Category Archives: Yummies

Food & Treats

Super Loaded Paleo Power/Breakfast Bar!!!

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This little square of pure deliciousness happened because of someone at the gym had given me a YES Bar…never heard of them..they say “Paleo Friendly” so that’s exciting!!!! He gave it to me (so nice!!!) & told me that I could probably make it! (But could I?!?!) I thought it was delicious, but I wanted to change a few things! (Of course right?! Can’t just leave well enough alone!) So, this inspired me to create my own! (& it’s cheaper :-)) So here is my version of a loaded delicious paleo power bar… & what’s even more exciting… NO BAKING NECCESSARY! 🙂

Super Loaded Paleo Power/Breakfast Bar:

1 cup raw unsalted cashews
1 cup raw unsalted almond
1 cup raw, shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds
1 cup raw, shelled, unsalted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cups dried cranberries (unsweetened or fruit juice sweetened!)
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup coconut butter
alittle over 1/4 cup coconut oil
One generous TBSP raw honey
2 tsp cinnamon

Okkkkkk for the directions…. First ill have you know I actually paid attention to how much I was using of each ingredient so I could give actual measurements instead of… A handful of this or dashhhh of that! Hah! Well here we go! In your food processor, add the nuts, sunflower seeds & pumpkin seeds, pulse until you have a chunky consistency, (not a fine flour consistency). Dump that into a large bowl, add flax seeds, chia seeds cranberries & cinnamon. Stir to combine. Then in a microwave safe bowl (I used a large Pyrex measuring cup), add the tahini, coconut oil, coconut butter & raw honey. Microwave or heat on stovetop In a small pot, until everything is liquified & combined! Add liquid to dry mix and mix REALLY well!!! You may need to use your hands for this! (If still seems alittle dry, add another tbsp or 2 of melted coconut oil, alttle at a time… u might NOT need this) After thoroughly combined, line a 9×13 glass Pyrex dish with wax or parchment paper, spread out mixture from edge to edge & pack down firmly! Put in freezer for an hour + until firm & cold. Take out, lift out parchment & cut to size! Store in refrigerator! 🙂 Makes about 20 good size bars! Enjoy!

Paleo Clam Chowder

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clam chowder

I guess this COLD day inspired me to go back to my hot steamy soup dinner plans!!!!! Paige LOVES clam chowder…who doesn’t?! So I decided that I would make this & we would ALL enjoy it….hopefully! This was my first go at making clam chowder… & a paleo version at that! Paige is my best taste tester because I can tell immediately if she likes it or not! I’m pleased to say…this was a SUCCESS! Yes ma’am! This makes a good amount, enough for lunch the next day, my fav! I made this version sort of chunkier, I like more “stuff” than broth, so I loaded up with clams & veggies! I hope you love this as much as we did!! Here we go!

Paleo Clam Chowder:

3-4 Parsnips (peeled & chopped) (these yummies replace your potatoes;))

1L of chicken stock (I buy reg. free range from trader joes)

1/4-1/2lb bacon (chopped into pieces, I like extraaaa)

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled & chopped

1/3 cup arrowroot powder

1 8oz bottle clam juice

2 10 oz cans shelled baby clams (drained & rinsed) (you can get minced, chopped, whichever)

2 cups full fat coconut milk

Couple shakes of salt, pepper & salt free italian seasoning

Dash of tabasco or siracha sauce (optional)

Pour chicken stock into a soup pot, add parsnips. Simmer for about 10 minutes until parsnips begin to get soft. Take off stove, out of pot & put into a heat safe dish to use in a little bit. In the same pot, add some evoo &  your bacon, celery, onions & carrots, cook until starts to get soft, about 5 minutes. Add arrowroot powder to the veggie/bacon mix & stir to combine for 1 minute. (Only add arrowroot @ this time!! No later.) Add the chicken stock & parsnips back into the pot. Add clam juice & seasonings & simmer for another 5 minutes until mixture starts to thicken. Next add your clams & coconut milk. Now is the time to add any other seasoning or hot sauce to taste. Simmer another 5 minutes & you are good to go! I served mine with my yummy Flax Herb Bread! Delish!!!!!! Eat up!!!!! =)

 

Paleo 2 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake!

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PALEO MUG CAKE

In a rush?? Or just want a sweet treat?? Just because this dessert is made in 2 minutes & in the microwave (i know microwave…bad…), doesn’t mean this can’t be served just as a quick fix or even when you have company!! You can dress this baby up to look realllll nice =) I know sometimes I come home at night & am craving a little sweet, I’m thinking “Am I really about to turn the oven on & wait up for 20 minutes while something cooks???” NO! Also, this is great for a little self control. One & done. You don’t have to worry about digging into leftovers! (I guess you can always make another mug cake tho?!? SHH!) Ok, no more small talk. Check it out!

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake:

3 tbsp almond meal

2 tbs of cocoa powder

1 tbsp of honey

1 tsp of vanilla extract (or peppermint for extra fancy)

1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

1 egg

dash of salt

dash of cinnamon

PINCH baking soda

*Get crazy & add some dark chocolate chips or nuts!! AHHHHH! =)

*Mix up all ingredients in a larger microwave safe mug. (Make sure egg it beaten well) Microwave on high about 2 minutes! I like to flip mug over (mug will be hot!!) & dump out on dish, but you can enjoy right out of the mug! You’ll save a dish I guess?!

**In the picture above, I dumped the cake onto a dish & topped with some whipped coconut milk! (I didn’t get the whip very thick that time I guess! EEEK!) Still delish!

paleo card

Simple Homemade Hummus!

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Ok, I love hummus. It’s the perfect accessory for some carrots or celery! I only have it in moderation, due to its addictive properties :-). Chickpeas are an excellent source for protein, fiber & surprisingly…calcium!! You can buy it in the store for like $6 tho & that’s crazy! I make this for like $2, and it’s far more delicious! I like the idea of knowing exactly what’s put in it & that its made in my own kitchen! I will never ever buy hummus pre made in the store again! Try it out for yourself!

Simple Hummus:

Makes about 2 1/2 cups!

2 cans chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1/2 cup tahini (I used brads organic)
Splash Evoo (used to thin consistency, I used about 3 tbsp, mine was still thick)
Salt & pepper to taste
Splash Lemon juice to taste
3 cloves minced garlic (next time I’m adding extra!)
Dash of cumin (be careful, it’s easy to overdo!)

Add chickpeas & tahini in food processor & pulse until it starts to get creamy! Add remaining ingredients, pulse to combine! Add more olive oil if you prefer a thinner consistency. I liked mine extra lemony & extra garlicy! This filled a whole mason jar to the top! About 2 1/2 cups! Store in fridge! Enjoy!!!! 🙂

Paleo Banana Ice Cream

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Yep! You heard right! Ice cream! & better yet… No fancy ice cream maker required!! A few simple ingredients to whip up & you’ll be in for a treat! It’s hard to find a good sweet treat that’s ok for our bods these days, but this one does the trick! The perfect amount of creamy sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth!

Banana Ice Cream

Makes about 5 ish servings

4 frozen bananas (preslice before freezing)
1/2-1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Few shakes of cinnamon
Few tbsp of honey or a few dates (optional for sweetness)
Splash of vanilla

Add all ingredients in food processor, purée until smooth. (I put the variance on almond milk because sometimes it needs to be alittle thinner, start out with 1/2 cup, it may be enough!) Enjoy immidietly or freeze for later 🙂

If you really want to make it fancy:
Whip up some heavy whipped cream with alittle honey & vanilla, add on top
Of your ice cream. Then, in a small bowl, add some walnuts, honey or maple syrup & a pinch of sea salt! Mix together & add on top of whipped cream! To die for!!!!

**You can be as basic or as fancy as you wish! Results are delicious either way! Enjoy!

Paleo Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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Here is the recipe I promised!!

Paleo Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Makes 4 servings (can be adjusted easily!)

4 med-large sweet potatoes
3 big handfuls spinach or kale
1/2 cup dried or fresh cranberries
1lb sausage (I used longhini sweet)
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 sweet pepper (yellow or red)
1 large yellow onion
About 3 garlic cloves
Salt, pepper, sage to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Poke holes in sweet potatoes, coat with about 1tbsp oil (coconut or olive) & bake them for about an hour until soft.
While your potatoes are baking, heat up some coconut or olive oil over med in a pan. Cook about halfway through, drain grease, then add remaining ingredients except spinach & spices & cook until onions & peppers are soft! Add your spinach, salt, pepper & sage (I added extraaaaa sage) & still to combine until spinach starts to wilt!

When your sweet potatoes are cooked, cut them in half length wise, spread open, then spoon a heaping scoop of filling into each!! Enjoy alone or with a salad or side of choice! **These are SUPER filling & reheat very well:-)

Zucchini Cakes!

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Cakes???? I know, you got excited, sorry 🙂 these are delicious little zucchini pancakes! So easy to make, excellent hot or cold, and yummy with any dish! I used them as a base for my burger or for breakfast as is with some sausage or bacon! Yum!!! Try them for yourself & you’ll see!

Zucchini Pancakes:

Makes about 6-7 good size pancakes

3 zucchini
2 tbsp coconut flour
2 eggs
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Shred zucchini into a mixing bowl. Add your remaining ingredients & mix well! Form into about 6 or so patties. Heat up some evoo in a pan & add 2-3 at a time! Cook until browned on each side & heated throughout. Enjoy!!!

Paleo Pumpkin Protein Shake!

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So, as I’m sure you have noticed…..I have been addicted to these smoothies & shakes!! It’s just so easy for me (who doesn’t normally eat breakfast) to whip one of these up to take for breakfast & then bring the extra for a little snack later =) Not only can these babies be full of healthy fats, vegetables, fiber (keep you full), but they are so easy to make, easy to takeeee & DELISH! YUM! So here is my latest creation, using pumpkin, I know thanksgiving is over… pumpkin is NOT & you’ll see why!!

PUMPKIN SHAE

Recipe:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (NOT PUMPKIN PIE MIX)

1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk (a little more if you want it thinner)

1/2 banana (or frozen banana if you thought ahead =))

4-5 dates (optional, just for a hint of sweetness)

1/2 tsp-1 tbsp (i like a lot) cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1-2 scoops protein of your choice (I only use one scoop)

(**feel free to add some nutmeg, or cloves for some extra spice!)

**Add ice if you didn’t have a frozen banana, or if you just want it colder! (I drink mine at room temp sometimes, i don’t mind it! =))

Pulse everything in your blender, add some extra almond milk if your shake is looking too thick. Pour into glass, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top just for fun & drink up! Great for breakfast or post WOD…here’s why:

Pumpkin is not only an antioxidant (beta-carotene, plays a role in cancer prevention!) & an anti-inflammatory, but  FULL of Vitamin A, more than 200% of  your daily intake! Vitamin A can aid in your visibility & help prevent cataracts & sight deterioration.  Pumpkins are also rich in carotenoids (what gives them their color), which actually has anti-aging properties! Also, has shown to help aid in cardiovascular disease prevention. This awesome ingredient is full of fiber as well, keeping you fuller, longer  & helping us keep our fab figures! Last but not least, full of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system & contains more potassium than a banana!!! This helps refuel us and keep our muscles functioning well! I think it’s safe to say I’ll be enjoying pumpkin all year round =)

Ginger is great for our belly! Chew on some ginger or add some to your tea to help soothe upset stomachs or cramps & reduce flatulence..(I don’t have to explain that do i?!?!?!?) Ginger helps improve the absorption of nutrients in the body & helps get rid of throat & nose congestion! Definitely a SUPER SPICE!

Cinnamon is not only a tasty additive to baked goods, smoothies, teas, applesauce… is actually has shown to regulate blood sugar & reduce cholesterol (reduce risk of cardiovascular disease) Cinnamon has natural medicinal purpose by showing to be effective against some ulcer causing bacteria & other yucky bacteria. (YIKES!) Has been linked to arthritis relief & also cancer prevention! & finally, contains fiber, calcium, iron & maganese…granted we only use a TBSP or so per serving, but use it in everything & you’ll be good to go!!!

Happy Drinking!! =) ❤ Amy

Chocolate Chia Avocado Banana Protein Shake

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I posted a picture of this yummy shake this morning & I wanted to share the recipe!!! This shake is full of fiber & healthy fats! Will definitely keep you full with plenty or protein & nutrients! So delicious as a post workout shake, breakfast, or a chocolatey treat!!

Chocolate Avocado Chia Banana Protein Shake:

1/2 avocado
1/2 banana
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk (may need more if it’s too thick!)
1-2 tbsp coconut butter (a couple chunks will do!)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp-1tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp-1 tbsp raw honey or a few dates
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1-2 scoops protein powder of your choice
*ice if you prefer it cold (or just freeze your bananas!)

* Put everything in food processor & pulse until smooth! Enjoy! Makes 1-2 servings!

Killer Salad Dressing!!

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Most of us have a salad for lunch or dinner daily. It’s yummy, easy & good for on the go… & of course HEALTHY! But…are you putting salad dressing on it? What kind? From a bottle, a mix..? If you are saying yes, then you might want to make a change! Not only are those bottles enemies packed with hidden sugars & salts, they are loaded with chemicals & additives that we can’t even pronounce!!!! I know they are probably creamy & tasty, but full of calories, sugars & chemicals! Those sugar-free, fat-free low cal dressings?? EVEN WORSE! Hello artificial sweeteners & flavors!!! Unfortunately, the list goes on & on & on…artificial coloring, soybean, corn & vegetable oils, poly-something…GROSS! If you are trying to get on the right track, nutrition & health wise, don’t let this bottle salad dressing sabotage your clean eating! Homemade salad dressing is so simple to make and 100 times as flavorful! Here are 2 of my favorite recipes (that take no time at all to make)!!

Balsamic Vinagrette:

1 cup EVOO

1/2 cup balsamic

1-2 TBSP dijon mustard

1 clove minced garlic

S&P to flavor (if you would like)

*Mix everything in a bottle & shake up! I store mine right on the counter! Enjoy!

Lemon Garlic Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

juice of one lemon

1/4 tsp. sea salt

8-10 cloves minced garlic

*any other seasonings that you want

Whisk up ingredients & store in a dressing container. On counter or in fridge (gets thick in fridge)

P.S. These dressings can double as marinades! 🙂