Looking for delicious appetizers to share on game day? This gluten-free dip recipe is a sure winner for game day, potlucks, or movie nights. The mixture of roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic creates a vibrant, diverse, and tangy range of flavors and textures that will enhance any chip, cracker, vegetable or favorite crudité you love to eat with dip.

Game Day Winner

The first time I made this Romesco Red Pepper Dip was on Super Bowl Sunday. I wanted a healthy option for me and my sons to nibble on whether the game turned out to be a thriller or a dud. We were rooting for the Patriots that year and we all liked Tom Brady and wanted him to win one more Super Bowl.

In the past we would have eaten an entire bag of tortilla corn chips with queso and salsa by half time. Much to my surprise, we had eaten half of the platter by half time and forgotten the chips. I knew it was a keeper recipe—no matter which team won the Super Bowl that year.

We were thrilled with the Patriot’s win that year and we also fell in love with this incredible Romesco Red Pepper Dip. Now it has become a favorite for every football Sunday. My sons even spread it on their favorite bread with cheese, turkey, some greens and make a quick and easy meal out of it. It’s a gluten-free, Paleo style dip that makes a great dip, topping or spread. Delicious, healthy, quick and easy, –it’s not only a winner, it’s an unbeatable keeper.

Here are the vibrant, diverse ingredients that blend into a perfect mouth-watering, tangy Mediterranean flavor you can’t resist.

Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted Red Peppers form the base of the dip giving it the red color and tangy flavor. Red peppers have a high concentration of vitamins A and C, provide over 200% of your vitamin C requirements, are rich in antioxidants, and help support your immune system and fight off free radicals and disease.

Almonds

Almonds are one of my favorite nuts for their taste, texture and vast health benefits. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, vitamin E, antioxidants and help support cardiovascular and heart health. They add a thickness and creamy texture to the dip that is hard to beat, and pairs well with the taste of most crackers or crudité’ dippers.

Garlic

Organic garlic gives this dip a little kick and mixes well with the feta cheese. Garlic is a super food that is loaded with antioxidants that help fight off diseases and infections and is one of the most medicinal foods for supporting heart health.

Feta Cheese

Greek Feta Cheese adds a luscious creamy texture that goes well with the almonds too. Feta cheese is rich in B vitamins, phosphorus, and calcium which helps support bone health. It also has many fatty acids and bacteria that are good for the gut health.

Sherry Vinegar

Sherry Vinegar is a dry, aged vinegar from Spain I like to have on hand because a small spoonful can enhance the flavor of sauces, dressings, and dips. But sherry vinegar is also known to support healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Vinegars have been used for centuries to support digestion and promote liver detox. A spoonful a day can keep the doctor away.

Romesco Red Pepper Dip Makes Appetizers More Tasty and Healthy

Delicious and nutritious dips help make your crudites and appetizers more tasty and healthy. This Romesco Dip recipe will pep up your next party. Share with your friends and family and let me know what you think!

Grace Notes

Healthy eating and colorful eating go hand in hand. If it’s colorful, it’s probably good for you. It adds to the sensory delight and appeal of the dish. Be creative—the possibilities for enjoying this dip are countless. It’s a simple dish that brings health and happiness. What more can you ask for?

Enjoy and live Well with Zest!

Bev xo

 

Written by Bev Hope

Print

Romesco Red Pepper Dip

• Author: Bev Hope

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole roasted almonds
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup drained roasted red peppers (from a jar)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tsp sherry vinegar
• 1 tsp hot paprika
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions

1.  Pulse almonds in a food processor until finely chopped.
2.  Place oil and garlic in skillet on medium low heat. When mixture sizzles, wait 30 seconds then transfer to processor.
3. Add remaining ingredients to the food processor except salt and pepper.
4.  Process until well blended.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

ADD-INS

Make your own food rainbow around the dip. My favorites are red, orange, yellow and green peppers, colorful red and orange cherry tomatoes, purple endive, green celery, yellow squash, orange mini carrots.

Try any of your favorite Paleo style crackers and dippers. One of my favorite dippers is crisp plantain chips.

OPTIONS

If you don’t have Sherry Vinegar, you can replace it with other vinegars such as Rice Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, or Champagne Vinegar.

Add red pepper flakes to add some extra spiciness.

The post Romesco Red Pepper Dip appeared first on Well with Zest.

This mouth-watering, decadent tasting chocolate dessert is packed with super nutrients! Wondering how that’s even possible? The “secret sauce” is a super food mixed with lots of cacao! This delicious dairy-free chocolate mousse gets its smooth creaminess from avocados, one of Nature’s most perfect foods. Plus it’s easy to make, takes only 10 minutes, and comes out perfectly every time! This is a guilt-free dessert that you will love and will love you back! Enjoy it and feed your body these nutrient packed superfoods it needs:

Avocados

This superfood contains 20 vitamins and minerals, which is why it’s on the top of the superfood list. Plus here are some of the many health benefits of avocados:

• Suppresses Appetite and Stabilizes Blood Sugar -Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are good for you. They contain healthy fats that help you feel satiated by sending your brain a signal to turn off your appetite.  These fats help keep blood sugar stable by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates.
• Supports Healthy Vision – Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals that provide the antioxidants that help minimize damage from ultraviolet light.
• Aids in Digestion – Avocados are a high fiber food with 6-7 grams of fiber per half an avocado. They help maintain a healthy digestive system.

Cacao

This superfood contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients. Some of the amazing health benefits of cacao include:

• Iron-Rich – Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron. Getting sufficient iron is important for maintaining energy, focus, healthy immune system and more.
• A Feel-Good Food – Cacao contains anandamide, which is a natural euphoric compound that lifts mood. The other mood enhancing ingredient in cocoa is tryptophan, a natural anti-depressant.

Decadent Dessert that’s a Delicious Treat and Medicine Too

With two of Nature’s nutrient-dense superfoods paired together, this dessert is not only a treat, it is medicine for your mind, body, and soul. Don’t be surprised if you’ll want second helpings and don’t worry about indulging. It’s good for you and will make you feel g-o- o-d.

Grace Notes

It’s best to serve in traditional French mousse dishes to enhance the appeal. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts, almonds, coconut, or shaved chocolate to add a fool proof disguise to this decadent looking dessert. Your guests will never know you are feeding them “medicine”.

Enjoy and Live Well with Zest!

Bev  xo

Written by Bev Hope

Non-Dairy Chocolate Mousse

• Author: Bev Hope
• Category: Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, cut in half and pitted⠀
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder⠀
• 4 tbsp. of full fat coconut milk⠀
• 1 ripe banana⠀
• 4 tbsp. of pure maple syrup⠀
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract⠀
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon⠀
• Pinch of sea salt⠀

Instructions

1. Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a food processor or Vitamix.
2. Add the cacao powder, coconut milk, banana, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt and process on medium until creamy whipped and well blended⠀
3.  Serve in two individual mousse dishes or parfait bowls. Garnish with toasted shredded coconut, toasted chopped hazelnuts or your topping of choice. ⠀

Notes

ADD-ONS Garnish with toasted shredded coconut, toasted chopped hazelnuts, toasted slivered almonds or shaved dark chocolate.

Keywords: Non-Dairy, Chocolate, Dessert, Paleo, Whole30, Superfoods

The post Delicious Nutritious Non-Dairy Chocolate Mousse appeared first on Well with Zest.

This Anti-Inflammatory Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe is always a family pleaser and potluck winner!  It is amazingly flavorful with the perfect combination of spiciness and creamy smooth texture. It’s packed with nutrient dense vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help keep you and your loved ones healthy on the inside and outside.

I received a Vitamix for my birthday a few years ago.  My birthday is in October and it was pumpkin season, so the first thing I experimented with was making pumpkin soup. With pumpkins in season, I prepared Thai Pumpkin Soup from the Vitamix Cookbook with fresh, organic authentic ingredients from a local farm. It was such a hit that it became a seasonal tradition I’ve been making for my family and friends ever since. Not only have I used the freshest organic ingredients, I’ve also adapted it to make it even more an anti-inflammatory powerhouse soup! It’s pure deliciousness from pure superfoods.

Fresh Organic Pumpkin 

First, I make it with fresh organic pumpkins to maximize the taste and health benefits. Pumpkins are a rich source of Vitamin A and C which help fight free radicals and boost your immune system. Pumpkins get their bright orange color from the high amount of Beta carotene which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Carotenoids assist in staving off free radicals in the body and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular disease and infections.

Spices Ginger, Turmeric, and Garlic

Then I add extra zest and health benefits with spices that have well-known medicinal properties. Spices like ginger and turmeric both help ease inflammation. Turmeric is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory when taken as a supplement, and when ingested in food, it really spices up the flavor. Garlic contains anti-oxidants that protect against cell damage, helps prevent infection and helps support a healthy immune system.

Chicken Bone Broth and Coconut Milk 

For the base, I use chicken bone broth, which also helps ease inflammation in the gut and soothe the gut lining. Coconut milk and cream makes this soup creamy and smooth and brings health benefits too. Coconut milk which is high in Vitamins C and E, and rich in antioxidants also aids in the reduction of inflammation. It is rich in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium and helps support a healthy immune system.

Zesty and Healthy Crowd Pleaser 

It’s the perfect soup for living well with zest! Combining nutrient dense fresh pumpkin, nourishing chicken bone broth, plus anti-inflammatory coconut milk, ginger and turmeric, this soup is the perfect way to delight your family and friends and help them stay healthy inside and out. It’s not only zesty, it’s healthy

I always love sharing, enjoying good food together and seeing my crockpot empty sooner than later.  Even more rewarding is sharing delicious food that helps people live well with zest! I hope you try it and share it with your family and friends. Let me know what you think?

Grace Notes

I am inspired by Linus in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, one of my favorite childhood holiday movies, adapted from Waiting for the Great Pumpkin by Charles M. Schulz. I have never stop believing in the power of the Great Pumpkin. But now we have the data to know the power of the Great Pumpkin!

Enjoy and live Well with Zest!

Bev xo

Written by Bev Hope

Thai Roasted Pumpkin Soup

• Author: Bev Hope
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 Tablespoon organic tomato paste
• 2 1/2 cups of roasted, mashed organic pumpkin
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh ginger root
• 1 Tablespoons chopped fresh turmeric root
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups of organic chicken bone broth
• 3/4 cup organic coconut cream
• 3/4 cup organic coconut milk
• 1 Tablespoon chopped green chilies
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh ground sea salt and black pepper corns

Instructions

1. Slice 2 small pumpkins in quarters, scoop out seeds. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle ground sea salt and black pepper. Back at 425 for 50 – 60 minutes until tender. Scoop out pulp.
2. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft and tender. Add tomato paste, pumpkin, ginger, turmeric garlic, broth, coconut cream, and coconut milk. Combine until heated through.
3. Place mixture into Vitamix or food processor. Add chilies and lemon juice and secure lid.
4. Select variable 1.
5. Switch Vitamix to Start and slowly increase speed to variable 10.
6. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds or until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.For extra flavor garnish soup with chopped toasted peanuts and fresh chopped organic cilantro.

Notes

Add-Ins

For an authentic dash of extra flavor, garnish with cilantro, chopped peanuts and sour cream.

Tips

Double the recipe for a holiday party or pot luck dinner. Save time by roasting the pumpkins the night before. Avoid substituting canned pumpkin to experience full anti-inflammatory health benefits, but canned pumpkin will work if pressed for time.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per 1 Cup (240ml)
• Calories: 216
• Sodium: 375 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Paleo, Whole30, Keto, Anti-Inflammatory, Pumpkin, Soup, Thai, Vitamix, Potluck, Crockpot, Holidays

The post Thai Roasted Pumpkin Anti-Inflammatory Soup appeared first on Well with Zest.

I call this the “Fastest Blueberry Crisp in the West”. You can prepare this yummy dessert in about 7 minutes. Thirty minutes later, you can pull it out of the oven. You will have a perfectly baked dessert with a bubbling juicy fruit bottom and a crispy golden in no time. To make it extra special, serve it warm with your favorite topping. It’s a modern, healthier Paleo style version of the old-fashioned classic blueberry cobbler. It’s packed with fruity, crunchy goodness you can’t beat!

My favorite dessert to bake for my family and friends my entire adult life has always been blueberry desserts. I’m a fanatic about blueberries for their taste and antioxidant benefits. I have alw

ays looked for ways to eat and share this wonderful fruit in all kinds of delicious, creative ways. Recently, I’ve turned my creativity to making gluten-free blueberry desserts that better fit with my anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. This is a great upgrade of my old-fashioned blueberry cobbler and crisp recipes I’ve used in the past.

Why Gluten-Free?

Why go gluten-free? Gluten has become quite a controversial topic in recent years. Many experts claim that only those with celiac disease benefit from avoiding or eliminating gluten. But more research show that gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and smelt, can affect the intestinal wall. Specifically, it can cause “leaky gut”. This is when particles that are supposed to pass through the intestines break through the gut wall. Then these particles get into the bloodstream where they don’t belong. The particles can put pressure on your body’s immune response and cause inflammation. For anyone with auto-immune conditions, inflammation is a constant problem they have to manage. And “leaky gut” can make inflammation worse. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods Helps Manage Inflammation

I’m dealing with my own autoimmune condition, Graves’ disease. My immune system, which is supposed to be protecting me, is attacking my own thyroid tissues. Graves’ disease is causing my thyroid to be overactive. There is not a specific diet to prevent or treat Graves’ disease. With Graves’ disease, certain foods should be avoided, and others should be eaten to help promote health and avoid inflammation. Food plays an important role in managing inflammatory symptoms. And it can be delicious! There are a ton of delicious anti-inflammatory foods you can include your diet. You don’t have to give up your favorite old-fashioned desserts and treats. All you have to do is cook with modern, healthier ingredients that fit with an anti-inflammatory diet.

Gluten-Free Ingredients You’ll Need 

Fresh Blueberries

I find fresh, preferably organic blueberries work best.  Blackberries or boysenberries can be mixed in for variety.  Blueberries and blackberries packed with antioxidants are an ideal food to help keep your immune system strong.

Almond flour and Tapioca Starch

These ingredients help form the base of the crispy topping. Almond flour, tapioca starch or arrowroot are ideal substitutes for traditional topping ingredients.  The best thing is that these replace the gluten containing ingredients found in most wheat-based flour recipes.

Walnuts

Chopped walnuts add the crisp to the crispy topping.  Walnuts are the primary anti-inflammatory ingredient in this delicious gluten-free topping.  Rich source of omega-3s, protein and fiber, walnuts provide many health benefits to this delicious dessert. 

Coconut Oil or Ghee

Melted coconut oil is ideal for the making the crispy golden crust. Ghee or grass-fed organic butter is a better substitute for butter.

Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup adds the sweetness that blends perfectly with the natural berry sweetness. Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, is an ideal substitute for refined sugar in old-fashioned blueberry crisp recipes. Excess sugar and refined starches can boost production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Thankfully, there are many natural sweeteners that make these old classics even better desserts!

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice has always been one of my favorite secret ingredients in blueberry pie. It adds a little kick and punches up the flavor of the blueberries.

Cinnamon

A touch of cinnamon is the other secret ingredient that adds mysterious spiciness. It blends perfectly with the sweet crunchy topping.

Pink Sea Salt

Just a pinch or two of salt is all you need to add harmony. Salt bring out the best in the mixture of flavors in the topping.

Scrumptious, Delicious and Healthy Blueberry Crisp

You don’t have to miss the classic old-fashioned blueberry crisp family recipe anymore. This a simple gluten free blueberry crisp recipe with a crunchy topping that tastes like the real thing. It’s a twist on a favorite classic that fits a healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle.  For a quick and easy gluten-free dessert, baking fruit with a nutty topping, is the easiest way to go. This blueberry crisp is not only the fastest, but also the healthiest blueberry dessert recipe I know. And It’s so delicious, that we love to make it over and over all year long!

Grace Notes

Every time I make this blueberry dessert, I remember going blueberry picking with my young sons. We would fill up two big buckets.  The first thing we would make was always fresh blueberry cobbler. To cap off the day, we would read Blueberries with Sal. This classic children’s picture book by Robert McCloskey was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1949. More than a decade later, I still get a boost of endorphins every time I make blueberry cobbler!  Imagine how many mothers and grandmothers have happy blueberry-picking memories too. Given that’s got to be the case, let’s bring on more blueberry cobbler! May happy blueberry memories continue. And may they be even better knowing there are healthier ways to serve our old-fashioned blueberry classics. 

I get satisfaction from the delight in my family and friends’ eyes when they dig into this scrumptious dessert. But more rewarding is sharing delicious food that helps people live healthy happy lives. Try this twist on a classic dessert yourself. Share it with your family and friends and let me know what you think.

Enjoy and Be Well with Zest!

Bev

Written by Bev Hope

Favorite Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp

• Author: Bev Hope
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pints fresh blueberries, preferably organic
• 1 organic lemon, halved
• 1 cup organic almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch
• 1/4 cup of chopped organic walnuts
• 1/4 cup ghee butter or coconut oil melted
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 pinches of pink sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and prepare 9-inch square baking dish.
2. Place the blueberries and half the lemon juice in the 9-inch square baking dish. Toss to cover the blueberries with the juice.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, make the crisp by combining the almond flour, nuts, melted butter, maple syrup, remaining lemon juice, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, spread the nut topping crisp mixture evenly over the blueberries.
5. Bake in over for 30 to 40 minutes until the crisp is golden brown. Check at 30 minutes.
6. Serve by itself or with your choice of gluten-free ice cream.

Notes

ADD-INS
Mix in blackberries or boysenberries, half and half with the blueberries.
Mix chopped Macadamia nuts with the chopped walnuts.

TIPS
Add a little extra maple syrup for extra sweetness or substitute organic honey as well.
Serve with ice cream, vanilla cashew milk is great.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup

Keywords: Dessert, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Blueberries, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Did You Make This Recipe? Are you a blueberry lover? What types of blueberry recipes do you want to see?

Tag #wellwithzest on Instagram @BevHope

The post Favorite Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp appeared first on Well with Zest.