Pistachio-Apple Bars

These Pistachio-Apple bars are amazing!

Magnolia and Jagger’s schools don’t allow nuts due to children’s allergies, so we rely a lot on nuts at home. These bars are the perfect after-school snack or dessert!

Pistachio-Apple Bars with Chia Seeds (Servings 14)

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cashew butter 

• 1/3 cup honey 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

• 1/2 teaspoon salt 

• 1 1/4 cups puffed rice

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 

• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apple 

• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries 

• 1/3 cup chopped dry-roasted pistachios

• 1 teaspoon black chia seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. In a microwave safe bowl, mix cashew butter, honey, olive oil, vanilla, and salt. 

3. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute. 

4. In a separate bowl, combine puffed rice, oats, apple, cranberries, and pistachios. 

5. Pour cashew mixture over puffed rice mixture, and toss gently to combine. 

6. Press into an 11 x 7-inch, greased glass baking dish. 

7. Sprinkle the top with chia seeds, pressing down lightly to stick them to the mixture.

8. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool, slice, and enjoy!

How do these sound to you?

In good health,

Tara

P.S. You can totally reduce the honey to make these even healthier. I’ve made them with about 1/2 the amount for a lower glycemic version (because...PCOS) and they were delicious!

Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup

Hey guys,

I don’t know about you, but I’m a soup lover! Unfortunately, creamy soups with a dairy base don’t love me back these days. And while I’m not selling artwork at fancy galleries or able to knit beautiful sweaters to save my life, my creativity often shows up in the kitchen when I’m trying to make healthier versions of my childhood favorites so that my family and I can enjoy them.

This is a new recipe that was inspired by the first frosty, October morning here in NY recently. No joke - we had our air conditioner on one day and 3 days later, the heat! It’s been wild. In fact, the extra dose of vitamin C from this tomato soup won’t hurt either with all of the weather changes and school germs aloft. ;-)

Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup

(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

• 2 x 14.5 oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup veggie broth or water
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup packed fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can full fat coconut milk

Directions:

1. In a blender, stir together the tomatoes, broth or water, pepper, salt, basil, and oil.

2. Pour into a large pot.

3. Place on stovetop on medium heat.

4. Cook 5 minutes. Then, add in coconut milk and stir to combine.

5. Cook for about 5 more minutes.

4. Serve and enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Sweet Potato Quinoa Crockpot Chili

There’s a chill in the air….finally! ;-)

Hey guys, I like the heck out of Summer like the best of ‘em (except the mosquitos…and under-boob sweat brought on by humidity…). And yet, there’s something so exciting and refreshing about the first time I can put on a sweater and a vest with a crockpot meal working overtime for me.

I’m gonna cut to the chase and keep it short and SWEET today. This chili is the perfect Fall dinner when you need something fast, warm, hearty, plant-based, and/or gluten free.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, chopped

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 large bell pepper, any color, diced

• 3 large cloves of garlic, diced

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans

• 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes

• 3 (or 4*) cups broth, any kind

• 1/2 cup dry, uncooked quinoa

• 1 T chili powder

• 2 tsp paprika

• 2 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp ginger

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• pinch cayenne pepper

• salt to taste

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker / crockpot.

2. Cook on high for 4 hours.

3. Allow to cook on low until time to serve.

*Add up to 1 additional cup of broth or water if consistency is too thick for you.

**Optional: Serve with avocado on top - just because!

Hope you enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Zucchini Fritters

Hey guys,

Last week. I came to you live on Facebook to walk through a little cooking demo (talk-through, really) of how I made Zucchini Fritters. My version is gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free with extra Omega 3s, fiber, and protein.

Here’s that video

For those that requested I write up the recipe, here ya go!

Zucchini Fritters

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis, grated

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds

• 1/4 cup cheese of choice (I used non-dairy cheese)

• 1 tsp salt

• coconut oil for cooking

Directions:

1) Add grated zucchini and salt to a colander and place in the sink for 5 minutes. Allow extra fluid to drain.

2) Place zucchini in a cheese cloth and squeeze out any additional fluid.

3) Add the eggs, nutritional yeast, flaxseeds, and cheese and mix well.

4) Add oil to a pan and over low-medium heat, cook 1-2 T of fritter mixture at a time (like a pancake). Once edges start to brown, flip over. This takes approx. 3 minutes per side.

5) Keep extras for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in toaster or oven.

Enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Sweet Potato Bruschetta

Hello!

With back-to-school coming at us full-force, many of us find September to be like a second New Years in terms of being able to re-establish goals, schedules, and commit to new habits.  I notice this to be the trend even amongst my friends that don't have young children.

A large factor for success here comes down to priorities and time management skills.  We need recipes we love that will nourish ourselves and our family and either be SUPER quick or at least allow us some 'hands off' time (like while something is in the oven) to be able to multitask.  This is a good chance to clean up, help with homework, make that phone call, or shoot off a quick email. 

The following recipe is a delicious side dish or app, but can easily be turned into a main dish by adding a protein source such as white beans, tuna, or chicken.

If you have any friends that could use some healthy inspiration / recipes, please let them know about my newsletter.  It is my mission to help as many people with their health / nutrition / fitness as possible - regardless of whether or not they ever hire me.  Sharing is caring!  ;-)

On to this delicious recipe...

Sweet Potato “Bruschetta” (Servings 4-8)

Ingredients: 

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, cut lengthwise into ¼ inch slices 
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 2½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered 
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup packed basil, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  

2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

3. Place sweet potato slices in a mixing bowl and toss with 1 tsp. olive oil.

4. Spread sweet potato slices out evenly on baking sheets, giving each slice a little space.

5. Bake for 20 minutes.  Flip to the other side and bake for 10 more minutes until golden brown.

6. Meanwhile, toss the cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

7. When sweet potatoes are done, let cool. 

8. Top sweet potato slices with tomato mixture, and enjoy!

Do you plan on trying this recipe?  It works if you're looking to ditch the bread or have someone that is gluten-free that you're cooking for.

In good health,

Tara

Chia Watermelon Fresca

Watermelon, watermelon...everywhere!  Want to put this fruit to good use before it's out of season?  Try this deliciously refreshing recipe!

Chia Watermelon Fresca (Serves 1)

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups seedless watermelon cubes

• 3 tbsp. water

• 1 tbsp. chia seeds

• 1 slice lime, for garnish

• Sprig of mint, or strawberries, for garnish

• Ice

Directions: 

1. In a blender, puree watermelon and water until smooth. 

2. Stir in chia seeds and let them sit for about 5 minutes (to thicken up). 

3. Stir again, and let it thicken for as long as you’d like!

4. Pour into a glass over ice and garnish with lime and sprig of mint or strawberries.

Enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Pumpkin Spice Waffles

So I have to start by letting you know I forgot to snap a decent picture of these waffles for you, and instead have this paper towel quickie that I sent my hubby to let him know we had breakfast to bring on our road trip.  :-)

Now that that's out, do NOT let it take away from the fact that these are DELICIOUS and should be made immediately - even before Starbucks announces that it's pumpkin season this year.  

These waffles worked as breakfast on-the-go as well as a snack in our hotel room the following day.  They are gluten free, dairy free, have no added sugar, and are packed with protein, healthy fat, fiber, and some veggies!  

***Swap the nut butter for seed butter to make these friendly for nut allergens if you have allergies in your family or school rules to follow.***

Are you ready?!

Pumpkin Spice Waffles

Ingredients:

Wet:

• 5 large eggs
• 2 large bananas
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup walnut butter (it's what we had - any nut butter will work)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Dry:

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1.5 T pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Mix all wet ingredients in a blender.

2. Add dry ingredients and blend until well-combined.

3. Cook in a greased waffle iron. Makes about 8 waffles (pictured are waffles cut in quarters).

4. Enjoy!!

WIll you be trying these??  Let me know!

How to Build a Green Smoothie - The Template

Ahhh....the green smoothie.  It's tasty, convenient, great for the young and old alike, and helps us stay on track with our goals.

But...

Sometimes it doesn't come out right!  Sometimes it's too thick, or too watery, or not sweet enough.  How do you know if it's balanced, anyway?

No worries.  I put together a Green Smoothie Template for you.  Share it, print it, stick it on your fridge.  Use it as a checklist for when you make your next smoothie.  You will be left with delicious, smooth, healthy, balanced green smoothies every time!

Grab your copy of the template right here.

***Would you like to stay 'in the know' and receive more of my resources, healthified recipes, weight loss videos, and wellness tips?  Subscribe to my newsletter so you won't miss a thing!***

In good health,

Tara

White Bean and Spinach Stew

These days, many people are looking for more plant-based meals for various reasons and still crave a hearty meal. Plant-based can still mean something with sustenance, warmth, vibrant colors, and flavors to help fill your belly and your soul!  Stews are a great way to satisfy that need for a heartier meal.  They can be served warm in the colder months, and cold on a hot and humid day.  

The spinach in this meal delivers a serving of low-glycemic vegetables, gut-promoting fiber, and vitamin K, A, C and folate.  The iron in spinach plays a role in well-functioning red blood cells which help to transport oxygen around the body.

The phytochemicals ("plant magic") in onions can reduce the amount of damaging free radicals circulating in your body.  The sulfur and chromium work in tandem to help reduce blood sugar.

Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy, monounsaturated fat.  This helps us absorb all the fat-soluble vitamins in the dish, promote healthy hormones, and nourish our skin and hair.  Olive oil also has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is a staple in health-promoting Mediterranean Diet.

Thyme is known to help sore throats...as well as lowering high blood pressure and helping to manage elevated cholesterol in the blood.

Garlic is highly nutritious, yet low in calories.  The powerful compounds in garlic can help to reduce and stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cannelli beans brings a plant-based serving of protein to help heal damaged tissues and promote and strong and lean body.  These white beans are also full of fiber which promote a diverse microbiome, weight management, and regular bowel movements.

The lycopene (that red hue) in tomatoes are activated most during the cooking process.  It has been shown to promote the health of the skin, prostate, heart, bones, and blood vessels.

White Bean and Spinach Stew (Serves 4)

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried) 

• 2 x 16-oz. cans cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed & drained 

• 1/2 cup water 

• 4 canned plum tomatoes, drained (organic if possible)

• 1 x 14-ounce low sodium veggie broth (organic if possible)

• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped

• 1/4 tsp. sea salt 

• 1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Directions: 

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion.  Cook for about 5 minutes or until soft. 

2.  Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute. 

3.  Add the beans, water, tomatoes, and broth. Increase heat to high until stew begins to simmer. 

4.  Reduce heat; let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring. Add more water, if needed.

5. Stir in the spinach, and cook until wilted.  Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

***If you want to make sure you catch my recipes, weight loss videos, and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter list here.***

In good health,

Tara

Deliciously Stuffed Sweet Mini-Peppers

Ready for a delicious Summer appetizer / snack / side dish??

Deliciously Stuffed Sweet Mini-Peppers

Ingredients:

• Mini Sweet Peppers (1-2 packages), washed
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup of cilantro
• 1 cup of red onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 mango
• 2 roma tomatoes

Dressing:

• Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 orange
• 3 T olive oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 T honey
• 1 T cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to broil.  Once the oven is warm, using tongs, place the peppers directly on the oven rack.  Cook the peppers for about 10 minutes.  When peppers start shriveling, remove them from the oven.
2. Cut mango and avocado into cubes, mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, red onion, and tomato. Combine into a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the orange and lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and cayenne pepper together.
4. Pour the dressing over the avocado and mango mixture and gently toss to combine.
5. Take your roasted mini sweet peppers, cut the in half (lengthwise), and de-seed them.
6. Stuff with the mixture and ENJOY!

YUM!


Will you be trying this?? Leave me a comment and let me know!

In good health,

Tara

Chocolate-covered Watermelon Treats

Make these for your next Summer party!

1. Watermelon slices.
2. Top with homemade chocolate (melted coconut oil, cacao powder, and maple syrup OR honey.  See this post for the chocolate tutorial video I made with my kids).
3. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top (or coarse sea salt!).
4. Keep in a single layer on a wax paper-covered tray in your fridge or freezer.
5. Pretend it took you longer than 5 minutes to make because they are SO pretty!

Will you be adding this to your Summer recipe round-up?  Let me know in the comments!

In good health,

Tara

P.S. Did you know that I share recipes like this one at least weekly inside my private facebook group, Lean In with Tara Allen Health?  All recipes are dairy free, gluten free, and vegetarian.  We also participate in weekly challenges together and I share workouts.  Consider it your one-stop health / weight loss / fitness / nutrition stop.  :-)  Come join us!

Cherry Coconut Chia Pudding

Good morning!

If you're like me and you sometimes wait until last minute to decide on a dessert to make or serve to your family or for a special occasion, I've gotcha covered with this SUPER EASY, no-bake option.

Cherry Coconut Chia Pudding
(Serves 3)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen cherries, chopped (plus extra for topping)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2-3 T coconut flakes, unsweetened
• 1/2 tsp stevia (or substitute with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup)

Directions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl the night before you're having company over.
2. Leave overnight in the fridge.
3. The next day, spoon into 3 of your prettiest bowls and garnish with more cherries and/or coconut flakes.

Voila!  Enjoy.

If you try this one, please drop a comment below and let me know what you think!

In good health,

Tara

"Tara, what do YOU eat?!"

Hey there,

There's been one question that I've been hearing for years and years now..."Tara, what do YOU eat?!"  Ever since I became a vegetarian at the age of 8, people have been wondering what a day in the life of....my plate....looks like.  :-)

Well, today I figured I'd address this question as I reveal an exciting announcement.  My next 10-Day Healthy New You Reset is now open for enrollment at the early bird pricing!  This reset is for you if you're interested in heading into the Summer with a body you love living in.  You can expect weight loss, increased energy levels, and decreased sugar cravings, to name a few things.  Check out this page to read the testimonials and find all of the details!  

Spots are limited and the early bird pricing is only up until tomorrow at 11:59 PM, so grab your spot NOW and join us!

In good health,

Tara

Grain-free Bagels

Let's celebrate today with a healthier version of a NYer's favorite…BAGELS!

Being gluten-free is a lifestyle I've gotten pretty used to over the past 2 years, but bagels are just one of those things that seemed to be missing.  

We've purchased some gluten-free bagels, but they're never as healthy as I wish they were and ALWAYS more expensive than I'd like.

So, I've been on a secret mission to make my own version!  This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and doesn't even contain any grains!  That makes these low on the glycemic index and higher in protein & fiber.  They freeze nicely, too - so you can double or triple the recipe and save lots of time.  They are delicious as is, and even better when you toast them up and add your favorite spreads.

Grain-Free Bagels
(Makes 6 bagels)

Ingredients:

1.5 cups almond flour
5 eggs, large
1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
2T apple cider vinegar (trust me)
1 T coconut flour
1 T topping of choice (poppy or sesame seeds, caraway seeds, etc.)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt (plus extra for additional topping, if desired)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients
3. Mix in vinegar and eggs until well-combined
4. Place batter in a large ziplock and cut one corner off the bottom (this helps to make the bagel shape)
5. Pipe batter into bagel shape onto greased baking sheet.  For best results, place a round, oven-proof THING inside the middle to maintain the hole.  Small ramekin bowls work well.  Be sure to grease those as well.
6. Top bagels with any toppings you'd like to use.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden-brown.
8. Allow bagels to cool completely before removing from pan.  

***I now use a silicone doughnut mold and it makes this recipe so much easier!

Enjoy!

In good health,

Tara
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

P.S. Would you like MORE from me?  MORE healthy recipes, MORE workouts, MORE videos, free challenges, raffles, etc.?  Come hang out with us in my private (free) Facebook group - Lean In with Tara Allen Health - where I share daily posts to help you lead your healthiest life!  Can't wait to see you there.  :-)

Healthy Freezer Fudge

Hey there!

Come on in a little closer.  Tell me, do you ever have cravings for chocolate?!

Yeah...most of us do!

A few days ago here in New York, the whole family was 'stuck' at home in a big Spring snowstorm and it was both awesome and HECTIC.  You mamas out there know what I mean!

So, in search of both an activity to do with the kiddos AND a healthy snack that would feel like a complete indulgence for all of us, we gathered together and made Healthy Freezer Fudge...without a recipe.  

(Gasp)

This non-recipe "recipe" is sooooo easy and requires only 4 ingredients.  It's pretty hard to mess up.

Watch the video for more details and to get a peak into the hecticness and cuteness I referred to above.  ;-)

Now it's your turn to tell me - what's your go-to snack or dessert when you're stuck in the house all day?

In good health,

Tara

Zucchini Muffins

Hello there,

Are we connected on facebook or instagram yet?  If so, you might've seen a recent post in which I shared how much I LOVE the fact that muffins freeze well.  This is our go-to dessert that we bring with us when we want the kids to partake in a dessert that their little bodies will be happy about.  I often make huge batches and freeze them.  They'll last a few months in the freezer, but ours never make it that long.  ;-)

I often make different types of muffins depending on what we have on hand or what the kids are asking for.  But, these zucchini muffins have been a HUGE winner amongst all members of our family for quite some time.

I've shared this recipe in my newsletter before, but since some of you are new to this blog and my newsletter, I figured it was time to share it again (plus, I was asked to)!  

If you would like to receive my future newsletters with more healthy recipes, workouts, weight loss and health tips, sign up here and grab your free gift all about Debunking Calorie Counting (there IS a better way...I promise!).  :-)

And, if you really want to be in the loop, consider joining my private facebook group, Lean In with Tara Allen Health, as well.  It is a community of like-minded ladies looking to upgrade their health choices on a daily basis.  Every week comes with a new challenge to participate in, a healthified recipe, full-body workouts, and video trainings on weight loss and wellness topics.  Come hang out with us!

Ok...on to the recipe!  This one is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and has no refined sugar.

***Please note, this recipe makes 10-12 muffins due to variables like the freshness (and juiciness) of the zucchinis and the size of the bananas.

Zucchini Muffins

(Makes 10-12 muffins)

Ingredients:

Wet:

• 3 eggs
• 1 large banana, ripe
• 1 cup unpeeled zucchini, shredded 
• 1/4 cup honey

Dry:

• 1.5 cups almond flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Blend wet ingredients together in a blender.
4. Pour wet ingredients into bowl with dry and mix well.
5. Fill muffin liners 2/3 full in muffin pan.
6. Bake 20 minutes (or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean)

Hope your family enjoys these as much as my family does!

In good health,

Tara

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Hummus

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Hummus (Servings 4)

Ingredients:

• 4 sweet potatoes

• 2 tablespoons sea salt

• 1-2 cups baby kale leaves 

• ½ teaspoon dried chili flakes 

• 1 tablespoon + 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 

• Sea salt and cracked black pepper 

• 1 sweet onion, chopped

• 1 cup hummus

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 

2. Place the sweet potatoes on an baking sheet, pierce a few times with a fork and rub with salt. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until cooked. 

3. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, place the kale, chili, oil salt and pepper on a baking sheet with parchment paper and toss to combine. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden. Set aside.

4. Heat a sauté pan to medium-high heat.  Add 1 tsp. of olive oil and add chopped onions.  Sauté until golden brown.  (about 15-18 minutes)

5. Cut the sweet potatoes in half, and top with the hummus, caramelized onion and crispy kale to serve.

If your family is anything like mine, hummus is an entire food group!  Sometimes homemade, usually store bought (because...time saver), but no matter what, there's always a shelf in the fridge dedicated just to our hummus.  An occasional container of salsa, dressing, or dip might try to sneak up there with the hummus, but that usually doesn't last long.

So, why not pair something warm, sweet, delicious, and colorful like sweet potatoes with one of the only foods that every person in our household eats?!

If you try the Baked Sweet Potatoes with Hummus recipe, drop a comment and let us know what you think!

In good health,

Tara

P.S. If you are enjoying these recipes and are looking for more delicious plant-based & gluten-free options, make sure to sign up for my email list!  I will hook you up.  ;-)

You can sign up right on my homepage at TaraAllenHealth.com

Amazing Stuffed Mushrooms

Somewhere around this time every year - the first week of January - it's like my body is ready to be done with the cookies and wine and wants REAL food.  I used to be left with sugar cravings after the holidays, but ever since practicing my own Reset (such as the 10-Day Healthy New You Reset starting this Monday), I've learned how to quickly bounce back and give my body more of what it needs (balance!) so it stops yelling at me to feed it more sweets.  :-)

So, here we are in the first week of January and, once again, I was craving something substantial.  REAL food. A meal. Substance. 

I thought you might be as well.  Or, at least, you might benefit from the real food to help quiet your own post-holiday cravings!

If you plan on making this vegan & gluten-free dish, drop a comment and let me know!  I enjoy hearing from you!

Amazing Stuffed Mushrooms (Serves 4-8)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs mushrooms (you can use baby portobellos, cremini, or button)
• 2 T olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped (reserve a little extra for serving)
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• sea salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Remove mushroom stems (and set aside for later). Brush mushrooms with a little olive oil, place (stem side up) on baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
3. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add 1 T of olive oil.  Saute the shallots, bell pepper, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes for about 3 minutes - until they start to get tender.  
4. Add in the parsley, finely chopped mushroom stems, and chopped walnuts, cook another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add in chopped spinach until it wilts.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove mushrooms from the oven, pour off any water that accumulated in the mushrooms.
7. Spoon the sauteed filling into the mushrooms and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
8. Top with fresh, raw, diced red bell peppers and serve warm.

If you enjoy trying new healthified, gluten-free & vegetarian recipes, sign up for my newsletter so you can receive them straight to your inbox. :-)

Hope you enjoy!

In good health,

Tara

Maple Sea Salt Fudge

Hey there,

Ready for the holidays yet?  Me neither!

If you are new to my site, I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to join my free newsletter list. My newsletter is where I share SO MANY more of my healthified recipes and wellness tips to get you healthy, fit, and strong! It’s a one-stop shop. ;-)

And while you’re at it, you might as well join my private facebook group, Lean In with Tara Allen Health, too! Inside you’ll find weekly challenges to optimize your body and mind, more recipes, and fun fitness Fridays.

Alrighty, so what if you had one more, quick & easy, healthy, NO BAKE dessert recipe in your arsenal to have at your fingertips for the remainder of the parties and gatherings?  

I love to have some desserts in the freezer - especially this time of year!  This helps cut back on the last-minute prep stress and means that if someone stops by last minute or we're running out and want the kids to be able to partake in dessert too, we have some options on hand.

This Maple Sea Salt Fudge is sooooooo satisfying!  It's delicious and festive, plus it's full of protein and healthy fats to help keep you from devouring the cookie platters you just worked so hard to create.  :-)

<< These are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and paleo>>

Don't they LOOK amazing too?!

Maple Sea Salt Fudge

Ingredients:

1 cup almond butter

1/2 cup cashew butter

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted then cooled to room temp.)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsp sea salt (optional: extra for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together nut butters, maple syrup, and coconut oil.

2. Mix in vanilla and sea salt.

3. Line a cake pan (8X8 works well) with parchment paper.

4. Spread mixture evenly into cake pan.  

5. Optional: Garnish with sea salt.

6. Place in freezer for 1-2 hours.

7. Cut into squares (using a warm knife). Place remaining squares back into the freezer to store.

Let me know if you try these! 

In holiday cheer and good health,

Tara

Holiday Spiced Sugar Cookies

Hey you,

It wouldn't be a holiday season without using our favorite cookie cutters or making a complete flour-y mess of the kitchen floor with the kiddos, would it? ;-)

These Holiday Spiced Sugar Cookies will hit the spot!  They are doughy / soft and just a bit sweet...nothing that will send you into that sugar craving downward spiral.  Bring them along to your next holiday party or cookie exchange....and double the batch to keep some extras at home!

<<These are gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and soy free.>>

In Joy and Health,

Tara

Holiday Spiced Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2.5 cups almond flour

¼ cup honey

1 large egg

1.5 T coconut oil

½ tsp pure almond extract

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp ginger

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp cinnamon

coconut flour (for rolling out and dusting)

Directions:

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.    Mix all ingredients in a food processor, mixer, or by hand.

3.    Flatten dough to about 1/3 – ½ inch thickness.  Cover and allow to cool in fridge for 30 minutes.

4.    Place dough between wax paper, sprinkle with coconut flour, and roll out with a rolling pin.

5.    Dust again with coconut flour before using cookie cutters.

6.    Collect “scraps” and repeat steps 4 & 5 until all dough is used.

7.    Place cookies on a baking sheet greased with coconut oil or lined with parchment paper.

8.    Decorate as desired or leave cookies plain.

9.    Bake 7-10 minutes (until edges start to turn golden-brown).