Keto Almond Joy Bites and the Compliment?

My husband has a funny way of giving compliments, well at least to me.  The other day We were talking to my mom and we said something about how important it was to keep a schedule, even when working from home.  How you have to get up, get dressed, get to work on time and make life as normal as possible in these abnormal times.  He then said, "Yes, Toni even has a schedule for cleaning; Monday she cleans the floors, Tuesday the bathrooms...I never knew she was such a good cleaner."

So, does that mean he thinks I never cleaned before or that I just didn't do a good job in the past?  I'm still not sure how to take that.

Well, I'm putting away my Halloween stuff and getting out Christmas.  I don't want to hear it, yes Christmas is coming out now.  My tree will be trimmed and beautiful before the weekend is over.

I made it through Halloween without eating any sugar and I plan to make it through the holiday season the same way.  One of my tricks is to always have something delicious in case that sweet tooth hits.  I made these little Almond Joy bites so I wouldn't be tempted by anything else.  Everyone got candy on Halloween and so did I.  

And now, when my husband hands me a back-handed compliment, I can just smile and eat another candy bite. These make everything sweeter.

 Keto Almond Joy Bites

1 can (13.5oz) full fat coconut milk

3 Tbsp. confectioners Swerve, or powdered sweetener of choice

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 tsp. salt

2 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

36 almonds

1 cup sugar free chocolate chips, I like Lily's

1/2 tsp. coconut oil

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring coconut milk and sweetener to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until milk has reduce by half, about 30 minutes.  Remove from heat and add vanilla, coconut oil and salt.  

Meanwhile, measure shredded coconut into a large mixing bowl.  Pour coconut milk mixture over shredded coconut and mix well.  

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet.  With a small scooper or two teaspoons, make 36 mounds of the coconut mixture.  Put one almond on each mound and press to adhere.  Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.

Once the coconut mounds are firm, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring after each 30 second increment, until the chips are melted and smooth.  Alternatively, you can melt the chips and coconut oil over a double boiler.  Dip bottom of each mound in chocolate and return to cookie sheet.  Once all mounds are dipped, use remaining chocolate to drizzle over the tops.  Return to refrigerator until chocolate is set.  Keep refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 3 months.  (I usually freeze half and keep half in the fridge)

1 year ago:    Chocolate Fudge and Bragging on My Husband

3 years ago:   Missing Mr. Roger's Neighborhood

5 years ago:   Meeting My New Great-Niece

7 years ago:   The Sprained Ankle and Kentucky Kiss - Drink of the Week

November 4, 2020  Sunrise 8:51 am  Suset 4:16 pm  Temp H -16/ L -26°F

Chocolate-Coconut Shake and the end of the Fall Leaves

 

In the afternoons I need a bit of a pick-me-up.  I used to drink massive amounts of Diet Coke, but I've been trying to stay away from that stuff.  I like coffee and often have a 3:00 pm cup to keep me going through the afternoon but I was looking for something a little different.

I came across a recipe for this blended drink that uses whey protein powder and glucomannan (aka Konjak Root powder).  It mixes with the ice and makes this smooth, frothy drink.  I've made this with water, coffee, coconut milk, almond milk and coconut water.  All are really good.

It is weird that I have been craving something cold and creamy in the afternoons, our afternoons are now pretty crisp.  The leaves are off the trees now and, contrary to what you see next to Charles, Dave has all the leaves (from the next door neighbor's trees) picked up.  

I have read that Alaska eats the most ice cream per capita so there must be something to us Alaskans wanting something cold and creamy!  If it is cold or warm where you are, try this cool and creamy drink.

Charles still has his leaves, and they are beautiful!

However, the neighbor's tree has completely lost it's leaves.  Such a big change from this picture just a few weeks ago!

Afternoon Pick Me Up

1 cup liquid of choice; cold coffee, coconut milk, almond milk, coconut water etc.

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbsp. powdered erythritol, or sweetener of choice

3-5 drops liquid stevia, I like coconut, caramel or chocolate in this, Optional

1/2 tsp. glucomannan

pinch of salt

1/3 cup whey protein powder

ice, about 2 cups

In a blender add liquid, cocoa powder, erythritol, glucomannan, liquid stevia (if using)

and salt.  Blend to combine.  Add whey powder and ice, blend for 2 minutes.  Pour into glasses and serve.  Makes 2 large servings or something to drink for the next 2 hours!

1 year ago:    Beef Wellington

5 years ago:  Fruit Cake Martini and Early Christmas Shopping

7 years ago:  Autumn Fruit Tart and the Bad Attitude

October 12, 2020  Sunrise 8:36 am  Sunset 6:36 pm (exactly 10 hours!) Temp H 35/ L 19°F

Keto Pumpkin Mug Cake

As sad as I am to see the end of summer, I do love Fall.  I love the cold, crisp mornings and how it warms up in the afternoon.  I love the smell of cranberries, the foggy mornings, fires in the morning to "take the chill off" and lots of fall baking with warm spices.  I love apple pie and pumpkin bread.  I love piles of leaves as they fall from the trees and Halloween decorations that pop up all around the neighborhood.  

I made pumpkin bread this week for my contribution to Breadline.  I just double this recipe and have 4 loaves at a pop.  I bake on Wednesday and Thursday mornings before work, so I dropped off 8 loaves this week.  

Well, I love pumpkin bread too, and I decided I needed some this week.  I made this pumpkin mug cake for breakfast while I was baking for Breadline.  It was a warm and delicious breakfast. It is delicious plain but I like it at breakfast with  a dollop of whipped cream. When I make it in the evening for dessert, I like to add a pecan topping or a cream cheese frosting.  You'll have to try all four ways and decide how you like it best.

Now, when I am making pumpkin bread, I just sneak out two tablespoons of pumpkin for my treat, but sometimes I want pumpkin bread but opening a whole can for two tablespoons seems like too much, you have this whole can in the fridge and you aren't sure what to do with it all.  I've fixed that, I opened a can and spooned out tablespoons and froze them. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a ziplock freezer bag and you are set.  

Now I just take out two lumps and melt in the microwave when I melt the butter for this recipe.  I am set for the long winter with pumpkin on the ready!  Bring on the snow.

Keto Pumpkin Mug Cake

1 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 Tbsp. coconut flour

2 tsp. almond flour

2 Tbsp. brown erythritol blend, I like Sukrin gold

1 egg

1 Tbsp. water, or almond milk

2 Tbsp. pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

pinch salt

In microwave safe bowl (I use a 2 cup pyrex bowl), melt butter.  Add all the other ingredients and mix well.  Scrape side of bowl (or divide mixture between two microwave safe mugs) and cook in microwave for 60 seconds to 3 minutes (1 minute if divided between two mugs, up to 3 minutes if in one bowl).  Cook for shortest time, check and continue cooking in 30 second intervals. To test, a toothpick should come out of the center clean or with a few crumbs.

Toppings 

Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

2 Tbsp. butter

2 oz. pecans, chopped

1 Tbsp. brown erythritol sweetener

small pinch of salt

dash of vanilla extract

Melt butter in small microwave safe bowl, add pecans, sweetener, salt and vanilla.  Mix well, pour over mug cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened - I use full fat Philadelphia

1 tbsp. heavy cream, or water

1 tsp. powdered erythritol, or sweetener of choice

1 pinch pumpkin pie spice

Add all the ingredients and mix until smooth. Spread over mug cake

Sweetened Whipped Cream

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 Tbsp. powdered erythritol, or sweetener of choice

Pour cream and sweetener into small bowl or cup, whip (I like to use my coffee frother in a mug).  Spread over mug cake.

• 1 year ago:    New Offices and Cinnamon Muffin in a Mug
• 5 years ago:   Sudafed and Green Pea Soup
• 7 years ago:   Dreams and Mac and Cheese with Bacon

October 9, 2020  Sunrise 8:27 am  Sunset 6:47 pm  Temp H 48/ L 28°F

The Quiet After Moose Camp

 

The hunters have all gone home.  Moose season ended September 25th for us and on the 26th they broke camp and headed home.  Then there was the flurry of all the unpacking, cleaning, drying, organizing and storing until the next moose season.

We were fortunate and got one moose.  The meat has all been cleaned and taken to the butcher to be processed and packaged, I love getting it back all wrapped and and ready for the freezer.  The freezer has been cleaned out and reorganized so the moose would all fit and freeze before we divided it between the hunters.  The last out-of-state hunter was hauled to the airport this morning (at 3:30 am) and they are almost home as I write this.  

My brother was the last to leave(3:30 am, thanks bro).  Airlines are not serving food yet and it is a 3 1/2 hour flight from Fairbanks to Seattle where he'll have to change planes.  I made him a little breakfast to-go sack with hard boiled eggs, cheddar cheese and homemade pumpkin bread.  I still really owe him after he brought up my grandma's baking cabinet.

This recipe makes two loaves so I sliced half of one loaf for my brother's breakfast, the other half got sliced and sent across the street to the neighbor.  The second loaf went to my friend who is dealing with injured family members from an ATV accident.  I hope that pumpkin bread adds a little joy to everyone's day.

Me, I'm enjoying a quiet house after 4 days of clean-up activity and I'm happy to have a full freezer for the winter.

Pumpkin Bread

• 1 cup vegetable oil, I use avocado oil
• 3eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 (15 oz. can) pumpkin puree,
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Generously spray 2 (8 1/2 X 4 1/2")loaf pans with cooking spray, set aside.

In large mixing bowl combine vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree and vanilla.  Mix well.  

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture, mixing until well combined.  Divide batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.  Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick, stuck in the middle of the loaf, comes out with few moist crumbs.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely before cutting.  Enjoy.

• 1 year ago:    Crispy Chicken Wings and a TV in the Living Room
• 5 years ago:   Pasta with Spinach, White Beans and Chicken and the Ruined Pedicure
• 7 years ago:   Beer Bread and Retiring from the School District

October 5, 2020  Sunrise 8:14 am  Sunset 7:01 pm  Temp H 51/ L 39°F

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mug Cake

I'm a little sad today.  Today, the Prize Patrol was out, awarding someone with $7,000 a week for life, and it wasn't me.  I was really counting on that money so I could retire and move closer to the grandboys.  But no, I was not the happy recipient.  So, I'll have to continue working, visiting my grandboys when I can and console myself with cake.

This mug cake is a peanut butter lover's dream. I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.  This makes 2 mug cakes, but Dave doesn't like peanut butter so I guess that means I'll have to eat both of them myself.  Not as good as $7,000 a week for life, but it will do!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mug Cake

2 Tbsp. peanut butter, no sugar added
1 Tbsp.  butter
1 Tbsp. water
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. Swerve, or sweetener of choice
5-7 drops of stevia, to sweetness desired
1 tsp. baking powder
3 Tbsp. almond flour
1 large egg
1-2 tsp. sugar free chocolate chips

In a microwave safe small bowl, add peanut butter, butter and water.  Microwave 30 seconds or until you can mix all the ingredients together and they are melted.  Mix well until creamed.

Stir in sweeteners, baking powder, almond flour and beaten egg.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Transfer to two microwave safe mugs.  Microwave each mug, separately, for 60 seconds or until center is cooked.

Serve with a drizzle of chocolate, whipped cream, or warmed peanut butter...or all three!
Enjoy

1 year ago:    The New Family Member and Keto Cheese Sticks 
7 years ago:   Cobb Salad and Putting Up the Winter Wood

August 31, 20202  Sunrise 6:30 am  Sunset 9:09 pm  Temp. H 60/ L 46°F

Winning the Sweepstakes and Strawberry Mug Cake

I was working away one morning and the phone rang.  I answered it and a man with broken English informed me I just won Publisher's Clearinghouse.  He went on and on and I listened, he gave me his badge number, my claim number, said I won 3.5 million dollars, a car and a year's worth of insurance from State Farm.  Was I excited? he asked.

All I had to do was send $1,399.99, a fee my state required, and then he could send me the check.  I had heard enough and asked, "How can you live with yourself, trying to scam innocent people?"

"Oh, come on." was his reply.

I hung up. 

So I didn't really win 3.5 million dollars but I did have a little fun wasting the time of the scammer and hopefully took at least one person off his call list for the day.  And, I did spend about 3 minutes thinking about how I would spend that money, but I'm more of a realist and put those thoughts away.

And, being the realist that I am, I realize I need more cake in my life so I decided to re-institute Mug Cake Monday.  There are hundreds of keto mug cakes out there and I think I am the one to try them all.  So here is the first one I tried.  This is perfect with a cup of tea and 3 minutes to think about spending 3.5 million dollars!

The second mug cake waiting to be my breakfast on Tuesday!

Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake
This makes two small mug cakes so I mixed in a bowl, divided and cooked in two mugs.
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. strawberry extract, optional
2 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk of choice
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. Swerve, or sweetener of choice
1/4 cup Almond flour
4 medium strawberries - finely diced, plus one for decoration if desired

In a small bowl, beat egg, vanilla, heavy cream, baking powder and sweetener.  Stir in almond flour until smooth.  Stir in the strawberries.

Divide batter into two mugs, the mug cake doubles in size while it cooks so choose mugs accordingly!

Bake the cakes, one at a time, on high for 60-90 seconds, start with 60 seconds and check then continue cooking, if needed in 15 second increments.

Cool 3-5 minutes.  Top with whipped cream and strawberry, optional.  Enjoy.

1 year ago:     Keto Cheesecake for My Two Year Anniversary
3 years ago:   Tired
5 years ago:   Fish On!
7 years ago:   Rhubarb Sauce

August 17, 2020  Sunrise 5:46 am  Sunset 10:00 pm  Temp. H 75/ L 50°F

Meat Chips and the Dogfight

I'm home again, quarantining for two weeks and settling back into my routine.  I "go to work" at 8:00 every morning and use my "union break" to weed something for 10 minutes outside.  Then at lunch I walk the dogs so we all get some exercise.

It is a new fiscal year for work and I've been busy talking to our contractors about getting their contracts submitted.  I was talking to one of my contractors and the dogs were being real assholes.  I had to excuse myself to go yell at them and then they got into an all out dog fight! I've never seen them do that before.  I put one of the dogs in the garage kennel and finished my phone conference (nothing screams professional like a dog fight while you are on speaker phone).  The other dog sat at the garage door and whined and cried until I let the other dog back in the house.  They are just like siblings, they fight but then cry when one of them is in time out!  Next phone meeting I'm putting them both in the kennel and then I won't have to worry about it.

When Dave gets home from work we usually have a break, visit about our day and have a little snack before we get on with evening chores and dinner.  My new favorite snack is meat chips (that's what Gman calls them).  They are pepperoni slices that are cooked in the microwave and they become a crispy little bite.  They cook out a lot of fat so make sure you have a couple layers of paper towel under them.  They are great alone or with some dip.  They are also a nice treat after your co-workers get into a loud argument while you are on the phone.

Meat Chips
pepperoni slices

Place pepperoni slices on a double layer of paper towels, cover with a sheet of paper towel.  Place in microwave for 1 minute (microwave times may vary).  Let cool completely.  Serve with dip, cheese slices or alone.

1 year ago:    The Passing of June
5 years ago:  Chocolate Heart Cakes for a Wedding
7 years ago:  White Water Rafting

July 14, 2020  Sunset 12:05 am  Sunrise 3:51 am  Temp. H 70/ L 51°F

The Accidental Cracker

Because I made bread for Dave, I was thinking I could use some too.  I used to make a seed bread that I really loved and ran across a recipe for a keto seed bread I thought might be good.  I gathered the ingredients, mixed everything together and baked it.  The loaf came out dense, damp and dull.  I was so disappointed and I don't know what I did wrong.  I read through the comments from the recipe and saw that it was a 50/50 response as to wether people felt successful or not, so I figured I'd try it again.  I measured carefully, mixed, baked and....yuck.

So now I had two very expensive bricks.  Nuts and seeds are not cheap and I just wasted a lot of them.  I decided to cut the "bread", bake it again, kind of like biscotti are twice baked, and make some crackers.  I cut the loaves, baked low and slow, and it worked perfectly.  They are crisp, crunchy and perfect for cream cheese and jam, garlic herb cheese, or plain.  I love cheese crackers and salami for lunch and these are great just for that.  This is one baking mistake I'm glad I made.

Seed Crackers

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, pepitas

1 cup ground psyllium husks

1/4 cup coconut flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

4 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup warm water

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Grease a loaf pan, set aside.

In a large bowl mix sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, psyllium husks and coconut flour.  Place half the mixture in a food processor or grinder and grind until a rough flour-like consistency is achieved.  Place flour back in bowl with whole seeds.  Add baking powder, salt, butter, eggs and warm water, mix well.

Pour into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.  Bake for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 250°F. Let loaf cool slightly.  Slice into 18-20 thin pieces and place on a sheet tray with a wire rack to allow air flow across the top and bottom of the crackers.  Bake for 20 minutes, turning about half way through.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Crackers crisp as they cool.

Enjoy with your favorite toppings.

April 30, 2020   Sunrise 5:18 am  Sunset 10:19 pm  Temp. H 44/ L 26°F

Keeping a Positive Attitude, Week 5

I'm finishing up week 5 of working from home.  I want to complain but I also understand how very fortunate I am that I can work from home, I have a warm home to shelter in place in, I have a wonderful husband, my children are all safe and healthy and sheltering in place in their own homes around the country, I have enough to eat, and I have toilet paper, with a few rolls to spare (no, I didn't hoard tp, I just bought a case at Costco, like I always do, in early February and we haven't used it all yet). So, I am getting a little tired of only my company during work hours, Dave winning 3 out of 4 games of cribbage after dinner, the terms "the new normal" and "unprecedented times" and snow, because we still have a butt-load of it.

I need to work on my attitude, even by gratitude journal is getting a little monotonous.  I'm trying to keep things in a routine (I do better with that), eating healthily, walking outside when possible, and touching base with family and friends, but I am over this.  I want everything to go back to how it was, I want to drive down to the fabric store and just wander around and shop, I want to meet a friend for coffee, I want to throw a tantrum....

I guess we all have those moments, and I'm having mine.  So I need to pull my big girl panties up and soldier on with a more positive attitude.  And when I need a more positive attitude, I make myself treats.  So this week for breakfast, I made myself some pumpkin spice toaster waffles (my little dash waffle maker makes the perfect size for the toaster) from All Day I Dream About Food.  I am eating them with some sugar free maple syrup and toasted pecans.  Add a couple of sausage links and the day is off to a better start.

Find the Pumpkin Waffles here.

For lunch, I've been craving salad.  So I made a lovely salad and eat them with these crackers from Sugar Free Mom.  I like to toast them in my air fryer so they are warm and crunchy. I used the recipe for her Quick Keto Toast and just cut them into smaller cracker size pieces.

And I've reinstated the daily drink, but with no alcohol.  I've been enjoying the Lava Flow from Maria Mind Body Health.  I made a whole batch but only mix the ice in with a single serving each evening.  Sometimes I add the  strawberry on top, sometimes I don't and sometimes I just mix the strawberry into the whole thing.  Any way it is a delicious way to end the day.

So I am working on my attitude, one meal at a time.  I'm walking outside more, riding my stationary bike, and still writing in my gratitude journal and meditating. What do you do to help you get through the hard days?

April 16, 2020  Sunrise 6:09 am  Sunset 9:33 pm  Temp H 42/ L 30°F 

New Offices and Muffin in a Mug Cinnamon Roll

Breakfast at my desk.

Our office got moved to a "new" building.  As part of a consolidation effort for our university, one of the old dorms has been changed into an office building.  When I say "changed" I mean the beds have been removed and our office furniture has been moved in.  So, I can now say that I have stayed in a dorm at UAF!

One of the perks of our new office space is a kitchen with a working oven.  The other building we were in did not have an oven.  So, I figured it would be wonderful to bring cinnamon rolls and bake them in our oven so our whole floor would smell warm, cinnamony and sweet.  I made these cinnamon rolls without the caramel (I wanted to see how the oven baked before I added the caramel), put them together at home while Dave and I watched football and then put them in the refrigerator overnight.  I took them to work the next morning and baked them there.  And, because there was no caramel sauce I made a quick cream cheese frosting for the top.

Cinnamon rolls and cream cheese frosting
for my work mates.

Now, I am all about bringing treats for everyone else, but I am not about to leave myself out of a treat opportunity.  So, I made a muffin in a mug cinnamon roll.  It was easy and very delicious, warm out of the microwave and topped with syrup.  Next time I'll top with a little butter too, just because I can.  I also have decided to keep a couple of these mixes in my desk drawer so when I need a little warm treat I can whip it up any time I want.

My little treat mix I brought to work.

Mixed and ready for the microwave

Mmmmm, syrup.

Cinnamon Muffin in a Mug

1-1/2 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. almond flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1 Tbsp. sweetener of choice, right now I'm loving a monk fruit-erythritol mix
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, I like a little more
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a microwave safe cup or bowl, melt butter.  Add all the other ingredients to the cup and mix well.  Microwave for 60-90 seconds until batter is completely cooked (at home it took 60 seconds, at work it took 90).
Top with syrup, keto cream cheese frosting, chocolate chips or butter.

The view out my new office window...yes, we have snow.

1 year ago:    Creamy Mushroom Soup and Going to Work in the Dark
3 years ago:   Seeded Whole Grain Quick Bread
5 years ago:   Banana Muffins and Little Blue Cougar Pills

October 11, 2019   Sunrise 8:30 am  Sunset 6:32 pm  Temp. H 35/ L 22°F.

The New Family Member and Keto Fried Cheese Sticks

We have a new family member I'd like to introduce you to.  He is rather quiet and really low maintenance and we have named him Charles.  Dave wanted to name him Charlie but that was not dignified enough for him, so Charles it is.

It all started when we were at the greenhouse picking up flowers for the garden.  I mentioned I wanted a new flowering tree to take the place of the chokecherry we had to cut down last summer.  Our front yard is just grass now and I miss the spring blossoms.  I walked over and looked at the flowering crab apples and decided I wanted one.  Well, we were out of room in the truck and the tree was $150, so I figured I could think about it for a while.

That Saturday, I met a friend for coffee and she mentioned the Conservation tree sale that was going on that day.  We headed over there to see if they had a flowering crab apple for me.  We stood in line for a good 20 minutes (we were a little early and the line was already 20 people deep).  I figured with so many people there it must be a really good tree sale, and it was!  My flowering crab apple cost me $5!  Yes, only $5.  Dave would be so proud of me for saving him so much money.

Well, it was my turn and I asked for my tree and out came my 5 inch stick with a whole bunch of roots.  Yes, 5 inches and not a single leaf on it.  I looked at that little stick and just laughed.  My friend gave me planting advice and off I went home to plant my little tree.

Dave came home and asked me why I stuck a dead stick in the middle of the front lawn.  I told him how much money I saved him and he just laughed.  He said it looked worse than Charlie Brown's Christmas tree and we should name him Charlie.  But I knew great things were in store for this little stick and named him Charles, a distinguished  name for a (soon to be) distinguished tree.

Charles has been in the ground all summer now.  He has grown some leaves and looks to be thriving.  I talk to him everyday when I water and tell him "good morning, have a good day" every morning when I get in my car to go to work.  Charles is off to great things.

Charles with Gman and the Seatlle DIL the first week of July.

To celebrate the beautiful leaves Charles has grown, I made keto cheese sticks.  I love those fried mozzarella sticks most restaurants have on their appetizer menu.  I made my keto friendly and safe for my tummy.  I made a big batch and keep them in the freezer so I can pull out a couple and have an appetizer any time I want.  They work equally well in the air fryer or fried in hot oil.

Cooking in the airfryer makes them leak a little.

Here's to you Charles, keep growing those leaves and I'll eat my fried cheese sticks and watch!

Keto Mozzarella Sticks

12 mozzarella sticks or string cheese sticks, cut in half making 24 cheese sticks
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup crushed pork rinds, or pork dust
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. granulated garlic
3 Tbsp. coconut flour
3 eggs, beaten

Oil for frying, or cooking spray if cooking in air fryer

Mix grated parmesan cheese, crushed pork rinds, Italian seasoning and garlic in a small bowl.  Beat the eggs in a second bowl, place coconut flour in a third bowl.  Line a baking sheet with parchment.

Dip each cheese stick in coconut flour, then egg, then cheese/pork rind breading, pressing to make breading stick.  Place coated cheese stick on baking sheet.  Repeat with all the cheese sticks.

Repeat the egg and pork dust breading steps with each cheese stick a second time.  This is important so the cheese doesn't melt and ooze out during the cooking process.  Once all cheese sticks are coated well the second time, place in freezer about 5 hours or overnight (I just make a bunch, freeze and transfer to a sturdy container for whenever).

To cook cheese sticks in oil:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pan to 350°F.  Place 3 or 4  frozen cheese sticks at a time in hot oil and let cook about 3-4 minutes or until coating is a golden brown, turn and cook second side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with more cheese sticks, as desired.

To cook cheese sticks in air fryer:
Heat air fryer to 400°F.  Place frozen cheese sticks in air fryer and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for about 5 minutes, turn and cook 2-3 more minutes or until coating is golden brown.  Cooking these in the airfryer does cause some leakage...don't worry they are still delicious and you get to eat the leaked out cheese, yum!

 Serve with sugar free marinara for dipping.

5 years ago:  Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce
7 years ago:  Salmon Cakes

August 30, 2019  Sunrise 6:24 am  Sunset 9:16 pm  Temp H 68/ L 47°F

Egg Salad Stuffed Bacon Cones and the Wrong Birthday Call

O.K. so it wasn't just last Sunday that was tough, it was the whole week.  I guess Monday was alright, I was just stiff and sore from yard work and my fall over the fence.  Tuesday was another story. 

I didn't sleep well Monday night so Tuesday I woke up really tired.  I stumbled down the stairs and let the dogs out, fed them and started my coffee.  Then, I remembered it was the Baby Boy's birthday.  So as my coffee brewed, I called him to wish him a happy day. When he answered the phone he said,
"Oh my gosh, my own mother doesn't remember my birthday."
"I know your birthday, remember, I was there." I said.
"My birthday is the 23." he replied
"I know and today is Thursday, May 23." was my indignant reply.
"Nope, it is Tuesday, May 21."
"I"ll call you in two days." I hastily said and hung up.

I called two days early.  It was going to be a long week.

So I made myself a little treat to get me through.  I love egg salad and I love bacon, so this was the perfect thing for my lunch.  I have cone and cannoli mold so I used those, but you could make your own with aluminum foil.  I made the parts, took them to work in individual containers and stuffed the bacon cones at lunchtime...I did have them for breakfast too, I wanted to take pictures after all!  So, these are good for breakfast, lunch or a little snack.  I think I make bacon cones and stuff them with a cheese for appetizers this summer.

Bacon Cones

6 pieces of bacon, I like to roll them a little flatter and they shape easier that way

6 home made or pre-made cones or tubes

Preheat oven to 375°F.  Wind bacon around molds and place on baking sheet lined with parchment.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy.  Let cool slightly and then remove from molds.  Cool completely and fill with your favorite egg salad, chicken salad, or cheese.

This makes any week better.

1 year ago:    Leaving the Sun Roof Open and Keto Shrimp and Tomatoes with Feta

3 years ago:  The Squeaky Shoe and Cheesesteak Sandwiches

5 years ago:  Apricot Crumble and Getting Caught in Hail

7 years ago:   A Letter to My Hero

May 24, 2019  Sunrise 3:57am  Sunset 11:40 pm   Temp H 65/ L 49°F

Pigs in A Blanket - Keto

I love little snacks, I could make my whole dinner from a couple little snacks, like stuffed dates, pigs in a blanket, cheese and crackers, guacamole...you get the picture.  I also love to have things in the freezer I can just throw in the oven, I totally get why people buy pre-made snacks.  These are easy to make, easy to freeze, and I can make a pan full in the oven or just a couple in the air fryer.

Ready for the freezer or the oven

These little treats are perfect for an afternoon when watching a game on t.v. or for an evening of playing cards, or after a couple of hours of working on the truck. They make a big batch so I make them up and have some in the freezer for when ever we decide we need a snack.

Dave likes to dip his in spicy mustard.  I just like ketchup or barbecue sauce, I'm loving Alterna Sweets barbecue sauce and spicy ketchup.

Keto Pigs in a Blanket

Fat head dough
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp cream cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup coconut flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder

small hot dog type sausages or hot dogs cut in 1/3s

In a microwave safe bowl, melt mozzarella cheese and cream cheese together, in 30 second increments, until completely melted and smooth.  Add eggs, coconut flour and baking powder and mix until ingredients are incorporated.  Turn mixture out on a silicone mat or parchment paper and knead until all ingredients are mixed and no streaks remain. 

Roll dough out about 1/8 inch thick.  Cut in strips then cut strips cross-wise into small strips that will just fit around your sausages.

Roll dough strips around sausages, pinching ends and rolling smooth.  At this point you can freeze them (see picture above) and then transfer to a zip type bag for storage or bake them.

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Bake pigs in a blanket for 12-15 minutes or until dough is cooked through and browned nicely.  Serve hot with dipping sauce.

1 year ago:    Hating Yoga and Oven Fried Chicken
3 years ago:  Cavatappi with Arugula Pesto and Welcoming Spring
5 years ago:  Dog Tired and Pumpkin Custard
7 years ago:  Moose Parmesan

March 7, 2019   Sunrise 7:38  sunset 6:26  Temp. H 33/ L 16°F

Almond Crackers

Dave isn't one to do things half way.  Dave doesn't do Christmas lights half way, between the lights and the nativity outside I tell people you can see our house from Mars during Christmas. Friends stop by to tell Dave how much they love the lights,  so we had lots of people driving by because they know there will be lights.  Our neighborhood is pretty good about holiday decorating, and this year was especially nice.  Our across the street and to the right neighbors had a yard full of Christmas cheer and our straight across the street neighbor had some festive lights.

So, friends will drive by to see the lights and often they stop in to say hi, have an adult beverage and spend a little time.  The holidays were the perfect time to do that.  I like to have something to nibble on when friends stop by to visit, and especially during the holidays when we get more visitors than usual, and cheese and crackers are a quick, easy thing to throw on a  plate and have a snack.

Now, we have friends stop by to see how we are progressing on the truck.  We visit about what we have found and it gives us the chance to have a break, a snack, and Dave has a beer.

I used to love cheese and crackers.  I could eat just that for a meal. So I decided to make some crackers that were Toni friendly and have on hand for such occasions.  Well, I like them so much I am having cheese and crackers for lunch this week.

Right now I'm loving some flaky salt or this home made everything bagel mix on top.  These are the perfect little bite.

Lunch at my desk this week.

Almond Flour Crackers
makes about 40 1-inch crackers
1 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 large egg


Preheat oven to 300˚.

Mix almond flour, salt and baking powder, add egg and mix until fully combined.  Place on a piece of parchment paper and cover with another piece of parchment paper.  Roll out to about 1/8 inch thick.  Carefully pull off top parchment paper and cut into crackers (I use a ruler and pizza cutter to do this).  Transfer the bottom parchment paper with the crackers on to a sheet pan.  Sprinkle course salt, a little garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning.  Bake for 30-40 minutes until just turning golden brown.  Let cool completely and then break crackers apart on cut lines.

1 year ago:    Keto Hamburger Buns
3 years ago:  Finishing Physical Therapy and Brown Butter Donuts with Bourbon Glaze
5 years ago:  Peach Skillet Cobbler

February 1, 2019  Sunrise 9:36  Sunset 4:33  Temp H -4/ L -12