Keto Friendly Mini "Pigs In Blankets" Appetizers

Delicious little appetizers that the
entire family can enjoy.

Ingredients:
parchment paper
20 mini uncured beef cocktail frankfurters**
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (1 cup)
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1 1/2 cups almond flour
2 organic eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons (1/8 cup) very finely grated parmesan cheese
"Everything But The Bagel" seasoning***

Method:
Preheat oven to 350*. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
Rinse the cocktail franks and pat dry. Set aside.
Place the cheeses in a glass (or microwave safe) bowl. Heat in a microwave oven, at 30 second intervals, until the cheeses are melted. Add the flour, eggs and baking powder to 
the cheeses. Use a large fork to stir until all are well combined. 
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Divide each portion into ten balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten into oval shapes, long enough to wrap around each frankfurter. Sprinkle a tiny bit of the parmesan cheese on top of the dough ovals. Wrap the dough over the center of each frank, leaving the ends peeking out. Sprinkle the tops of the appetizers with the seasoning. Press lightly into the dough.
Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet and cook for another 6 minutes, or until golden brown. 

Cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Makes 5 servings.

**I used Boars's Head brand uncured, nitrate & nitrite free cocktail franks, but any natural low carb cocktail franks may be used.

***I use Trader Joe's brand "Everything but the Bagel Sesame seasoning blend, because I like the taste and it contains zero carbs. 

Nutritional info per serving (4 mini appetizers) approximately:
467.6 calories ~ 38 grams fat ~ 4 grams net carbs ~ 23.36 grams protein

Notes: My family loved these and were surprised that they were Keto.

They are perfect to serve as an appetizer, brunch & game day fare or at a cocktail party.

Low Caeb Cocoa Banana Cookies (Dairy, Gluten & Sugar Free)

Delicious chocolate fudge cookies

Ingredients:
parchment paper 
2/3 cup pecan butter**
1/2 cup Lakanto Classic Monkfruit sweetener (or sweetener of choice)
15 - 20 drops vanilla liquid Monkfruit sweetener (or liquid sweetener of choice)
2 organic eggs
1 1/2 avocados
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons banana extract
1/8 teaspoon pink Himalayan or sea salt
unsweetened chocolate chips (optional)
unsweetened flaked coconut (optional)

Method:
Preheat oven to 350*. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Add the nut butter, sweeteners, eggs, avocado, cocoa, extract and salt to a food processor.
Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the container and blend a bit longer, until all is well mixed. Place portions of about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough, an inch or two apart, onto the prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a wet spoon to flatten the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. (The cookies do not widen while baking.) If desired, press 3 chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of coconut, on top of each portion of cookie dough. Bake for 5 minutes. Rotate the cookie sheet and bake for and additional 5 minutes. 

Cool on the pan for 5 minutes and then allow to cool completely on a baking rack.

Makes about 2 dozen fudge-like cookies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

**Almond or another nut butter may be substituted for the pecan butter, but the flavor of the pecan butter is superior and the net carbs is lower than other nut butters. Here is a recipe for Pecan Butter:

Pecan Butter Ingredients:
2 cups pecans
pink Himalayan or sea salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 1/2 teaspoons Lakanto Golden Monkfruit sweetener (or sweetener of choice)
12 drops vanilla or unflavored liquid Monkfruit sweetener
Method:
Place the pecans in a food processor and process on high for 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and the remaining ingredients. Use the pulse function to combine until blended. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes about 3/4 cup. Use in recipes or as a spread. (Try not to eat it all with a spoon!)

Nutritional info per tablespoon of pecan butter ~ approximately:
121.23 calories ~ 12.5 grams fat ~ 0.75 grams net carbs ~ 1.58 grams protein

Nutritional info per cookie (without garnish) approximately:
96 calories ~ 8 grams fat ~ 2 grams net carbs ~ 2 grams protein

Notes: 
I made this recipe for some family members that cannot eat dairy products. (no butter, milk, cheese, yogurt or ice cream) Everyone was quite pleased with the "fudgey" texture and taste. 
Also...another great way to add avocados to your diet.

Keto Friendly Mexicali Skillet Chicken

A moist & flavorful serving of Mexicali
Chicken served with a side of broccoli.

Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili powder**
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan or sea salt
1/4 black pepper
2 - 4 cloves garlic**
1/2 cup red or green salsa
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons olive or avocado oil
1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese (or, a 1/2 cup of each)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
sour cream (optional)
lime wedges (optional)

Method:
Cut the chicken breasts into 2 to 3 inch chunks and place into a bowl.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt and pepper over the chicken. 
Stir to coat and set aside. Mince the garlic and set aside. 
Stir together the salsa and mustard and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir for 10 minutes, to brown all sides of the chicken.  Pour the salsa mixture mixture over the chicken. Continue to cook and stir for 4 more minutes. Reduce heat to simmer. Sprinkle the cheese and cilantro over the top of the chicken. Continue to simmer until the cheese is melted. 

Makes 4 servings. If desired, garnish each serving with 1 or 2 tablespoons of sour cream and serve with a lime wedge.

**Choose the amount of chili powder and garlic, you desire, to achieve the amount of spiciness you prefer.

Notes: This flavorful chicken is delicious served with veggies, cauliflower rice, or on top of cooked or uncooked spinach.

Nutritional info per serving of chicken (garnished with 2 tablespoons sour cream and the juice from one lemon wedge) approximately:
589.6 calories ~ 17.7 grams fat ~ 6 grams net carbs ~ 78.8 grams protein

Keto Friendly Hoisin Sauce (Gluten & Sugar Free)

This rich and flavorful sauce is a nice addition
to Asian style meat & vegetable dishes.

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons Braggs liquid aminos
2 1/2 tablespoons (7 1/2 teaspoons) sugar free peanut butter
4 1/2 teaspoons Lakanto Golden sweetener
1 green onion chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons rice vinegar'
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil

Method:
Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan. Stir over a medium heat and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes a little more than 1/2 cup. (34 teaspoons)

Nutritional info per teaspoon, approximately:
9.5 calories ~ .8 grams fat ~ .2 grams net carbs ~ .5 grams protein

Notes: 
Hoisin sauce is a sweet-spicy condiment most often used in Asian-flavored dishes. It packs a flavorful punch and works wonderfully alongside meat and vegetables in stir-fry recipes.
Store bought Hoisin Sauce contains a high amount of sugar and carbs, but this homemade version is low carb and flavorful. (It is salty, so do not add additional salt to any dish you add this sauce to.)

Recipes in this blog that include Hoisin Sauce:
Keto Friendly Asian Style Chicken (Or Turkey) Noodle Soup
https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2019/11/keto-friendly-asian-style-chicken-or.html

P.F. Chang's Restaurant Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps (A Keto Friendly Copycat) https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2020/01/pf-changs-restaurant-style-chicken.html

"Buttery Fingers" Dessert Cocktail (Or Spiked Coffee)

This creamy cocktail gets it's name from 
flavors similar to a Butterfingers candy bar.

Cocktail Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Irish Cream liqueur
2 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur
2 tablespoons Butterscotch Schnapps (I use Dekuyper ButterShots Schnapps)
2 tablespoons premium vodka
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream 
ice cubes
cocktail shaker
2 maraschino cherries (optional)

Cocktail Method:
Place ice cubes into 2 cocktail or highball glasses. 
Place more ice cubes into a cocktail shaker. 
Add the liqueurs, vodka and cream to the shaker. 
Shake to blend and then pour equal portions into the prepared glasses.
If desired, garnish each cocktail with a maraschino cherry.
Serve and enjoy. Makes 2 dessert cocktails.

Spiked Coffee Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Irish Cream liqueur
2 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur
2 tablespoons Butterscotch Schnapps (I use Dekuyper ButterShots Schnapps)
2 tablespoons premium vodka
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 
cocktail shaker
fresh brewed coffee
whipped cream (optional)
2 maraschino cherries (optional)

Spiked Coffee Method:
Place the liqueurs, vodka and cream into the cocktail shaker.
Shake to blend and then pour equal portions into 2 coffee cups.
Add coffee and stir. If desired, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry.
Serve and enjoy. Makes 2 dessert or brunch servings of spiked coffee.

Notes:
For a special adult dessert, pour portions of this cocktail over vanilla ice cream. Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry ~ Delicious!

I tested this recipe on my godparents and husband ~ They loved it and want me to serve it at our next holiday gathering, as a cocktail and as a coffee beverage!

Keto Friendly Pina Colada Cocktail (Refreshingly Delicious!)

This cocktail is light and slushy.

Ingredients:
2 cups ice cubes
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (6 tablespoons) vodka or rum
1 bottle (17 ounces) sugar free Pineapple Coconut Sparkling Ice beverage**
1/4 cup "Real Coco" organic coconut milk***
2 strawberries (optional)

Blender Method:
Place all of the ingredients into a blender container. 
Blend until the ice is crushed and all is well blended and slushy. 
Pour into two glasses. If desired, garnish each cocktail with a strawberry.
Enjoy!

Alternate Method:
Divide the ice between 2 glasses. 
In a large measuring cup, for liquids, stir together the vodka, Sparkling Ice beverage 
and coconut milk. 
Pour equal portions into the glasses of ice. 
If desired, garnish each cocktail with a strawberry. Enjoy!

**I purchase my favorite flavors of Sparkling Ice at Costco.

***I like "Real Coco" because it doesn't have to be refrigerated, until after it is opened. It is inexpensive and comes in a box of 6 containers, at Costco. 

Nutritional info for one cocktail (made with Real Coco):
approximately 102.25 calories ~ .6 grams fat ~ .25 grams net carbs
~ 0 grams protein

Nutritional info for one cocktail (made with lite coconut milk)
approximately:  115 calories ~ 2 grams fat ~ .27 grams net carbs
~ .2 grams protein

Festive KETO Friendly Berry Spritzer Cocktail (Very Low Carb!)

A Light & Fresh Berry Cocktail.

Ingredients:
2 fresh raspberries**
4 fresh blueberries**
2 small strawberries
10 ice cubes
1/2 cup chilled vodka
1 1/2 cups Cranberry Mist or Black Cherry "Sparkling Ice" bottled beverage***
2 cocktail glasses

Method:
Place 5 ice cubes in each glass. Add 1 raspberry and 2 blueberries to each glass. 
In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup, stir together the vodka and sparkling ice beverage. 
Pour evenly between the two cocktail glasses. 
Garnish each glass with a strawberry. Serve. Makes two cocktails.

Alternate Method:

Place the raspberries, blueberries, ice, vodka and berry mist beverage into  a blender and process until all of the ice is crushed and well blended. Divide between to glasses and and garnish with a strawberry.

**Two tablespoons frozen mixed berries may be substituted for the fresh berries. (Add 1 tablespoon to each glass.)

***Plain sparkling or soda water may be substituted for the Sparkling Ice beverage. (If plain sparkling water is used 5 drops of liquid sweetener can also be added.)

Zero calorie & Zero sugar Sparkling Ice beverages

Note: These cocktails are light, attractive & perfect to serve with brunch, appetizers or dinner. (Or anytime!)

Nutritional info for one cocktail (with fresh berries):
approximately 266 calories ~ 0 grams fat ~ 1.3 grams net carbs
~ 0 grams protein

Nutritional info for one cocktail (with frozen berries):
approximately 267.6 calories ~ o grams fat ~ 1.6 grams net carbs
~ 9 grams protein