Beef chuck steak with onions and peppers

I made this: http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/beef-chuck-steak-w-onions-peppers-290970

Except I seasoned the steak with Montreal Steak Seasoning, then at the stir fry step used dried herbs instead of the fresh recommended in the comments (parsley, some herbs de provence, white pepper, mustard powder). Then to keto-ify it, we used xanthan gum instead of cornstarch. Turned out pretty tasty and tender!

Made alongside cauliflower mash. Got it to be mashed potatoes texture -- has to be the perfect boiled amount. Stems are soft but not mushy. Then used an immersion blender -- worked great!

Keto Tuna Casserole

DH went on the ketogenic diet late last year, and while I was initially resistant, I'm starting to slide down the slope towards eliminating carbs as well. I haven't decided if there's a firm line I'll tow, but I know that sugar is a poison and ultimately not good for me. I really like sweets and bread, and it's hard to curb snacking especially.

If anything, this keto diet is an invitation to increase the amount of vegetables I eat, and with that I have no complaints. I had a craving for tuna casserole yesterday and decided to make it keto. All amounts in the recipe are up to the cook. Vegetables are up to your consideration! I was going to add cauliflower, but actually had just the right amount of vegetables to fit the dish.

Preheat oven to 425 F.

1 medium/small onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 mushrooms, diced
1 small crown of broccoli, chopped
2-4 leaves of kale, diced
2-4 stems of chard, diced
4 oz parmesan and cheddar cheeses, shredded
1 cup mayonaise
Salt, pepper, and red chili flakes
1-2 cans of tuna

Buttered 9x9 baking dish or casserole dish

Nutritional yeast
Slivered almonds
Zucchini noodles

1. Saute onion, carrot and celery in a few tbsp of olive or avocado oil in a high rimmed saute pan or wok for 5 minutes on medium heat until onion is translucent. Add diced stem of broccoli, then the broccoli florets, saute until broccoli is just bright green Add the mushrooms, and the kale and chard. Continue sauteing until the kale is just wilting. Take pot off heat.
2. Add the mayonaise, the cheese, and the tuna. Season as you like. Stir until well mixed.
3. Put contents into a buttered casserole dish, consider topping with more cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 425 until heated through.
4. Serve hot. Consider topping with nutritional yeast and slivered almonds, and serving on zucchini noodles.

Cauliflower Soup

My sister-in-law is the hippest person I know and made this recipe a few days ago. It's so simple looking that I am giving it a shot tonight.

We just returned from France yesterday. During the trip we had velouté - pureed soup thickened with cream and butter probably -- a few times. At one restaurant, a pumpkin velouté (unfortunately disappointing), and at another, a delicious cauliflower velouté. That one was seasoned with cumin seeds. If this simple recipe doesn't turn out, my plan is to add half n half or heavy cream, give it a boil, and pour a cumin tadka on top.

To boot, DH is on a keto diet, but this is just cauliflower, onion, salt and water, so it's permissible in a small quantity.

https://food52.com/recipes/15247-paul-bertolli-s-cauliflower-soup

Verdict: soup is good, especially for being just a little oil, water, salt and cauliflower. I still think adding cream is a good call for a thicker, yummier soup. Also, be sure to really choose a "medium sized onion" and not larger. I used a large onion and felt the onion flavor was overpowering.

This soup is a good base for other flavor adventures -- adding flavored oils, toasted nuts, cheese, other vegetables or meat.

Baked oatmeal

This is a recipe I keep coming back to, one leisurely morning as they come (unfortunately few and far between). http://orangette.blogspot.com/2013/03/we-have-rhythm.html

I suggest mixing it all and putting it in the oven, then dashing out for a 3 mile run, and then coming back and indulging. One, the timing is just right. Two, it will make you run faster. Three, the run will be proven necessary.

This recipe is lovely in that it doesn't require accuracy. Feel like this? Add it. Take out a bit of oats? Sure thing. As it is, the more add-ins you bring to the oatmeal, the richer your reward, my friend! Consider lovely jewels of fruit, dried or fresh, such as sliced banana, quartered dried apricots, or more than a handful of blueberries. Don't go without the walnuts, those are key. Feel like some ginger? Add a few shakes. Or ground vanilla? Please do. Mix in 1/4 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut? Yes, yes, yes!

The melted butter following the baking is nice. I would even serve with a drizzle of additional maple syrup and milk, as it can be dry if you weren't able to add in all your liquids (I underestimated the girth of my creation in relation to the casserole dish).

Goes wonderfully with the morning news paper and a cup of coffee.

Garlic and oil sautéed collards and arugula

Simple sauté! But I must remember this for later.

Heat a few tbsp in unsalted butter in a small pot on high. When bubbling, turn heat down to med high and sauté garlic, add cumin seeds and temper for 1-2 minutes, until garlic is browning. Add collard greens. Sauté for a minute, add 2 tbsp water to better wilt the collards. Add ham. Stir and cook for 5-10 minutes, sprinkling with salt and garlic powder, until cooked. Take pot off the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Add arugula and stir. Serve and eat.

I think it should be played along with this bit:

Salt Turning Under the Blinds