Category Archives: Food

Menu Monday: October 6, 2014

Posted in Family, Food by

It’s going to be a busy work week for me.  As such, I’m planning accordingly.  I’ll be using the crock pot and making a couple of casseroles.  And honestly, one of my meals is just an idea at this point, I’m not exactly sure how it will work out…

Experimentation is good, it’s part of creating.  And creating is one of my favorite things to do.  I’ve always felt like a creative person, but I’ve almost always followed my scientific mind.  Remember in school how you were either good at math and science or you were good at language arts?  I was one of those kids that liked and did well at both.  Now, I’m not trying to toot my own horn, but even back in my school days students were tracked: left brain dominate or right brain dominate.  I never felt I was one or the other.  When Emron was five years old he wanted to be an artist and a super-hero; right brain and left brain.  Now, we tend to label our children even more than when I was in school…  It’s an interesting aside.  And has nothing to do with Menu Monday, but it’s my blog, so I can go stray from topic if I want to.

The photo below is one of my leftover meals from last week.  I make leftovers look good, right?

Leftover steak salad, yummy and easy.

Here’s what we are eating:

Sunday:  BBQ Chicken Thighs, Paleo Coleslaw, Sweet Potato Chips

Monday:  Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Italian Sausage and Tomato Sauce, Green Salad

Tuesday:  Beef Tacos, Paleo Tortillas, Guac,

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday:  Slow Cooker Maple Ribs, Veggies and Dip, Sweet Potato Fries

Friday: Butternut Squash, Rosemary, Bacon Casserole (this is the experiment recipe of the week), Green Salad

Saturday: Leftovers or Out, probably out (just being honest!)

What are you making this week?  I hope it’s a good one!

Easy Broiled Salmon with Tomatoes {PALEO}

Posted in Fish, Food by

Sorry, loves, no Fitness Friday this week!  How about a new recipe?  Is that okay?  This one is easy to put together and requires only a few ingredients.  In fact the spices I used worked really well, but they are mere suggestions.  If you have every thing on hand, use it.  If not, don’t sweat it.  I mean, the basil would be great to have and the oregano, but the smoked paprika isn’t essential.  So there you have it, or should I say here you have it?  Easy Broiled Salmon with Tomatoes {PALEO}

Quick to cook and only a few ingredients, this easy salmon dish is sure to be your new favorite!!

Easy Broiled Salmon with Tomatoes {PALEO}

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients:

  • 1 pound salmon
  • 1-2 large tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • smoked paprika
  • dried oregano
  • fresh basil

Directions:

  1. Turn your broiler on high and pre-heat.
  2. Grab a baking sheet, line it with aluminum foil.
  3. Place the salmon and tomatoes on the baking sheet; rub olive oil all over them.  Then sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika and oregano all over the salmon and tomatoes.  Yum!
  4. Broil on high until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Let the salmon rest for about 5 minutes before serving, with the tomatoes over zoodles.  Garnish with fresh basil.  Enjoy!!

I really hope you’re having a great weekend and that it was a good week!

Menu Monday: September 29, 2014

Posted in Family, Food by

Can you believe that on Wednesday this week we will enter the month of OCTOBER?  What the what?!!  How was the weekend?  Mine was fantastic; had two great workouts, hung out with amazing friends, ate some yummy food, and spent some quality time with the fam.  Which, looking back, is pretty great, because my week was sort of crappy.  Car didn’t start Monday morning at 4:45 a.m when I was supposed to get to work, Eli threw up several times on Tuesday, worked quite a bit, felt sick on Friday… It was just one thing after another and it made for a long week.  So, yeah, I guess a good weekend was in order!  And, as a way to end this wonderful weekend, I had sushi for dinner tonight.  I know it’s not Paleo.  But remember that 85/15 rule I’ve talked up several times…  Well, delicious sushi falls into my 15 percent.  So there.

Paleo Lunch Idea

Here’s the menu for the week:

Sunday:  Sushi

Monday:  Lemon and Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Mashed Cauliflower and Green Beans

Tuesday:  Grilled Flank Steak and Peppers with a Green Salad

Wednesday:  Leftovers

Thursday:  Spinach Andouille Sausage Bowls (Remember when I always made spinach bowls?)

Friday:  Leftover Steak Pizza (I’m thinking homemade whole wheat crust, cilantro, avocado, red peppers, onions, no sauce…) with Green Salad

Saturday:  Butternut Squash and Spinach Curry

And there you have it!  Another week of menus.  Let me know if you have questions or comments!  I’d love to know what you are making this week, too!!

Menu Monday: September 22, 2014

Posted in Food by

Last week generated a lot of leftovers.  And my brain hurts.  And so, the story goes that this week’s menu Monday is going to be a little boring.  You’ve been warned.  If you don’t want to continue reading, close the window and walk away.  Go do some pull-ups, or push-ups, or something…  But, you know what?  A plan for the week, albeit a boring plan, is better than no plan at all, and don’t you love this menu template from This Designer Cooks?  Here it is:

Sample Menu Plan

Sunday:  BBQ Chicken, Slaw, Sweet Potato Chips and Corn (not strictly Paleo).  I decided to have friends over at the last minute, and I also decided to tighten my death grip on summer, as such BBQ was served with what will probably be the last corn on the cob of the season.

Monday:  Cauliflower Crust Pizza, Green Salad.

Tuesday:  Leftovers

Wednesday:  Maple Butternut Squash Soup, Grilled Chicken, Mixed Greens.  And yea, the soup and the chicken are technically leftovers, but I’m being more specific for Wednesday, so there!

Thursday:  Spicy Lime Shrimp Tacos (recipe testing), Paleo Tortillas, Guac.

Friday:  Leftovers.

Saturday:  Burgers, Sweet Potato “Buns”, Grilled Veggies.  I’ve not made these “buns” but the link I’ve included will give you an idea of what I’m trying to do.

What do you say?  What are you making this week?

I hope it’s a good week!!

Sweet and Sour Thai Stir Fry {PALEO}

Posted in Beef, Chicken, Food, Mains, Pork by

What’s that you say?  Didn’t I promise this recipe like eight days ago?  Stop complaining!  This amazing stir fry is definitely worth the wait. and the good news is that it’s here NOW.

The idea is inspired from your typical Chinese Sweet and Sour dish, but I switched up the ingredients just a little bit to give more of a Thai inspired flavor; one that is complemented with fresh cilantro and toasted cashews.  You can use any meat you’d like in this recipe, I’ve tried pork and chicken and been happy with both.  Lastly, I’ve served this Sweet and Sour Thai Pork {PALEO} over cauli-rice and just in a bowl, either way it was yummy!  So, yes!  Without further ado: Sweet and Sour Thai Pork {PALEO}.

Quick and easy stir fry with Thai inspired flavors.

Sweet and Sour Thai Stir Fry {PALEO}

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

For the Stir Fry:

  • Paleo friendly oil of choice, I used coconut oil
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds chicken, pork or beef, chopped for stir fry
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped,
  • 1 small to medium sized onion, chopped
  • 1 Cup chopped pineapple

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 Cup coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce if you prefer
  • 1 heaping Tablespoon honey
  • 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/4 Cup tomato paste
  • ~ 1 Tablespoon Thai red curry paste, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, sub black if you don’t have white

Directions:

  1. Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.  Add the meat and let cook for about 3-4 minutes or until cooked.
  2. While the meat is cooking, mix together the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl.  Set it aside.
  3. Add the veggies and pineapple to the skillet or wok and stir fry for another minute or two.
  4. Add the sauce and make sure the ingredients are evenly coated.  Let it bubble a bit then remove the stir fry from the heat.
  5. Serve with freshly chopped cilantro and toasted cashews, if desired.  Enjoy!

 

Menu Monday: September 15, 2014

Posted in Family, Food by

Phew!  What a busy week!  The training I attended was long and at times painful (one of the workouts they put us through left me with a swollen and tender right knee), but it’s over!  Thank goodness for that.

Looking back at last week, keeping it paleo wasn’t terribly difficult.  I didn’t follow the menu plan exactly, but I was happy with the food choices I made throughout the week.  I’m even happy I took a couple of recovery days during the week, too!  I struggle a bit with days off.  I want to push myself every day, but I know that it’s my body needs a break every once in a while.  So there you have it.

Now, looking forward.  This week is another busy one but instead of being trained I will be spending most of my working hours working as a personal trainer!  WOOT!  I can’t say it enough, I LOVE my job.  That’s the rant, nice and short.  And here’s the plan for the week:

Sunday: Tostones (twice fried green plantains), Coconut Lime Shrimp (recipe testing), Guac.

Monday: BBQ Ribs, Corn (not strictly paleo, and leftover from last week’s menu plan), Sweet Potato Chips, Paleo Coleslaw.

Tuesday: Eggplant Bolognese.  Eggplant was on sale this week and I grabbed a huge one.  I’ll use part of it for the Bolognese, the other part I’ll roast and turn into some sort of baba ghanosh.  If you need more eggplant ideas here’s one for you, or just ask!

Quick leftover idea! Steak, eggs and lots of veggies. Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner,

Wednesday: Leftovers, see above.  Leftovers get such a bad rap, but the steak and egg dish above was made with leftover steak from the crock pot, a couple of freshly fried eggs and lots of veggies.  And I bet you are thinking that it looks pretty dang good!  Am I right?  Give leftovers a chance…

Thursday: Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash Soup (recipe coming soon) with Veggies and Baba Ghnanosh, see notes for Tuesday.

Friday: Spaghetti Squash Pie with Green Salad.  This item was on last week’s menu, too, but when I went to the store they didn’t have any spaghetti squash, so I bought a butternut squash, but as it turned out last week we didn’t eat that either!  It’s a big squash week over here!

Saturday: Out for dinner – or leftovers, which ever sounds better.

And that’s the plan.  Even if I do not follow the plan perfectly, I love having it down on paper, like really, I have a notebook full of menu plans!  I’m just sort of old school that way…  I love making my grocery lists based on the menu because I don’t love going to the store every day, I’ve got other things to do!  Hope it’s a great week!!

Menu Monday: September 8, 2014

Posted in Family, Food by

It’s a funny week to start Menu Mondays.  I have three days of training for my work which takes me out of the house from 5 in the morning until 6:30 at night.  Most likely I be packing breakfast and lunch.  And maybe dinner.  The game plan involves lots of grilled chicken, salads and portable food.  The boys will be fending for themselves…

It’s a good week to keep in mind the beauty of 85/15.  Make 85% of your eating choices the best they possibly can be; allow 15% to account for life.  And apply the rule over time, not just for one meal.  To aim for perfection is to set yourself up for failure; it’s simple.  Now, obviously, there are times when you need to be closer to 100% perfection and there are times when you will allow for more than 15% life choices.  Nonetheless,  keeping the 85/15 rule in mind helps you maintain your sanity.

Easy to make and pretty to look at, enjoy this PALEO Cobb Salad

On to the menu…

Sunday: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad -I used grilled chicken, bacon, hard boiled eggs, spinach, tomatoes, red cabbage, avocado, and pepitas.

Monday: Sweet and Sour Chicken over Cauli-Rice, recipe coming soon!

Tuesday: Crock Pot Beef Tacos with Paleo Tortillas and Guac.

Wednesday: (first day of my training) Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole (Hooray for Fall!!) with Green Salad.

Thursday: (training day number two) Leftovers!

Friday: (last day of training, woot!) Kids and Murry will probably go out for a boy’s night while I’ll have leftovers, again.  I don’t mind leftovers, thank goodness!

Saturday: BBQ Chicken with Corn (not strictly Paleo) and Veggies with Salsa.

And that’s it!  I’m not going to lie, this training is kind of throwing me off, but again, the 85/15 rule.  I can do!  Perhaps I’ll be super motivated and post some eating on the go strategies.  GOOD IDEA!!  I hope you have a wonderful week.

Spicy Asian Slaw with Sausage {PALEO}

Posted in Food, Mains, Pork by

I think I have a “life” post banging around in my head, but I’m not ready to write it, and moreover, I’m not sure this is the place to share. So there’s that. You know what else? Yesterday was my birthday! I think birthdays make for lots of introspection; thinking about the changes that took place over the year past, then thinking ahead to the next year. It’s not coincidence that my “life” post and my birthday intersect. And listening to Death Cab doesn’t do much to lift my mood either.

So, let’s do something about that, shall we? Talking about food always gets me excited and this dish is a new favorite around here!  Totally yummy Trader Joe's sausage.I found these amazing spicy Korean sausages at Trader Joe’s a couple of months ago and when I first picked them up I really had no idea what I would do with them. A day or two later I was in the kitchen, it was lunch time and I was on the verge of being hangry! Upon opening the refrigerator door lightening struck my brain and inspiration hit me and BAM! this meal was born: Spicy Asian Slaw with Sausage {PALEO}. The flavors notes of cilantro, cool cabbage, sweet red pepper and nutty sesame make for a well balanced bowl that comes together quickly and tastes great. I’ve fed this one to many and I’m happy to finally get the recipe up for you to enjoy! Here it is: Spicy Asian Slaw with Sausage {PALEO}

Yummy sasuage slaw!

Spicy Asian Slaw with Sausage {PALEO}

  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:
For the Slaw Mixture:

  • 2 spicy Asian style sausages, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1/4 purple or yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper, chopped
  • ~ 2 cups coleslaw mix
  • ~ 1/2 cup purple cabbage, chopped
  • ~ 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • toasted cashews, for garnish

For the Dressing:  

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Sriracha, to taste

Directions:

  1. Grab a small skillet and heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.  Add the sausage, onions and red pepper.  Cook stirring occasionally.
  2. While the sausage is cooking, let’s make the dressing.  Using a large bowl mix together all of the dressing ingredients until combined.
  3. Add the cabbage, slaw mix and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing and stir everything together, making sure to coat the slaw.
  4. By now, the sausage and onions should be cooked through; you’re looking for a bit of browning on the sausage and the onions to become translucent and the peppers to be soft.
  5. Spoon the slaw into bowls, add the sausage mixture to the top and garnish with the cashews.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes:

This recipe easily doubles or triples, but tastes best fresh.  If you let it sit around the flavors muddle together and the cabbage becomes less crisp.

You could easily sub any protein of choice for the sausage.  I’ve used leftover steak and loved the result!

If you were really on the ball, you could add some freshly ground ginger to the dressing and fresh, minced garlic.  I was going for quick and easy.

 

Coconut Milk Baked Chicken {PALEO}

Posted in Chicken, Food, Mains by

So… We’ve survived the move, which just so happened to coincide with a family visit and school letting out for the summer.  In terms of planning, moving while doing fun, touristy things around the city with your family…  Well, let’s just say that it doesn’t make for the easiest move.  But, on the flip side, we had a wonderful time with the niece, nephew and their amazing parents.  We also had the benefit of extra muscle to help move boxes.  Oh!  And their minivan had a capacity that was outstanding!

Boxes have been unpacked and what I’ve dubbed Phase One of the move is mostly complete.  Phase Two will commence when everything that has been sitting in storage in San Diego is hauled across the country and dropped off at the new place; ETA August 3.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Are you ready to hear about food?  This happened this morning:

Bacon and Egg Cups

It wasn’t some amazing culinary feat, but making my egg cups, baked leftover bacon bits, and pouring the fat into the jar marked the return of routine.  And I’ll take that.

Onward to my featured recipe: Coconut Milk Baked Chicken {PALEO}.  This recipe is simple to prepare and tastes amazing.  Spoon extra sauce on the chicken for more flavor, less if your kids are picky and want something that’s plain (my kids loved the sauce).  I hope you enjoy!

Yummy Paleo Chicken Recipe

Coconut Milk Baked Chicken {PALEO}

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 5 Tablespoons full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Shake that can of coconut milk before you open it; if you don’t you’ll have a creamy, watery, separated coconut milk mess.  Then, grab a bowl and whisk together all of the ingredients except the chicken.
  3. Toss the chicken into the sauce.  Look at the time.  If you are short on time, arrange the chicken in an oven proof skillet or Dutch oven and bake.  If time is ample, let the chicken marinade for a bit.
  4. When you are ready, bake the chicken in its yummy sauce for 30 minutes, or until it is done.
  5. Garnish with freshly chopped  cilantro and Sriracha. Slam, bam dinner is served.  Eat up!

 

Asian Marinated Chicken Wings {PALEO}

Posted in Appetizers, Chicken, Food, Mains by

Once a week…  I think I must have meant once a month.  A new post once a month, yeah, that seems about right.  Lame, I know.  If you are here for the food, I suggest you skip the next two paragraphs, if not, read on my friend.  It’s been a crazy couple of months.  Here are some of the life changes we considered:

Move to another state, move to another town, Murry leaving his job, me getting a job, buying a house, renting a house, changing the boys’ school, going to grad school, keeping our leased Explorer, buying a new car, re-starting running club, blah, blah, blah.

For those of you curious, we are staying in the same town in Murry’s job.  We found a cute 1950’s rambler to rent.  I took a job with Gold’s Gym as a CPT.  The boys’ will stay at their schools next year.  We turned in the Explorer and purchased a Subaru Outback (LOVE!!!).  Running club is up and running every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 in the morning.  Life decisions made.  At least for now.  And there you have it, my excuse list, or at least why the blog has fallen to the back burner.

Food!  Remember those two Tuesdays in December when I posted unoriginal recipes that were “Aspen Approved?”  I called it Unoriginal Tuesdays…  Remember?  Well, today I’m bringing back Unoriginal Tuesdays with this recipe from Everyday Paleo.  These Asian Marinated Chicken Wings {PALEO} are easy to make but require a bit of time to marinade, so plan accordingly.  Also, there’s apple juice in the recipe.  This is an ingredient I NEVER have on hand, so if you’re like me you will need to plan for that, too.  Without further ado: Asian Marinated Chicken Wings {PALEO}.

Easy to make and delicious, a recipe the whole family will love.

Asian Marinated Chicken Wings {PALEO}

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 lbs chicken wings

Marinade

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 3 Tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Directions:

  1. Grab a large bowl and mix together the marinade ingredients.  Add the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, 1-2 hours is better.
  2. As the marinating time draws to an end pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees F.
  3. Prep a large baking sheet by lining it with foil, then add the wings to the sheet one at a time.  Take care not to crowd the wings.
  4. Place the wings in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping them once half way through.
  5. Garnish with the sesame seeds and sliced green onions.  Enjoy!