BAVARIAN SAUERKRAUT AND CHOUCROUTE GARNI

Even children will love sauerkraut when it is prepared this way. The bacon, apple, and onion make it surprisingly sweet and mellow. Use it as a vegetable or side dish, or layer it with a variety of smoked meats, such as ham, smoked pork chops, hot dogs, or sausages to make the classic French one-pot meal called, Choucroute Garni. If you use sugar-free meats, the carb count will be the same as for sauerkraut alone. Bavarian Sauerkraut Real, fermented sauerkraut is a traditional food that deserves…

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RATATOUILLE: A LOW CARB CLASSIC

I tried a lot of classic recipes for this dish before hitting on just the right combination to make the magic happen. This makes a lot, but it gets even better with time so plan on leftovers. You can cut the recipe in half or cook the veggies in batches if your pan is not big enough. RATATOUILLE    Something magical happens when the ingredients for a ratatouille meld, proving once again that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. 2 small…

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POT-AU-FEU

Pot-au-feu, generally considered to be the national dish of France, means “pot on the fire.” It is a family-style, one-pot meal, beloved by rich and poor alike. The ingredients may vary, but a typical, traditional pot-au-feu contains the following (notice the absence of potatoes): – An economical cut of beef, such as chuck or brisket; – One or more cartilage-rich meats, such as oxtail, shank, or beef ribs; – Marrow bones; – Root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, and celery root; – Onions, cabbage, and leeks; – Herbs and…

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HERB ROASTED OLIVES

An Amuse Bouche is a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer that “entertains the mouth” as it awaits the main event. Set out dishes of assorted olives and nuts, and no one will complain, but roasting the olives makes them slightly chewy and concentrates the flavors in a way that is guaranteed to keep your bouche amused. Serve them solo with skewers for spearing or with  low-carb crackers or Parmesan Fricos. Ingredients: 1 cup (4 ounces) pitted black olives 1 cup (4 ounces) pitted Kalamata olives 1 cup…

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CRISP-BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH SPROUTED BEANS AND PUMPKIN SEEDS

Crisp-Braised Chicken Thighs with Sprouted Beans & Pumpkin Seeds 4 servings The classic French pairing of duck confit and lentils inspired this dish of crispy-skinned, succulent chicken thighs atop a savory combo of sprouted beans and sautéed pumpkin seeds. Inexpensive chicken thighs cook up moist and tender and the gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb side rivals the original starchy version for depth of flavor, but with a unique texture and a bit of crunch. Tip: I used a dried mix of sprouted lentils and adzuki and mung…

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