gluten free

Paleo Skillet Carrot Cake

February 2, 2015 by Bethany And Rachel 18 Comments

Cake for breakfast? I know what your thinking, “that doesn’t sound like a good start to the day!” It normally isn’t , but this recipe is an exception.

Unlike most breakfast cakes and pastries, this breakfast cake is made with all natural ingredients that contain beneficial nutrients to fuel your body. This will energize you while making your taste buds pretty happy.

Besides carrot cake is delicious for dessert, but even better for breakfast in my opinion

Paleo Carrot Skillet Breakfast Cake

Serves anywhere from 1-4

(adapted by One Green Planet)

6 Tbsp. coconut flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 Tbsp. apple sauce
1 egg, beaten (or flax egg)
1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup
6 Tbsp. almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. raisins
1 Tbsp. paleo friendly white chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. crushed walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl combine the coconut flour and baking powder.
Add in remaining ingredients and stir well until all ingredients are completely and evenly combined.
Spray cooking spray in a small cast iron skillet add spoon in mixture. Spread evenly.
Bake for about 35 minutes, or until done.
Enjoy!

Health Benefits

All-natural ingredients
No processed ingredients
No preservatives
High fiber
Moderate amount of protein
Gluten-free
Grain-free
Dairy-free
Nut-free
Refined sugar-free
Paleo-friendly
Whole 30-friendly
Vegan- friendly (if flax egg is used)
Vegetarian

Dark Cherry Mocha Granola

January 29, 2015 by Bethany 8 Comments

I absolutely love making my own granola! I love making my own unique flavors and being in control of the ingredients. I didn’t have much oats left, but I did have some rice chex on hand, so I decided to use some of that. It was a really good idea because adds a nice crunch to the normal granola! I also had some cherries I needed to use up, so they made a sweet flavor when paired with the more bitter coffee granules and cocoa nibs! This is super easy to make, not to mention much healthier then store bought granola and cereal!

Dark Cherry Mocha Granola

2 cups rice chex cereal
2 cups gluten-free oats
1 cup dark cherries, pureed
1/4 cup apple sauce
2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. sliced almonds
2 Tbsp. cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. dries cranberries or raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cover a cooking sheet with parchment paper. Spread chex and oats onto cooking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until slightly toasted.
In a medium size bowl, combine cherry puree, apple sauce, coffee granules, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix well.
Once cereal is toasted, mix in cocoa nibs and dried cranberries.
Add cherry mixture to cereal and mix well, making sure all ingredients are evenly spread through out.
Bake for another 25 minutes, or until done.
Enjoy!

Health Benefits:

All-natural ingredients
No preservatives
No artificial flavors
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Refined sugar-free
High fiber
Vegan
Vegetarian

Gluten-free Orange Sesame Scones

January 18, 2015 by Bethany And Rachel 23 Comments

Nothing goes better with a giant cup of tea or coffee then scones! You guys already know that I’m talking about the healthy homemade ones, nut the store bought stuff. I’ve only made scones one other time and they turned out Bomb (click HERE for the recipe)!

It was time to come up with another flavor using the same base as the other one I created. I’ve been meaning to make a recipe with the tahini I received from Swanson’s, and what better way then to add it into the scones! It helps to moisten the batter while lending to a toasty nutty flavor.

I also figured out that orange would help compensate the nutty savory flavor because I’ve tasted orange sesame chicken before at a Chinese restaurant. These scones are super duper easy and only require of few minutes of prep time before their in the oven. Full of heart healthy ingredients, there is no reason not to make them!

Orange Sesame Scones Makes 6-8 scones

2 cups Gluten-free Rolled Oats
1 cup brown rice flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. orange zest
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed butter)
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/2 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
1 egg, beaten (or flax egg)
1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl combine first 7 ingredients. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients excluding the sesame seeds. Mix well and add to other bowl. Combine well, scraping bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Spoon batter a larger even circle onto a cooking sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle remaining sesame seeds on top.
Bake for about 20 minutes and partially slice into 8 equal slices.
Bake for another 15 minutes or until done.
Enjoy!

Health Benefits

Tahini:

Contains healthy fats
Good source of fiber
It’s rich in minerals such as phosphorus, lecithin, magnesium, potassium and iron
It’s high in vitamin E and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15

Recipe as a whole:

All-natural ingredients
No artificial ingredients
No preservatives
No processed ingredients
Gluten-free
Grain-free
Dairy-free
High in fiber
Good source of healthy fats
Vegan -friendly
Vegetarian

Linking up to Meatless Monday with Tina Muir and Confessions of a Mother Runner!

*”This post contains Affiliate Links through Amazon Affiliates Program”

Easy DIY Kitchen Staple: Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

January 15, 2015 by Bethany And Rachel 15 Comments

I don’t know about you all, but applesauce is a staple in my apartment. I mix it with oatmeal, plain yogurt, bake with it, or just eat it by itself! I only realized a few days ago that I could make it myself with little to no effort at all! All you basically do is chop up apples, add a dash of cinnamon and a little water and place in your slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours! Thats all there is to it! And did I mention it tastes like apple pie filling? No joke, this stuff is literally the bomb! Keep the skin on for added fiber and a chunkier texture, or leave them out for a smoother texture.

Plus, this applesauce is MUCH healthier then the store bought stuff! Just look at the ingredients in Mott’s Cinnamon Applesauce:

INGREDIENTS: APPLES, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, WATER, CINNAMON, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), NATURAL FLAVOR

What? High fructose corn syrup listed as the second ingredient?? Apples are sweet enough, they really don’t need that added fake sweetness! And 24 grams of sugar per 1/2 cup serving? You might as well eat cake instead of this!

Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

8 apples, cored and sliced (you could use any type, I like fuji or golden delicious best!)
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup water

Throw all ingredients in a crock pot and place on medium heat for 4-6 hours, or until sauce like.
Let cool and enjoy!

Health Benefits:

All-natural
No preservatives
No chemicals
No sugar added
Gluten-free
Grain-free
Dairy-free
High fiber
Low calorie
Vegan
Vegetarian
Paleo
Whole-30

Banana Cinnamon Cranberry Muffins with Maple Sunbutter Frosting+ Sunbutter Review!

January 6, 2015 by Bethany And Rachel 4 Comments

Before a few days ago, I have never tried an other nut butter beside peanut and almond. Now I can say I went outside of my comfort zone and tried the incredible SunButter! I can even say I think it may be better than peanut butter (gasp)! The flavor is just unreal, so perfect and so creamy, I’m obsessed! I just knew I had to make a recipe where this beauty would shine through, and these muffins are the perfect thing! Who knew bananas, cranberries and sunbutter blend perfectly together?

Banana Cinnamon Cranberry Muffins with Maple-Sunbutter frosting

1 cup oat flour
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp dried cranberries

Frosting

2 Tbsp. creamy sunbutter
2 Tbsp. maple syrup

1. combine all ingredients except cranberries in a food processor and blend until well mixed

2. Put batter into a bowl and mix in cranberries

3. divide batter into muffin liners/cups and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until done.

4. Mix maple syrup and sun butter together and spread on top of muffins.

5. Enjoy!

Health Benefits:

Sunbutter:

Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Nut-free
High in vitamins E, magnesium, copper, niacin and zinc
High in fiber and protein

Nutrition Facts: 200 calories, 16 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar and 7 grams of protein per serving.

Recipe as a whole:

All natural
No refined sugar
Natural sugars
No preservatives
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Nut-free
High in fiber
High in protein
Vegan
Vegetarian
High in vitamins and minerals

Top 10 Recipes of 2014!!!

December 29, 2014 by Bethany And Rachel 14 Comments

Hey Everyone! Hope your celebrations before the new year are going well! Just wanted to post about my top 10 most popular recipes of the year! It’s been a great 6 months for the Athletic Avocado! Can’t wait for 2015, there are gonna be a lot of new and big things coming! Hope you enjoy! 🙂

1. Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Rollups

2. Zucchini-Cornbread Pancakes

3. Paleo Banana-Nut Breakfast Cereal

4. Burrito Bowl Stuffed Peppers

5. Carrot Cake English Muffin

6. Pumpkin-Ricotta French Toast Rollups

7. Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins

8. Peanut Butter and Banana Hand Pies

9. Papaya-Avocado Slaw

10. Lemon-Blueberry Pie Bars

What are your plans for the new year?
What is your favorite all-time dish?
Do you have any new year resolutions?

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Thanks to Jenn for linking up!

No Bake Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies!

December 28, 2014 by Rachel 7 Comments

I love easy recipes, I love peanut butter, I love chocolate and I love cookies! What if you combine all of these things into one? Nothing better than that! Plus they are healthy cookies, no sugar what so ever, just delicious-tasting heaven! I promise you that these are the easiest cookies you will ever make! Even if you have 5 minutes to spare, you can still make these one bowl delights!

No Bake PB-Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

makes 25-30 cookies

2.5 cups dry oats
1/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup stevia-sweetened chocolate chips

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together peanut butter, bananas and vanilla, combine well

2. Mix in oats and chocolate chips, combine well until a dough forms

3. Roll dough into small balls, place in fridge until the cookies harden

Health Benefits

All-natural
No processed ingredients
No preservatives
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Sugar-free
good source of fiber
Vegan
Vegetarian

[Tweet “These #healthy No Bake Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate CHip Cookies are the bomb dot com!”]

Vegan Caramel Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

December 23, 2014 by Bethany And Rachel 21 Comments

Making cupcakes for a christmas eve family party has been a tradition of my ever since I knew how to use an oven. I usually like to get creative and come up with cool unique flavors. This year is going to be a little different because I’m making healthy cupcakes. I’m sacrificing artificial ingredients, added sugars, and

artery clogging fat, without sacrificing flavor. And I’m 99% sure my family will not even notice it. They will only be focused on the dense doughy texture, the sweet caramel inside and the cinnamon-sugary glaze on top!

Vegan Caramel Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

Makes 12 cupcakes

2 cups gluten-free oat flour
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Filling

The Vegan 8’s Sweet Potato Caramel (doubled the recipe)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, combine oat flour, coconut sugar,baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well.
In a separate bowl combine water, coconut oil, apple sauce, vanilla and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and stir into dry ingredients.
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and spoon batter into 12 muffin slots about 2/3 full.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until done.

Cinnamon-Sugar Glaze

2 tbsp melted coconut oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla
Coconut sugar for sprinkling

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and spread on cupcakes, sprinkle with coconut sugar

Health Benefits

All-natural ingredients
No artificial ingredients
No processed ingredients
No preservatives
Refined sugar-free
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Egg-free
Vegan
High in fiber
Vegetarian

Thanks to Jenn for linking up! Merry Christmas!

GF Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Muffins +Daisy’s Cottage Cheese Product Review

December 21, 2014 by Bethany And Rachel 9 Comments

As much as I love trying new foods, I have to admit there are certain foods I HAVE to eat every day, Cottage cheese being one of them! I’ve been becoming obsessed with the stuff lately, and been choosing it over my greek yogurt (gasp!). I’m hooked on the creaminess and distinct texture it adds to certain foods. You can add it to smoothies and oatmeal for added protein or sub it with cream cheese or ricotta cheese in baking and cooking! I was very grateful when Daisy Brand send me over some coupons to try their amazing cottage cheese! I was amazed at the quality of the 100% all-natural ingredients that the 90 year old company uses! Daisy uses no preservatives which sets them apart from any other dairy products!

Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

Only 90 calories and a whopping 13 grams of protein per half cup! Super creamy and chunky even though its low in fat! There are only a few all-natural ingredients :Cultured skim milk, cream, salt, vitamin A palmitate. Whats not to love?

Gluten-free Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake Muffins makes 6-8 muffins

1 1/4 cup Gluten-free oat flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup no sugar added apple sauce
1/4 cup milk (I used almond)
1 egg or 2 egg whites, beaten
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup/ honey
1/2 cup finely chopped apple
2 Tbsp. finely chopped pecans (optional)

Filling

1/2 cup Daisy Brand cottage cheese
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl combine oat flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix well.
Add in apple sauce, milk, egg vanilla and maple syrup. Combine well then add in chopped apple and pecans and mix.
In a food processor, combine remaining ingredients for filling. Process until smooth, or about 10 seconds.
Line a muffin tin with liners and add batter one-third of the way for each slot. Then add a spoonful of the cheesecake mixture. Finish it up with another spoonful of batter. Repeat for each muffin.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until muffins are done.
Enjoy!

What’s your favorite way to eat cottage cheese?

[Tweet “#glutenfree Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Muffins are packed with protein and fiber!”]

Thanks to Meatless Mondays for Hosting!

Gluten-free Peppermint Brownies

December 19, 2014 by Bethany And Rachel 18 Comments

With christmas peeking behind the corner, I just couldn’t help myself getting into the christmas spirit a little early. I always look forward to baking desserts for holiday parties, but this year things are going to be a tad different. Instead of using tons of butter and unhealthy ingredients, my plan is create healthy clean eating recipes without my family evening knowing! The same great taste but way less calories and tons of health benefits! Peppermint is one of the official flavors of Christmas so what better way then to make healthy clean eating peppermint brownies? Packed with loads of health benefits like fiber, vitamins, healthy fats and so on, you won’t know they are healthy!

Gluten-free Peppermint Brownies

(adapted from Fit Foodie Finds)

1 cup garbanzo bean flour (or any gluten-free flour)
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg or 2 egg whites, beaten (or flax egg)
1/4 cup agave nectar/maple syrup/honey
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1 tsp. peppermint extract (use 1 1/2 tsp if not using stevia)
1/2 tsp. peppermint stevia
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, melted (can be vegan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl combine flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Mix well.
In a separate bowl combine egg, agave, coconut oil and extracts. Combine well.
Combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients, making sure to mix well and scraping sides of bowl to ensure evenly mixed.
Add melted chocolate and stir batter well to evenly distribute chocolate.
Spray cooking spray in a glass pan. Spoon in batter and spread evenly throughout pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until done.
Enjoy!

Health Benefits

All-natural
No preservatives
No processed sugar
Refined sugar-free
Healthy fats
Full of fiber
Clean ingredients
Gluten-free
Dairy-free(if using dairy-free chocolate)
Vegan
Vegetarian
Tons of antioxidants and vitamins

gluten free

Gluten-free Peppermint Brownies

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