.It's a gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free satisfying snack for those with sensitive tummies...dark chocolate avocado truffles.

Addictive dark chocolate avocado truffles are the way to go when eating gluten-free and sugar-free. I made these bad boys in a matter of minutes. So, easy to do. Wonderful texture. What I did was use 100% cocoa. No sugar.

Next time, I might try 85% cocoa. 100% cocoa is very bitter and needs a bit of sweetness that I couldn't achieve with the Swerve sugar alternative. As it stands, I'm not a diabetic, just trying to keep sugar low for better health. If I tried the 100% again, I would make a simple sugar with Swerve. I would melt the Swerve in a bit of lactose-free milk. If a little sugar is ok with your crew, go 85%.

Here’s the recipe:
6 oz. Dark chocolate
One ripe avocado
1/ tsp. Vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
2 T. Unsweetened cocoa
Tsp. Of orange zest (optional)

Using the double boiler method, melt the chocolate with vanilla, salt, and orange zest. Mash the avocado. Once the chocolate is melted, add the avocado. Stick in the freezer for approx. 20 minutes. Take out and make truffles. Roll in unsweetened cocoa. Stick back in the freezer for five minutes then place in the fridge. Keep in the refrigerator for a late-night snack.

In my quest to prepare comfort food that's healthy, delicious, and tummy-friendly, I'm experimenting with gluten-free products, sugar-free alternatives, and lactose-free dairy items.  As I read to educate myself on cooking/baking foods for better digestive health, I regress from time to time and daydream about desserts, thick juicy burgers on brioche buns, and the like. I've always been partial to cobblers, especially during the summer months as fresh fruits like blackberries are readily available.

Speaking of fresh fruit, I remember an abundance of blackberry bushes at my childhood home in Arkansas. Growing up in the 60s, it was very normal for kids to play outside all day without parental interference. After breakfast, kids in the neighborhood would meet on the fringes of backyards to ride bikes, play games, and be kids. I'm not sure whose property grew the blackberries but everybody was invited to his/her fair share. After playing all day in and around the berry bushes, I recall returning home with purple-stained feet and hands. Feet from stepping on the excess number of blackberries that fell to the ground and hands from shoving the sweet treat into my mouth (I'm sure I ate them off the ground too). 

I remember my mom made a delicious blackberry cobbler. Her cobblers were always very sweet and we would add vanilla ice cream to cut the sweetness. I have no doubt she picked a few blackberries from the neighborhood bushes to make the scrumptious after-dinner delight.  Whether you prefer blackberry, blueberry, peach, cherry, or even strawberry; the sweet, tart, buttery, warm, dessert was always a crowd-pleaser. 

The question is... can cobblers be made for someone with special dietary needs?  The answer is Yes! In my recipe, you'll notice a couple of secret ingredients too that provide additional sweetness and flavor. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Two cups of blackberries
One cup of raspberries
Cup of self-raising gluten-free flour (Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour)
Cup of Swerve sugar substitute
3/4 cup lactose-free milk
Stick of melted unsalted butter
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon 

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add blackberries and raspberries to one bowl and sprinkle with baking soda and cinnamon. Set aside.

Melt butter in an 8 x 8 pan (use aluminum, glass, non-stick, whatever your preference). Set aside.

Combine sugar, flour, and milk. Mix.

Spread batter over the top of the butter. Don't mix. Add berries on top of the batter. Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve with vanilla ice cream and a sprig of mint on top. 

Food that is simple, quick, and delicious is number one on my summertime playlist. I'm one of those people that loves to be outside when the weather is warm. Granted, heat in the 90s and above may require some indoor activities and that's when I create my simple dishes. I use ingredients that I love to cook and create with; after all, that's the point...wouldn't you agree? If you're going to enjoy food, then enjoy food. Cook for yourself. 

Realistically...

There are probably more in your household than you alone, and considering their likes and dislikes is ideal. That's why is important to find the freshest and most tasty ingredients. 

I'm sure many of you enjoy eating seafood pasta salads. Oftentimes, I'll go to the local deli and order a single serving of the good stuff. However, this 'good stuff' may cost almost as much as it would cost to make eight servings. That said, with the rising cost of food and crazy gas prices, I decided, out of necessity and a good 'ole craving, to make my own.

The idea came to me out of my love for shrimp and cocktail sauce. Is there nothing better on a hot, summer day than dipping ice-cold shrimp in a spicy cocktail sauce? I say not.

Here's the recipe. Hope you enjoy it. I loved it so much that I licked the bowl clean and turned around and made it again. 

Ingredients:
One pound of large shrimp (If you don't want the smell in your house, have the fish market boil it for you at very little cost and in minutes. If not, buy the shrimp boil and boil at home). 
Small pasta shells (I use gluten-free and found a delicious brand Ancient Harvest)
One cup of mayonnaise plus 2 Tablespoons
Two T. Dijon mustard
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce
Squeeze of lemon
Whole red pepper
Three stalks of celery
1/4 cup of fresh dill

Directions:
Boil and peel shrimp. If large, cut and slice in half or thirds, depending on how large. You still want it chunky. Set aside.

Boil the pasta according to the directions on the box. Place in a colander and run cool water over all the shells. Add to the shrimp. 

Mix together the mayo, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon, and dill. Add the sliced red pepper and celery. Add the shrimp and pasta. Stir. Chill. Serve with a few dill leaves sprinkled on top. 

​FRESH!!