Low Carb Salted Caramel Ice Cream (THM S)

Salted caramel ice cream is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve tinkered with a lot of different recipes, and have finally found one that is both easy to make and packs a flavor punch.

Low Carb Pesto Chicken Salad (THM S)

This chicken salad is easy to make, and tastes so fresh and elegant.

Refreshing Cucumber Lemonade (Sugar Free, THM FP)

This summer-tastic cucumber lemonade is one of my new favorites for many reasons – the main being, it’s easy to make and my whole family LOVES it. [No, really, I had to use the all-caps because my children devoured the first batch in almost a single day. O_O] I have no doubt that your family will love it too!

Perfect Basil Pesto (THM S)

Wondering what to do with that beautiful, blooming (overflowing?) basil? Pesto is one of my favorite ways to preserve fresh basil. It uses a TON of fresh basil at once, and pesto can be used in a myriad of ways.

DIY Cold Brew Coffee (THM FP)

Is it just me, or does it seem like cold brew is EVERYWHERE this summer? Starbuck’s, Dunkin, and even the grocery stores are packing their shelves with different cold brew blends. Lucky for you, making cold brew coffee at home is as easy as picking up your regular grounds at the store!

Cold brew differs from your normal hot brewed coffee in a few ways. First, it’s the obvious hot steep vs cold steep. Second, cold brew is stronger than your everyday java so you only use a little at a time.

I suggest a strong, dark roast coffee for this because it adds more flavor and punch with less product.

Recently, I have fallen in love with Kicking Horse Coffee, and found that their “Kick Ass” blend is perfect for cold brew. It’s a bold, dark roast coffee that isn’t bitter. I like the whole beans, because once I get it I can grind it to the coarseness I like and it tastes fresher.

To make your cold brew, just add 1 cup of ground coffee (as coarse or as fine as you like) to a quart mason jar, cover to the top with water, and stir. Place the lid on, and just let it sit in your fridge for at least 24 hours. For a more concentrated blend, you can go to 36 or even 48 hours.

Strain the grounds using a mesh strainer and/or paper filters (to catch those extra small pieces).

Store in the fridge for up to 1 week (or as long as you can keep it around! ^_~).

As I said before, the best part is that you only need 1/4 – 1/3 cups of cold brew to make 8oz of coffee. If you enjoy your coffee black, just add some water to your cold brew. You can flavor it up with almond or coconut milk, extracts, etc.

I tell you, making cold brew at home is even easier than the drive-thru at Starbuck’s. Plus, you have more flavor options using your own coffee at home – win!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission off of purchases made using these links. If you’re interested in fitness, the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, or just living a more healthy life, please consider using one or more of the links below. The money made helps me feed my growing family and keeps this blog running with free recipes. Thank you!

Cold Brew Coffee (THM FP)

• Servings: Makes 5-8 8oz cups of coffee
• Time: 5 minutes, plus steeping
• Difficulty: Easy
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Credit: Erin Murray, My Fling with Food

Ingredients

• 1 cup ground coffee
• water

Directions

1. Place the ground coffee into the bottom of a quart mason jar, cover to the top of the jar with water, and stir.
2. Fix the lid onto the jar and refrigerate for at least 24, or up to 48 hours. (The longer you leave it, the stronger (better) it is)
3. Strain the grounds out of the coffee, and keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
4. Use about 1/4 – 1/3 c of cold brew per 8oz cup you want to enjoy. Fill with water for black coffee, or add almond/coconut milk/a splash of cream – whatever you like to flavor it up!

Red, Wine, & Bleu Burgers (THM S)

Burgers are a staple in my household. Husband loves them. Kids love them. I love them! Plus, they are ridiculously easy to make.

This whole recipe (burgers plus a sauce topper) is less than 10 ingredients. Unbelievable, I know, but this recipe packs in the flavor with just a few ingredients.

I seasoned up 2lbs of ground beef sirloin with sliced scallions, salt-free all purpose seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and dry sherry.

It probably sounds weird to “season” burgers with wine before cooking, but trust me the flavor is *amazing*. The sherry adds a beautiful depth of flavor while keeping the burgers nice and moist. I cooked my burgers to a strong medium (warm, pink center) and there was no trace of raw alcohol.

Mix the burgers with your hands until just combined, score with the side of your hand into sections (for even patties – I got about 7 big burgers out of this), and form into patties.

My best burger tip is to always make these slight dents in the center of your patties prior to cooking. The centers rise as they cook, so instead of them rising and you ending up with cylindrical burgers they rise to the height of the outsides, making it flat.

Before tossing your burgers onto the grill or sauté pan, season each one with a little extra salt and pepper on the outsides. This helps to ensure they’re seasoned well.

I cooked these burgers in a cast iron skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning only once.

While the burgers are cooking, make the bleu cheese sauce.

Place the sour cream into a small bowl with the bleu cheese crumbles, a few dashes of hot sauce, salt and pepper, and a touch of half and half or heavy cream to slightly thin the sour cream.

When the burgers are done, top each one with a generous helping of bleu cheese sauce. I served my burger alongside some fresh celery sticks and Trader Joe’s parsnip chips (which are seriously amazing, by the way. 1g of net carbs per serving and they’re a real chip!).

You can serve the burgers atop lettuce (red or green leaf would be a great choice), or stuff it into half a Joseph’s pita. Either way, it’s delicious!

The burger itself really is incredible – the sherry keeps it moist while adding a slight red wine flavor and the dry seasoning adds a punch of different herbal notes (citrus, parsley, rosemary, etc.) with a little hint of onion from the scallions.

The bleu cheese sauce makes it rich and a little tangy from the cheese. [Really, I think beef and bleu cheese were put on this Earth to be best buds because they certainly rock together.]

These burgers would be perfect for a holiday party! With a burger this good, your guests will be knocking down your door for the recipe.

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission off of purchases made using these links. If you’re interested in fitness, the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, or just living a more healthy life, please consider using one or more of the links below. The money made helps me feed my growing family and keeps this blog running with free recipes. Thank you!

• Servings: 4-6
• Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Print

Credit: Erin Murray, My Fling with Food

Ingredients

For the burgers:
• 2lbs ground sirloin
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 Tbsp salt-free all purpose seasoning
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 c dry sherry, or other dry red wine
• salt and pepper
For the bleu cheese sauce:
• 1/4 c sour cream
• 1/4 c bleu chesse crumbles
• 4-6 dashes hot sauce
• salt and pepper
• half and half or heavy cream to thin slightly (about 1-2 Tbsp)

Directions

1. Preheat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
2. Combine all ingredients for the burgers in a large bowl, and use your hands to incorporate everything together gently. Score the meat with the side of your hand into even secitons, then form patties. Make a slight dent in the center of your burgers for even cooking, then season the outsides with salt and pepper before cooking.
3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning only once.
4. While the burgers cook, prepare the bleu cheese sauce.
5. Combine all ingredients for the bleu cheese sauce in a small bowl and set in the fridge until serving time.
6. When the burgers are finished, top each one with a couple generous tablespoons of bleu cheese sauce. Enjoy as a lettuce burger, or stuff it into a Joseph's pita.

Low Carb Shrimp & Grits (THM S)

Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite summertime throw-together meals. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and has all the scrumptiousness of something that takes all day to cook.

For this meal, start with simmering the vegetable mixture. It takes a few minutes for the flavors to develop and reduce slightly.

Next, start crisping the bacon – trust me, you don’t want to skip it. That crispy bacon topping is EVER-Y-THANG.

Steam the cauli grits next.

And finish by sautéing the shrimp in the same pan where you cooked the bacon. The bacon drippings help get a nice, fried char on the shrimp.

Finish up the cauli grits, and you’re done!

Plate it by heaping a big pile of grits into a bowl, followed by the pepper and tomato mixture, then a few shrimp, and throw on some crispy bacon.

The grits provide a creamy pillow for the veggies, then the shrimp and bacon provide a crispy, slightly smoky bite.

I make this often during the summer months because it’s easy and kids and adults alike will gulp it down.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission off of purchases made using these links. If you’re interested in fitness, the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, or just living a more healthy life, please consider using one or more of the links below. The money made helps me feed my growing family and keeps this blog running with free recipes. Thank you!

Shrimp and Grits (THM S)

• Servings: 5
• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
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Credit: Erin Murray, My Fling with Food

Ingredients

• 1 1/2lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
• 6 strips bacon, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 large stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15oz can diced seasoned fire roasted tomatoes (the ones seasoned with garlic and onion)
• 1 bay leaf
• hot sauce to taste (optional)
• 1 tsp gluten free Worcestershire sauce
• 1 – 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• salt and pepper
• Creamy Cauli Grits

Directions

1. Heat a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat with the onions, peppers, garlic, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 6 minutes.
2. Add the bay leaf, Worcestershire, tomatoes, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Mixture should be softened, and slightly thick.
3. Begin the steaming the cauli rice.
4. Crisp the bacon in a separate, large skillet. Remove to a paper towel once crisp.
5. Toss the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl with about a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
6. Fry the shrimp in the same pan where you cooked the bacon. Cook for about 1 minute on each side, depending on size and thickness. Remove to a plate.
7. Finish the cauli grits and serve!

Jalapeño Popper Chicken (THM S)

This quick and easy main dish packs in all the flavor of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers without a ton of the work. I’ve even included in a more kid-friendly option, so the whole family can enjoy it.

Jalapeño poppers are one of my favorite things. I mean, cheese, spicy peppers, and bacon?! How can you go wrong?

I roasted my jalapeños under the broiler for a few minutes to soften them. Turn on your broiler to “normal,” halve the peppers lengthwise and spritz with coconut oil spray. Roast on both sides for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin begins to blister.

Place the peppers into a heat-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap then cool. This helps steam the pepper and release the skin from the flesh of the pepper. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel the skin away and roughly chop.

If you prefer them raw, just finely mince them instead of chopping so that there aren’t any huge pieces of raw pepper.

Next, grill 2lbs of thinly cut chicken breasts. My shortcut is to use the scallopini cut breasts from the store, but you can also slice them thinner yourself. Season simply with salt and pepper, and throw them onto the grill.

Mix the jalapeño with softened cream cheese, salt and pepper, then top each breast with a few tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture and top with shredded sharp cheddar. [For the kiddos, I did not add jalapeño to their cream cheese. My daughter enjoys spicy food, but my son not so much.]

Bake the chicken for about 10 minutes at 350, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbling.

Top with chopped cooked bacon, and enjoy!

My kiddos are bacon lovers, and they devoured this main dish. The best part for me was how easy it was to make. I prepped the bacon and roasted peppers ahead of time, then the rest (with sides) came together in about 15 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission off of purchases made using these links. If you’re interested in fitness, the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, or just living a more healthy life, please consider using one or more of the links below. The money made helps me feed my growing family and keeps this blog running with free recipes. Thank you!

• Servings: 4-6
• Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Print

Credit: Erin Murray, My Fling with Food

Ingredients

• 2lbs scallopini (or thinly sliced) chicken breasts
• 3 jalapeños, roasted and chopped
• 6oz softened cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Grill the chicken breasts and set aside.
2. Combine the roasted jalapeños with the softened cream cheese. *If you have kids you’re making this for also, reserve some of the cream cheese without jalapeños for their portions.
3. Top each chicken breast with about 2 Tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture, spreading it around evenly.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes, or broil for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Top with crumbled bacon and enjoy!

Creamy Cauli Grits (THM S)

Let me tell you about one of my new favorite sides – cauliflower grits!

Cauliflower is a super food that can take on many roles – mashed cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, cauliflower steaks, and dairy free Alfredo sauce, just to name a few.

I’ve tried these grits a few times, but this recipe really hit it out of the park. They were creamy, flavorful, and a perfect breakfast or dinner pairing. This recipe actually went with my Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits, but I also ate the leftovers as a lovely breakfast side a few days later.

The best part is that these come together in under 10 minutes, and all you need is a microwave and a food processor.

Start by roughly chopping a small head of raw cauliflower. Toss it all into your food processor, and pulse until it’s finely minced. [Do not rinse out the raw cauli bits after pulsing. It helps add texture to your grits, so leave ’em.

Place the minced cauliflower into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with heat-safe plastic wrap. No water, nothing added to the cauliflower – just cover it. Throw it into the microwave on high for 6-7 minutes. My microwave is aging, so it generally takes longer whereas newer microwaves will take less time to cook the cauliflower. It won’t be completely soft – it will still have an al dente “bite” to it, but that’s what you want!

Carefully peel back the plastic, then place the (hot!) cauliflower back into your food processor (with the raw bits), add the butter, nutritional yeast, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, a few shakes of hot sauce, and the cream/half and half. Pulse a few more times until the grits are creamy and all the ingredients are incorporated. Season liberally with salt and pepper, and serve right away.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make these cauli grits. It’s one of those low-maintenance sides you can throw together in minutes while your main dish simmers.

And can we talk about TASTY?! The texture alone was just dreamy. You hear cauli grits and think, “OK, just more cauliflower mush.” NOPE. They have texture and depth of flavor – you get a little heat from the hot pepper sauce and creaminess from the butter, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar – it’s the perfect balance.

Try these with your low carb breakfast or for dinner (Shrimp and Grits, HAY). They’re perfect any time!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission off of purchases made using these links. If you’re interested in fitness, the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, or just living a more healthy life, please consider using one or more of the links below. The money made helps me feed my growing family and keeps this blog running with free recipes. Thank you!

• Servings: 4-6
• Time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Print

Credit: Erin Murray, My Fling with Food

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cauliflower, roughly chopped
• 1/3 c grated sharp cheddar cheese (bagged or fresh grated is fine)
• 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2oz cream cheese
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2-3 Tbsp heavy cream or half and half
• 8-10 dashes hot sauce
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Add the raw cauliflower to a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
2. Place into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 7-8 minutes. (Newer microwaves start on the lower time. Don’t rinse the raw bits of cauliflower out of your food processor.)
3. Carefully remove the plastic and place the hot cauliflower back into the food processor.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed. Serve immediately.

Roasted Shrimp & Feta Quinoa (THM E)

Summer is just around the corner, which means two things: 1) less cooking time (because your house it too hot already) and 2) lots of fresh, vibrant flavors. Enter, this beautiful quinoa salad.

I did roast the shrimp in the oven, but you could also grill them for an even quicker meal.

To roast the shrimp, and stay in E mode, start by preheating your oven to 400. Place the shrimp onto a large baking sheet lined with foil, spray lightly with coconut oil spray, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Roast the shrimp at 400 for about 6 minutes – it may be more or less depending on the size and thickness of your shrimp. When they’re done, they will be firm to the touch, pink and opaque on the outside.

All that’s left is to assemble the salad!

Place the cooked quinoa into a large bowl, and add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, red onion, lemon juice, and feta.

For the cucumber, make sure that you take the time (2 seconds, really) to cut out the seeds of the cucumber – yes, even if it’s “seedless”. The seeds have more moisture and will cut the shelf life of your salad significantly. You don’t want the whole batch going bad over some cucumbers! That would just be silly.

To cut the seeds out of your cucumber, slice the cuke lengthwise into quarters and cut into it on an angle so the whole “log” of seeds comes out in one cut.

Give the salad a big toss, taste for seasoning, then add your shrimp and serve.

The great thing about this salad is that it’s wonderful at room temp or cold from the fridge. In fact, as it sits in the fridge the flavor gets even better.

The lemon juice adds a fantastic  acidity to the salad, while the herbs add tons of fresh, green flavor. This salad just screams summer to me, and it couldn’t be easier to make!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission off of purchases made using these links. If you’re interested in fitness, the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle, or just living a more healthy life, please consider using one or more of the links below. The money made helps me feed my growing family and keeps this blog running with free recipes. Thank you!

• Servings: 6
• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Print

Credit: Erin Murray, My Fling with Food

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
• about 2 cups cooked quinoa
• juice of 2 lemons
• 1 English cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1/4 c finely diced red onion
• 4-5 sprigs fresh dill, roughly chopped
• 1/2 small bunch of parsley, chopped
• 4 scallions, whites and green parts, sliced
• 2 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Spread shrimp onto a large baking sheet, spritz with coconut oil spray, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, then roast at 400 for about 6 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with all other ingredients. Give it a big toss, taste for seasoning, and serve.