. In spite of this, she  eventually went to beauty school and opened her own salon. She never once saw herself as under-educated or oppressed, even though she was a woman who’s first language was not English, and she was raised in what was referred to as an Italian ghetto in South Philly. She embraced individuality and freedom. She was quite the character.

Those opportunities didn’t exist in Naples at that time. She taught me that hard work, stamina and tenacity pay off and people with ideas and a determined mindset will lift themselves up, because they can lift themselves up. I also believe we are a country who can lift and will lift others up when they need it.

My grandparents did wonderful things to help build this country with sweat equity. There is no reason for me or any of my family to apologize for our Italian heritage or American heritage. 

America is a great country, a country that does much good around the world, considered the most generous country in the last decade.  This spirit of giving is worth celebrating and made possible by our prosperity and our value system to care for others.

One of the things I love about America is our food choices. We might be the most diverse in the world because we embrace this kind of variety. We also choose our own diet plans and there are many. I choose to eat a grain free, sugar free diet that includes, meat, eggs and dairy. It’s what makes me feel good, and to that end, I am happy to bring you a flag cake for July 4th.

How to Make a Keto Flag Cake

I used a quarter pan sheet pan and made a keto vanilla cake. I thought of making this a lemon flavored cake like this lemon cake, or even a chocolate cake like this one here. In the end, I stuck with vanilla. I baked it on standard bake mode, not convection bake, and it took almost 25 minutes. If you bake on convection, it will probably take only about 15 to 20 minutes, but may brown a little more. I used almond flour and a little coconut flour to keep it grain free and Swerve to keep it sugar free.

I choose blueberries and strawberries and stabilized whipped cream. You CAN make the cake, put the whipped cream on and refrigerate, but put the fruit on right before you serve it.

This keto flag cake could get me “cancelled” because patriotism is not popular. But it is a part of free speech and I hope you embrace that.

What Size Pan for a Keto Flag Cake?

I use a quarter size sheet pan and this is my favorite brand. I have four USA pans, and highly recommend them.  Disposable quarter sized sheet pans can also be purchased at your local grocery.

What kind of whipped cream do you use for a Keto Flag Cake?

You will want to use a stabilized whipped Cream, but you could also use a vanilla buttercream.

Stabilized whipped cream maintains its structure and you can make this cake hours in advance. I use a piping bag and a 1 M large tip.

Vanilla Cake Recipe

This vanilla cake recipe is perfect and the one I use in my keto bakery. A combination of almond flour and coconut flour plus sour cream yield a light and moist sponge cake. I also use avocado oil which lends to a bouncy texture, but you can use 1/2 cup butter in its place.

Nutritional Value of Flag Cake (16 servings)

Net Carbs: 2    Calories: 248

More Keto Desserts from Spinach Tiger

• Keto Texas Sheet Cake in Sheet Pan
• Berry Patriotic Cake
• Keto Sheet Pan Brownies
• Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

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Keto Flag Cake

Patriotic Flag Cake, Sugar Free, Grain Free, Gluten Free

Course Keto Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword flag cake, keto cake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 248kcal

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake Dry Ingredients

• 260 grams blanched almond flour 2 1/4 cups
• 28 grams coconut flour 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Swerve Sweetener

• 1 cup Swerve granulated Sweetener

Vanilla Cake Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup avocado oi or 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 eggs
• 60 grams sour cream 4 tablespoons
• 1/2 cup almond milk unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stabilized Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoon Swerve confectioner's sweetener
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese

Fruit

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 cups fresh strawberries

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. or 180 C.
• Prepare pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.

Vanilla Cake

• Whisk the dry cake ingredients together. Set aside.
• Mix together avocado oil and granulated Swerve.
• Add eggs and mix thoroughly.
• Add sour cream and almond milk to this.
• Add vanilla extract.
• Add dry mixture. Mix.
• Add to prepared sheet pan. Smooth top.
• Bake on convection bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Center will be approx. 205 degrees F. Or bake on "bake" mode for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Cool completely before adding whipped topping.

Stabilized Whipped Cream

• Make sure cream cheese is softened. You may want to microwave for ten seconds.
• Beat cream cheese with the confectioner's sweetener.
• Add whipping cream and whip until you have fluffy peaks that remain when you turn it upside down on spatula.
• You can put this whipped cream into a piping bag or spread over the cake. I used a large 1M tip.

Fruit

• Before applying fruit, apply to a piece of parchment paper to make sure you put fruit where you want. Slice strawberries lengthwise.
• Arrange in rows to make flag.
• You can refrigerate or serve immediately.

Notes

You can replace the avocado oil with 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Beat butter for full five minutes with the sweetener, before adding the eggs. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 16 | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g

The post Patriotic Keto Flag Cake appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

There is a good reason to be picky because the caprese must be made with fresh mozzarella and the freshest tomatoes. This is truly a summer dish; however, in the off season, grape tomatoes like wild wonders will work fine.

Prosciutto Caprese Party Sandwich with Pesto

Prosciutto Caprese Party Sandwich with Pesto is a total crowd pleaser.

Caprese Salad with Pepperoni

This sandwich toasts the bread and mozzarella and tops it with pepperoni.

What is a Caprese Salad?

This idea of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil comes from the island of Capri, this simple dish is referred to as insalta caprese.

It presents the colors of Italy, and must have good extra virgin olive oil and salt. Adding a drizzle of balsamic is not typical, but if your tomatoes aren’t sweet enough, a small drizzle of GOOD balsamic (syrupy) can help.

• Red – Tomatoes
• White – Mozzarella
• Green – Basil

There are several myths as to its origin, one as a patriotic sandwich, one from a hotel, and one simply as a smart, peasant combination of ingredients. What is actually true is its popularity here in Italy and here in the States. The best we ever ate in a restaurant was during our first trip to Italy. I got the salad and my husband got the sandwich. To this day, he talks about that sandwich. Why? Because simple recipes must be made with the best of ingredients and balanced just right.

These are the actual pictures of our lunch in Chianti, Tuscany, at a very casual cafe. I like that they added some olives in and used buffalo mozzarella.

Lettuce Wrap Caprese Salad

Lettuce wrap caprese salad has no formal recipe. It’s an idea. After enjoying a large Sunday brunch, we only wanted and needed a very small dinner. Thus, the caprese lettuce wraps were born.

Summer Caprese Salad with Fresch Corn

Summer Caprese Salad with a southern twist. Here’s a twist on caprese salad, adding in fresh corn and using pesto. You could just use torn basil leaves.

Creamy Burrata and Heirloom Tomatoes

Burrata with summer tomatoes over arugula is a dream dish. Don’t forget to use lots of fresh basil, and if you have homemade sourdough bread, you have dinner.

As you can see, there are many versions of caprese salad, and you might have a few of your own. Let me know in the comments.

Caprese Skewers

These caprese skewers make serving at parties easy, and everyone loves them. Check out the cute toothpicks.

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Tips for Caprese Salad

• Only use ripe tomatoes at room temperature. (Do not refrigerate tomatoes unless already cut).
• Take mozzarella or burrata out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. Cold mozzarella has no taste when cold.
• Use a good extra virgin olive oil. Simple recipes need good ingredients.
• If you don’t have a nice syrupy vinegar, skip this.
• Top with fresh basil or Italian herbs and don’t forget the salt and pepper.
• Do add in some olives or cucumbers for a twist.
• Avoid raw onion (in my opinion, this ruins the salad.)

More Salad Ideas for Summer

Summer Salad Ideas can be found HERE.

The post Seven Caprese Salad Ideas appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

My immediate response was to smell it and take in the aromatics of thyme, sumac and sesame seeds. Everyone here already knows I think thyme is the universal perfect herb and I grow it year round. It can jump into almost any dish and into some desserts.

My appetite for good food is only surpassed by my appetite for food knowledge.

What is Za’atar?

Za’atar is a spice blend made from dried thyme, sumac, marjoram and toasted sesame seeds. It’s the sesame seeds that give that extra something something, and it’s a spice you can make at home. I now order it from Amazon as this brand was recommended to me. Za’atar means thyme in arabic. Thyme is also frequently used in Italian and French dishes.

Sumac is a small shrub with grown with red clusters that has a tangy lemony flavor. You can use lemon zest in its place if you’re going to use it as its made.

Some commercial brands may include roasted flour, so be sure to read the ingredient list when ordering. This is a gluten free and keto friendly brand.

Can I Make Za’atar at home?

Yes, you can. Here is a recipe.

• 3 tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground sumac
• 1 tablespoon marjoram and a little sea salt.

 How can I use Za’atar?

I love it sprinkled on meat, such as lamb and  chicken. However, you can add a little to your vinaigrette, a dip, roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, flat breads and soups. Try it with olive oil and bread or with cheese. Za’atar loves lamb! I like to add in lemon slices like I did with this za’atar chicken.

I recently did my DNA test and it seems that somewhere in our ancestry, aside from Italian, we have some middle eastern and North African roots. So, it’s no wonder I love this food and also tend to cook a lot with fruit and nuts in my savory dishes.  You could easily throw some pomegranate seeds on this dish as often seen in many middle eastern dishes as it adds a little sweetness, texture and good health.

Where does Za’atar come from?

This is a spice blend from the middle east and Mediterranean.

Does Za’atar Have Health Benefits?

Absolutely, as za’atar has been used for medicinal purposes, is packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Why is this Za’atar Chicken so Delicious?

The flavors work together well, but I also started with air-chilled chicken, which is by far the tastiest. Thyme is nearly a universally loved herb that wakes food up aromatically, yet gently. When I do baked chicken pieces, I find a green bell pepper adds a little something to chicken as does an onion. The lemon slices top it off with that extra zest.

Is Za’atar Chicken an Easy Dinner?

Yes, here’s is the dish everyone will love. It tastes like a lot more effort went into it, but it it’s about a five minute prep job, and is done in about 45 minutes in the oven. This is big fat healthy food at its easiest and tastiest. Make a huge pan of this as this is a very good dish left over.

Is Za’atar Chicken Keto Friendly, Paleo Friendly?

Za’atar chicken is a naturally keto and paleo friendly dish. I chose to add in turnips instead of potatoes to keep the carbs down. You can switch that up if you like.

Process for Za’atar Chicken

Za’atar chicken can be made with a mix of chicken pieces or all thighs or all breasts. I always cut the breasts in half. I like to place my chicken on top of my onion and green pepper and spread the za’atar all over the chicken which has been rubbed with olive oil. I added in turnips to keep the carbs low.

Za’atar chicken would also be amazing over orzo, couscous or any ancient grain. Crusty bread could sop up the za’atar flavored lemony olive oil.

I love baking this in my Le Creuset, but you can use any baking dish.

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I recently got THIS QUESTION regarding za’atar chicken. 

What if I don’t want to use za’atar but want to make this chicken. What other spices can I use?

I would recommend a smaller amount of oregano, rosemary or an Italian seasoning.

This is a dish you will make many times. Please let me know when you do and if you share on instagram use the hashtag #spinachtiger.

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Za’atar Chicken with Charred Lemon, Roasted Turnips (Keto)

Za’atar Chicken with peppers, onions, lemon and olive oil. Keto Friendly, Paleo, Whole 30 friendly.

Course Entree

Cuisine Mediterranean

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 1 large onion
• 2 turnips or potatoes cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup za'atar
• 1 lemon sliced thinly

Instructions

• Salt chicken pieces one day in advance if you have the time.
• Take chicken out one to two hours in advance of baking.
• I tend to leave the salt on the chicken. If you didn’t do this step, salt chicken.
• Trim bell pepper and seed. Cut bell pepper and onion into strips and slices.
• Place on bottom of pan. Drizzle olive oil over the pieces.
• Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, skin side up.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces.
• Sprinkle za’atar over chicken generously.
• Place lemon slices on top.
• Add in turnips or potatoes in between chicken pieces, making sure they also are covered with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken has internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

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