Everything Under the Son

We've gone minimal carb's around here...meaning the children still get a few carbs, but Nathaniel and I are eating carb-free.  As you can imagine, I am having to re-vamp my cooking repertoire.  I think we don't realize just how many carbs we consume until you try to cook without using them.  Sheesh! 

Anyway, I have made a couple of Italian dishes this week that have both been delicious, and also healthy!  Yeah for delicious AND healthy!  Why is it that when I think of something yummy, it typically falls in the "you-shouldn't-eat-that-it's-poison-for-your-body" category?  Thankfully, as our eating evolves, so do our tastebuds, and more and more I am thinking of yummy things that are GOOD FOR ME! 

I know you are probably thinking, "Italian?  No Carbs?  Healthy?  That doesn't make sense, Anne!"  But. It. Does!  I've made pizza and lasagna, and we loved them both.  "How?", you ask?  Check it out...

Use Zucchini to replace the crust on the pizza, and to replace the noodles in the lasagna.  Delicious!

I simply sliced my zucchini long-ways, and put it on a microwave-safe plate, cooking in the microwave for a few minutes to begin the cooking process.  After 5-6 minutes in the microwave, I pulled it out and placed it on a foil lined cookie sheet with sides (you don't want juice dripping all over the oven!).  Then, just spread your sauce, toppings, and cheese on the slices, and bake at 350 until the cheese is melted.  You have to eat these with a fork, but they are delicious!  Even my 8-year-old said, "Mom, this is the best pizza I have ever had!"  A pretty good review if you ask me! :)

Then last night, I waited until late to decide what to fix for dinner.  Shame on me!  Anyway, I pulled out some ground beef and browned it up in the skillet, and added some yummy fresh mushrooms to saute as well.  I sliced 2 zucchini into rounds and cooked them in the microwave for a few minutes, again to expedite the cooking process.  Then, I just pulled out my 8x8 casserole dish and layered in sauce, zucchini rounds, browned meat and mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and some diced pepperoni for flavor...layering again and again until I was out of supplies.  Then just bake at 350 until warmed through and cheese is melted.  I served with a green salad and carrot sticks...delicious and carb-free!

These recipes will continue to be enjoyed, and I cannot wait to keep experimenting for more yummy carb-free goodness!  I never imagined I would use some of the new-to-me ingredients that are staples around here...milk and egg protien powder, flax seeds, coconut flour, almond flour.  Up next on my list, some yummy muffins made with almond or coconut flour.  I'll let you know how it goes! :)