Spoonful of Sugar Free

Registered Dietitian

strawberries

Flourless Brownies {Giveaway}

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You have spoken, and it looks like you want flourless brownies!

I have made a grain-free fudge brownie before here:

It is made with coconut flour and dates for the sweetener. I highly recommend them because they are fudgy, dense, and healthy.

However, what I am I supposed to do when my craving for brownies hits, but I don’t have any coconut flour?

Make Flourless Power Brownies!

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Flourless Power Brownies

Flourless Power Brownies

~These brownies are grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and, of course, sugar-free!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (or any other squash puree. You don't taste it, but it adds extra vitamins, fiber, and body. I'm sure applesauce could be substituted as well if you wish to try that.)
  • 1/2 cup almond butter (or nutbutter of choice. Almond butter is mild, so I can't taste it in the brownie. You could even add peanut butter to make it a peanut butter brownie!)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • Optional: 3 droppers-full of alcohol-free liquid stevia***
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or unsweetened chocolate
  • Optional: A few tablespoons ground flax for extra nutrients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375*.
  2. Mix together the pumpkin, almond butter, eggs, vanilla, flax (if using), and stevia (or other sweeteners listed below, if using) until well-combined. Add in cocoa powder and baking powder until smooth. You may add a few tablespoons of water to help with mixing, but batter should be thick. Fold in chocolate or nuts, if using.
  3. Lightly grease a 8×8 baking dish (I used coconut oil). Pour batter into dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Slice and serve.
https://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2011/09/07/flourless-brownies-giveaway/

 

***I used stevia for this recipe because it was sent to me by NuNaturals, and I wanted to try it out. Personally, I prefer bitter chocolate like my bitter chocolate cake for one. However, you can try adding pureed dates like my Fudge Brownies, add a bit of mashed banana, or simply eat it bitter (like me!).

Tastes fabulous with homemade coconut butter. 

They’re called Power Brownies because of the great benefits of:

  • Pumpkin: One cup of pumpkin has 7 grams fiber, 2650 IU Vitamin A, 564 mg potassium! It also boasts a truckload of antioxidants like Alpha-carotene and Beta-carotene.
  • Chocolate: Click HERE for a post I wrote earlier about the health benefits of chocolate.
  • Almonds: Almonds are a major superfood, and they are full of monounsaturated, good-for-you fats. It contains many nutrients that benefit the brain, and regulate cholesterol. The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E reduce the risk of heart disease.

Thanks to NuNaturals for sending me their products! The alcohol-free stevia drops taste great. You only need a few drops because it is very powerful. They have a new “Chocolate” drop that tastes like chocolate!

Stevia has been picking up a lot of speed lately as a sugar substitute. When I first started my site, I wrote a bit about my thoughts HERE. I’m still not completely sure about it, but it is great to have especially when I have guests and they might not have sweet buds like mine (non-existent). For example, these brownies with stevia were a hit! Everyone loved them. I think I’ve made three batches so far this week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to try some stevia for yourself? 

NuNaturals will award FOUR winners with the following:

One bottle of Vanilla Stevia Drops (My favorite) and a box of Stevia Packets.

Open to Continental U.S. Residents only, sorry!

This Giveaway is now Closed. Winners were announced HERE. 

How to Enter:

There are multiple ways to win. Please leave a separate comment below for each entry.

  1. MANDATORY: Tell me what are your thoughts or experiences are with stevia. Have you tried it? If so, do you have a favorite variety? Do you have favorite recipes with it? Are you a fan? Do you have an interesting article you read about it? Please share!
  2. Subscribe to Spoonful of Sugar Free by entering your email address in the “Subscribe” box on the right. Or follow by RSS, google reader, exc.
  3. Like me on facebook.
  4. Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Can be something like, “I want to win some stevia! @SugarFreeAlex is giving away @NuNaturals http://spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2011/09/07/you-have-spoken/ ”
  5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog.

Remember, there will be FOUR winners! Good luck!

Giveaway ends September 14th at Midnight.

–

Also, NuNaturals has a Free Samples program. They will send you free samples of NuStevia Packets if you send them a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

NuNaturals, INC
2220 West 2nd Ave. # 1
Eugene, OR  97402

Now through September 30th, you can get 15% all orders at NuNaturals if you enter this code:  BLG930. You can also get free shipping on orders over $35. 

Strawberry Sundaes

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It is national Strawberry Sundae Day!

Weird Holiday? Yes. Tasty Holiday? Yes, and it gives us an excuse to at a tasty treat today!

I created a twist on the original strawberry sundae by mixing it with coconut.

 

Strawberry Coconut Sundae 

~This healthy version of an Ice Cream Sundae does not require an ice cream machine. Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and, of course, sugar-free! 

Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (I’m sure lower-fat coconut milk would work fine, too, but the full-fat makes it more creamy.)
Blend until smooth. It should resemble a thick milkshake.

Freeze for at least two hours or until frozen. Scoop with an ice cream scooper for more authenticity.

Sundae Toppings
  • Shaved, unsweetened coconut
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Optional: Unsweetened Chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, unsweetened, melted chocolate, coconut butter or cream.

I used fresh strawberries and shaved coconut for mine.

Health Benefits 
  • Strawberries: Great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, pantothenic acid, vitamin B1, iodine, olic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6. They are also very high in antioxidants which are shown to help prevent chronic diseases. Strawberries contain Ellagic acid which can increase anti-cancer activity and help prevent Alzheimer’s. Strawberry extracts have also been shown to inhibit COX enzymes in vitro, which inhibits the inflammatory process.
  • Coconut: Coconut is widely misunderstood because of it’s high fat content; however, coconut’s saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chains are easy to absorb and digest, and are converted quickly into energy. This means that the body has no opportunity to store the medium-chain as fat. Coconut is also a great source of dietary fiber with a whopping 5 grams per oz!

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

Favorite Sundae Toppings?

I would have to say myfavorite combo: Chocolate, Peanuts, and Bananas!

Raw Banana Cream Pie

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Alright, enough teasing. Here is the recipe for that festive cake I told you about yesterday.

Raw Banana Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust

~This pie is only raw if you use raw cacao powder. If this doesn’t matter to you, then use cocoa powder (like I did). Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, raw, and, of course, sugar-free! 

Crust Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw walnuts
  • 3 large dates
  • 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (or cacao)
  • pinch of salt

In a food processor or strong blender, blend all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. The mixture should stick together. If it doesn’t add a splash of water. Press the mix into a pie dish, and freeze while making the pie filling.

Filling Ingredients

  • 4 frozen bananas

Blend the bananas in a food processor or strong blender until the bananas have a “custardy” texture like Magic Banana Ice Cream. Put the filling on top of the pie crust and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Thaw the pie for about 10 minutes before eating. The pie should be set but not rock-solid. Who likes rock-solid pie?

 

Decorate if you wish. I made this pie for the Fourth of July, so I topped mine with sliced bananas, strawberries, and blueberries in the shape of the American Flag.

The chewy crust compliments the creamy filling beautifully.

Everyone was raving about the pie at the party. No one could ever guess that it was healthy! They were shocked when I told them the ingredients.

 

 

Health Benefits:

  • Chocolate: Click HERE for a post I did about all the benefits of chocolate.
  • Walnuts: Rich in fiber, protein, vitamin B, Omega-3s, magnesium, and antioxidants. Walnuts have also been shown to aid in the lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and the C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP was recently recognized as an independent marker and predictor of heart disease. Walnuts have often been thought of as a “brain food,” not only because of the wrinkled brain-like appearance of their shells, but because of their high concentration of omega-3 fats. Your brain is more than 60% structural fat. For your brain cells to function properly, this structural fat needs to be primarily the omega-3 fats found in walnuts.
  • Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help the body’s circulatory system deliver oxygen to the brain. This also helps maintain a regular heartbeat and a proper balance of water in the body. It also contains tryptophan to help relax you and lift your spirits!

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day: 

Fruit or chocolate desserts? What do you prefer? This pie is the best of both worlds, but if you had to choose-what would you choose?

I choose Chocolate!

Psst! In the mood for more Banana Cream Pie? Try my Chocolate Banana Cream Pie with Chocolate Peanut Butter Crust.

Patriotic Baked Oatmeal

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Happy Fourth of July!

And to my international readers-Happy Monday!

What better way to start the day than a gorgeous, festive, filling, nutritious breakfast?

Baked Banana Oatmeal

I made the baked oats as the Recipe says, but I omitted the applesauce, spices, and nuts this time.

Then I sliced some bananas, strawberries, and blueberries and topped it in the shape of American the flag.

It turned out wonderfully and everyone loved it. It is a snap to make, simply mix it up and stick it in the oven!

Perfect for a brunch, and the leftovers make excellent energy bars.

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

What are your plans for today?

Mine includes making a version on this (you will see it tomorrow), making a huge batch of this, and then having  party with friends and family!

Sugar-Free Independence Day Treats

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Looking for something to make for the Fourth of July? Here are some ideas to help you along:

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

Raw Cheesecake

Homemade Barbeque Sauce (to top all of your burgers, pulled pork, brisket, or vegetarian BBQ?)

Berries and Coconut Cream

Pick-a-Fruit Crisp (or make an Individual version)

Healthified Chicken Salad-not exactly red, white, and blue, but Fourth of July=picnics, right?

Really, anything with strawberries and blueberries can be made into a Fourth of July meal! I have plans to mix around and adapt THIS recipe for the Fourth this year 😛

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

What are your plans for the Fourth of July? To my international readers-do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

We are having a party at my house! Food, swimming, games, ping pong, and, of course, Fireworks!

Chocolate Covered…

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Strawberries…

Almonds…

Dried Apricots…

Pecan Turtles…

First, melt some unsweetened chocolate on LOW heat…

Dip your fruit or nuts and freeze for 10 minutes on parchment paper…

Serve and Enjoy!

The unsweetened chocolate compliments the fresh, sweet fruit beautifully. Besides, it is good for you!

Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:

What is your favorite thing dipped/covered in chocolate? Try it in unsweetened chocolate!

Personally, I love anything dipped in chocolate, but the chocolate-covered almonds have been my favorite lately.