Superbowl Noshes (with recipes!)

Game Day Sunday... and since the Giants (or Bears) were not playing, I really could have cared less. I don't have a TV and my wifi was down, so I couldn't even watch it if I wanted. However, Superbowl apathy doesn't mean that one can't cook like it's the Superbowl, whole60/sugar detox or not. Gotta love those comfort foods and appetizer-type goodies 0:)

After church, I pre-gamed with a brunch of veggie egg white omelet, (secretly) veggie waffles, and bacon. Then the main course (dinner) was sugar-free BBQ ribs with roasted veggies. The grand finale was sugar detox carrot ice cream, which actually didn't taste all that bad, contrary to what its name implies :P

Trying to sneak more veggies into your diet? Hide them in your waffles! You (and significant other, kids, non-paleoites, etc) won't even know they're there. For BBQ sauces, there is SO much sugar in them, especially if you get it bottled at the grocery store (Trader Joe's isn't all that better though it doesn't have high-fructose corn syrup). Even paleo versions have you put in honey, dates, or other sweet things. Since I'm on a sugar detox, all sugar was out so I decided to make my own! The texture wasn't the same as your traditional "runny" BBQ sauce, but the taste was so good that you couldn't even tell there was no sugar in it. BAM! As for dessert, the trick is sunbutter (or other nut butter though I'm on a nut detox too so sunbutter it is). You may not be licking your lips, but it was surprisingly good, refreshing, and gave you that 'dessert feeling' without actually having a truly sweet treat. No sugar cravings ensued afterward.

Secretly Veggie Waffles

Secretly Veggie Waffles served with butter, bacon, and veggie omelet (not pictured)

INGREDIENTS
1/4 c coconut flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 egg & 4 egg whites
1/2 c shredded veggies (I used 1/4 medium zucchini & 1/4 medium yellow squash shredded in food processor)

DIRECTIONS
1. Pre-heat waffle iron. Combine dry ingredients. Add eggs and whisk thoroughly to combine. Stir in shredded veggies.
2. Once waffle iron is ready, pour in batter and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until golden (or otherwise directed by the manufacturer).
3. Serve with clarified butter, blueberry topping, maple syrup, jam, or whatever else people put on there. 

 

Sugar Detox BBQ Ribs 

Sugar-free BBQ ribs with roasted zucchini/yellow squash (leftover from veggie waffles above), & carrots

Adapted from this overly complicated recipe

INGREDIENTS
1 rack of baby back ribs
Liquid smoke
1 onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
6 oz tomato paste
1/3 c apple cider vinegar
1/2 c water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp coconut aminos or wheat-free tamari
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch cloves
Pinch allspice
Pinch cayenne


DIRECTIONS
1. Make the BBQ sauce first. Heat large pot on medium, then add onions and brown, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and saute until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add all remaining ingredients (i.e. everything except ribs & liquid smoke). Simmer for 30 minutes. Then let cool.
4. Pour liquid smoke over both sides of ribs and use your hands to evenly coat. Coat ribs with BBQ sauce, then let sit for 1-2 hours. 
5. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook ribs for 25 minutes, then flip and cook for 25 more minutes. Ribs are done when the meat starts separating from the bone.
6. Dig in!!!

Sugar Detox Carrot Cake Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c frozen carrots
1/3 c coconut milk
2 tbsp sunbutter (or nut butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1  tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves

DIRECTIONS
1. Put everything in a blender and whip until combined. If too chunky, add more coconut oil. If too liquid, add more carrots.
2. Enjoy! Never thought veggies could taste so good in a dessert, eh? :)