Easy Chocolate Mousse (Low Carb)

We've followed a low carb eating plan a number of times over the years. 

We try to keep carbs to a minimum, but it isn't easy...especially during the summer when I have a baked goods stand at the farmer market. 

EEKKK!!

I love having recipes to follow so we're not just eating 'plain' meat and veggies. 

I've made this one for years.  I know there are lots of different ideas all over the net as to the amounts of these simple ingredients, but this is what I use. 

If you need it sweeter, or more chocolate-y - just adjust to your liking.  I was excited to add a pop of flavor by adding a bit of coffee extract - MMM!

*TIP* - I froze the bowl and beaters for about 15 minutes so the cream whipped up faster. 

And of course, if you want to make this with REAL sugar, go for it! You'll just want to beat it long enough the sugar is no longer grainy.

Enjoy soon! 

(hover over photo to pin)

EASY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 

1 c. heavy cream

3 pkts. sweetener

(we like Truvia)

2 - 3 Tb. unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. coffee or caramel extract, to taste, optional

Add all the ingredients to a (preferably)

chilled bowl and mixer beaters (see TIP above). Begin beating on low speed, until everything is incorporated, then whip it on high until it reaches stiff peaks.  Top with a little bit of whipped topping...a sprinkle of baking cocoa and ENJOY! 

Unbelievable Low Carb French Toast

​

3 Tasty 'Healthier Choice' Oatmeal Dishes {Blast from the Past}

I really should buy stock in Quaker Oats!  I LOVE eating and using oatmeal in recipes.  It's good for you, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite ways to enjoy it....

This cake is OAT-rageously wonderful!  It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacktime! Soak the oats overnight and the recipe has no refined sugar or flour.  I'm wild about having dessert for breakfast! 

Overnight Oatmeal (Cake)

(dairy, egg, gluten and sugar free options)

This has been a very popular recipe adding oatmeal for fiber.  You can't even tell it's there, but it's good for you, and it's filling. Substitute peanut butter for nutella if you so desire. It's all wonderful!

Nutella Banana Oatmeal Smoothie




With agave, Greek yogurt, dried fruit and more...no need to feel guilty
eating these for breakfast!!! Another NO refined sugar/flour recipe! 

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

Chocolate Coconut Chia Smoothie (no sugar added)

An easy, rich and creamy protein shake to get your day started...

And it's DE-LISH too! 

It will help boost your energy any time of day!

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHIA SMOOTHIE 

1 (14 ozs) Cocozia Chocolate Coconut water

1 Tb. chia seeds

1 frozen ripe banana

(peeled, sliced & frozen) 

1/2 c. ice

1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt

2 Tb. salted almond (or peanut) butter

1 Tb. flax seed meal

1 Tb. honey or agave nectar, according to taste 

Add coconut water and chia seeds to blender; allow to stand for 5 - 10 minutes so seeds will expand. (they help keep you feeling full).

Add remaining ingredients and blend until frothy. Divide between 2 small glasses; serve immediately. 

Or, if you prefer, freeze mixture into popsicles. 

*Disclosure:  This post includes my amazon affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase, but when you do through one of my links, I will make a small percentage on the sale. Thank you for supporting my site.

Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (no sugar added)

Healthy Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie

Lowfat Pina Colada Smoothie (no sugar added)

​

Pineapple Fluff (3 ingredients & Sugar Free Option)

Summer is coming very quickly...that means picnics, BBQ and gatherings.

When you need something quick, this is the dish for you!! 

All the recipes shared in this post would be great choices for Mother's Day.
So simple, even a kid can make them!

 I just knew when I saw this thick and creamy recipe at Just A Pinch..that 'leftover' pineapple in the fridge was going to be eaten soon. 

Michelle Procopio of New York...mother of 8 children...says ALL of them LOVE and often request, this simple dish. I changed up the name of the dish from Pineapple Pudding Salad.

(It really doesn't matter what you want to call it...just don't forget to CALL ME when it's time to eat it!) 

You could add mandarin oranges, grapes, or fruit cocktail...whatever your heart desires.  (Be sure to drain canned fruit well). 

I love that you use sour cream instead of the usual Cool Whip...I didn't want to have to wait until it thawed to make this awesome dish.  AND...as I often do, you can sub Greek yogurt for the sour cream....bumping up the protein. 

I WANTED IT NOW! 

I chose to add mini marshmallows...and you can always add Cool Whip if desired. That's a very simple way to 'stretch' this dish and make more. 

You could also add coconut to make a 'pina colada' fluff...MMMM! 

PINEAPPLE FLUFF 

1 lg. (8 serv) (sugar free) instant vanilla pudding 

(I used 1 sm. cheesecake and 1 sm. vanilla)

1 (16 ozs) can crushed pineapple (or tidbits)

1 (16 ozs) container (lite) sour cream

(or use fat free Greek yogurt) for a 'lighter option' 

mini marshmallows, fresh strawberries, etc., optional 

In large bowl, stir pudding mix into pineapple, stirring until well blended.  Let stand a few minutes to thicken.  Stir in sour cream. Refrigerate until ready to serve...or chow down on it right away.

Linked to Weekend Potluck
             Meal Plan Monday


You might also enjoy these...

Cherry Pie Fluff (Weight Watchers Points)

Healthier Watergate Salad

(Sugar Free) Dreamsicle Salad

​

3 Healthier Snacks Using Coconut Oil {Blast from the Past}

These special little bites are sweetened with honey.  Oh SO scrumptious and chewy! 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Granola Bites

What tasty little bites...baked in the oven. Oatmeal, flax seed, wheat germ, coconut oil and honey are among the listed ingredients. What's not to love? 

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

I can normally pass up ice cream, but pour this awesome topping over it and I'll scream for more. Sometimes I eat this just to satisfy my sweet tooth...and the recipe is actually

SUGAR FREE! 

Peanut Butter Hard Shell Ice Cream Topping

​

Thick Homemade Caramel Chocolate Sauce {No Refined Sugar}

For me, nothing compares to homemade chocolate sauce, so when I saw this 'healthy' version at Dorothy's 

Crazy for Crust I knew we would be enjoying it very soon. She created this herself...I am in awe at folks who can do that!

And only FIVE ingredients!  (that includes a pinch of salt!)

I'm a big fan just reading the recipe!!!

This scrumptious sauce truly is thick, chocolately, and OH.SO.GOOD! I think the honey (I use agave nectar as it doesn't spike sugars as quickly) helps make it so thick. 

And I adored the idea of adding my luscious sugar-/fat-free caramel creamer!

Enjoy it over ice cream or dip graham crackers or cookies in it.  Add it to milk or just eat it with a spoon!! (MY kind of enjoyment!=) You don't even have to warm it up, unless you want it warmed.  It can be spread nicely right from the fridge. 

OH MY!!

THICK CARAMEL CHOCOLATE SAUCE 

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa

2/3 c. sugar-free Caramel Creme coffee creamer (vanilla is awesome too)

1/2 c. agave or honey

pinch of salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

In small saucepan, add cocoa, coffee creamer, agave, and salt. Over med-low heat, whisk mixture until thick, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla.  

Pour into container (a jar works great). Cool at room temperature; cover and store in fridge.


Linked to Weekend Potluck

You might also like 

Simple Vanilla Coffee Creamer

Homemade Sugar Free Chocolate Bars/Chips

​

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies (No refined sugar/flour)

SORRY - NO WEEKEND POTLUCK TODAY!
We're on the road home, and plan to be back with you next week.
Please pop on over to one of my co-hosts and join the party fun. 

• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie 
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya

These cookies are a wonderful and healthy way to start your day.
I'm such a Cookie Monster - the idea of enjoying cookies for breakfast sends me running to the kitchen in the morning!!! 

But mind you...if you're not use to 'healthy' eating, let me tell you these are not like a 'regular' cookie.  They are thick, soft, delicious, but a little 'rubbery'...as oftentimes these healthy cookies are.  Just so you're aware.

They are mighty tasty too.  I did just as Stacy suggested....I enjoyed them dipped in yogurt...What a lovely combo!

AND WHAT A WAY TO BEGIN THE DAY!

Thanks much to Stacy of Stacy Makes Cents for sharing another

delicious, frugal recipe from her kitchen. I adapted her lovely creation just a tad. 

Not only are these 'handfuls', tasty and filling - I LOVE a recipe that I can stir  by hand and not have to drag out the mixer!

HEALTHY OATMEAL RAISIN BREAKFAST COOKIES 

3/4 c. rolled oats 

                                             3/4 heaping c. oat flour

2 tsp. baking powder

                                             3/4 - 1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

(I use less of freshly grated)

                                           1 tsp. vanilla extract

                                                      1 egg

                                     4 - 5 Tb. honey (or agave nectar)

1/4 c. plain Greek yogurt

1/4 c. chopped nuts

                                     1/4 c. raisins or dried cranberries 

Preheat oven to 375. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil                                        (or spray foil lined pan)

In medium bowl, combine dry ingredients - oats, oat flour (I placed a scant cup of oats in the blender and blended until powdery - measure to be sure you have 3/4 cup), baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Then add vanilla, egg, honey and yogurt. Stir until well blended.  Add in nuts and raisins. 

Spread cookie dough into 4 or 5 large cookies onto prepared pan. Shape with spoon and pat down a bit.  Bake 6 - 10 minutes or until done. 

Yield: 4 or 5 very large cookies 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy these 
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies (no refined sugar/flour)

​

Lazy 'Healthier' Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls

I made these when I needed something quick over the holidays and wanted to use up the last of the cereal in the box of Rice Krispies.

They turned out great....very tasty. A little 'sticky'...which I LOVE!

And I loved being able to use agave nectar instead of the honey called for in the recipe. (agave nectar doesn't spike sugars like honey does). 

I figure they are good enough for when I'm eating 'lighter' too.  They certainly satisfy a sweet tooth!

Honey (or agave nectar), peanut butter, rice krispies and (un)salted peanuts!

All Good-For-You stuff right?

Try them soon...they made a lot of little mini cupcake liners-full.

Or use large liners. Or press them into a greased 9" X 12" pan.

Either way, they'll be gone in no time at all. 

I saw this recipe at Recipe Lion - 21 No Bake Desserts

If you like this recipe, you may also like my Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats

LAZY 'HEALTHIER' PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIE BALLS (NO BAKE)

3/4 c. honey (or agave nectar)

1 c. (natural) peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

3 c. Rice Krispies cereal

1 c. salted peanuts, chopped (optional)

Line cupcake pans with paper liners (use minis or regular size). (I sprayed mine lightly with non cooking spray). 

In medium saucepan, combine honey and peanut butter; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add vanilla.  Add Rice Krispies and peanuts. Stir until well combined.

Place about 2 Tb. cereal mixture into cupcake liners until filled; cool to room temp.  

Scarf and enjoy!

Add mini chocolate chips if you'd like (I would freeze them first so they don't melt so quickly).  Or drizzle tops with melted chocolate. 

Linked to 
Foodie Friends Friday - Peanut Butter
Weekend Potluck

Crockpot Applesauce {no sugar added}

Tis the season, right?

I LOVE all things apple.  Since I'd found apples on sale this week - 

3# bags - 2/$5 -

I had to grab a couple of bags - different varieties - and decided to make

luscious crockpot applesauce.

I have seen soooo many recipes around the net, but decided I would just

try my own thing.  It turned out beautifully and now I wish I had made even more!  Some recipes called for 6 - 8 apples.  I am so glad I used 12. 

It really cooks down so don't be afraid to fill your crockpot. 

I decided to use a variety of flavors...

Gala (my favorite apple!),

Macintosh and Golden Delicious. 

Use whatever you have.  I even saw a recipe that someone had used 8 different kinds!  

Instead of adding a little water, I used apple juice, and instead of 

adding any sugar, I used agave nectar.  I only guessed to begin with but didn't do any 'doctoring' after it was cooked. 

A number of recipes called for cooking it 4 - 6 hours on high.  Mine only took two...and I wanted a few chunks. 

It's really simple - anyone can do this.  You can always add more sweetener at the end. 

There are really no special measurements to make applesauce, but here's what I did. 

(Hover over image to pin) 

CROCKPOT APPLESAUCE (NO SUGAR ADDED)

12 medium or large apples, cored, peeled & sliced or chunked

(I cut each half in about 4 pieces...it will cook faster)

1/4 c. apple juice

1 - 2 cinnamon sticks 

about 1/4 c. agave nectar or honey 

Place apples in crockpot (I didn't grease and used a 3-qt.) along with cinnamon stick.  Pour apple juice over the apples, then drizzle with agave nectar, or honey. 

Cook on high for at least 2 hours, then check for texture. 

Or you can cook it on low for 4 - 5 hours. 

Stir with wooden spoon or potato masher if you'd like chunks.

Whir in a food processor (my hand held blender works great!) for a smoother applesauce. 

TRUST ME...It's all good..

        Linked to
               Mix it up Monday
                 Meal Plan Monday
Whatcha Crockin' Wednesday
Weekend Potluck

No Calorie Sweet Green Tea: Guest Post/Potholes & Pantyhose

WELCOME TO DRINK-A-THON WEEK AT THE BETTER BAKER!

 I'm serving up several cooling, refreshing beverages every day this week....and I'm thrilled to have a guest blogger for our first day. 

When I first made this tasty drink for my hubby and I, we drank the first pitcher-full the first day, and I had to make more the next...and the next.

And it's something special I made for him for Father's Day too - we both love it. 

It's green tea - and it's not only delicious, it's healthy for you too.
And stevia-sweetened!  I love love love that too!

I'm so happy to have Rebekah share this wonderfully easy drink - along with some great tutorial photos as well. 

Take it away Rebekah...



Hello, Better Baker readers! I am so honored that Marsha asked me to be a guest here today!

My name is Rebekah, and I'm from Potholes and Pantyhose where I share and photograph detailed tutorials of my DIY Projects, Recipes, Photography Tips and Remodeling Endeavors. Marsha loved my recipe for No Calorie Sweet Green Tea she asked if I'd be willing to share the whole process on her site for her dear readers.

So, here I am with my No Calorie Sweet Green Tea.

During the summer, there's nothing better than a cold glass of sweet tea. I enjoy the beverage but wanted a low calorie option that was also healthy for you. There are numerous antioxidants, along with Vitamins C and E found in Green Tea. (*See a report by Harvard Health Publications at the end of this post on the benefits of drinking green tea.)

This simple No Calorie Sweet Green Tea is good for you, easy to make and tastes wonderful.

Here's all that is needed to make your very own No Calorie Sweet Green Tea:

Tea Kettle

Glass Tea Jar

10 Green Tea Bags (I use 5 Caffeinated and 5 Decaffeinated Tea Bags)

6 + 4 Cups of Water

1/2 tsp Liquid Stevia

Using a clothespin, use the tab at the end of the string to corral your tea bags.

Clip the tea bags to the side of your glass tea jar. Boil 6 cups of water in your tea kettle.

After the water in the tea kettle whistles, pour the boiling water into the glass tea jar. Aim for the tea bags as you pour.

Steep for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, pull the tea bags from the liquid but still inside of the tea jar. Slowly squeeze out any remaining water from the tea bags using a wooden spoon.

Add the 1/2 tsp Liquid Stevia.

Add 4 Cups of cold water to the tea jar.

Stir the tea a few times to mix the stevia in.

Let the tea cool in the fridge for several hours. Once it's cool, pour yourself a glass and enjoy!

Stop by Potholes and Pantyhose for other recipe, craft, and remodeling ideas. I am so looking forward to meeting you all. And, thanks again, Marsha for letting me be a guest here today. It's been wonderfully sweet!

Love-Rebekah

[*Tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids — plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group called catechins. In test tubes, catechins are more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including, skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder.

Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease. The antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed a 46%-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea.

Source: Harvard Health Publications]

Thanks Rebekah for sharing with my awesome readers who are ready to cool down in this warm weather. 

DRINK UP YA'LL!!!

Linked to Melt in your mouth Monday