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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CHOCOLATE GLAZED PECANS

These are wonderful as a sweet treat or a snack. Chopped, they make a crunchy topping for ice cream or desserts. 2 cups raw pecan halves 2 large egg whites 1 teaspoon sugar-free vanilla extract High intensity sugar substitute equal to ½ cup of sugar* A few grains of salt 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Preheat oven to 300ºF. Spread the nuts in a shallow pan and bake for 5 minutes to crisp and dry. Let cool.Whisk egg whites in a medium bowl until foamy. Stir in vanilla extract,…

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SUBLIME SLIME?

  Jane Tunks called okra, “sublime slime,” but it doesn’t have to be. If you think you don’t like it, try roasting it whole. It’s divine, but without the slime! ROASTED OKRA Start with the smallest, freshest okra you can find. Leave the pods whole and cook them quickly. They will be creamy inside, not slimy, with seeds that pop when you bite into them.  ½ pound (about 38 to 40 pods) small, young okra pods, 2-to 3-inches long or less 2 tablespoons light olive…

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WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE YOUR OWN BROTH AND BOUILLON CUBES

It continues to amaze me that many low-carb gurus, including some of my personal heroes, recommend using purchased bouillon cubes or powders. Dr. Westman, Dr. Phinney, Dr. Volek, Dr. Attia, and others promote their use as a source of extra salt to ease the transition to a low-carb diet and prevent symptoms of what is called the “Atkins flu,” caused by the ion imbalance that occurs when your body loses minerals along with excess water during the induction phase. (Stored sugar causes water retention.) Not…

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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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LEMON CAKE WITH LEMON GLAZE

LEMON CAKE WITH LEMON GLAZE A reader asked if I had a recipe for a lemon cake. Indeed, I do! This is one of my favorites of the many variations on the rich, moist, basic Yellow Cake from Nourished. All are low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, and delicious. ¾ cup (3 ounces or 85 grams) almond flour ¾ cup (3 ounces or 85 grams) coconut flour ¼ cup (2 ounces or 56 grams) granular erythritol, another sweetener with bulk, or a blend 1 teaspoon baking powder A pinch…

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