I’ve made this a few times over the last week or two.  It’s easy to put together, almost everyone likes it, and you can make extra for the next day.  It feels indulgent but without the processed bread crumbs this is a really lean dish.  You could eliminate the cheese of you don’t roll with dairy.  This is a gluten free recipe if served with veggies instead of pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2-4 chicken breasts, split in half
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2/3 cup almond meal
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup of your favorite low sugar tomato sauce
• 1/2 – 1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Trim fat off chicken breasts and divide each one, butterfly style so that they’re a bit thinner.  You could also pound them into thin pieces if you prefer.
3. In a shallow dish combine almond flout, parmesan cheese, garlic, black pepper and oregano.
4. Lay chicken on a lightly oiled baking sheet.  Brush each chicken breast with oil on both sides.  Dredge each piece into almond flour mixture until fully coated.
5. Lay flat on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and spoon tomato sauce on each chicken breast and top with cheese.
7. Put back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt cheese.
8. Serve as is, with salad, or on top of spiralized zucchini.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 10 medjool dates, pitted and soaked in water to soften
• 1/2 c rolled oats
• 3 tbsp chocolate protein powder
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• pinch of sea salt

Directions: 

1. Add dates to a food processor and pulse until blended into a paste consistency.
2. Add all the other ingredients to the food processor and process until it’s all well combined.
3. Using a spoon scoop out 1-2 tbsp at a time and roll into balls with your hands.
4. Place on a parchment or wax paper line baking sheet / dish
5. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set.

To add some chocolate fun:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably non-dairy and 60-70% cacao)
• 1 tsp coconut oil

OR

• 3 tbsp raw cacao butter
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

Melt ingredients and whisk to combine.  Let cool and drizzle over your protein bites and place back in the fridge to set.

 

A treat that has health benefits? Why not! The holiday’s are upon us and there will be treats.  We can at least try to make our treats a *little* better. These are great for a party!