Paleo Spicy Elk Chili in the Slow Cooker Recipe

A huge thank you to our friend Jared for supplying me with freshly caught elk meat straight from the mountains of Utah!

I made this slow cooker meal about as Paleo as it comes!  So excited for dinner tonight!

• 1 large elk steak
• 1 green bell pepper 
• 1 yellow squash or zucchini 
• 1/4 cup onion
• 1 tbsp garlic
• 1/4 cup hot wing sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 stalks chopped celery 
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp chipolte powder
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and place on low for 8 hours.  Can you say what a great treat for dinner after a hard crossfit workout??  Enjoy!

Paleo Breakfast Bake Recipe

I wake up around 6:00am each morning to work and there is nothing better then having a pre made breakfast waiting to just be thrown in the microwave.  On Saturday night I made a huge pan of this Paleo Egg breakfast bake and it has been feeding me all week so far!  Here is what you will need for a pans worth:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash 
• 2 zucchinis
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup onions
• 2 green bell peppers 
• 1 cup ground turkey or chicken meat
• 12 eggs
• 4 diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp fresh garlic  
• 2 stalks chopped celery 
• 1 avocado
• 1 tbsp cumin 
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut your spaghetti squash in half and use a spoon to remove the seeds. 
3. Place open side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minute.
4. While your squash bakes, heat up a pan over medium-high heat and add your ground meet..
5. Once your meat is cooked through, remove put in a large mixing bowl.
6. Pull your spaghetti squash out of the oven and de-thread with a fork.
7. Chop up all of your veggies and add the the mixing bowl with the meat.
8. Crack the eggs into the mixing bowl and stir in spices with the rest of the mix.
9. Place the mixed ingredients into a large baking dish and spread out evenly.
10. Bake on 415 degrees for 30-40 minutes.  Be patient and make sure the center is cooked through.
11. When finished, let cool and top with avocado and hot sauce!

Enjoy the leftovers for a great week of eating!

Paleo Kale Sweet Potato and Egg Hash

Best breakfast this morning!  I had a ton of leftover stuff so I threw it all in!  Must have been hungry from that crazy Cross fit workout yesterday ...Here is what you need:

• 1/2 small sweet potato (previously cooked)
• 1 big bunch of kale, chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped onion
• 2 farm fresh eggs
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• handful of any extra cooked meet (I used fresh shaved turkey)

1. Heat the coconut oil in a pan and add onions and meat until browned. 
2. Add the Kale and sweet potato and cover the pan for 4 minutes or until Kale is cooked
3. Add the eggs and mix into the hash
4. Stir together until the egg is cooked and covering everything

Serve with a nice hot cup of coffee :)

Paleo Bison Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash Recipe

I saw some fresh bison meat the store today and just had to buy some to attempt my skills at Paleo Bison Meatballs.  Here is what you will need:

Meatballs:

• 8 oz ground Bison meat
• 2 cups fresh spinach 
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1tsp chili powder 
• 1tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Preheat the oven to 375

In a bowl, combine everything but the ground bison.   I usually put it in a food processor and pulse lightly so it doesn't turn into liquid.  Just enough the get the spinach chopped up nicely. 

I then take the bison and mix it into the mixture. Do not blend it all together, you don't want it to be too compact.  Roll the mix into small meatball sized balls and place onto a baking pan.  If the mixture seems to watery, add a little bit of almond or coconut flour to thicken.

Bake about 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. 

Spaghetti Squash:

• One medium spaghetti squash
• Italian seasoning 
• Basil seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and sprinkle the seasonings on the inside of squash. 
3. Place cut side down on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25 minutes until spaghetti squash is tender
5. Use a fork to remove the threads and place in a large bowl.

Serve the meatballs on top of the squash and top with fresh tomato sauce.

Paleo Green Protein Lunch Salad Recipe with Cilantro Balsamic

Salad:

• 1 cup spinach 
• 1 cup kale
• 1/2 chopped broccoli
• 1 diced tomato 
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber 
• 2 tbsp chopped onion  
• 4 oz. tuna or chicken 
• 1/2 avocado 

 Dressing:

• 1 tbsp dijon mustard 
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro 
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)

Put all of the dressing ingredients into a processor or blender and blend until smooth.  Top salad with dressing.

Paleo Espresso Braised Pulled Beef with Carrot Fries

I made a trip down to the local Olive Oil and Vinegar store and decided to try out the Balsamic Espresso Vinegar.  They said it was great with steaks so I thought why not!  Best part?  It's all natural with no sugar so I could work it into my Paleo diet.  Here is what you will need for this great dinner:

Espresso Beef:

• 1 cup espresso balsamic 
• 2-3 sirloin steaks or cut of your choice
• 1/2 small diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

This is my favorite recipe because of how easy it is to cook.  I used my slow cooker to combine all of the ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours.  When the meat is tender, take a fork and shred it, mixing in the sauce and onions from the slow cooker.

Carrot Fries:

• 1 tsp melted coconut oil
• 1 bag of large carrots (chopped thin)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the carrot fries and place onto a large looking pan. Rub in the melted coconut oil and add seasonings.

I usually cook the fries for about 35-40 minutes to get a nice crispy coating.  Enjoy!

Paleo Mexican Cauliflower Rice with Spicy Shredded Chicken

I've always wanted to try Paleo rice so here it is!  I put a Mexican spin on it and also added some yummy buffalo shredded chicken from the crock pot.

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• ⅓ cup broth or water
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 red or green pepper
• handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1 lime
• ½ white onion, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• salt and pepper, to taste

Cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces and run through a food processor until it looks like the size of rice.

Place a saucepan over medium heat, add cauliflower and broth or water and cover to let steam for about 10 minutes.

Once cauliflower is soft, add garlic, chili pepper, cilantro, lime, onions, peppers, carrots and a bit of salt and pepper.

Cook until the veggies are tender (or to your liking) and top with avocado or salsa.

If you want to add the chicken to your dinner, make before hand:

• 4-6 large Chicken Breasts
• 1/2 bottle hot buffalo sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Place everything into your crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.  Shred the chicken and enjoy!

Paleo Kale Chips with slow cooker pulled buffalo chicken

I made this for dinner and I think Kale Chips may be my favorite new food...I'm not kidding these are amazing, especially made with coconut oil.  Here is what you will need:

Kale Chips:

• 3 cups fresh kale
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• lemon pepper to taste

1. Pre heat the oven to 350 F
2. Pull the kale apart into chip size pieces and place onto a large baking pan 
3. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave until liquid.  Cover kale with the oil until evenly coated
4. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and place pan into oven for 15 minutes or until the kale is crispy.
5. Hint: To make the best chips, make sure the kale is not too wet when putting it into the oven

Buffalo Chicken (made in advance)

• 1 large pack of chicken breasts 
• 1/2 cup hot buffalo sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper  
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke (optional for a smokey taste)

1. Place the chicken and all other ingredients into a large crock pot
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours
3. Use 2 forks to pull the chicken apart and serve

Paleo Pulled Brisket and Eggs with a Pumpkin Pancake

This was a very random breakfast I threw together but it turned out great!  I had leftover brisket from the night before so I mixed it with an egg and made my very own Paleo Pumpkin pancake.  Here is what you will need for 1-2 servings:

Meat and Eggs:

• 1/4 cup pulled meat already cooked (pork, beef, or chicken)
• 2 eggs

Pancake:

• 4 tbsp coconut flower
• 1/2 banana 
• 1/4 cup fresh pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp almond butter 
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• 1 beaten egg 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1tsp nutmeg or pumpkin spice 
• 1/8 tsp baking powder 
• coco powder or dark chocolate to taste (optional)

To make the meat and eggs, heat the already cooked meat on a pan and scramble in eggs.

To make the pumpkin pancakes, beat or blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor.
Make sure the mixture is not too thin.  If it looks watery, add more coconut flower.
Drop the thick batter onto a pan (use coconut oil if it sticks) and cook each side until done.  Sometimes it won't bubble so just make sure it doesn't burn. I melted a little dark chocolate on top to add sweetness which was fantastic!

Enjoy!

Paleo Turkey Lettuce Wraps

• 1 pound ground extra lean turkey
• 1 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 stalk chopped celery 
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1/2 red bell peppers chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Chili powder to taste (optional)
• 1 head lettuce pulled apart  

1. Place pan over medium heat and melt the coconut oil.
2. Cook garlic, onion, and celery until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Stir in red pepper and seasonings to the mix
4. Add the ground turkey and cook until just done, about 5 to 6 minutes.
5. To prepare the lettuce wrap, wash the lettuce head and dry with a towel. Gently tear off each outer leaf until they are all separated.
6. Garnish with cilantro and hot sauce or salsa 

Paleo snack! Fresh apples with almond butter and pumpkin seeds

This is one of my favorite Paleo snacks!

• 1 red apple
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• Handful pumpkin seeds

Simply spread a little almond butter on each apple slice and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.  This is a great protein snack that will keep your insulin down and fill you up!

Paleo Sweet Potato Kale Hash with Fresh Peaches

No better to get a Wednesday morning started than cooking up a Sweet Potato Kale Hash with a cup of hot coffee!  This is a super easy breakfast you can prepare any morning and will keep you full until lunch.  Here is what you will need:

• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 2 cups fresh kale 
• 1/2 small sweet potato (previously cooked)
• 3 organic eggs
• 2 tbsp chopped onions
• Salt and Pepper to taste

 Heat the coconut oil over medium heat in a pan and add the onions.  Cook until tender and then add the chopped sweet potato and kale. Cover the pan for about 3 minutes or until the kale is cooked.  Add the eggs (beaten) to the mix and stir until the eggs are cooked into the hash.  If you want a kick, add some fresh salsa to the top!

Chop up a fresh peach, brew some coffee, and enjoy!

Paleo spaghetti squash with turkey meat sauce and asparagus soup

The perfect Paleo dinner combo!  I just got a new Ninja blender and just had to try making soup!  Here is what you will need:

Spaghetti Squash:

• One medium spaghetti squash
• One pound of ground extra lean turkey
• 1/4 cup chopped onion 
• One can of tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic, whole.
• Italian seasoning 
• Fresh Basil 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 25 minutes until spaghetti squash is tender
4. Use a fork to remove the threads and place in a large bowl.

Turkey Meat Suace:

1. Heat a pan over medium and add onions and garlic and cook until brown.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until the meat is cooked through.
3. Add seasonings to top and finish with tomatoes and basil.
4. Add to the top of the squash. 

Asparagus Soup:

• 1 large bag of asparagus
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp veggie broth 
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Garlic to taste

1. Steam the asparagus (microwave or pan) until very tender
2. Place all of the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
3. Add seasoning as you see fit.

Enjoy a nice treat on a cold Fall night!

Paleo Thanksgiving! Cauliflower mashed potatoes with pulled turkey and cranberries

Mashed potatoes are not Paleo...or are they!  I found a great way to make a little Paleo Thanksgiving dinner for my husband and I one night to celebrate Fall!  Here is what you need:

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1/4 cup chicken stalk 
• 1 cup fresh cranberries 
• 2 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/2 lb turkey 
• 1/4 cup onions 
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 fresh garlic cloves 
• Salt and Pepper to taste 

Mashed Potatoes:

1. Fill a large saucepan with about an inch of water, and insert a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, and add the cauliflower. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover for about 8 minutes.
2. Drain the steamed cauliflower, and transfer to the bowl of a large food processor. Add in the lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings, and process until smooth.

Turkey and Cranberries:

You can use a pan to cook these together but I used  my slow cooker.

1. Add the chicken stock, onions, cranberries, cinnamon, and turkey into the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
2. Once cooked, serve with the mashed potatoes. 

Enjoy your Paleo dinner!

Paleo Pulled Brisket with Onions and Green Beans (crock pot style)

Easiest Paleo recipe yet!  Just throw a few ingredients into the crock pot in the morning and prepare for an amazing, hassle free dinner!  Here is what you need (serves 2):

• 1 lb lean steak of your choice (I used sirloin)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups fresh green beans
• 2 tbsp liquid smoke seasoning
• 2 tbsp chicken stock
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Add the chopped onions to the bottom of the crock pot.  Place the meat on top of the onions and then the green beans on top of the meat.

Cook on low heat for 7 hours or high heat for 4.  When it has been cooked, pull apart the meat and enjoy!

Paleo Tuna Salad with Chipotle Carrot Fries

This is a great Paleo lunch or dinner idea.  Filled with only veggies and protein, it's an ideal meal!

Salad

• 1 can light tuna
• 1 cup chopped broccoli
• 1 small chopped tomato 
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/8 cup chopped onions
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard 
• balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar   

Fries 

• 1 small bag of whole raw carrots 
• extra virgin olive oil
• Chipotle seasoning 
• Salt and Pepper to taste 

Pre heat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Chop the carrots to look like french fries and mix in the olive oil and seasonings until completely covered.  Bake for 30 min. or until crispy.

For the tuna salad, mix all ingredients into a bowl and stir well adding the vinegar and Dijon for dressing.

Paleo Pumpkin Cookies

My mom came over for her Birthday during my Paleo challenge so I made a special dessert for everyone!  Here is the recipe for Paleo Pumpkin Cookies:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 pureed banana 
• 1/4 cup coconut or almond flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vinilla
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking powder 
• 2 tbsp almond butter 
• 2 tbsp green pumpkin seeds
• Dark chocolate chips (optional)
• Raw Honey (optional for more sweetness)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-slip baking mat.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Enjoy the paleo cookies!  Mine tasted kind of like pumpkin chocolate chip banana bread which I am ok with!

Paleo Turkey Bacon with Eggs

It took me a while to get used to having breakfast with no grains!  Now it seems completely normal to cook up some eggs each morning!  Here is the recipe for today's breakfast treat.  Happy Monday!

• 3 slices fresh deli turkey cut into strips
• 1 tsp coconut oil 
• 3 organic eggs
• Splash of coconut milk
• Salt and Pepper to taste 
• 1 banana

Put the coconut oil in a pan and heat it up over medium. Once melted, lay the strips of turkey meat onto the pan and cook until crispy (like bacon).

In a bowl, combine the eggs, coconut milk, and seasonings.  Scramble over medium heat until cooked to your liking. 

Serve with a banana and enjoy your protein paleo breakfast!

Paleo Challenge!

My crossfit team recently had a challenge to go Paleo for 30 days.  I have heard good and bad about this diet but after a month, I am now a true believer!  I have never felt healthier and although the challenge is over, I have decided to continue on with the Paleo life style.  If you want to read more about Paleo I would go to this website. It helped me get started!

http://ultimatepaleoguide.com/paleo-diet-food-list/

From now on, my blog will be mainly Paleo food recipes.  I thought I would start out with my very first Paleo snack I prepared.  I like to call them Paleo Engery Balls.

The reason I made these was because I was leaving town one weekend to mountain bike in Moab and figured there wasn't going to be a lot of Paleo options for snacking.  I am so glad I brought these, they gave me all day energy and tasted AMAZING!  Here is the recipe:

Almonds
Pumpkin seeds (the little green ones)
Unsweetwened shredded coconut
Almond Butter
Dried Dates
Dried Blueberries
Coco Powder
Cinnamon

Now here is the fun part...there really isn't a recipe for this in terms of portions.  I just add a little of everything into the food processor until it sticks together well enough to shape into balls.  You can experiment with the flavors you like.  If it isn't sticking well enough, use more almond butter or dates, simple as that!  Have fun with it and enjoy!