Mastering twelve recipes is just the beginning. Like a spiral staircase, each turn brings you higher while covering familiar ground. These additional recipes follow the same principles you've learned but offer new expressions for different seasons, moods, and occasions.
You'll find breakfast options for when you want something different from your foundation meal, quick lunches that transform leftovers into fresh experiences, and yes—desserts that prove healthy doesn't mean sacrificing sweetness or celebration.
These twelve recipes are your foundation, but they're not your limit. Once you master the principles—choosing real ingredients, cooking with intention, nourishing rather than just filling—you can expand endlessly.
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The following collection offers variations, seasonal adaptations, and new ideas organized by the rhythm of your day. Some are simplified versions for rushed mornings, others are elaborate weekend projects. All of them honor the same truth: that real food can be both delicious and nourishing, both practical and special.
Take what calls to you. Adapt what doesn't quite fit. Add your own discoveries. This is how you build a lifetime of nourishing meals that become second nature.
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Your recipe collection should grow and change as you do. The twelve foundations give you stability; these additional recipes give you variety and adventure.
Organized by the natural rhythm of your day—morning nourishment, midday fuel, evening satisfaction, and sweet endings—these are the recipes I turn to when I want to expand beyond my reliable twelve while staying true to the principles that have transformed my family's health."
Breakfast Collection
The Daily Green Smoothie (with sneaky liver powder)
Savory 3-Grain Porridge (Nordic-inspired)
Quinoa Breakfast Cakes with Caramelized Pineapple
Various smoothie bowl combinations
Egg-based dishes (maybe some of your favorite preparations)
Quick Lunch/Leftover Magic
Cauli pizza variations (since you mention this often)
Simple roasted vegetable combinations
Bone broth-based soups for reheating
Salad templates with good fats
"Power bowl" combinations
Dinner Foundations
More pasta variations (both cassava and einkorn)
Seasonal soup templates
Fish preparations
Meat and vegetable combinations (this is pretty much most meals for our busy family)
One-pan meals for busy nights
Desserts (This seems important to you!)
Sugar-free marshmallows variations
Power cookies in different flavors
Cauli-based sweet treats
Fruit-based desserts with good fats
Holiday/celebration sweets that don't spike blood sugar
Fermented Foods & Basics
Sauerkraut and kimchi basics
Bone broth variations
Nut milk recipes
Basic fermented vegetables
Would you want to pull specific recipes from your CauliQueen posts, or would you prefer I create new ones that follow your principles? I could definitely help develop a good dessert section since that seems to be a priority!
Perfect! Here's the updated section:
Potluck Paradise: Party Foods That Actually Nourish
Potlucks and parties don't have to mean abandoning everything you know about real food. These crowd-pleasers prove that healthy can be the hit of the party.
The Show-Stoppers
Cauli Queen Cheesy Bread - everyone asks for the recipe, no one believes it's cauliflower
Chicken wings - of course! The ultimate party food that's naturally keto-friendly
Watermelon Slushie - just grated frozen watermelon, pure summer magic
Rainbow veggie platters with homemade ranch or hummus
Deviled eggs - kids and adults both love them
Meat and cheese boards with good quality everything
Fresh fruit arrangements - nature's candy display
Baked Broccoli until crispy and browned edges, under lots of olive oil and good sea salt (freshly chopped garlic too!)
i like to make a big veggie dish- baked broccoli in olive oil and salt (and fresh garlic) is my absolute favorite. i think this made my husband fall in love with me. i was doing this with a baked chickn in the center most nights, and just made the broccoli for him, and he was blown away. even young kids love this, and THEY are surprised by it! I find most people love grilled and baked veggies, while un cooked and raw are just boring. they might be easy finger food, but ive never seen anyone's eyes open at a plate of raw veggies. the baked ones, oh man. most people have just not had GOOD vegetables, cooked in a way that helps them shine. never boil veggies. steaming is fine, but boiling just puts all the nutrients in the water- which is great in a soup where you will drink the water, but not when you drain it away.
The Vegetable Truth
I find most people love grilled and baked veggies, while uncooked and raw are just boring. They might be easy finger food, but I've never seen anyone's eyes open at a plate of raw veggies. The baked ones? Oh man. Most people have just not had GOOD vegetables, cooked in a way that helps them shine.
Never boil veggies. Steaming is fine, but boiling just puts all the nutrients in the water—which is great in a soup where you will drink the water, but not when you drain it away.
When you roast vegetables with good oil, salt, and maybe some garlic, you're not just cooking them—you're transforming them into something irresistible. This is often people's first revelation that vegetables can actually taste amazing.
Make-Ahead Crowd Favorites
Power cookies - bring enough for the recipe requests
Bone broth-based soups in slow cookers
Roasted vegetable medleys that taste great at room temperature
Grain-free "potato" salad using cauliflower
Sugar-free desserts that no one misses the sugar in
The Conversation Starters
These are the dishes that get people talking about how good they feel after eating real food, how their kids actually ate vegetables, how they want to know more about this way of eating.
Potluck Strategy
Don’t arrive starving (or you will fill up on those things you don’t usually have around)
Always bring enough and share the recipe
Make something you'd want to eat (you might be the only one!)
Don't apologize for it being "healthy" - just let the flavors speak
Bring backup snacks for your family if needed
if you feel comfortable with the attendees, ask if everyone can try to be a bit healthier somehow.
Offer to make the dessert- so you can ensure it is sugar free (or the alternative you are okay with!)
This is such smart strategy! Volunteering for dessert ensures there's something sweet you can enjoy without compromising your health goals. And often, people are so impressed by how good sugar-free desserts can taste that it opens conversations about healthier alternatives. Plus, you get to show that "healthy" doesn't mean "deprived" - you can have your cake and feel good about it too!
Having a small snack beforehand or bringing something you know will satisfy you makes all the difference in navigating social eating situations successfully.
Dinner Party Magic
I also love dinner parties with 2-3 (or more!) couples or families who each bring one thing: drinks, dessert, main meal, appetizers, veggies, etc. This way:
Everyone has ownership in the meal
The workload is distributed
You can gently influence the overall healthiness by coordinating
Kids see multiple families prioritizing real food
It becomes a celebration rather than a stress
You might try something new you like! (or inspire your friends to be healthier)
Theme Ideas That Make It Easier
Mediterranean night - naturally healthy and delicious
Farmers market fresh - whatever's in season
Comfort food upgraded - familiar favorites with better ingredients
Around the world - each family brings a dish from a different culture
Colors of the rainbow - ensures variety and nutrients (without fake colorings)
The Ripple Effect
Every potluck is an opportunity to show others that real food can be delicious, that healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor, that you can feed a crowd without resorting to processed convenience foods.
Chicken wings are such a perfect example - naturally grain-free, protein-rich, and universally loved!
Perfect! That makes it even more realistic and sustainable:
The Simple Family Week (Real Life Edition)
Monday-Friday (Weekday Routine)
Monday: Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
Tuesday: CROCK POT DAY - Start at lunch, eat for dinner
Wednesday: Crock Pot Leftovers
Thursday: Sheet Pan Chicken & Vegetables
Friday: TAKEOUT NIGHT - BBQ as a family at a local place with live music after a walk
Weekend Rituals
Saturday: BIG DINNER after all the activities - Hand-rolled pasta, special meal that brings everyone together after a busy day
Sunday: BIG BREAKFAST on the slower morning - Soufflés, pancakes, leisurely family breakfast
Sunday Dinner: Saturday night leftovers (perfect for a relaxed evening)
Monthly Bone Broth Ritual
After freezing the weekly chicken bones, dedicate one Sunday per month to making a big batch of bone broth.
Why Friday Takeout is Brilliant
End-of-week celebration - you've cooked all week, you deserve a break!
Family activity - walk + music + food = perfect Friday evening
Community connection - supporting local business, being around other families
No cleanup - heading into the weekend refreshed
Kids love the routine - something special to look forward to
This gives you 4 home-cooked dinners, 2 nights of leftovers, and 1 guilt-free takeout that's actually a family experience. That's completely sustainable and still nourishing!
The Two-Week Foundation Cycle
Week 1
Monday: Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Chicken & Vegetables
Wednesday: Bone Broth Soup (whatever vegetables need using)
Thursday: Leftovers or Simple Eggs & Salad
Friday: Hand-Rolled Pasta Night (family cooking)
Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner (soufflé or pancakes)
Sunday: Slow Cooker Roast with Root Vegetables
Week 2
Monday: Fish Tacos with Fermented Vegetables
Tuesday: Power Bowl (grain, protein, roasted veggies)
Wednesday: Seasonal Soup (different from Week 1)
Thursday: Leftovers or Quick Cauliflower Pizza
Friday: Burger Night (grass-fed, sweet potato fries)
Saturday: Steak & Simple Salad
Sunday: Meal Prep Day (make-ahead options)
The Variation Magic
Each core recipe has endless variations:
Spaghetti Squash: Different proteins (ground beef, turkey, chicken), different sauces (marinara, pesto, alfredo-style)
Sheet Pan: Different vegetables based on season, different proteins
Soups: Completely different each time based on what's available
Power Bowls: Different grains (cauliflower rice, quinoa), proteins, seasonal vegetables
Shopping Strategy
2x per week works perfectly:
Saturday/Sunday: Big shop for proteins, pantry staples, frozen items
Wednesday/Thursday: Fresh produce, herbs, anything that needs to be really fresh
This keeps vegetables at peak freshness while preventing the overwhelm of daily shopping decisions.
The Flexibility Built In
Leftover nights prevent food waste and give you cooking breaks
Meal prep Sundays set you up for busy weeks
Breakfast for dinner satisfies kids and feels special
Simple nights (eggs & salad) acknowledge that some days are harder than others
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash, eggs, and bacon
A breakfast quinoa pancake inspired by Eden! Here's my interpretation:
There is a breakfast quinoa pancake found in the restaurant in chicago, called eden. can you please try to replicate this recipe? quinoa cakes, lemon, almond, buttermilk ricotta, carmelized pineapple syrup. can you please replace the almonds with another nut?
Quinoa Breakfast Cakes with Caramelized Pineapple
A Wholesome Morning Indulgence
The Quinoa Cake Base
1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
3 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of sea salt
The Walnut Crunch (replacing almonds)
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Pinch of cinnamon
The Ricotta Cream
1 cup whole milk ricotta
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon zest
The Caramelized Pineapple Syrup
1 fresh pineapple, cored and diced
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of sea salt
The Method
For the syrup: Caramelize diced pineapple in coconut oil until golden and softened. Add maple syrup and lemon juice, cook until syrupy.
For the cakes: Mix wet ingredients, fold in quinoa and dry ingredients until just combined. Cook like pancakes in a lightly oiled pan until golden.
Assembly: Stack cakes with dollops of lemon ricotta, toasted walnuts, and warm pineapple syrup.
The quinoa gives these cakes a wonderful nutty texture and protein boost, while the caramelized pineapple provides natural sweetness without refined sugar!
The perfect warming, nourishing breakfast inspired by Kantine's dish:
A warm meal is a great start to the day. are there any warm meals that make for a great breakfast without a bunch of sugar? i love a smoothie, but to ease your tummy from having to do the work of warming up your food, here is a great savory breakfast dish. ive had a mushroom type of dish that i love from a scandanavian restaurant in san francisco called kantine. the menu item is: Savory 3-grain porridge. Wild mushroom mix, kale, housemade farmers cheese, add organic runny egg and bacon bits.
Morning Warmth: The Gentle Start
A warm meal is also a great start to the day. While smoothies are wonderful, sometimes your digestive system craves the comfort of foods that don't require your body to work overtime warming them up from refrigerator temperature to body temperature.
This savory breakfast is like a warm hug for your nervous system—grounding, satisfying, and nourishing in a way that sets you up for sustained energy rather than the blood sugar roller coaster that comes with sweet breakfasts.
Savory 3-Grain Porridge
Inspired by Kantine's Nordic Wisdom
The Grain Foundation
1/2 cup steel-cut oats
1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/4 cup millet or buckwheat groats
3 cups bone broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
The Mushroom Symphony
2 tablespoons grass-fed butter or coconut oil
1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Sea salt and pepper to taste
The Green Medicine
1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes
The Finishing Touches
4-6 pasture-raised eggs
1/2 cup homemade farmers cheese (or goat cheese)
4 strips pastured bacon, cooked and crumbled
Fresh herbs for garnish (chives, parsley)
The Morning Ritual
Building the Grain Base (Start this first—it takes time) In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, toast the oats, quinoa, and millet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add warm bone broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low simmer.
Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grains are tender and creamy but still have some texture. Add more broth if needed—you want it porridge-like, not dry.
Creating the Mushroom Magic While the grains cook, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms in a single layer (work in batches if needed—don't crowd them).
Let them sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop that beautiful golden crust, then stir and continue cooking until they've reduced in size and are deeply caramelized.
Add garlic and thyme in the last minute, then deglaze with wine if using. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Wilting the Greens In the same pan (don't wash it—that fond is flavor gold), add a splash of olive oil and the chopped kale. Cook just until wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
The Perfect Egg For the ideal runny egg, heat a bit of oil in a non-stick pan. Crack eggs carefully and cook sunny-side up until whites are set but yolks are still gloriously runny—about 3-4 minutes.
The Beautiful Assembly Divide the warm grain porridge among bowls. Top with sautéed mushrooms and wilted kale. Crumble farmers cheese over the top, add bacon bits, and crown each bowl with a perfectly runny egg.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately while everything is warm and the egg yolk can create a golden sauce when broken.
The Nordic Wisdom
This breakfast embodies Scandinavian understanding of morning nourishment:
Grains provide sustained energy without blood sugar spikes
Mushrooms offer umami depth and immune-supporting compounds
Dark greens deliver minerals your body needs to start the day
Quality fats and protein keep you satisfied for hours
The warm temperature gently awakens your digestive system
The Make-Ahead Magic
Prep the grains the night before—they reheat beautifully with a splash of broth Prep mushrooms in advance—they're delicious cold or reheated Cook bacon ahead and store in the fridge Wash and chop kale so it's ready to wilt quickly
This way, assembly takes just 10 minutes in the morning while you're cooking the eggs.
This is breakfast as medicine—warming, grounding, and deeply satisfying in a way that carries you through the morning with steady energy and a calm, nourished feeling that no sugary breakfast could ever provide.
a simple green smoothie to have everyday, and to get your kids to help make- picking fresh greens from the garden, and making a little mess adding in protein powder and hidden liver powder. these can round out a breakfast section
Perfect! I love the idea of a recipe collection at the end. Here's how that breakfast section could look:
Recipe Collection: Morning Medicine
Starting Your Day with Intention
The Daily Green Smoothie
Garden-to-Glass with Little Helpers
The Kid-Friendly Garden Adventure:
2 cups fresh greens (let kids pick from garden: spinach, kale, lettuce)
1 frozen banana (for creaminess and sweetness)
1 cup coconut milk or nut milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 teaspoon sneaky liver powder (they'll never know!)
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Ice as needed
The Mess-Making Magic: Let kids wash the greens, add ingredients to blender, and press buttons. The mess is part of the memory-making! They'll be proud they "helped make breakfast" and more likely to drink something they participated in creating.
Complete Breakfast Collection:
The Daily Green Smoothie (kid-approved nutrition)
Savory 3-Grain Porridge (warming winter comfort)
Quinoa Breakfast Cakes (weekend celebration)
Quick options for busy mornings
Make-ahead strategies for smooth mornings
This creates a spectrum from daily simple (smoothie) to weekend special (pancakes) to deeply nourishing (porridge), giving families options for every kind of morning while maintaining the focus on real, whole foods that sustain rather than spike energy.
The collection format lets people choose what works for their family, season, and schedule!