Breakfast: Almond Lemon Sandwich Cakes

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Lemon, Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar

Health benefits of Almond Lemon Sandwich Cakes

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060). Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Apple cider vinegar will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full)

Ingredients

ALMOND LEMON CAKES

1/4 Cup Honeyville Almond Flour
1/4 Cup Coconut Flour
1/4 Cup Butter
3 Large Eggs
1/4 Cup Erythritol
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp. Coconut Milk
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Almond Extract
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 tsp. Liquid Stevia
1/4 tsp. Salt
~2 tsp. Red food Coloring

SANDWICH ICING

1/4 Cup Powdered Erythritol
4 Oz. Cream Cheese
4 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Heavy Cream
~1 tsp. Red food Coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 335F.
2. Put a sifter on top of a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 Cup Honeyville Almond Flour, 1/4 Cup Coconut Flour, 1 tsp. Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. Salt and 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda.
3. Sift the dry ingredients until everything is fine and powdery.
4. In a mixing bowl, crack 3 Large Eggs, then add 1/4 Cup Erythritol, 1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice, 1 Tbsp. Coconut Milk, 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract, 1/2 tsp. Almond Extract, 1/4 tsp. Liquid Stevia, and 1/4 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar.
5. Microwave 1/4 Cup Butter for about 30 seconds.
6. Add butter to the wet ingredients and add food coloring.
7. Stir the ingredients well, making sure that the eggs are thoroughly broken.
8. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a hand mixer. Do this until you end with a fluffy looking batter.
9. Divide your batter between a muffin top pan (should make 10). Spread the mixture in each muffin top mold.
10. Bake for 17-18 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out dry. You just want to have a slight browning around the edges.
11. Remove from the muffin top pan and let cool on a cooling rack for 5 minutes.
12. Slice the cakes in half using a bread knife, then bring 2-3 Tbsp. Butter to a boil in a pan.
13. Add your muffin tops and fry on each side for about 1-2 minutes. You want to get these browned.
14. Let the muffin tops cool while you make the icing.
15. In a mixing bowl, combine butter and cream cheese at room temperature.
16. Powder 1/4 Cup Erythritol in a spice grinder.
17. Cream your butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
18. Add 2 Tbsp. Heavy Cream to the Icing and continue mixing until smooth again.
19. Add Powdered Erythritol and Red Food Coloring and continue mixing. Continue adding food coloring until desired color is achieved.
20. Spread icing between 2 pieces of almond lemon cake like a sandwich. Garnish with lemon zest and pistachios.