Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Many people turn their noses up to Cauliflower, thinking that it is flavorless. However, this vegetable is highly versatile, low in fat, high in dietary fiber, folate, water and vitamin C, and an excellent source of carotenoids. With phytochemicals, indole-3-carbinol, cauliflower is known for aiding and blocking growth of cancer cells, and can actually prevent and slow the grown of cancer and tumors. Cauliflower also may assist the liver in detoxing carcinogenic substances. Feel free to play with this recipe, it can easily be made vegetarian, dairy free, and of course gluten free!

• 1/2 stick Butter or olive oil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 3/4 of a cup of Green onion, sliced and divided in half
• 2 whole Carrot thinly sliced
• 1 stalk Celery, well Diced
• 1 whole Cauliflower Heads
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Or Dried Parsley
• 32 ounces of organic Chicken Broth Or Stock or vegetable Broth
• 2 cups Almond milk ( or milk)
• 1 cup Half-and-half (optional)
• Sprinkle of salt and Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 cup of Sour Cream (optional)
• 4 slices of Turkey Bacon (Applegate) (optional)
• 1/2 cup of red Bell Pepper diced
• 1/2 cup of tomato diced

In a Dutch oven brown bacon.Remove, and then melt butter or add 1/4 of a cup of Olive oil.

Add minced Garlic, whites of onions, reserve the green Chives Saute for 2 minutes

Add carrots and celery and continue to saute for 5 minutes then add Cauliflower and cook for 10 more minutes.

Add Chicken or vegetable Broth, cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. Add 2 pieces of diced Bacon

salt and pepper. And 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.

Now you can either get your blender and Puree, or what I find easiest is to pour contents into a bowl and puree with my Smart Stick Blender. Once the soup is pureed, pour it back into the dutch oven and add Milk/ Cream, and sour cream, perhaps more pepper if desired or even better a pinch of RED Pepper! Stir well.

Spoon into bowls, and top with the remaining 2 pieces of diced Bacon, a tablespoon of red bell pepper, some chives and parsley. The tomato is optional.

This dish is pretty filling, and very delicious.

Spicy Avocado Prawn Salad with steak

Spicy Avocado Prawn Salad
This recipe is one of my favorites! I adapted it from a Paley's Place recipe. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland and they are known for their Northwest flair. This summer, I made the Warm Spot- Prawn, Tomato, and Feta Salad. It was an amazing dish. This recipe is similar, and yet so extremely different with the addition of salsa and avocado, and omitting the capers and Persillade.  I encourage all my reader to play with their recipes, experiment, and never be afraid to try something new!

• 1 large onion
• 1 pound of sirloin strips
• 1/4 cup of extra- virgin olive oil
• 1 medium head of Red Leaf Lettuce
• Fresh Pre-made salsa
• Pinch of Red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 ripe Avocado
• 20 prawns
• 1/4 cup of dry white wine
• Juice of a lemon
• 6 to 8 ounces of feta or sheep's cheese

Preheat oven to 400
Slice and roast onions on a baking sheet, sprinkle with Kosher salt and pepper and drizzle olive oil.  Roast until edges are golden, this will take about 20 to 30 minutes


Saute steak individually. Season with pepper and salt.


Wash and prepare lettuce. do not tear the leaves..
In a skillet pour the olive oil and red pepper flakes with the sliced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Add salt and pepper, then prawns, cook for around 2 minutes, then add white wine, lemon juice, and cook until done. For about 2 or 5 minutes. Remove from heat and then Add to hot pan feta cheese. 


Place whole leafs on plate arranged beautifully, then add onion rings. Top with prawn mixture, and then 2 tablespoons of salsa, and top with 1/4 cup of avocado.


Serve, relish in delight, and enjoy!

Coconut Flour Brownies

Organic Coconut Flour Brownies

Did you know that Chocolate is a super food? Chocolate has tremendous health benefits that can not be ignored. So Eat up! Eat for your heart, eat for your memory, eat it for your health!

Below is a brownie recipe that I made yesterday. It is not yet perfected, but if I promise I will be making a new and improved batch this week. It was still very delicious. I was not a fan of the Agauve so I may try Applesauce or stick with regular sugar, and would like to replace the olive oil with Grapeseed oil, coconut oil, or Walnut Oil next time!

• About 1 cup of Olive oil, give or take.
• 1 cup of Cocoa Powder
• 12 eggs or equivalent egg substititute. 
• 1/2 cup of Agauve
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tsp of Vanilla extract
• 1 cup of Coconut Flour ( Lets Do… Organic)
• hand full of chocolate chips and walnuts if desired.

Pre- heat oven to 350. Whisk eggs and add olive oil, extract, and aguave. Stir, and add Cocoa Powder and coconut flour. Finally add chocolate chips and walnuts!

This was a good brownie mix and was gone in a days time. It is just not my all time best! To me it tasted like a healthy brownie! All in all, this recipe would get 7 starts out of 10. Stay tune for more brownie recipes to follow!

We did have a fun time making the brownies, which is the main reason I cook, and that is to enjoy the experience with my family. Below I included some pictures. Violet even got into the mixing!

Lemon Water

My recipe for Gorgeous Skin

Several times a week I am stopped by strangers and sometimes friends and asked what my secret to beautiful skin is. This is big compliment, that I of course love hearing. So my secret next washing every night and applying a organic Green tea cream.  Is in invigorating Lemon Water. It is amazing warm or cold. 

Lemon Water is clinically proven to act as anti-aging agent, and  rejuvenating skin

• A pitcher of H2O
• 1 lemon sliced 

Squeeze lemon slices into water, and enjoy all day! 

Tracey Original Egg

The Tracey Original Egg mixture for Lunch

So delicious, you will eat it every morning!

My husband always teases me that if I call something a Tracey Original, that it will be an enjoy only one time meal. A "Tracey Original" so we like to call it, is a dish that I randomly throw together, with no direction. It is items that we happen to have on hand that are selectively chosen by me and thrown into a dish. Typically these dishes are amazingly delicious, to where everyone will savor the dish, and ask me to make sure to write it down. Which I never have time to do, and they are a once in a life time meal!

The Tracey Original Egg mixture is not a one timer. It is my lunch on most days. Very Filling, and satisfying! Sorry Vegans, this a Vegetarian recipe.

• One sliced Mushroom
• 3 egg whites (or)  2 whole eggs
• Granulated Garlic ( a sprinkle)
• Paprika ( a sprinkle)
• Pepper ( a sprinkle)
• Garlic ( a sprinkle)
• Olive oil ( a spray)
• Feta Cheese ( tablespoon)
• Spinach or spring mix ( one hand full)

In a medium sized skillet spray olive oil. First add the mushroom saute for a minute or two on medium heat. Next add Egg and spices. Scramble until almost done and then add Feta, continue to scramble for another minute, and then add Spinach, and saute until the consistency you like!

The Health benefits to this meal is found in the Eggs, mushroom, olive oil, garlic powder, and spinach mix. 

Simple spices

Toss and scramble  

Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream Pie

Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream Pie
Yum Yum!

Pie crust

• 2 cups Almond flour
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of Cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of Irish creme Agave
• 1 teaspoon of Vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of cold butter 

1. In a medium bowl mix Blanched Almond Flour, salt, baking soda, cocoa powder.
2. Mix in Agave, vanilla extract and butter with a fork.
3. Spread into pie pan with hand
4. Chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes
5. Preheat oven at 350
6. bake for 10 minutes
7. Cool and place in freezer

Pie crust mix

I had a hard time getting the butter to mix in. I am thinking about leaving the butter out and letting it soften to room temp.

Ice Cream Filling

Ice Cream Filling

• 1 tablespoon of bowling water
• 2 teaspoons of coffee instant
• 3/4 cup of chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 1 Pint Naked Coconut 
• 1 pint Dark Chocolate  Luna & Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss

1. In a small bowl heat a tablespoon of water in the microwave for a minute, and dissolve a packet of Via coffee. 
2. On stove top heat in a saucepan 3/4 cup of chocolate chips, and add 2 tablespoons of coconut milk. 
3. Add melted chocolate mixture into a small bowl with the coffee that has now dissolved into the water.
4. In frozen bowl mix the two variety of ice creams and add 3 Tablespoons of chocolate/ coffee mixture. 
5. Spoon ice Cream filling into the Pie, 
6. then cover and freeze for 3 to 4 hours.

I told my husband two Chocolate and this is what he brought home! So we improvise!

Chocolate goodness!

After filling Pie with Ice Cream, I smoothed top with a Cake smoother tool, and drizzled on a little of the extra melted Chocolate.

Sun-dried Feta Cauliflower

Sun-dried Feta Cauliflower

• 2 cups of Cauliflower
• 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomato
• 1/4 cup of feta cheese or goat cheese
• Sprinkle of oregano, basil, garlic powder, and thyme

1. Steam cauliflower.
2. In sauce pan add Cauliflower, Sun-dried tomato's, feta and spices,
3. Serve and savor!

Chili

Chili in May..

Tonight is a Chili night. It is a cold and grey day in the Nw, and I am feeling like I need some comfort food. So we will light our fire places, curl up on our couches, read a book, and eat chili!

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 2 pounds of lean ground beef
• 8 ounces of slice mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of Mexican chili powder
• 3 cans of organic diced tomato
• 1 can of organic stewed tomato
• 7 ounces whole green chile's (drained)
• 1 6 ounce tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• season with pepper
• 2 diced sweet cherry peppers Jarred Mezzetta

1. Dice one small onion, saute in two tablespoons of olive oil. 
2. Soften and add sliced mushrooms, and ground beef. 
3. Ground and drain.
4. Add all canned items and spices.
5. Stew on low for 15 to 30 minutes!

Berry Summer Salad

I love summer Berry Much. What better way to celebrate warmer temperatures than by enjoying a light summer salad, topped with natures antioxidant goodness!

• 1 Cup of Rasperries
• 1 Cup of Blackberries
• Avocado
• several sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 6 cups of Fresh Spring Mix or Spinach
• 1/2 cup of Goat Cheese or Feta Cheese
• 3 Tablespoons of Napa Valley Naturals Olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Oilerie Balsamic Vinaigrette aged 25 years
• a dash of salt

This is a simple recipe.

Toss leaves in a bowl. Toss on top the rinsed fruit and diced avocado. Add Cheese. In a small bowl add Olive oil, and balsamic, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and add to salad.

This can be topped with any not that you choose. Goes excellent with Chicken as well!

Serve and Enjoy!

Mexican Spinach

This Mexican Spinach, is oh so delicious alone, or could be added to eggs or you could do as we did tonight and use as a topping on the Fajita Mexican Pancakes! 

• 1 teaspoon of Cumin
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• salt and pepper
• 1 tomato deseeded and diced 
• Defrosted of 10 oz frozen organic spinach
• 4 oz of Goat cheese

Throw all ingredients in skillet and cook for ten minutes on medium high! 

Fajita's on Mexican Pancake

Fajitas on Mexican pancake

Happy cinco de mayo!

She loves her meat and peppers!

For those of us that love eating Mexican and miss the tortilla's used here is an Paleo alternative!

• 1 pound of flank steak
• (2) 6 ounce chicken breast
• 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon of Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 small onions 
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 3 bell peppers
• 1 tomato deseeded and diced
• fresh cilantro to taste!

In a small bowl mix Chili Powder, Oregano, salt and pepper, granulated garlic, and cumin together. Line a baking dish with foil, and drizzle some olive oil on the bottom. Place sliced onion, tomato and bell peppers in the baking dish on the bottom. Rub your flank steak and chicken with all spices, and lay on top of vegetable mix. Drizzle with  olive oil, and squeeze a whole lime on the chicken and steak. Broil for 20 minutes or grill!

Mexican Pancake

• 1/4 cup Coconut flour
• 1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 2 packets of trivia
• 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of oregano
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 6 eggs

Mix eggs and olive oil in a bowl with a high speed hand held blender. In a separate bowl mix all dry ingredients, and then combine.

Pour mix in a skillet by 1/4 cup measurements. On medium heat cook until golden on both sides.

Greek Strawberry Salad (Tracey Original!)

Today was a perfect day in Portland! A high of 70 degrees, with the sun shining all day. My daughter had a play date and had been playing all day long. They were playing Cinderella, and cleaned the kid table outside off, and placed fresh picked flowers in a bowl. 

The simplest joys in life are the best!

For snack I made Fresh Greek Strawberry salad for the girls! And of course they loved this sweet and cool snack after playing outdoors all day long!

4 cups of Fresh Sliced Strawberries

1 Tablespoon of honey, or Maple Syrup

1 tablespoon shaved coconut

6 tablespoons of Greek Honey Yogurt

1 Banana

Slice the strawberries and toss in a medium sized bowl, stir in sweetener, Yogurt, coconut, and sliced banana.

Chill for twenty minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

The Best ever Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

We have tried recipe after recipe, trying to perfect the ultimate Almond Flour Chocolate chip cookies. 

Most were o.k., some mixtures were crumbly, others had a really distinct almond flavor!

Tonight I thought that it I would try Maple Syrup and it was a success!

I was so pleased with myself I shared half the batch with my friends and neighbors.

Bagged and ready for delivery!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 3 cups of Blanched Almond Four
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher Sea Salt
• 1/2 cup of Grapeseed oil
• 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup of Maple Syrup
• 2 Eggs
• 1 1/2 cup of Chocolate Chips

Mix all dry ingredients into a large bowl, stir well. 

 Next mix wet ingredients into a medium bowl, and mix well. Combine.

Using a tablespoon measure out on parchment paper! Bake at 350 for ten minutes or until no longer wet looking!

Strawberry Walnut Spinach Salad drizzled in a White White Vinaigrette

The sun has magically appeared in Portland Oregon, and the days has become warmer and are now lasting longer! It has been amazing weather, and the farmers market is right around the corner and so I am of course inspired to prepare dishes that are seasonal delights here in Oregon!

So I thought what better way than to celebrate late spring in Oregon, than with delicious strawberries!

 Strawberry Walnut Spinach Salad drizzled in a White White Vinaigrette, is a light salad that can be prepared in no time, and you do not even need to turn on the oven! Of course we did serve this with a chicken that was seasoned with Thyme, Oregano, and salt!

• 4 cups of strawberries
• 3 cuties or 1 orange
• 10 cups of fresh spinach
• 1/3 cup goat cheese
• 2 tblsp crushed walnuts
• 1 tblsp maple syrup (or Local Honey)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbps white wine vinegar   
• sprinkle of salt 1/4 teaspoon

In a bowl toss 10 cups of prepared or (fresh farmers market) Spinach. Squeeze one whole cutie, or one tablespoon of orange into the spinach and toss.

In a separate bowl mix all the rest of the wet ingredients. Squeeze Orange, maple syrup, olive oil, white wine vinegar and the sprinkle of salt, all together.

Coat spinach, and then add strawberries, sliced goat cheese, and walnuts. Toss and serve!

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