Better-for-You Flourless Brownies

These gluten-free flourless brownies are soft, fudgy, and so chocolaty that you will not believe they are 1. low in sugar, 2. paleo 3. keto-friendly! Try these for your next chocolate craving.

1 c. cocoa powder

1/2 c. coconut sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

dash of salt

2 eggs

1/3 c. coconut oil, softened

1/4 c. coconut or almond milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Pro Tip: Add fine shredded carrot or zuchinni to boost veggie intake

Callie says: Make a maple sugar sprinkle for the top or substitute for the coconut sugar, add espresso for the grown ups, cocoa nibs and cherries.

Maeme says: add almonds and coconut

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8x8 square pan with coconut oil. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda and salt.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, coconut oil, and vanilla until well blended.

4. Pour the wet ingredients and stir until the mixture forms a batter.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the pan comes out clean.

   Per serving: 111 calories, 8g total fat, 10g carb, 2g protein, 78mg sodium, 4g sugar

Mushrooms for Health

Mushrooms are having a moment and we are totally on board! You may be new here, so let’s start with this…Eat more veggies!!! It’s one of Rasberrys things and we not shy about it. If we all just ate more vegetables, there would be less ailments and doctor visits.

Why mushrooms? Mushrooms have been around since ancient times. They were known for well-being and longevity in Ancient China, in Ancient Eygpt they were the plants of immortality and the Greeks used them to make a drink concoction for their infamous ritual ceremonies.

Mushrooms contain macronutrients for a healthy immune system. According to the Mushroom Council your immune system will benefit from Selenium, which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage (choose cremini or portabella), Vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation (chose maitake mushrooms), Vitamin B6, which helps your body form red blood cells, proteins and DNA (choose shiitake.)

This diverse vegetable has accompanied many dishes traditionally alongside a meat. Fast forward to 2023 and the veggie movement with plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets and now mushrooms are the main event. Have you tried Miso Mushroom Risotto? Or Adobo Mushroom Tacos? Next time your dish calls for beef or chicken substitute mushrooms for that same meaty texture.

Don’t forget to ask Maeme about her mushroom coffee. Did you know we have a local mushroom grower Ironwood Mycology? Zach delivers beauties to us weekly!

Back to School Meals

It’s official the summer has ended and kids (both big and little) are back at their respective schools learning and growing. Those moments of frolicking at the beach or family cabin are now just memories in the rearview mirror. This is also a shift for moms and dads too, this new school routine means early mornings, packing school lunches, after school snacks and let’s not forget the main event at the end of the day - dinner! How can we pack the most nutrition into the food we prepare and serve our loved ones?

Meal planning in conjunction with your household schedule for the week can help with grocery shopping, deli pickup, etc. A few different ways to approach your at-home dinners nights

1. Entree nights such as choosing your main ingredient, but the preparation and flavors can be different each time. For instance: Monday is fish night, Tuesdays are for tofu and so on.

2. If you have children at home, mac-n-cheese Mondays and pizza Fridays may be a hit.

3. Theme your flavors on days of the week like Mediterranean Mondays, Tuesdays are for Mexican, Wednesdays are flavors from the Pacific, etc. Pro tip: Rasberrys spice blends found in the Bistro pantry.

4. Choose your method of prep for each night. Mondays could be no-cook with salads or only refrigerated ingredients, on Tuesday a crock-pot meal could be ideal or Thursday nights are for grilling.

5. Start your week off with a trip to Rasberrys deli each Monday. Pick up entrees, salads and sides that are fresh and season. A homemade loaf of bread, English muffins or a gluten-free treat are big hits too for hungry mouths. Call ahead for custom orders!

See you soon for lunch or a deli visit. We love seeing friends and hearing about what is new in your world. Be well!