Birthday Cake

Photo: Carly Johnson

We're celebrating Hero's 7th birthday with a Hello Kitty party. This is my first attempt at a Paleo birthday cake. I have to get over the fact that it's just not going to look as pretty as a fondant cake and in return it is going to be way more healthy and actually delicious.   The kids were coming back for seconds!

Birthday Cake or Cupcakes adapted from Wannabe Chef:

makes one 8" round or 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons coconut flour
• 4 eggs
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350˚F
2. Grease and coconut flour your pan or line your cupcake pan
3. Combine all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and mix with a handheld mixer until it forms an even batter
4. Pour into prepared pans
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch
6. Remove from the oven. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them

Coconut Frosting adapted from Paleo Spirit:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grass-fed butter, softened
• 1/2 cup organic, cold-pressed coconut oil (hardened, not liquid)
• 3/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer* and beat on low for about 30 seconds
2. Scrape down sides of bowl and continue beating on high until the frosting is fluffy and thickened**

*If you don't have a stand mixer, use a vitamix blender - you'll need something strong to break down the coconut oil.  Blend until smooth and creamy.

**The frosting will “break” when you first start mixing it. Just keep going and it will eventually come back together and be light and fluffy like whipped cream.

Brownies

Monday we celebrated our God-granddaughter, Hero's, 7th birthday.  She's such a blessing.  In honor of her birthday she got to sleep over at Grammy & Grampy's and we celebrated with a special treat.  My friend Kindra posted this recipe on my fb wall and I've been dying to try it.  I'm so glad I made it.  This is probably my most favorite thing I've made since going paleo.  It is so delicious!

Happy Birthday, Hero!

Raw Brownies - adapted from the Rawtarian:

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds
1 cup dates
5 tablespoons raw cacao (cocoa) powder
4 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes (or you can use shredded)
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:
 
1. Place almonds in your food processor and process until they become small and crumbly.
2. Add dates and process until the mixture sticks together and the dates are well processed.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture turns a dark chocolatey brown.
4. Scoop into a brownie pan or small cake pan and press down firmly using your clean hands.
5. Refrigerate* for a couple of hours.
6. Store in the refrigerator if it lasts that long!

*You don't have to refrigerate it, but it is much easier to slice when chilled. 

Green Bean Fries

Cooper asked today (like most days) if I would take him and Carly to Yogurtland.  Of course not.  I am striving to be a champion for my kids health.  One day they'll thank me.  The next question was, what is for snack?  Both of my kids turned their noses up when I told them it was green bean fries.

Here's my recipe adapted from Delighted Momma's recipe:

You'll need:

• Fresh green beans (even though I used leftover parboiled green beans from last night's dinner)
• Olive oil
• Salt and garlic powder to taste (omit garlic powder to make these FODMAPs free)

 Then:

• Preheat oven to 400º F
• In a large bowl toss all the ingredients together
• Bake on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet for about 30-35 minutes.  As they brown they'll get caramelized & crispy. 

And much to their surprise both kids loved them.  You will, too.  This snack will definitely hit the spot when you're craving salty & crunchy.  And you don't have to feel guilty about eating them all up!

Photo courtesy of Delighted Momma