easy keto desserts
TRANSCRIPT
FirstPublishedin2018byVictoryBeltPublishingInc.Copyright©2018byCarolynKetchumAllrightsreservedNopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedordistributedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,orstoredinadatabaseorretrievalsystem,withoutpriorwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.ISBN-13:978-1-628602-92-0Theauthorisnotalicensedpractitioner,physician,ormedicalprofessionalandoffersnomedicaldiagnoses,treatments,suggestions,orcounseling.TheinformationpresentedhereinhasnotbeenevaluatedbytheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration,anditisnotintendedtodiagnose,treat,cure,orpreventanydisease.Fullmedicalclearancefromalicensedphysicianshouldbeobtainedbeforebeginningormodifyinganydiet,exercise,orlifestyleprogram,andphysiciansshouldbeinformedofallnutritionalchanges.Theauthor/ownerclaimsnoresponsibilitytoanypersonorentityforanyliability,loss,ordamagecausedorallegedtobecauseddirectlyorindirectlyasaresultoftheuse,application,orinterpretationoftheinformationpresentedherein.
FrontCoverPhotographybyHayleyMasonandBillStaleyCoverDesignbyJustin-AaronVelascoInteriorDesignbyYordanTerzievandBoryanaYordanovaPrintedinCanadaTC0118
CONTENTS
Preface:HowSweetItIs
Introduction:MyDietandDessertPhilosophyKetoDessertEssentialsIngredientsandToolsDessertProChecklistTime-SavingTips
Mix-and-MatchDesserts
HowtoUsetheRecipes
RECIPESCHAPTER1:CandyandConfections
PeppermintPattiesChocolate-CoveredCheesecakeBites
MapleWalnutFudgeCupsToffeeAlmondBark
MacadamiaCoconutTrufflesPeanutButterandJamCupsWatermelonLimeGummies
CHAPTER2:CookiesSlice-and-BakeVanillaWafers
AmarettiPeanutButterCookiesforTwo
CreamCheeseCookiesChewyDoubleChocolateCookies
No-BakePeanutButterCaramelCookiesChocolateHazelnutThumbprintsDeep-DishChocolateChipCookies
CHAPTER3:Bars
No-BakeChocolate“Oatmeal”BarsSugarCookieBars
Dairy-FreePeanutButterBarsNo-BakeBlueberryCheesecakeBars
One-BowlBrowniesDairy-FreeCoconutBars
No-BakeFrenchSilkPieBars
CHAPTER4:CakesMiniNo-BakeLemonCheesecakes
TiramisuSheetCakeSlowCookerChocolateCake
FunfettiMugCakesDutchButterCake
OrangeCardamomBundtCakePumpkinSpiceMugCakes
CHAPTER5:PiesandTartsMochaCreamPieCoconutCustardPieLemonCurdTartletsDairy-FreeFruitTarts
ChocolateHazelnutBrowniePieStrawberryRhubarbCrispforTwo
CHAPTER6:FrozenDessertsVanillaBeanSemifreddoSaltedCaramelAffogato
RidiculouslyEasyRootBeerFloatsChocolateFatBombIceCreamFrozenKeyLimeMiniPiesStrawberryCheesecakePopsCoconutMilkFudgePops
CHAPTER7:Custard,Mousse,andOtherDeliciousDessertsButterscotchPudding
Dairy-FreePeanutButterMousseMascarponeMoussewithRoastedStrawberries
ChocolateHazelnutMousse
LemonCurdMousseRaspberryFool
CannoliDessertDipSlowCookerCoffeeCoconutCustard
CoconutLimePannaCottaChocolateCobbler
CHAPTER8:Extras
EasyShortbreadCrustEasyChocolatePieCrust
WhippedCreamCoconutWhippedCream
ChocolateButtercreamFrostingHomemadeChocolateHazelnutSpread
CaramelSauceChocolatePeanutButterSauceforTwo
CoconutSprinklesChocolateDessertCups
APPENDIX:HowtoRescueAlmostAnythingIndexes
AcknowledgmentsAbouttheAuthor
PREFACE:HOWSWEETITIS
Ijustspentthepastthreemonthsofmylifewritingadessertcookbook.Youknowwhatthatmeans?ThatmeansIatealotofdesserts.Andifthiswereanyregularolddessertcookbook,itwouldprobablyalsomeanthatIgainedatleastafewpounds.ButIdidn’t.Notevenanounce.Andthat,myfriend,isthemagicofEasyKetoDesserts.
Admittedly,Ididn’teatallofthesedessertsonmyown.Isharedwithmyfamily,andIgavemuchofitawaytomyfriendsandneighbors.Iwasareallypopulargalforawhilethere,leavingcakesandcookiesandtartsondoorstepsallovertheneighborhood.Butstill,asagoodrecipecreator,Itastedandtested,andItastedandtestedagain.Therewasnoshortageofsweetketotreatspassingtheselipsoverthepastfewmonths.AndIwouldn’thaveitanyotherway.
Chancesaregood,however,thatyoudon’tcookandbakeforalivinglikeIdo.Youdon’thavetimetotasteandtest,andtasteandtestagain.Whenyouwantsomethingsweet,youwantityesterday.Youhavenoneedofcomplicatedcakesandmultistepdessertsthatrequireanynumberofobscureandhard-to-findingredients.Youprefersimpleandstraightforward,butyoustillwantsomethingthatwillwowyourcarb-lovingfriends.Youwanteasy,butyoudon’twantittotastelikeit.
That’swhereEasyKetoDessertscomesin.Withthiscookbook,Ihavetakenalltheguessworkoutofmakingfabulousketogenicdesserts.Thisismypassion,people!Isincerelylovenothingmorethansharingdelectablelow-carb,high-fatdessertrecipesandmakingtheketolifestylethatmuchmoreenjoyable—andthatmuchmoreaccessible,too.Becausewhenweknowwecanhaveaweeindulgenceattheendoftheday,onethatdoesn’twreakhavoconourhardworkandprogress,ketosuddenlydoesn’tseemsohardafterall.
It’slongbeenmymissiontoprovetotheworldthattheketogenicdietneednot
beboringorrestrictive.Iamnotreallythesortofpersontotootmyownhorn—oh,whoamIkidding?Toottoot!—butIflattermyselfthatIhaveexceededthisgoal.WithEasyKetoDesserts,theevidenceisinandthejuryhasreachedaverdict.Ketoiseasy,delicious,andanythingbutboring.
Grabafork,myfriend,anddigin.Becauseyoucanhaveyourketocakeandeatit,too.Justaslongasyousavemeabite.
INTRODUCTION:MYDIETANDDESSERTPHILOSOPHY
Ihaveasweettooth,andIamnotafraidtouseit.Ifirmlybelievethatbeingabletohaveahealthydessertispartofwhathelpsmestaythecourseonmyketogenicdiet.Andsincemydessertrecipesareamongthemostpopularrecipesonmywebsite,AllDayIDreamAboutFood,Iknowthatmanyofyoufeelthesameway.
It’sbeensaidmanytimesthattheketodietisnotaboutdeprivation;youshouldn’talwaysbehungry,andyoushouldn’tfeellikeyouareconsignedtoeatingbaconandeggsdayinanddayout.Therecouldbeworsefates,ofcourse,butthatkindofrestrictiongetstiresomeprettyquickly.Manypeoplefindthemselvesstrugglingtostickwithketoafterafewmonthsbecausetheyaren’tquitesurehowtomakeitinteresting.Theabilitytoindulgealittlehereandtherecanmakethiswayofeatingalotmorefunandalotmorelivable.Formanyofus,thatcanbethedifferencebetweenusingketoasatemporaryquickfixorstickingwithitasalong-termhealthylifestyle.
Somepeoplechoosetoavoidsweetsaltogether,andthatistheirprerogative.Weallfindourownwayhere,andwehavetochooseourownpaths.Thereisanoverwhelmingamountofadviceoutthere,anditcanbehardtomakesenseofitall.Buttherealityisthatthereisnosingle“rightway”todoaketogenicdiet.Noonecantellyouexactlyhowtomakeitworkforyou.Ifbeingabstemiousandgivingupsweetsentirelyisyourapproach,Iamallforit.Butifyoupurchasedthisbook,thenchancesareyouwantalittledessert,atleastonceinawhile.Welcometotheclub.
Aketogenicdietisawonderfultoolforconqueringcravingsandbreakingoldandingrainedhabits.Butthatdoesn’thavetomeantakingalltheenjoymentoutofeating.Nomatterwhichdietyou’reon,foodshouldbefun,andeatingshouldbepleasurable.Foodissuchadefiningaspectofoursociety.It’smorethanjustsustenance:it’sfamily,it’scommunity,andit’scelebration.Andwhatismore
celebratorythanenjoyingalusciousdessertthatdoesn’tderailyourhealthyefforts?
Butlet’snotgooverboard.Youmaynotliketohearit,butportioncontrolisimportant,evenwhenitcomestoketodesserts.Peoplearesometimessurprisedtohearme,theKetoBakingQueen,advocateformoderation.Butjustthinkaboutit:whileasingleketobrowniemightfitinperfectlywithyourmacros,thewholepanofbrownieswillnot.It’sjustsimplemath.Andifyoueatketosweetsforbreakfast,lunch,anddinner,youaredoingsototheexclusionofotherhealthynutrients.
Mypersonalapproachistokeepdessertasdessert.Thatmeanseatingareasonableportionafterdinner.AlthoughIdoeatsomedessertalmosteveryday,therearetimeswhenI’vefilledmyselfupsomuchonsteakandbroccolithatIcan’tmanagemorethanafewbitesofdessert—justenoughtomakethatsweettoothsing!
Ifyoufindthatyoustrugglewithportioncontrol,Irecommendafewapproaches.First,considermysmall-batchrecipesthatmakeonlytwotofour
servings,soportioncontrolisbuiltrightin.Ifyoudochoosetomakeabiggerrecipe,relyonyourfreezerasawaytoportionouttheleftovers.Andmakealargedessertonlywhenyouhavetheopportunitytoshareitandgivemuchofitaway.Friends,neighbors,andcoworkersareoftenappreciativeofyourefforts,andhey,maybethiswillhelpthemdiscovertheketodiet,too!
It’sasugar-filledworldoutthere,andtemptationisallaroundus.Isaywhynotfightfirewithfire?
It’saPieceofCake!(OrasEasyasPie)
Thewonderfulpartaboutdessertsisthattheyhaveuniversalappeal,irrespectiveofhowmuchtimeandefforttheytaketomake.Infact,someofthesimplestdessertsaretheonesthatlookthemostappetizing.Fancycakesthatlooklikecastlesorcookiesthatresemblesnowglobesarecertainlybeautifultobehold,butIfindthatIdon’tmuchcaretoeatthem.Inmyexperience,theynevertastequiteasgoodastheylook,andIaminevitablydisappointed.
Therealityisthatyoudon’tneedtobeapastrycheftomakebeautifuldesserts.Creatingsweettreatsshouldbefun,notstressful,andIwantyoutobeabletoenjoytheprocessasmuchastheendresults.Therecipesinthisbookusesimpletechniquesthatanyhomebakercaneasilymaster.There’snothingintimidatinghere,nothingoverlycomplicated—justeasy,creative,andmouthwateringrecipes.Whendessertisstress-free,it’sthatmuchtastier.
Keepinmindthatsimpleisnotnecessarilysynonymouswithfast.Noristhelackofbakingorashortingredientlistagoodindicatorofhoweasyorquickarecipeis.Sometimesno-bakerecipescantakehourstosetproperly,whereassomebakedgoodscanbeconsumedshortlyafterbeingremovedfromtheoven.YouwillfindrecipesofeverysortinEasyKetoDesserts.Someofthesedessertsarebaked,whileothersrequirenobaking.Youmayhavetoleavesomealoneforawhile,whileothersyoucandigintorightaway.Butallofthemaresimplydelicious.
That’sthewaytheketocookiecrumbles.
KETODESSERTESSENTIALS
Therecipesinthisbookareeasy.Period.Butintheketodessertworld,recipesfrequentlycallforalternativeingredientsthatbehaveverydifferentlyfromtheconventionalingredientsyoumaybefamiliarwith.Thisisparticularlytrueofflourandsugarsubstitutes.Ifyouattempttotreatthemlikewheatflourandsugar,theywilldefyyououtofsheerspite.Soitbehoovesmetotakeamomenttogooversomekeypointsabouthowbesttousetheseingredients.
WeighYourFloursandNutMeals
Wouldn’titbeniceifeveryoneallovertheworldmeasuredeveryingredientthesameway?Thatdoesn’tlooklikeit’sgoingtohappenanytimesoon.IamveryaccustomedtousingU.S.volumemeasurements,likecupsandtablespoons,butIfullyrecognizethattheyarenotalwaysthemostaccurate.Formostingredients,volumemeasurementsarefine,butketofloursandmeals,particularlyalmondflourandcoconutflour,varyquiteabitfrombrandtobrand.Weighingtheseingredientscanbemoreaccurateandproducebetterresults.
Forexample,IweighedmyBob’sRedMillalmondflourbythecupnumeroustimesandfoundthatitcanvarybetween97and105grams.Isplitthedifferenceandused100grams;itisthemostusefulweightsinceitcaneasilybedividedintohalfcupsandquartercups.Bob’sRedMillcoconutflourtypicallycameoutto110gramspercup.
Whenyouseegramweightsincludedforthesekeyingredients,Idorecommendthatyougetoutyourkitchenscaleandweighthem.Ifyoudonotownascale,thenext-bestoptionistousethebrandsoffloursandmealsthatIuse(Bob’sRedMill),andtomeasurethemusingthescoop-and-levelmethod.Ialwaysusethat
methodwhenmeasuringbycupsandtablespoons,andyoushould,too.
FINE-TUNEWHENNEEDED
Evenwhenyoutakecaretomeasureasaccuratelyaspossible,thevariancesbetweenbrandscanthrowarecipeoffsomewhat.Somebrandsofflour,forexample,aremorefinelygroundormoreabsorbentthanothers.Bereadytoadjustslightlyifyouneedto.Lookforcuesintherecipeastowhatyourdoughorbattershouldlooklike.Shoulditbescoopableorpourable?Shouldyoubeabletorollitintoballseasily?Doestherecipestatethatitshouldlooklike“coarsecrumbs”or“finecrumbs”?Allofthesearehelpfulcluesinknowingwhentomakeanadjustmentandaddalittlemoreflouroralittlemoreliquidoroil.
Alwaysaddtheadditionalflourorliquidbythetablespoon,stirringaftereachadditiontoseewhatthebatterordoughdoesbeforeyouaddmore.Coconutflourisextremelyabsorbent,soatablespooncanthickenabattersignificantly.Forsmall-batchrecipes,sometimesevenateaspoonisenoughtogettheconsistencyyouarelookingfor.
FamiliarizeYourselfwithKetoSweeteners
Obviously,wecan’thaveadiscussionaboutketodessertswithoutdiscussinglow-carbsugarsubstitutes.Andwiththedizzyingarrayofalternativesweetenersonthemarkettoday,thiscanbeaconfusingdiscussionattimes.YoumaybehopingthatIwilltellyouwhichsweeteneristheabsolute,hands-downbestoneontheplanet,butIcan’tdothat.Toomuchofitcomesdowntopersonalpreference.
WhatIcando,however,isgiveyoualittleinsightintowhichsweetenersbehavethemostlikesugarinketosweetsandbakedgoods.Becausewhilethereareplentyofgreatsweetenerchoicesoutthere,theydon’tallworkthesameway.It
allcomesdowntobulk.
BULKVERSUSNON-BULKSWEETENERS
WhenIsay“bulksweetener,”Iamnotreferringtobuyinglargequantitiesofsweetenerfromabinatyourlocalhealthfoodstore.Inthiscase,thetermbulkreferstowhetherthesweeteneritselfhasweightandvolume.Abulksweetenerwilladdtothevolume,or“bulk,”ofarecipeandthuswillaffectitsconsistency,whichmaybecriticaltoitssuccess.
Somesweeteners,likesteviaandmonkfruitextract,simplysweetenthings.Amere½teaspoonofeitheronecansweetenanentirecakethatservestwelvepeople.Obviously,though,concentratedsweetenerssuchasthesewilladdnothingintermsofvolumeandwon’tdoanythingforthetextureorconsistencyofyourdessert.
Sweetenerslikeerythritolandxylitolhavesignificantbulk,aswellasacrystallinestructuresimilartosugar.Theymeasuremorelikesugar,theyaddvolumeandaffectconsistency,andhencetheybehavemorelikesugar.Theycanmakethedifferencebetweenacakethatdeflatesafterbakingandonethatstaysrisen,orapuddingthatsetsandonethatremainsapuddleofgoo.
Thatallsoundssimpleenough,right?Right,butthenthere’sthefactthaterythritolbyitselfisonlyabout70percentassweetassugar,soyouneedtoaddmoreofittomakeupthedifferenceinsweetness,whichcouldalsoaffecttheconsistencyofarecipe.Xylitolisaboutassweetassugar,butitcomeswithitsownissues;ittendstoraisebloodsugaralittlemorethanerythritolandcancauseseriousgastricupsetwhenconsumedinlargequantities.It’salsohighlytoxictodogseveninminuteamounts.Inolongerusexylitolinmyrecipes.
Addingevenmoretotheconfusionareallthedifferentsweetenerblendsonthemarketthesedays.Theseusuallycombinetwoormorealternativesweeteners,andmoreofthemseemtocropuponadailybasis.Someofthemareassweetassugar,somearemoreconcentrated,andallofthemareaimingtogettheirshareofyourpocketbook.Whichiswhysomuchofitcomesdowntopersonalpreference.
HaveIconfusedyouyet?Don’tworry,Ipromiseit’snotasbadasitsounds.
MypreferenceisSwerve,anerythritolblendthatalsoincludesoligosaccharides—asweet-tastingfibersimilartoinulin—tomakeitmeasureexactlylikesugar.IcreatedandtestedalloftherecipesinthisbookusingSwerve,andIhighlyrecommenditasoneofthebestsugarreplacementsoutthere.Ifyouchoosetosubstituteanothersweetener,Icannotalwaysguaranteetheresults.Thatsaid,xylitolandothererythritolblendsthatmeasurelikesugarcanoftenbesubstitutedwithoutalossoftasteortexture.Andsomerecipesdon’trelyonbulkatallforconsistency;forthoserecipesyoucanuseanysweeteneryourheartdesires.
Ifyoudochoosetouseanon-bulksweetener,likestevia,monkfruit,orevensucralose,youwillneedtodoalittleconversiontoattainthecorrectsweetness.Mostbrandsclearlystatehowsweettheirproductisrelativetosugarandhowtoadjustrecipesaccordingly.Forexample,Lakantomonkfruitextracthasalittleconversionchartrightonthepackage,andtheSweetLeafsteviawebsitefeaturesaniceconversioncalculatorforallofitsproducts.
Thelongandshortofitisthatsometimesyoucanmakesubstitutionsandsometimesyoucan’t.Whereverpossible,Ihavenotedthoserecipesinwhichsubstitutionscanbemade,andthebestsweetenerchoices.Youwillfindthisinformationinafeaturecalled“SweetenerOptions.”
INGREDIENTSANDTOOLS
Inkeepingwiththeeasytheme,themajorityoftherecipesinthisbookusefairlystandardketoingredients,aswellaseverydaycookwareandbakeware,mostofwhichcanbepurchasedatregularstores.Withtheexplosivegrowthofspecialdietslikegluten-free,Paleo,andlow-carb,itemslikealmondflour,coconutoil,andalternativesweetenersarenolongerjustthepurviewofhealthfoodandnaturalfoodsstores—whichisgreatnewsforketodessertlovers.
KetoDessertStaplesThesearetheitemsIhaveinmypantryandfridgeatalltimessoIcanmakedessertwheneverthemoodstrikes.
Dairy-FreeSubstitutions
Ifyou’redairy-free,orevenifyou’renot,stockuponthesegreatdairyreplacements.Ialwayskeepavocadooilandcoconutoilaround,aswellascannedcoconutmilk.AndKiteHillisbyfarthebestbrandofdairy-freecreamcheeseI’vefound,withthebestflavorandconsistencyandexactlythesamecarbcountasregularcreamcheese.
SpecialtyIngredients
WhileItryveryhardtostickwithbasicandeasilysourcedingredients,Ialsowanttogiveyouthebestpossibleketodessertexperience,andthatmeans
sometimesusingspecialtyitemsthatarehardertofindandmayneedtobepurchasedonline.Butgiventheincreasingpopularityofketodiets,Isuspectitwon’tbelongbeforemanyoftheseitemsappearinstoresacrossthecountry.
Sugar-freechocolatebarsandchocolatechips—WhenIfirststartedcreatinglow-carbrecipes,therereallywasnogoodsugar-freechocolateonthemarket.TherewereHershey’ssugar-freechocolatechips,buttheywere(andstillare)sweetenedwithmaltitol,whichspikesbloodsugarasmuchasrealsugar.Butnowthereareseveralgreatbrands,likeLily’s,ChocoPerfection,CocoPolo,andLakanto,amongothers.Lily’sismygo-toforbaking,especiallysincenootherbrandmakeschocolatechips.
IamstartingtoseeLily’sandCocoPolochocolateinmanyregulargrocerychains,andstoreslikeWholeFoodssellthechipsandthedarkchocolatebakingbars.ButIalsoliketowaitforanonlinesaleandstockup.
Grass-fedgelatinandcollagenpowder—Theseitemsarereallyusefulformanyketodesserts,givingthemabetterconsistencyandhelpingthemholdtogether.Youcanalsousestandardgelatin,suchasKnox,butyouwillneedlessofit,andyouwillneedtomakesureit“blooms”first,whichtakesanextrastep.
Hazelnutmeal—Thisisreallyjustgroundhazelnuts,butit’sdifficulttogrindthemfinelyenoughathome.Itmakesfortastycookiesandbrownies.Bob’sRedMillhazelnutmealcanbefoundinthegluten-freeaisleofsomestores.
Peanutflour—Inthiscase,it’snotjustgroundpeanuts.Thebestpeanutflourhasbeenpartiallydefatted,whichgivesitafineandpowderytextureandmakesitveryabsorbent.IlikeAnthony’sbrand,whichIbuyonline,butmanygrocerystorescarry“powderedpeanutbutter,”likethePB2brand,whichyoucanuseaswell.
Proteinpowder—Glutenisaprotein,andinitsabsence,anotherdrypowderyproteincanhelpketobakedgoodsriseandholdtogether.Proteinpowderisnotusedinmanyrecipesinthisbook,butitisuseful,andalittlegoesalongway.Youcanusewheyprotein,eggwhiteprotein,oranynumberofveganproteinpowders.Getanunflavoredvarietyifyoucan.Vanilla-flavoredproteinpowderwillwork,too,ifyouleaveoutanyvanillaextractintherecipe.
Cacaobutter(akacocoabutter)—Iamsurprisedthatstoresarenotyetcarryingcacaobutter,asit’sanincrediblyuseful,delicious,andhealthyingredient.Intherecipesinthisbook,Imostlyuseittothinoutthechocolatecoatingforketocandiesandbars.Butit’sgreatinotherdesserts,too;itlendsawhitechocolateflavorandiscompletelysolidatroomtemperature.
Coconutbutter(akacoconutmanna)—Coconutbutterismadefromgroundcoconutmeatandissolidatroomtemperature.Itgivesdairy-freeketocandiesandfudgeagreatconsistency.Youcanfinditinsomehigh-endgrocerystores,likeWholeFoods,aswellasonline.
Yacónsyrup—Yacónisasweet-tastingsyrupderivedfromtheyacónplantgrowninSouthAmerica.Itissaidtohavealowglycemicindex(GI)anda
minimaleffectonbloodsugarlevels.Idon’ttrusttheglycemicindexverymuchbecausetheyusedtosaythesamethingaboutagave,andagavespikedmybloodsugartremendously.Toplayitsafe,Iuseverysmallamountsofyacónsyrup(nomorethan2teaspoons)togivecertainrecipesabrownsugarorcaramelflavororappearance.Youcouldalsouseblackstrapmolassesintheserecipes,oryoucanskipitaltogether.
Extractsandflavorings—Theselittlebottlesoffuncanreallytransformyourdessertcreations.Manybasicflavors,suchaspeppermint,almond,andlemon,canbefoundinthebakingaisleofyourlocalgrocerystore,butothersaremoreeasilyfoundonline.Theyaren’texpensive,andasmall2-ouncebottlecangoalongway.Ialwayshaveawidearrayofnaturalflavoringsinmypantry,everythingfromcherrytoaniseandevenpineapple(althoughIhaven’tusedityetandforgotwhatIboughtitfor,butitwillmakeitswayintosomethingsoonenough).Fortherecipesinthisbook,considergettingalmond,caramel,coconut,hazelnut,lemon,maple,orange,andpeppermint.
Naturalfoodcoloring—Youabsolutelydonotneedthis,butit’skindoffun.Youcancertainlygoaunaturelwithyourfrostingsandfillings,butifyouwanttoampupthecolorabit,thereareafewvegetable-basedfooddyesonthemarket.IlikeIndiaTreeandFoodColorsFromNaturebyColorKitchen.Beforewarned:TheyellowpowderfromColorKitchenisincrediblyvibrant.Don’teventhinkaboutusingthewholeenvelope!
Xanthangum—Thisisusefulstuffforthickeningpuddingsandfillings.Averylittlegoesalongway;abagofitlastsmemorethantwoyears.Istoreitinajarinmyfreezer.Youcanfinditinthegluten-freeaisleofmanygrocerystores.
EssentialEquipment
Bakingsheets—Versatile,multi-purpose,andgoodforeverythingfromcookiestosheetcakes.Besuretouserimmedbakingsheetsforcakesandforanythingthatmighteasilyslideoffthepan.
Squarebakingpans—Forbars,brownies,andcakes.Iusea9-inchsquarepan,butan8-inchwilldoaswell.Justrememberthatyourbakedgoodsmaytakealittlelongertocookinthesmallerpansincetheywillbedeeper.Lookforapanwithsidesatleast2inchesdeep,anduselight-coloredpansformoreevenbaking.
Cakepans—Around8-or9-inchpanforcakes,withsidesatleast2inchesdeep.Again,uselight-coloredpansformoreevenbaking.
Muffinpans—Forcandiesandcupcakes.Iusebothstandard-size12-wellpansandmini-size24-wellpans.
Glassorceramicpiepan—A9-inchpanforpiesandtarts.
Ramekins—4-and8-ounceceramicramekinsforindividualcakes,custards,andevencookies!
Parchmentpaper—Alow-carbbaker’sbestfriend.
Foodprocessororblender—Agoodfoodprocessororblendercancutdownpreptimesignificantly.
Electricmixer—Asmallerhandheldmixerisfine.
Mixingbowls—It’sgoodtohaveafewbowlsthatareheatproofandmicrowave-safeformeltingchocolate.
Measuringcupsandspoons—Accuratemeasurementsarethekeytodessertsuccess.
Whisks,rubberspatulas,andwoodenspoons—Mixingandstirringarekindofimportanthere!
SpecialEquipment
Inthespiritofkeepingthingseasy,Itriedtosteerclearofcallingfortoomuchspecialtyequipment.Butifyou’relookingtoupyourketodessertgame,herearesomegadgetsandtoysthatyoumightwanttoinvestin.
Kitchenscale—I’veprovidedthemeasurementsofmostingredientsinvolume(cupsandtablespoons),butforfloursandmeals,I’vealsoprovidedtheapproximateweightingrams.Variationsbetweenbrandsoftheseingredientscansometimesaffecttheoutcomeofyourbakedgoods,andanaccuratekitchenscalehelpsyoubemoreprecise.
Siliconebakingmats—WhenyoubakeasmanycookiesasIdo,yougothroughalotofparchmentpaper.Reusablesiliconematsnotonlykeepyourcookiesfromsticking,butprotectthebottomsfromburningaswell.
Icecreammaker—Youdefinitelydon’tneedanicecreammaker,andthisbookcontainsonlyonerecipethatusesit.Butmakingyourownlow-carbicecreamisfun,andintheend,thatmachinewillpayforitself!
Slowcooker(6quarts)—Manypeopledon’trealizethatyoucanmakemanywonderfuldessertsinaslowcooker.Oneofmyall-timefavoriteketochocolatecakesisaslowcookercake.It’sinsanelymoistanddelicious.
Decorativecakeandtartpans—Don’tfeelyouneedtolimityourselftosquareandroundcakepans.Althoughthoseshapesarethemostuseful,moredecorativeoptionslikeBundtpansandflutedtartpanscangiveyourdessertsaneasyelegance.Ilovethelittle4-inchtartpansforsmallertarts.
Siliconemolds—Funshapesforgummies,fatbombs,andothercandies!Siliconelinersforbothstandard-andmini-sizemuffinpansarealsoveryusefulandsaveonparchmentpaper.
Icepopmolds—Ireallywanttoputtheseinthe“must-have”categorybecausetheyaren’texpensiveandtheymakegreatketotreats.Fortherecipesinthisbook,youwillneedasetofsix3-ouncemolds.
Pipingbagsanddecoratingtips—Ipromise,wearen’tgettingfancywithfrosting.ButIoftenusethesebagsandtipsforaddinglittlestarsofwhippedcreamtocakesandpiesorforpipingmousseintodessertcups.Afewdisposablebagsandsomestar-shapedtipsareallyoureallyneed.
DESSERTPROCHECKLIST
Readytogetstarted?Hereareafewthingsyoucandotoensurethebestresultswhenyoumakeanyrecipe.
Readthefullrecipefirst.Itcanbetemptingtojumpinandjuststartwhippingupadelectabletreatasyougo.Butreadingthefullrecipefirstwillactuallysaveyoutimeandhelpyouavoidcostlymistakes.Besuretomakenoteofthepreptime,cooktime,andinactivetime.Youdon’twanttogetpartwaythrougharecipeyouwanttoeatrightawayonlytodiscoverthatitneedstochillforthreehours.Also,besuretofactorinanyrecipecomponents,suchasacrustortopping,thatarelistedseparatelyasstand-alonerecipes.Thishelpsyouplanmoreaccuratelyforthefulltimeittakestomakearecipe,aswellastogetallofthenecessaryingredientstogether.
Letyouringredientssoftenorcometoroomtemperaturewhenspecified.Althoughyoucanhurrythesethingsalongalittle(see“Time-SavingTips”onhere),youreallydon’twanttoskipthisstep.Properlysoftenedandwarmedingredientsmakeforsmootherbattersandcreamierdesserts.
Preheattheovenwhentheinstructionssaytodoso.Mostofthetime,thisisdoneatthebeginningofarecipesothattheovenisuptotemperaturewhenthebatterordoughisreadytobebaked.Butsomerecipesrequireyoutochillyourdoughfirstortomakesomeotherpartofthedessertaheadoftime.
Measureaccurately.Useliquidmeasuringcupsforliquidsanddrymeasuringcupsfordryingredients.Don’tpackyourdryingredientsunlessarecipespecificallystatesthatyoushould.Useakitchenscaleifyouhaveone.Doeverythingyoucantomeasureingredientsasaccuratelyaspossible.(See“WeighYourFloursandNutMeals”onhereforadiscussionoftheimportanceofweighingthesekeyingredients.) Usefresh,high-qualityingredients.Fresheggswillmakeyourbattersfluffierandyourpuddingstastier.Bakingpowderandbakingsodacanlosetheirleaveningabilityifthey’vebeensittingaroundtoolong.Andlow-qualitychocolatehasanastyhabitofseizingmoreeasily.
Usetheright-sizedpan.Trytousethesizeofpanspecifiedintherecipe.Ifyoumust,youcanuseapanthatiscloseinsize,butknowthatyourbakingtimewillchangeandyourresultswillbesomewhatdifferent.Isyourpansmaller?Yourbakingtimewillbelongerandyourbakedgoodwillbedeeper.Isyourpanlarger?Yourbakingtimewillbeshorterandyourbakedgoodwillbeshallower.Watchyourgoodiescarefullyastheybake,andusevisualandtactilecuestodeterminedoneness.
Grease…andgreaseagain.Iftheinstructionssaytogreaseapan,besuretogreaseitwell,gettingintoeverycrevice.Forcakes,whichcanbethemostpronetosticking,Iusuallygreasethepanwithsolidbutter,workingitintoeverycorner,andthenIbrushthepanwithmeltedcoconutoil.Foradairy-freealternative,youcouldusegheeorsolidcoconutoilandthenmeltedcoconutoil.Oruseparchmentpaperorsiliconelinerswhenpossible.Ketobakedgoodscanstickalittle,sodowhatyoucantominimizebreakageandcracking.
Bakeinthemiddleoftheoven.Unlessotherwisespecifiedinarecipe,themiddlerackoftheovenisthebestplaceforbakedgoods.Thisallowsheatto
circulateevenlyaroundthebakedgoods.Ifyourovenhasahotspottowardtheback,asminedoes,considerturningthepanaroundhalfwaythroughbaking.
Don’tbeaslavetotheclock.Mixingtimes,bakingtimes,andcookingtimesaremeanttobeguidelines,nothard-and-fastrules.Ovensandstovetopsvaryintemperature,pansvaryinweightandcolor,andsomemixers,foodprocessors,andblendersaremorepowerfulthanothers.Relymoreonthevisualandtactilecuesgivenintherecipetoknowwhentomoveontothenextstep.
TIME-SAVINGTIPS
Youreallycan’trushmostdesserts.Eventheeasiestsweetsrequireabitofcareandalittlepatiencetocomeoutreallywell.Iampossiblytheworld’smostimpatientperson(askmyhusband;hewillagreewiththiswholeheartedly),butI’velearnedthatadessertthatneedsthreehourstosetreallydoesneedthreehourstoset.Toooften,I’vecutintosomethingearlyonlytohavethefillingoozeoutallovermycountertop—notthelookIwasgoingfor.
Thatbeingsaid,thereareafewthingsyoucandotocutcornersandmakethingscometogetheralittlefaster.
Whenyou’reinahurry…
1.Thinksmallandspreadout.Individualservingsofmousseandpuddingaregoingtosetalotfasterthanawholebatchkeptinonebigbowl.Foodsbakedinindividualportions,likesmallramekinsormuffinpans,bakefaster.Asheetcake,whichhasmoresurfaceareaexposedtotheovenheat,bakesmuchfasteraswell.Almostanylargedessertcanbeportionedoutintoindividualservings,assumingyouhavetherightpansordishestoaccommodatethem.
2.Warmitup.Didyouforgettoallowtimeforyourbutterorcreamcheesetosoftenorforyoureggstocometoroomtemperature?Yeah,metoo.Idothisconstantly.Nottoworry;youcangentlysoftenbutterorcreamcheeseinthemicrowave—aboutfifteensecondsonhighpowerisallyouneed.Foreggs,justsettheminabowlofverywarmwaterfortenminutes.
3.Freezeit.Needadesserttosetalittlefaster?Popitinthefreezerforabit…butdon’tforgetaboutit.Don’tletitactuallyfreeze,becausethatmightchangetheconsistency.Butletitchilloutforawhile,andyoucanshaveanhourorpossiblytwofromthesettingtime.Ifindthatthisworkswellwithcheesecakesinparticular.Waittoaddanydecorativetouchesuntilafterthedesserthasset.Berriesandchocolatedrizzledon’tfaresowellinthefreezer.
4.Microwaveit.Thatbigboxsittingonyourcounteroroveryourstoveisaprettyhandytoolwhenyouneedtomeltbutter,chocolate,oranythingelsequickly.Buttheheatofamicrowavecanbeintense,soyouwanttomeltthingscarefully.Ialwaysdoitin30-secondincrementsonhighpower,stirringaftereachincrementuntilit’ssmooth.Ifyoudon’townamicrowave,youcanalwaysmeltingredientsonthestovetopoverlowheat.Whenitcomestochocolate,youshoulddoitdoubleboilerstyle,usingaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater.(Donotallowthebottomofthebowltotouchthewater.)5.Goforeasyelegance.Skipthefancydecoratingtechniques.Mostdessertsdon’tneeditanyway,andyouwillsaveyourselfalotoftimeandstress.Peoplealwaystellmehowbeautifulmydessertslook,butthetruthisthatIamalousycakeandcookiedecorator.Ihaveneitherthepatiencenortheinclinationtofutzaroundwithfrosting,althoughIlikemydessertstolookprettyandinviting.Considerusingtheseeasydecoratingtechniques:•Addadollopofwhippedcreamoradrizzleofmeltedchocolate.Thesethingshavetheaddedbenefitofhidinganymistakesyoumighthavemade.Iliketosaythatchocolateganache
fixeseverything!
•UseBundtpansandfuncakeorcandymoldsforinstantelegance—nodecoratingneeded.
•Embracetherusticlook.Ahundredyearsago,cakeswereservednaked,withoutpilesofsugaryfrostingslatheredalloverthem.Ifthecakeitselfistastyenough,whybotherwiththeextras?
•Inthatsamevein,asprinklingofpowderedsweetenerorcocoapowdercanaccentadessertnicely.Ortryshavingalittlebitofdarkchocolateoverthetop.Youcandothistothewholedessertorasyouplateindividualservings.
•Freshberriesandasprigofmintaddcontrastandbrightnesstoanydessert.Ifit’sacitrus-baseddessert,addathinsliceoflemonorlimeoralittlegratedzest.
Store-BoughtShortcuts
Sometimesyoureallyjustwantsomeoneelsetomakedessertforyou.Igetthat,Ireallydo.However,theketolifestylehasn’tcomequitethatfaryet,althoughIdoheartellofketobakeriesandgrocerystorespoppingupinvariouslocationsacrossthecountry.(DoesanyonevolunteertostartoneinPortland,Oregon?Prettyplease???)Asageneralrule,Isayit’sstillbesttomakeyourowndessertsathome,whereyoucancontroltheingredientsandyouknowexactlywhat’sgoingintoyourtreats.
Afewbrandsareventuringoutintotheworldofketobakingmixes.Onthewhole,Idon’treallyfindusingthesemixesthatmucheasierthanmakingdessertsfromscratch,asyoustillhavetomixthemupandbakethem.Buttheycansaveyouabitoftimeandafewdishesinapinch.Theycanalsobegreatforbakingwithkidsortakingwithyouwhentravelingifyouwillhaveaccesstoakitchen.
Therearealsobrandscreatingprepackagedcookiesandbrownies,andsomeofthemareprettydecent.Let’sbehonest:freshlymadeisalwaysgoingtotastebetterthanprepackaged,butthesedessertscanbegoodinapinchoronthego.
Asalwayswithstore-boughtproducts,youneedtobealabelreader.Theketogenicdietissuchahot-ticketitemthesedaysthatbrandsareusingthetermquiteloosely.Justbecausesomethingcallsitselfketo-friendlydoesn’tnecessarilymeanthatit’sappropriateforarealketolifestyle.
Herearemychoicesforthebestconveniencedessertsanddessertmixes.
BAKINGMIXES
GoodDee’s—Thisbrandofcookie,brownie,andcakemixeswasstartedbyDeanaKarim,whofollowsalow-carblifestyleherself.Shewantedbetteroptionsthantheartificialsweetener–filledmixesonthemarket,soshecreatedherown,andIthinkshe’sdoneagreatjob.Thesegetathumbs-upfrommykids!
Swerve—I’vebeenholdingthiscardclosetomychestforawhile,asIhavehadthedistincthonoroftest-drivingandphotographingSwerve’snewlineofbakingmixes.Itincludesavanillacakemix,achocolatecakemix,andachocolatechip
cookiemix.Theyarefantastic—howcouldIexpectanylessfromthemakersofmyfavoriteketosweetener?ThechocolatecakemixissogoodthatIamsortofjealousIdidn’tdevelopitmyself.Truth.
PREPACKAGEDCOOKIES
KetoKookie—Frankly,thisistheonlyprepackagedcookiethatwinsmywholeheartedapproval.OthersIhavetriedaretasteless,orIsimplydon’ttrusttheingredients.IhavetestedKetoKookiesonmyself,andtheybarelyraisemybloodsugar.Theyhavebecomemygo-tochoiceoftravelsnacks.
ICECREAMANDICECREAMBARS
Treadcarefullyhere,myfriend.Therearealotoflow-sugaricecreamsandfrozendessertsonthemarketnowadays.Somecontainquestionableingredients(includingsugar!),andmanyreallyaren’tthatlow-carb.Onecallsitselfketo-friendly,butit’salsononfat,whichformedefeatsthepurpose.IfyouwanttousebrandslikeHaloToporEnlightened,stickwiththeplainflavorsandconsumethemsparingly.
Butthereisanewkidintown,andIamreallyexcitedaboutit.RebelCreameryisjustabouttolaunch,anditistrulyaketoicecream—high-fat,low-carb,no-
sugar-added,creamygoodness.Iamdelightedthatsomeoneisfinallyansweringthecallfortherealdeal.RebelCreamerysentmesomeoftheirchocolateicecreamtotry,andittastesverymuchlikemyChocolateFatBombIceCream(here),soIapprove.Watchforthem…Iexpectgreatthings!
CHOCOLATEHAZELNUTSPREAD
Therearealotofthesespreadsonthemarket,and,asachocolatehazelnutaficionado,Icansaythatsomearebetterthanothers.IthinkI’vetriedthemall.Thoughmyhomemadeversion(seehere)ismyfavorite,Isometimesbuythejarredkindfortheconveniencefactor.
NutiLight—Thisoneisquitegoodandcomesinbothdarkchocolateandmilkchocolatevarieties.Imuchpreferthedarkchocolate.
NougatCrèmebyKZCleanEating—ThisSwissbrandismyfavoritebyfar.It’sincrediblycreamyandrich;Iliketosmearabitonapieceoflow-carbchocolatewhenI’minthemoodforaquickdessert.Butit’salsomuchmoreexpensivethanotherbrands,soIuseitverysparingly.
MIX-AND-MATCHDESSERTS
Itismydearestwishthatyouwillnotthinkoftherecipesinthisbookasfaitsaccomplis,butasbuildingblocksforcreatingotherwonderfuldesserts.Themarkofagreathomecookistheabilitytorecognizehowthevariouscomponentsofadishmightbeusedtomakeanotherentirelydifferentdish.Iwantthisbooktobeasourceofinspirationandajumping-offpointintothesweetsideofketo.
Hereareafewfunideastogetyoustarted:
HOWTOUSETHERECIPES
EasyKetoDessertscontainsmorethanfiftylow-carb,high-fatdessertrecipesandten“extras”—versatilebasics,garnishes,andsaucesthatwilltakeyourhealthydessertstothenextlevel.Asiscommonforcakes,cookies,andbars,manyoftheserecipesserveeighttotwelvepeople,butIhavelistedstorageinstructionsforanyrecipethatyieldsmorethansixservings.Ihavealsoincludedanumberofsmall-batchrecipesthatservefourorfewer,becausesometimesyouneedasweettreatwithouthavingabunchofleftovershangingaround.
Becausesomanydessertstaketimetosetproperly,Ihaveincludedanyinactivetimerequiredforeachrecipe,alongwiththepreptimeandcooktime.
QuickReferenceIcons
Needabigdessertforaparty?Wantatastytreatinaninstant?Lookforthesevisualcuesthattellyoualittlesomethingextraabouteachrecipe.AndbesuretocheckouttheRecipeQuickReferenceonhereandheretofindtheeasydessertrecipethatfitsyourneeds.
No-Bake—Don’tfeelliketurningonyouroven?Theseno-bakeketodessertsaresuretosatisfy.
FreezerFriendly—Thesearedessertsthatyoucanmakeawholebigbatchofandthenputawayforwhenthecravingsstrike.
Wrapthemuptightlytopreventfreezerburn!
SmallBatch—Ifit’sjustyoueatingketo,orjustyouandyoursignificantother,youdon’talwayswantalotofsweettreatshangingabout.Inthatcase,makeoneoftheserecipesthatservefourorfewer.IhighlyrecommendtheStrawberryRhubarbCrispforTwo(here)!
FeedsaCrowd—Ack!You’vebeentoldthatyouneedtobringadesserttoanofficeparty,churchpotluck,orbackyardget-togethertoshare.Thesedessertsservetwelveormore,andtheyjustmightwinoverafewnewketoconverts.
AlmostInstant—Allofasudden,youwantasweettreat,andyouwantitnow!Allofthesedessertsarereadyinunderfortyminutesfromstarttofinish.Youcanwhiponeupandhaveitreadyinlesstimethanittakestomakeandeatyourdinner.
Iwanttheserecipestobeusefulandaccessibletoasmanypeopleaspossible,soIhaveincludediconstoindicatewhichrecipesarefreeofcommonallergens.
Dairy-Free—Morethan50percentoftherecipesinEasyKetoDessertsaredairy-freeorhaveadairy-freeoption.Youwillfindalotofgreattreatshereifyouareavoidingthecreamywhitestuff.
Egg-Free—Makinglow-carbbakedgoodswithouteggsisdefinitelytricky,butnotimpossible.Wellover50percentoftherecipesinthisbookareegg-freeaswell—mostlytheno-bakeones,butafewofthebakedgoods,too.
Nut-Free—Nutmealsandfloursarebyfarthemostusefullow-carbflouralternatives,somanyoftherecipesinthisbookrelyonthem.Butjustunderhalfoftheserecipesarenut-free.ThebestreplacementfornutfloursthatIhaveeverusedissunflowerseedflour,soIsuggestyoulookintothatifyouwanttomakeevenmoreoftheserecipesnut-free.(Ihavearecipeformakingsunflowerseedflourandanaccompanyingvideoonmywebsite,AllDayIDreamAboutFood.)
NutritionalInformation
Thiscookbookisaboutenjoyingthehealthyketolifestyletoitsfullest.Tothisend,foreachrecipeIhaveincludedkeynutritionalinformationperserving:calories,fat,protein,totalcarbohydrate,andfiber.Pleasenotethaterythritolistechnicallyconsideredacarbohydrate,butithaszerocarbimpactformostpeople.Itismetabolizedandexitsthebodywithouteverenteringthebloodstream.Forthepurposesoftheketodiet,itshouldnotbecountedinthetotalcarbohydrates,althoughIhaveincludeditasaseparatelineitemforanyonewhomightneedthatinformation.
AllnutritionalinformationwascalculatedusingMacGourmet,asoftwareprogramthatreliesontheUSDANationalNutrientDatabase.Istrivetobeasaccurateaspossible,butthesenumbersareoftenonlyestimatesbasedontheaveragesizesofcertainingredients.Iencourageyoutocalculateyourownnutritionalinformationwheneverpossible.
CHAPTER1:
CANDYANDCONFECTIONS
PeppermintPatties
Chocolate-CoveredCheesecakeBites
MapleWalnutFudgeCups
ToffeeAlmondBark
MacadamiaCoconutTruffles
PeanutButterandJamCups
WatermelonLimeGummies
PEPPERMINTPATTIES
Yield:12patties(1perserving)PrepTime:20minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:2hoursIusedtoloveYorkPeppermintPatties—allthatbrightpeppermintflavorenrobedindarkchocolate.Whoknewitwouldbesoeasytomakeyourownsugar-freeanddairy-freeversion?Oh,andmaybeIshouldsayguilt-free,too.½cupcoconutoil,slightlysoftened2tablespoonscoconutcream(fromacanofcoconutmilk;seeTip)½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonpeppermintextract3ouncessugar-freedarkchocolate,chopped½ouncecacaobutter,or1tablespooncoconutoilSWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenerisimportantherebecauseitgivesthepeppermintmixturesomestructure.Andyouwantapowdered,orconfectioners’-style,sweetenertoavoidgrittiness.
1.Inamediumbowl,beatthecoconutoilandcoconutcreamwithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.
2.Addthesweetenerandpeppermintextractandbeatuntilwellcombined.
3.Lineabakingsheetwithwaxpaperorparchmentpaper.Dollopaheapingtablespoonofthemixtureontothepaperandspreaditintoa1½-inchcircle.Repeatwiththeremainingmixtureandfreezeuntilfirm,about2hours.
4.Inaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater,meltthechocolateandcacaobuttertogether,stirringuntilsmooth.Removethepanfromtheheat.
5.Workingwithonepattyatatimeandkeepingtheotherpattiesinthefreezertostayfirm,dropapattyintothemeltedchocolate.Tosstocoatwellandliftout
withafork,tappingtheforkfirmlyontheedgeofthebowltoremovetheexcesschocolate.
6.Placethepattyonawaxpaperorparchmentpaper–linedbakingsheetandletset.Repeatwiththeremainingpatties.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesepeppermintpattieswilllastforupto2weeksinthefridge,ifyoucanresistthemthatlong!Theycanalsobestoredinthefreezerforuptoamonth,althoughthecolorofthechocolatecoatingmayturnalittlegrayoncefrozen.
TIP:Coconutcreamisthethickpartofthecoconutmilkthatrisestothetopofthecan.Simplyscoopitoutintablespoonsandlevelitoff,takingcaretonotgetanyofthethincoconutwaterunderneath.Youdonotwantthecoconutcreamchilled,ascoldcreamwouldbetoohardtobeatintothecoconutoil.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:126|FAT:13.6g|PROTEIN:0.4g|CARBS:2.9g|FIBER:1.4g|ERYTHRITOL:11.5g
CHOCOLATE-COVEREDCHEESECAKEBITES
Yield:24truffles(2perserving)PrepTime:20minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:3to4hoursTheseeasytruffleswereasurprisehitwithmykids,whousuallydisdaincheesecake.Asanexperiment,Iputsomefrozenraspberriesinafewofthem,andthosewereevenmorepopular.Ihighlyrecommendthatlittlevariation!1(8-ounce)packagecreamcheese,softened¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,softened½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonvanillaextract4ouncessugar-freedarkchocolate,chopped¾ouncecacaobutter,or1½tablespoonscoconutoilSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thecheesecakefillingcanreallybesweetenedwithanysweeteneryoulike.
1.Lineabakingsheetwithwaxpaperorparchmentpaper.
2.Inalargebowl,beatthecreamcheeseandbutterwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombined.Beatinthesweetenerandvanillaextractuntilsmooth.
3.Usingwethands,rollthemixtureinto1-inchballsandplaceonthelinedbakingsheet.Freezeuntilfirm,3to4hours.
4.Inaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater,meltthechocolateandcacaobuttertogether,stirringuntilsmooth.Removethepanfromtheheat.
5.Workingwithoneballatatimeandkeepingtheotherballsinthefreezertostayfirm,dropaballintothemeltedchocolate.Tosstocoatwellandliftoutwithafork,tappingtheforkfirmlyontheedgeofthebowltoremovetheexcesschocolate.
6.Placetheballonawaxpaperorparchmentpaper–linedbakingsheetandallowtoset.Repeatwiththeremainingcheesecakeballs.
7.Drizzleanyremainingchocolatedecorativelyoverthecoatedballs.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesetrufflesarebestkeptinthefridge,wheretheywilllastforupto5days.However,theyhavethebestflavorandconsistencywhenservedatroomtemperature,sobesuretoletthemsitoutabitbeforeeating.Theycanalsobefrozenforuptoamonth,althoughthechocolatecoatingmayturnalittlegrayoncefrozen.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:146|FAT:13.5g|PROTEIN:1.6g|CARBS:4.6g|FIBER:1.9g|ERYTHRITOL:12gVARIATION:RASPBERRYCHEESECAKEBITES
Followthedirectionsontheoppositepage,butformthecheesecakeballaroundafrozenraspberry(using24raspberriesinall).Youcandothismosteasilybyflatteningthecheesecakeballintoadiscandthenplacingtheraspberryinthecenterandfoldingthediscaroundit.Proceedtofreezeandthendipinthe
meltedchocolateasdirected.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:148|FAT:13.5g|PROTEIN:1.7g|CARBS:5.2g|FIBER:2.2g|ERYTHRITOL:12g
MAPLEWALNUTFUDGECUPS
Yield:12cups(1perserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:1hourFakeit’tilyoumakeit,astheysay.Idon’ttouchrealmaplesyrup,butalittlemapleextractallowsmetoenjoyoneofmyfavoriteflavors.½cup(1stick)saltedbutter4ouncescoconutbutter¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonyacónsyrup(optional,forcolorandflavor)2½teaspoonsmapleextract¼cupchoppedtoastedwalnutsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thesecupsdonotrelyonbulkforconsistency,soanysweetenerwilldo.
1.Lineaminimuffinpanwith12siliconeorparchmentpaperliners.
2.Inamediumsaucepanoverlowheat,meltthebutterandcoconutbuttertogether,stirringuntilsmooth.
3.Whiskinthesweetener,yacónsyrup(ifusing),andmapleextract.Stirinthetoastedwalnuts.
4.Dividethemixtureamongthelinedminimuffincupsandrefrigerateuntilfirm,about1hour.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesecupsneedtoremainrefrigeratedforthebestconsistencyandwilllastforupto2weeks.Theycanalsobefrozenforuptoamonth.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:150|FAT:14.7g|PROTEIN:1.4g|CARBS:3.2g|FIBER:1.9g|ERYTHRITOL:5g
TOFFEEALMONDBARK
Yield:12servings(about1ounceperserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:15minutesInactiveTime:50minutesCoatingthealmondswithsugar-freetoffeetakesalmondbarktoawholenewlevel.ThissweettreatwasahugehitatourNewYear’sEvecelebrationthispastyear.3tablespoonsgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener2tablespoonssaltedbutter1cuprawalmonds¼teaspoonvanillaextractPinchofsalt6ouncessugar-freedarkchocolate,chopped½ouncecacaobutter,or1tablespooncoconutoilSWEETENEROPTIONS:Sorry,kids,butonlygranulatederythritoloranerythritolblendwilldohere.It’simpossibletomakesugar-freetoffeewithanyothersweetener.Believeme,I’vetried!
1.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.
2.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,combinethesweetenerandbutter,stirringuntilthesweetenerdissolves.Addthealmondsandbringtoaboil.Cookwithoutstirringuntilthebutterdarkenstoarichambercolor,5to7minutes.
3.Removefromtheheatandstirinthevanillaextractandsalt.Spreadthealmondsinasinglelayeronthelinedbakingsheetandletcoolfor20minutes.Breakupthealmondswithyourhands.
4.Inaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater,meltthechocolateandcacaobuttertogether,stirringuntilsmooth.Addthealmondsandtosstocoatwell.Spreadthismixtureonthesameparchment-linedbakingsheettoabout9inchessquare.
5.Refrigerateuntilset,about30minutes.Breakintopieceswithyourfingers.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thisbarkisfineonthecounterforuptoaweek.Youcanalsostoreitinthefridge.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:153|FAT:13.9g|PROTEIN:3.3g|CARBS:8.3g|FIBER:4.3g|ERYTHRITOL:6.8g
MACADAMIACOCONUTTRUFFLES
Yield:24truffles(2perserving)PrepTime:20minutesCookTime:—InactiveTime:1hourMacadamianutsarelikeMotherNature’sveryownfatbombs.Thesetrufflesarerichinhealthyketofatsandtastelikeyou’vebeenwhiskedawaytoatropicalisland.2cupsroastedunsaltedmacadamianuts⅔cupplus3tablespoonsunsweetenedshreddedcoconut,divided⅓cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener2tablespoonsgrass-fedcollagenpowder1tablespoonmeltedcoconutoil1teaspoonvanillaextract⅛teaspoonsaltSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youcansweetenthesetastytreatshoweveryouplease!
1.Placethemacadamianutsand⅔cupoftheshreddedcoconutinafoodprocessor.Processonhighuntilthemixturebeginstoclumptogetherintoaball.
2.Transferthenutmixturetoalargebowlandstirinthesweetener,collagen,meltedcoconutoil,vanillaextract,andsaltuntilwellcombined.
3.Spreadtheremaining3tablespoonsofshreddedcoconutonashallowplate.Lineabakingsheetwithwaxpaperorparchmentpaper.
4.Workingwithabout1tablespoonatatime,squeezethetrufflemixturetogetherinyourhandstocompactit,thenrollitintoaball.Rolleachballintheshreddedcoconutandplaceonthelinedbakingsheet.Refrigerateuntilfirm,about1hour.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesetruffleswillkeepforaboutaweekintherefrigeratororcanbefrozenuptoamonth.
TIP:Macadamianutsaresofattythattheycanquicklyturntobutterifyouprocessthemtoolong.Besuretoremovethemixturefromthefoodprocessorwhenitbeginstoclumptogetherintoonebigball.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:202|FAT:20.3g|PROTEIN:2.1g|CARBS:4.3g|FIBER:2.5g|ERYTHRITOL:6.6g
PEANUTBUTTERANDJAMCUPS
Yield:12cups(1perserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:10minutesInactiveTime:45minutesI’velovedthecombinationofpeanutbutterandraspberryjameversinceIwasachild.Iobviouslydon’tdothesandwichversionanymore,buttheseketocupsallowmetoenjoythatsalty-sweetflavorandfeelalittlelikeakidagain.¾cupfreshraspberries¼cupwater6to8tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener,divided1teaspoongrass-fedgelatin⅔cupcreamypeanutbutter(salted)⅔cupcoconutoilSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thepeanutbuttermixtureisbestmadewithapowderedbulksweetener,butyoucouldprobablygetawaywithanysweetenerifyoureallyprefer.
1.Lineastandard-sizemuffinpanwith12siliconeorparchmentpaperliners.
2.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,bringtheraspberriesandwatertoaboil,thenreducetheheatandsimmerfor5minutes.Mashtheberrieswithafork.
3.Stirin¼cupofthepowderedsweeteneruntilcombined.Whiskinthegelatin,thenletcoolwhileyoupreparethepeanutbuttermixture.
4.Inamicrowave-safebowl,combinethepeanutbutterandcoconutoil.Microwaveonhighpowerfor30to60seconds,untilmelted.Whiskin2to4tablespoonsofpowderedsweetener,dependingonhowsweetyoulikeit.Ipreferminelesssweet.
5.Spoonabout1tablespoonofthepeanutbuttermixtureintoeachcupandsetinthefreezertofirmup,about15minutes.
6.Dividetheraspberrymixtureamongthecupsandtopwiththeremainingpeanutbuttermixture.Refrigerateuntilfirm,about30minutes.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesecupsneedtostayrefrigeratedtobefirmenoughtoeat.Theywilllastforuptoaweek.
TIP:Notafanofpeanutbutter?Noproblem.Swapinyourfavoritenutorseedbutterhere.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:200|FAT:19.4g|PROTEIN:3.6g|CARBS:4.4g|FIBER:1.4g|ERYTHRITOL:10g
WATERMELONLIMEGUMMIES
Yield:About24minimuffin–sizepieces(4perserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:2hoursKetogummycandiesareeasyenoughtomake,butImanagedtomakethemeveneasierbyusingaflavoredsugar-freebeverage.Thisway,youdon’thavetopureeorstrainanyfruit,andcarbsarekepttothebareminimum.Youcouldhavesomuchfunwiththisrecipeandmakeanynumberofdifferentflavors.Mykidscouldn’tgetenoughofthesegummies;theyweregoneinoneday!1¼cupssugar-freewatermelon-flavoredbeverage(seeTip)⅓cupfreshlimejuice3tablespoonsgrass-fedgelatin2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener,plusmoreifdesiredSpecialequipment:Siliconeminimuffinpanorgummymold(optional)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Gowildwithwhateversweeteneryoupreferhere.DonotethatBaiisalreadysweetenedwitherythritol,soyouneedonlyaddsweetenertotaste.
1.Inamediumsaucepan,combinethewatermelon-flavoredbeverageandlimejuice.Whiskinthegelatinandsweetenerandbringtoasimmer,stirringuntilthegelatindissolves.Addmoresweetenertotaste.
2.Removefromtheheatandspoonintothesiliconemolds.Refrigerateuntilfirm,about2hours.Youcanalsolineasquarebakingpanwithparchmentpaperandpourthemixtureintothattochill.
3.Tounmold,simplypushthegummiesoutfromthebottomofthesiliconemold,orlifttheparchmentoutofthebakingpanandcutintosquares.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesegummiesneedtobekeptinthefridgesotheydon’tmelt.Theywilllastforuptoaweekortwo.
TIP:Thereareanumberofsugar-freeflavoredbeveragesonthemarket,withawiderangeofflavorstochoosefrom.Iliketheonesthataresweetenedwitherythritolorsteviaorboth,likeBai.Therearefruit-flavoredmixesanddropsthatyoucanaddtowateraswell.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:17|fat:0g|PROTEIN:3.1g|CARBS:1.1g|FIBER:0.1g|ERYTHRITOL:6.3g
CHAPTER2:
COOKIES
Slice-and-BakeVanillaWafers
Amaretti
PeanutButterCookiesforTwo
CreamCheeseCookies
ChewyDoubleChocolateCookies
No-BakePeanutButterCaramelCookies
ChocolateHazelnutThumbprints
Deep-DishChocolateChipCookies
SLICE-AND-BAKEVANILLAWAFERS
Yield:About40cookies(2perserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:15minutesInactiveTime:1to2hoursTheseshortbread-likecookiesaredeliciousontheirown,butpartoftheircharmishowtheypairwellwithotherdesserts,likeCannoliDessertDip(here).Andbecauseyoucankeepthecookielogsinthefreezerformonths,youcancutoffafewslicesanytimeyouhaveahankeringforafewcrisp,butterycookies.Iactuallyhavealoginmyfreezerrightnow!½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,softened½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1¾cups(175g)blanchedalmondflour2tablespoonscoconutflour½teaspoonvanillaextract¼teaspoonsaltSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thisrecipereallyreliesonabulkgranulatedsweetenertoachievetherightconsistency.
1.Inalargebowl,beatthebutterandsweetenerwithanelectricmixeruntillightenedandfluffy,about2minutes.Beatinthealmondflour,coconutflour,vanillaextract,andsaltuntilwellcombined.
2.Dividethedoughevenlybetween2sheetsofwaxpaperorparchmentpaperandrolleachportionintoalogabout1½inchesindiameter.Wraptightlyinthepaperandfreezefor1to2hours.
3.Preheattheovento325°Fandline2bakingsheetswithparchmentpaperorsiliconebakingmats.Usingasharpknife,slicethedoughcrosswiseinto¼-inchslices.Placeonthelinedbakingsheets,leavingabout1inchbetweenwafers.
4.Bakefor5minutes,thenremovefromtheovenanduseaflat-bottomedglasstoflattenthecookiesslightly.Bakeforanother8to10minutes,untilthe
edgesarejustgolden.Removefromtheovenandletcoolonthepans.Thecookieswillstillbequitesoftwhentheycomeoutoftheovenbutwillfirmupastheycool.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:TryusingthesecookiestosandwichalittleoftheChocolateButtercreamFrosting(here).Divine!
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Youcankeeptheunbakedlogsofdoughinthefreezerfor2to3months.Thebakedcookiesarebeststoredonthecounterforupto5days.
TIP:Oncethedoughhasbeeninthefreezerformorethan2hours,itcanfreezeveryhard.Setitoutonthecountertosoftenjustlongenoughthatyoucansliceitwithoutshatteringit.Fifteenminutesoughttodo.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:101|FAT:9.3g|PROTEIN:2.2g|CARBS:2.5g|FIBER:1.3g|ERYTHRITOL:6g
AMARETTI
Yield:About20cookies(2perserving)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:22minutesAmarettiareclassicItalianalmondcookiesmadewithalmondmealandeggwhites.Theyareslightlycrispyandslightlychewy,andperfectwithanespresso.Thisrecipeisagreatwaytouseupleftovereggwhitesaftermakingaketocustardorpudding.2cups(165g)slicedalmonds,plusextraforgarnishifdesired½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener,plusextrafordustingifdesired4largeeggwhites½teaspoonalmondextractPinchofsaltSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youreallyhavetouseabulksweetenerhere.Youcandoallgranulatedandskipthepowderedversionaslongasyoumakesuretogrinditwellwiththeslicedalmonds,butthismixofthetwosweetenersgivesthecookiesthebestconsistency.
1.Preheattheovento300°Fandline2bakingsheetswithparchmentpaper.Lightlygreasetheparchment.
2.Inafoodprocessor,processtheslicedalmonds,granulatedsweetener,andpowderedsweeteneruntilthemixtureresemblescoarsecrumbs.
3.Inalargebowl,useanelectricmixertobeattheeggwhiteswiththealmondextractandsaltuntiltheyholdsoftpeaks.Carefullyfoldthealmondmixtureintotheeggwhitesuntiljustcombined.
4.Useacookiescooportablespoontodropthemixtureontothepreparedbakingsheets,leavingabout1inchbetweenthem.Ifdesired,gentlypressanalmondsliceontopofeachcookie.Bakefor22minutes,untiljustbrownaroundtheedges.Theywillfeellikejellywhenpokedbutwillfirmupasthey
cool.
5.Removefromtheovenandletcoolcompletelyonthebakingsheets.Whencool,gentlypeelthecookiesofftheparchment.Ifdesired,dusteachcookiewithpowderedsweetener.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesecookiesarebestkeptonthecounterforupto5days.
TIP:Ioptedforslicedalmondsthatstillhadsomeskinonthemforamorerusticlook,butyoucoulduseblanchedalmondflourforafinerconsistency.JustbesuretoweighthealmondfloursothatitmatchestheexactweightI’vegivenhere.Otherwise,yourcookieswillbetoodenseandheavy.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:117|FAT:8.8g|PROTEIN:5.3g|CARBS:4.1g|FIBER:2.3g|ERYTHRITOL:18g
PEANUTBUTTERCOOKIESFORTWO
Yield:2cookies(1perserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:12minutesIfyouarelikeme,youhavelittleself-controlaroundfreshlybakedpeanutbuttercookies,especiallyoneswithchocolatechips,likethese.Thissmall-batchversionsolvesthatproblem!1½tablespoonscreamypeanutbutter(salted)1tablespoonunsaltedbutter,softened2tablespoonsgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener2teaspoonslightlybeatenegg(seeTip)¼teaspoonvanillaextract2tablespoonsdefattedpeanutflour⅛teaspoonbakingpowderPinchofsalt2teaspoonssugar-freechocolatechipsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenerwillgivethesecookiesabetterconsistency,butyoumightbeabletogetawaywithanon-bulksweetenerhere.
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandlineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaperorasiliconebakingmat.
2.Inasmallbowl,beatthepeanutbutter,butter,andsweetenerwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombined.Beatintheeggandvanillaextract.
3.Addthepeanutflour,bakingpowder,andsaltandmixuntilthedoughcomestogether.Dividethedoughinhalfandrolleachhalfintoaball.
4.Placethedoughballsonthelinedbakingsheetandpresseachballintoadiscabout½inchthick.Topeachdiscwith1teaspoonofchocolatechips,pressingthemintothedoughtoadhere.
5.Bakefor10to12minutes,untilpuffedandjustbarelygoldenbrown.Removefromtheovenandletcoolonthepan.Thecookieswillstillbeverysoftwhen
theycomeoutoftheovenbutwillfirmupastheycool.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Substitutesoftenedcoconutoilforthebutter.
TIP:Tomeasureout2teaspoonsofegg,simplybeattheegglightlyinabowlfirst.Thisbreaksuptheproteinsandcombinestheeggwhitewiththeyolk.Youcansavetherestoftheeggforyourbreakfast.Thisrecipealsoworkswellwithcartoneggwhites,ifyouprefer.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:163|FAT:13.2g|PROTEIN:4.9g|CARBS:5.7g|FIBER:1.9g|ERYTHRITOL:16g
CREAMCHEESECOOKIES
Yield:About24cookies(2perserving)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:12minutesCreamcheesemakesforunbelievablytendercookies.Thesearepuffyandsoftandalmostsomewherebetweencookieandcake.Theyneednothingmorethanasprinkleofpowderedsweetenerforgarnish.4ouncescreamcheese(½cup),softened¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,softened½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1largeegg,roomtemperature½teaspoonvanillaextract1½cups(150g)blanchedalmondflour1teaspoonbakingpowder¼teaspoonsaltPowderederythritol-basedsweetener,fordustingSWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenerhelpsgivethesecookiesstructure.Theymaynotfaresowellwithanon-bulksweetener.
1.Preheattheovento350°Fandlineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaperorasiliconebakingmat.
2.Inalargebowl,beatthecreamcheeseandbutterwithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.Addthesweetenerandcontinuetobeatuntilwellincorporated.Beatintheeggandvanillaextract.
3.Whisktogetherthealmondflour,bakingpowder,andsaltinamediumbowl,thenaddtheflourmixturetothecreamcheesemixtureandstiruntiljustcombined.
4.Dropthedoughbyroundedtablespoonsontothelinedbakingsheet;thebatterwillbequitesticky.Pressthecookiesdownlightlywiththeheelofyourhandtoflattenthemslightly.
5.Bakefor10to12minutes,untilpuffed.Thecookieswillstillbeverysoftand
lightincolor.Removefromtheovenandletcoolcompletelyonthepan.Whencool,dustwithpowderedsweetener.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesecookiescanbestoredonthecounterforupto4daysorinthefridgeforuptoaweek.Theycanalsobefrozenforuptoamonth.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:154|FAT:13.7g|PROTEIN:4.1g|CARBS:3.4g|FIBER:1.5g|ERYTHRITOL:10g
CHEWYDOUBLECHOCOLATECOOKIES
Yield:About20cookies(2perserving)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:12minutesThesecookiesowetheirchewinesstotheadditionofgrass-fedgelatin.Weirdbuttrue,anditreallyworks!¾cupplus2tablespoons(88g)blanchedalmondflour3tablespoonscocoapowder1tablespoongrass-fedgelatin½teaspoonbakingsoda½teaspoonsalt¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,softened¼cupcreamyalmondbutter(unsalted)½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1largeegg,roomtemperature½teaspoonvanillaextract⅓cupsugar-freechocolatechipsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thesecookiesarebestmadewithabulksweetener.
1.Preheattheovento350°Fandline2bakingsheetswithparchmentpaperorsiliconebakingmats.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,cocoapowder,gelatin,bakingsoda,andsalt.
3.Inalargebowl,beatthebutter,almondbutter,andsweetenerwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombined.Beatintheeggandvanillaextract,thenbeatinthealmondflourmixtureuntilthedoughcomestogether.Stirinthechocolatechips.
4.Rollthedoughinto1-inchballsandplaceafewinchesapartonthelinedbakingsheets.Usetheheelofyourhandtopressthecookiesdowntoabout½inchthick.
5.Bakefor12minutes,untilthecookieshavespreadandpuffedupabit.Theywillstillbeverysofttothetouch.Removefromtheovenandletcool
completelyonthepan.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usecoconutoilinplaceofthebutter.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thecookiesarefineonthecounterforupto5daysorcanbekeptinthefridgeforuptoaweek.Thebestwaytofreezethemisunbaked.Simplyrolltheballs,laythemoutonaparchment-linedbakingsheet,andfreeze.Oncetheyaresolid,youcanpopthemintoabagoracontainer,andtheywillkeepforupto2months.Tobakefromfrozen,simplyletthemthawonabakingsheet.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:180|FAT:15.1g|PROTEIN:5.5g|CARBS:6.9g|FIBER:3.4g|ERYTHRITOL:12g
NO-BAKEPEANUTBUTTERCARAMELCOOKIES
Yield:16cookies(1perserving)PrepTime:5minutes(notincludingtimetomakecaramelsauce)CookTime:10minutesInactiveTime:1hourPeanutbutterandcaramelareamatchmadeindessertheaven—especiallywhentheycometogetherinaneasy-to-makeno-bakecookie.1recipeCaramelSauce(here)¾cupcreamypeanutbutter(salted)½teaspooncaramelorvanillaextract¾cupunsweetenedflakedcoconut¾cupslicedalmonds3ouncesporkrinds,finelycrushed(about1⅓cups)¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetenerSWEETENEROPTIONS:Apowderedbulksweetenerworksbesthere.
1.Lineabakingsheetwithwaxpaperorparchmentpaper.
2.Inasaucepanoverlowheat,stirthecaramelsauceandpeanutbutteruntilmeltedandsmooth.Stirintheextractandremovefromtheheat.
3.Inafoodprocessor,pulsetheflakedcoconutandslicedalmondstogetheruntilthemixtureresemblesoatmeal.
4.Addthecoconutandalmondmixture,crushedporkrinds,andsweetenertothecaramelmixtureandstirtocombinewell.
5.Dropthemixturebyroundedtablespoonsontothelinedbakingsheet,leavingabout2inchesbetweenthem.Pressthecookieswiththepalmofyourhandtoflattenthem.
6.Refrigerateforabout1hourtofirmup.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesesoftcookiesarebestkeptinthefridge.Theywilllastforuptoaweek.
TIP:Doesitseemoddtoputporkrindsinadessert?Well,itworks!Itgivesthecookiesalittlecrunchaswellascutsdownoncarbs.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:200|FAT:16.6g|PROTEIN:7.3g|CARBS:5.1g|FIBER:1.7g|ERYTHRITOL:9.4g
CHOCOLATEHAZELNUTTHUMBPRINTS
Yield:24cookies(2perserving)PrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakechocolatehazelnutspread)CookTime:18minutesHi,mynameisCarolyn,andIamobsessedwithchocolateandhazelnut.2cups(200g)hazelnutmeal½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonbakingpowder¼teaspoonsalt1largeegg¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedbutnothot½teaspoonvanillaextract½cupHomemadeChocolateHazelnutSpread(here)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Thesecookiescanbesweetenedwithanysweeteneryouprefer.
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandlineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaperorasiliconebakingmat.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthehazelnutmeal,sweetener,bakingpowder,andsalt.Stirintheegg,meltedbutter,andvanillaextractuntilthedoughcomestogether.
3.Rollthedoughinto1-inchballsandplaceafewinchesapartonthelinedbakingsheet.Presstheballsdownwiththepalmofyourhandtoabout½inchthick.Useyourthumbtomakeawellinthecenterofeachcookie.
4.Bakefor15to18minutes,untilgoldenbrownaroundtheedgesandjustfirmtothetouch.Removefromtheovenandletcoolcompletelyonthepan.
5.Oncecool,dababout1teaspoonofthechocolatehazelnutspreadintoeachwell.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usecoconutoilinplaceofthebutter.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesecookiesarebeststoredinthefridge,asthefillingcanbeprettygoopyotherwise.ButIliketheflavorsbestatroomtemperature,soIalwaysletthemsitoutfor15minutesorsobeforeeatingthem.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:220|FAT:20.1g|PROTEIN:4.3g|CARBS:4.9g|FIBER:2.9g|ERYTHRITOL:12.5g
DEEP-DISHCHOCOLATECHIPCOOKIES
Yield:2cookies(1perserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:20minutesGooeychocolatechipcookieswarmfromtheoven—isthereanythingbetter?3tablespoonsunsaltedbutter3tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener1tablespoonlightlybeatenegg(seeTip,here)⅛teaspoonvanillaextract¼cup(25g)blanchedalmondflour¼teaspoonbakingsoda1tablespoonsugar-freechocolatechipsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenerwillgivethesecookiesthebestconsistency,butyoucouldreallyusealmostanythinghere.
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandgreasetwo4-ounceramekinsorcutelittle3½-inchcast-ironskillets,ifyoucanfindthem!
2.Inamicrowave-safebowl,microwavethebutteronhighuntilmelted,about30seconds.Stirinthesweeteneruntildissolved,thenstirinthebeateneggandvanillaextract.
3.Addthealmondflourandbakingsodaandstiruntilwellcombined.Dividethedoughbetweenthegreasedramekinsandpresstotheedges.Dividethechocolatechipsbetweentheramekinsandpressgentlyintothedough.
4.Bakefor15to20minutes,untilgoldenbrownbutstillsofttothetouch.Thebakingtimewilldependsomewhatonhowdeepyourramekinsare.
5.Removefromtheovenandletcoolintheramekinsforafewminutesbeforeserving.Eatdirectlyfromtheramekinwithaspoon.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usecoconutoilinplaceofthebutter.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:ThesecookiesareabsolutelydreamywithsomeVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here),traditionalWhippedCream(here),orCoconutWhippedCream(here).
TIP:Ifyouonlyhavebiggerramekins,youcanbakebothservingsinone8-ounceramekin.Thebakingtimewillincrease.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:275|FAT:25.7g|PROTEIN:4.6g|CARBS:5.6g|FIBER:2.5g|ERYTHRITOL:22.5g
CHAPTER3:
BARS
No-BakeChocolate“Oatmeal”Bars
SugarCookieBars
Dairy-FreePeanutButterBars
No-BakeBlueberryCheesecakeBars
One-BowlBrownies
Dairy-FreeCoconutBars
No-BakeFrenchSilkPieBars
NO-BAKECHOCOLATE“OATMEAL”BARS
Yield:16bars(1perserving)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:10minutesInactiveTime:1hourIusedtolovetheoatmealfudgebarsfromStarbucks.Withtheserich,oatmeal-likebars,Idon’tmissthemanylonger.Grindingupflakedcoconutandslicedalmondsmakesagreatoatmealsubstitute.
CRUST:1cupunsweetenedflakedcoconut1cupslicedalmonds½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonyacónsyrup(optional)½teaspoonvanillaextract1cup(100g)blanchedalmondflour¼teaspoonsaltFILLING:1¼cupsheavywhippingcream4ouncesunsweetenedchocolate,finelychopped2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Boththecrustandthefillingreallyneedabulksweetenerforconsistency.Thesweetenerforthefillingshouldbeapowderedversiontoavoidgrittiness.
TOMAKETHECRUST:
1.Linea9-inchsquarebakingpanwithparchmentpaper,leavinganoverhangforeasyremoval.
2.Inafoodprocessor,processthecoconutandslicedalmondsuntiltheyresemblegrainsofoatmeal.Setaside.
3.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,bringthebutter,sweetener,yacónsyrup(ifusing),andvanillaextracttoalowboil,whiskingtocombinewell.Removefromtheheat.
4.Addthegroundcoconutandalmonds,almondflour,andsalt.Stiruntilwellcombined.Pressabouttwo-thirdsofthemixtureintothebottomofthelinedbakingpan.
TOMAKETHEFILLINGANDASSEMBLE:
5.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,bringthecreamjusttoasimmer.Removefromtheheatandaddthechoppedchocolateandbutter.Letsitfor4minutestomelt.
6.Addthesweetenerandvanillaextractandwhiskuntilwellcombinedandsmooth.
7.Pourthefillingoverthecrustinthepan.Sprinklewiththeremainingcrustmixtureandrefrigerateuntilfirm,about1hour.
8.Liftoutbytheoverhangingparchmentandcutinto16bars.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesebarswillkeepinthefridgeforuptoaweek,buttheyarebestservedatroomtemperature.Theycanbewrappeduptightlyandfrozenforuptoamonth.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:275|FAT:25.5g|PROTEIN:4.4g|CARBS:6.5g|FIBER:3.2g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
SUGARCOOKIEBARS
Yield:16bars(1perserving)PrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakesprinkles)CookTime:18minutesNodessertcookbookwouldbecompletewithoutasugarcookierecipe.Pressingthedoughintoapanallowsyoutoskipthetime-consumingtaskofrollingandcuttingthecookiesindividually,andyoustillgetthesamegreatflavor.
BARS:2cups(200g)blanchedalmondflour2tablespoonscoconutflour½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonbakingpowder¼teaspoonsalt½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedbutnothot1largeegg½teaspoonvanillaextractVANILLAFROSTING:½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,softened2ouncescreamcheese(¼cup),softened½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener2to4tablespoonsheavywhippingcream,roomtemperature½teaspoonvanillaextractNaturalredfoodcoloring(optional)1tablespoonCoconutSprinkles(here)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenergivesboththebarsandthefrostingthebestconsistency,butyoucangetawaywithanon-bulksweeteneraswell.
TOMAKETHEBARS:
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandgreasea9-inchsquarebakingpan.
2.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,coconutflour,granulatedsweetener,bakingpowder,andsalt.Stirinthebutter,egg,andvanillaextractuntilwellcombined.
3.Spreadthedoughevenlyinthegreasedbakingpanandbakeuntiltheedges
aregoldenbrown,about18minutes.Thecenterwillstillbeverysoft.Removefromtheovenandletcoolcompletelyinthepan.
TOMAKETHEFROSTINGANDASSEMBLE:
4.Inamediumbowl,beatthebutterandcreamcheesewithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.Beatinthepowderedsweetener.
5.Addtheheavycream1tablespoonatatimeuntilthefrostingisspreadable.Beatinthevanillaextractandasmallamountoffoodcoloring,ifusing,untilwellcombined.
6.Spreadthefrostingevenlyoverthecooledcookieandsprinklewithcoconutsprinkles.Cutinto16bars.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesebarsshouldbekeptrefrigeratedandwilllastforupto5days.Theyarebestservedatroomtemperature.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:218|FAT:20.5g|PROTEIN:3.9g|CARBS:3.9g|FIBER:1.8g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
DAIRY-FREEPEANUTBUTTERBARS
Yield:16bars(1perserving)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:1hourAroundtheseparts,mypeanutbutterbarsarepracticallyfamous.Myfriendsandneighborsmakethemfrequently.Itookthisdairy-freeversiontoCrossFitandnaryacrumbwasleft.
BARS:¾cupcreamypeanutbutter(salted)½cupplus2tablespoonscoconutoil⅔cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonvanillaextract2cups(200g)defattedpeanutflour(seeTip)CHOCOLATEGLAZE:3ouncessugar-freedarkchocolate,chopped1tablespooncoconutoilSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thesedeliciousbarsdon’trequireabulksweetener,buttheymayneedalittlemorepeanutflourtofirmupproperlyifyouuseanon-bulksweetener.
TOMAKETHEBARS:
1.Linea9-inchsquarebakingpanwithparchmentpaper,leavinganoverhangforeasyremoval.
2.Placethepeanutbutterandcoconutoilinalargemicrowave-safebowl.Microwaveonhighpoweruntilmelted,thenwhiskuntilsmooth.Alternatively,youcanmeltthemtogetherinasaucepanoverlowheat.Stirinthesweetenerandvanillaextractuntilwellcombined.
3.Stirinthepeanutflouruntilthedoughcomestogether.Itshouldbeastiffdoughthatyoucanpickupwithyourhands.Ifit’stoosoft,addmorepeanutflour,1tablespoonatatime,untilitfirmsup.
4.Pressthedoughfirmlyandevenlyintothelinedbakingpan.Coverwithasheetofwaxpaperorparchmentpaperanduseaflat-bottomedglassormeasuringcuptopressandsmooththetop.
TOMAKETHEGLAZEANDASSEMBLE:
5Placethechocolateandcoconutoilinamicrowave-safebowl.Microwaveonhighpowerin30-secondincrements,stirringaftereachincrement,untilmeltedandsmooth.Youcanalsosetthebowloverapanofbarelysimmeringwaterandstirthechocolatemixtureuntilmelted.
6.Pourtheglazeoverthebarsanduseaknifeoranoffsetspatulatospreadittotheedges.Refrigeratefor1hour,untilthechocolateisset.
7.Liftoutbytheoverhangingparchmentandcutinto16bars.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:211|FAT:19g|PROTEIN:5.5g|CARBS:7.2g|FIBER:2.9g|ERYTHRITOL:11g
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesebarsarebestkeptintherefrigeratorandwilllastforatleastaweek.
TIP:Donotpackthepeanutflourasyoumeasureitout.It’sveryfineandpowdery,sopackingitcanmakeahugedifferenceintheoutcomeofthebars.Simplyscoopandlevel,asyouwouldwithanyflour.
NO-BAKEBLUEBERRYCHEESECAKEBARS
Yield:16bars(1perserving)PrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakecrust)CookTime:7minutesInactiveTime:2hoursThecreamyrichnessofcheesecakepairssodelightfullywiththetangysweetnessofblueberries.Ifyou’reacheesecakefan,thesebarsaresuretoplease.
BARS:1recipeEasyShortbreadCrust(here)2(8-ounce)packagescreamcheese,softened½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoongratedlemonzest¼cupheavywhippingcream,roomtemperatureBLUEBERRYTOPPING:1cupfrozenblueberries¼cupwater¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1tablespoonfreshlemonjuice¼teaspoonxanthangumFreshmint,forgarnish(optional)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Goaheadanduseanysweeteneryoulike,exceptforgranulatedbulksweeteners.Becausethesebarsarenotbaked,agranulatedsweetenerwouldbetoogritty.
TOMAKETHEBARS:
1.Presstheshortbreadcrustmixturefirmlyandevenlyintothebottomofa9-inchsquarebakingpan.Freezethecrustwhileyoupreparethecheesecakefilling.(Freezingthecrustwillhelpitholdtogetherwhenyouspreadthefillingontop.)2.Inalargebowl,useanelectricmixertobeatthecreamcheesewiththesweetenerandlemonzestuntilsmooth.Beatinthecreamuntilwellcombined.
3.Spreadthefillingoverthecrust.Refrigerateuntilfirm,atleast2hours.
TOMAKETHETOPPINGANDASSEMBLE:
4.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,bringtheblueberries,water,andsweetenertoaboil,thensimmerfor5minutes.
5.Removefromtheheatandstirinthelemonjuice.Sprinklewiththexanthangumandwhiskquicklytocombine.Letcoolbeforeusing.
6.Pourtheblueberrytoppingoverthecheesecake—eithertheentirepanorindividualservings.Garnishwithfreshmint,ifdesired.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Aswithanycheesecakedessert,thesebarsneedtobekeptinthefridgeandwilllastforupto5days.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:193|FAT:16.7g|PROTEIN:3.7g|CARBS:4.5g|FIBER:1.2g|ERYTHRITOL:16g
ONE-BOWLBROWNIES
Yield:16brownies(1perserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:20minutesThiseasy,dairy-freereciperesultsinfudgygoodness.TrythesebrownieswithalittleCoconutWhippedCream(here)ontopforsheerketodecadence!¾cupavocadooil¾cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener3largeeggs½teaspoonvanillaextract½cup(50g)blanchedalmondflour⅓cupcocoapowder½teaspoonbakingpowder¼teaspoonsalt½cupchoppedrawwalnutsorpecans(optional)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenerisimportanttogivetheseatruebrownietexture.
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandgreasea9-inchsquarebakingpan.
2.Inalargebowl,whisktogethertheoil,sweetener,eggs,andvanillaextract.
3.Addthealmondflour,cocoapowder,bakingpowder,andsaltandwhiskuntilwellcombined.Stirinthechoppednuts,ifusing.
4.Bakefor20minutes,oruntiltheedgesaresetbutthecenterisstillalittlesofttothetouch.Bakelongerifyouprefercakierbrownies.
5.Removefromtheovenandletcoolcompletelyinthepan.Thencutinto16squares.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Ifyoudon’tneedtobedairy-free,thesebrownieswouldbedreamytoppedwithChocolateButtercreamFrosting(here)orascoopofVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here).
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Becauseoftheirmoisturecontent,these
browniesarebestkeptinthefridgeforupto5days.Iliketoletthemcometoroomtemperaturebeforeeating.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:113|FAT:15.5g|PROTEIN:3.2g|CARBS:2.3g|FIBER:1.3g|ERYTHRITOL:11.3g
DAIRY-FREECOCONUTBARS
Yield:16bars(1perserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:1hour10minutesTheotherday,mynext-doorneighborcamechargingoutofhishousecallingmyname.IthoughtIwasintrouble!HeaccostedmesimplysohecouldraveaboutthecoconutbarsI’dleftonhisdoorstep.IthinktheytastealotlikeMoundsbars.OneofmyrecipetesterssuggestedaddingafewalmondstothetopforanAlmondJoy–likeversion.Isaythatpartisuptoyou!2cupsunsweetenedshreddedcoconut½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener3tablespoonsgrass-fedcollagenpowder½cupplus1tablespooncoconutoil,softened,divided¼cupfull-fatcoconutmilk½teaspooncoconutextract3ouncessugar-freedarkchocolate,choppedSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thesebarsrelyonapowderedbulksweetenerfortherightconsistency.
1.Linea9-inchsquarebakingpanwithparchmentpaper,leavinganoverhangforeasyremoval.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthecoconut,sweetener,andcollagen.Add½cupofthecoconutoil,thecoconutmilk,andcoconutextract.Stiruntilwellcombined.
3.Pressthecoconutmixturefirmlyandevenlyintothebottomofthelinedbakingpanandrefrigerateuntilfirm,about1hour.
4.Inaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater,stirthechoppedchocolateandremainingtablespoonofcoconutoiluntilmeltedandsmooth.Spreadthemeltedchocolatemixtureoverthechilledcoconutbaseandallowtoset,about10minutes.
5.Liftoutbytheoverhangingparchmentandcutinto16bars.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Becausethereisnodairyinthesebars,theycanstayoutonthecounterforafewdays,buttheydogetmightysoftthatway.Inthefridge,theycanlastforoveraweek.Iprefertheflavoratroomtemperature,buttheyaregoodeitherway.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:173|FAT:17.2g|PROTEIN:3.3g|CARBS:4.9g|FIBER:2.4g|ERYTHRITOL:8.6g
NO-BAKEFRENCHSILKPIEBARS
Yield:16bars(1perserving)PrepTime:30minutes(notincludingtimetomakecrustorwhippedcream)CookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:2hours10minutesAlthoughthesesilky-richchocolatebarsarealittleheavieronthepreptimethanmostrecipesinthisbook,theyrequirenobakingandarewortheverysecond!
BARS:1recipeEasyShortbreadCrust(here)3ouncesunsweetenedchocolate,chopped¾cup(1½sticks)unsaltedbutter,softened⅔cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonvanillaextract½teaspoonespressopowder(optional)¼teaspoonsalt3largeeggsGARNISH:¾recipeWhippedCream(here)½ouncesugar-freedarkchocolateSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youcouldprobablygetawaywithalmostanysweeteneryoupreferinthefilling.
TOMAKETHEBARS:
1.Presstheshortbreadcrustmixturefirmlyandevenlyintothebottomofa9-inchsquarebakingpan.Refrigeratethecrustwhileyoupreparethefilling.
2.Inaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater,meltthechocolate,stirringuntilsmooth.Alternatively,youcanmeltthechocolateinamicrowave-safebowlin30-secondincrements,stirringaftereachincrement.Removethebowlfromthepanandletcoolfor10minutes.
3.Inalargebowl,beatthebutterandsweetenerwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombinedandfluffy,about2minutes.Withthemixerrunning,slowlyaddthemeltedchocolate,beatinguntilsmooth.Addthevanillaextract,espresso
powder(ifusing),andsalt.
4.Addtheeggs,oneatatime,beatingfor5minutesaftereachaddition.Pourthefillingoverthechilledcrustandsmooththetop.Refrigerateuntilfirm,atleast2hours.
TOGARNISHTHEBARS:
5.Spreadthewhippedcreamovertheentirechilleddessertorpipeontoindividualbars.Gratethechocolateoverthetop.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:255|FAT:23.7g|PROTEIN:4.6g|CARBS:4.6g|FIBER:2.2g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesebarsmustbekeptchilled.Becausetheyaremadewithraweggs,theyshouldbeconsumedwithin3days.
TIPS:Ifyouareconcernedaboutconsumingraweggs,feelfreetousepasteurizedeggs,suchasSafestChoicebrand.
Ifyouwanttocuttheseintoperfectsquareswithstraightedges,makesuretoheatupanicesharpknifefirst.Iholdmineovertheflameofmygasstove,butyoucouldrunitunderboilingwateraswell.
CHAPTER4:
CAKES
MiniNo-BakeLemonCheesecakes
TiramisuSheetCake
SlowCookerChocolateCake
FunfettiMugCakes
DutchButterCake
OrangeCardamomBundtCake
PumpkinSpiceMugCakes
MININO-BAKELEMONCHEESECAKES
Yield:6minicheesecakes(1perserving)PrepTime:20minutesCookTime:—InactiveTime:2hoursPlacingindividualservingsofcheesecakeincupcakelinersmakesthemeasytobake,easytoserve,andeasytocleanup!
CRUST:½cupblanchedalmondflour2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener⅛teaspoonsalt2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,meltedFILLING:6ouncescreamcheese(¾cup),softened¼cupplus1tablespoonpowderederythritol-basedsweetener¼cupheavywhippingcream,roomtemperature2teaspoonsgratedlemonzest2tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice½teaspoonlemonextractNaturalyellowfoodcoloring(optional)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Apowderedbulksweetenerisyourbestbetforthisrecipe.
TOMAKETHECRUST:
1.Lineastandard-sizemuffinpanwith6siliconeorparchmentpaperliners.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,sweetener,andsalt.Stirinthemeltedbutteruntilthemixturebeginstoclumptogether.
3.Dividethecrustmixtureamongthepreparedmuffincupsandpressfirmlyintothebottoms.
TOMAKETHEFILLINGANDASSEMBLE:
4.Inamediumbowl,beatthecreamcheesewithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.
Beatinthesweeteneruntilfullyincorporated.
5.Beatinthecream,lemonzest,lemonjuice,andlemonextractuntilsmooth.Ifdesired,addyellowfoodcoloringjustadroportwoatatimeuntilalemon-yellowcolorisachieved.
6.Dividethefillingmixtureamongthepreparedmuffincups,fillingeachcupalmosttothetop,andsmooththetops.Tapthepanfirmlyonthecountertoreleaseanyairbubbles.
7.Placethemuffinpaninthefreezeruntilthefillingisfirm,about2hours.Peeltheparchmentorsiliconelinersawayfromthecheesecakesandplaceintherefrigeratoruntilreadytoserve.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:223|FAT:20.1g|PROTEIN:4g|CARBS:3.9g|FIBER:1.1g|ERYTHRITOL:17.5g
SERVINGSUGGESTION:GarnishwithalittleWhippedCream(here)andsomelemonslicesandgratedlemonzest.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Keepthecheesecakesrefrigeratedforuptoaweekorwrapthemindividuallyandfreezeforuptoamonth.
TIRAMISUSHEETCAKE
Yield:One11by17-inchcake(20servings)PrepTime:25minutesCookTime:22minutesPleasedon’tlookatthislongingredientlistandmulti-stepprocessandpanic.Ipromisethatthisisanincrediblyeasycaketoputtogether.Butit’salsoagreatoneforservingalargepartyandmakesaperfectspecial-occasiondessert.
CAKE:2cups(200g)blanchedalmondflour¾cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener⅓cup(37g)coconutflour⅓cupunflavoredwheyproteinpowder1tablespoonbakingpowder½teaspoonsalt¾cupunsweetenedalmondmilk½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedbutnothot3largeeggs1teaspoonvanillaextract¼cupespressoorstrongbrewedcoffee,cooled1tablespoondarkrum(optional)MASCARPONEFROSTING:8ouncesmascarponecheese,softened4ouncescreamcheese(½cup),softened½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonvanillaextract½to⅔cupheavywhippingcream,roomtemperatureGARNISH:1tablespooncocoapowder1ouncesugar-freedarkchocolateTOMAKETHECAKE:
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandthoroughlygreasean11by17-inchsheetpan.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,sweetener,coconutflour,proteinpowder,bakingpowder,andsalt.Addthealmondmilk,meltedbutter,eggs,andvanillaextractandwhiskuntilsmooth.
3.Spreadthebatterinthegreasedsheetpanandsmooththetop.Bakefor18to22minutes,untiltheedgesaregoldenbrownandthecakeisset.Removefromtheovenandletcoolinthepan.
4.Inasmallbowl,combinetheespressoandrum,ifusing.Brushoverthe
cooledcake.
TOMAKETHEFROSTING:
5.Inalargebowl,beatthemascarponeandcreamcheesewithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.Beatinthesweetenerandvanillaextract.
6.Add½cupofthecreamandbeatuntilsmooth.Addmorecreamasneededtothinthefrostingtoaspreadableconsistency.Spreadthefrostingoverthecooledcake.
TOGARNISHTHECAKE:
7.Dustthetopofthecakewiththecocoapowder.Gratethedarkchocolateoverthetop.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:238|FAT:21.2g|PROTEIN:6.3g|CARBS:5.1g|FIBER:2.3g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thiscakeshouldbestoredinthefridgeandwilllastforupto5days.It’sbestservedatroomtemperature.
TIP:Thecakeportionofthisrecipeisprettystandard.Ifyouomitthecoffeeandrum,itbecomesabasicyellowsheetcake.Feelfreetofrostitwithanythingyoulike!
SWEETENEROPTIONS:Thefrostingreallyreliesonapowderedbulksweetenerforthebestconsistency.Thecakecanbesweetenedwithyourpreferredsweetener.
SLOWCOOKERCHOCOLATECAKE
Yield:10servingsPrepTime:10minutesCookTime:2½hoursIfyou’veneverbakedinaslowcookerbefore,youareinforatreat.Itresultsinanincrediblymoistcakethatissodenseandrichthatitneedsnofrosting.Thiscakedoesn’tcomeoutoftheslowcookerinonepiece,sobepreparedtoserveitlikeasnackcake,inindividualslices.1cupplus2tablespoons(113g)blanchedalmondflour½cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener⅓cupcocoapowder1½teaspoonsbakingpowder¼teaspoonsalt3largeeggs6tablespoons(3/4stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedbutnothot⅔cupunsweetenedalmondmilk¾teaspoonvanillaextract⅓cupsugar-freechocolatechips(optional)Specialequipment:6-quartslowcookerSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youcangetawaywithusinganysweeteneryoulikeinthiscake.
1.Greasetheinsertofa6-quartslowcookerwell.Youcanuseasmallerslowcooker,butyourcakewilltakelongertocookthrough.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,sweetener,cocoapowder,bakingpowder,andsalt.Usingarubberspatula,stirintheeggs,meltedbutter,almondmilk,andvanillaextractuntilwellcombined,thenstirinthechocolatechips,ifusing.
3.Pourthebatterintothegreasedslowcookerandcookonlowfor2to2½hours.Itwillbegooeyandlikeapuddingcakeat2hours,andmorecakeyandcookedthroughat2½hours.
4.Turnofftheslowcookerandletthecakecoolfor20to30minutes,thencutintopiecesandservewarm.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Useavocadooilormeltedcoconutoilinplaceofthebutter.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Thiscakeisgoodonitsown,butifyouwanttogildthelily,trysomeWhippedCream(here),VanillaBeanSemifreddo(here),orChocolatePeanutButterSauce(here).
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thiscakewilllastforupto5daysinthefridge.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:195|FAT:16.7g|PROTEIN:5.8g|CARBS:7.4g|FIBER:4.6g|ERYTHRITOL:13g
FUNFETTIMUGCAKES
Yield:2cakes(1perserving)PrepTime:5minutes(notincludingtimetomakesprinkles)CookTime:20minutesThesemugcakesaresofunandeasy,butIfoundthattheyhadabetterconsistencywhenbakedratherthanmicrowaved.Thatsaid,youcaneasilypoptheminthemicrowave,too.½cup(50g)blanchedalmondflour2tablespoonsgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonbakingpowderPinchofsalt1largeeggwhite2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,meltedbutnothot1tablespoonwater½teaspoonvanillaextract1tablespoonCoconutSprinkles(here)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Feelfreetosweetenthiscakewithyourpreferredsweetener.
1.Preheattheovento350°Fandgreasetwo4-ounceramekinsorovenproofmugs.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,sweetener,bakingpowder,andsalt.Stirintheeggwhite,meltedbutter,water,andvanillaextractuntilwellcombined.
3.Stirinthecoconutsprinklesanddividethebatterevenlybetweentheramekins.Bakefor18to20minutes,untilthetopsaregoldenandthecakesaresettothetouch.
4.Letcoolfor5minutes,theneatstraightfromtheramekinsorflipeachcakeoutontoaplatetoserve.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Useavocadooilormeltedcoconutoilinplaceofthebutter.
MICROWAVEINSTRUCTIONS:Usemicrowave-saferamekinsormugsandmicrowaveonhighpowerfor1to2minutes,untilthecakeshavepuffedupandarefirmtothetouch.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:TopwithalittleWhippedCream(here)andafewmorecoconutsprinkles.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:213|FAT:19.4g|PROTEIN:5.1g|CARBS:4.4g|FIBER:1.8g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
DUTCHBUTTERCAKE
Yield:One9-inchcake(8servings)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:30minutesInactiveTime:1hourThisisadessertwithanidentitycomplex.It’salow-carbversionoftheclassicDutchboterkoek,butit’snotreallylikeacake.It’smorelikearichbutterycookiebakedinapiepan.Buthey,whoamItojudge?Iftheycallitacake,Iwillcallitacake,too.⅔cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,softened1teaspoonalmondextract1largeegg,lightlybeaten,divided1½cups(150g)blanchedalmondflour½teaspoonbakingpowder½teaspoonsalt1tablespoonslicedalmondsSweeteneroptions:Thiscakereliesonapowderedbulksweetenerfortherightconsistency.
1.Preheattheovento350°Fandgreasea9-inchglassorceramicpiepan.
2.Inalargebowl,beatthesweetener,butter,andalmondextractwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombined.Addallbut2teaspoonsoftheeggandbeatin.Addthealmondflour,bakingpowder,andsaltandbeatuntiljustcombined.Thebatterwillbequitethick.
3.Spreadthebatterinthegreasedpiepanandsmooththetop.Brushtheremainingeggoverthetop.Sprinklewiththeslicedalmondsorarrangethealmondsinadecorativepattern.
4.Bakethecakefor25to30minutes,untilpuffedandgoldenbrown.Itwillstillbeverysoft.
5.Removefromtheovenandletcoolcompletelyinthepan.Refrigerateforatleast1hourtofirmupifyouwanttocutthecakeintoproperslices.It’salsowonderfulscoopedoutofthepanlikeagooeybuttercake.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:TopwithWhippedCream(here),ifdesired.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Aftertheinitialchilling,thiscakecanstayout
onthecounterforupto3days.Itcanalsoremaininthefridgeforupto5days.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:240|FAT:22.1g|PROTEIN:5.6g|CARBS:4.9g|FIBER:2.3g|ERYTHRITOL:19.3g
ORANGECARDAMOMBUNDTCAKE
Yield:OneBundtcake(12servings)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:50minutesAflutedordecorativepangoesalongwaytowardmakingyourcakeslookelegantfromtheget-go.Butdon’tpanicifyoudon’thaveaBundtpan;a9-inchroundcakepanwilldojustfine,andthepowderedsweetenerwillmakeitlookpretty.3cups(300g)blanchedalmondflour⅔cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener¼cupeggwhiteproteinpowder1tablespoongroundcardamom2teaspoonsbakingpowder½teaspoonsalt3largeeggs½cupavocadooil¼cupwater2tablespoonsgratedorangezest¼cupfreshorangejuice1teaspoonorangeextract½teaspoonvanillaextractPowderederythritol-basedsweetener,fordustingSWEETENEROPTIONS:Abulksweetenerwillgivethiscakeabetterconsistency.
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandthoroughlygreasea10-to12-cupBundtpan.
2.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,granulatedsweetener,proteinpowder,cardamom,bakingpowder,andsalt.
3.Usingarubberspatula,stirintheeggs,oil,water,orangezest,orangejuice,andextractsuntilwellcombined.ScoopthebatterintothegreasedBundtpanandsmooththetop.
4.Bakethecakefor40to50minutes,untilgoldenbrownandfirmtothetouch.Letcoolinthepanfor15minutes,thengentlyloosenwitharubberspatulaandflipoutontoawireracktocoolcompletely.
5.Dustwithpowderedsweetenerbeforeserving.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thiscakewillbefineonthecounterfor2or3daysbutshouldberefrigeratedafterthat.Itwilllastforaboutaweekinthefridge.Ifyouwrapituptightly,itcanbefrozenforuptoamonth.
TIP:Theeggwhiteproteinpowderisn’tabsolutelynecessary,butithelpsthecakeriseandholditsshapebetter.Ifyoudon’tneedtobedairy-free,youcanusewheyproteinpowderinstead.Youcanalsotryusing½teaspoonxanthangumtohelpthecakeholdtogetherwithoutanyproteinpowder.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:237|FAT:24.5g|PROTEIN:9.1g|CARBS:7.6g|FIBER:3.3g|ERYTHRITOL:13.3g
PUMPKINSPICEMUGCAKES
Yield:2cakes(1perserving)PrepTime:3minutesCookTime:2minutesPumpkinissocloselyassociatedwithfall,butthetruthisthatit’sdeliciousanytimeofyear.IalwaysstockuponafewextracansofpumpkinpureesoIcanenjoyityear-round.Theseeasyflourlessmugcakesaredenseandmoist,ratherlikepumpkinpiefilling,sotheyshouldbeeatenrightoutofthemugs.¼cuppumpkinpuree3tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener1tablespoonavocadooilormeltedcoconutoil1tablespooncoconutflour¼teaspoonpumpkinpiespice¼teaspoonvanillaextract1largeeggSWEETENEROPTIONS:Anysweetenerwillworkinthisrecipe.
1.Inamediumbowl,whiskalloftheingredientstogetheruntilwellcombined.Dividethebatterbetweentwo4-ouncemicrowave-saferamekinsormugs.
2.Microwaveonhighpowerfor1to2minutes,untilthecakesarepuffedandjustset.Serveimmediately.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Justlikepumpkinpie,thesecakesaredivinewithalittleWhippedCream(here)orCoconutWhippedCream(here).Sprinklewithgroundcinnamonorpumpkinpiespice,ifdesired.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:99|FAT:9.7g|PROTEIN:4g|CARBS:4.9g|FIBER:2.2g|ERYTHRITOL:22.5g
CHAPTER5:
PIESANDTARTS
MochaCreamPie
CoconutCustardPie
LemonCurdTartlets
Dairy-FreeFruitTarts
ChocolateHazelnutBrowniePie
StrawberryRhubarbCrispforTwo
MOCHACREAMPIE
Yield:One9-inchpie(10servings)PrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakecrust)CookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:3hours20minutesIhavenowordsforhowgoodthispieis.Waitasecond;yes,Ido!Acreamymochafillinginarichchocolatecrust—thisistrulyaspecial-occasionpie.Itwillmakeyoulooklikeaketodessertrockstar!1recipeEasyChocolatePieCrust(here)1cupstrongbrewedcoffee,cooledtoroomtemperature1½teaspoonsgrass-fedgelatin1cupheavywhippingcream½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener¼cupcocoapowder1teaspoonvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thegelatininthefillingiswhathelpsthispiesetproperly,soyoucanuseanysweeteneryouprefer.
1.Lightlygreasea9-inchceramicorglasspiepan.Pressthepiecrustmixturefirmlyandevenlyintothebottomandupthesidesofthegreasedpan.Refrigerateorfreezeuntilthefillingisready.
2.Pourthecoffeeintoasmallsaucepanandsprinklethesurfacewiththegelatin.Whisktocombine,thenturntheheattomedium.Bringtoasimmer,whiskingfrequently,todissolvethegelatin.Letcoolfor20minutes.
3.Inalargebowl,combinethecream,sweetener,cocoapowder,andvanillaextract.Beatwithanelectricmixeruntilitholdsstiffpeaks.
4.Pourinthecooledgelatinmixtureandbeatuntilblended.Spoonintothechilledcrustandrefrigerateuntilfirm,about3hours.
TIP:Ifyou’renotafanofcoffeeflavor,substitutewaterforthecoffeeforasimplechocolatecreampie.Youcanalsoskipthecrustentirelyandspoonthe
fillingintodessertcupsforadeliciouschocolateormochamousse.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:GarnishwithalittleWhippedCream(here)andsomecoffeebeans.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thispieshouldbestoredinthefridgeandwilllastforupto5days.Ifyouwrapituptightly,itcanbefrozenforuptoamonth.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:218|FAT:20.2g|PROTEIN:4.7g|CARBS:6.2g|FIBER:3.1g|ERYTHRITOL:18g
COCONUTCUSTARDPIE
Yield:One9-inchpie(8servings)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:50minutesInactiveTime:2hours30minutesThiscrustlesspieislikethebestpartsofacoconutcreampie:creamy,rich,andfullofcoconutflavor.Myrecipetestersgaveboththedairyversionandthedairy-freeversionabigthumbs-up!1cupheavywhippingcream¾cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½cupfull-fatcoconutmilk4largeeggs¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedbutnothot1¼cupsunsweetenedshreddedcoconut,divided3tablespoonscoconutflour½teaspoonbakingpowder½teaspoonvanillaextract¼teaspoonsaltSWEETENEROPTIONS:Apowderedbulksweetenergivesthispiethebestconsistency.
1.Preheattheovento350°Fandthoroughlygreasea9-inchglassorceramicpiepan.
2.Placethecream,sweetener,coconutmilk,eggs,andmeltedbutterinablender.Blenduntilwellcombined.
3.Add1cupoftheshreddedcoconut,thecoconutflour,bakingpowder,vanillaextract,andsalt.Blendagainuntilwellcombined.
4.Pourthemixtureintothegreasedpiepanandsprinklewiththeremaining¼cupofshreddedcoconut.Bakefor40to50minutes,untiltheedgesaresetbutthecenterstilljigglesslightlywhenshaken.
5.Removefromtheovenandletcoolfor30minutes,thenrefrigeratefor2hourstofirmupbeforeslicing.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Swapthecreamandbutterforfull-fatcoconutmilk
andcoconutoil.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thecreamynatureofthispiemeansthatitneedstoberefrigerated.Itwilllastforupto5days.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Iconfess,IdrizzledsomeChocolatePeanutButterSauce(here)overasliceofthispie—andwastransportedstraighttoketonirvana!Freshstrawberriesarealsoanicetopping.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:317|FAT:29.5g|PROTEIN:5.3g|CARBS:6.7g|FIBER:2.6g|ERYTHRITOL:22.5g
LEMONCURDTARTLETS
Yield:12tartlets(1perserving)PrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakecrust)CookTime:22minutesInactiveTime:1hourLemoncurdisactuallyquiteeasytomake—especiallythisversion,whichuseswholeeggsinsteadofjusteggyolks.Justbesuretostandoveritthewholetimeitisonthestove,watchingitcarefully.Whenitdecidestothickenup,itwilldosoinaflash.
CRUST:1recipeEasyShortbreadCrust(here)LEMONCURD:2largeeggs⅓cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener3tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice2teaspoonsgratedlemonzest2½tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,cutinto3piecesGARNISH:12freshraspberriesAdditionalpowderedsweetener,forsprinkling(optional)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Thecurdfillingisbestmadewithapowderedbulksweetener.
TOMAKETHECRUST:
1.Preheattheovento325°Fandlineastandard-sizemuffinpanwithparchmentpaperorsiliconeliners.
2.Dividetheshortbreadcrustmixtureevenlyamongthepreparedmuffincupsandpressfirmlyintothebottomandhalfwayupthesidesofeachcup.
3.Bakefor10to12minutes,untiltheedgesarejustgoldenbrown.Thecrustswillpuffupalittleastheybake.Gentlypressthembackdownafterremovingfromtheoven.Letcoolcompletely.
TOMAKETHELEMONCURD:
4.Inaheatproofglassorceramicbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater,whisktogethertheeggs,sweetener,lemonjuice,andlemonzest.Whiskcontinuouslyuntilthemixturethickens,about10minutes.Watchcarefully,asitwillthickenallofasudden.
5.Immediatelyremovefromtheheatandaddthebutter.Letsitforafewminutestomelt,thenwhiskuntilthecurdissmoothandcreamy.
6.Spoonthecurdintothecrustsandrefrigerateforatleast1hour.
TOGARNISH:
7.Topeachtartletwitharaspberryandsprinklewithpowderedsweetener,ifdesired.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:152|FAT:13.6g|PROTEIN:4.2g|CARBS:4g|FIBER:1.9g|ERYTHRITOL:11.6g
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesetartletsshouldbekeptrefrigerated.Theywilllastforupto5days.
TIP:Iftwelvetartletsaretoomanyforyou,youcaneasilymakeahalfbatchofthisrecipe.Justbesuretowatchthatcurdcarefully,asthesmallerquantitywillcookalittlefaster.
DAIRY-FREEFRUITTARTS
Yield:Two4-inchtarts(½tartperserving)PrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakecrustorwhippedcream)CookTime:—InactiveTime:1to2hoursThesecreamyfruit-toppedtartsaresogood,you’llnevermissthedairy!½recipeEasyShortbreadCrust(here),dairy-freeoption1recipeCoconutWhippedCream(here),madewithcoconutextract½cupmixedfreshberriesFreshmintsprigs,forgarnishSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youcanuseanysweeteneryoupreferinboththecrustandthefilling.
1.Lightlygreasetwo4-inchtartpanswithremovablebottoms.Dividetheshortbreadcrustmixturebetweenthemandpressfirmlyintothebottomandupthesidesofeachpan.Placethecrustsinthefreezertofirmup,about15minutes.
2.Gentlyloosenthecrustsbypressingfromthebottomandremovethesides.Itwillbeeasiertogetthecrustsoutofthepansnowbeforetheyarefilled.
3.Dividethewhippedcreamevenlybetweenthetartsandspreadittotheedges.Refrigeratefor1to2hourstofirmupabit.
4.Arrangetheberriesinadecorativepatternonthetopsofthetartsandgarnisheachtartwithasprigofmint.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesetartsshouldbekeptinthefridgeandwilllastforupto5days.
TIP:Whyyes,youcandoublethisrecipeandmakeonelarge9-inchtart.Thefillingmaytakealittlelongertosetproperly.YoucanalsomakesmallertartssimilartotheLemonCurdTartlets(here).Thisrecipewillmake6smalltartlets.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:306|FAT:28.9g|PROTEIN:5.8g|CARBS:8.3g|FIBER:3g|ERYTHRITOL:22.5g
CHOCOLATEHAZELNUTBROWNIEPIE
Yield:One9-inchpie(8servings)PrepTime:10minutes(notincludingtimetomakewhippedcream)CookTime:30minutesInactiveTime:2hoursIlovechocolateandhazelnuttogetheralmostasmuchasIlovechocolateandpeanutbuttertogether.Whichissayingalot.Thispiehasawonderfulbrownie-liketexture—thebestofallpossibleworlds!4ouncesunsweetenedchocolate,coarselychopped¾cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener½cupboilingwater4largeeggs½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,cutintotablespoons1teaspoonvanillaextract1cup(100g)hazelnutmealGARNISH:WhippedCream(here)ChoppedtoastedhazelnutsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Reallyanysweetenerwilldohere.
1.Preheattheovento350°Fandgreasea9-inchglassorceramicpiepan.
2.Inafoodprocessor,pulsethecoarselychoppedchocolateandsweeteneruntilthechocolateisfinelychopped.Withthemachinerunningonhigh,slowlypourintheboilingwateruntilthechocolateismeltedandsmooth.
3.Addtheeggs,butter,andvanillaextractandpulseuntilwellcombined.Addthehazelnutmealandpulseuntilincorporated.
4.Pourthebatterintothegreasedpanandbakefor25to30minutes,untiltheedgesarenicelysetbutthemiddleisstillalittlewet-looking.Removefromtheovenandletcooltoroomtemperature,thenrefrigeratefor2hourstofirmup.
5.Garnishwithwhippedcreamandtoastedhazelnuts.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Replacethebutterwithaneutraloilthatwon’toverpowerthedelicateflavorofthehazelnuts,suchasavocadooilorrefinedcoconutoil.GarnishwithCoconutWhippedCream(here)flavoredwithvanillaextract,ifdesired.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Wanttotakethispietoawholenewlevel?TrydrizzlingsomeHomemadeChocolateHazelnutSpread(here)ontop!
STORAGESUGGESTIONS:Thispiewilllastforupto5daysinthefridge.Wrappedtightly,itcanbefrozenforuptoamonth.
TIP:Ifyouwanttoampupthehazelnutflavor,tryusinghazelnutextractinplaceofthevanilla.Oneofmyrecipetestersreallyenjoyedthepiethisway.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:324|FAT:28.4g|PROTEIN:7.3g|CARBS:6.8g|FIBER:3.9g|ERYTHRITOL:22.5g
STRAWBERRYRHUBARBCRISPFORTWO
Yield:1smallcrisp(2servings)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:30minutesAfruitcrispisreallyjustapiewithoutabottomcrust.Igrewuponrhubarbcrisps,andthisketoversiondoesnotdisappoint.It’sbeyondamazingwithalittleVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here)ontop.
TOPPING:2½tablespoonsblanchedalmondflour1tablespoonunsweetenedshreddedcoconut1tablespoongranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1½teaspoonsfinelychoppedpecans¼teaspoongroundcinnamonPinchofsalt2teaspoonsunsaltedbutter,meltedFILLING:½cupchoppedfreshrhubarb⅓cupchoppedfreshstrawberries1tablespoongranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1/16teaspoonxanthangumSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thetoppingreallyneedsabulkerythritol-basedsweetenertobecomecrispasitbakes.Thefillingcanbesweetenedwithwhicheversweeteneryouprefer.
TOMAKETHETOPPING:
1.Preheattheovento300°Fandlineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,coconut,sweetener,pecans,cinnamon,andsalt.Stirinthemeltedbutteruntilthemixtureresemblescoarsecrumbs.
3.Transferthetoppingmixturetothelinedbakingsheetandpressdownfirmlytoflatten.Bakeforabout15minutes,untilgoldenbrown.Removefromtheovenandletcoolwhileyoupreparethefilling.
TOMAKETHEFILLINGANDASSEMBLE:
4.Preheattheovento400°F.
5.Inamediumbowl,tossallofthefillingingredientstogethertocombinewell.Transfertoan8-ounceramekinandcoverwithfoil.Bakefor10to15minutes,untilhotandbubbling.
6.Crumblethetoppingalittlewithyourfingersandsprinkleoverthefilling.Servewarm.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usecoconutoiloravocadooilinplaceofthebutter.
TIP:Youcanalsobakethiscrispintwo4-ounceramekins.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:135|FAT:11.5g|PROTEIN:2.6g|CARBS:6.3g|FIBER:2.6g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
CHAPTER6:
FROZENDESSERTS
VanillaBeanSemifreddo
SaltedCaramelAffogato
RidiculouslyEasyRootBeerFloats
ChocolateFatBombIceCream
FrozenKeyLimeMiniPies
StrawberryCheesecakePops
CoconutMilkFudgePops
VANILLABEANSEMIFREDDO
Yield:About3cups(½cupperserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:7minutesInactiveTime:6to8hoursSemifreddo,or“semifrozen,”istheoriginalno-churnicecream.It’swonderfullyrichandcreamy,noicecreammakerrequired!Iliketokeepsomeonhandatalltimesforwhenicecreamcravingsstrike.2largeeggs3largeeggyolks⅔cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener,divided1tablespoonvodka(optional)½vanillabean1⅓cupsheavywhippingcream½teaspoonvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youcanuseanysweeteneryoulikeinthisrecipe.
1.Placetheeggs,eggyolks,and⅓cupofthesweetenerinaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater.Whiskcontinuouslyuntilthemixturethickens,5to7minutes.Removethebowlfromthepanandletthemixturecooltolukewarm,whiskingfrequently.
2.Whiskinthevodka,ifusing.Slicethevanillabeanopenlengthwiseandscrapeouttheseedsusingasharpknife.Stirthevanillaseedsintotheeggmixture.
3.Inalargebowl,useanelectricmixertowhipthecreamwiththeremaining⅓cupofsweetenerandthevanillaextractuntilitholdsstiffpeaks.Addtheeggmixturetothewhippedcreamandgentlyfoldinuntilnostreaksremain.
4.Transferthemixturetoanairtightcontainerandfreezeuntilfirm,6to8hours.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thissemifreddowilllastforupto6weeksinyourfreezer—possiblylonger,butIwouldn’tknow,aswealwayseatitmuchfaster!
TIPS:Theadditionofalittlealcohol,likevodka,keepsthesemifreddofromgettingtooicyinthefreezer.After24hoursinthefreezer,theicecreamwillbeveryhard,but15minutesonthecounterwillallowittosoftenenoughforserving.
Ifyoudon’thavevanillabeans,youcansimplyaddanother½teaspoonofvanillaextracttothewhippedcreaminStep3.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:245|FAT:22.2g|PROTEIN:4.5g|CARBS:2g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:26.5g
SALTEDCARAMELAFFOGATO
Yield:1servingPrepTime:5minutes(notincludingtimetomakesemifreddoorcaramelsauce)CookTime:—Ifyoulovecoffeeandyouloveicecream,thenyouwillloveaffogato.Itmeans“drowned”inItalian;youaredrowningtheicecreaminhotcoffee.Theadditionoflow-carbsaltedcaramelsaucetakesittoawholenewlevel.Ifyoualreadyhavethesemifreddoandthesaucemade,youcanputtogetherthisdeliciousdessertinamatterofminutes.½cupVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here)2tablespoonsSaltedCaramelSauce(here)1shotfreshlymadeespresso,or¼cupstrongbrewedcoffeePlacethesemifreddoinasmallbowlormuganddrizzlewiththecaramelsauce.Pourthehotcoffeeoverthetopandenjoy.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:358|FAT:32.8g|PROTEIN:4.9g|CARBS:5.4g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:37.7g
RIDICULOUSLYEASYROOTBEERFLOATS
Yield:2servingsPrepTime:5minutes(notincludingtimetomakewhippedcream)CookTime:—InactiveTime:1to2hoursMykidslovethisfuntreat,andusingfrozenwhippedcreammeansthatyoudon’thavetomakeyourownlow-carbvanillaicecream.Youreallycan’ttellthedifferenceonceit’salltogetherintheglass!½recipeWhippedCream(here)1(12-ounce)canorbottlesugar-freerootbeer,chilledSWEETENEROPTIONS:Useanysweeteneryoulikeinthewhippedcream.
1.Lineabakingsheetwithwaxpaperorparchmentpaper.Dropthewhippedcreambyheapingspoonfulsontothepaperandfreezeuntilfirm,1to2hours.
2.Carefullypeelthefrozenwhippedcreamfromthepaperanddividebetweentwo10-ounceglasses.Filltheglasseswiththerootbeerandserve.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:JustswapoutthewhippedcreamforafullrecipeofCoconutWhippedCream(here).
TIPS:Thereareseveralbrandsofrootbeerthataresweetenedwithsteviaorerythritolorboth,suchasVirgil’sZero.IreallyliketheVirgil’sbrand,andsodomykids.Zeviamakesagingerrootbeer,butbeforewarnedthatitisaclearliquid.Ittastesthesamebutdoesn’tlooklikerootbeer!
YoucaneasilyuseVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here)inplaceofthefrozenwhippedcream.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:208|FAT:20.8g|PROTEIN:1.5g|CARBS:1.7g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
CHOCOLATEFATBOMBICECREAM
Yield:About1quart(½cupperserving)PrepTime:30minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:3to4hoursThisrichicecreamcontainsnoeggs,butitpacksaseriouslychocolateypunch.Ifyouownanicecreammaker,youwillfindyourselfmakingthisrecipefrequently!2½cupsheavywhippingcream,divided¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter⅔cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener3ouncesunsweetenedchocolate,chopped1teaspoonvanillaextractPinchofsalt2tablespoonsvodka(optional)Specialequipment:IcecreammakerSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thisrecipedoesn’trelyonabulksweetener,souseanytypeyouprefer.
1.Inalargesaucepanovermediumheat,bring1½cupsofthecreamandthebutterjusttoasimmer,stirring,untilthebutterismelted.
2.Removefromtheheatandaddthesweetener,chocolate,vanillaextract,andsalt.Letsitforabout5minutes,untilthechocolateismelted,thenwhiskuntilsmooth.Letthemixturecooltoroomtemperature.
3.Whiskintheremaining1cupofcreamandthevodka,ifusing.Refrigerateuntiljustcooltothetouch,1to2hours.
4.Pourintoanicecreammakerandchurnaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.Transfertoanairtightcontainerandfreezeuntilfirm,another2hoursorso.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thisicecreamshouldlastforupto2monthsinanairtightcontainerinthefreezer.
TIPS:Don’tchilltheicecreambasetoolongoritwillbecometoothicktochurn.Ifyoudoletitchilltothepointofthickening,youcanjustletitwarmupabitonthecounterbeforeproceeding.
Youcaneatthisicecreamrightwhenitcomesoutoftheicecreammaker,butitwillbemorelikeasoftservethanafirmicecream.
Thisicecreambecomesverysolidwhenfrozenforlongerthanafewhours,butitsoftensnicelywith15to20minutesonthecounter.Iliketoportionitoutintoindividualservingsrightfromtheicecreammaker.Thatway,Idon’thavetosoftenthewholebatchwhenI’minthemoodforachocolateytreat.
AswiththeVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here),thevodkainthisrecipekeepstheicecreamfromgettingtooicyinthefreezer.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:381|FAT:36.7g|PROTEIN:3.1g|CARBS:5.2g|FIBER:1.8g|ERYTHRITOL:19.9g
FROZENKEYLIMEMINIPIES
Yield:6minipies(1perserving)PrepTime:20minutesCookTime:7minutesInactiveTime:3to4hoursIamnotsupposedtochoosefavorites;Iamsupposedtoloveallofmyrecipesequally.Butthisoneranksupthereasoneofmyfavoritesinthisbook.ThereisjustsomethingsogoodaboutthetangyKeylimefillingjuxtaposedwiththesweetandsaltypecans.4ouncescreamcheese(½cup),softened¼cupplus2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener,divided⅓cupKeylimejuice½cupheavywhippingcream1tablespoonbutter(saltedorunsalted)½cupfinelychoppedrawpecans1tablespoongranulatederythritol-basedsweetener¼teaspoonsaltSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thefillingcanbesweetenedwithanysweetener,butthepecansarebestmadewithabulkerythritol-basedsweetener.
1.Line6standard-sizemuffincupswithparchmentpaperorsiliconeliners.
2.Inamediumbowl,beatthecreamcheeseand¼cupofthepowderedsweetenerwithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.Beatinthelimejuice.
3.Inanotherbowl,beatthecreamwiththeremaining2tablespoonsofpowderedsweeteneruntilitholdsstiffpeaks.Foldthewhippedcreamintothecreamcheesemixtureuntilwellcombined.Dividethemixtureamongthelinedmuffincups,fillingeachcupalmosttothetop.
4.Meltthebutterinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Addthepecansandgranulatedsweetenerandcookfor5to7minutes,untilthepecansaretoastedandfragrant.Sprinklewiththesalt,thenremovefromtheheatandletcoolfor5minutes.
5.Sprinklethepecanmixtureoverthelimemixtureinthemuffincups,pressing
lightlytoadhere.
6.Freezefor3to4hours,untilset.Invertthepiesontoaplateandremovethelinersbeforeserving.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:GarnishwithalittleWhippedCream(here)andsomelimeslices.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Theselittletreatswilllastforseveralweeksinthefreezer.
TIPS:ThoselittleKeylimesareapaintosqueezetogetenoughjuice.IfoundbottledKeylimejuice,butfeelfreetouseregularlimesinstead.
Theseminipiesbecomeveryhardiffrozenforlongerthanabout6hours,buttheysoftennicelywith15minutesonthecounter.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:219|FAT:20.5g|PROTEIN:2.4g|CARBS:3.7g|FIBER:0.9g|ERYTHRITOL:17.5g
STRAWBERRYCHEESECAKEPOPS
Yield:6pops(1perserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:—InactiveTime:4hoursThesecreamyicepopsaremyfavoriteeasysummertreat!4ouncescreamcheese(½cup),softened½cupheavywhippingcream¼cupplus2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoongratedlemonzest2teaspoonsfreshlemonjuice1cupchoppedstrawberries,dividedSpecialequipment:6(3-ounce)icepopmoldsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Anythinggoesinthiseasyandadaptablerecipe!
1.Placethecreamcheeseinafoodprocessororhigh-poweredblenderandprocessuntilsmooth.
2.Addthecream,sweetener,lemonzest,andlemonjuice.Processuntilwellcombined.
3.Add¾cupofthestrawberriesandprocessuntilalmostfullysmooth.Stirintheremainingchoppedstrawberries.
4.Pourthemixtureintotheicepopmoldsandpushastickabouttwo-thirdsofthewayintoeachmold.Irecommendusingwoodensticks,whichtendtogripthemixturebetteranddon’tcomeoutwhenyouaretryingtounmoldthepops.
5.Freezeforatleast4hours.Tounmold,rununderhotwaterfor20to30seconds,thentwistthestickgentlytorelease.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Youcanmakeaverygooddairy-freeversionusing
KiteHill’salmondmilkcreamcheeseandsomecoconutmilkinplaceoftheheavywhippingcream.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesepopswilllastforupto2monthsinthefreezer.Ifyoutakethemoutofthemolds,justplacetheminalargeresealablebagandsqueezealltheairoutsotheydon’tgetfreezerburn.
TIP:Iliketoboilwaterinmyteakettleandrunitovertheicepopmoldstoreleasethem.Thisway,Idon’twastewaterwaitingforthetaptocometotemperature.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:145|FAT:12.7g|PROTEIN:1.7g|CARBS:3.6g|FIBER:0.6g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
COCONUTMILKFUDGEPOPS
Yield:6pops(1perserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:6hoursThesefrozentreatsaresofudgyandrich,you’dneverknowtheyaredairy-freeandlow-carb!1(13.5-ounce)canfull-fatcoconutmilk⅓cupcocoapowder⅓cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetenerPinchofsalt1½teaspoonsvanillaextractSpecialequipment:6(3-ounce)icepopmoldsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thepowderedbulksweetenerhelpsthickenthefudgepopbase,soit’syourbestoptionhere.However,youcanuseanothersweetenerifyouprefer.
1.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,whisktogetherthecoconutmilk,cocoapowder,sweetener,andsalt.Bringtoasimmer,whiskingcontinuouslyuntilthemixtureisuniform.
2.Simmerfor4to5minutes,whiskingfrequently,untilthickened.Whiskinthevanillaextractandletcoolfor10minutes.Pourintotheicepopmolds.
3.Freezefor1hour,thenpushastickabouttwo-thirdsofthewayintoeachmold.Irecommendusingwoodensticks,whichtendtogripthemixturebetteranddon’tcomeoutwhenyouaretryingtounmoldthepops.
4.Freezeuntilsolid,atleast5morehours.Tounmold,rununderhotwaterfor20to30seconds,thentwistthestickgentlytorelease.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesefudgepopswilllastforupto2monthsinthefreezer.Ifyoutakethemoutofthemolds,justplacetheminalargeresealablebagandsqueezealltheairoutsotheydon’tgetfreezerburn.
TIP:Evenafterhoursinthefreezer,thesepopscanmeltquickly.Irecommendfreezingthemovernightforthebestresults.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:137|FAT:12.9g|PROTEIN:2.2g|CARBS:4.6g|FIBER:1.8g|ERYTHRITOL:13.3g
CHAPTER7:
CUSTARD,MOUSSE,ANDOTHERDELICIOUSDESSERTS
ButterscotchPudding
Dairy-FreePeanutButterMousse
MascarponeMoussewithRoastedStrawberries
ChocolateHazelnutMousse
LemonCurdMousse
RaspberryFool
CannoliDessertDip
SlowCookerCoffeeCoconutCustard
CoconutLimePannaCotta
ChocolateCobbler
BUTTERSCOTCHPUDDING
Yield:6servingsPrepTime:10minutesCookTime:18minutesInactiveTime:3hoursYoujustcan’targuewiththerichflavorofbutterscotch.Thispuddingissodecadent,youcouldeasilydivideitintoeightservingsinsteadofsix.½cup(1stick)saltedbutter,divided2teaspoonsyacónsyrupormolasses(forflavorandcolor)¾cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1cupheavywhippingcream1cupunsweetenedalmondmilk1tablespoonwhiskey(optional)4largeeggyolks1teaspoonbutterscotchorcaramelextract½teaspoonvanillaextract½teaspoonxanthangumSWEETENEROPTIONS:Usingapowderedbulksweetenerhelpsthispuddingsetproperly.
1.Heat6tablespoonsofthebutterinamediumsaucepanovermediumheatuntilitturnsalightambercolor,about4minutes.
2.Whiskintheyacónsyrup,thenslowlyaddthesweetener,whiskingcontinuously.Slowlyaddthecreamandalmondmilk,whiskingcontinuously,andbringtoasimmer.Removefromtheheatandstirinthewhiskey,ifusing.
3.Inamediumbowl,whisktheeggyolksuntilsmooth.Slowlyaddabout1cupofthehotcreammixturetotheyolks,whiskingcontinuously.Thenslowlywhisktheeggmixturebackintotheremainingcreaminthesaucepan.
4.Returnthepantomediumheatandcook,whiskingcontinuously,untilthepuddingbubblesandbeginstothicken,5to10minutes.Removefromtheheatandaddtheremaining2tablespoonsofbutterandtheextracts.Letthebuttermelt,thenwhiskitin.
5.Sprinklethesurfaceofthepuddingwiththexanthangumandwhiskquickly
tocombine.Useaspatulatoscrapethebottomandsidesofthepanandwhiskuntilverysmooth.
6.Dividethepuddingamong6dessertcupsandrefrigerateuntilset,about3hours.
NUT-FREEOPTION:Useunsweetenedhempmilkinplaceofthealmondmilk.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:TopwithalittleWhippedCream(here).
TIP:Usingjustalittleyacónsyrupormolassesenhancestheflavorandcolorofthepuddingandaddsonlyabout1gramofcarbsperserving.Youcanskipit,butyourpuddingwillbealotlighter.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:328|FAT:31.5g|PROTEIN:2.9g|CARBS:3g|FIBER:0.2g|ERYTHRITOL:30g
DAIRY-FREEPEANUTBUTTERMOUSSE
Yield:6servingsPrepTime:10minutesCookTime:—InactiveTime:2hoursPeanutbuttermousseisalow-carbclassic,butit’susuallymadewithcreamcheeseandheavywhippingcream.Thisdairy-freeversionwillhaveyourtastebudsdancing!¼cupplus2tablespoonscreamypeanutbutter(salted)2tablespoonscoconutoil,slightlysoftened1(13.5-ounce)canfull-fatcoconutmilk,refrigeratedovernight¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thismoussesetsbestwhenyouuseapowderedbulksweetener,butyoucouldprobablygetawaywithanothersweetener.
1.Inamediumbowl,beatthepeanutbutterandcoconutoilwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombined.
2.Skimthesolidportion(orcoconutcream)fromthetopofthecanofcoconutmilkintothebowlandbeatuntilincorporated.Discardthethinnercoconutwaterorreserveitforanotheruse.Beatinthesweetenerandvanillaextract.
3.Spoonthemousseinto6smalldessertcupsorglassesandrefrigerateuntilfirm,atleast2hours.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:219|FAT:20g|PROTEIN:4.8g|CARBS:5.3g|FIBER:0.8g|ERYTHRITOL:10g
MASCARPONEMOUSSEWITHROASTEDSTRAWBERRIES
Yield:6servingsPrepTime:15minutesCookTime:20minutesThismousseisprettygreatonitsown,butitbecomessomethingalmostmagicalwiththeadditionofroastedstrawberries.
ROASTEDSTRAWBERRIES:2cupsquarteredstrawberries2teaspoonsgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener¼teaspoonvanillaextractMASCARPONEMOUSSE:8ouncesmascarponecheese,softened4ouncescreamcheese(½cup),softened¼cupplus2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener,divided1teaspoonvanillaextract1cupheavywhippingcreamSWEETENEROPTIONS:Useanysweeteneryoupreferinboththeroastedstrawberriesandthemousse.
TOROASTTHESTRAWBERRIES:
1.Preheattheovento375°Fandlightlygreaseamedium-sizebakingdish.
2.Placethestrawberriesinthegreaseddishandsprinklewiththegranulatedsweetener.Addthevanillaextractandtosstocombine,thenspreadoutinthepan.
3.Roastfor20minutes,untiltheberriesaresoftandtenderandhavereleasedmuchoftheirjuice.Whiletheberriesareroasting,makethemousse.
TOMAKETHEMOUSSEANDASSEMBLE:
4.Inalargebowl,beatthemascarpone,creamcheese,¼cupofthepowderedsweetener,andthevanillaextractwithanelectricmixeruntilwellcombined.
5.Inanotherbowl,beatthecreamwiththeremaining2tablespoonsofpowderedsweeteneruntilitholdsstiffpeaks.Foldthewhippedcreamintothemascarponemixtureuntilcombined.
6.Pipeorspoonthemousseinto6smalldessertcups.Topwiththeroastedstrawberriesandserveimmediately.
TIP:Mascarponehasanaturallysweettasteeventhoughithasnocarbs,soitdoesn’tneedmuchsweetenertomakeittastelikearealtreat.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:386|FAT:37.1g|PROTEIN:5g|CARBS:6.2g|FIBER:1.1g|ERYTHRITOL:16.5g
CHOCOLATEHAZELNUTMOUSSE
Yield:6servingsPrepTime:10minutes(notincludingtimetomakechocolatehazelnutspread)CookTime:—HaveIevertoldyouthatIlovechocolateandhazelnuttogether?Ohyes,Imayhavementionedthatinpassingafewbilliontimesalready.ThisNutella-likemousseisthestuffofmydreams.Fairwarning:it’sinsanelyrich!¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,softened½cupHomemadeChocolateHazelnutSpread(here),roomtemperature⅓cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½to⅔cupheavywhippingcream,divided½teaspoonhazelnutorvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thisrecipeabsolutelyrequiresapowderedbulksweetenertoachievetherightconsistency.
1.Inamediumbowl,creamthebutterwithanelectricmixeruntilsmooth.Addthechocolatehazelnutspreadandsweetenerandbeatuntilwellcombined.
2.Add½cupofthecreamandthehazelnutextractandbeatuntilsmooth.Ifthemixtureisverythick,addtheremainingcreamandbeatuntilsmooth.
3.Pipeorspoonthemousseinto6dessertcups.Serveimmediatelyorchilluntilreadytoserve.Ifyouchillthemousse,letitsitoutonthecounterforafewminutestosoftenbeforeserving.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Topthemoussewithsomeroasted,huskedhazelnuts.
TIP:Thesmoothnessofthismoussereallydependsonhowsmoothyoucangetyourchocolatehazelnutspread.Agoodhigh-poweredblenderorfoodprocessorgoesalongwayhere.Butthemousseisdeliciousnomatterhowsmoothitis!
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:267|FAT:26.7g|PROTEIN:2.7g|CARBS:3.7g|FIBER:1.8g|ERYTHRITOL:18.3g
LEMONCURDMOUSSE
Yield:4servingsPrepTime:5minutes(notincludingtimetomakecurdorwhippedcream)CookTime:—InactiveTime:1hourThisisawonderfultart-sweetlemondessert.Besuretochillthelemoncurdproperlybeforeyouproceedwiththerecipesothatyoudon’tmeltyourfreshlywhippedcream!1recipeLemonCurd(here)¾recipeWhippedCream(here)(seeTip)SWEETENEROPTIONS:Thismoussewillhavebetterstructureandconsistencyifyouuseapowderedbulksweetenerinboththelemoncurdandthewhippedcream.
1.AfterpreparingthelemoncurdaccordingtotherecipefortheLemonCurdTartlets,coverwithplasticwrapandpressitflushtothesurface.Chillforatleast1hour.
2.Foldthelemoncurdandwhippedcreamtogetheruntilnostreaksremain.Pipeorspoonthemousseinto4dessertcupsandserveimmediatelyorchilluntilreadytoserve.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Topthemoussewithalittlemorewhippedcreamandsomelemonslicesorzestorboth.Ortryitwithsomeberriesontop.
TIP:UseStabilizedWhippedCream(here)ifyouneedtoletthemoussesitoutforabitbeforeserving.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:262|FAT:24.5g|PROTEIN:4.2g|CARBS:2.5g|FIBER:0.1g|ERYTHRITOL:26.3g
RASPBERRYFOOL
Yield:4servingsPrepTime:15minutes(notincludingtimetomakewhippedcream)CookTime:—Thesimplicityofthisdessertbeliesitsutterdeliciousness.It’sreallyjustslightlysweetenedraspberrypureefoldedintowhippedcream,butittasteslikeatart-sweetberrycloud.Youcanmakeitwithanyberryvarietyyoulike.1cupfrozenraspberries,thawed2to4tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener,divided1recipeWhippedCream(here)Freshberries,forgarnishSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youcansweetenthisdessertwithanysweeteneryouprefer.
1.Inablenderorfoodprocessor,processtheberriesand2tablespoonsofthesweeteneruntilsmooth.Addupto2tablespoonsmoresweetenertotaste.
2.Gentlyfoldtheraspberrypureeintothewhippedcream,leavingsomestreaks.Spoonthemixtureinto4dessertcups.Serveimmediatelyorrefrigerateuntilreadytoserve.Garnishwithfreshberriesbeforeserving.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:UseadoublebatchofCoconutWhippedCream(here).
TIPS:TryusingStabilizedWhippedCream(here)ifyouneedtomakethisrecipeaheadoftime.Itwillevenbeabletostandatroomtemperatureforafewhoursthatway.
Thisisaneasydesserttomakefortwopeople.Simplyhalveeverythingandproceedasdirected.Youcanalsodoubleortripletherecipeforacrowd.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:226|FAT:20.1g|PROTEIN:1.7g|CARBS:5.2g|FIBER:1g|ERYTHRITOL:15g
CANNOLIDESSERTDIP
Yield:8servingsPrepTime:10minutesCookTime:—Dessertdipsarefunforpartiesandget-togethers.Butyoujustmightfindthatyoudon’twanttoshare…1cupwhole-milkricottacheese,roomtemperature6ouncescreamcheese(¾cup),softened¾cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener,plusmoreforsprinkling½teaspoonvanillaextract½cupheavywhippingcream⅓cupsugar-freechocolatechipsSWEETENEROPTIONS:Sweetenthisdipwithyourchoiceofsweetener.
1.Inablenderorfoodprocessor,blendthericotta,creamcheese,sweetener,andvanillaextractuntilsmooth.
2.Inamediumbowl,whipthecreamwithanelectricmixeruntilitholdsstiffpeaks.Gentlyfoldinthericottamixtureandmostofthechocolatechips,reservingafewtosprinkleontop.
3.Sprinklelightlywithmorepowderedsweetenerandtheremainingchocolatechipsandserve.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:ServewithfreshberriesorSlice-and-BakeVanillaWafers(here).OrpipethedipintoChocolateDessertCups(here)tomakeindividuallittlecannolitreats.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thisdipwillkeepintherefrigeratorforupto5days.
TIP:Somebrandsofricottaaregrainierthanothers.Whippingthisdipinablenderorfoodprocessorwillmakeitsmoother,butyoucanalsosimplybeattheingredientstogetherinabowlbeforefoldinginthewhippedcream.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:219|FAT:17.9g|PROTEIN:5.7g|CARBS:5.6g|FIBER:1.3g|ERYTHRITOL:22.5g
SLOWCOOKERCOFFEECOCONUTCUSTARD
Yield:4servingsPrepTime:5minutesCookTime:2hoursInactiveTime:2hoursAslowcookerisanidealwaytobakecustard,asthegentleheatandmoistatmospherecookthemixturetocreamyperfection.1cupplus2tablespoonsfull-fatcoconutmilk1largeegg2largeeggyolks½teaspoonvanillaextract½cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoonespressopowderSpecialequipment:5-or6-quartslowcookerSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thiscustardsetsbestwhenyouuseapowderedbulksweetener,butyoucantryanothertypeifyouprefer.
1.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetheralloftheingredientsuntiltheespressopowderhasdissolvedandeverythingiswellcombined.
2.Dividethemixtureamongfour4-ounceramekinsorsmallcoffeecupsandsettheramekinsinsidea5-or6-quartslowcooker.
3.Addenoughwatertotheslowcookertocomehalfwayupthesidesoftheramekins,takingcarenottogetanywaterinthecustard.
4.Cookonhighfor1½to2hours,untilthecustardismostlysetbutthecentersstilljiggleslightly.
5.Removeandletcooltoroomtemperature,thenrefrigeratefor2hoursbeforeserving.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:DollopwithalittleCoconutWhippedCream(here)andgarnishwithacoffeebean.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:186|FAT:16.8g|PROTEIN:4.3g|CARBS:2.6g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:30g
COCONUTLIMEPANNACOTTA
Yield:4servingsPrepTime:10minutesCookTime:5minutesInactiveTime:3hoursPannacottaissuchaneasydesserttomake,andit’swonderfullycreamyandsmooth.Besuretoheatthecoconutmilkmixtureverygently;toomuchheatanditcanseparateasitcools,leavingafunnylayerofcoconutoilontop.1(13.5-ounce)canfull-fatcoconutmilk,divided1½teaspoonsgrass-fedgelatin⅓cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener1teaspoongratedlimezest2tablespoonsfreshlimejuice¼teaspooncoconutextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Thegelatinisthemainsettingcomponentforpannacotta,soyoushouldbeabletouseanysweeteneryoulikeforthisrecipe.
1.Lightlygreasefour4-ounceramekins.
2.Inamediumsaucepanovermedium-lowheat,whiskhalfofthecoconutmilkwiththegelatin.Bringjusttoasimmer,whiskingtodissolvethegelatininthemilk.
3.Removefromtheheatandaddtheremainingcoconutmilk,sweetener,limezest,limejuice,andcoconutextract.Whisktocombinewellanddissolvethesweetener.
4.Dividethemixtureamongthegreasedramekinsandchilluntilset,about3hours.
5.Tounmold,settheramekinsinabowlofhotwaterfor20to30seconds.Setaplateupsidedownontopofeachramekinandflipthewholethingover.Youmayneedtogiveitagoodshaketofreeit.Youcanalsoeatthepannacottastraightfromtheramekins.
TIP:Tokeepthisdesserttotallydairy-free,usecoconutoilorcoconutoilsprayforgreasingtheramekins.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:Garnishthepannacottawithalittlelimezestorsomelimeslicesorboth.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:190|FAT:18.5g|PROTEIN:2.6g|CARBS:3.2g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:19.9g
CHOCOLATECOBBLER
Yield:8servingsPrepTime:10minutesCookTime:40minutesRichanddeeplychocolatey,thiscobblerismylow-carbtakeonaclassicSouthernrecipe.Ithasacrispytoplayerandagooeychocolateunderlayer.Itmaynotlookveryprettyinthepan,butthensomeoftheugliestfoodsarealsothetastiest.AlittleWhippedCream(here)orVanillaBeanSemifreddo(here)willmakeitallthemoreappealing.
CHOCOLATELAYER:1¼cupsblanchedalmondflour⅓cupgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener¼cupcocoapowder3tablespoonsunflavoredwheyproteinpowder2teaspoonsbakingpowder½teaspoonespressopowder(optional)¼teaspoonsalt½cupheavywhippingcream¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedTOPPING:2tablespoonsgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener1tablespooncocoapowder¾cuphotwaterSWEETENEROPTIONS:Youreallyneedagranulatedbulksweetenerforthetoplayertogettherightcrunchiness.Thechocolatelayercanbesweetenedwithyourpreferredsweetener.
1.Preheattheovento325°F.
2.Makethechocolatelayer:Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,sweetener,cocoapowder,proteinpowder,bakingpowder,espressopowder(ifusing),andsalt.Stirinthecreamandmeltedbutteruntilthoroughlycombined.Spreadthemixtureevenlyinan8-inchsquarebakingdish.
3.Makethetopping:Inasmallbowl,whisktogetherthesweetenerandcocoapowder.Sprinkleevenlyoverthecobbler.Pourthehotwateroverthecobbler;
donotstir.
4.Bakefor35to40minutes,untilsetinthemiddle.Thecobblerwillpuffupwhilebakingbutwillsinkbackdownbytheend.
5.Removefromtheovenandletcoolfor10to15minutes,thenservewarmoutofthebakingdish.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usecollagenpowder(orpeptides)insteadofwheyproteinpowder,coconutmilkinsteadofcream,andcoconutoiloravocadooilinplaceofthebutter.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thiscobblerwilllastinthefridgeforuptoaweek.Rewarmitgentlyintheovenormicrowave.
TIP:Usingalittlecoffeeinarecipesuchasthisenhancesthechocolateflavor.Youcanleaveitout,butjustknowthatitdoesn’tactuallymakethedesserttastelikecoffeeormocha.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:223|FAT:20g|PROTEIN:6.5g|CARBS:7.1g|FIBER:3.4g|ERYTHRITOL:13.7g
CHAPTER8:
EXTRAS
EasyShortbreadCrust
EasyChocolatePieCrust
WhippedCream
CoconutWhippedCream
ChocolateButtercreamFrosting
HomemadeChocolateHazelnutSpread
CaramelSauce
ChocolatePeanutButterSauceforTwo
CoconutSprinkles
ChocolateDessertCups
EASYSHORTBREADCRUST
Yield:One9-inchpiecrustor9-inchsquarecrust(10servings)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:—Thisversatilecrustcanbeusedforpies,tarts,andbars.Itcanbebakedorfilledunbaked,frozenaheadoftime,andevenmadedairy-free.1½cups(150g)blanchedalmondflour¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonsalt¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,meltedSWEETENEROPTIONS:Ifindthatthisrecipeworksbestwithapowderedbulksweetener.Ifyouuseanon-bulksweetener,youmayneedtoaddanextratablespoonortwoofalmondflourtomakeupforthebulk.Donotuseagranulatedsweetener;itwouldbetoogrittyinthisno-bakeapplication.
1.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,sweetener,andsalt.Stirinthemeltedbutteruntilthemixturebeginstoclumptogether.
2.Prepareasdirectedfortherecipeyouarefollowing.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usemeltedcoconutoiloravocadooilinplaceofthebutter.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Youcaneasilymakethiscrustadayortwoaheadandstoreitinthefridge.Justbesuretoshapeitintothepanforyourintendedrecipeandwrapittightlyinplasticwrapsoitdoesn’tdryouttoomuch.Youcanbakeitstraightfromthefridge.Youcanalsofreezeitforseveralweeks,butbesuretoletitthawbeforebaking.
TIP:Ifyourrecipecallsforaprebakedcrust,simplybakethiscrustat325°Ffor10to12minutes,untiltheedgesarejustgoldenbrown.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATION(crustonly):CALORIES:137|FAT:12.7g|PROTEIN:3.7g|CARBS:3.6g|FIBER:1.8g|ERYTHRITOL:6g
EASYCHOCOLATEPIECRUST
Yield:One9-inchpiecrustor9-inchsquarecrust(10servings)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:—Liketheshortbreadcrustonhere,thischocolatecrustisextremelyversatileforketodessertrecipes.Inthisbook,Ihavepaireditwithamochacreamfilling(seehere),butitcanalsobeusedforbarsandotherdesserts.See“Mix-and-MatchDesserts”onhereforanotheridea,orsimplyletyourimaginationrunwild!1¼cups(125g)blanchedalmondflour¼cupcocoapowder¼cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener¼teaspoonsalt¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,melted1tablespoonwaterSWEETENEROPTIONS:Ifindthatthiscrustworksbestwithapowderedbulksweetener.Ifyouuseanon-bulksweetener,youmayneedtoaddanextratablespoonortwoofalmondflourtomakeupforthebulk.Donotuseagranulatedsweetener;itwouldbetoogrittyinthisno-bakeapplication.
1.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthealmondflour,cocoapowder,sweetener,andsalt.Addthemeltedbutterandwaterandstiruntilthemixturebeginstoclumptogether.
2.Prepareasdirectedfortherecipeyouarefollowing.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usemeltedcoconutoiloravocadooilinplaceofthebutter.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Justliketheshortbreadcrust,youcaneasilymakethiscrustadayortwoaheadandstoreitinthefridge.Justbesuretoshapeitintothepanforyourintendedrecipeandwrapittightlyinplasticwrapsoitdoesn’tdryouttoomuch.Youcanbakeitstraightfromthefridge.Youcan
alsofreezeitforseveralweeks,butbesuretoletitthawbeforebaking.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATION(crustonly):CALORIES:126|FAT:11.6g|PROTEIN:3.5g|CARBS:4.3g|FIBER:2.3g|ERYTHRITOL:6g
WHIPPEDCREAM
Yield:About2cups(¼cupperserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:—Backinmygradschooldays,afriendcameoverforThanksgivingandwatchedinastonishmentasIwhippedcreamforthepumpkinpie.Shedidn’tknowthatwhippedcreamdidn’thavetocomefromacan!Thereisnothingintheworldquitelikefreshlywhipped,lightlysweetenedwhippedcream.It’sgreatasadesserttopping,ofcourse,butifyouchoosetodiginwithaspoon,Iamnotonetojudge.1cupheavywhippingcream2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:IfindthatmywhippedcreamholdsbetterwhenIuseapowderedbulksweetener,butyoucanuseanynon-bulksweetener.
Inalargemixingbowl,beatthecream,sweetener,andvanillaextractwithanelectricmixeruntilitholdsstiffpeaks.
TIP:Ilikemywhippedcreamlesssweet,especiallywhenIamusingfreshorganiccreamthatdoesn’tcontainanyfillersorgums.Ifyoupreferitsweeter,addanothertablespoonofpowderedsweetener.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Keeprefrigerateduntilreadytouse.Thiswhippedcreamwillkeepforaslongasyourcreamnormallywould,butittendstoreliquefyafteradayortwointhefridge.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:104|FAT:10.4g|PROTEIN:0.6g|CARBS:0.9g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:3.8gVARIATION:STABILIZEDWHIPPEDCREAM
Sometimeswhippedcreamstartstoturnbacktoaliquidwhenitsitsaroundtoolong.Ifyouneedittolastforafewdays,trythisstabilizedversion.Itwillholditsshapeforuptoaweekandisgreatforfrostingortoppingyourfavoritedesserts.
Inasmallbowl,whisktogether1tablespoonofwaterwith½teaspoonofgrass-fedgelatin.Gentlywarminthemicrowaveandwhiskuntilthegelatindissolves.Beginwhippingthecream,sweetener,andvanillaextractandslowlypourinthegelatinmixture.Whipuntilthecreamholdsstiffpeaks.
COCONUTWHIPPEDCREAM
Yield:About1cup(¼cupperserving)PrepTime:8minutes,plustimetochillmilk,bowl,andbeatersCookTime:—Coconutwhippedcreamisafabulousdairy-freealternativetotherealthing.Itrocksitsownspecialcoconutflavor,andIliketobringthatoutevenmorebyaddingalittlecoconutextract.Thetrickistochillthecanofcoconutmilkforatleasteighthours,ifnotmore;itwon’twhipproperlywhenit’swarm.1(13.5-ounce)canfull-fatcoconutmilk,chilledovernight2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspooncoconutorvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Anysweetenerwilldohere.
1.Chillamixingbowlandbeatersinthefridgeforatleast10to15minutes.
2.Skimthesolidportion(orcoconutcream)ofthecoconutmilkfromthetopofthecanintothechilledmixingbowl.Discardthethinnercoconutwaterorreserveitforanotheruse.Beatthecoconutcreamwithanelectricmixeruntilitissmoothandlightandholdssoftpeaks.
3.Addthesweetenerandcoconutextractandbeatuntiljustcombined.Refrigerateuntilreadytouse.Thewhippedcreamwillfirmupintherefrigerator,sobesuretoletitwarmabitonthecounterbeforeserving.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Keeprefrigerateduntilreadytouse.Thiswhippedcreamwillkeepforaslongasyourcoconutmilkisgood,upto2weeks.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATION
CALORIES:184|FAT:18.5g|PROTEIN:1.9g|CARBS:2.7g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:7.5g
CHOCOLATEBUTTERCREAMFROSTING
Yield:About2½cups(3roundedtablespoonsperserving)PrepTime:10minutesCookTime:—Yes,yes,Iknowthatbuttercreamisn’tsupposedtobemadewithcreamcheese.Buthere’sthedeal:conventionalfrostingsrequireaninsaneamountofpowderedsugartogivethemtherightconsistency.Ijustdon’tlikethingsthatsweetanymore,andpowderedsugaralternativesareveryexpensive.Usingalittlecreamcheesegivesthisfrostingsomestructurewithoutadding2or3cupsofpowderedsweetener.2ouncesunsweetenedchocolate,chopped1tablespooncoconutoil½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,softened3ouncescreamcheese(¼cupplus2tablespoons),softened⅔cuppowderederythritol-basedsweetener2tablespoonscocoapowder½teaspoonvanillaextract¼to½cupheavywhippingcream,roomtemperatureSWEETENEROPTIONS:Apowderedbulksweetenerprovidesstructureforaproperfrosting,soit’sthebestoptionhere.
1.Inamediummicrowave-safebowl,combinethechocolateandcoconutoil.Microwavein30-secondincrements,stirringaftereachincrement,untilmeltedandsmooth.Alternatively,youcanmeltthechocolateandcoconutoilinaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater.Setasidetocooltolukewarm.
2.Inalargebowl,beatthebutterandcreamcheeseuntilsmooth.Beatinthesweetenerandcocoapowderuntilwellcombined.
3.Addthemeltedchocolateandvanillaextractandbeatuntilsmooth.Themixturewillbeverythickatthispoint.
4.Addthecreamacoupleoftablespoonsatatimeuntilaspreadableconsistency
isachieved.
SERVINGSUGGESTION:SpreadthisfrostingovertheOne-BowlBrownies(here)foranout-of-this-worldchocolateexperience.YoucanalsomakefunlittlesandwichcookieswiththeSlice-and-BakeVanillaWafers(here).Ifyouneedaquickbirthdaycake,trymakingoneofthelow-carbcakemixesfromSwerveorGoodDee’sandpairingitwiththisdeliciousbuttercream.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thisbuttercreamwilllastforuptoaweekinthefridge,butitreallyhasthebestconsistencyandiseasiesttospreadwhenmadefresh.
TIP:Thisrecipemakesenoughfrostingfor12cupcakesorone8-inchsingle-layercake.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:161|FAT:15.2g|PROTEIN:1.6g|CARBS:2.5g|FIBER:1.1g|ERYTHRITOL:13.7g
HOMEMADECHOCOLATEHAZELNUTSPREAD
Yield:¾cup(2tablespoonsperserving)PrepTime:10minutes(notincludingtimetotoastandhuskhazelnuts)CookTime:—IwishyoucouldseehowoftenImakethisNutella-likespread.Mykidsloveitandeatitwiththeirlow-carbmuffinsalmosteverymorning.Iliketouseitinotherdesserts,andIhavetofendthekidsofforhidethejarifIwantany!¾cuphazelnuts,toastedandhusked(seeTips)2to3tablespoonscoconutoil,melted2tablespoonscocoapowder2tablespoonspowderederythritol-basedsweetener½teaspoonvanillaextractPinchofsaltSWEETENEROPTIONS:Apowderedbulksweetenerhelpsthickenthisspread,butreallyanysweetenerwilldo.
1.Inafoodprocessororhigh-poweredblender,processthehazelnutsuntiltheyarefinelygroundandbeginningtoclumptogether.
2.Add2tablespoonsofthecoconutoilandcontinuetoprocessuntilyouhaveasmoothbutter.Addthecocoapowder,sweetener,vanillaextract,andsaltandblenduntilwellcombined.Themixtureshouldbealittleliquid-y.Ifitisverythick,addtheremainingtablespoonofoil.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thisspreadwilllastandlastintherefrigerator,becausethere’snothingaboutitthatwillgobad.Butyouwon’tbeabletokeepitaroundthatlong!Itwillfirmupinthefridgebutwillreturntomoreliquid-ystateatroomtemperature.
TIPS:IfyouhaveaTraderJoe’snearyou,theysellpre-roastedandhuskedunsaltedhazelnuts.Totallifesaver—Ibuyfourbagsatatime!Andthereareotherbrandsonlineaswell.Ifyouhavetoroastandhuskyourownhazelnuts,Ifindthatthebestwayistorubthetoastednutsbetweenmyfingersuntilmostof
theskinfallsoff.Youwillnevergetthemcompletelyfreeofhusks,sodon’tworrytoomuchaboutthat.
Youcanuseanotheroilinplaceofthecoconutoil,butIfindthatcoconutoilmakesitalittlelessliquid-yatroomtemperaturethanaliquidoil.Howsmoothyoucangetyourchocolatehazelnutspreadreallydependsonthequalityofyourfoodprocessororblender.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:158|FAT:18.2g|PROTEIN:3.3g|CARBS:4.7g|FIBER:2.7g|ERYTHRITOL:5g
CARAMELSAUCE
Yield:About1cup(2tablespoonsperserving)PrepTime:5minutesCookTime:10minutesIspentalongtimedevelopingalow-carbcaramelsaucethatIcouldfeelreallygoodabout.Thisonecheckseveryboxforme—flavor,color,consistency,andnutrition.¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter¼cupplus2tablespoonsgranulatederythritol-basedsweetener2teaspoonsyacónsyrup(optional)½cupheavywhippingcream¼teaspoonxanthangum¼teaspoonkosherormedium-grindseasalt2tablespoonswaterSWEETENEROPTIONS:Granulatederythritoloragranulatederythritol-basedblendisoneofthefewsugarsubstitutesthatactuallycaramelizes,soit’syouronlyoptionforthisrecipe.
1.Inamediumsaucepanovermediumheat,meltthebutterwiththesweetenerandyacónsyrup,ifusing,stirringuntilthesweetenerdissolves.Bringtoaboil,thencontinuetoboilfor3to5minutes,untilthecolordeepens.
2.Removefromtheheatandaddthecream.Themixturewillbubblevigorously.Sprinklewiththexanthangumandwhiskvigorouslytocombine.Thenaddthesalt.
3.Returnthemixturetomediumheatandboilfor1moreminute.Letcooltolukewarm,thenstirinthewateruntilwellcombined.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thissaucecanbestoredinthefridgeforuptoaweekorso.(I'veactuallystoredmineforseveralweeks.)Justgentlyreheatitinthemicrowaveorinasaucepantomakeitpourableagain.
TIP:Youcanskiptheyacónsyrup,butyoursaucewillhavemorecaramel
flavorandcolorifyouincludeit.Youcanalsouseblackstrapmolassesinitsstead.Bothyacónsyrupandblackstrapmolassesaddonlyabout1gramofcarbsperserving.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:113|FAT:10.8g|PROTEIN:0.4g|CARBS:3.4g|FIBER:0g|ERYTHRITOL:11.3gVARIATION:SALTEDCARAMELSAUCE
Simplystirinanother½teaspoonofsaltattheveryend.
CHOCOLATEPEANUTBUTTERSAUCEFORTWO
Yield:About¼cup(2tablespoonsperserving)PrepTime:1minuteCookTime:1minuteIlovelow-carbvanillaicecreambecauseit’sablankslate,justbeggingyoutoaddyourfavoritetoppingsandsauces.Thiseasychocolatesauceanswersthatcall,andyoucanalwaysmakeahalfbatchforjustoneperson.2tablespoonscreamypeanutbutter(salted)1½tablespoonsunsaltedbutter1tablespoonpowderederythritol-basedsweetener,plusmoreifdesired2teaspoonscocoapowder⅛teaspoonvanillaextractSWEETENEROPTIONS:Feelfreetosweetenthissaucewithwhicheversweeteneryoulikebest.
DAIRY-FREEOPTION:Usecoconutoilinplaceofthebutter.
1.Combinethepeanutbutterandbutterinamicrowave-safebowlandmicrowaveonhighpoweruntilmelted.Stiruntilsmooth.
2.Whiskinthesweetener,cocoapowder,andvanillaextract.Tasteandaddmoresweetener,ifdesired.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:177|FAT:15.9g|PROTEIN:4g|CARBS:4.6g|FIBER:1.5g|ERYTHRITOL:7.5g
COCONUTSPRINKLES
Yield:1tablespoon(1teaspoonperserving)PrepTime:1minuteCookTime:—UsingcoloredshreddedcoconutassprinklesisastrokeofgeniusthatmyfriendsatKetoKookietoldmeabout.Ihadtotryitmyself,andIadmitit’saprettysmartidea.Itgivesketodessertsalittlefestiveflair.1tablespoonunsweetenedshreddedcoconutNaturalfoodcoloringincolorofchoice
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesesprinkleskeepalmostindefinitely,aslongasyourcoconutisgood.Ihavealittlejarofthemixedcolorsinmybakingcupboard,readytousewheneverIwantfunsprinkles!
1.Inasmallbowl,mixtheshreddedcoconutwithjustadroportwoofthefoodcoloringuntilwellcombined.Ifyouareusingpowderedfoodcoloring,addadropofwatertohelpthecoloradheretothecoconut.
2.Letdryuntilreadytouse.Repeatwithmorecoconutforanyothercolorsofsprinklesyouwant.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:11|FAT:1.1g|PROTEIN:0.1g|CARBS:0.4g|FIBER:0.2g
CHOCOLATEDESSERTCUPS
Yield:12cups(2perserving)PrepTime:15minutesCookTime:2minutesInactiveTime:40minutesTheselittlechocolatecupsaddinstantelegancetocreamyketodessertrecipes.Addpuddingormousse,orjustfillthemwithWhippedCream(here)andtopeachcupwithaberry.Theyareperfectlittlebite-sizedesserts.2ouncessugar-freedarkchocolate,chopped¼ouncecacaobutter,or1½teaspoonscoconutoil1.Set12minisiliconeorparchmentpaperlinersinaminimuffinpan.
2.Placethechocolateandcacaobutterinamicrowave-safebowl.Microwaveonhighpowerin30-secondincrements,stirringaftereachincrement,untilmeltedandsmooth.Alternatively,youcanmeltthechocolateandcacaobuttertogetherinaheatproofbowlsetoverapanofbarelysimmeringwater.
3.Spoonabout1teaspoonofthemeltedchocolateintoeachminimuffinlinerandusethebackofaspoontocoatthebottomandsidesevenly.Youshouldhavesomechocolateremaining.
4.Refrigeratethecupsfor10minutes,thenusetheremainingchocolatetorecoatthesidesandcoveranythinparts.Refrigerateforabout30minutesuntilcompletelyset.
5.Gentlypeelawaythemuffinliners.
STORAGEINSTRUCTIONS:Thesecupswilllastforweeksinthefridge,readytousewheneveryouwantthem.
TIPS:Ilikeusingsiliconelinersforthesecups,astheypeeloffquitenicely.Ipinchthebottompartofthecupwithmythumbontheinsideandmyforefingerontheoutside.ThenIpeelthelinerawaygentlywithmyotherhand.
Youcanalsomakeregularmuffin-sizecups,butyouwillgetonlyfourofthem,thusthecarbcountwillbealittlehigherperserving.
NUTRITIONALINFORMATIONCALORIES:48|FAT:4.7g|PROTEIN:0.5g|CARBS:3.8g|FIBER:1.9g|ERYTHRITOL:2g
APPENDIX:HOWTORESCUEALMOSTANYTHING
Wordscannotexpresshowmuchitpainsmewhensomeonesaysarecipedidn’tturnout,sotheythrewitallaway.Pleasedon’tdothis.Stopandthink.Theseingredientsareexpensive,andthereisawaytorescuealmostanything.Itmaynotbethedessertyouhadinmind,butitcanstillbewonderful.Itmightevenbebetterthantheoriginal!Youjusthavetothinkalittleoutsidethebox.
Thecakebrokecomingoutofthepan.Ithappenstothebestofus,myfriend.Ifitbreaksintotwoorthreepieces,youcansometimespatchitbacktogetherandfrostorglazeit,andnoonewillbethewiser.However,ifit’sreallyamess,thenthereareafewthingsyoucandowithit:•Caketruffles:Crumbleitallup,addsomemeltedbutter,smooshittogether,androllitintoballs.Bonuspointsfordippingtheballsinchocolate.Kidslovethiskindoftreat!
•Trifleorparfaits:Crumblethecakeintobigpiecesandlayerthemwithwhippedcreamorpudding.Youcandoonebigtrifleorsmallerindividual-sizeparfaits.
Yourcakedeflated.Thiscanhappenforanynumberofreasons,includingoldbakingpowderornotbakingthecakelongenough.Turnitintoapositivebyfillingthatholewithberriesandwhippedcream.Peoplemighteventhinkyoumeanttodoit.
Thebottomsofyourcookiesburned.Scrapeoffthetopsandturnthemintotruffles,parfaits,orsundaes.Who’sgoingtosaynotosomecrumbledcookiesontheiricecream?Icertainlywon’t!
Thefillingdidn’tsetproperly.Somanyvariablescangointopuddingsandothercreamydessertsthatsometimestheydon’twanttoset.Ratherthanserveagooeymess,justpopthewholethinginthefreezerandturnitintoatastyfrozendessert.
Thefillingcurdled.Cookingwitheggscanbetricky;applyalittletoomuchheatfortoolongandsuddenlyyou’vegotsomethingakintosweetenedscrambledeggs.Allisnotlost!Getitofftheheatasquicklyaspossibleandtransferittoablendertosmoothitoutagain.
Yourchocolateseized.Thereyouare,goingalongnicelywithyourmeltedchocolate,andthensuddenlyitbecomesaweirdgloppymess.It’sincrediblyfrustrating.Butevenifitseemslikeit’sdestinedforthetrashbin,it’sworthashottotrytosaveit.Keepthechocolateoverlowheatandaddmoreliquid,likewater,1tablespoonatatime,whiskingconstantly.Thisdoesn’talwayswork,butoftenthechocolatewillbecomesmoothagain.
Allthatbeingsaid,ifyouaccidentallyusedsaltinsteadofsweetenerormadesomeothercrazymistake,youmayneedtochuckyourdessert.Andthenheadstraighttoyourkitchenandmakesureallofyourcontainersareproperlylabeled!
RECIPEINDEX
CHAPTER1:CandiesandConfections
PeppermintPatties
Chocolate-CoveredCheesecakeBites
MapleWalnutFudgeCups
ToffeeAlmondBark
MacadamiaCoconutTruffles
PeanutButterandJamCups
WatermelonLimeGummies
CHAPTER2:Cookies
Slice-and-BakeVanillaWafers
Amaretti
PeanutButterCookiesforTwo
CreamCheeseCookies
ChewyDoubleChocolateCookies
No-BakePeanutButterCaramelCookies
ChocolateHazelnutThumbprints
Deep-DishChocolateChipCookies
CHAPTER3:Bars
No-BakeChocolate“Oatmeal“Bars
SugarCookieBars
Dairy-FreePeanutButterBars
No-BakeBlueberryCheesecakeBars
One-BowlBrownies
Dairy-FreeCoconutBars
No-BakeFrenchSilkPieBars
CHAPTER4:Cakes
MiniNo-BakeLemonCheesecakes
TiramisuSheetCake
SlowCookerChocolateCake
FunfettiMugCakes
DutchButterCake
OrangeCardamomBundtCake
PumpkinSpiceMugCakes
CHAPTER5:PiesandTarts
MochaCreamPie
CoconutCustardPie
LemonCurdTartlets
Dairy-FreeFruitTarts
ChocolateHazelnutBrowniePie
StrawberryRhubarbCrispforTwo
CHAPTER6:FrozenDesserts
VanillaBeanSemifreddo
SaltedCaramelAffogato
RidiculouslyEasyRootBeerFloats
ChocolateFatBombIceCream
FrozenKeyLimeMiniPies
StrawberryCheesecakePops
CoconutMilkFudgePops
CHAPTER7:Custard,Mousse,andOtherDeliciousDesserts
ButterscotchPudding
Dairy-FreePeanutButterMousse
MascarponeMoussewithRoastedStrawberries
ChocolateHazelnutMousse
LemonCurdMousse
RaspberryFool
CannoliDessertDip
SlowCookerCoffeeCoconutCustard
CoconutLimePannaCotta
ChocolateCobbler
CHAPTER8:Extras
EasyShortbreadCrust
EasyChocolatePieCrust
WhippedCream
CoconutWhippedCream
ChocolateButtercreamFrosting
HomemadeChocolateHazelnutSpread
CaramelSauce
ChocolatePeanutButterSauceforTwo
CoconutSprinkles
ChocolateDessertCups
RECIPEQUICKREFERENCE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thisbookgoesoutfirstandforemosttomyfellowdessertloversanddiehardbakers,andtoanyonewhohasrealizedthattheycannotlivewithoutasweettreatonceinawhile.Iwrotethisbookforyou.Iwrotethisbookforme,too.Here’stoenjoyingthesweetsideofketo.
Averyspecialthankstomyfouramazingrecipetesters—AllisonGismondi,KimPitts,KarinaRitchey,andGypsieMahrou.HowdidIeversurvivewithoutyouasmymostdedicatedcheerleaders?Yourfeedbackisinvaluable,andmybooksareinfinitelymoresuccessfulbecauseofyou.
Tomymanyfriendsandneighborswhoputupwithrandomcakesandcookiesshowingupontheirdoorsteps—Marilynn,Jonathan,Emily,Kachina,Mindee,andKim.Thanksfornotmakingmeeatitallmyself.
TotheCrossFitStumptowncrew,especiallyTonyandLindsay—amorewillingbunchoftaste-testerswouldbehardtofind!Thanksforacceptingmy“donations”andforgivingmeaplacetoworkoutmystressesandfrustrations.Justdon’tmakemedoAirfittoHelleveragain.
Asalways,totheVictoryBeltPublishingteam,youarethebest.Let’skeepwritingbookstogether!
Andtomyfamily—Iwouldbelostwithoutyou.Enoughsaid.
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
CarolynKetchumisthewriter,photographer,andevilmastermindbehindAllDayIDreamAboutFood,alow-carb,gluten-freefoodblog,andtheauthorofTheEverydayKetogenicKitchenandEasyKetoDinners.ADIDAFisoneofthemostpopularlow-carbsitesontheinternetandhasadevotedfollowingamongdieters,diabetics,andthosesimplytryingtoliveahealthierlifestyle.Carolyn’smissionistoprovetotheworldthatspecialdietsneednotbeboringorrestrictive.It’sastonishingwhatyoucandowithabagofalmondflour,astickofbutter,andawillingnesstoexperiment.
ThewayCarolynseesit,shedidn’tchoosethelow-carblifestyle;itchoseher.Afterbeingdiagnosedwithgestationaldiabetesduringherthirdpregnancy,shebeganwatchinghercarbintake.Andwhenthediabetesdecidedtostickaround,sherefusedtogiveupherlifelongpassionforbakingandcooking;shejusthadtofindnewwaystodoit.Toherdelight,shediscoveredthatwithalittleingenuityandsomeperseverance,manyhigh-carbrecipescanbemadeoverintolow-carbtreatswithoutsacrificingflavor.
Carolynhasamaster’sdegreeinanthropologyandearlyhumanevolutionandanextensivebackgroundinhighereducationadministration.ShelivesinPortland,Oregon,withherhusbandandthreechildren.