Butter Pecan Ice Creami

 12 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 T skinny syrup sugar free butter pecan

1-2 T instant vanilla sugar free pudding mix

1 scoop Devotion Nutrition Angelfood cake  protein powder

1-2 T chopped pecans

1 T half and half

Place all ingredients but the pecans and half and half in a blender and blend well

Freeze in creami cup 24 hours

After 24 hours

First spin on lite ice cream setting

Next make a hole in center with a spoon and add half and half and pecans

Re-spin

Now you are ready to enjoy! Top with a few more chopped pecans and caramel sauce ( sugar free)

*** You can use any vanilla protein powder you have, I just love Devotion Nutrition best. ***

This doesn't fill to the fill line in the cup because this makes 1 serving, and once processed it fluffs up.

Chrissy's Gumbo

 

A few days ago I was at my friends house for a Birthday celebration and this is one of the dishes Chris prepared for the crowd. It was a huge hit! Oh my gosh, it was soooo delish! Everyone had seconds, and some of the guys had third helpings. I have to make it, but none of the stores near me had the Gumbo Mix, so it was off to Amazon. 

For a crowd use 2 boxes and double the recipe below.

1 Box of Zatarain's Gumbo mix ( not the base, but the mix)

1/2 red bell pepper, very finely chopped 

1/2 large onion, very finely chopped

1 lb of large steamed, cleaned, peeled and cut in half shrimp

1 8 oz container of crab meat ( Chris picks her own crabs for this)

If you dont want to use crab meat you can use smoked sausage.💖 We actually like is better this way. 

Prepare the mix according to the box directions. To it add the raw chopped peppers and onions, allow to simmer, then add the shrimp, and add the crab meat. Allow simmer for a few minutes. 

Chris said that this freezes well. 

 

Upside Down Bundt Pan Taco Ring

 They say what's old is new again. That also goes for trends in cooking.

In the 1980's the crescent roll ring was the big rage, especially for those Pampered Chef parties. Now the trend is to use a Bundt pan to make a ring using Tortilla Shells. It's fun to make, and I have switched out some of the traditional ingredients for more healthy ones. But you do not have to. And feel free to add your own personal touches as you like. This recipe has basically all the things people like in or on their Tacos or Nachos . This is my version. 

2 packages of Tortilla Shells plus 2 more. I used Mission low carb tortillas. ( you wont used them all, but have the 2nd pack on hand because you will need to use a few more than what is in one package.

1  2 cup bag of shredded cheddar cheese. I used low fat

1 lb ground beef , You could use Turkey as well. I used 90% ground beef

1 good size onion chopped and sautéed in oil. I use Avocado oil.

1 can Rotel diced tomatoes

1/2 cup each, black and green olives

1 red bell pepper chopped

1 chopped jalapeno pepper chopped

1 2 cup bag colby jack cheese ( low fat if you can find it)

*This time I used laughing cow light cheese because it's what I had on hand. It melts really nice too.  

1 lunch box size tortilla chips.( I used a bag of quest low carb chips)

1 packet of taco seasoning. I use lower sodium

Cooking spray for pan

* Cut up the Tortilla Shells into strips. You will use the long strips to make the circle of strips in the pan and the rounded corners for layering as you build your ring. Be sure to spray the pan well before starting to build.

Sautee your onions, and make your taco meat. Add the drained can of Rotel tomatoes with the taco seasoning pack.

 

 Start building in this order:

Cheddar cheese, about a cup

Taco meat ( 1/2 of recipe)

Half of each, olives, onions, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper

Now place the round corners over this layer making sure it is covered.

Colby Jack cheese, about 1/2 cup

Now place your chips in a layer

Again use the round corners to cover this layer

There remaining cheddar cheese next

The rest of your taco meat

 Remaining Olives, onions , & both peppers  

The remaining Colby Jack Cheese

Now it is time to fold over the edges as pictured. Using round corners to cover center.

This is what it should look like when you are finished.

Now bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven

When cooking is complete flip it over on a large patter or cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut.

I placed each serving over some shredded lettuce and had sour cream and some salsa on the table for dipping or adding. It was really delish!

NOTE: Here are some ideas you could add if you want to make it your own.

Black beans

Re-fried beans

Pepper Jack Cheese

Or anything you would like to , it's up to you.    

   

Taco Salad

 Super simple, but very satisfying and filling. Low carb, low fat.

Iceberg lettuce, chopped 2-3 cups pet serving

Chopped tomato 1/2 cup per serving

Chopped red onion 2 Tablespoons

Lean ground turkey, 93% 6-8 oz each serving

Pecante sauce, 2 Tablespoons

Queso Fresco cheese, 1 ounce crumbled per serving

Low fat, low carb ranch dressing 2 T ( I used Bolthouse southwest ranch)

1 small zero carb tortilla , cut in strips. Place in microwave 1.5 minutes ,they will crisp up so you can use them in your salad for some crunch ( optional)

Taco seasoning packet( low sodium)

Brown turkey and add taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Simmer until liquid is absorbed.

Build your salad in a bowl or plate with all of the veggies, cheese, and dressing. Add 6-8 oz of the turkey mixture on top.

Enjoy!