Keto Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Brie

I like to entertain, and am known for my cooking among my friends. Just because I am now keto doesn't change this. I do make concession to the carbivores I invite by serving a side of garlic bread, or crackers to go with the cheese board, so it's never a big deal. This bacon wrapped delight was part of the cheese board I served at my birthday dinner. It only lasted about 10 seconds! I have no carb count for this one, but it should be pretty low.

INGREDIENTS

• a wheel of brie or camembert, 125g - 250 g
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried onion or chive
• 3 sundried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 6-8 rashes of middle bacon, rind removed but leave the fat
• toothpicks

 METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 C. Take a small knife and carefully cut a lid from the top of the cheese. I find about 2-3 mm down from the top is ideal. Lay the lid to one side and evenly spread the garlic, dried onion and sundried tomatoes onto the cut part of the cheese. Replace the lid then use the bacon to wrap the cheese neatly, securing with a toothpick as needed. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes before serving, due to molten cheese. Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges at the table for maximum impact.

Serves:     4 greedy people or many as part of a cheese board

Net carb:  Didn't work it out, but pretty low, but TBH I didn't care. It was delicious.

Variations for filling : diced olives, more bacon, chopped nuts, roasted capsicum, artichoke and spinach, maple flavoured sugar free syrup and chorizo, chilli flakes, cooked mushrooms

Keto Salted Maple Chia Pudding

I'm a big fan of chia puddings. I love the texture and they are oh-so-creamy. This is one of many variations that I will share.
Again, this is not too sweet as that's how I like it, so feel free to add sweetener to taste.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x 400 g can of coconut cream
• 50 ml of water
• 2 T of sugar free maple syrup
• 1/4 t salt
• 1 T LSA
• 6 T chia seeds

METHOD

Mix all ingredients together and store in the refrigerator until thickened and gelatinous, stirring occasionally. Serve cold or warm.

Yield :       4 generous serves or 6 small serves

Net carb :  1-1.5 per serve, depending on ingredients and serving size

Keto Pecan & Maple Fat Bombs

While I occasionally like a treat, I have more of a savoury rather than sweet tooth.  These Pecan & Maple Fat Bombs are perfect for me, and the smokiness of the maple complements the pecans nicely. You can, of course, add more sweetener if desired.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 c coconut oil
• 1/2 c nut butter of choice (I used homemade almond)
• 1 T of sugar free maple syrup
• 1/4 t of salt
• 1 c chopped pecans, plus 24 pecan halves, extra, for garnish

METHOD

Melt the coconut oil and nut butter together, then add the sugar free maple syrup and salt then set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, line a 24 capacity mini muffin tray with silicone liners. Evenly divide the chopped pecans into the liners, then pour the melted ingredients into each liner equally. Top with the reserved pecan garnish, then set in the freezer until set. Remove the liner and store in the freezer until required. Best enjoyed as a frozen treat. 

Makes 24, net carb 0.5 g each, depending on ingredients.