Baking

THE BEST Black Bean Brownies

Image Katrina Detter, RD, LDN7 Comments

Hey, hey, friends! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I’ve posted a couple of “bean” brownie recipes…they can be found below:

Sweet Potato Black Bean Brownies
Chickpea Brownies
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

However, because I love to experiment in the kitchen…I’ve created THE BEST black bean brownie recipe, and I just have to share. These are by far my favorite, and they happen to be refined sugar free!

THE BEST Black Bean Brownies

Well, kind of. Other than the dark chocolate chips (which the kind I used does have some added sugar), these babies are sweetened with dates. I love dates because they are high in fiber, various vitamins & minerals and completely satisfy my sweet tooth.

Other ways to enjoy dates:
While I highly encourage you to make these black bean brownies, there are many ways to enjoy this delicious fruit. Below are some ideas!
Healthier Chocolate Turtles
Vegan Raspberry Tart 
5 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bites
Add to any baked good
Chop & add to oatmeal
Stuff with peanut butter
Stuff with 3-4 dark chocolate chips
Add to smoothies
Enjoy PLAIN!

There are so many ways to enjoy dates, but using dates as the sweetener in these brownies really gives them a nice, fudgy texture and sweet flavor. Find the recipe below! Be sure to tag me in your creationg on social media! 🙂

 

THE BEST Black Bean Brownies

  • Servings: 12 brownies
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
1/4 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
10 pitted dates
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray baking dish with non stick spray or line with parchment paper.
2. In a high speed blender or food processor, add drained black beans + oats + applesauce +  pitted dates + eggs + cocoa powder + baking soda + baking powder + salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour brownie batter into a mixing bowl and add dark chocolate chips. Mix well.
4. Add brownie batter to greased or parchment paper lined baking dish. Top with more chocolate if desired.
5. Bake at 350 F degrees for 20-25 minutes.
6. Allow brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Additional add ins:
Walnuts or Pecans
Peanut Butter Swirl
Coconut Flakes
Sprinkles

 

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Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
IG: @balanced.nutrition.dietitian
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Twitter: @katrinadetterRD

 

 

Easy Banana Nut Bread

Katrina Detter, RD, LDN3 Comments

Ever wonder what to do with your extra ripe bananas?

Fun fact about me: I HATE eating ripe bananas by themselves–I much prefer my banana in the “perfectly yellow” stage–anyone else with me?

When I am low on time, rather than just throwing my overly ripe bananas in the compost pile, I like to peel & freeze them so I can later add to oatmeal or smoothies. BUT when I have extra time on my hands (like all of us during this quarantine phase), I love to bake with them!

Ripe bananas are a great addition to basically any baked good–cookies, muffins, brownies–and quick breads! Not only does it add a sweet element to baked goods, but mashed bananas can also substitute oils or butter in a recipe.

Easy & Healthy Banana Nut Bread

Banana nut bread is probably one of the most popular quick breads out there-so hopefully you’ll give mine a try! This is no lie-the BEST quick bread I have ever made–and I’ve made a lot!

The best part? This banana nut bread contains wholesome, nourishing ingredients! While there is a time and a place for rich & dense sweets & desserts, I like to make nourishing treats because:
*they still satisfy my sweet tooth
*they keep me full (more fiber)
*they make my body FEEL good

Intuitive eating is all about eating what make your body FEEL good–sometimes it may be white sugar + white flour + buttery banana nut bread–but other times, it will be the quick bread with more fiber + less sugar + more nourishing ingredients. All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle!

On to the recipe:

Easy Banana Nut Bread

  • Servings: 10-12 slices
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:
*2 ripe bananas
*1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
*2 eggs
*splash of vanilla extract
*1/4 cup coconut sugar (can sub white sugar, maple syrup or honey)
*1/2 cup oat flour (place 1/2 cup old fashioned oats in blender, blend until flour consistency)
*3/4 cup 100% whole wheat flour
*1 Tablespoon baking soda
*1/2 Tablespoon baking powder
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*3/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work best)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a bread pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, add bananas. Mash well.
3. Add applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Add coconut sugar, oat flour, and whole wheat flour. Lightly mix.
5. Add baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Lightly mix until all ingredients are coated.
6. Fold in chopped nuts.
7. Pour bread mixture into parchment paper lined bread pan.
8. Bake at 350 F for 50 minutes.
9. Enjoy!

This banana nut bread makes a great breakfast accompanied with some eggs or protein rich smoothie! Perfect for meal prepping.

Remember! Learn more about mindful & intuitive eating by joining our “Mindful Nutrition” fam! Subscribe here! Tell your friends 🙂

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
IG: @mindful.eating.dietitian
FB: Live Better with Kat Detter
Twitter: @katrinadetterRD
NEW! TikTok: @mindful.nutrition

Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Tahini Cookies

Katrina Detter, RD, LDNLeave a comment

Happy Holiday Season!

This is my favorite time of the year for many reasons…cooler weather, colorful leaves, fun outdoor activities, holiday baking, festive flavors…

This recipe is no exception! Combining two things I love the most: pumpkin and dark chocolate! Pumpkin is still in full swing in the Detter household, and today I’m sharing my Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Tahini Cookie recipe.

Essentially, this recipe is like my original Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe except I substitute pumpkin puree in place of smashed banana. Pumpkin puree and banana can be used in recipes to swap out oil. Banana adds an extra sweetness to the cookie while pumpkin gives the cookie a little more flavor–which is perfect for this time of the year!

Nutrition Benefits?
Dark chocolate is a powerful antioxidant, tahini is a heart healthy fat, oatmeal and almond flour adds extra vitamins + minerals + fiber, and pumpkin is rich in beta carotene (an antioxidant) making these cookies a wholesome + nourishing treat for the whole family to enjoy. Make as your Thanksgiving dessert or keep around the house during this holiday season! See full video tutorial below.

 

 

FULL Printable Recipe Below

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Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Tahini Cookies

  • Servings: 22 cookies
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup maple syrup (pure)
1/4 cup tahini
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
2. In a mixing bowl, add oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix well. Set aside.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, add egg (or sub flax egg if vegan), maple syrup, tahini, and pumpkin puree. Mix well.
4. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. On a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, scoop cookie dough onto cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.
8. Enjoy!

Baking is one of my all time favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit. What’s yours? Let me know in the comments section or on social media!

Be sure to tag me on social media in all of your creations using #livebetterwithkatdetter or @live.better.with.katdetter.

If you’d like to receive my FREE Monthly Wellness Newsletters, subscribe here! 

*What is this Monthly Newsletter? Every month is different, but they are all nutrition based and wellness oriented including in season foods, past relevant blog posts, fun food finds, and spiritual insight. 🙂

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
FB: Live Better with Kat Detter
IG: @live.better.with.katdetter

 

Homemade Apple Pie

Katrina Detter, RD, LDNLeave a comment

Happy Fall, y’all!

I am taking a break from #allthingspumpkin and experimented in the kitchen with homemade apple pie! When it comes to pie, what is your favorite: apple, pecan, or pumpkin?

With holidays right around the corner, I decided to get in the kitchen and make a more nourishing pie with the same flavor and deliciousness. Finding healthier alternatives to my favorite treats is one of my favorite things!

I adapted my pie crust from @livelytable and it did not disappoint. Essentially you could use about any type of flour, but I chose 100% whole wheat flour for some extra fiber + B vitamins + nutrients.

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Tip for the pie crust: The recipe calls to use a food processor, but I used my Vitamix and it worked perfectly. This recipe makes 2 pie crusts that last in the fridge up to 3 days before use. If you are vegan or do not care for  butter, feel free to use coconut oil.

I chose to peel my apples BUT there are TONS of nutrients in the apple peeling-fiber, vitamins and minerals…you can keep the peeling or save it for a smoothie.

Okay, onto the recipe!

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Homemade Apple Pie

  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Pie Crust Ingredients:
2 cups 100% Whole Wheat Flour
2/3 cup (12 T) cold butter, cubed
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold water

Filling Ingredients:
4 large apples (I used Fuji & Pink Lady)
1/4 cup Maple Syrup-pure
1 T Lemon Juice
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 T whole wheat flour

Pie Crust Directions:
1. Using a food processor or high powered blender, pulse flour, butter, and salt until crumbly (or pea shaped form).
2. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until flour meets dough-like texture.
3. Form dough into 2 equal shaped disks. Refrigerate up to 3 days or go ahead and roll out and form crust into a pie pan.
4. Bake at 375 F for 10 minutes.

Filling Directions:
1. Peel apples if desired. Slice apples to desired size.
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, add peeled + sliced apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon and flour. Mix well. Set aside.

Assemble Pie:
1. Allow baked pie crust to cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Add apple pie filling.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on pie.
4. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and ENJOY. 

*TIP: if you’d like a more “goopy” pie, use a tart apple like Granny Smith and cook for about 30-45 minutes. I will experiment with this method soon!! 😊

 

Let me know in the comments section or on my social media pages what YOUR favorite pie is! I’d love to know!

If you’d like to receive my FREE Monthly Wellness Newsletters, subscribe here! 

*What is this Monthly Newsletter? Every month is different, but they are all nutrition based and wellness oriented including in season foods, past relevant blog posts, fun food finds, and spiritual insight. 🙂

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
@livebetterwithkatdetter

Pumpkin Spice Granola

Katrina Detter, RD, LDN2 Comments

Who else is still on a pumpkin kick? You know I am!

Y’all know I love me some granola, and if you haven’t checked out my other granola recipes, you can find them linked below:

Maple-Almond Granola

Almond Joy Granola

BUT since it’s pumpkin season, I made my version of pumpkin spice granola and honestly–it’s my favorite homemade granola recipe yet! I hope y’all love it as much as I do! Make sure you tag me in all of your creations: @livebetterwithkatdetter

Fun Pumpkin Facts: 
Did you know that pumpkin can be used to replace butter or oil in baked goods? You heard me right!
Subbing pumpkin for butter in a recipe: For 1 cup of butter, use 3/4 cup of PURE pumpkin puree
Subbing pumpkin for oil in a recipe: For 1 cup of oil, use 1 cup of PURE pumpkin puree (1:1 ratio)

Pumpkin is also high in fiber which many Americans do not consume enough of daily. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes heart health, and controls blood sugars. Make your “treats” more nourishing by using pumpkin!

Other ways to incorporate pumpkin:
Add pumpkin puree to Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey
Make pumpkin muffins or scones
Mix 1-2 Tablespoons into coffee with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
Make a savory sauce with pumpkin + light cream + Parmesan cheese
Combine pumpkin + ricotta cheese + herbs + spices and use as a filling for lasagna
Make a pumpkin smoothie

Okay, now onto the granola!

IMG-4944

 

Pumpkin Spice Granola

  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashioned oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
1 T chia seeds or ground flax
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/8-1/4 cup maple syrup (depending on how sweet ya like it!)
1/2 can PURE pumpkin 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
  2. Mix oats, spices and chia/flax together. In a saucepan, heat coconut oil, maple syrup and pumpkin until melted and combined together.
  3. Mix pumpkin mixture into oats.
  4. Once well incorporated, add to a parchment paper lined baking dish.
  5. For granola clusters, spread granola evenly and firmly pack oat mixture onto baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Allow granola mixture to cool for an hour, then break into chunks.
    **NOTE: If granola is too moist, bake for an additional 10-20 minutes at 200 F to take out excess moisture.
  7. Enjoy on a top of yogurt, in a smoothie bowl, or plain!
  8. Additional/optional add ons once granola is cooled:
    Dark chocolate chips/chunks
    Pumpkin seeds
    Raisins
    Dried cranberries
    Freeze dried fruit

 

What other fall recipes would you like me to try? Let me know in the comments here or on my social media accounts!

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
@livebetterwithkatdetter

Pumpkin Scones

Katrina Detter, RD, LDN1 Comment

While autumn may not officially start until September 23, I began celebrating September 1st! Yes, my house is decorated, I’ve had my first official fall drink from Starbucks, and I’ve already started baking all things pumpkin.

You can say I’m pretty basic, but that’s okay because I am totally cool with it! Fall is my favorite season, and I want to get the most out of it this year! Starting now with my first official pumpkin recipe of the season: Pumpkin Scones

IMG-4886

This is the second time I have attempted making scones…and I am pretty pleased! The key is to drain your pumpkin using a paper towel to soak up the excess moisture. This will help give the scone more of a “biscuit” texture versus muffin. Either way, it will taste delicious!

Fun facts about pumpkin: 
According to the USDA Food Composition Database, 100% pure pumpkin contains 50 calories, 2 grams of protein, 11 grams of carbohydrate, and 3 grams of fiber per half cup serving. Pumpkin is also a great source of beta carotene which is a precursor to Vitamin A in the human body. Beta carotene is found in red-orange pigmented foods such as cantaloupe, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Vitamin A helps with vision, immunity, reproduction and cellular communication.

There are so many fun ways to incorporate pumpkin into different baked goods and recipes, so stay tuned as I experiment with my favorite fall flavor!

These pumpkin scones are gluten free, refined sugar free, and refined flour free. You can make these scones dairy free by omitting the butter and using coconut oil. I find that it is easier to “cut butter” into the dough than coconut oil which is why I chose it for this recipe.

IMG-4888

Pumpkin Scones

  • Servings: 8 scones
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

2 cups almond flour
1/3 cup coconut flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
6 T cold butter, cut into cubes
1 egg
1/2 cup 100% pumpkin puree, strained
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1/4 cup almond milk

IMG-4880

Directions:

  1. In a medium sized bowl, add almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix together.
  2. Using a fork or pastry cutter, “cut” butter into flour, making sure all the chunks get evenly distributed throughout.
    IMG-4882
  3. In a separate bowl, mix egg, strained pumpkin puree, almond milk and maple syrup.
  4. Add pumpkin mixture to dry ingredients and mix well.
  5. Put dough in freezer for 30 minutes.
  6. After dough is chilled, form into 6-7 inch disk.
    IMG-4884
  7. Lightly dust parchment paper lined baking sheet with cornstarch. Place disk on top.
  8. Cut disk into 8 even scones (dip knife in water if dough is too sticky).
  9. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
  10. Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar + cinnamon.
  11. Enjoy!

Stay tuned for more pumpkin (and other fall) recipes! It’s my favorite season!

*If you’d like to receive my monthly Wellness Newsletter, sign up for FREE here. 

What is your favorite fall treat? Let me know in the comments!

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
@livebetterwithkatdetter

References:
  1. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/45283178?fgcd=&manu=&format=&count=&max=25&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=pumpkin+puree&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing=

 

Vegan Raspberry Tart

Katrina Detter, RD, LDNLeave a comment

Who else love the fresh flavors of raspberry + lemon? You know I do!

Vegan Raspberry Lemon Tart
Vegan Raspberry Lemon Tart

 

This is a dairy free, refined sugar free, gluten free raspberry tart that is really simple to make with minimal ingredients that your whole family will enjoy.

I’ve tried several “vegan cheesecake” type of desserts before, and I have to say…the cashew base is definitely my favorite. I’ve tried full fat coconut cream and coconut milk, but the cashew base is the creamiest.

Vegan Raspberry Tart.png

Tag me in your creations!

 

 

Vegan Raspberry Tart

  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Difficulty: easy-moderate
  • Print

*Note: for best results, soak raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours.

**Note: keep coconut milk room temperature and only use the separated cream, not liquid

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup English Walnuts
  • 10 Medjool Dates (pitted)
  • 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon

Directions: 

  1. Line the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan with parchment paper. Grease sides of pan with coconut oil.
    IMG-4666
  2. In a high powered blender, add English walnuts, dates and lemon and blend until crumbly crust texture. Add more/less lemon juice as needed to help incorporate ingredients.
    IMG-4664
  3. Press crust mixture onto lined spring form pan. Set in freezer while the filling is mixed.
    IMG-4667

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Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of raw cashews, soaked *
  • 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk **
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 fresh lemon

Directions:

  1. In a high powered blender, add soaked cashews, maple syrup, coconut milk, salt, coconut oil and lemon. Blend until very smooth.
  2. Bring crust out of freezer and add filling on top.
  3. Put tart back in refrigerator for 4 hours, or until the tart is set and firm.

Topping ingredients:

  • 3 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen (if frozen, thaw)
  • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup

Directions: 

  1. Add raspberries and maple syrup to a saucepan and bring to a boil, continuously stirring to not burn.
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  • Allow to cool slightly. Pour over tart. Put in freezer for ~5-10 minutes.
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  • Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

All photos were captured by the fabulous Courtney Haas with Courtney Haas Photography. 

Remember! If you’d like to receive my email newsletters for more easy + balanced eating ideas & food freedom tips, subscribe here! Tell your friends 🙂

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Follow me on social media!
IG: @balanced.nutrition.dietitian
FB: Live Better with Kat Detter
Twitter: @katrinadetterRD

 

Triple Berry Cobbler (Refined Sugar & Flour FREE)

Katrina Detter, RD, LDNLeave a comment

It’s berry season! Which means strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries are typically on sale at the grocery store every.single.week and this makes me very happy!

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In the hot summer months, I have the luxury of owning blueberry bushes–so I can stock up on a bunch for the year! However, around this time every year, my frozen blueberry stash depletes…and I have to buy frozen or fresh at the grocery store. Luckily for me they’ve been on sale lately!

Berries are rich in antioxidants which battle the “free radicals” in the body to fight off the development of inflammation + chronic disease. Berries are also a good source of polyphenols (a naturally occurring chemical found in plants)–more specifically anthocyanins (blue/purple pigmentation in plants), micro nutrients and fiber. Studies have shown that these components are associated with improved cardiovascular health with “improved LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolism”. 1

There are endless ways to enjoy berries!

  • Fruit Salad
  • Homemade Fruit Salsa served with Cinnamon Pita Chips
  • Mixed Berry Smoothie
  • Mixed Berry Yogurt Parfait
  • Berries to top off an Ice Cream Sundae for dessert
  • Mixed Greens Salad + Berries
  • Berry Muffins
  • Berry Pancakes/Waffles (adding berries to the batter)
  • Banana-Berry Oatmeal 
  • Add on top of cereal
  • Eat on its own!

While berries are very enjoyable on their own, I love adding them to baked goods! Below you will find my refined sugar FREE Triple Berry Cobbler using only 3 Tablespoons of maple syrup in the whole.entire.thing to sweeten it up! Use whatever berry combination you like–I used strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. This will be the PERFECT patriotic dessert for Independence Day coming up!

  • Other Berry Options:
    • Raspberries
    • Acai Berries
    • Boysenberry
    • Elderberry
    • Black Raspberry
    • Mulberry

 

Triple Berry Cobbler

  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

Filling:

  • 3.5 cups Berries of choice (I used strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries)
  • 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons PURE Maple Syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

Crumble Topping:

  • 1/2 cup Walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Almonds
  • 3 Tablespoons Flax Seed, ground
  • 3 Tablespoons Coconut Flakes, unsweetened
  • 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1  teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Wash and chop strawberries. Rinse blueberries and blackberries. Add berries to a medium sized mixing bowl.
  3. Add cornstarch, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract and lemon juice to berries. Stir to combine well.
  4. Add berry filling to a greased baking dish. Set aside.
  5. In a high powered blender, add in all the crumble topping ingredients and blend until “crumbly” texture.
  6. Sprinkle crumble topping on top of berry filling. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until berries are bubbly.
  7. Allow to cool for at least 45 minutes to allow juices to thicken.
  8. Serve as is, with some vanilla ice cream, or whipped topping!

 

What are your favorite ways to enjoy berries?? Let me know!

 

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

Follow me on social media!

@livebetterwithkatdetter

References:
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068482/

Peanut Butter versus Almond Butter PLUS BONUS PB Granola Recipe

Katrina Detter, RD, LDNLeave a comment

If you’re still not making homemade granola, what’s stopping you??

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I kid you not…it takes less than 5 minutes to whip up all the ingredients with minimal clean up! If you haven’t checked out my other two granola recipes, go take a look!

Maple-Almond Granola  

Almond Joy Granola 

All of my granola recipes have the same formula: 2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup nuts, 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed or chia seed, 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and either maple syrup or honey. Additional add ins based on preference: coconut flakes, dried fruit, chocolate chips, nut butters, etc.

This granola features one of my favorite things–peanut butter! Most recently, peanut butter has gotten a bad reputation as peanuts are not actual “nuts” but actually considered legumes. When we think nuts, our brain automatically thinks heart health, protein, and healthy fats…

Here is a comparison for you…

Almond Butter

So, as you can see…According to the USDA nutrition database, Peanut Butter and Almond Butter have very similar macronutrients: protein, total fat, and carbs.

From a micronutrients stand point, almonds are much higher in calcium, iron, and magnesium. However, peanuts have a richer source of niacin (a B vitamin important in cellular metabolism). Peanut butter is a little higher in saturated fat which has been shown to raise cholesterol levels, however, if you eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and limited saturated fat intake, peanut butter can fit into your healthy diet.

From a cost standpoint, natural peanut butter is a lot cheaper than almond butter. A 16 ounce jar of natural peanut butter (containing only peanuts + salt) costs about ~$2.50 (in North Carolina, prices may vary depending on grocery stores/states). For an 8 ounce jar of natural almond butter (containing only almonds + salt), it costs around ~$5.00 (in North Carolina, prices may vary depending on grocery stores/states). You get half the amount for double the price. While I do love almond butter, peanut butter is more affordable for me to consume on the regular. I’ll save the almond butter for special occasions! 🙂

 

Peanut Butter Granola

  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
  • 3 Tablespoon Natural Peanut Butter (or sub nut butter of choice)
  • 2 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Mix oats, chopped walnuts, and chia seeds in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add coconut oil + peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for ~10 seconds or until coconut oil melts.
  4. Add oil + PB to oat mixture.
  5. Add maple syrup and mix well.
  6. Pour granola mixture onto a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
  7. Bake at 325 degrees F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  8. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes.
  9. Store in air tight container.
  10. Enjoy with yogurt, fruit, smoothie bowls, or plain!

Regardless which nut butter you choose on the regular, know that they are both appropriate choices for a balanced, healthful diet. Pro Tip: Choose the natural nut butters that contain only nuts + salt (or no salt); many nut butters contain added sugars.

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

Follow me on social media!

@livebetterwithkatdetter

References:
  1. Ndb.nal.usda.gov. (2019). Food Composition Databases Show Foods — NATURAL CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER, UPC: 011110016492. [online] Available at: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/45098931fgcd=&manu=&format=&count=&max=25&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=natural+peanut+butter&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing= [Accessed 10 Jun. 2019].
  2. Ndb.nal.usda.gov. (2019). Food Composition Databases Show Foods — NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER SPREAD, UPC: 041318210453. [online] Available at: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/45214016fgcd=&manu=&format=&count=&max=25&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=natural+peanut++butter&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing= [Accessed 10 Jun. 2019].
  3. Ndb.nal.usda.gov. (2019). Food Composition Databases Show Foods — ALMOND BUTTER, UPC: 858864004029. [online] Available at: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/45059935fgcd=&manu=&format=&count=&max=25&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=almond+butter&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing= [Accessed 10 Jun. 2019].

CHICKPEA Brownies (no added sugar)

Katrina Detter, RD, LDN1 Comment

Okay, so I joined the chickpea craze…

Actually, I’ve been on the chickpea craze for a while now…chickpea pasta, chickpea pizza crust, roasted chickpeas, chickpea curry…lot’s of savory chickpea dishes!

I have seen many people make “chickpea blondies”–a healthified, fiber filled dessert…so I decided to make my own version of chickpea blondies + dark cocoa powder…so essentially making brownies!

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According to the USDA food composition database, 1/2 cup of garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) contains ~135  calories with ~7 grams protein and is a good source of fiber (~6 grams per 1/2 cup, aids in digestion), phosphorus (works with calcium to build bones + teeth), potassium (regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions+nerve signals), folate (forms red blood cells in bone marrow + prevents neural tube defects), and vitamin K (aids in blood clotting).

I promised you all some sugar free + artificial sweetener free dessert recipes–here is one! If you haven’t read “The Sugar Debate” blog yet, take a look before making these brownies! It’ll give you perspective on why we should limit our added sugar intake.

These brownies are sugar FREE, artificial sweetener FREE, vegan, and nutrient dense. Using smashed banana + dates as the main source of natural sweetener + stevia sweetened chocolate chips, you won’t miss the added sugars! Full FREE printable recipe down below. Share with your friends and be sure to tag @livebetterwithkatdetter in your creations!

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Chickpea Brownies

  • Servings: 12 brownies
  • Difficulty: easy peasy
  • Print

Ingredients: 

  • 1 (15 ounce) can of Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas)
  • 10 pitted dates
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3 T cocoa powder, dark chocolate
  • 1/2 cup almond butter, unsweetened (or nut butter of choice, almond butter is a neutral flavor)
  • 3 T almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup stevia sweetened chocolate chips + 2-3 T to sprinkle on top 🙂

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. In a high powered blender, add chickpeas, dates, banana, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, almond/nut butter and almond milk and blend until smooth. *NOTE: add more almond milk as needed to blend mixture; batter will be thick
  3. Pour batter into a mixing bowl and add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
  4. Pour batter into a lightly greased baking dish and top with more chocolate chips.
  5. Bake for ~30 minutes at 350 F (or until brownies cooked all the way through).
  6. Allow to cool for at least ~30 minutes before cutting and serving.
  7. Enjoy!

 

 

Even my 7 year old nephew loved these brownies–and he has quite the sweet tooth! Your family will love them 🙂

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Chewing!
Katrina Detter, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

Follow me on social media!

@livebetterwithkatdetter

 

 

 

References:
  1. Ndb.nal.usda.gov. (2019). Food Composition Databases Show Foods — Chickpeas (garbanzo beans, bengal gram), mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt. [online] Available at: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/16057 [Accessed 28 May 2019].