Dream Big

I was hoping to get this posted earlier, but jet lag, my friends is real.  I have finally got back into a normal sleeping and eating schedule, but the tiredness drags on.  I can't imagine how my 13 year old feels, as two days after we got back she went off to camp. Next week will be sleep catch up for her, for sure.  I thought I would share some of our journey to the Mediterranean and the yummy fresh food we ate!  Read all the way to the end for a very exciting new journey I am starting in my life!

One of my lifetime dreams was to travel to Europe.  I loved the architecture, the history (even though not my favorite subject), the different life and slow culture intrigues me.  I promised I would take my daughters one day.  I absolutely love to travel.  I love to be home on my little farm with donkeys, chickens and doggies, but I love to experience the world and the culture.  Most of all I love to dig into the real culture outside of the tourist area.  I only got to do this just a little on this trip, but most of all my husband and I got to watch our girls faces light up, as they experienced the world. 

We had a stop in Marseille, France.  We were exhausted from flying and lack of sleep, so we just took a taxi to Notre-Dame de la Garde.  I am not Catholic, but I wanted to light a candle and leave it burning. For those close to me, you will know the circumstances that have been going on in my life and my heart's burden. Notre Dome and the taxi ride was a great first experience for the girls, although really it wasn't their first experience of different cultures.  The ship alone was a crazy experience for them.  My girls can make friends with anyone, but they found it is hard if you don't speak the same language.  My biggest wish is to speak another language and it sucks learning as an adult.  Luckily, they both met friends from Northern Ireland and they are continuing to pen pal with them, so looks like a trip to Ireland is in our future.

Our second stop was in Villefranche, France.  This was the French Riveria and oh my goodness, it was amazing.  I ran outside on the track on deck 12 of the ship and just was amazed at the beauty of the place. We just stayed in the port town and walked around shopping and exploring, playing on the beach and smelling the sweet flowers that were everywhere.  We at the best "fresh" being the key word pizza there.  The highlight of it all was my daughter was able to eat both ice cream and pizza in Europe.  They process their dairy different, which she can deal with.  The whole time she was there she had no issues, but has already eaten something since we came home that made her sick.  Now she wants to move there.  I am game!

The next day was the Tower of Pisa in La Spezia, Italy. It was lots of fun.  Little smaller in person then in movies and pictures, but lots of fun for the kids to take crazy pictures.  The best was turning your back to the tower and watching 60 people be in funny stances of all kinds to a picture.  Oh what we humans do for fun!

Then it was Rome.  We didn't have time for everything, so we just did a sight seeing tour and then walked around the outside of the Vatican, which was massive.  The girls are itching to go back and it was fun, as my husband has been there and done tours before, so he gave us some background info.  We got these little sandwiches there and I thought they were amazing.  Again my daughter was scared to eat cheese, but was great!

Our favorite place was Sorrento and Pompeii, Italy.  Sorrento was so beautiful, quaint and full of life.  We had real pizza from a little locals place my husband had found 8 years ago when he was there.  We were the only people there and the food was again key word "fresh."  I love the moped in the restaurant lol  Love European life!!!

We had gelato twice and the look of my kids faces when we walked down the street and there was live Italian music playing smell of fresh pizza and Italian flag everywhere.  My oldest looked at me with a huge grin and said "we are really here, aren't we?"  I loved the farm house that overlooked Sorrento.  They showed us how to make fresh mozzarella and how they make extra virgin olive oil.  We got to try test all these foods, which were amazing and drink this amazing house wine.  Was so amazing and beautiful. Oh and the lemoncillo was amazing too.  Made fresh on this farm.

I ran 3 different times, all on the running track. On the last day at sea, everywhere I could see was the Mediterrian Sea and I wanted to pinch myself. 

The food on the ship, honestly wasn't that great.  Spain on the other hand was amazing.  We had an amazingly long wait in Barcellona, Spain airport and so we ate Tapa.  Which was so good.  Even my kids tried Calamari, which they both loved, even my picky eater.  I got this amazing Caesar salad, that wasn't really a Caesar salad.  The chef made it all fresh right by us and it was beautifully presented. 

Three hours later, we where still in the airport, don't even get me started on this airport, and hungry again.  So this was our snack.  Love Europe, can't say it enough.  I would move there today if I could.  Coming home was nice, I missed my donkeys and puppies and my own bed, but the food is nasty and going to work not as much fun!  Plus my car broke down so we had to find me a new one.  Thanks to my sweet husband he makes it not stressful at all. 

I am excited for the next step in my life though. On July 24th I officially start my Doctorate program through North Central University.  I will be pursing my Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy.  This has been my silent dream for a long time.  Something I thought I could never do, but God has laid it on my heart a few months ago that the dreams He puts in our hearts are for a reason.  This is the only AAMFT certified that I can do, as there is nothing close to me.  I am excited to start this journey and to see where God takes me in the future with my career.  Please pray for me as this is a journey that will take me 4 plus years to finish, but in the end I will be Dr. Meg.  My daughter asked if she will have to call me Dr. Momma. lol

Thanks for taking the time to read this extremely long post and hopefully I put the itch in you to travel the world or at least pursue your dreams, no matter what they are.  You live only one life, live it to the fullest!

Paleo Lemon Bars

This week’s recipe is one that has been requested for a while. We all need something sweet now and again.  I have been looking for Paleo friendly desserts.  The number one approved by many dessert are these Lemon Bars.   I found this recipe on  this blog

http://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-lemon-bars-coconut-whipped-cream/

I made very few changes to this recipe. Which is actually amazing, as I normally find something I don't like about a recipe, especially Paleo recipes.  I did add a bit more lemon to the coconut topping. I also learned to pay attention to the Coconut Milk and make sure you buy full fat version.  It won’t cream up otherwise.  It is an easy recipe to make a day ahead of time and bring to a potluck, or party.  You can easily make it nut free as well, but using sunflower butter instead if you want.  Can you imagine a dessert with no milk, nuts and gluten free?  It can happen. 

This time of year lots of easy sweet and healthy recipes are nice to have on hand for BBQ’s or parties or family get togethers.  The one thing you will run into is people being cautious of healthy food.  I know that sounds absolutely crazy, but it is true.  People are scared of something new and something they don’t know about.  It is sad that our culture is so use to processed, high in sugar and horrible for your health food, that they are scared of the clean, healthy food.  I am scared to death to eat all the crap that is out there.  I said scared to death, because it could bring on death.  Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol will have life time effects of your life.  It isn’t worth it by any means.  Be an advocate for positive eating.  Bring a healthy choice to those BBQ’s or family gatherings this summer.  Encourage and educate others to try them.  Baby steps are better than not steps at all. 

Paleo Lemon Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup organic coconut sugar
• ¼ cup creamy nut butter or sunflower butter 
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (the original recipe is half a tbsp, I didn't feel like enough
• 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

For the Filling

• 4 eggs
• 6 Tbsp honey
• ⅓ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp tapioca flour
• 1 tsp coconut flour

For the Coconut Whipped Cream

• 1 can full fat coconut milk (make sure to buy the right one, separate and only use the full fat)
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (the original recipe says you can use honey too, but the maple gives a wonderful flavor.
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fresh lemon juice*

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In one bowl, whisk the egg, coconut sugar, nut butter (you could use sunflower butter if want a nut free version), lemon juice, zest and vanilla until smooth. Then stir in the coconut flour. Grease the bottom of an 8 x 8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, or line with parchment paper on the bottom and up the sides. Spread the crust out evenly on the bottom of the dish and just slightly up the sides. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until just set, then remove.

While the crust bakes, whisk together the tapioca and coconut flour in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, combine the honey and lemon, then slowly add the flour mixture to incorporate until well combined and smooth. Whisk in each of the eggs one by one. I found to mix well so that the egg white doesn't separate after cooking. Pour this mixture over the baked crust, then bake another 20 minutes in the preheated oven until the lemon layer is set and just beginning to turn light brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temp before refrigerating to prevent the lemon layer from cracking.

To make the whipped cream layer, in a large bowl, beat the coconut cream (or thick part of separated canned coconut milk) until light and creamy, then beat in the maple syrup, vanilla, and lemon juice. Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use. Once the lemon bars are totally cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the bars, then cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Paleo Cauliflower Pizza

I am really late at posting this.  Since school has been out and the weather nice I don't want to sit down in front of the computer. I got a week off work and the first 4 days I was completely off, the second 4 days I was at kids camp with my daughters. I had a list if things I want to do in the first four days. 1: run 2: sleep, 3: family time, 4: work on garden, and 5: cook very little.

The only meal I agreed (and only cause i was begged to) to cook during my week off was home made pizza. I decided to try a new crust for my husband and I. I have been hearing lots about cauliflower pizza crust.  I researched several different recipes and couldn't find one in particular that would work for us. So I did what I always do and  made my own recipe with a mixture of all I saw.

CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST

1 package rice cauliflower
2 eggs
1/4 cup flax seeds
1 tablespoon diced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Oregano

I warmed up the cauliflower in the microwave for 3 min then added everything to a glass bowl and mixed with a fork. I then let set for 5  minutes. Put parchment paper on cookie sheet. I got 2 pizza crust out this. Cook in oven at 350 for 20 min. Then add what you desire on the pizza.

I took ground chicken burger and cooked it up. At the end I added Red Hots and onion and garlic powder. This added a yummy kick to the pizza.

My husband thought it was a great and it was very light summer dinner, with lots of veggies.  It also had lots of good stuff in it for you. 

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.