baked artichoke fries

A few weeks ago we ordered fried artichokes at a local restaurant.  I’ve been craving them ever since however, while they tasted amazing, they didn’t leave me feeling amazing!  Instead, I created a baked version without the added oil and fat!  I was surprised, they were good!  Dare I say, even better than the fried version!

baked artichoke fries ~vegan~

Baked Artichoke Fries

1 can artichoke hearts (14 oz.), drained

2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flax meal mixed with 4 tablespoons water)

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

-Preheat oven to 385 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

-Prepare flax eggs and let sit for a few minutes.

-Meanwhile, place whole wheat flour in a small plate.  Mix together panko, garlic powder, salt and pepper together and place in a small plate.

baked artichoke fries ~vegan~

-One at a time, dip artichoke heart in flax egg, coat with whole wheat flour.  Dip again in flax egg then roll in panko mixture.  Place on parchment paper and continue until all artichoke hearts are coated.

baked artichoke fries ~vegan~

-Baked for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and lightly browned.

-Serve warm and enjoy!

baked artichoke hearts ~vegan~

We dipped ours in Green Goddess dressing!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

great grains granola

I’m not going to lie…this recipe wasn’t originally intended to be a granola recipe.  I set out to make a no-bake granola bar which flopped, literately!  They flopped, fell apart, crumbled into pieces!  The mixture of peanut butter, spices and vanilla tasted so good I couldn’t let it go to waste!  Instead, I threw it all on parchment paper and baked it until it was a perfect golden crisp granola!

This is the first time I have used uncooked quinoa in a granola recipe.  Since quinoa is technically a seed it makes sense to eat it uncooked similar to chia or sesame seeds.  It adds a nice crunch!

great grains granola ~gluten-free~

Great Grains Granola

2 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/2 cup raw slivered almonds

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa

1/2 cup ground flax seeds

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup raisins

great grains granola ~gluten free~

great grains granola ~gluten free~

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.   Place sunflower seeds and almonds on baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden, stirring occasionally.  Remove and set aside.

-Lower oven temperature to 300 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

-In a large saucepan over low heat, melt coconut oil, peanut butter, vanilla, maple syrup and honey.  Stirring until well mixed.

-In a large bowl, mix together uncooked quinoa, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, toasted sunflower seed/almond mixture,  sea salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Stir until combined.

-Add wet and dry ingredients and stir well to combine.

-Evenly distribute onto two baking sheets and place in 300 degree oven.

-Bake for 50-60 minutes stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent burning and to create an even golden color.

-Remove from oven, let cool and add raisins.

-Serve with almond milk and berries or yogurt, enjoy!

great grains granola ~gluten free~

Enjoy with sliced berries and almond milk or on top of yogurt!  Chock full of  fiber, protein, omega 3’s, vitamins and minerals it’s a great way to start your day!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

slim down smoothie

Have you been over-indulging lately?  

Need a way to reset your body and get slimed down for the summer?

 Start the day with this smoothie to curb your appetite and detox your body!

slim down smoothie

The high water content of cucumbers helps to hydrate our cells, while the lemon acts as a diuretic furthering the cleansing and detoxifying process.  The pear and kale add fiber and bulk to keep you full and curb unhealthy cravings.

This smoothie is so refreshing and rejuvenating, it’s a great way to start your day off in a healthy way!

Slim Down Smoothie

1 pear

2 cups kale

1/2 cucumber

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

1 cup coconut water

~Blend and Enjoy!~

A high powered blender such as a vitamix works best for this smoothie.

I knew my morning would be hectic so I prepared the ingredients the night before and stored it in a mason jar!  I just added it to the vitamix with the frozen fruit and coconut water and I was good to go!

slim down smoothie

www.beginwithinnutrition.com