Garlic Sweet Potatoe Chips and Burgers

After a very long week and a busy day. I did some landscaping, grocery shopping and got the kids to get all their chores done.  That alone may have been the most exhausting part of my day. I had a rough week and haven't been feeling good, so tonight I decided to make something easy and that my family loves. Garlic Sweet Potatoes Chips and Burgers.  This is an easy meal to fix early and through it on when your family is ready to eat.  My husband and I wrap our burgers in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun to make it more Paleo friendly.

Slice your sweet potatoes fries with a slicer on a number 1 or a 2.  Cover your cookie sheet with coconut oil lay out your sweet potatoes.  Spray the sweet potatoes with coconut oil and then sprinkle garlic sea salt on top.  Cook on 350 for about 15-20 minutes.  My daughter likes them almost burnt and my other likes them a little soft.  We love them and sweet potatoes are a good source of  carbs along with an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). They are also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. Additionally, they are a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and phosphorus.
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=64&tname=foodspice

Paleo Burger

2 pounds ground meat

1 egg

1/4 cup Gluten Free Oats

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

1 Tablespoon RedHot

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon pepper

I used one pound of ground turkey burger and one pound of ground chicken. I mix the two together with one egg, 1/4 cup Gluten Free Oats, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 1 Tablespoon RedHot, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon pepper. This made 6 large burgers.  I put them in the fridge until we were ready to cook them.

Vanilla Chai Energy Bites

I have been reading about how much positive things Chai seeds have.  Fiber, protein, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and many other positive nutrients.  This in turn could assist with weight loss, as well as other health benefits. I decided the easiest way to try them is add them to my energy bites.  I decided I wanted to make this weeks energy bites with even more protein. The chai seeds add a bit of crunch and texture to the bites.  They had a lot of flavor. Enjoy!

Vanilla Chai Energy Bites

1/2 cup Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
3/4 cup Almond Butter
1/8 cup Honey
1/8 cup Maple Syrup (pure)
1/4 cup Flaxseed, ground (you can also do half and half wheat germ)
1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut shreds
2 Tablespoon Chai Seeds
1/4 cup Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips

Mix all together and roll small balls.

Taco casserole

I got a new phone this last week and uploaded the Blogger app.  I was super tired on Thursday night, so I thought I'll quickly write my blog, save it and come back and finish it later.  I think it is harder to type out on the app, even though I have the amazing new Galaxy S8.  Yep, I love the infinity screen.  Anyway, went back to finish the blog yesterday and well it didn't save, so here I am writing this blog again.

We are a crazy busy family, trying to eat healthy and inexpensively.  One of the ways I find to cut cost and keep us eating healthy is to plan our weekly meals.  Depending upon our week, sometimes my husband has dinner he cooks, or I put something on the list my girls can get started if I am running a bit late.  More on meal planning for another blog.

This past week Thursday was a day where I needed to prep early and make it ready to go. Taco Casserole is the perfect meal for that.  I cut up the onions, peppers and cook up the meat ahead of time.  Then the casserole can be put in the oven at any time and it is only 15-20 minutes till dinner is served.  Which my husband can just turn on the oven if it is  his night.  This recipe also allows for it to be changed up and you can add any add ins your family might enjoy. One thing my husband and I like is crumbling up chips as the first layer of the casserole.  It gives it a wonderful texture.  My kids don't love it though, so I do it every couple times.  Oh you have to love a family of picky eaters, mix in kiddos that have allergies and it is loads of fun to cook.  I got to the point of hating it, until I decided to look at it like it was a challenge, hence the blog.

Paleo Taco Casserole

1. 25 pound lean ground turkey meat
 1 pound grown chicken meat
1 pepper
1 onion
3/4 cup salsa
1 can sliced onions

Taco Seasoning
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/46653/taco-seasoning-i/?lnkid=usspnt

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

Add all ingredients to a small container that has a lid then shake until mixed.  You can make each recipe, as spicy as your family likes, by adding more or less of the seasoning.  I use this for any recipe that ask for taco seasoning.  I normally have this mixed up all the time, so it is read to go.  The problem is, I got tired looking up the recipe each time, so I wrote it on my taco seasoning container.

Cook up the ground turkey and chicken, then drain.  Add the taco seasoning, chopped onion, pepper and salsa.  Cook until stirred well.  Put in a casserole dish.  Remember you can put a layer of crushed chips if you want first.  Add the meat mixture, then spread out the olives on top. Layer on any other toppings you may like such as jalapenos, tomatoes, or cheese. Cook on 350 for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

As you can see in mine, I added cheese to half of it for my son, daughter and ok I admit, myself too.  Oh I love my cheese! I normally serve with chips, although you could put out soft tacos to wrap the casserole in.  We also set the table with verde and all the many hot sauces my husband and daughter love! Be creative and let your family each choose what they want to add to make it their own.  

GF Chicken Soup

It's been a long couple weeks at my house. First my husband and daughter were sick with a sinus thing and now my son and daughter were up sick all night. This after I drove all day in the down pour to Kansas City and back home for a dance competition. On top of it all is I have been fighting a cold for a few days and it kicked in full blast yesterday. Two of my kids and I have napped and rested most the day.

What is the best feel good food when you don't feel good? Chicken soup of course. I decided to make some home made chicken soup. I started the chicken in the broth with seasonings and onion until it was cooked. I then shredded up the chicken and added in the veggies. As I curled up on the couch, while the soup simmered, until we were ready to eat. I also added some gluten free noodles to fill us all up. The soup was a success and tasted good even with a cold.

GF Chicken Soup

4 chicken boneless breast
 64 ounces Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon ground Corilandor
1 teaspoon ground Ginger
1 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
2 Bay Leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion chopped
6 medium carrots chopped
1 stalk of celery chopped

In a large pot put chicken breast in the chicken broth, with onion and spices. Bring to boil and then simmer until chicken is cooked. Shred chicken and then cut up celery and carrots. Let simmer until ready to eat.

You can add rice, noodles, gluten free noodles or cauliflower if desired. These are the Gluten free noodles I used today.

Paleo Chicken Pizza

I don't really understand all the Easter hype.  I mean I get Jesus giving his life for me and raising again.  I will celebrate that all day long, but Easter Bunny's who bring eggs is weird to me. I just don't get it.  My kids I have never received an Easter basket.  We have done a few egg hunts and some scavenger hunts, but I just don't go all out.  This year my kids got a little candy on the table, but for goodness sake they don't need any more sugar. 

We spent the morning at church and then worked on the farm.  Yes, I know I am officially calling my place a farm.  We should have 3 mini donkeys in a few weeks and chickens.  I am sure I will have lots of fun stories soon!!!  My kids love making home made pizza.  We started this tradition at least once a month about 5 months ago.  It is a full evening of fun with my kids.  The best part is each of us get to create our own pizza.  Each of our personalities come out in the pizza making.  My son's is all cheese and pepperonis. It is perfectly round and each piece of pepperoni is place evenly apart.  I just wish he would clean is room that perfect!  My daughter only loves cheese.  We recently got her to put olives on it and try something new.  Trying new foods is not her favorite thing to do.  She found she loves it.  My youngest can't not have dairy of any kind.  She loves all foods though, especially onions, peppers and spice.  She will put anything on her pizza!

My kids make their homemade crust, but it is not gluten free. Here is the recipe we like.  You don't have to let it rise which is nice.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20171/quick-and-easy-pizza-crust/?lnkid=usspnt

I found a very yummy and healthy Paleo Crust.  I also try to save money and be frugal with our food to use toppings that we have.  I had 2 left over pieces of Chicken Cordon Bleu that I made the other day.  I cut those up and we put those on top.  Other toppings included pepperonis, peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions and cheese for those that could or wanted it.  I have to admit I used store bought sauce, but I have a recipe I need to try.

This recipe I found on Pinterest.  I really did not make a lot of changes.  I did find that I have to double the batch for me and my husband.  I also only use coconut oil to spray on the pans.

http://healthyrecipesblogs.com/2016/01/28/coconut-flour-pizza-crust/

Coconut Flour Pizza Crust

Coconut Oil Spray for pans

4 large eggs

 

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ cup coconut flour

6 tablespoons (1 oz) grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400.  Whisk eggs, water, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano. Stir in coconut flour and then parmesan.  Spread out on oiled pan and bake for about 15 min.  It will be light colored at this point.  Let cool few minutes and then top as you like and cook until finished.  This can be different amount of time depending upon ingredients. 

I added chicken cordon bleu, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives and cheese.  Yes I know not Paleo, but is my 20 pass.  Will discuss 80/20 another times.  This is a pictures of my husbands pizza, so yummy!  I heated what was left over for lunch and was just as yummy.  

Chipotle Smothered Pork Chops

Today was filled with lots of hard work outside. Gardening one of favorite time of the year.  We planted our garden today, yay!  Since it is only our second year to plant in the spot we have put our garden plot. It is still a learning game to see what works and what doesn't.  We planted the reliable: carrots, lettuce, zucchini and tomatoes.  We tried a few different things this year including: spinach, cabbage, carrots, peppers, strawberrys and onions.  After all the working outside, I did the normal food prep of the week, energy bites and tried a new energy bite too, but not sure they are going to work (will keep you updated)! 

I wanted to try a yummy new meal since everyone was home tonight.  I decided to try a Paleo Chipotle Pork Chops recipe I had found on Pinterest.  It looked yummy!  Well the truth is I did what I always do and made some major changes to the recipe, as I didn't like the sauce's flavor originally. I also didn't have a couple of the ingredients.  All in all though it was a hit!!  My entire family loved it and my son said it is now he is new favorite meal.  I served with Sweet Potato Garlic Chips (I will do a blog about sweet potatoes another time) and veggies for the kids.  It was amazing!  I was very thrilled with the results.  I felt like the original recipe sauce still tasted like coconut and was a bit to sweet for us, but this way made everyone happy.  Also was a quick, only took me about 30 minutes.

Chipotle Smothered Pork Chops

5-6 Boneless Pork Chops
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Lime

Rub:
1 TBS Chili Powder
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 TBS minced Garlic

Dry Rub

Sauce:
1 can Coconut Milk (full fat)
2 tsp Liquid Smoke
1 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/3 cup Cilantro Paste

Heat a large skillet and cover the skillet with olive oil. Mix the rub mixture.  Rub each pork chop with olive oil and then in the rub.  Cook the pork chops turning every 3-4 minutes.  In blender mix the sauce mixture.  Poor the sauce over the pork chops when they are just about done.  Squeeze the lime juice on the top of the chops.  Cook for another couple minutes.  This will allow the sauce to take on the flavor of the rub as well. Serve with veggies.

Paleo Turkey Breakfast Casserole

Its Sunday, which as you knows means food prep day for my family.  Its been a wonderful Sunday, after sleeping in, drinking my coffee, spending time with the Lord, yoga, cleaning the house and grocery shopping for the week. I spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen food prepping for the week. Energy Bites, check, Paleo Protein Bars, check!!! (see my previous blogs for these recipes). My husband normally makes a breakfast casserole for us for the week.  My husband is gone this weekend with my son for soccer again, so I decided to try my hand at making his Paleo Breakfast Casserole.  I actually have no idea the recipe he uses, but I have watched him do it so much often that I just did it from memory.  I did pretty darn good, if I say so myself. 

The best part of this casserole is that it is loaded with veggies, but taste so amazing! You can also get creative with this and add other veggies such as mushrooms, tomatoes, green onions, ect... Make it your own.

Key Ingredient:
Jennie-O All Natural Turkey Sausage gives a wonderful flavor, but is all natural and has no extra additives.

Key Tool:
Pampered Chef Simple Slicer makes cutting up the veggies super easy and fast.

https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/karensand/shop/Cook%27s+Tools/Mandolines%2C+Slicers+%26+Choppers/Simple+Slicer/1099

Paleo Breakfast Casserole

24 Eggs
1 Turkey Sausage (Jennie-O)
1 Red Pepper
1 Onion
1 Zucchini
1/2 cup Spinach
1 Tablespoon crushed Garlic
Salt and Pepper

Sautéed veggies and sausage

Cook the Turkey Sausage and drain when done in large pan.  Slice the Zucchini, Onion and Red Pepper with the Simple Slicer.  I chopped them a bit smaller afterwards.  Add all vegetables and garlic to the cooked Turkey Sausage.  While the veggies and meat blend their flavors together, whisk the eggs (you can salt and pepper to taste) and poor into a 14.5 x 11 x 2 pan.  If it isn't a Pour in the Sausage and veggie mix and mix into till it is evenly spread out.  Cook at 400 for 20 minutes.  Let cool and then cut into squares.  Normally get 12 squares out of it. Store in air tight container. 

So Yummy and healthy!!!