CHIPOTLE”S CILANTRO LIME RICE

194 Cals 3 Protein 35.5 Carbs 3.5 Fats
COOK TIME:
25 mins
TOTAL TIME:
25 mins
YIELD:4 SERVINGS
COURSE:Side Dish
CUISINE:Mexican
I am a huge fan of the rice at Chipotle’s. Here is my copycat version, it tastes just like the real thing. Of course, I used less oil. Makes a wonderful side dish for chicken, beef or pork.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup extra long grain rice or basmati rice
1/2 lime, juice of
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
3 tsp vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS
In a small heavy pot, add rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt.
Boil on high until most of the water evaporates. When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce to low and cover about 20 minutes.
Shut off flame and keep covered an additional 5 minute.
In a medium bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice and remaining oil and toss until completely mixed.
Serving: 3/4 cup, Calories: 194kcal, Carbohydrates: 35.5g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 3.5g, Sodium: 280mg, Sugar: 0.1gBlue Smart Points:6Green Smart Points:6Purple Smart Points:6Points +:5

The Cultural Significance Of Hot Cross Buns In Australia

The Cultural Significance Of Hot Cross Buns In Australia

Cultural Symbolism

Symbol of Easter and Christianity

Symbol of Easter and Christianity

The hot cross bun is a candy, spiced bun that’s historically eaten during the Easter season in lots of countries all over the world, notably in England, Australia, and New Zealand.
The cross on the bun is claimed to characterize the cross of Jesus Christ, and the spices in the bun are stated to represent the spices that had been used to embalm his physique.
The bun can be an emblem of rebirth and renewal, as it is eaten through the Easter season, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In addition to its religious symbolism, the recent cross bun can also be a preferred food merchandise in its personal proper.
It is a delicious and reasonably priced treat that might be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

Connection to Ancient Spring Festivals

Hot cross buns are a conventional Easter food that is enjoyed in plenty of international locations around the globe, including Australia. The buns are made with a candy dough that is flavoured with spices and currants, and they are marked with a cross on high.

The cross on the buns is said to symbolize the cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on, and the spices and currants are said to characterize the spices that have been used to anoint his body. Hot cross buns are sometimes eaten on Good Friday, the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

In Australia, hot cross buns are a popular Easter food, and they are often served with butter or jam. The buns are also sometimes used to make bread and butter pudding, a traditional Easter dessert.

Hot cross buns are a logo of Easter and the Christian religion, and they are a popular meals that’s loved by folks of all ages in Australia.

Historical Significance

Arrival in Australia with British Settlers

Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter deal with that has been loved in Australia for lots of of years. They are typically made with flour, sugar, butter, milk, yeast, and spices, and are marked with a cross on top.

Hot cross buns have been first brought to Australia by British settlers in the early 19th century. They shortly grew to become a preferred treat, and are now enjoyed by individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The hot cross bun is a symbol of Easter, and is usually eaten on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. It can additionally be a preferred snack to enjoy through the Easter holidays.

Hot cross buns are a delicious and versatile deal with that might be loved in many various ways. They could be eaten plain, or toasted and spread with butter or jam. They can be used to make bread and butter pudding, or served with a bowl of soup.

No matter the way you get pleasure from them, hot cross buns are a delicious and traditional Easter deal with that is positive to please everyone.

Evolution of the Australian Hot Cross Bun

The hot cross bun is a spiced sweet bun marked with a cross on high, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The hot cross bun is thought to have originated in England in the 11th century, and was dropped at Australia by early settlers within the 19th century.

The hot cross bun rapidly became a well-liked meals in Australia, and is now a traditional a half of the Easter celebrations.

Hot cross buns are usually made with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and spices similar to cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The buns are then marked with a cross on top, which is alleged to characterize the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

Hot cross buns are sometimes eaten toasted, with butter or jam.

They can be used to make bread and butter pudding, or served with soup or stew.

The hot cross bun is a major cultural image in Australia, and is a well-liked meals in the course of the Easter season.

The bun is a reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and is a logo of hope and new life.

Contemporary Relevance

Popular Easter Treat

• The consumption of hot cross buns through the Easter season is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, serving as a cherished tradition that resonates with people from all walks of life.

• These delectable buns symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of life over demise, embodying the religious significance of Easter.

• Hot cross buns have become an integral part of Easter celebrations in Australia, transcending spiritual affiliations and uniting folks throughout the nation.

• The distinctive aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns fills the air during the Easter season, evoking emotions of nostalgia, heat, and the anticipation of shared gatherings.

• These buns aren’t only a culinary delight but additionally a symbol of communal bonding, often enjoyed with household and pals throughout Easter brunches or afternoon tea.

• The popularity of hot cross buns has prolonged past the confines of Easter, with many Australians enjoying them all year long as a beloved treat.

Commercialization and Marketing

Contemporary Relevance

Hot cross buns have endured as a symbol of Easter in Australia, despite adjustments in life-style and religious practices. Their popularity as a seasonal treat displays a continued appreciation for custom and nostalgia, and their adaptability to new culinary tendencies shows their resilience in evolving cultural contexts.

Commercialization and Marketing

Commercialization has performed a major function in shaping the cultural significance of hot cross buns in Australia. The mass production and distribution of these buns has made them widely accessible, and the introduction of new flavors and variations has broadened their attraction. Marketing campaigns have effectively positioned them as a vital a half of the Easter experience, reinforcing their cultural relevance in a contemporary context.

Preservation of Tradition

Contemporary Relevance:

• Hot cross buns stay a well-liked and symbolic Easter treat in Australia.
• They are sometimes associated with family gatherings and shared experiences.
• The custom of hot cross buns has been passed down by way of generations and continues to evolve with modern variations and flavours.

Preservation of Tradition:

1. Hot cross buns have an extended and wealthy history that dates back centuries.
2. The preservation of this tradition is important for sustaining cultural heritage and id.
3. Efforts are made to ensure the authenticity and quality of hot cross buns, such as via traditional recipes and baking techniques.

Social and Cultural Impact

Uniting Communities

– Increased sense of group belonging and nationwide identity

– Provides a shared experience and custom that connects folks across completely different backgrounds and ages

– Contributes to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage

– Fosters creativity and innovation, as people experiment with totally different recipes and variations of hot cross buns

– Supports native companies and the hospitality trade, as hot cross buns are a popular meals merchandise in the course of the Easter season

– Offers therapeutic advantages, as the odor and taste of hot cross buns can evoke optimistic memories and feelings associated to childhood, family, and tradition

Cross-Cultural Symbolism

Social and Cultural Impact of Hot Cross Buns in Australia

Hot cross buns hold vital social and cultural relevance in Australian society. Their presence during Easter is deeply ingrained in the nation’s cultural cloth, evoking a sense of custom, community, and shared experiences:

• Symbol of Easter: Hot cross buns are inextricably linked to Easter celebrations in Australia, signaling the start of the holiday season and serving as a reminder of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Community Gatherings: The consumption of hot cross buns fosters a sense of group. Families, pals, and neighbors gather to get pleasure from these treats, strengthening social bonds and creating cherished reminiscences.
• Nostalgic Symbol: For many Australians, hot cross buns evoke fond childhood reminiscences of Easter egg hunts, church services, and household get-togethers, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler occasions.
• Cultural Identity: Hot cross buns have turn out to be an integral part of Australian tradition, contributing to the nation’s distinctive culinary and festive traditions. They represent a shared heritage and a sense of belonging.
• Economic Significance: The production and consumption of hot cross buns generate financial exercise, supporting native bakeries and businesses, particularly in the course of the Easter period.

Cross-Cultural Symbolism in Hot Cross Buns

The symbolism of the recent cross bun transcends cultural boundaries, carrying meanings that resonate with various communities:

• Christian Symbolism: The cross etched on the highest of the bun symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, representing sacrifice, redemption, and new life.
• Pagan Symbolism: The cross may also have pagan origins, representing the solar or the 4 parts (earth, air, fireplace, and water) and embodying fertility and renewal.
• Universal Symbol: The hot cross bun has turn out to be a universal image of Easter, acknowledged and celebrated by people from different cultural and non secular backgrounds.

Nostalgia and Memory

Social and Cultural Impact

Hot cross buns have a strong social and cultural significance in Australia. They are historically eaten on Good Friday and are sometimes seen as a logo of the Easter vacation. The buns are sometimes shared with family and associates, they usually can be utilized as a method to convey individuals together.

In current years, hot cross buns have become increasingly popular in Australia outside of the Easter season. They are actually typically eaten as a breakfast meals or as a snack. The buns are also turning into increasingly in style as a approach to specific national satisfaction. For many Australians, hot cross buns are a reminder of their childhood and the traditions of their nation.

Nostalgia and Memory

Hot cross buns have a powerful nostalgic value for so much of Australians. The scent and taste of the buns can evoke memories of childhood and happy instances spent with family and friends. The buns may also be a reminder of easier instances when life was simpler.

The nostalgia related to hot cross buns is usually a highly effective pressure. It could make folks really feel connected to their previous and to the traditions of their country. The buns also can assist individuals to feel comforted and secure.

UN-STUFFED CABBAGE BOWLS

338 Cals 30.5 Protein 36 Carbs 8 Fats
PREP TIME:
5 mins
COOK TIME:
25 mins
TOTAL TIME:
30 mins
YIELD:4 SERVINGS
COURSE:Dinner
CUISINE:American, Czech, Hungarian
Quick and easy stuffed cabbage – without all the work!
INGREDIENTS
cooking spray
1 lb 93% lean ground beef
1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
black pepper, to taste
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1 cup less sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons raisins
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 medium head cabbage, cored and chopped (9 cups)
INSTRUCTIONS
Instant Pot:
Press the saute button on the Instant Pot. Spray with oil then add the beef and salt, cook breaking the meat up until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, marjoram and black pepper and stir. Add the tomato sauce, paprika, beef broth and raisins, cover and cook high pressure 15 minutes.
Quick release, add the rice and cabbage and cook 3 minutes high pressure. Quick release and serve with additional rice if desired.
Stove Top Directions:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, spray with oil then add the beef and salt, cook breaking the meat up until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, marjoram and black pepper and stir. Add the tomato sauce, 1/4 cup water, paprika, beef broth and raisins, cover and cook medium-low 25 minutes.
Add the cooked rice and cabbage and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Serve with additional rice if desired.
VIDEO
NOTES
Makes about 6 cups.
Serving: 11/2 cups, Calories: 338kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 30.5g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 71mg, Sodium: 808mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 5gBlue Smart Points:8Green Smart Points:8Purple Smart Points:6Points +:8

SPIRALIZED GREEK CUCUMBER SALAD WITH LEMON AND FETA

225 Cals 7 Protein 16 Carbs 16 Fats
PREP TIME:
15 mins
TOTAL TIME:
15 mins
YIELD:1 SERVINGS
COURSE:Lunch, Salad
CUISINE:American
Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta is delicious, the perfect light dish. In Greece, Greek salads do not have lettuce, instead they are made with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, red onion, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh feta – delicious!
INGREDIENTS
1/2 seedless English cucumber, about 7 ounces
1/4 of a green bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
5 pitted kalamata olives
1 tbsp red onion, sliced
1/2 fresh lemon
1 oz fresh feta, sliced thick
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves, minced
INSTRUCTIONS
Spiralize the cucumbers using the chipper blade on the Paderno spiralizer.
Cut the strands into smaller pieces, about 5-6 inches long so it”s easier to eat. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can just dice the cucumbers with a knife into small cubes.
Place the cucumber in a large work bowl along with the bell pepper, tomatoes, olives and red onion.
Squeeze half of the lemon over it, drizzle with half of the olive oil and toss with fresh oregano, salt and pepper.
Place on a plate, top with a slice of feta and finish with remaining olive oil.
Serving: 1salad, Calories: 225kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 697.5mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 1gBlue Smart Points:7Green Smart Points:7Purple Smart Points:7Points +:6

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

136 Cals 3 Protein 16 Carbs 8 Fats
YIELD:8 SERVINGS
COURSE:Dessert
CUISINE:American
This EASY 5-ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake is only 136 calories. So delicious when you want a low-calorie, low-point, gluten-free chocolate dessert that won”t set you back, and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
INGREDIENTS
cooking spray
6 oz 60% Ghirardelli Chocolate
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 whole egg
3 egg whites
1/8 tsp kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8 (4 oz) ramekins with cooking spray. Place on a large baking tray.
Melt chocolate in medium microwaveable bowl for 45 second intervals, mixing until melted and set aside to cool a few minutes.
Add the pumpkin puree to the melted chocolate along with vanilla, 1 whole egg, and maple syrup; mix well.
In a separate bowl, with a hand mixer beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, add salt.
Spoon 1/4 cup mixture into ramekins and bake about 15 minutes, until the cakes rise. Serve right away.
Serving: 1cake, Calories: 136kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 48mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11gBlue Smart Points:7Green Smart Points:6Purple Smart Points:7Points +:4

Sugar-Free Chocolate Chia Pudding Dairy & Gluten Free

Course Dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 215 kcal
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon chocolate liquid stevia
Instructions
Whisk cocoa powder into almond milk.
Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
Pour mixture into two servings glasses.
Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until set.
Top with coconut milk or whipped cream coconut milk and cacoa nibs if desired.
Recipe Notes

Weight Watchers Points+: 5*

Nutrition Facts
Sugar-Free Chocolate Chia Pudding Dairy & Gluten Free
Amount Per Serving (3 g)
Calories 215
Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g
22%
Saturated Fat 2g
13%
Sodium 8mg
0%
Carbohydrates 20g
7%
Fiber 16g
67%
Protein 7g
14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Low Carb Peanut Butter Blossoms

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 20 cookies
Calories 134 kcal
Ingredients
4 tbsp butter salted
1 cup peanut butter unsweetened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp vanilla liquid stevia
1/2 cup Swerve confectioners sweetener
1 egg beaten
Chocolate center
4 ounces sugar-free chocolate chips I used Lily”s Sweets
2 tbsp butter salted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a microwavable bowl or in a small bowl set over simmering water, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Stir until smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract, stevia, and Swerve until smooth.
Mix in the egg and stir until smooth.
Use a tablespoon to measure out 20 cookies and place them onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Use a rounded 1/4 tsp and push the bottom of the teaspoon in the center of each cookie.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and use the teaspoon again to the center of each cookie.
Allow to cool completely.
Once cooled, melt chocolate chips and butter together, stir until smooth. Mine took 1 minute in microwave.
Spoon chocolate into the center of each cookie. Allow to set or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

This recipe was first posted in November 2016 and updated in November 2018 with video.

Nutrition Facts
Low Carb Peanut Butter Blossoms
Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories 134
Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g
17%
Saturated Fat 4g
25%
Cholesterol 17mg
6%
Sodium 75mg
3%
Potassium 3mg
0%
Carbohydrates 3g
1%
Protein 3g
6%
Vitamin A 120IU
2%
Calcium 2mg
0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Low Carb Keto Banana Muffins

Keto Banana Muffins are one of our favourite treats. There”s only one banana in the entire batch of muffins. That’s how we can keep the carb content low but still enjoy the sweet, intense banana taste! It’s a super easy recipe that gets the thumbs up by kids and adults alike.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Course
Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine
British
Servings
8
Calories
306 kcal

INGREDIENTS

1x
2x
3x
▢
200 g / 2 cups almond flour or ground almonds
▢
30 g / 1/4 cup flaxseed ground
▢
1 banana very ripe
▢
2 eggs large
▢
120 ml / 4 ounces almond milk
▢
60 ml / 2 ounces coconut oil
▢
3-4 tbsp granulated sweetener (So Nourished) depending on your sweet tooth
▢
1 tbsp baking powder
▢
40 g cacao nibs or chopped dark chocolate, 85-90% (1/3 cup)
▢
1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
▢
1 tsp cinnamon
▢
optional: 1 tsp mixed spice
INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius / 350 Fahrenheit.
Mix the banana, eggs, almond milk, vanilla and oil in a food processor or with a blender.
Add the dry ingredients: the ground almonds, ground flaxseed, erythritol, baking powder and spices. Blend until thoroughly combined
Lastly, stir in the cacao nibs (or chopped dark chocolate)
Fill into a muffin tin lined with paper cups. If you don’t have any to hand, make sure the tin is really well greased. My mix made 8 muffins, but I did “try” the dough quite a few times. Yours might yield 9!
Bake at 180 degrees 25-30 minutes or until browned on top. You can also test with a cocktail stick or a knife – if they come out dry, the muffins are done.
The nutrition information below is based on using cacao nibs, which have no added sugar at all. If you prefer to choose dark chocolate, the sugar content would increase depending on the cocoa content. The higher the cocoa content, the less sugar! Make sure you choose a chocolate with at least 85% cocoa.
NUTRITION
Calories: 306kcal
Protein: 9.3g
Fat: 25.8g
Fiber: 5.3g
Sugar: 2.9g

SKINNY QUESO DIP

92.5 Cals 6.5 Protein 7 Carbs 4.5 Fats
TOTAL TIME:
30 mins
YIELD:11 SERVINGS
COURSE:Appetizer
CUISINE:American
A zesty chunky cheese dip with chunks of tomatoes, hot peppers, garlic, onions, lime juice, cilantro and spices. Get the chips ready, this stuff is good while it”s hot!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup skim milk
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp canola oil
1 cup minced onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 poblano pepper, diced
1-2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with chiles, diced and drained
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ancho chili powder
1 3/4 cups shredded reduced fat sharp Cheddar, Sargento
INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the milk with 3 tbsp of cornstarch to create a slurry; set aside.
Heat a large saucepan on medium heat; when hot add oil. Add the onions, garlic, poblano, and jalapeno and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, to taste.
Add the chicken broth and the rest of the milk. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the slurry (cornstarch mixture) to the pan and stir; simmer a minute until it bubbles and thickens, then reduce heat to low.
Add the drained tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and add the cheese; stir until it melts completely. Serve immediately.
NOTES
Slender Kitchen
Serving: 1/4 cup, Calories: 92.5kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 6.5g, Fat: 4.5g, Sodium: 143mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2gBlue Smart Points:2Green Smart Points:1Purple Smart Points:2Points +:3

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER MASH WITH KALE (LOW-CARB COLCANNON)

112 Cals 6 Protein 16 Carbs 5 Fats
PREP TIME:
5 mins
COOK TIME:
25 mins
TOTAL TIME:
30 mins
YIELD:4 SERVINGS
COURSE:Side Dish
CUISINE:American
Colcannon is an Irish mashed potato dish mixed with greens and sometimes cabbage. This low-carb mash uses cauliflower in place of potatoes and added kale, which I have to say is really darn good!
INGREDIENTS
6 cups 1 large head cauliflower, cut up into florets
4 teaspoons unsalted butter
3 cups chopped kale
4 cloves crushed garlic
2 chopped scallions
1/3 cup fat free milk
kosher salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil the cauliflower: Put the cauliflower in a medium pot and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add salt, and bring to a boil.
Cook, covered until fork tender. 6 to 8 minutes. Drain in a colander (reserving some liquid if needed).
In the same pot, melt 1 teaspoon butter medium high heat and add the garlic and scallions, cook 30 seconds, add the kale, 1/4 tsp salt, cover and cook until wilted, 6 to 7 minutes.
In a blender, puree the cauliflower with milk, transfer to the pot with the greens and add 2 teaspoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, keep warm.
To serve, transfer to a bowl and top with remaining teaspoon butter.
VIDEO
Serving: 3/4 cup, Calories: 112kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 78mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 3gBlue Smart Points:2Green Smart Points:2Purple Smart Points:2Points +:3