Red Pepper Kale Quiche - Gluten Free/Low Carb

Here's the most delicious quiche I've ever had (my mom makes an amazing cheesy spinach quiche that I grew up eating BUT it's the unhealthy kind). Today's recipe is the perfect dish to make if you're looking for a substantial meal packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats. It's great if you need to feed a family and it stretches into many meals if its only for two people like J and I. It also freezes well which we did because we didn't feel like eating 4 quiche dinners in a row. I even brought it as road food for one of our short trips. Oh, and did I mention that it's not only gluten free, but it's grain free too! I'll be making this one again soon.

Red Pepper Kale Quiche

Crust

2 cups blanched almond flour
1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small squares

Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor (add in order given). Pulse together until it forms a dough.
Press the dough into the bottom and evenly up the sides of a 9" glass pie plate.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust becomes lightly golden.

Filling

1-2 teaspoons coconut oil
1 cup packed chopped kale
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 red pepper, diced
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (I used raw cheese), or mozzarella
6 eggs
Salt and pepper

Cook the kale in a little bit of water, until just cooked (or steam it).
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan and then add the mushrooms, red pepper, and green onions. Saute until just cooked (don't overcook, they will continue to cook in the quiche).
Whisk the eggs together in a large bowl. Add the cooked kale and other veggies. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper (important).
Add the cheese and stir in.
Pour the mixture into the baked crust. Place on a baking sheet and place in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked.

It makes a great dinner with a side of broccoli and a salad!

And remember to enter the giveaway for Arbonne's natural sea salt scrub in this post!

Shared at Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays

Natural Vegan Skincare and a Giveaway

Recently my childhood friend Kelly told me about a line of natural vegan skin care, health, and anti aging products that she's absolutely fallen in love with : Arbonne. Kelly has always been extremely health conscious in terms of what she puts into her body and getting enough exercise, but only after learning about Arbonne did she realize how important it is to be using natural products on the outside of her body too!

Kelly first started using Arbonne for her baby who had eczema that wouldn't go away using regular methods. The Arbonne baby line cleared up her eczema within just a few days and this is what got Kelly even more interested in trying the other products. She told me that she feels good about using the products for her family, knowing that the company uses the purest of science and the purest ingredients.

What does "pure" mean these days anyway?

Arbonne's products are formulated without:

-animal products (and byproducts)
- parabens
- formaldehyde donating preservatives
- Benzene, mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, Tolene (all petroleum based ingredients)
- PABA

Their nutritional products are all gluten free and contain NO GMO ingredients. They are also made without:

- artificial colors
- artificial flavors
- artificial sweeteners
- animal products
- cholesterol
- trans fats

She began using a lot of the Arbonne products and experienced such great results that she's been hooked and telling all her friends about it. She gave me some product samples to try along with info to learn more about the company and I was pleasantly surprised. I tried the daytime and night time creams, facial cleanser, toner, and corrective eye cream, body cream, serum, and body wash. The creams are very luscious and felt nourishing on my skin. Hydrating is a good word to describe them. I like natural creams that have substance to them if you know what I mean - not those ones that feel like mostly water and leave my skin feeling dry in a matter of hours. My daily beauty regime is quite simple. I wash my face and usually use coconut oil as a moisturizer on my face so using all these products seemed to take too much time. If you prefer a very simple routine like me, you might only want the moisturizer and facial cleanser.

Here are just some of the products from the baby line that she uses for her daughter!

Here's what else Kelly said "I believe in the company for its strong philosophy, research based formulation and green promise.  I love how little of each product is needed to make a noticeable difference.  I also love how diverse the product line is. "

You can check out their online catalogue HERE and have a look and their products for yourself. I think there's something for everyone. There are so many more products to choose from in addition to the skin care line. The baby line, make ups, spa treatments, perfumes, a line for men, and nutritional supplements as well.

If you're still wondering what's so special about these products, just check out the list of special antiaging/ healthful ingredients that are used and for what purpose. Exotic roots, herbs, extracts - many of which I'd never heard of before. Check the Botanical Glossary HERE.

The company is "green" conscious and global. It's available in Canada, USA, Australia, and UK. You can order online but when you order through a representative you have access to great discounts. If you're interested in ordering or you want samples, email Kelly: ktoffner @ hotmail.com . I think the samples are a great way to see what products work best for you before ordering.

Kelly is generously offering a FREE sea salt scrub to one of my lovely readers. She loves this and uses it regularly in the shower. Let's face it, we can all benefit from some exfoliation.

To Enter to WIN the Sea Salt Scrub:

This givaway is now CLOSED

Leave a comment below answering this question: What is your favorite natural beauty product??
Remember to leave your name too!

This giveaway is open until Monday March 4th and the winner will be announced on Tuesday March 5th so stay tuned. The winner has 24 hours to get in touch with me or I choose a new winner.

Have you ever used any Arbonne products?

Enter below to WIN!

And remember to email Kelly (ktoffner @ hotmail.com) if you want samples or if you want to order (its much cheaper than ordering from the website).

Shared at Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Allergy Free Wednesday

Healthy Protein Waffles - 4 Ingredients!

It's been  so quiet on this blog lately! The past month has been such a whirlwind. The Valentine chocolate special devoured all my time and immediately after that, J and I left for a 5 day trip to Calgary and Montana to celebrate Valentine's Day and a friend's wedding in the mountains. Oh, and my mac book decided to crash along the way. What a pain! Anyway, it's been my intention to transfer some recipes from Sweetly Raw and Universal Eater over to this blog where it seems fitting so today I have just that. Here's a protein waffle recipe that J and I absolutely love. It's so easy, incredibly healthy, and delicious. Im certain you will make these time and time again.

Here's my post from Sweetly Raw in May 2012....

Do you like waffles? I do - but I haven't eaten them in years. In the past few weeks J and I have been indulging in enjoying waffles. The best part about these waffles, besides tasting great of course, is that they're high in protein, gluten free, grain free - and contain only 4 ingredients. We've eaten these for breaky, brunch, and even for dinner one night.

It's fun to choose different toppings for both waffles and pancakes. A hearty dose of maple syrup is a "must" in my books, and I like to add a little crunch in the form of chopped nuts, dehydrated buckwheat, or cacao nibs. Berries always add a nice juicy texture and yummy flavor too.

Protein Waffles
Gluten free * Grain Free * Dairy Free * Sugar Free

Introducing healthy, tasty protein waffles. I use whey protein but you can easily make these dairy free using a vegan protein powder. Make sure it's unflavored as I think a flavored/sweetened one would make the waffles too sweet - but then again maybe you won't need to add any maple syrup. I've made them both with and without vanilla and don't notice much of a difference either way. A sprinkle of cinnamon can be added too but I prefer them plain. J likes a sprinkle of cinnamon when he adds syrup.

2 large eggs
1 large spotted banana*
1/3 cup blanched almonds
1/4 cup unflavored protein powder of your choice
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla (optional)

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
Heat waffle iron and grease it with coconut oil.

*Make sure its a proper brown spotted "baking banana" to maximize on it's natural sweetness.

Tips - The first few times I played with waffles, I didn't oil the maker properly and the batter stuck like glue into it. NOT fun. I realized the oiling is important since there is none in the recipe as in regular waffles. I highly recommend using a brush to get an even coat of coconut oil (tried with olive oil too and that was fine).

Oh my waffle iron, this recipe likes a LOW heat setting on the waffle iron - but the low setting still seems to be quite hot. #2 setting and don't let it get too hot before pouring the batter in.

Wow, sounds like a complicated recipe but I assure you its easy peasy! These protein waffles can be thrown together in just minutes.

Start your weekend with protein waffles!

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