Tyler's Key Lime Squares

Tonight we have a Max Life potluck! Tyler and I debated over what to bring, since we have made some fantastic food items over the past couple weeks. But we decided to go with Tyler's Key Lime Squares. They were fantastic last time he made them! I let him take the reins for tonight's dish as well. We snagged this recipe off the GOOD FOOD blog (She has some amazing recipes on her blog. Check it out!). We are both looking forward to seeing if others enjoy them as much as we do!

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Stevia equivalent to 1/2 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Combine all the Crust ingredients and press into an 8" x 8" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. While the crust is baking, assemble the key lime topping mixture:

Key Lime Topping Mixture:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

stevia equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar

3 large eggs

the zest of a lime

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Add two drops of green food coloring, but I would not recommend doing this if you do not have high quality, "no-sugar-or-preservatives-added" food coloring.

Combine all the key lime topping mixture ingredients in a blender.

When crust has baked for 15 minutes, pour the topping mixture over the crust and return the crust and topping mixture to the oven to bake at 350 degrees for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven.

Let the finished product cool in the baking dish for 30 minutes, and then chill it in the refrigerator until chilled through- about another 30 to 45 minutes. Cut into squares.

Grain free/sugar free brownies

As part of my weekend assignment I needed to find two dessert recipes that were Advanced Plan approved. I found this fantastic brownie recipe and made a few minor adjustments to make it grain free, sugar free and simply divine! I added Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Chips (sweetened with Maltitol) and shredded, unsweetened coconut for added flavor and texture.

The verdict: The brownie was rich and satisfying, exactly what my evening sweet tooth is looking for. I was more than satisfied with one brownie- no need to go back for more. They are fairly dense and the coconut provides some texture. I will definitely be enjoying these the rest of the week and will use this recipe in the future! 

Now for the more critical review from my skeptical boyfriend:

Tyler's verdict: "They are good... just different." "It kinda reminds me of carrot cake- I can feel the grainy coconut like the carrots in carrot cake." "It almost tastes like an Almond Joy." 

If you're hesitant about giving up sugar, don't be! These guilt-free brownies will reassure you that you will thrive in a sugar free environment! 

Grain Free/Sugar Free Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chunky almond butter 
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)

• 2 eggs

• 2 t vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/4 cup Truvia
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Chips)

• 1/3 cup shredded coconut 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom of 9×9 inch pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together almond butter, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla, salt and sugar.
3. Add cocoa and whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in chocolate chips and shredded coconut. 
5. Pour ingredients into prepared pan and bake for 18 minutes, or until center is firm.