Apple Buckwheat Muffins

We have a family case of strep throat. :( But, don't feel too bad for us. Our symptoms tend to be mild and it just gives us a reason to have a slow 24 hours at home.  Secretly, I'm enjoying it. Well, now that the meds have kicked in, that is. We're thankful for modern medicine today. 

This cold, rainy morning seemed like a perfect time to make muffins. I love using different flours in my baking. Buckwheat flour is awesome. It contains protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, magnesium, and more. It's actually technically gluten free too! Amazing, huh? There's no reason not to use it! It's also really easy to substitute into your baking. Unlike nut flours, it's much easier to get the consistency you want with baked goods using buckwheat flour. You gotta try it. Go!

Apple Buckwheat Muffins

30 min, makes 12

Ingredients: 

2 eggs

2/3 c Greek yogurt (use less if using regular yogurt) 

1/4 c apple juice

1 banana, mashed with 1 T water

1/2 t salt

1 t baking soda

1 1/4 c buckwheat flour

3 dates, chopped

1 apple, chopped

2 T goji berries (optional)

Directions: 

Heat oven to 375 F

Mix wet ingredients and dry ingredients in separate bowls

Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients

Stir in apples, dates, and goji berries

Scoop into greased muffin tin

Bake for 25 min, or until knife inserted comes out clean

Cajun Spiced Turkey Burgers

The last time I had a turkey burger I was in college. I was trying to make healthy food choices and bought  a pack of frozen turkey burgers. They were... boring, dry, and demanded ketchup or some sort of enhancement. I think I've avoided them ever since. They seemed like the sad healthy substitute for a "real burger." 

I've really been trying to vary my protein, however, so I thought I'd give the turkey burger another go. I went for a whole lot of spices.  I call it cajun-style because I definitely don't have the experience to call something authentically Cajun. But, oh man, the cajun-style spices we're perfect on these burgers! Totally flavorful, juicy, and delicious. Don't be overwhelmed by all the spices. They are great ones you should have in your cabinet anyway!

Cajun Spiced Turkey Burgers

30 min, makes 10 patties

Ingredients: 

2.5 lb ground turkey

1 egg

1/4 c almond flour

1 1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1 t paprika

1/2 t onion powder

1/2 t oregano

1/4 t cayenne

1/2 t turmeric

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t basil

1/2 t garlic powder

1/8 t cardamom

2 T olive oil for frying 

Red pepper and avocado for topping, if desired

Directions: 

Put all ingredients in large bowl and combine with hands until thoroughly mixed.

Shape into patties. 

Heat oil on grill on medium heat.

Place patties on grill and fry on each side for about 5 min, or until pink is gone and temp hits 165.

Sweet Potato Toast with Chicken & Eggs

This breakfast got me the best review from the family this week! We don't have much time in the morning before B leaves for work so breakfast can feel rushed. The rushed feeling often leaves us eating the same things over and over again as well. Not this time! Sweet potato toast was so easy. Top it with some chicken and eggs and you have a delicious, very filling breakfast. I'm excited to try other toppings!

Ingredients:

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into long "toasts" 

2 T olive oil 

Salt & pepper to taste

1 grilled chicken breast (I cut mine and seasoned it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and cooked it up that morning) 

Fried eggs for on top

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 400 F

2. Lay sweet potato toasts on cookie sheet and drizzle with  olive oil. Rub the olive oil into the tops.

3. Sprinkle on salt and pepper.  

4. Bake until soft, about 20 min

5. Remove and top with chicken and eggs