Lakanto Fall Into Baking Party!

 I love fall weather, don't you? Okay, actually I love the idea of fall weather. See, here in Texas, we only have two seasons; Summer and Extreme Heat. Summer is the majority, with Etreme Heat blasting in the peak of summer. But the idea of Fall weather is that the temperatures drop and leaves fall from the trees. Everyone starts baking and curling up with good books. Oh, yeah. That is what I like. Tryazon understands these joys and connects their influencers (like yours truly) with wonderful companies who make it their goal to help us #SweetResponsibly! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party and sharing my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions expressed are that of myself and my guests.*

Lakanto has an amazing product line. Take, for instance, their Monkfruit Sweetener. This is a sugar alternative that is healthier for you! Non-caloric and doesn't decay the teeth like sugar does or mess with your blood sugar. It tastes and looks like sugar though. Their Golden version is actually slightly sweeter. I made the mistake of adding a little more than needed into our tea - talk about southern sweet tea! But I use it in my baking and cooking just like normal. 

 

I've made coffee cake with it.

Why should you make the switch?

The main ingredient is a chemical compound called erythritol. I had to look it up. It comes naturally. The formula that Lakanto uses makes their sweetener totally calorie free as well as zero-glycemic. It is the only one of that variety! We made the switch because we are trying to eat healthier in every way we can. We are wanting to lose the extra pounds and get back into shape. Especially after taking the kids to the park the other day and being so out of breath! It was a real eye opener to me. I've let my constant physical pain be an excuse as to why I don't get healthy, but the real thing I am needing to work on is the food side of it all. So sugar had to be cut down and cut out. 

Cookies stuffed with Suntella are amazing!

Time to party! 

I had 2 guests in person and some that attempted to join online. I feel really bad for those online... Turns out Facebook and I aren't on good terms. And after crashing the party more than once, the online side had to be shut down. However, that doesn't mean there weren't some laughs. 

My mother and sister-in-laws came to dinner. I made a wonderful coffee cake (okay, I thought it was wonderful, but my mother-in-law definitely makes it better!). Several of my online guests are getting their samples shipped to them. With things the way they are, there are still a lot of people who are choosing to stay virtual until Covid-19 numbers drop. I managed to get a couple comments from those online. My mother-in-law agreed that this was the best alternative to using refined sugar. She said the consistency and taste were just the same. Which is what everyone wants right? The taste, the consistency, but without the bad side effects? 

They had also sent me the Suntella. I have had Nutella before, well, this was like that. But better. I LOVE it! And I don't have to feel bad when I eat it because it's healthier!

After the party, this was all that was left...

What are your thoughts?

So I really want to know what you all think! Leave me a comment below. Have you tried this before? Will you try it after having read my little post? Let me know!

Hosting a Lakanto Healthy Holiday Baking Party!

I love being a part of the Tryazon community of bloggers! We try some amazing new products. New to us, at least. Then we host parties and write reviews about them. That is what I was able to do with Lakanto!

*Disclaimer: I was sent all the products free of charge in exchange for hosting a party as well as writing a review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own.* 

I was able to host a holiday baking party using their Monk Fruit Sweetener. This is a Keto-friendly option that has some nice benefits. It is a better option than using sugar. I know this, because I have family members that have been on the Keto diet as well as other family members who have gone sugar-free. We have family meals together that require a variety of options so that we can accommodate each others dietary needs. In case you are unfamiliar with monk fruit and how they get the sweetener, check here. 

I love baking! 

But baking can be troublesome for me. First off, I am supposed to be on a healthier diet in order to lose 45 pounds and get back into shape. But I absolutely LOVE baking! I love making brownies, cookies and cakes. I love fudge for Christmas. But you know... so full of sugar and so unhealthy! So I have been looking for recipes that don't pack on the pounds, while letting me have some sweets from time to time. 

Sweeteners like Stevia are there in stores. You have probably heard of and seen some. You can look on the baking aisles of your nearest store to see a variety of alternatives. But have you ever tried them? Or do you just pass them by? That is where you will find the Lakanto brand products.

What is the difference? 

When it comes to taste, I can't tell the difference! However, the amounts you use are different as are the results. I have found that you use more sugar in recipes than you would using monk fruit sweetener. Also, you are adding stress to the heart and pounds to the waist with sugar! I have made some amazing Keto Fat Bombs before. And when the chance to host this party came around, I also made an Easy (Vegan) Chocolate Cake with Perfect Keto Buttercream Frosting! It was the most delicious one I had made in a very long time! My kids devoured slices way faster than I would have thought. I even added peppermint flavoring to the frosting and it was.... oh, wow! Perfect for the holidays! My daughter tried to dig in early.

Let's start with the cake!  

 Ingredients

1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup Lakanto Baking Sweetener
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup cold water
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Sift together the flour, cocoa, soda, salt, and s
   weetener directly into the cake pan.
3. Measure and mix together oil, water, and vanilla.
4. Pour liquid ingredients into the pan and mix batter with a small whisk or fork. When smooth, add vinegar and stir quickly.
5. Stir until vinegar is evenly distributed--without pale swirls in the batter.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

I even skipped the apple cider vinegar as I didn't have any on hand. It was still the best! On my second attempt, I drizzled caramel over the top.

Then top it with the frosting! 

A great cake comes with delectable frosting! Since this is a holiday recipe party, I thought that peppermint needed to be added. About a teaspoon is perfect. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup Grass-Fed Butter
• 1 1/2 cups Lakanto Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener
• 2-3 tbsp Dairy Free Milk (coconut, almond, cashew)

Instructions

1. Add the butter to a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and beat for 4-5 minutes until it becomes super fluffy, airy light, pale and doubled in volume.
2. Make sure butter is not too warm/oily; it will not hold its shape!
3. Sift the Lakanto Powdered Sweetener in a medium bowl.
4. In two additions add half the powdered sugar at a time, beating 2-3 minutes in-between each addition. Slowly increase speed. 
5. Once all of the sugar has been incorporated you will notice it may look a bit stiff and dense; adding the dairy-free milk and beating until the buttercream is more soft & spreadable.
6. At this time you can add Vanilla.
7. Once the buttercream is ready, frost your cakes & cakes!
8. You may place buttercream in an airtight container at room temp for 5-6 Days! Best freshly made!

I've also made some unicorn cookies! I was going to make the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies from their website, but saw some unicorn chips and decided to use those. 

What would you make with it? What is your favorite baked good for the holidays? Leave me a comment below!