low carb

Name: Ranch Water - Low-Carb, Spicy Tequila Cocktail: Keto-Friendly
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Lime juice; 1.5 ounces Tequila - Blanco or Silver; 3 ounces Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water; 2 slices Jalapeno, seeded (You'll want very thin slices)

Keto Tequila “Ranch Water” – Low-Carb Tequila Cocktail

January 2, 2019 by Megan

keto ranch water tequila jalapeno cocktail, low carb

Keto Tequila “Ranch Water” Recipe

Keto tequila? Oh yes!

Do you ever find yourself in the mood for a quick, refreshing cocktail, but the idea of yet another vodka/soda is kinda…. meh? Tequila to rescue! This zesty, low-carb alternative to the can be made in almost the same amount of time as your everyday liquor / soda cocktail combination. With a little tequila, sparkling mineral water, lime and a fresh jalapeño, you can enjoy a wonderful cocktail that delights your senses. A small amount of fresh jalapeño adds complexity to an otherwise straightforward mixture. It adds earthiness and a little heat without being overly spicy.

I love the flavor that comes with adding heat to a cold cocktail. In Texas, we call variations of this drink “Ranch Water” as it purportedly originated on the ranches of West Texas. There are variations of the recipe, and you should certainly experiment and make this your own instant classic. However, if you’re tracking macros and trying to maintain a keto lifestyle, this low-carb version packs in flavor without adding sugar. The only carbs are from the lime, and you can use as little or as much as you like.

You can read more about the origins of this regional classic here. For parties, I like to mix a batch in a large pitcher and serve alongside my keto queso. It’s a great cocktail year-round, but especially in the hot summers!

Nutrition Facts

Ranch Water - Low-Carb, Spicy Tequila Cocktail: Keto-Friendly

Amount Per Serving

Calories 7

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.01g 0%

Saturated Fat 0.001g 0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.004g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g

Sodium 2mg 0%

Potassium 17mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%

Dietary Fiber 0.05g 0%

Sugars 0.2g

Protein 0.1g 0%

Vitamin C 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Ranch Water - Low-Carb, Spicy Tequila Cocktail: Keto-Friendly

keto ranch water cocktail with tequila, lime, jalapeno, sparkling water image

Keyword

keto cocktail, keto drink recipe, keto ranch water, keto tequila

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp Lime juice
1.5 ounces Tequila - Blanco or Silver
3 ounces Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water
2 slices Jalapeno, seeded You'll want very thin slices

Keyword

keto cocktail, keto drink recipe, keto ranch water, keto tequila

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp Lime juice
1.5 ounces Tequila - Blanco or Silver
3 ounces Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water
2 slices Jalapeno, seeded You'll want very thin slices

Instructions

Fill a pint glass with ice.
In a shaker, combine lime juice, tequila, Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water, and Jalapeño slices. Shake vigorously.
Pour over ice in glass and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You may want to start with one slice of Jalapeño, taste, and then add to your desired level of heat.

Keto Ice Cream: Mexican Vanilla with Fresh Strawberries

July 5, 2018 by Megan Leave a Comment

recipe keto mexican vanilla ice cream low carb high fat

Keto Ice Cream – Mexican Vanilla w/ Strawberries

My all-time favorite ice cream flavor is Mexican vanilla with strawberries. There’s a local creamery that serves the freshest, most amazing scoops of this variety. Since adopting the Keto lifestyle, this particular flavor of ice cream is the one thing I truly miss! I’ve been experimenting with keto ice cream using different recipes I find online. So far, my favorite is this base vanilla ice cream recipe from Diet Doctor. The consistency is more like frozen custard – decadent! Active preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the results are superb.

I used the recipe and added ground cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This brings in traditional Tex-Mex flavors to a great keto ice cream base recipe. After the ice cream is ready, I add a few slices of fresh strawberries. The citrus balances out the richness of the ice cream and adds brightness to the cinnamon and nutmeg. Feel free to substitute your favorite berries or just enjoy plain!

Note: The base recipe calls for erythritol. I prefer confectioner’s over granulated and use the Swerve brand. It blends really nicely and doesn’t result in a grainy texture. You could also use granulated erythritol and pulse in a food processor to achieve a smooth texture. I also used one whole vanilla bean, but the extract works just fine, too.

This recipe makes four small servings, but I can knock out two servings in a sitting, no problem.

Variations

Swap fresh strawberries with blackberries to lower your net carbs.
Top with a sugar-free chocolate sauce
Add a keto caramel topping, like this one from Wholesum Yum
Blend fresh berries, keto ice cream, ice, and low-carb milk together in a blender and enjoy an amazingly delicious milkshake on the go!

Here’s the Tex-Mex version…

Keto Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberries

Keyword

keto ice cream

Prep Time

Servings

Ingredients

2 each Egg whites
2 each Egg yolks
1.25 cups Heavy whipping cream
1 each Vanilla bean substitute with 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp Erythritol confectioner's works beautifully
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 pinch Ground nutmeg
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
2 oz Strawberries

Keyword

keto ice cream

Prep Time

Servings

Ingredients

2 each Egg whites
2 each Egg yolks
1.25 cups Heavy whipping cream
1 each Vanilla bean substitute with 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp Erythritol confectioner's works beautifully
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 pinch Ground nutmeg
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
2 oz Strawberries

Instructions

Separate the eggs. Whisk the egg yolks until smooth and fluffy. Set aside the egg whites.
In a saucepan, combine the cream with the vanilla and the sweetener. Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes, until the cream thickens slightly.
Mexican vanilla flavoring: add 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 pinch of ground nutmeg, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture and stir
Reduce the heat and pour the whipped egg yolks into the hot cream. Combine well and let it simmer on low heat while stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Refrigerate mixture until cool.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and fluffy; fold into the cream mixture.
Pour the batter into a ice cream maker or in a jar with a lid and place in the freezer. Stir occasionally and continue freezing until it reaches desired consistency.
When ice cream is ready to serve, top with 2 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced.

Nutrition Facts

Keto Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberries

Amount Per Serving

Calories 252 Calories from Fat 225

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 25g 38%

Saturated Fat 17g 85%

Cholesterol 99mg 33%

Sodium 49mg 2%

Potassium 9mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%

Dietary Fiber 0.2g 1%

Sugars 1g

Protein 0.1g 0%

Vitamin A 20%

Vitamin C 4%

Calcium 0.1%

Iron 0.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keto Green Chile Chicken Casserole

July 1, 2018 by Megan Leave a Comment

A few months in the Keto lifestyle, I realized I needed a Tex-Mex strategy – especially when it comes to chicken. I found several wonderful chicken recipes from dietdoctor.com and ruled.me that I keep in regular rotation. However, as a Tex-Mex aficionado, I wanted to create a chicken casserole dish that marries the authentic flavors to the lifestyle I love. I came up with this Keto Green Chile Chicken Casserole recipe that hits the spot. It’s decadent, a little bit spicy, and goes well with a simple salad or just a handful of cherry tomatoes. I serve with a wedge of lime on the side.

Notes: This recipe uses thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts. Normally I season chicken with salt and pepper before breading. Because grated Parmesan contains ample sodium and green chile sauce is already a little spicy, I forego seasoning the chicken breasts. Sauce: you can find recipes online to create your own if you Google “hatch green chile enchilada sauce”. I use the Hatch brand because it is easy to find in Texas grocery stores.

Keto Green Chile Chicken Casserole

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

2 lbs. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - thinly sliced
1 cup Almond flour
1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. Enchilada seasoning I use Fiesta brand available on Amazon
1 each Egg
1/2 cup Avocado oil
8 oz. Shredded mozzarella
8 oz. Green chile enchilada sauce approximately 1/2 can
1/2 oz. Pickled jalapenos

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

2 lbs. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - thinly sliced
1 cup Almond flour
1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. Enchilada seasoning I use Fiesta brand available on Amazon
1 each Egg
1/2 cup Avocado oil
8 oz. Shredded mozzarella
8 oz. Green chile enchilada sauce approximately 1/2 can
1/2 oz. Pickled jalapenos

Instructions

Prepare

Set oven to 375 degrees
Heat 1/4 cup Avocado oil in a large skillet on medium to medium-high heat
Combine Almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and Enchilada seasoning in a large bowl
In a separate shallow bowl or dish, whisk the egg

Brown

Working in batches, dip one side of chicken breast first in egg wash, then two sides in the flour-cheese dry mixture, and place in the skillet
Brown breaded chicken on both sides, approximately 2 minutes per side

Layer

Layer a medium-sized casserole dish with first the breaded chicken, then 1/4 cup of green chile enchilada sauce, and finally 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese
Continue working through this process until the layers are complete. In a medium-sized casserole dish, this makes 3-4 layers
Place uncovered casserole dish in 375 degree oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until top layer of cheese is bubbly
When done, let rest for 10 minutes before serving
Tip: Slice casserole through from top to bottom, like you would cut and serve a cake. Spoon sauce mixture over each portion.

Nutrition Facts

Keto Green Chile Chicken Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 389 Calories from Fat 252

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 28g 43%

Saturated Fat 6g 30%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 9g

Cholesterol 65mg 22%

Sodium 470mg 20%

Potassium 27mg 1%

Total Carbohydrates 7g 2%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 29g 58%

Vitamin A 5%

Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 27%

Iron 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keto Fat Head Chorizo Pizza

April 29, 2018 by Megan Leave a Comment

Keto Fat Head Chorizo Pizza

Of all the keto-friendly bread-like recipes I’ve tried, my hands-down favorite is Fat Head pizza crust. The texture, consistency and flavor is spot on. With only four ingredients and 5-minute preparation, it is perfect for weeknights, parties, lunches – really any time you are in the mood for pizza. I happened to have some ground chorizo and queso fresco in the refrigerator and decided to prepare a Tex Mex version.

Keto fat head dough can be used to make so much more than pizza. I have seen recipes for bagels, pigs in a blanket, and dinner rolls. I have even seen it used in desserts. You can modify this dough fairly easily by using whatever seasonings or sugar-variations you have on hand.

For this keto fat head pizza recipe, I’ve used traditional Tex-Mex seasonings/ The result is a light pizza that incorporates queso fresco, goat cheese, red enchilada sauce, ground chorizo, and just enough cherry tomatoes to brighten the dish. Replacing traditional marinara with red enchilada sauce enhances the Tex Mex flavor, and the goat cheese offers the gooey, cheesy consistency that makes pizza so wonderful.

It stores nicely in the fridge and re-heats well, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner with plenty of leftovers available for lunch boxes. For fridge storage, I layer my slices between sheets of wax paper. It’s perfect with a light side salad or some crispy asparagus.

About Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a light, springy cheese that is available in most Texas grocery stores. Because it retains its form during pizza baking, it won’t make your crust soggy. This makes my Keto Chorizo Pizza perfect for reheating the next day. If you can’t find queso fresco, feel free to substitute with shredded mozzarella. Also, emit the tomatoes if you prefer a lower carb version.

Keto Chorizo Pizza

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

slices

Ingredients

Fat Head Pizza Crust - Original Recipe

1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup Almond flour
2 tbsp Cream cheese
1 Egg
1 pinch Garlic salt

Keto Chorizo Pizza Toppings

5 oz Queso fresco crumbled by hand
2 oz Red enchilada sauce I use Hatch brand
2 oz Goat cheese crumbled
8 oz Chorizo, ground
2 oz Cherry tomatoes
Cilantro, to taste

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

slices

Ingredients

Fat Head Pizza Crust - Original Recipe

1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup Almond flour
2 tbsp Cream cheese
1 Egg
1 pinch Garlic salt

Keto Chorizo Pizza Toppings

5 oz Queso fresco crumbled by hand
2 oz Red enchilada sauce I use Hatch brand
2 oz Goat cheese crumbled
8 oz Chorizo, ground
2 oz Cherry tomatoes
Cilantro, to taste

Instructions

Original Fat Head Pizza Crust Recipe (included here for convenience)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees
Place mozzarella & cream cheese in a medium size microwaveable bowl
Microwave for 1 minute, stir and then another 30 seconds, stir again
Stir in egg & almond flour
Wet hands and spread “dough” thin on parchment paper. It should spread evenly with dough-like consistency (if “stringy” then your cheese has hardened too much—just put it back in the microwave for maybe another 20 seconds) Alternatively, place between two pieces of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll evenly.
Using a fork, poke rows of holes to avoid bubbling
Sprinkle with garlic salt
Place in 425 degree oven
While crust is baking, cook 8 oz. ground chorizo in a pan on medium-high heat until cooked through, about 8 minutes
After about 8 minutes, check it and poke holes where any large bubbles may be
Continue cooking for a total 12-14 min, or until slightly brown on top

Keto Chorizo Pizza Toppings

Remove crust from oven, but keep oven set to 425
Layer half the queso fresco, then the 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce onto the crust
Add all the cooked ground chorizo
Layer the remaining queso fresco and 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese
Add halve cherry tomatoes, if desired
Return to oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until goat cheese is melted and bubbly, then remove.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired

Nutrition Facts

Keto Chorizo Pizza

Amount Per Serving

Calories 311 Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 24g 37%

Saturated Fat 11g 55%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g

Cholesterol 101mg 34%

Sodium 579mg 24%

Potassium 4mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 5g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 17g 34%

Vitamin A 11%

Vitamin C 3%

Calcium 32%

Iron 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keto Queso Delicioso

April 29, 2018 by Megan 1 Comment

Queso is ubiquitous in Texas; the dish is served in local diners, taco joints, food trucks and – of course – Mexican restaurants. Because the basic recipe is inexpensive and easy to make, it is a staple for parties, tailgates, brunches, and more. The most basic queso recipe uses Velveeta, Rotel and evaporated milk, heated through and kept warm in a crockpot. Not exactly low-carb friendly, but with some simple swaps and enhancements I can have my keto queso and eat it too!

The following recipe is for a base Keto queso. Easily create variations by adding ground beef, bacon crumbles, tomatoes, onions, pico de gallo, etc. For parties, I like to serve these “mixins” on the side so guests can customize to their hearts’ content.

Keto-Friendly Cheese Sauce Base:

- Swapping Velveeta for Boars Head or similar American Cheese from the deli provides a win-win in terms of less carbs (3g per ounce reduction) and better flavor.
- Switching the evaporated milk (3.2 grams carbs per ounce) with heavy cream (0.8g carbs) and save an additional 2.4g of carbohydrates.

For Authentic Tex-Mex Flavor:

Although Rotel is one of my pantry staples, especially for casseroles and crock pot dishes, I replace higher carb peppers and tomatoes with low-carb fresh jalapenos. I prefer to thinly slice, rather than dice, the jalapeno so that guests can easily see them and decide to avoid or embrace. Fresh lime juice delivers a slight “tang” and brightens up the rich cheese sauce.

Cocktail Pairings:

If you are hosting a fiesta, I highly recommend serving with Keto Mexican Martinis. The slightly sweet, tangy flavor is a perfect complement with this savory dish. If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, consider my Keto Asterberry Cocktail. It’s refreshing, easy to put together, and will look great alongside the Keto Queso!

Keto Queso Delicioso

Prep Time

8 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

people

Ingredients

1 tbsp Unsalted butter
1/2 Jalapeno
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tbsp Lime juice
1/2 tsp Tumeric
16 oz Boar's Head American cheese or deli American cheese
1/4 cup Heavy cream
1/2 cup Chicken stock

Prep Time

8 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

people

Ingredients

1 tbsp Unsalted butter
1/2 Jalapeno
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 tbsp Lime juice
1/2 tsp Tumeric
16 oz Boar's Head American cheese or deli American cheese
1/4 cup Heavy cream
1/2 cup Chicken stock

Instructions

Core, seed and thinly slice ½ small jalapeno
In a covered pot or small enameled cast iron dutch oven, saute jalapeno slices in 1 tbsp butter for 1-2 minutes on low-medium heat, just enough to release flavor. Note: you may want to start with less jalapeno and add to taste.
Cube American cheese into 1” pieces and add to jalapenos
Add 1 tsp ground cumin
Add ½ tsp of Tumeric
Stir slowly while cheese melts. If sauce begins to bubble, reduce temperature
Add ½ cup chicken stock and stir until combined
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream
Add 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Serve immediately with low-carb tortilla chips and/or low-carb tortillas.

Recipe Notes

Note: if queso cools, just return to stove, warm through on low and stir. The “skin” will dissolve into the mixture. Optional: add crumbled bacon, fresh cilantro, and/or or fried pickled jalapenos on top. I like to serve with sliced avocado, pico de gallo and chopped tomato on the side so that guests can customize their queso and carbs.

Nutrition Facts

Keto Queso Delicioso

Amount Per Serving

Calories 164 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14g 22%

Saturated Fat 9g 45%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.01g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.002g

Cholesterol 4mg 1%

Sodium 493mg 21%

Potassium 5mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%

Dietary Fiber 0.04g 0%

Sugars 0.1g

Protein 8g 16%

Vitamin A 1%

Vitamin C 1%

Iron 0.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.