Amaranth Pizza "Pasta" Wraps

This recipe was inspired by amaranth, a whole-grain, gluten free staple unique to the Aztecs.  It contains all of the essential amino acids, including lysine, which is lacking in most grains.  Amaranth is a complete protein and is extremely versatile! It adds protein and texture to this delicious baked dish.

Ingredients
1 Spaghetti squash
2 1/2 c. Vegetable broth

1 c. Bob's Red Mill Amaranth

2 t. Garlic powder

2 t. Italian seasoning 

2 t. Onion powder

2 T. Olive oil
1 1/2 c. chopped tomatoes

5 low carb wraps

1 1/2 c. Mozzarella cheese
2 c. marinara sauce
1/2 c. Mozzarella cheese (as topping)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Split spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and place it face up in a baking dish with 1/4 c. of water.  Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool, then use fork to "pull" out spaghetti-like strands into bowl.

Bring vegetable broth to a boil.  Add amaranth.  Reduce to simmer and cook for approximately 25 minutes.

Mix seasonings, olive oil,  1 1/2 c. cheese and tomatoes in bowl with spaghetti squash.  Coat baking dish with cooking oil and begin to fill each wrap with mixture, rolling and stacking alongside each other.  Top with 2 c. marinara sauce and remaining 1/2 c. cheese.  Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes.

Mac & Cheese Spaghetti Squash

Indulge with this healthy version of your favorite comfort food! Providing vitamin A and vitamin C, spaghetti squash also contains some of the B vitamins. It's a great source of fiber as well. Thinking of leaving out the nutritional yeast cause you don't have it?! Hold that thought--nutritional yeast is often high in B12 and is a complete protein. It contains other B vitamins, is low in fat and sodium, is free of sugar and gluten, and contains iron. It is often used as an alternative to dairy products because of it's "cheesy" flavor. 

1 spaghetti squash

1/2 cup cheddar cheese 

2 T olive oil 

2 T nutritional yeast

1 t garlic powder

Approximately 1 c broccoli

Preheat oven to 350. Cut spaghetti squash in half. Remove seeds. Lie open side down on oven safe tray or dish. Poke with fork. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool.

Using fork, draw out "spaghetti" strands from the squash. Mix with olive oil, garlic, nutritional yeast and cooked broccoli (I microwaved, covered, for about 2 minutes with a small amount of water). Pour back into squash halves and top with cheese. Bake until cheese has melted. 

Chocolate Frosted Raspberry Truffle Pancakes

Topped with fresh raspberries, this chocolatey treat can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Pancake:

1 scoop Quest Nutrition Chocolate Milkshake protein

3/4 c coconut flour 

3/4 c liquid egg white 

3/4 c almond milk 

Chocolate topping:

1 T cocoa powder 

1.5 T coconut oil

1 t xylitol

Water to mix

Topping:

Cacao nibs

Raspberries 

Directions 

Mix all of the pancake ingredients. Mixture will be thick. Cook pancakes. 

Combine ingrdients for chocolate topping. Stir well. Drizzle over pancake stack.

Add cacao nibs and raspberries. Enjoy! 

Nutty Bar Protein Oatbowl

It's been a LONG time since I've been this excited over one of my creations. I love oatmeal, I never get tired of it...but, yes it can be boring. Bust through your oatmeal plateau by varying the texture and flavor with the treats listed below! The Kashi crunch and peanut butter goodness make this recipe very reminiscent of the classic Nutty Bar by Little Debbie. 

Ingredients

1/4 c. Regular oats

1/4 c. Kashi GoLean

1 scoop of Quest Nutrition Peanut Butter protein

1 T. Cocoa powder

1 T. Peanut butter 

2 T. Peanuts 

3/4 c water 

Directions

Combine oatmeal, Kashi, protein, cocoa and water in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave for approximately 1 minute. Top with peanuts and a side of peanut butter. 

Double Chocolate Blueberry Brownies

These healthy brownies are a great source of protein and antioxidants. Fresh blueberries mingle with chocolate and rich cacao nibs dance among the sweetness!

1 scoop Quest Nutrition Chocolate Milkshake protein

1 package sugar free chocolate pudding 

1/2 cup coconut flour

1 container reduced sugar applesauce

1 t baking powder

1/2 c almond milk

1/2 c liquid egg white

6 oz fresh blueberries 

2 T cacao nibs 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat baking dish with coconut oil. Stir all ingredients in mixing bowl. Pour into baking dish. Bake approximately 40-50 minutes. 

Four Ingredient Protein Pizza - Gluten Free!

Yes, it's true. And easy! And healthy! I've made something similar before, in the microwave. But to be blog-worthy, I decided to use the oven. Chances are you may already have the ingredients to make this. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Combine equal parts liquid egg white and brown rice flour. 

Coat a pan with olive oil to prevent sticking (ok, there's a 5th ingredient) and pour/spread "dough" onto it.  Don't fret, he dough will likely be a little runny before it is baked.

Top with sauce, cheese, and whatever yumminess you like. 

Bake for 15-20 minutes.  Enjoy!