Category Archives: Food

Pumpkin Cheesecake 2.0 (Low-Carb, Keto & Sugar-free)

Fall has officially arrived.

You know what that means.. Pumpkin everything! This pumpkin cheesecake is a delectable, seasonal treat that is sure to please. It is perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween or for a chilly, fall evening.
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Ingredients

Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

  • 500g Cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Sweetener (I used xylitol)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup Pumpkin puree
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tbsp Cinnamon

Crust

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a bowl, mix together ingredients for the crust.

Press crust mixture into the springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove springform from oven and let cool.

Preheat the oven to 325F.

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sweetener, vanilla & pumpkin puree. Beat each egg in at a time. Do not over mix!

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling into the springform pan.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Tip

Let the cake cool completely before serving or make this cheesecake the day before you plan on serving it.

Drizzle melted 85% chocolate on the top and serve.

This post contains sponsored content. All opinions are my own.

Grain-free Crackers (Low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free)

These crackers are beyond awesome! Top them with dips, a simple piece of cheese or eat them plain. They make for great snacks in lunches or part of an appetizer.

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Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients.

Add sour cream to the dry mix and form dough into a ball.

Between 2 pieces of parchment paper, flatten the dough with a rolling pin to desired thickness (I like mine very, very thin).

Remove top parchment paper and cut them into squares.

Place on baking sheet.

Bake for 50-60 minutes in oven preheated to 250oF.

Let crackers cool, top with favourite toppings and serve.

Recipe adapted from Low Carb, So Simple’s Sour Cream Crackers

Tip:

If the dough is very sticky when you are rolling it, refrigerate it for 15 minutes.

Season with your own favourite spice blends or leave ’em plain. These are great topped with smashed avocado or with a slice of cheese.

This post contains sponsored content. All opinions are my own.

Blueberry Loaf Cake (Low Carb, Keto & Sugar-Free)

This dessert has quickly become a family favourite. With blueberries currently in season, there is no better time to give this recipe a taste test!

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Xylitol
  • 1 cup Almond flour, finely ground
  • 1/3 cup Vanilla Whey Isolate LeanFit (plug)
  • 1 Tbsp Baking powder
  • 1/8 Tsp Salt
  • 1/3 cup 35% Organic Heavy Cream
  • 3 Eggs
  • 1 cup Blueberries
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla extract

Grease a small loaf pan (or cover with parchment paper).

In a large mixing bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Using a hand beater, incorporate the organic heavy cream and eggs.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and sprinkle top with blueberries.

Using a spatula, roughly mix the batter just till slightly incorporated.

Tip

Separate into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan for easy, on-the-go breakfasts or protein rich snacks

Protein Strawberry Shortcake (Gluten-free, Low-Carb, Keto)

Mugcakes are so easy and enjoyable. If you’re craving a late night snack, try this!

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Ingredients

  • 4Tbsp Almond flour
  • 1Tbsp Olive oil, light taste
  • 1 Egg, large
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking powder
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla Whey Isolate LeanFit
  • 2 Tbsp Whipped cream
  • 1 Tbsp Xylitol or sweetener of choice
  • A few strawberries, sliced

Grease a cup.

Mix all dry ingredients together then mix in the egg and olive oil.

Microwave for 1 minute on high. Invert cake on a plate.

Cut in half and layer whipped cream and strawberries.

Tip

Let the cake cool before cutting it.

Lemon Poppyseed Slowcooker Cake (Gluten-free, Keto, Low-Carb)

Slow cooker cakes are one of my favourite desserts because they are just SO easy and satisfying. Just mix, pour and forget about it while it cooks for a few hours.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups Almond flour
  • 1/4 cup & 3 Tbsp Vanilla Isolate LeanFit
  • 2 Tbsp Baking powder
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Xylitol or low-carb sweetener (quantities may vary depending on what you use)
  • 3 Tbsp Poppy seeds
  • 4 medium sized Lemons, rind & juice
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Butter or Coconut oil, melted
  • 4 Eggs

Mix all dry ingredients together then combine with wet ingredients (except for the eggs).

Add the eggs in one at a time. Don’t over beat the mixture.

Line the 5 or 6L slow cooker with parchment paper.

Pour the batter into the slow cooker.

Cook on low heat for 2.5-3h.

As always, if you try one of my recipes, I’d love to hear what you think about it/see your recreations. Use the hashtag #jesspaigelchf so I can see :)

Tip

Let the cake cool prior to cutting it.

Cheesy Bread Garlic Knots (Gluten-free & Low-Carb)

These cheesy bread garlic knots are loaded with protein and are ridiculously easy to make! Nutritious food under 10 minutes? Yes please.

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Cheesy bread watermarkIngredients

  • 2 cup Almond flour (I use Honeyville)
  • 1/2 cup LeanFit Unflavoured Whey Protein
  • 2 Tsp Baking powder
  • 1 Tsp Sea salt
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (lightly flavoured)
  • 1 Tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix in all wet ingredients.

Refrigerate dough for 6-12h.

Between two pieces of parchment paper, roll out the dough. Cut the dough into strips lengthwise and twist.

In an oven preheated to 350F, bake for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 5 more minutes at 350F.

Broil 2 minutes until cheese is crispy.

As always, if you try one of my recipes, I’d love to hear what you think about it/see your recreations. Use the hashtag #jesspaigelchf so I can see :)

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Tip

Refrigerating the dough makes it less sticky and easier to manipulate

Roll the dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper

Tuna Cakes & Spicy Mayo Sauce (Low Carb, Paleo & Gluten-free)

These tasty tuna cakes are so flavourful. The celery gives them a nice little crunch.

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Tuna cakes with spicy Mayo

Ingredients

  • 6 cans of 170g tuna, drained well
  • 1 1/2 cup mayo (preferably homemade)
  • 1 egg, large
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 6Tbsp Sriracha
  • 2 Tbsp Basil or Dill
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Coconut oil to fry patties in

Dipping sauce

  • Mayo & sriracha combined

Combine all ingredients (except the coconut oil). Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Form patties using your hands. In a skillet, add the coconut oil and fry patties.

As always, if you try one of my recipes, I’d love to hear what you think about it/see your recreations. Use the hashtag #jesspaigelchf so I can see 🙂

Tip

Patties are quite fragile so wait until one side is crisp before turning.

Refrigerating the mixture makes it easier to form the patties with your hands.

Crème aux oeufs: 2 ways by Alice from Gourmand et Paleo

Alice is a French blogger that just moved to Québec 2 years ago. Her boyfriend’s friends were really into Paleo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which made Alice want to give it a go! Thus, Alice and her boyfriend decided to try out the paleo lifestyle together for two weeks only. Flash forward to present day, they still haven’t stopped and discovering new foods and recipes has been Alice’s passion ever since.

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Alice from Gourmand et Paleo

I’m so excited for her to be sharing the two versions of her amazing recipe Crème aux oeufs! Both versions are paleo with the raspberry version being also low-carb and keto-approved. This recipe is very dear to Alice’s heart seeing as this is a modified version of her family’s traditional dessert. When she was younger, her beloved grandmother made a variant of this recipe on Sunday’s and her grandmother’s grandmother did the same before that! Luckily, Alice has utilized her incredible cookery skills to convert this once sugar-loaded recipe to something that is paleo and healthy! Wonderful work, Alice. Don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to trying this out for myself.

Make sure to check her out on her Instagram and blog!


Crème aux œufs, raspberry version

This is an excellent recipe to serve to your guests. It can be served directly from individual ramekins with various toppings (fruits, jams, chocolate…) or you can use this to make a flan tart!

creme aux oeufs framboise (1)
Crème aux oeufs framboise

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2L Coconut Milk
  • 1 cup Fresh Raspberries (optional)

Beat the eggs well and slowly mix in the coconut milk.  Pass the mixture through a fine sieve.

Pour the cream in a bowl, a mould or little ramekins. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) in a water-bath until the cream mixture becomes solidified (approximately 1h).

Let it cool and then invert it on a plate (optional step!)

Top the flan with some of the fresh raspberries. With the remaining strawberries, crush them & strain to make a coulis. Pour this on the flan.

Bon appétit!

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Crème aux oeufs, version Crème caramel

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Crème aux oeufs – crème caramel version

 

Ingredients

  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/2L Coconut milk
  • 4 Tbsp Coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup Water

Beat the eggs well and slowly mix in the coconut milk.  Pass the mixture through a fine sieve.

Prepare the caramel. For this, boil some water in a pot and add the sugar. Reduce the heat and let thicken while constantly mixing. 

Coat a large bowl or individual ramekins with the caramel. Pour in the cream mixture. 

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) in a water-bath until the cream mixture becomes solidified (approximately 1h).

Let it cool and then invert it on a plate (optional step!)

Bon appétit!


“Il y a deux ans je rejoignais mon copain au Québec. Fraîchement arrivée de France, je me suis très vite intégrée dans son groupe d’amis. Ils pratiquent tous le jiu-jitsu brésilien et aussi la paleo. Les voir manger, apprécier et ne pas se prendre la tête ni avec la nourriture ni la vie nous a donné envie d’essayer. Nous nous sommes embarqués à deux la-dedans. Pour deux semaines au départ. Finalement, on n’a jamais arrêté et découvrir des aliments et recettes est même devenu une passion.

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Alice de Gourmand et Paleo

J’ai mangé de nombreuses façons différentes et j’ai testé beaucoup de choses : manger sainement (c’est à dire manger des « grains bons pour le coeur » et toutes ces affaires) avec beaucoup de glucides mais peu de gras, la chrono-nutrition, le régime dukan, etc… Les régimes ont toujours été un échec pour moi, je recherchais quelque chose de plus sain et plus simple. C’est exactement ce que j’ai trouvé avec la paleo.

Aujourd’hui je suis toujours en train d’ajuster la paléo afin de savoir ce qui me convient le mieux. Grâce à des whole 30, des défis sans sucres (en limitant aussi les fruits et amidons), et même une période AIP je sais comment mon corps fonctionne et j’ai appris à voir l’alimentation d’une autre façon. Je n’ai jamais été aussi bien dans ma peau !”

Voici une recette qui a une importance toute particulière pour Alice. En plus d’avoir toutes les caractéristiques d’une recette parfaite, c’est à dire avec peu d’ingrédients, très simple à réaliser, peu onéreuse et surtout délicieuse, cette crème est le dessert traditionnel (et donc aussi préféré) de sa famille. “Ma grand-mère qui nous la prépare pour les repas du dimanche la tient de sa propre grand-mère !”

Alice a simplement remplacé le lait de vache et le sucre blanc par du lait et du sucre de coco.

Blog : https://gourmandetpaleo.wordpress.com/

Instagram : @Gourmand_et_paleo

Crème aux œufs, version framboise

Cette recette se prête très bien si vous avez des invités. Vous pouvez servir les crèmes dans des ramequins individuels accompagnés de différents toppings (fruits, confitures, chocolat…). Vous pouvez aussi utiliser la crème pour faire une tarte au flan en déposant une parte brisée au fond d’un moule à tarte (et donc ne pas faire le caramel).

creme aux oeufs framboise (2)
Crème aux oeufs, version framboise

Ingrédients

  • 4 œufs
  • 1/2 litre de lait de coco
  • 1 tasse de framboises (optionnel)

Bien battre les quatre œufs et les mêler peu à peu au lait de coco. Passer à la fine passoire.

Verser la crème dans un bol, un moule ou des petits ramequins. Cuire au bain-marie dans un four à 350°F (180°C) jusqu’à ce que les crèmes soient prises (environ une heure).

Laisser la crème refroidir puis la renverser sur un plat (ou non!)

Disposer sur la crème des framboises. Écraser le reste et les passer au chinois pour obtenir un coulis. Le verser sur la crème.

Bon appétit!

Crème aux oeufs, version crème caramel

creme caramel (6)
Crème aux oeufs, version crème caramel

Ingrédients

  • 4 œufs
  • 1/2 litre de lait de coco
  • 4 cas de sucre de coco
  • 1/4 tasse d’eau

Bien battre les quatre œufs et les mêler peu à peu au lait de coco. Passer à la fine passoire.

Préparer le caramel. Pour cela, faire bouillir dans une poêle l’eau et le sucre. Diminuer le feu et laisser épaissir tout en mélangeant.

Enduire de caramel un grand bol ou des petits ramequins. Verser ensuite la crème. 

Cuire au bain-marie dans un four à 350°F (180°C) jusqu’à ce que les crèmes soient prises (environ une heure).

Laisser la crème refroidir puis la renverser sur un plat (ou non!)

Bon appétit!

Review: March 2016 KetoKrate

A detailed look into the March 2016 KetoKrate box. Get keto-approved snacks delivered to your door every month.

Bored of the same low carb staples? Tired of all the easy, but tempting snacks available in your local grocery stores? Being a busy student, it can be difficult for me to find the time and/or inspiration to cook after a busy day. That’s why I’m so excited about KetoKrate.

Last month, I was introduced to this snacking service by my lovely friend, Suzanne from KetoKarma. The idea of having keto-approved snacks delivered straight to my door was an attractive idea.

What is KetoKrate

KetoKrate is a snacking delivery service that ships 6-9 keto-friendly snacks to your door at the beginning of each month. All snacks are <5g of carbs per serving.

Their immediate mission is to bring you tasty low carb snacks to help you with your ketogenic/low-carb diet. Long term, they are trying to fight the war on sugar.  By not purchasing sugar-laden products and choosing to support the companies featured in the KetoKrate, you’re giving them a change to grow and replace the junk on the supermarket shelves.

How it works

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At the beginning of every month, a new box of keto-approved snacks will be shipped directly to your doorstep. If you’re feeling unsatisfied, you can unsubscribe at any time. Subscriptions are 34.95$/month and can be shipped anywhere in the United States.

In the March crate

  • Wild Friends Classic Creamy Almond Butter
  • Skout Black pepper BBQ Raw Pumpkin Seeds
  • KingMadeJerky Flank Steak Beef Jerky
  • Foods Alive Italian Zest flax crackers
  • ProTings Zesty Nacho Protein Chips
  • ProTings Tangy Southern BBQ Protein Chips
  • Nutilight Sugar-Free Hazelnut Spread & Dark Chocolate

Wild Friends Classic Creamy Almond Butter – Retail $2.00

Almond butter is truly one of my favourite things so when I saw this in the March 2016 KetoKrate, I was super excited. Not only is this almond butter tasty, it is also super convenient! The single serving size makes it easy to pop in your bag and take anywhere. Top your fresh berries off with this stuff or even eat directly from package. Yum!

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Wild Friends Almond Butter on my way to class

Something I should mention is that I found this almond butter a little on the salty side. The ingredients are roasted almonds and sea salt so that’s to be expected.

Skout Black pepper BBQ Raw Pumpkin Seeds – Retail $3.99

Absolutely love the BBQ seasoning on the pumpkin seeds. It is a welcome twist to the traditional pumpkin seed flavour. Pumpkin seeds are also great for your health! These seeds are packed with magnesium, iron and zinc — all minerals that are necessary for proper functioning of the body. Magnesium is especially important in contractions of muscles like the heart and zinc is one of the corner stones of the immune system. Moreover, pumpkin seeds are one of the best plant sources of omega-3s — something most of us are not getting enough of.

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Prosciutto, cheddar omelette topped with organic broccoli sprouts and black pepper BBQ pumpkin seeds

Another thing to note is that all the ingredients used in this Skout product are organic. Whilst evaporated cane syrup is one of the ingredients in this product (something I’m not crazy about), it is only in moderation making these seeds an awesome, on-the-go snack or topping on a dish.

KingMadeJerky Flank steak beef Jerky – Retail $8.99

Before trying this jerky, I was a jerky newbie. I’d seen it all over Instagram but had never tried it. It was love at first smell.

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Me on SnapChat enjoying the jerky publicly

The smokey flavour and soft texture of this beef jerky really is incredible. After trying this jerky, I thought I’d give a local brand a shot but it was tough and just… unchewable.

The one down fall of this product is that the marinade includes soy and brown sugar (in small quantities, but still!). Soy contains gluten so this product is not gluten-free and would complicate things for someone with celiac disease or gluten tolerances.

*Note: I have a gluten sensitivity and didn’t have any issues following the consumption of the whole bag… in one sitting (guilty!). Can’t help it guys, this is some really mouth-watering jerky.

Foods Alive Italian Zest flax crackers – Retail $7.49

Flax isn’t a big part of my diet so these crackers were a nice little change. They have a nice pizza-esque flavour to them so you can enjoy them on their own or paired with cream cheese & smoked salmon (see picture below). Definitely one of my favourite products in this month’s Keto Krate

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Smoked salmon & cream cheese flax cracker bites

Flax seeds are a rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, vitamin B1 or thiamine and the essential fatty acid, omega-3. Since all the B vitamins are water-soluble, the body can’t store very much of it and thiamine deficiencies can occur rather quickly in a diet poor in B1s. Symptoms of the thiamine deficiency Beriberi are weakness, memory loss and unexplained weight loss.

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Simple breakfast of smoked gouda, spinach and egg scramble, cherry tomatoes and flax crackers

Whilst we all know that omega-3s are important, the harsh reality is that most of us still don’t  consume enough of them. Alpha-linolenic acid or omega-3 is primarily found in fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, sardines and mackerel. Research conducted by the American Heart Association has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce risk of heart arrhythmias, triglyceride levels, the growth of atherosclerotic plaque and lower blood pressure. Unfortunately, many fish are becoming affected by mercury poisoning due to pollution and mercury is extremely toxic. All the more reason to eat flax seeds!

Nutilight Sugar-Free Hazelnut Spread & Dark Chocolate – Retail $8.49

So, as you can see from the near empty container, NutiLight and I have been getting to know each other pretty well. All for blogging purposes, of course!

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My (almost empty) jar of Nutilight

While I do have a recipe for homemade “Nutella”, hazelnuts can run on the pricey side and it is slightly time-consuming. I love the texture of this stuff. It reminds me very much of Nutella (keep in mind though I haven’t had it in years). It is thick and has a strong hazelnut taste, the only thing that really gives it away is that it isn’t as sweet (good thing!) and it has a slight cooling effect due to the erythritol. Moreover, all the sweeteners used in the spread are 100% natural and the packing says that it’ll produce zero glycemic index.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, palm oil can be quite controversial due to the way in which it is procured. My conscious feels light knowing that the palm oil in this product is sustainable.

ProTings Zesty Nacho Protein Chips & Tangy Southern BBQ Protein Chips – Retail $2.00/each

The one thing I miss on this low carbohydrate diet is all things crunchy. Yes, there are recipes that are somewhat crunchy like the low-carb sour cream chive crackers or chicharrones, but nothing comes close to a crunchy chips. This is where ProTings come into play. These bad boys are made of pea protein and are CRUNCHY!!

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ProTings Zesty Nacho protein chips

In the KetoKrate, there were two different flavours: Zesty Nacho and Tangy Southern BBQ. I have a strong preference for the Tangy Southern BBQ, reminded me of the flavouring on Lay’s BBQ chips.

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Verdict?

Overall, I’m sold on the KetoKrate concept. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of snacks found within the crate. I really liked the versatility of the products, they could be eaten on their own or as part of a larger, more substantial meal. Moreover, the convenience of receiving this assortment of snacks straight to your door is also a big positive. Most of our schedules are hectic these days so not having to go to the grocery store or do research and then order online is an awesome time-saver!

Want to order your own?

Visit http://www.ketokrate.com/ for more information!

Easy Egg Bake (Gluten-free, Low-Carb, Keto)

This is an easy, peasy meal that can be put together in under 30 minutes — great for meal prep, breakfast, lunch or even a quick supper. It’s also a great way to finish of any leftover veggies or meats that you have in the fridge

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Ingredients

  • 1/2cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup White mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup Broccoli*
  • 12 Eggs, scrambled
  • 3-4 tbsp Cream (without carrageenan, if possible)
  • 2-3 strips of Bacon, chopped
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

*feel free to add whatever veggies you have around

In a large skillet or baking pan, cook up the chopped bacon. Remove the bacon from the skillet and add all the veggies. Toss till cooked and soft. Remove from heat and let cool. While veggies cool off, whisk eggs with cream and salt & pepper to taste. Pour egg mixture on top and with a fork, move the veggies around so the egg get in between the cracks. Sprinkle the chopped bacon and grated cheese on top and bake in preheated oven at 350F for 30 minutes.

Tip

Make this in a large skillet that is oven safe so you don’t have to wash too many dishes