Tinkham Nicole - The Lazy Chef Low Carb Cooking

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the lazy chef | nicole and justin tinkham

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introduction

I have struggled with food for years. Throughout high school I was able to eat whatever I wanted and not gain a pound. That all caught up with me when I was finishing up college and I had no idea how to eat healthy. I tried what everyone else was doing which was a low fat diet.

I was miserable. I had intense cravings for anything sweet. I would head to the kitchen late at night and binge on whatever I could find.

Sometimes it was straight sugar. I hated myself. But then I discovered a better way to diet.

Its called the Keto diet which is low carb, moderate protein, and high fat. The fat in my diet keeps me satisfied and full for longer. No more cravings and no more binge eating! I feel like I finally have it all figured out.

My husband Justin and I started experimenting in the kitchen after beginning our low carb diet. Weve had so much fun turning our favorite meals into low carb variations and were ready to share our masterpieces with you.

In The Lazy Chef , you wont find long and complicated ingredients lists.

This book was made for low carb dieters on a budget with limited time in the kitchen. We stuck with the basics and made these recipes super easy for anyone to follow. Preparing a meal for your family shouldnt be stressful. Relax & have fun in your kitchen again!

-Nicole

breakfast

Im a strong believer in that every meal is your most important of the day. Its true, breakfast does give me a burst of energy first thing and I need it but its not for everyone (like Justin). Even if you arent an early riser for breakfast I think youll absolutely love making the following recipes for either brunch or dinner. I tend to lean toward pancakes and waffles myself but there are plenty of egg options in here as well :)

cream cheese pancakes

Serves [1]

These pancakes are no IHOP but are a great alternative to the high carb version of your favorite breakfast.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cream cheese
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Cinnamon

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together with a mixer. I highly recommend a mixer as its difficult to get that cream cheese mixed in by hand.
2. Heat up the griddle to about 250 degrees or heat a skillet over medium heat on the stove. Butter the griddle or skillet.
3. Pour your batter on the griddle or skillet in either two large pancakes or several small ones. The smaller they are, the easier to flip.
4. Cook for a few minutes until golden brown and gently flip over with a spatula. Be careful, these are much thinner than normal pancakes. Cook for a few more minutes until golden on the other side.
5. Serve while hot with either butter and cinnamon or melted peanut butter (place a tablespoon of peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and heat for about 20 seconds).

sausage quiche

Serves [12]

Dont have much time? This is a good one to make ahead and reheat all week.

Ingredients

• 12 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream
• Pinch Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 package Breakfast sausage
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cook your sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Set aside.
3. Whisk eggs, heavy cream, salt and pepper together in a large bowl.
4. Add the cooked breakfast sausage and cheddar cheese to the egg mixture and mix well.
5. Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

cauliflower hash

Serves [4]

Breakfast for dinner? Yes please!

Ingredients

• 8 strips Bacon
• 1 head Chopped cauliflower
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• Pinch Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set aside to cool and then chop up into smaller pieces.
2. Place cauliflower, diced onion, and garlic in the pan with bacon grease. Cook for about
3. 10 minutes over medium heat or until cauliflower starts to brown.
4. Add salt, pepper, and bacon to the cauliflower and stir well.

bacon scrambled eggs & cheese

Serves [2]

Nothing beats scrambled eggs and cheese... unless theres bacon involved!

Ingredients

• 6 Strips Bacon
• 6 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream
• Dash Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 Slices American cheese

Directions

1. Cook bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through and crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt and pepper.
4. Pour egg mixture into the skillet with bacon fat and cook over medium heat. Once the bottom of the egg mixture starts to set up, move the scrambled eggs around with your spatula, mixing it up and flipping it over.
5. Chop up your cooked bacon and sprinkle over the scrambled eggs when the eggs are about halfway cooked.
6. Place your cheese slices over the scrambled eggs and continue to cook until eggs are fluffy and cheese is melted. I like to place a lid over the pan to speed up the melting process.

almond flour waffles

Serves [2]

Every keto pantry needs some almond flour. You can make just about anything with it from waffles to cheesy biscuits and it replaces white flour perfectly! You seriously wont be able to tell the difference :)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Almond flour
• 4 large Eggs
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 2 packets Stevia

Directions

1. Heat up your waffle maker to the desired setting. I like mine a little crispier.
2. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until combined.
3. Pour half the batter in the waffle maker and cook for about 5 minutes or until waffles are golden brown and fluffy. Each waffle maker will be different so just check on them periodically.
4. Remove waffle and do the same thing with the remaining batter.

I like to top my waffles with melted peanut butter and whipped cream if Im feeling fancy. Butter and sugar free syrup is also a great choice.

egg muffins

Serves [12]

These are so fun to make because you can get creative with what you put in them. Switch it up with different veggies!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup Onion, diced
• 1/2 cup Chopped deli ham
• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Dash Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Heat butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Saut spinach and onions in butter until tender.
3. Divide the ham and veggies in a muffin tin sprayed with cooking spray and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Whisk eggs together in large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour egg mixture into each muffin tin over the ham and veggies. Fill about 3/4 of the cup.
6. Use a fork to gently mix everything together in the cups.
7. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until muffins have risen.

Lunch

To be honest, I dont put forth much effort when it comes to lunch. I just dont have time for it! A typical lunch for me is leftover dinner and if theres none of that then its the tuna I keep stocked in my pantry at all times. Needless to say, the following lunch recipes are super simple and easy to throw together when youre on the run.