No Bake Paleo Lemon Ginger Tart

I know that I've posted a lot of sweets lately, but this one is worth it.  Probably more a summer dessert (my friend was quoted as saying "it's like key lime pie!"), but I could eat this any time of year.

It's like a creamy, citrus-y, sweet little reason to leave it in your fridge with a fork in it.  (not like I would ever do that.... err....).  It works best to take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before you serve it, so it gets that smooth texture, but not enough to be too soft.   I liked that this wasn't super sweet, you really get that nice acidic, tart flavor from the lemons, but if your sweet tooth is borderline dangerous you may want to sub some agave for the maple syrup.

I adapted this tart from the Paleo Indulgences cookbook.

Paleo Banana Muffins

I'm excited to announce that I'll be having a very talented friend of mine guest blogging, which I'm sure all of you will appreciate because she's a paleo baker extraordinare!  With our powers combined we're planning to take over the world, but in the meantime we'll just melt your faces with more paleo recipes.

Welcome aboard Joanie - and what a recipe to kick off!   

These banana muffins are DENSE, sweet, and dangerously delicious, so share with someone you love. 

Paleo Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes

Oh man.  I rarely bake for a couple reasons.  One: You have to be so exact.  I consider myself more a free spirit in the kitchen - I don't actually own measuring spoons.  Two:  I have very little self control when it comes to things with a soft, sweet texture so I just don't stock the offenders.  

Every now and then you need a dessert - and these will come in handy for birthdays and bake sales.  I ate one, was tempted to eat another so I quickly gave them away to my neighbors before we had an incident.  Thanks to Livin Paleo for the recipe! 

Paleo Coconut Citrus Creamsicle Cakes

These little treats (emphasis on treat, please eat responsibly) came to me from a friend, and while the original recipe is courtesy of the raw/vegan community (usually their recipes have me heading for the hills), with a few modifications these babies are actually a tasty, refreshing dessert.  

Citrus & Coconut Creamsicle Cakes....

Paleo Mojito Watermelon

Watermelon is 5 lbs for a dollar right now people (cheap!)... and while we don't eat a ton of fruit, this is the perfect paleo summer dessert.  The lime really cuts the sweetness of ripe watermelons, and this can be whipped up in minutes! 

1 large watermelon (cut into wedges, cubes, balls or skewered)

Juice from 2-3 limes

2 tbs chopped fresh mint

Chop, squeeze, top and serve!  Try experimenting with types of mint (I grow spearmint, apple mint and even chocolate mint).  You can use this for all kinds of fruit salad - pineapple mojito skewers look and taste great at parties.

Sweet Gluten Free Treats! Ginger Molasses Cookies & Pear and Cardmaom Mini-Muffins

Disclaimer:  While these are gluten free, these are not paleo, nor would I consider them healthy.  Enjoy them in moderation with someone you love.  

We don't eat a ton of sweets, but every now and then I have a killer sweet tooth and need something more than a piece of super dark chocolate, (and it was Valentine's Day this week).  Both these recipes I modified from  Gluten Free Girl and they are delicious.  I had to get them out of the house asap, so I took them to the gym.  Ironic, I know, but everyone needs a little sweet every now and then.

(if you'd like more thorough directions, ask away!  I'm happy to email them out)

**Gluten Free Ginger Molasses Cookies (left):
Sift 1/2 c sorghum flour, 1/2 c brown rice flour, 1/2 c arrowroot, 1/2 c teff flour, 1 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp black pepper.

In a large bowl cream 1 1/2 sticks softened butter, 3/4 c brown sugar and 1/2 c xylitol. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, then add 1/2 c molasses and 2 tbs fresh ginger (peeled and finely diced).  Incorporate dry ingredients slowly - when well combined add 1/2 c greek yogurt and 1-2 cups of crystalized ginger.

Drop spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

**Gluten Free Pear & Cardamom Mini-Muffins (right):
In a saucepan, heat 10 tbs butter just until it starts to foam.  Add 1 large grated pear, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground ginger.

In a large bowl combine 3/4 c almond flour, 1/4 teff flour, 1/2 c arrowroot, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp baking powder.  Add 3/4 c xyliotl, 2 heaping tbs of greek yogurt,  and 2 large eggs and whisk until combined.  Mix in dry ingredients, then add the pear/butter mixture.  Mix in some toasted walnuts and bake at 375 in a greased mini-muffin pan for about 10-12 minutes.