Cheesecake Cups (no bake)

INGREDIENTS

SCALE

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Optional toppings: raspberries, strawberries, whipped cream, broken cookies, graham cracker crumbs, etc.

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until it's evenly distributed.  Put approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each glass or serving dish. 
2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), pour the whipped cream in and beat on high until stiff peaks form (around one minute for me). 
3. Scrape the whipped cream into a second bowl, then combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla and mix until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and stir until completely combined and creamy. 
5. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag (if you like) and pipe it into the cups. Or divide it evenly among your cups and spoon it in. 
6. Top with fresh fruit (optional), cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.

https://rosebakes.com/no-bake-cheesecake-cups-recipe/#tasty-recipes-52042-jump-target

 Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

• 1 cup chocolate chips I use semisweet
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream for melting chocolate chips
• ⅔ cup chilled heavy whipping cream for whipping
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

• In a large bowl, heat chocolate chips and ½ cup cream until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. I do this in the microwave in 20 seconds increments, stirring well between each. Set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally (this took about 15 minutes).
• In the bowl of a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat ⅔ cups chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form (see note about making extra for topping). Transfer the whipped cream to the refrigerator until the chocolate has cooled to room temperature.
• Using a rubber/silicone spatula, fold* the whipped cream into the melted chocolate. Once fully combined, transfer the mousse into individual serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours. The colder it is, the more firm it will be. If you'd like it softer you can leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Chicken Alfredo (Whole30)

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
1 c. raw cashews
3 c. boiling water
2 Tblspn. nutritional yeast
1-2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 Tblspn. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt + more to taste
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place cashews in a small bowl and cover with boiling water.  Place a plate over the bowl to cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Place chicken on baking sheet, salt & pepper.
Place chicken in preheated oven for 25-30min or until cooked thru.

Alfredo sauce:
1.  Drain cashews and place in Vitamix
2.  Add nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt and almond milk
3.  Blend on high for 2 minutes.  Taste and adjust salt and garlic
4.  Keep blending until sauce is warm

Serve:
Cut up chicken and toss in bowl with sauce
Serve over butternut or spaghetti squash noodles

Beef Stew

2.5lbs beef roast, cut into 1-2" chunks
3 Tblspn. ghee
salt & pepper
1/2 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
10 baby onions
10 baby Yukon gold potatoes
1 1/2 russet potatoes, cut into large chunks
2 carrots, peeled and cut into medium chunks
2 cups chicken or beef broth
4-6 fresh sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
1 garlic clove, crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Sprinkle cut up beef with salt and pepper.
Add ghee to dutch oven, melt and coat the pan.
Add beef to pan and cook on medium-high heat, searing all sides, and continuing to cook for 5-10minutes.
Add remaining ingredients and mix.
Cover and place in the oven for 1.5 hours.

Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin

2 Tblspn. steak seasoning
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 pounds boneless pork loin roast
        (1 package that has 2 long strips of pork)

Dissolve steak seasoning in balsamic vinegar, then stir in olive oil. Place pork into a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade overtop. Squeeze out air and seal bag; marinate 2 hours to overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Place pork into a glass baking dish along with marinade. 

Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour. 

Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Heres a link to the original RECIPE

No-Bake Energy Bites

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about a year and a half ago.  I have done a small amount of research as to what dietary changes I could make to help reduce joint inflammation.  Flax seed is said to have this property, so I have tried to incorporate it into my diet more.  I found this recipe online and really like it--it's like eating raw cookie dough/granola bar/protein/health food all in one!

No-Bake Energy Bites

1 c. dry oatmeal
1 c. toasted coconut flakes
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (butterscotch, dark, milk, etc.)
1/2 c. peanut butter (almost butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.)
1/2 c. ground flaxseed (or mix it with wheat germ)
1/3 c. honey (don't substitute w/ agave nectar--it won't hold the balls together)
1 tsp. vanilla

Stir all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.
Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 min.
Once chilled, roll into balls about 1" diameter.
Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Makes about 20-25 balls.

**Feel free to substitute in your favorite ingredients (suggestions seen in paratheses)
**Could also add chopped dried fruit (apricots, raisins, cranberries, etc.), chopped almonds or pecans, etc.  Options are endless!

Mango Quinoa Salad

My sweet friend, Paige Jones, brought me this salad one morning...just because.  I had never had quinoa before, but it is now a new favorite (I just bought a big bag at Costco).  It is similar to couscous, but a bit grittier since it is a grain, and it's a good source of protein.  I have made this salad numerous times since and shared it with friends and family who love it, too!

Mango Quinoa Salad
(thanks to Our Best Bites!)

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/05/mango-quinoa-salad/