Night cap...simple, sweet, so good

I am a big tea drinker, but occasionally, usually around bedtime, I get that urge for a nice hot cup of chocolate tea..aka hot chocolate. Of course for me lactose intolerance is a big issue so any dreams of milk infused chocolate tea is quickly dashed as I think about the side effects. Be that as it may however, I still think the same great experience can be had from a simple cup of night time decadence provided a few substitutes are used. I have come up with what has worked for me, giving me great flavour and the same 'feel' of rich, milky and sweet chocolate.

You'll need:
1 cup of Silk Pure Almond Milk (or Almond Breeze Unsweetened)
1 tsp of True Protein Flavour Pack (Java Mocha) or any unsweetened instant chocolate powder
vanilla & cinnamon (as much or little as desired)

Directions:
In a saucepan, heat almond milk just below boiling point (to avoid the film at the top) or heat in microwave for 2-3 minutes (time may vary depending on microwave).
Add chocolate powder, cinnamon and vanilla to the cup then slowly pour in hot milk, stirring continuously until completely combined. Sit and enjoy!

*This is also great anytime of day and for a morning/tea snack can be had with a few wheat crackers.

Pizza Anyone?

As a foodie, there is nothing in this world like a Big Ole Homemade Pizza filled with all the trimmings! The gooey cheese, tender meat and scrumptious veggies on a beautiful and freshly baked pizza pie is truly a sight to behold let alone taste! For some of us though, beholding such a sight is as far as we will get for the simple reason that we may not be able to handle the cheese, and in my case, be allergic to it. So what do you do if you are craving pizza, as I have many times throughout my last contest prep? You IMPROVISE! Not only do I save myself the allergic reaction, I also avoid a couple hundred unwanted calories.

So how do we construct this pizza? Well there are two ways: the protein rich, carb and fat free way or the protein rich, low-carb, low-fat way. Both ways appeal to the diet conscious individual who really still want sto enjoy a pizza without the 'issues'. 

For the Carb & Fat Free Option, you'll need:

4 large egg whites (for the pie)

dried herbs/spices of your choosing (i use mrs dash italian)

3 tbsp marinara or plain tomato sauce (no salt-added)

1-2 oz tuna (or whatever pre-cooked meat you desire)

1 tbsp onions chopped

1 tbsp peppers chopped

1 tbsp tomatoes chopped

Serves 1-2

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl whisk egg whites with herbs/spices . In a medium hot non-stick skillet (that can also be placed in the oven), coat with cooking spray then pour in eggs. Let the eggs sit in pan until slightly set but still slides easily when skillet is shaken. Flip over unto the other side and turn off heat leaving skillet on the burner.

Using a spoon, spread sauce over entire egg pie, sprinkle meat, then onion, peppers and lastly tomatoes. 

Remove skillet from stove and place in pre-heated oven for 2-3 minutes until veggies are cooked and meat is warmed throughout.

Remove skillet from oven. Pie should easily slide out of pan unto a plate but if thee is some sticking gently lift using a rubber spatula.

Slice up and enjoy!

For the Low Carb & Low-Fat Option, you'll need:

2 small whole wheat pitas

1/4 cup marinara or plain tomato sauce (no salt-added)

3-4 oz of any pre-cooked low meat you desire

1 tbsp onions chopped

1 tbsp peppers chopped

1 tbsp tomatoes chopped

dried herbs/spices of your choosing (i use mrs dash italian)

Serves 2

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place pitas on a non-stick baking sheet or a foiled lined cookie rack. 

With a spoon, spread sauce over pitas covering the entire surface. Add meat, then veggies and sprinkle herbs on top of entire pie. 

Bake in pre-heated oven for 4-5 minutes until pita is golden and crisp, veggies are cooked and meat is warmed throughout.

Remove from oven, slice and serve.