Instant Pot White Chicken Chili | SCD, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free Option

Like the rest of the country, Ohio has witnessed a cold, bitter winter that has brought us a couple snow days, several frigid mornings, and lots of cozy warm fires. Nothing pairs better with wintery weather than a hot bowl of nourishing soup. With all the ups and downs of this past year, comfort food seems to fill our tummies and energize our minds. 

As most of you know, we have been following the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet) for almost six years! It's hard to believe it' been so long. While we have always lived a healthy life; this clean, healthy lifestyle diet has become second nature in our home. Most days, I don't even think twice. I just prep, cook, bake, clean, repeat. And, thankfully, my son has remained healthy and remission. 

Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger | SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

"The greatest dishes are very simple. " Auguste Escoffier

During these busy days I always turn to simple recipes for dinner, and soup is always a great option! This soup is extremely easy to make and is packed with healthy nutrients for a healing gut. I recently signed up for a weekly produce box, Misfits Market*, and have been very pleased. I love the challenge of creating recipes with the items I receive. It has forced me to think outside of the box and our family has expanded our palette. When following a strict lifestyle of eating, like the SCD diet, it's easy to get in a rut and recycle the same recipes. The kids eagerly remind me when they are tired of a dish. By receiving a weekly box of produce I am forced to create new dishes and I happily embrace the challenge. 

Almost all of these ingredients came in our box and they are the perfect flavors of fall. We tend to eat A LOT of ginger in our house because of its health benefits. 

• Ginger root has one of the highest levels of antioxidants compared to other foods. Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress, a process that is associated with diseases like cancer, diabetes, and stroke. 

• Ginger also acts as an anti-inflammatory thanks to its antioxidant properties.

• Ginger’s active ingredient, gingerol, can be helpful in fighting infections.

• Ginger is used to treat nausea. 

• Ginger might be helpful in reducing muscle pain and soreness from exercise.

• Some studies show that bioactive molecules in ginger may slow down the growth of some cancers like colorectal, gastric, ovarian, liver, skin, breast, and prostate cancer.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins | SCD, Gluten-Free, Paleo

As the days become cooler, we are slowly transitioning into autumn, and with this new season comes a plethora of seasonal fruits and vegetables. I enjoy cooking with apples all year long, but I especially love to incorporate them into cuisine when they are in their prime season. Nothing beats a crisp, Ohio apple. 

Now that my oldest is a freshman in hight school, our schedule for the morning leaves little time for breakfast. We all know how important this first meal of the day is, so that's why we prep the night before so breakfast can be made in minutes, but yet it is packed with nutrients. These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are easy to whip up and can easily be paired with a smoothie or scrambled eggs for a complete meal. 

Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all of which benefit health. They also provide an array of antioxidants. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods may help prevent the oxidative stress that causes cell damage and may lead to the development of certain cancers. Apples are a good source of antioxidants.

Creamy White Bean Soup | SCD, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

It's hard to believe it has been over six months since my last post! I'm sure everyone can relate when I say  these past few months have been quite a journey. We watched our schools close as we transitioned to learning from home. In our case, we watched our business shutdown, only to reopen with significant change. We are still learning how to function as small business owners during these times of uncertainty and COVID, yet we managed to launch a new business that kept us going through quarantine. Canton Provisions Company has been something we've been working on for awhile, but when covid hit our community and the doors of our restaurant closed,  it was time to kick this online specialty grocery store into high gear. Between everything going on over these past months, I have had little time for writing and photography. But don't worry, I have been documenting all my recipes and have some new ones to share! Quarantine definitely fueled my creativity to think outside the box. 

Monte Cristo Sandwich | SCD, Gluten-Free

A Monte Cristo sandwich is a fried ham and cheese sandwich, a variation of the French croque-monsieur. The Monte Cristo is sometimes covered in powdered sugar and served with maple syrup or preserves. Growing up, this was one of my favorite dishes my dad would make and I would literally jump up and down with excitement when he announced he was making Monte Cristo sandwiches for dinner, just as I did when he made crepes for breakfast. While I still have yet to master the SCD crepe (thankfully my dad has!) my kids do love this healthy, SCD version of the Monte Cristo sandwich.