Festive Berry Spritzer Cocktail (With & Without Vodka)

Light & Festive Berry Cocktails

Ingredients:
2 fresh raspberries**
4 fresh blueberries**
2 small strawberries
10 ice cubes
1/2 cup chilled vodka***
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 cup sparkling or soda water
2 cocktail glasses

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

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

***For an alcohol free cocktail, omit the vodka.

Note: These cocktails are light, attractive & perfect to serve with brunch, appetizers or dinner.

Attractive Low Carb Seaside Bloody Mary Cocktail (With Or Without Vodka)

Seaside Bloody Mary
~ highball presentation ~

This attractive Low Carb cocktail is Delicious and perfect to serve at brunch, as an appetizer, with or without alcohol. They are impressive no matter what style glass you serve them in.
                                                                            
Cocktail Ingredients:

container for shaking/mixing
1/2 cup (4 ounces) vegetable or tomato juice
3 tablespoons vodka**
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon horseradish
Tabasco sauce to taste (2 - 5 drops)
3 drops liquid Monkfruit sweetener***
black pepper to taste (a dash - 1/4 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
ice
Garnish Ingredients:
lemon & lime wedges
sea salt
green olives

cucumber chunks
large (jumbo) cooked shrimp (with tail on)
skewers/picks
celery stalk

Seaside Bloody Mary
~ tall glass presentation ~

Method:

For One Cocktail:

Place a shrimp and desired garnishes on a skewer or pick. Set aside.

Sprinkle sea salt on a small plate or bowl. Run a wedge of lemon around the edge of a serving glass. Dip the glass into the salt to garnish the rim. Add ice cubes to the prepared cocktail glass.

Place an additional 5 to 6 ice cubes in a shaker container. Add the juice, vodka, Worcestershire, horseradish, Tabasco, sweetener, black pepper and lemon juice. 

Shake well to blend. Strain into the prepared glass. Add the  skewered garnishes.

Makes one.

Method for Four Cocktails:

Prepare 4 skewers or picks with one shrimp, lemon & lime wedges, olives and cucumbers on each pick. Set aside.

Sprinkle sea salt on a small plate or bowl. Run a wedge of lemon around the edge of 4 serving glasses. Dip the glasses into the salt to garnish the rim. Add ice cubes to the prepared cocktail glasses.

Place 2 cups of ice in a pitcher, or 8 cup measuring cup. Add 2 cups juice, 3/4 cup vodka,

4 teaspoons Worcestershire, 1 to 2 teaspoons horseradish, 8 to 20 drops Tabasco, 12 drops liquid sweetener, 1/4 to 1 teaspoon black pepper and 4 teaspoons of lemon juice. Stir well to blend. Pour equal portions into the prepared glasses. Add a skewered garnish to each cocktail. Serve. Makes 4.

**If desired, omit the vodka, to make an alcohol free cocktail. 
***You may substitute another unflavored liquid sweetener, of your choice, or a 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sweetener.

Nutritional info per cocktail (with one of each garnish):
approximately 147 calories ~ 1 gram fat ~ 7.15 grams net carbs 
~ 3.7 grams protein

Nutritional info per cocktail (without celery & cucumber)
approximately 142.5 calories ~ 1 gram fat ~ 6.4 grams net carbs
~ 3.45 grams protein

Low Carb Meatballs & Spinach Skillet (Made With Chicken, Turkey, Pork Or Lamb )

Flavorful Meatballs with Spinach

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 ounce) pork panko

3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 

1 1/4 pounds ground chicken, turkey, pork or lamb

2 eggs

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (or 2 teaspoons dried cilantro)

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

2 - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cups low carb marinara sauce

2 tablespoons curry powder

10 ounces fresh spinach leaves

Method:

Mix first six ingredients. Form tablespoons of meat mixture into small balls and place on a sheet of waxed paper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet (or dutch oven) over medium heat. Brown meatballs and set aside.

Brown several meatballs at a time and then transfer onto a plate. As needed, add additional oil to finish browning all meatballs. Carefully wipe oil from skillet with paper toweling. Combine marinara sauce, curry powder and spinach in skillet. 

(It seems like a lot of spinach, but it does become soft and reduce in the pan.) Add meatballs. Cover and simmer for 7 minutes. Makes 4 - 6 servings

.

Notes: This healthy and simple recipe is one of my favorites!  You can change the flavor a bit, by using different meats. 

Nutritional info for one serving (1/6 of recipe):

with chicken: 
405 calories ~ 31.3 grams fat ~ 2.68 grams net carbs ~ 29.3 grams protein

with turkey:  
470 calories ~ 37.35 grams fat ~ 2.68 grams net carbs ~ 31 grams protein

with lamb:
494 calories ~ 39.4 grams fat ~ 2.68 grams net carbs ~ 30.5 grams protein

with pork: 
507 calories ~ 40.48 grams fat ~ 2.68 grams net carbs ~ 31.59 grams protein 

Low Carb Fresh Berry Salad

A delicious & refreshing salad! 

Ingredients:
2 cups butter leaf lettuce
4 raspberries
5 blueberries
1/4 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup sliced jicama
1 ounce casera cheese, diced
1 tablespoon toasted coconut**
1 slice crisp bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons Walden Farms Pear  & White Balsamic Vinaigrette (Zero Calorie)

Method:
Tear the lettuce into bite sized pieces and place on a plate or in a large bowl. Sprinkle the berries, jicama and cheese over the lettuce. Garnish with the coconut and bacon. Drizzle with the dressing. Makes one lunch or dinner serving, or 2 side dish servings.

Nutritional info for the entire salad:
approximately 216.3 calories ~ 13.9 grams fat ~ 8.7 grams net carbs
~ 12.35 grams protein

Note: I was inspired to create this salad by my husband's favorite signature salad, at the Red Onion Restaurant, in Palos Verdes, California. The fresh berries add delicious flavors!

**To make toasted coconut, preheat oven to 350*. Spread 1 cup of flaked coconut on a baking sheet. Bake for 4 minutes, or just until lightly golden. 
Store completely cooled toasted coconut in an airtight container. Use as a garnish on salads, desserts and more.

KETO Raspberry & Chocolate Waffles/ Chaffles (Gluten & Sugar Free

This waffle is a decadent, but 
healthy breakfast or treat!

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons cream cheese (at room temperature)**
2/3 cup grated mini Babybel cheeses (about 2 1/2 mini cheeses) or mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
2 teaspoons coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
dash of pink Himalayan or sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 12 drops vanilla (or unflavored) liquid monkfruit sweetener***
1/4 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons (30 chips) sugar free chocolate chips
coconut oil cooking spray
1 to 2 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons Lakanto Powdered sweetener (or other powdered sweetener of choice)****

Method:
Preheat the waffle or chaffle iron. Place the cheeses, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla and sweetener in a bowl or large mixing cup. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Lightly spray the waffle iron with the coconut oil. 
Regular Waffle Iron:  
Spoon 1/2 of the batter onto the iron. Set aside 2 of the raspberries. Sprinkle 1/2 of the remaining berries on top of the batter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the chocolate chips. Cook until browned. Repeat with remaining batter, fruit and chocolate. Top each waffle with a 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Sift 2 teaspoons of powdered sweetener over the waffle. Garnish with a raspberry. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
Chaffle Iron:
Spoon 1/4 of the batter onto the iron. Set aside 4 of the raspberries. Sprinkle 1/4 of the berries on top of the batter. Sprinkle with 1/2 a tablespoon of chocolate chips. Cook until browned. Repeat with the remaining batter, fruit and chocolate. Top each chaffle with butter. Sift 1 teaspoon of powdered sweetener over each chaffle. Garnish with a raspberry. Serve immediately. Makes 2 to 4 servings.

**If your cream cheese is not at room temperature, you can microwave it for 10 seconds.

***You can use the liquid sweetener of your choice or 1 1/2 teaspoons of a granulated sweetener.

Nutritional info per waffle (with Babybel cheese):
approximately 329.8 calories ~ 26.4 grams fat ~ 3.87 grams net carbs
~ 14 grams protein
with mozzarella cheese:
354.6 calories ~ 29 grams fat ~4.7 grams net carbs ~ 16 grams protein

Nutritional info per chaffle (with Babybel cheese):
approximately 164.9 calories ~ 13.2 grams fat ~ 1.93 grams net carbs
~ 7 grams protein
with mozzarella cheese:
177 calories ~ 14.6 grams fat ~ 2.35 grams net carbs ~ 8 grams protein

Note: These waffles are so delicious and healthy. They are quick and great for breakfast, but also are a tasty dessert.

Keto Friendly Vodka (Gibson) Martini

A Vodka Martini with onions.

Ingredients:
martini glass
ice
shaker container
4 ounces (1/2 cup) good quality vodka (I use Costco's Kirkland Brand or Skyy Vodka)
4 1/2 teaspoons dry vermouth (I use Cinzano Extra Dry or Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth)
cocktail onions or green olives**

Method:
Place ice in a shaker container. Add the vodka and vermouth. Shake until chilled and then pour into the martini glass. Skewer 2 to 4 cocktail onions or green olives and add to the cocktail. Serve immediately and enjoy.

**Use the condiment that you prefer. (My aunt likes onions and I prefer garlic or blue cheese stuffed green olives.) Jalapeno stuffed or plain green olives my also be used.

Notes: 

Traditionally, a Gibson is garnished with pickled onions and a Martini is garnished with green olives.

Shaking causes the ice to chill and dilute the alcohol a little, which blends and mellows the drink.

Nutritional info with 4 onions:
approximately 291 calories ~ 0 grams fat ~ 2.5 grams net carbs
~ 0 grams protein

Nutritional info with 2 garlic stuffed green olives:
approximately 306 calories ~ 1.5 grams fat ~ 2.5 grams net carbs
~ 0 grams protein

Low Carb Savory Bacon Wrapped & Cheese Filled Meatloaf (Gluten Free)

Moist, Flavorful & Impressive!

Ingredients:
18 slices of natural nitrite & nitrate free bacon (not thick cut)
1 1/2 pounds grass fed ground beef (or 3/4 pound ground beef & 3/4 pound ground turkey)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Blend (store bought or homemade)**see recipe below**
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup (1 ounce) pork panko***see note below***
10 mini Babybel cheeses (unwrapped) or 10 one inch cubes of mozzarella cheese
9 x 5 inch glass loaf pan

Method:
Preheat oven to 350".` Line a 15 x 9 inch baking pan with foil and set aside. Lay one slice of bacon across the long side of the loaf pan, beginning with the bottom of the pan, and draping over the side. Lay a second slice, in the same manner, next to the first slice. Repeat with four more slices. Layer 6 slices across the bottom and opposite side of the pan. Layer one slice of bacon across half of the bottom of the pan and drape over the shorter side of the loaf pan. Repeat with two more slices of bacon. Place 3 more slices on the opposite side of the pan.

Place the ground meat, eggs, spices, mustard, onion and panko in a large bowl and mix until well blended. (I use my well washed hands.) Pat half of the meat mixture on top of the bacon. Make a groove, down the center of the meat, to create a trough for the cheeses to rest in. (Leave a half inch to one inch space, at each end, between the groove and the edge of the pan.)
Place the cheeses side by side in the groove. Pat the remaining half of the meat mixture on top everything in the pan. Fold the slices of bacon, from the short sides of the pan, over the top of the meat loaf. Repeat with the bacon slices draped over the long sides of the pan.  Place in the foil lined pan and bake for 40 minutes.
Line another pan with foil. Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Run a knife around the edges of the loaf. Carefully invert the meatloaf onto the clean foil lined pan. Return to the oven for another 20 to 35 minutes, or until the bacon is completely browned. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 7 portions.

A delicious slice of meatloaf with salad.

**Homemade Italian Blend Seasoning ~ Gluten & Chemical Free
https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2019/09/homemade-italian-blend-seasoning-gluten.html

***I highly recommend purchasing a bag of "Pork Panko". (I found it online.) I wanted to try some recipes that called for crushed pork rinds, but I gag at the smell and taste of regular pork rinds and when crushed their consistency becomes gummy. Pork Panko has the texture of bread crumbs and can be substituted in any recipe that calls for regular panko or bread crumbs. (When stored in the refrigerator, they will remain fresh until needed.) If you are not following a gluten free or low carb diet, regular panko or bread crumbs may be used instead of the Pork Panko. 

porkpanko.com

Nutritional info per slice approximately:
557.36 calories ~ 38 grams fat ~ 2.28 grams net carbs ~ 48 grams protein

Note: Oh my. This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, delicious and impressive enough to serve to dinner guests!