Tag Archives: paleo

Fresh Fruit Salsa

Posted in Holidays, Yummies by

It feels like foreverrrrrr since I’ve posted!!!!!!! Life has just been so busy!!! We got a new pup, Rocco, who is pretty much taking up all of my extra time, among other things of course!! I have had so many post ideas, but it’s just actually sitting down & collecting my thoughts that has been the tricky part! With all that said, here I am. Ready to go!! This past weekend was the Branford fireworks. We went to our neighbors house for a party & OF COURSE I have to bring something…DUH! I was tossing ideas back & forth, simply because I’m used to serving Paleo People! Not that these guys don’t enjoy a good bunch of kale, I just wanted to make something that everyone could & would enjoy! I went to the grocery store, and strawberries were buy 1 get 2 free! I couldn’t pass that up, so Fruit Salsa was born! I have seen some other recipes for this tasty treat, except they were loaded up with white sugar, on top of brown sugar, on top of other sugary additives! I wanted to Paleo-ize this treat & still keep it sweet & yummy! After I made it, I was literally eating it for breakfast, snack & any chance I could sneak a taste before I went over to the party! It was definitely a hit & a crowd pleaser. The recipe was requested so here it is !

FRUIT SALSA

Fresh Fruit Salsa:

This recipe makes quite a large bowl, feel free to cut in half.

2 containers of strawberries, trimmed & rinsed

4 golden delicious apples, sliced thick

2 containers of raspberries

1 pint of blueberries (optional, I did it for the red, white & blue effect!)

1 lemon, juiced

3 TBSP coconut palm sugar

1 small jar of raspberry preserve/jam (I forgot the brand I got, but it was no sugar added & only sweetened with fruit juice!)

You can chop the strawberries & apples yourself into small pieces, but I did not feel like doing all of that. I got out my favorite tool, the food processor, & in small batches, pulsed the strawberries. You want them to be chunky, so don’t overdo it or you’re going to have puree! Dump them into a large bowl, Rinse out processor & do the same with your apples. Just a manual pulse a couple of times for a chunky result. Add the apples to the bowl. Squeeze the whole lemon over the fruit in the bowl. Add your 3 tbsp of coconut palm sugar & the whole jar of preserves. Mix everything up very well, then add your raspberries & blueberries & give a gentle stir. (If the raspberries mash up a little that’s ok!) Let this mixture sit, covered, in the refrigerator until you are ready to go. The salsa will get nice & juicy over time! I served this with cinnamon sugar pita chips (EEK! I KNOW, GLUTEN, OH EM GEE!) You are free to find a paleo alternative or just eat it with a spoon, that’s what I did! =) ENJOY! ❤

rocco

Here is my new baby, Rocco (on the top ;))

 

 

Paleo BBQ Time!!

Posted in Holidays, Yummies by

FLAG

Memorial Day is  days away, 4th of July approaching & lots of picnic opportunities in between!! I have a few favorite things that I love to make  for every picnic or summer-y event! It’s easy to figure out that obviously you are cooking meat of some kind, burgers, chicken, etc…but then it comes to the side dishes! I sometimes get stuck! Can’t look to potato or pasta salad for refuge!!!! WAH! Here are some of my most popular side dishes that a very much BBQ worthy!

Paleo “Potato” Salad:

PALEO POTATO SALAD

2 bags of frozen organic cauliflower (whole foods, $1.99)

2 celery stalks, diced

4 ish TBSP finely chopped red onion

3 hard-boiled eggs, cooled & chopped

1 tbsp parsley, optional (i don’t like a lot =()

sprinkle of sea salt & pepp

2 heaping TBSP (or to taste) paleo or homemade mayo, or store-bought organic mayo will do (trader joes makes a good one!)

1 heaping TBSP (or to taste) Dijon or regular mustard (i like regular!)

I have made this recipe a dozen times, and using raw cauliflower, which you can do, it’s just more work! I’m all about working smarter not harder! =) If using raw, cut up into pieces & de-stem. Steam until tender. With the frozen it’s much easier. I open up the two bags, but into microwave safe dish with a splash of water & microwave (I know, cavemen didn’t have microwaves, give me a break….) for about 10 ish minutes. You just need them to defrost. Set the cauliflower aside to cool slightly. This is the most time-consuming step other than hard boiling eggs! Easy right?! Anyway…drain your cauliflower, then add your celery, onions, chopped eggs, mayo, mustard, s&p! (If you want to add parsley, do so now) BAM…DONE! Refrigerate until cool & ready to serve! There you have it…the most delicious “Potato” salad EVER! ENJOY!

Broccoli Salad:

BROCCOLI

About 2-3 large heads of broccoli, chopped into bit size pieces

5 pieces of bacon, cooked, chopped, SAVE GREASE!

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds (sub pumpkin seeds)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (sub raisins)

1/2 cup raw sliced or slivered almonds

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

S&P

You can cook your bacon, however you normally do. I always do it on a foil lined baking sheet in the oven until crispy. Less mess!!!! Cook your bacon until crispy & set bacon aside, but reserve the bacon grease! In a large bowl, add your raw broccoli, onion, seeds, cranberries, almonds, red vinegar, chopped bacon & add the bacon grease….YES ADD THE GREASE IT IS DELICIOUS!!!! =) Add some S & P to taste! Mix up carefully, i tend to overfill my bowls! It should all be coated nicely with bacon grease & vinegar. If it still looks a little dry, you can add some EVOO or a splash more of the red vinegar! Keep refrigerated until ready to serve & give a good mix up before serving!

Cole Slaw:

I don’t actually have a recipe to share for this, but I do have some links for Paleo Coleslaw that look delicious & which I will be making for this Memorial Day! YUM!

http://www.paleocupboard.com/coleslaw.html (DOESN’T USE MAYO)

http://paleogrubs.com/homemade-coleslaw (DOES USE MAYO, can sub 1-2 bags of pre-made coleslaw veggies, instead of doing all this work!)

Now that you have your side dish recipes & ideas, get your burgers, hot dogs, chicken, whatever you wish!!!! I will probably do a fruit salad or some watermelon as well. Maybe some of my homemade popsicles?!?!

paleo popsicles

HAPPY PICNICING!!

 

Paleo Fish Tacos with Avocado Cream Sauce

Posted in Yummies by

cinco catOkkkkkkk here I am! I am back from a short blog break. With all of the Easter craziness & work & blah blah blah….I haven’t really made anything blog worthy! (GASP!) Thank the lord for Cinco de Mayo!!! I obbbbbbviously has to make something special for this fun day! ❤ Doug happens to love fish tacos, but we don’t commonly eat them. (Flour tortillas…not happening!) I wanted to make this tasty dish, Paleo style of course! This dish actually has a few different things you’ll have to make…but it’s easy I promise! Let’s get started!!

fish tacos

Fish:

1.5-2 lbs wild caught Cod (Big Y on sale, $4.99/lb…delish!) (I made extra for leftovers!!!)

1/2 cup lime juice

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp cumin (just a few shakes…not so serious!!!!!)

1 tsp chili powder (just a few shakes!)

1 tsp ishhhhhh garlic powder =)

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup almond flour

1 egg, beaten

Place your raw fish in a 9×13 glass baking dish. Pour lime juice over the fish, then add salt, cumin, chili powder & garlic powder. Cover with plastic, put in fridge to marinate for a few hours. After it has marinated for a while, cut the fish into strips, let’s sayyyyyyy 1 inch (ish..hehe!) by 4 inches?? Mix your coconut with almond flour & a pinch of salt in a dish. Dip each piece into egg, then coat each side with the almond, coconut mixture! Line the pieces up on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Broil on high for about 5-7 minutes each side, until fish is cooked through & crust is golden-y brown!

Avocado Cream Sauce (Beyond amazing….)

I’ve seen this before for like an “Alfredo Sauce”…this just has a citrus-y kick!

1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for a few hours)

1 small avocado

1/8 cup lime juice

pinch or so of cayenne (how hot can you take it?!?)

1/2 tsp salt

After you have soaked your cashews, you can drain them. Keep the water & set aside from the cashews. In your food processor, add the cashews with about 1/4 cup of the water. Puree until smooth. Add the avocado & the remaining ingredients & pulse until smooth. Add a TBSP of water to the mix as needed to get a smooth saucy consistency! Makes about 1 cup! (Store in refrigerator, I put it on my grilled chicken for lunch the next day!)

Tortillas:

I used my favorite tortilla recipe, just double this for 6 tortillas!

http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/08/23/simple-paleo-tortillas/

Once you have your tortillas, cream Sauce & fish made…you can start your assembly! I put a tortilla down, added some shredded romaine, a piece of fish & some Avocado Cream Sauce & there you have it!! Doug added some salsa to his! I also served some Black Rice on the side…which is soooo yummy! (Trader Joes) Also, the sauce & the tortillas can be made ahead of time & simply stored in the fridge. I prefer the tortillas cold, but you can reheat them. To save time, you can pre-batter the fish & just cook it when you are ready for din din! It cooks very quick! I know there are a lot of ingredients & directions, but once you get going it’s super easy….and soooooo worth it! Enjoy!

Cabbage Steaks!

Posted in Yummies by

cabbage seaks

I know you’re probably excited….steak?!?!!? No…not steak =) More like cabbage slices, chunks… ummm steaks?!? Here is a quick, easy to prepare & cook yummy addition to your dinner!  I am always looking for a “bed” to be my burger on! I posted a recipe a few posts ago for Balsamic Dijon Burgers…in which is also enjoyed these yummy cabbage steaks. They are so yummy!!!!!!! Even eating them alone..which i did for lunch the next day, is delish!

Cabbage Steaks:

*makes about 6 slices

1 head of cabbage

2 tablespoons olive oil

2-3 cloves garlic, crushed(of course…I used extra!)

1 lemon, juiced

salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375°F. (On a foiled, greased baking sheet…)Slice cabbage into slices, thick enough to keep intact, coat with olive oil, lemon juice , garlic, salt & pepp, bake about 40 mins!

*I enjoyed my cabbages steaks with a big juicy burger & a tossed salad! ❤ Enjoy!

Balsamic Dijon Burgers!!

Posted in Yummies by

ecard

Seriously?!? Oh burgers….where would my life be without you?!? I could care less about the bun…the burger is what I love! As usual, every time I make burgers I make them different!! I always like to try new spices or different meats. I had just gotten an order from Heritage Valley Farms (I’ll post link below) & I wanted to make sure it was prepared deliciously.. & it was! =) I made these with ground pork & ground turkey, but of course can be switched & swapped with beef or bison. I prefer to jazz up a leaner turkey, just so it has some yummy flavor! No eggs or breadcrumbs or yucky fillers necessary! =)

burger

Balsamic Dijon Burgers:

1lb ground pork

1lb ground turkey

4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

4 tbsp Dijon mustard (I like extra ;))

2-3 thinly sliced scallions

2-4 minced garlic cloves (as usual…the more the merrier.)

Couple shakes of an Italian Seasoning (salt free blend from T&J)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix up with a wooden spoon or your hands. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Form into about 7-8 patties. You can cook these on the grill, or broil them! It’s a nice quick change-up. Put under broiler on high for about 10-15 minutes. Flip. Then another 5-7 minutes until cooked through & golden-y brown! YUM!!!! Top these babies with a little cheese (if you’re gettin crazy?!?) or some organic ketchup or BBQ!! I like mine on a piece of my flax bread! Anyway you eat them you will be satisfied! Enjoy! ❤

http://www.heritagevalleynj.com/the-farm.html

 

 

Paleo Goulash (fridge dump opportunity!!!)

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GOULASH

Goulash is typically a soup or stew of meat, noodles & vegetables. In this case, meat, yes, veggies, yes, noodles, NO! So here is a variation of this popular dish. The fun thing about it is that I make it different every time!! This gives me an opportunity to use up those extra things in the fridge!! I am going to give you this last recipe that I made, with some other variations of course! This recipe makes a lot, perfect for dinner, then lunch…maybe breakfast?! WHATEVER! Yum! I love it!

Paleo Goulash:

1lb pork sausage (I crumbled up a pack of Longhini Sweet Sausage Patties)

1lb ground beef (or you can use turkey or bison, super yummy!!)

1 large onion, chopped

1 large head green cabbage, chopped or shredded

(**Sometimes I also add some chopped carrots, celery or mushrooms! Play around!)

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

1 6 oz can tomato paste

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (I like mine extra saucy, you can omit this can if you choose!)

(**Make sure your cans of tomato products are salt free with no other junk added!)

4 TBSP apple cider vinegar ( I like extra!)

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

S&P

In a large pot, cook the sausage, beef or turkey & onion in some EVOO over med heat until no longer pink. If you have a lot of extra grease, drain it, if not, leave it in there! Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat & simmer, covered (stirring occassionally) for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want your cabbage (and other veggies if you added them) to be tender! *I typically serve mine over the Cauli-Rice with some Flax Bread! DELISH!!! ❤

Roasted Beets & Brussel Sprouts…

Posted in Uncategorized by

BEETS

To be honest….. I do not LOVEEEEE beets….. I am trying, I am. I make them & eat them a lot actually, trying to just acquire the taste. (Beet chips tho?!? Those are whats up!) I’m getting there! Beets are a great source of vitamins & minerals. They actually have cleansing properties for the liver & your blood! Super great source of energy & great for your mental health! (I swear….look it up!)  I had some beets & brussel sprouts in the fridge…had to cook them so they didn’t go bad. So here is what I came up with! & mighty tasty for that matter! I hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Roasted Beets & Brussel Sprouts:

2 cups Brussel sprouts (destemmed, halved or quartered)
3 medium sized beets (peeled, chopped into small Cubes
About 4 minced garlic cloves
Salt & pepper
Rosemary or Italian seasoning (or both)

Preheat oven to 400. Place beets & sprouts in a mixing bowl. Add enough olive oil just to lightly coat the veggies. Add in your seasoning & toss!! Put on a foiled or greased baking sheet & bake for about 35-40 minutes until tender. These are also super tasty as leftovers on top of a salad! YUM! Enjoy ❤

Super Loaded Paleo Power/Breakfast Bar!!!

Posted in Yummies by

20140320-084128.jpg

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