Vanilla Bean Custard (Dairy, Egg, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

Custard is another one of my favourite desserts.  I wanted to create one without eggs yet still thick and creamy.  This definitely satisfies a craving.  I like it for breakfast as the nuts give you lots of energy and help you stay full.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ground raw cashews (I used raw unsalted)
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (ground vanilla beans)
• 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot or tapioca powder/starch 
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder (to replace an egg)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients  into a small pot add slowly heat until thick and warm.
2. Distribute in small dishes and serve warm or cold.

Mulligatawny Soup (Dairy and Gluten/Grain Free)

Mulligatawny, which mean pepper water, is a traditional Indian soup using a combination of spices.  There are many different ways to make this soup.  I used garam masala as my base spice but I have seen other versions using curry instead.  This recipe was a hit with my family and was a great way to use some left over Christmas turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 minced cloves garlic 
• 1 1/2  tablespoons garam masala 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or combination of water/broth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups dried red lentils
• 2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 cup coconut milk

Directions

1. In a large pot heat oil.  Cook onion for 3-5 minutes.  Add garlic and spices.  On a low to medium heat and while stirring cook spices (except bay leaves) for 2-3 minutes to bring out their flavours.
2. Add broth, bay leaves, lentils, and chicken.
3. Bring to a boil and add coconut milk.
4. Cook on for approximately 20 minutes until lentils are tender and flavours are blended.
5. Enjoy!

Breakfast Pudding (Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)

Breakfast is the meal where you should eat the most calories.  Eating your biggest meal in the morning will allow your body to stay mentally and physically stable for the remainder of the day.  I love this breakfast "pudding" as it gives lots of energy and protein.  I generally just combine any seeds and nuts I have around and then add some milk.  You could soak the nuts and seeds for 2-4 hours ahead of time if you don't want as much crunch.

Ingredients (serves 1-2 people)

• 1/4 sunflower seeds
• 2 teaspoons raw cocoa 
• 1/4 cup coconut
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or other natural sweeteners
• 1/3 cup nuts (I usually use almonds or cashews)
• 1/2 cup non dairy milk (adjust depending in desired consistency)
• 2 tablespoons ground chia or flax seeds
• 1/2 banana

Directions

1. Grind sunflower seeds, coconut and nuts in a food processor or bean grinder.
2. In a medium size bowl combine all ingredients.  If using chia or flax seeds let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow them to soak up the liquid.

Vanilla, Chocolate or Almond Pudding, rich in Omega-3 (Dairy, Sugar and Gluten/Grain Free)

A delicious and healthy pudding made from avocados.  Avocados are not only an excellent source of Omega-3, folate and vitamin E but are also rich in glutathione which enhances our cells ability to fight off cancer.

These puddings are a weekly snack  in our home.  The girls prefer the chocolate however, I prefer the vanilla.  Just be warned the vanilla and almond puddings will be green due to the avocados.

Ingredients -For Vanilla (Serves 2 people)

• 1 avocado pitted and peeled
• 1/3 cup dairy free milk (I used rice, almond or coconut)
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup, or other natural sweeteners
• 1 teaspoon pure gluten free vanilla extract

For Almond

• replace 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon pure gluten free almond extract

For Chocolate

• 1-2 tablespoons cocoa depending on taste and cocoa brand
• 2 additional tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Add all ingredients into blender and mix until creamy and smooth.  Depending on size of avocados you may want to increase or decrease the amount of milk.

Chocolate Chia Pudding (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

Chia seeds, known for their role in the "chia pets" are also super food for our bodies.  This antioxidant is rich in Omega-3, protein, fiber and much more.
One way our family enjoys this seed is by making it into a pudding.  One of our favourites is chocolate,  however it is also delicious with pure vanilla or almond flavour.


Ingredients (for 2-3 people)

• 1/2 cup ground chia/salba seeds (white or black) *
• 2 tablespoons raw cocoa
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or rice milk 
• 1-2 tablespoons agave, honey or pure maple syrup

Directions

1.     Mix all ingredients together and let sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken.

* * you can use whole chia seeds as well however I have heard that ground has less risk of sticking to the insides of your digestive tract.