Tag Archives: Dairy Free

Holiday Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies – Paleo – Nut and Egg Free

Delicious Paleo Eggnog Cookies (1)

I started loving Eggnog when I was around 12. It seems to me that either you love eggnog, or you hate it. I think maybe it has something to do with the nutmeg, but I’m really not sure why. To me it is a creamy delicious holiday drink to be partaken of while decorating the tree or on Christmas Eve hopefully spiked with rum. 🙂

Here is a recipe for Eggnog Cookies that you can make quite easily. They are pretty, and there is no piping involved, so you can leave your decorating bag in the cupboard for another time. I used mace when making these cookies. Mace is the lacy outside of the nutmeg shell, and nutmeg is the seed inside. Mace is slightly more pungent than nutmeg, and both work beautifully in this cookie, so use what you like.

These cookies are grain, dairy, egg and nut free, and a great cookie to make when you have friends and family with food sensitivities and allergies like myself.

Eggnog Cookies - Egg, Nut and Dairy Free (2)

Holiday Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350º degrees F. Lay out a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup of Coconut Flour

1/4 Cup of Coconut Butter

1/4 Cup of Maple Syrup

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil

1/2 Cup of Full Fat Coconut Milk

1 Tablespoon of Gelatin (I use this kind)

1 Tablespoon of White Rum

1 Teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/4 Teaspoon of Mace or Nutmeg

16 Teaspoons of Coconut Butter for the Thumbprints after baking.

Directions:

Whisk together the Coconut Flour, Baking Soda, Sea Salt, Mace and Gelatin in a mixing bowl. In another medium microwave safe bowl, add the coconut butter, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla and rum. Warm the liquid mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds, then with a hand held electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. If the coconut butter isn’t softened enough, microwave another 30 seconds. Add the liquid mixture to the dry and beat with your electric mixture until you get a soft crumb consistency. This next step will activate the gelatin and make a natural egg replacement. Place the coconut milk in a microwave safe glass measure. Microwave to a boil, but be careful not to boil it over. This is different depending on the power of your microwave, but about one minute to one minute thirty seconds. You can also do this on your stove top. Now with your mixer running, pour in the coconut milk, beating as you go until the milk is all incorporated, and you have a nice dough. With a tablespoon scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto your parchment lined cookie sheet. Press a thumbprint into the center of each cookie, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until just turning golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven. Melt 16 teaspoons of Coconut Butter in the microwave, and with a teaspoon, pour the coconut butter one teaspoon each into the indentations of the cookies while they are still warm. Sprinkle with a little additional mace or nutmeg. Cool completely.

Makes 16 cookies

Holiday Eggnog Cookies - Nut and Egg Free

Broccoli Radicchio Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Radicchio Bacon Salad with Cranberries

This flavorful, nutrient rich, salad with chopped radicchio and oven roasted broccoli is a delicious mixture of crunchy, sweet and salty. The salad is tossed with apple juice sweetened cranberries, salty bacon and is drizzled with a honey lemon vinaigrette. The colors are bright and vibrant, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for three days.

Radicchio originated in Italy, and gives the salad a pop of color as well as phytonutrients, flavonoids, vitamin c, k and b vitamins. It has a bold flavor and looks similar to red cabbage, but is nothing like it other than color. It is a member of the chicory family.

Broccoli is a vegetable in the cruciferous family and is full of nutrients. At the top of the list is vitamin k, c, chromium, folate and many more. This is a really delicious and eye catching salad!

Broccoli Radicchio Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Paleo AIP

Broccoli Radicchio Salad with Bacon

Ingredients:

8 Cups of Raw Broccoli Florets plus 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil or Avocado Oil and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

Two small heads of Radicchio (8 Cups) Washed and shredded with a sharp knife

1/2 Cup of Crumbled Cooked Bacon (I used sugar free Paleo bacon)

1/4 Cup of Apple Juice Sweetened Cranberries (I use these)

Preheat your oven to 400º degrees F. Toss the broccoli florets in the oil and sea salt. Roast in your preheated oven in the center rack for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until crispy and brown. They will be almost like a chip. They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges, but not burned.

Meanwhile, place your washed and shredded radicchio into a large bowl and make the vinaigrette.

Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil

1 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons of White Balsamic Vinegar (my favorite brand)

2 Teaspoons of Honey

1/2 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

Directions: Whisk together all the ingredients until emulsified.

Pour the dressing over the radicchio. Pour the prepared dressing over the top and toss to coat thoroughly. When the broccoli is done, place it on top of the dressed radicchio while it is hot. Add the cranberries and crumbled bacon. I like to serve it layered like this with a long set of salad tongs.

That’s it! It’s ready to serve, and as I said, this salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for several days. The radicchio is a sturdy leaf and doesn’t wilt or get soggy with the vinaigrette added to it, and the flavors just get better.

Sam

Broccoli Radicchio Salad with Bacon Paleo AIP Gluten Free

Grain Free Apple Tart

This is one of the desserts I am making for Thanksgiving this year. I love the warmth of the spices in apple desserts. It’s no surprise how popular apple pie scented candles are, and an apple tart baking in the oven makes the whole house smell amazing! I make a homemade non-toxic air freshener on my stove top with apples, oranges, cloves and a cinnamon stick. Here’s how if you want to do this……smells wonderful!

Apple Tart - Grain Free

I use coconut butter, maple sugar and cinnamon in the crust, which is similar to a sugar cookie crust. The apples are sweetened with maple sugar and apple butter. Because there is no top crust on this tart, I found tenting the pie while baking holds in the moisture and makes the apples retain their juiciness.

Apple Pie Tart Pin

Grain Free Apple Tart

Preheat your oven to 350° F and line an 8″ tart pan with parchment. I used a ceramic one, a pie pan will work as well. I have also made this recipe in a square metal baking pan.

Crust:

1/2 Cup of Coconut Flour

1/2 Cup of Coconut Butter

1 Egg

1/3 Cup of Maple Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

In a food processor, process the crust ingredients until it is crumbly and blended well. Pour the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan, and press firmly and evenly with your fingers to form the crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Apple Filling

I used Cortland apples in this recipe. You can use any tart apple or combination of apples that are good for pies including McIntosh or Granny Smith.

Ingredients:

6 Cups of Tart Apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/2″

1/4 Cup of Apple Butter, I use this clean brand, just apples and juice

1/4 Cup of Maple Sugar plus 1 Tablespoon for the top

2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil or Coconut Oil, melted

1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon of Allspice

1/4 Teaspoon of Cardamom

1/4 Teaspoon of Ginger

1/8 Teaspoon of Nutmeg or Mace

1/8 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

Toss the apples with the lemon juice. Then, add in the maple sugar, spices and salt, and toss to coat evenly. Finally add the apple butter and olive oil or melted coconut oil and toss. Spread the apples evenly on top of the crust. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and seal the edges. Bake in your preheated oven for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven, and pierce an apple slice with a fork to make sure it is tender. Then, sprinkle the apples with the remaining one tablespoon of maple sugar, and bake uncovered an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.

This tart is great as is, but I do believe I will be adding my recipe for coconut whipped cream to embellish the top on turkey day! The recipe is here for that.

Coconut Milk Whipped Cream

Paleo Pilgrim Burgers

Paleo Pilgrim Burger

Here is a delicious Paleo rendition of the Pilgrim Burger with all the flavors of Thanksgiving! It is a burger with a squash or sweet potato bun, mashed celeriac or potatoes, a turkey burger, and fresh cranberry sauce on top! Thanksgiving flavors in a burger!

Paleo Pilgrim Burger

Fresh and Quick Cranberry Sauce:

Fresh and Quick Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

8 ounces of organic fresh cranberries

1/3 Cup of Maple Syrup

2 Teaspoons of Fresh Organic Orange Zest

3 Tablespoons of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon of Ground Ginger

1/8 Teaspoon of Ground Cloves

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

Bring the cranberry mixture to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer and cook 7 – 8 minutes until the cranberries pop. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes, and then take a potato masher and mash until there are still some cranberry pieces in it, but is creamy. Place in a serving bowl.

For the “bun”:

Preheat your oven to 400° F. Lay out a rimmed cookie sheet covered with parchment.

Bun Ingredients:

1 Butternut Squash, Top half without seeds peeled and sliced into 1/2″ rounds

1 Large Sweet Potato, Peeled and sliced into 1/2″ rounds

Directions: Place the rounds onto the baking sheet and brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes until soft when pierced with a fork.

For the Mashed Celeriac or Potatoes you will need:

2 medium Celeriac Root peeled or 2 to 3 large russet potatoes

1 Cup of Chicken Broth or Bone Broth, more if needed

1/2 Cup of Coconut Milk

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil or Ghee

Sea Salt to Taste

Directions: Cook the cubed celeriac or potatoes in the chicken broth, covered at a simmer until tender. Place in a food processor, and add the coconut milk, fat of choice and salt to taste. Puree until smooth and creamy. Now for the burger!

Paleo Pilgrim Burger with Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients for the Burger:

2 lbs. of Ground Turkey

1 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup

2 Teaspoons of Sea Salt

2 Tablespoons of Grated White Onion

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Sage

1/2 Teaspoon of Thyme

Chopped Green Onion for the top.

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together, and form into 6 patties. Heat a cast iron skillet to hot, and place additional olive oil in a cast iron skillet to coat the pan. Cook three burgers at a time. To assemble, place the squash bun or sweet potato round on the bottom, add a generous scoop of mash, the burger and then top with the fresh cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with green scallions. Serve hot!

You can make this as often as you like, but it is especially delicious over the holidays! A fancy way I like to serve them is to assemble them all on a large turkey platter, and let everyone pick their favorite!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Biscotti is my all time favorite cookie! They just go so well with coffee. I like to munch on biscotti when I play cards with friends. What’s your favorite card game? Mine is Euchre. I hope you still take time to play cards if you enjoy it! It seems harder to find the time anymore, but always leaves me feeling happy and connected. Here’s a great recipe for a cookie with holiday flavors, but you can enjoy it anytime of year.

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Biscotti On a Plate with a Pug Mug - Grain Free

It is made grain free with coconut flour and has heart healthy olive oil in it.

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Note: If you are eating strict SCD Low FodMap, substitute chopped pecans or walnuts for the chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup of Coconut Flour, scooped and leveled

2 Eggs

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil

1/4 Cup of Honey

1/3 Cup of Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips (here is the link for Amazon, but they are available at many grocery stores as well)

1/4 Cup of Apple Juice Sweetened Dried Cranberries (I use these)

Zest of one Organic Orange

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a medium mixing bowl, add the eggs, honey, vanilla, orange zest and olive oil. Beat with a hand held mixer for one minute. Sift together the coconut flour, baking soda and salt, then add it to the wet mixture. Beat for two minutes until the batter begins to thicken. Then, fold in the cranberries and chocolate chips, distributing evenly. Let set for 5 minutes to thicken. Coconut is very absorbent.

Scoop the cookie batter onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, an offset spatula, shape it into a rectangle measuring approximately 12″ x 4″ x 1″ high. Alternatively, you can shape it with slightly damp hands. This keeps the dough from sticking to your hands.

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Biscotti Dough

Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Orange Biscotti Dough Log

Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are starting to brown.

Baked Biscotti Log

Remove from the oven and cool on the sheet for one hour. Reduce your oven’s heat to 325° degrees. Place the cooled cookie log onto a cutting board, and with a serrated knife, carefully slice the log on a diagonal, cutting the cookies into long rectangles about 1 inch thick each.

Biscotti Ready For Second Bake Place the cut side down back onto the parchment paper, and bake 3 minutes per side. After the first 3 minutes, take the cookies out of the oven and flip them over to the other cut side. Take care not to over brown, as all ovens are slightly different. Remove the biscotti from the oven and cool completely.

Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Orange Biscotti Paleo

Store in an airtight container after cooling. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Biscotti - Grain Free and Paleo

Raspberry, Blackberry, Mango Smoothie

Raspberry Blackberry Mango Smoothie

Are you ready for a super delicious, berry infused, smoothie to jump start your day?

This smoothie has your daily allowance of selenium with the addition of just two Brazil nuts! Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium. Selenium is one of the nutrients that helps regulate thyroid function, as well as boost immunity, and so much more. Learn more here from Dr. Axe on the benefits of selenium. Other good food sources of selenium are liver, eggs, grass fed beef, yellowfin tuna, cooked halibut, sardines, turkey, and spinach.

The berries in this smoothie are fantastic sources of Vitamin C, Magnesium and Fiber. Mango is great for the skin and digestion, as well as a good source of Vitamin C and Fiber. I added almond butter for healthy fat and some protein, and ground flax. There is an option to add in Grass Fed Collagen (I have it every day in my smoothies no matter what kind I make for my hair, skin, nails and gut health. It is tasteless, and also is a source of protein.) The lime juice gives the smoothie an extra zip like a sweet tart, and coconut water is very hydrating. I just love the flavor and color of this health promoting smoothie!

Raspberry, Blackberry, Mango Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Coconut Water

1/2 Cup of Frozen Raspberries

1/2 Cup of Frozen Blackberries

1/2 Cup of Fresh or Frozen Mango

2 Brazil Nuts (I use this gluten free brand)

1 Tablespoon of Almond Butter

1 Rounded Tablespoon of Grass Fed Collagen (optional)

1 Tablespoon of Lime Juice

1 Rounded Teaspoon of Ground Flax

1/2 Cup of Crushed Ice

Directions:

Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and add a straw. Enjoy!

Sam

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Raisins – (Toddler Approved!)

Happy Fall Y’all! It’s officially here, and I have a new Pumpkin Spice Muffin recipe for you with Chocolate Chips and Raisins that is grain free and Toddler Approved! My Grandson, Theodore, was here yesterday when I was testing them, and he LOVES them! Look at the pictures of him enjoying one below! 🙂 These muffins are sweetened with maple syrup, have healthy olive oil in them, pumpkin, raisins, spices, and my favorite allergen free dark chocolate chips!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Raisins - Grain Free

Here is my little grandson who is 13 months old eating one. He was saying “Mmmmmm!” as he ate it!

Toddler Grandson Enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffin baked by Mimi

Yup, he totally loved them!

Toddler Approved Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Raisins

Healthy muffins are great to have on hand, so I like that this recipe makes a larger batch. You can also freeze half of them.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Raisins Toddler Approved!

Pumpkin Spice Muffin - halved

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Raisins (Toddler Approved!)

Preheat your oven to 350º degrees F. Lay out two muffin pans with muffin wrappers. I like these unbleached natural baking cups. They never stick and there are no dyes in them. This recipe makes 17 muffins.

Ingredients For The Batter:

6 Pastured Eggs

1 Can of Pumpkin (I use this organic brand)

1/2 Cup of Coconut Flour

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil

1/4 Cup of Pure Maple Syrup

1/2 Cup of Raisins

1/2 Cup of Dark Chocolate Chips (I use this allergen free brand that is delicious!)

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Ginger

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/8 Teaspoon of Ground Cloves

a pinch of Nutmeg or Mace

Ingredients for the Topping:

1/3 Cup of Raisins

1/3 Cup of Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, pumpkin, olive oil, maple syrup, vanilla and lemon juice. Beat with a hand held electric mixer until combined. Add the coconut flour, salt, spices and baking soda, and blend for two minutes. Fold in 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.

Scoop the batter with a muffin scoop into your prepared muffin pan. In a small bowl, mix together the raisins and chocolate chips. Then, sprinkle evenly on top of the muffins. tap very gently into the batter.

Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the tops spring bake when touched.

Remove from the oven, and cool for five minutes, then remove from the muffin tins and cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy these delicious pumpkin spice treats, and share them with those you love! 🙂

Sam

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Raisins - Gluten Free

Griddle Burger and Sandwich Buns – Coconut Flour

These savory griddle buns are the perfect vessel for burgers and sandwiches! They have carrots and scallions in them and are nutritious, delicious and grain free! These are great for egg sandwiches, meatloaf sandwiches, and burgers of all kinds. Top it with my Tomato Basil Jam recipe and your eyes will roll to the back of your head. 🙂 Leave out the scallions and make a nut butter and blueberry jelly sandwich using my Blueberry Spoon Fruit recipe!

Griddle Burger and Sandwich Buns (Carrot Scallion)

I used steamed carrots in this recipe, and they would be equally delicious with pumpkin or butternut squash, so feel free to switch it up. The pumpkin would be very handy if you didn’t have time to steam the carrots.

Griddle Burger and Sandwich Buns

Griddle Burger and Sandwich Buns

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons Coconut Milk or Almond Milk
1/2 Cup of Coconut Flour
2 Cups Steamed Carrots, Mashed (or substitute butternut or pumpkin)
2 Scallions, green parts only for Low FodMap, thinly sliced
4 Eggs
1/4 Cup of Olive Oil, Coconut Oil or Ghee
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

Directions:

Preheat a large electric griddle to 350º F degrees.

These are easy and quick! Add all your ingredients to a food processor, and blend until smooth. Let batter sit for 5 minutes.

Then, brush the griddle lightly with olive oil. With a muffin scoop or 1/4 cup measure, scoop the batter onto the griddle, and spread with the back of a spoon to rounds about the thickness of pancakes. Cook until golden brown, and then flip and cook the other side, just like you would a pancake. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes ten buns or five sets of sandwich buns.

You can make a double batch and freeze these for weeknight ease!

Have a fabulous day!

Sam 🙂

Health Benefits of Pumpkin and Recipes!

What better way to celebrate the Autumn season than making recipes with pumpkin and reaping the health benefits too! Pumpkin is great for eye health, delivering a 100% RDA of Vitamin A in just half a cup. It is a healthy source of fiber, and the beta-carotene and carotenoids in orange vegetables like pumpkin may help prevent cancer and keep wrinkles at bay! (A diet rich in a large variety of fruits and vegetables will keep your skin glowing and your body at it’s best). Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin C , Vitamin E, Potassium and trace minerals. I have some of my favorite pumpkin recipes listed below. I just love Fall!

XOXO

Sam

43580275 - 10 health benefits information of pumpkin. nutrients infographic

Delicious Ways to Eat Pumpkin – Recipes!!!

Frosted Jackolantern Pumpkin Cookies

Grain Free Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Cranberry Biscotti

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Pumpkin Pecan Quick Bread (Grain Free)

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Muffin

Holiday Pumpkin Vanilla Bean Tart

References:

Medicinal and Biological Potential of Pumpkin Pub Med

8 Impressive Health Benefits of Pumpkin Huffington Post

Pumpkin Nutrition University of Illinois

What Are Pumpkins Good For? Food Facts Mercola

Pumpkin: Health Benefits and Nutritional Breakdown Medical News Today

Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Hello! How’s your September going? My two girls have both started high school this year. I have been getting my gardens in shape and doing some Fall decorating.

Autumn is just around the corner, and this is a hearty, warming soup full of delicious nutrition! It is rib sticking healthy comfort food that you will want to make again and again this fall and winter!

Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Chicken and Vegetables - Paleo

This soup is pure goodness in a bowl and pretty enough to serve to and impress guests! I love the rich creaminess of the soup and the toppings that you can sink your teeth into…..my kind of soup in the Fall! The fresh parsley adds brightness to the flavor, and the cumin and coriander give the soup an earthy richness. The honey, djon and splash of apple cider vinegar add that extra zing or umami.

Hearty Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasting vegetables makes them sweeter tasting and the browning adds flavor, flavor and more flavor! I am in love with this bowl of soup, and I think you will be too. 🙂

Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients for Soup Base:

1 Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded and cubed)

6 Carrots (peeled and sliced)

2 Leeks (white parts, sliced)

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon of Ground Cumin

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1 Teaspoon of Coriander

1 Teaspoon of Ground Fennel

1 Quart of Low Sodium Chicken Broth (I used this)

1/2 Cup of Coconut Milk (I used Thrive Brand with no additives)

1 Tablespoon of Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon of Honey

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Dried Oregano

1 Teaspoon of Turmeric

Ingredients for the Soup Topping:

1 Whole Roasted Chicken (I like to batch roast two chickens and use one for the soup)

3 Cups of Brussels Sprouts (halved)

3 Cups of Fennel (chopped)

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/4 Cup of Chopped Fresh Parsley (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400º degrees. In a large bowl, toss together the butternut, carrots and leeks with the olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, ground fennel and sea salt. Then, lay out your cubed Butternut, Carrots and Leeks on one, or two, parchment lined cookie sheets. The vegetables should be in a single layer. Roast the vegetables in your preheated oven for 40 minutes.

In a large stock pan, add the roasted vegetables and 1 quart of good quality low sodium chicken stock, the cider vinegar, honey, dijon, oregano and turmeric. Bring to a high simmer, and simmer for ten minutes. Cool slightly, then add the soup to a blender in two batches and puree, or use an immersion blender. Add the soup back to the pot. Salt to taste if needed.

While the soup base simmers, toss the Brussels sprouts and fennel with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and roast for 20 minutes in your 400º degree oven. While the vegetables are roasting, shred 3 cups of roasted chicken and warm it.

To serve:

Ladle the soup into a bowl, top generously with shredded chicken, the roasted Brussels sprouts and fennel, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Yum, a delicious, hot and hearty main dish soup full of nourishment and healthy comfort!

Serves 6

Enjoy your day!

Sandra