Hashimoto's Chocolate Cake

Yes... chocolate cake!!!  Need I say more?  Let's just go straight to the recipe, right?! Okay. As always, buy organic ingredients.  I created some links for gluten, dairy, and soy-free products incase you don't have a favorite yet.  

"Many people will ask me, "Which diet do you think is best?"

My answer, as always, is the diet that works for you. You are unique. Your genes, your ethnicity, your blood type, your gender, your digestive capability, your intestinal environment, your food sensitivities ... all make you unique."

~ Dr. Isabella Wentz, Thyroid Pharmacist

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, dark chocolate
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 cup gluten free flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup zucchini, shredded with the liquid squeezed out

1/2 tsp chia seeds
1/8 cup maple syrup

[confectioners sugar, added after cake cools]

Directions:  
1.Preheat oven to 350*F.
2. Grease a glass baking dish with coconut oil.
3.Heat the coconut oil and chocolate chips in a pan until melted.  
4. Mix all of the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl until well blended.  Add the melted ingredients and blend.
5. Pour mixture into a glass baking dish.  Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes.
6.  When cake has cooled, sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."
Ephesians 6:10

Lunch Idea #2: Burger & Fries

If you're just starting out on a Hashimoto's diet, you're going to be so glad that you read this post!! Not only is this meal delicious, but it's quick and easy.  So heat up your grill and take out your potato cutter... you're going to eat like Hashi royalty!

If you're new to my blog, check out the recipe that I posted for sweet potato fries.  I've actually updated the post with tidbits that I've learned from making them about ten times.  Peel them, microwave them (briefly), and slice them with your potato cutter.  [You microwave them to make it easier to slice so 2-3 minutes on high will do the trick].  When you slice them, the thinner the cut  -- the crispier the fry.  If you prefer soft fries, use the larger slicer or just cut them in wedges.

Prep the fries as described in the blog post.  Slice your zucchini lengthwise in 4-5 pieces; coat with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Grab your patties and head outside! Heat your grill up to 450* and place the baking sheet with fries on it for about 20 minutes; stir occasionally.  Set the fries aside. Cook your *hamburgers and zucchini until done; let those rest.  Flip the fries over on the baking sheet and cook for another 15-20 minutes. 

Ingredients:
Hamburger patties
2 medium zucchini, sliced
4 medium sweet potatoes, sliced
Extra virgin olive oil
Cinnamon
Sea salt and pepper




*I bought Angus beef patties for the hamburgers; my husband only added salt & pepper.  Simple, right?

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."
Psalms 19:1

Lemon Blueberry Mini Muffins

I've been trying to create a lemon flavored treat for my husband for about a month now (yes, that's where I disappeared to).  My experiments have led me to believe that there is a pile of clay tablets buried deep within the ruins of some ancient civilization that are chock-full of gluten and dairy-free recipes; I know people had to eat well before flour mills were invented. Anyway, I think I've finally concocted a delicious little Hashi's lemon muffin recipe.  They've been taste tested and approved by my husband so I'm betting that you'll enjoy them, too.

This recipe is easy and involves ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry with the exception of the flour. If you're a chocolate lover, you might even want to substitute the blueberries with chocolate baking chips -- I'm actually going to try that next time!  

Ingredients:

¼ cup + 2 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup pure maple syrup, organic

½ cup coconut sugar

2 eggs

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tbsp lemon juice

¼ tsp chia seeds with ¾ tsp boiling water

1 1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Flour

¼ tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

Blueberries

Confectioners sugar

Directions:  Grease a mini muffin pan with coconut or olive oil.  Combine all but the last two ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until blended. Spoon one tablespoon into each mini muffin tin; add blueberries as desired.  Bake at 350* for 9-11 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  After the muffins cool, sprinkle with confectioners sugar. 

Note:  I finally found a gluten-free flour that worked well with baked goods... it's called Bob's Red Mill Flour and I actually found it at Walmart ($4.23 for 22 oz).   I tried multiple other products but this one had the best taste and texture.  If you find another product that you like better, please share it with us on Facebook!!

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28