Side Dishes

Creamed Spinach

I love when healthy tastes this good. I especially love making believers out of picky eaters, and this dish is the perfect example of how it is done.

If you like rich foods, garlic and butter and creamy goodness...if you like spinach artichoke dip...well then here's your easy (and inexpensive) go to side dish. Low carb, high fat, reheats amazingly, satisfying and delicious, I present to you my creamed spinach.

Serves 4
Preparation Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
  • 16 oz bag of frozen chopped spinach
  • 3 Tbs butter
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3/4 Cup of heavy cream
  • 1/4 Cup shredded Parmesan (I probably use more)
  • Pinch of salt
Cook the spinach in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for about 3 1/2 minutes. Place the spinach in a tea towel and wring the excess water out. On the stove top in a 8" skillet or fry pan melt the butter on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it starts to toast and turn golden brown. Add the spinach and using a spatula to break it up and mix the butter and garlic into the spinach. Cook for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the cream in 3 installments. The spinach will absorb the cream so add more as the pan appears to dry out. Add the Parmesan a little at a time while stirring. Add salt to taste and serve.

This works so well with steak, brats, pork chops, chicken....pretty much everything. It really is a favorite in our house.
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Mashed Cauliflower Bake 

 I'm a taters and meat kindof girl but of course potatoes are our arch enemies so what is a girl to do? Cauliflower. I don't like it raw. I didn't know I could like it cooked before I tried this. Adapted from a recipe a friend gave me, this dish will put to shame even your momma's mashed potatoes. Feel free to adjust the garlic level to your liking.

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bag of frozen cauliflower
  • 4 oz full fat cream cheese
  • 4 oz heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Steam the cauliflower until just past fork tender (about 5 minutes). I like to buy the steam in bags and do this in the microwave. Once the cauliflower is tender pour it into your favorite food processor or blender. Add all the remaining ingredients and pulse til smooth and creamy. Pour into a greased 8" baking dish and top with additional cheddar if desired. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the top is just starting to brown and the cheese is melted.

Note: Sometimes I substitute the cream cheese with sour cream. This recipe is very lenient to substitutions so experiment and have fun :)


Nutrition Info (per serving)
coming soon (updating my recipe app at the moment)


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Killer LC Mac n Cheese
Some comfort foods you should never have to live without. Mac n cheese, an ultimate comfort food, can be made low carb and still be delicious. Not only delicous but EASY! Add some smoked sausage or leftover ham pieces and you've got a one pot wonder of a meal.

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
  • 1/2 Box Dreamfields Penne Rigate pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions 
Cook pasta per box instructions. In a small non-stick saucepan melt butter over medium low heat. Add heavy cream. Let heat for a few minutes then add cheese a little at a time while stirring until all the cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Add salt and pepper then mix with cooked pasta. Serve.

Nutrition Info (per serving)
Calories
455
Total Fat
31g
Saturated
19g
Polyunsaturated
1.0g
Monounsaturated
8.5g
Cholesterol
98mg
Sodium
867mg
Effective Carbs
5.2g* this is the amount of carbs you need to count
Dietary Fiber
3.8g
Sugar
0.2g
Protein
11g
Vitamin A
283mcg
Vitamin C
0.2mg
Calcium
261mg
Iron
0.3mg
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