Ginger Orange Carrot Soup

Tis the season for soups; luckily there isn't a vegetable that doesn't love to be in a soup. During the holiday season I specifically look to find ways to save a few dollars on my meals to help offset all the money spent on presents, traveling and key dinner parties. Carrots are cheap, nutritious and loaded with flavor.

Hearty carrots and celery swirl with garlic and ginger while the orange zest adds just a hint of freshness. This Carrot Soup may sound humble, but it's rich, creamy and delicious enough to be the entry course for any elegant meal.

Keep warm, receive great nutrients for a beautiful body and fight cancer with this yummy Fat and Happy Ginger Orange Carrot Soup.

All Natural Gunk Removing Goo Off

If you have ever used Goof Off, Goo Gone or any of those crazy gunk removing substances you can attest to the harsh smells, chemicalized ingredients and the warning labels:

• extremely flammable
• fatal if swallowed
• eye and skin irritant

I don't know about you, but I don't want to don my safety goggles and solvent resistant gloves when I need a little sticky label removed. Nor do I want to use a 'potentially fatal' substance on a jar that I'm saving to put food into.

Mix a little coconut oil and baking soda and you get a superb, healthy substitute that leaves your bare hands soft and smelling great! You could even eat it (not that I'm suggesting you do.) Even the your pets will be safe when you need you use this on or in an area they can reach and lick.

This is another recipe that can be found posted all over the internet, not a Fat and Happy original, but it's too good not to share! It's a perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift and great-friend present.

Chocolate Mousse Cups: Gluten, Dairy and Sugar Free!

It's that time of year where sugary treats become a staple in our diets. I set out to make a dessert that is delicious but also free from sugar, flour and dairy.

I'm a big proponent of dark chocolate for its healthy properties and I love to use maple syrup in place of sugar. The rest all just fell into place- using almonds to make a dairy-free, protein rich milk and a little coffee and Grand Marnier for a hint of flavor to create a deep, creamy chocolate pudding-like mousse. Really nice.

This is the time to use your cute ramekins or little glass containers. I used a number of different dishes for a more rustic effect. If you are OK with powder sugar, sift a little on top for a finished look. If you are eating dairy, top with a little whipped cream. Or creme brulee the top of each with a bit of sugar and a kitchen torch.

The other thing I really like about this dessert is that you can serve it hot, right from the oven or serve it chilled. The preference is yours. Perfect for a brunch and even better ending a cold night; either way this Fat and Happy treat is one you can eat and without the guilt.

Zucchini & White Bean Guacamole

Another healthy catering gig gave me the opportunity to create a new recipe.

I'm going to climb onto my soapbox for just a moment a remind you all that fats do not make you fat, not when they are healthy fats like avocado. Consumption of fat is needed for the body to work properly (they  raise good HDL cholesterol, lower bad LDL cholesterol, and protect against the buildup of plaque in your arteries and help combat dry skin) so even if you are looking to loose a few pounds, fats should NOT be skipped. That doesn't mean you should go crazy and eat as much (healthy) fat as you want, everything in moderation.

This recipe takes advantage of a classic, guacamole, but it takes it to the next level by stuffing even more nutrients in it using beans and zucchini. Beans area great source of protein and fiber and while zucchini is a mostly water it does offer vitamin A and potassium. Protein, potassium and healthy fats all in one dip with flavor to boot. That is what it's all about, clean eating without giving anything up the flavor.

Whip up a batch and serve as a dip, use a spread on sandwiches or top your salad or taco with this delicious Fat and Happy creation.  You might find eating it with a spoon works too.