Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

When I woke up today, my stomach wasn't feeling 100%. I decided to forgo the protein powder that I usually use at breakfast for this reason (just in case it made my stomach worse!). As horrible as it is to have a stomach ache, I'm happy that it forced me to make a protein powder free, and therefore, kid friendly waffle recipe! These waffles are also gluten-free and dairy-free, and packed with protein from the peanut flour I used. These flours may sound foreign, but they are available at great prices from Vitacost (discount off your first order included in the link!).

Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

Ingredients:

1/4 cup peanut flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 small banana (100 grams)
3 tablespoons egg whites
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Stevia to taste
Almond milk if needed

Directions:

1. Preheat waffle maker and spray with cooking spray.
2. Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender (I use my Ninja). Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into waffle pan and cook until done. Top with your favorite toppings (nuts, fruit, yogurt, nut butter, coconut flakes, etc.)

Chicken Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Squash

I used to make different versions of stuffed acorn squash in college, and had forgotten how much I love this meal! My favorite chicken sausage brand is Bilinki's organic chicken sausage. They are USDA certified organic, gluten, wheat, and soy free, and one of the very few brands that DO NOT use pork casing (casing is the thin "skin" that "seals" sausage). Plus they have many different, delicious flavors to choose from.

Chicken Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Squash

Ingredients:

1 acorn squash  

1/4 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 Bilinski chicken sausage sliced thin (I used the Pesto Romano flavor)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Italian seasoning

1 packet stevia 

1/3 cup Daiya Mozzarella cheese (or any shredded cheese)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake about 30-40 minutes or until soft.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. Add the onions and pepper. Cook about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the chicken sausage. 

3. While that cooks, scoop out the acorn squash, leaving the skin intact. It should resemble a bowl. Add the squash to the skillet. Add the spices, balsamic vinegar, and the stevia. Stir and cook about 3-4 minutes or until mixed well and heated through. 

4. Turn on your broiler Place the acorn squash face up on a baking sheet. Sprinkle some cheese inside the squash (reserving about half). Divide the chicken sausage mixture in half and add to each squash. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over them. Place under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to brown. 

Butter Toffee Kabocha Protein Pancakes

If you couldn't already tell by following me on Instagram (@adena86) I am in LOVE with kabocha squash. Kabocha squash is also referred to as japanese pumpkin. It is sweet, moist, and has this satisfying texture that I've become completely addicted too. I buy at least five kabocha squash whenever I see them in the grocery store to avoid kabocha withdrawal. If you have a hard time finding kabocha, you can replace it with any other winter squash (butternut, acorn, fresh or canned pumpkin), but I highly recommend you don't give up your search. Kabocha will change your life.

Another note about the ingredients. DO NOT fear the cauliflower. You DO NOT taste it. It makes the pancakes incredibly moist and cake-like. Read more about why I use cauliflower here.  

Butter Toffee Kabocha Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup riced cauliflower (raw cauliflower finely chopped in a food processor)
3/4 scoop Elite Butter Cream Toffee protein powder (or any flavor whey protein)
2 tablespoons oatmeal
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk

1/3 cup cooked kabocha squash 
3 tablespoons egg whites
8-10 drops English Toffee liquid stevia (or plain stevia)
Almond milk as needed

Directions

1. Place cauliflower in the microwave. Cook for about 40 seconds.
2. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (protein powder through stevia) to your food processor. Blend until smooth. Add almond milk as needed (add SLOWLY). You want your pancake batter to be thick.
4. Add the batter by the spoonful to the pan. Cook until the edges set. These are thick so be patient! Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through.

I topped mine with sugar-free caramel syrup and Justin's Maple Almond Butter :)

Whipped Vanilla Protein Cake

Moist, fluffy, delicious cake. Need I say more? Threw this together for my sister, but totally stole a piece for tasting purposes. Probably my best cake ever. And it's so simple to make!

I buy my flours and stevia online from Vitacost. It's an online grocery store that has so many fun, healthy ingredients. Here's a discount link for money off your first order: 

Whipped Vanilla Protein Cake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Cellucor Whipped Vanilla protein powder (or other vanilla whey)
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 packets stevia
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups almond milk (I used unsweetened vanilla)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a loaf pan or square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Blend all ingredients together in a large food processor or blender. Make sure you don't over mix! I like to stir the bottom with a spatula to make sure the dry ingredients don't stick and clump at the bottom in between mixing.
3. Add to your loaf pan or baking dish. Cook about 30-40 minutes or until knife comes out clean. For the frosting, I just mixed together Greek yogurt with vanilla casein. Casein protein makes the greek yogurt thicker and more frosting-like. If you only have whey protein, that's fine too!

For the ENTIRE CAKE without frosting (I cut mine into 4 servings, divide as you wish):  694 calories, 14.7 grams of fat, 74 g carbohydrates, 64.4 grams protein