Cooking day

In 2 hours I created 4 meals and muffins plus a pot roast in the crock pot, roasted brussel sprouts and mashed turnips. 

In the picture, is a spinach quiche, sausage soup, sausage and peppers and chili over spaghetti squash.  You might think that this would tire me out but instead I feel like I want to cook some more!  All of these recipes are made the Paleo way and are extremely healthy! The purpose of creating these meals are so that I can have delicious, nutritious lunches! What a blessing to have these in my freezer.

Every day in the lunchroom, people peer into my lunch and say, "What do you have today? Some want to try it and others, (like my friend Kelly) say, "well, that looks interesting". She very rarely will try it because she is afraid that she will not like it. 

We are all like this at times. Even with spiritual things we can become picky. "Lord, I would like this, some of those, but not that!" 

James and John had the same issues. Imagine treating Jesus as if he was here to grant your every wish!

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” Mark 10:35

By the response that was given to them it is safe to say that we do not get to pick and choose from a smorgasbord of blessings. They are given at the sole discretion of the blesser!

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” Mark 10:36-40

Blessings come in many forms. Although not always in the ways that we would normally think. Sometimes like my friend Kelly, it is easy to want to pick and choose how we are blessed. 

Fortunately our God is the giver of every good and perfect gift! 

 "I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26

Father help us to remember that Your gifts come in Your time and in Your way! 

Mangoes

I am in love with this fruit! There is never enough of it!

In addition to being tasty it has great nutrients.

Great info from health-alternatives

Mango

One mango without peel contains 1.06 grams of protein, 135 calories and 3.7 grams of dietary fiber.

Potassium - 323 mg Phosphorus - 23 mg Magnesium - 19 mg Calcium - 21 mg Sodium - 4 mg Iron - 0.27 mg Selenium 1.2 mcg Manganese - 0.056 mg Copper - 0.228 mg Zinc - 0.08 mg Also contains small amounts of other minerals.

Vitamin A - 1584 IU Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.12 mg Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.118 mg Niacin - 1.209 mg Folate - 29 mcg Pantothenic Acid - 0.331 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.227 mg Vitamin C - 57.3 mg Vitamin E - 2.32 mg Vitamin K - 8.7 mcg Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

The only trouble has been getting that darn pit out! I found a picture of a tool that I want to try.  Let me know if you have ever used a mango slicer!

In my quest to eat more mangoes I made this recipe. 

Banana Mango muffins

1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 eggs
1/3 cup raw honey
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon coconut flour
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp chia seeds
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup chopped pecans for topping
1 medium mango, peeled and cut into small squares

Directions

Combine all of the wet ingredients, except the mango, Add the dry ingredients and mix well Next add the mango stir until incorporated but don't mush it up. 

Pour into muffin tins. (I always use liners) Top with pecans and Bake for 20-24 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Allow to cool completely before devouring!

Yes they were delicious! The little pieces of mango are a wonderful pop of sweetness in this muffin. Next time I might even add more mango!  his little one 

What I learned

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Even a little bit of sweetness can make a difference.  You never know what a smile can do for someone. An act of kindness can sweeten someones day, a kind word can change someones outlook, a soft touch can bring comfort. 

I work with the cutest kindergarten and first graders.  Some of them come from homes that are anything but sweet. They are starving for a smile, a look a touch.  Giving it to them is a joy for me and world of difference for many of them. 

Yesterday one student showed me how his father disciplines him. This little ones face became twisted and full of anger as he told me of his father's angry words and harshness with him. All I could do was speak softly, crouch down and look him in the eyes and tell him how happy I was to have him at our school.  Then in a sweet moment he wrapped his arms around me. 

We have a choice to make a difference in this world. I choose joy and want to share that joy with everyone I meet. 

Who needs to have a little bit of His sweetness shared with them today?

Paleo Sweet potato and Zucchini Fritters

Why is it that we love all things fried? Just the mention of crispy fired potatoes causes my mouth to salivate! When I found this recipe for sweet potato and zucchini fritters I was very excited and they certainly did not disappoint.  

Recipe

Ingredients
3 eggs
2 tsp coconut flourSalt and Pepper

1 tsp garlic

1 tablespoon oregano
2 cups shredded
sweet potato & zucchini

coconut oil for frying

Directions
Beat the eggs and add garlic, spices and flour.

Mix in sweet potato and zucchini.

Make into good size balls and flatten. 

Heat skillet and melt coconut oil. Add fritters to the hot oil turn over after a few minutes, flatten slightly and continue to cook till browned. Place on a paper towel when finished and then enjoy! 

These were a big hit! The pairing of sweet potato and zucchini works really well! Some things are meant to be served together!

What I Learned

As Christians there are things that just work better together.

Love and Forgiveness
Mercy and Grace
Peace and Joy
Salvation and Eternity
Trust and Obedience
You and Jesus

You were never meant to do this thing called life alone! 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is lovely! I have been cooking with coconut oil for a while and even take a spoonful now and then. It's like eating a mounds bar without the guilt. You may be surprised that this oil isn't just for cooking. Recently I started using it as a part of my beauty regimen.You would be amazed at how efficient it is as a makeup remover, moisturizer and shaving lotion. (be careful that you don't use to much on your eyes!) It doesn't burn just can become gloopy!

This week I tried it in my hair as a moisturizing treatment. On dry hair, I took a handful of coconut oil and simply massaged it throughout. I really thought that it would leave my fine hair limp and weighted down.  After a normal wash and condition, my hair was silky soft and smooth! Love this!

Google "coconut oil" and find thousands of entries touting the benefits of using it from toothpaste to curing a variety of illnesses. It is amazing how this one oil can be used in so many areas of our lives.

A list of research can be found here. Even Dr. Oz has gotten on the coconut oil band wagon.


What I learned

God isn't just for Sunday mornings! He isn't just for reading the Bible. He isn't just for salvation prayers! God is God and therefore He is over all. We limit the power available to us when we place Him into a box that dictates how and when we will allow Him into our lives. 

It is not that He doesn't have the power to 

intervene 

heal

change

guide

save

transform and more.

Maybe its that we just don't believe that he has the power?

I love looking at the names of God. It helps me remember that He is so much more than what I make Him out to be. 

I found this list of praying the names of God.  Awesome resource.

Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD-- that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.Psalm 83:18

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him. "The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name. Exodus 15:2-3

Paleo Chicken Bastilla

In my quest to discover recipes using dates I stumbled across Chicken Bastila from The Clothes Make The Girl. 

A very interesting recipe . All directions are listed on her page. 

It looks complex and since I love challenges I rolled up my sleeves and had at it! It took 2 hours to make!

The fragrance was amazing!

The chicken was very tasty as it simmered in the sauce!

 The Result

It was a lot of work to create this.  The flavors are interesting, but I didn't love it. The finished result seemed way to dry for my liking. I actually thought that the simmering chicken was delicious and would definitely make that again, but not the whole recipe.

What I Learned

As a Christian I can over complicate things. The old saying, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it"is a much better way of doing life than following way of doing church or bible study. This experience reminded me that, my directions are 2 fold, To love God with all that I am and have and secondly,  to love my neighbor as myself. End of directions.

Why do I try to complicate the simplicity of the gospel?

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Father show me how to live in the simplicity of your love and only follow your commands. Guide me Oh my great Jehovah

Can you Handle the Heat?

Warm sudsy water is one of my favorite things. Placing my hands into the water to wash dishes just feels right.  I know it isn't glamorous or even popular but I would rather wash dishes than put them away. maybe it's the warmth of the water, or the accomplishment of making clean what once was a gooey mess. All I know is that dirty dishes beckon me to clean them and I comply.

After a morning or preparing Paleo delights of zucchini muffins, baked balsamic chicken and zucchini sweet potato meatball bake, the clean up began. One by one the food encrusted pans entered into their bath and the process began. After a few minutes of sudsy sensational cleaning only 2 remained; 

The large glass measuring cup went into the water and then the glass. To my surprise, upon reaching into the sink I felt not two objects, but one. The glass had  fallen into the measuring cup and then became wedged into it.

 I wish you could have seen my face. I am sure that I made the "what just happened?" face! The glass was not budging, and honestly I was a little scared that I might break both of them!  

 Googling why this happened unveiled some interesting facts.                  

• Glass expands or breaks when heated. 
• If glass is slowly heated it will slowly expand, if suddenly heated up from a cold state it will shatter or break
• Pyrex is made to withstand shattering due to excessive heat

I emptied the water out of the duo and set them on the counter. The suggestion on Google was to add lukewarm water into the drinking glass 

causing the glass to shrink back to its original size. Within moments the drinking glass was freed from the measuring bowl! 

What I Learned

When our lives heat up, meaning that they are filled with tough situations we have an opportunity to expand and grow. In the midst of difficult days we may feel as though we will break, but I believe that we can grow and change because of these times. 

God's plan is to refine us

See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10

To help us mature

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

To change us to be a reflection of Christ

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

If you are feeling as though you are at your breaking point, cling to the one who made you and knows you best. He alone can bring you through.

Bread is it worth it?

We have had a glorious time on vacation in Punta Banda, Mexico just outside of Ensenada Mexico. Long walks on the beach, strolling through shops in La Bufadora, fish tacos, watching dolphins meander by, kayaking in the bay and did I mention rest? What's not to love?  One afternoon we visited Walmart, yes even in Mexico Walmart has made It's presence known! There right in front of us was a glorious sight! "pan dulce"! Mexican sweet breads!   I wish for the sake of understanding that you could smell what we smelled! 

Holding onto the grocery cart, almost whining, okay really whining, "I have to get out of here! This will be the death of me!"

In a flash, all of the knowledge that I have about what gluten does to my digestion went out of my mind and instead it was filled with fantasies about how good the pastries would taste. Sweet concoctions of pineapple, apple, creme, chocolate, cinnamon and on and on. The sweet breads seemed to beckon me, "Come closer, come closer and take a bite, just a little one, it won't hurt you!" 

This article explains the dangers of gluten. I know about the impact of gluten on my digestive system and have felt the discomfort of eating bread, so why am I tempted when I am surrounded by it? 

In case you are wondering, I didn't have any pan dulce. I smelled it, enjoyed looking at it and then, even though my family bought some, I walked away! It was difficult but there was victory for me in making this choice. It seems that each time I make a choice to eat only those things that are happy for my body the decisions become easier! 

True confession time! Smores called out to me and I answered, "Yes please!" I gave in to the ooey, gooey tastiness of the marshmallows. Plural, since I consumed 1 smore and 7 roasted marshmallows.  I made the decision to enjoy these with my family and although I wouldn't recommend that I do it every day, this vacation treat was worth it.

What I learned, 

Making a conscious decision to abstain from things that are unhealthy for you strengthens you to continue to make wise decisions.  If something cause you to sin, remove it!  Matthew 5:30

This is different for every person.

 It can be people, 

food, 

alcohol, 

television,

 music, 

shopping. 

What is it for you?

Planning ahead would have kept me from partaking, and partaking and partaking of the marshmallows. If I had made this Paleo Smores recipe I would have had the best of both worlds! I just must plan ahead and be wise in my decisions. This is true in so many areas of my life. 

Solomon asked the Lord to give him discernment, It is my prayer today as well.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. I Kings 3:9

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Paleo Breakfast

Eating Paleo has been slightly a struggle for me in the morning.  I have been for most of my life a cereal or oatmeal eater in the morning. Making the change to protein and veggies for breakfast has been an adjustment. Here is Loren Cordain's interesting article about the effects that grains may have on our bodies. 

Scanning the shelves of the fridge my eyes spied leftover steak, avocado, tomatoes and eggs. The steak and egg idea was born. Easy, delicious, filling and energy supplying!

What I learned 

Just because I have always done something a certain way doesn't mean that I need to continue doing it that way. Habits aren't always healthy or positive for us.  This is true for eating habits, spending, words we use, TV watching, relaxation, exercise and so much more!

• If something or someone is toxic for us maybe we should move on.

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." I Corinthians 15:33

• God will lead us if we look to Him.

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

• We can start over because God has given us new birth!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, I Peter 1:3

Whatever you are trying to leave behind, know that God is able, and willing to remake, renew and recharge you! All you have to do is draw near to Him and He will be there!

Paleo Lemon Dill Salmon

I love the aromas of food cooking! I think it is why I enjoy creating meals.  There is a satisfaction that comes when my husband walks into the door and says, "What is that delicious food I smell?" Today was no different. He walked in to smell lemon dill salmon and roasted vegetables with bacon.

Lemon Dill Salmon 

Ingredients

Salmon

2 Lemons

Mrs. Dash

Salt and pepper

Ghee 

Directions

Cut Salmon into smaller portions

Mix together Lemon juice from half of a lemon

Zest of the lemon, dill and melted Ghee.

Pour over salmon then cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350.

Roasted Vegetables with Bacon

Ingredients

1/2 onion

1 red bell pepper

1/2 orange bell pepper

2 cups brussel sprouts

1/4 pound of nitrate free bacon

1 TB olive oil

salt and pepper

Cut onions and peppers into strips

cut uncooked bacon into little strips

Mix all vegetables and onions together with olive oil.

Place in roasting pan, add salt and pepper. Cook at 350 for 30-35 minutes

What I learned
We have a choice every day to be a sweet pleasing aroma or an unwelcome one. 

We can choose to be 

Joyful or Sorrowful

Helpful or a Hindrance

Encouraging or Belittling

Kind or Inconsiderate

Faithful or Faithless

Sensitive or Hurtful

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. 2 Corinthians 2:15

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2

May everyone we greet be overwhelmed with the aroma of Christ. Amen!

Paleo Enchilada Casserole

Growing up in Southern California there was always a plethora of Mexican foods available.  I remember our next door neighbor inviting us over for tamales, enchiladas and carne asada.  From a very young age, I acquired a love for Mexican flavors. One of the ingredients that makes Mexican cooking so tasty is cumin. 

Cumin has some amazing qualities. It has been around for thousands of years.  This small unassuming seed helps to boost our immune system, aids in digestion and adds a nutty peppery flavor to any recipe. To read more about cumin .

Paleo Enchilada Casserole

Serves 6

Ingredients

2lbs grass fed hamburger    

1/2 onion

2 TB minced garlic

1 head cabbage

5 oz can tomato paste

1/2 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup water

2 TB Cumin

2 TB Chili powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

Olive oil

1 can of green chilies chopped

Avocado

Lettuce

Cut cabbage from the head, removing the core. Place the cabbage into a pot of water. Cook until soft but not mushy. While waiting on the cabbage, brown the hamburger and onion, drain then add 1 TB cumin and chili Powder. Mix in the garlic then salt and pepper to taste.

In a sauce pan combine the tomato paste, chicken stock, water 1 TB cumin and chili powder. Salt and pepper to taste. Before using the sauce drizzle with Olive oil and mix together.

After draining the cabbage place a small amount of sauce in the bottom of  large Pyrex dish. Layer Cabbage, meat, green chilies and then repeat, finishing with a layer of cabbage. Pour the sauce over the top of the cabbage.

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Finish the dish with some lettuce and slices of avocado.

What I learned

We may feel that we are small and insignificant but God has other plans for us.  He may want us to 

Flavor the world with His love.

Aid others in some way or

 Boost their spirits by encouraging them. 

You are the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13

I can't imagine Mexican food without cumin. I can't imagine the world without Christians who take their job seriously to flavor this world with the Love of God!

The power of Avocado

The Avocado is a super food! 

Did you know 

• European sailors used avocados in place of butter?
• There are more than 80 varieties of avocados.
• They are good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C,K, folate, and B6. 
• In 1/2 of of an avocado there are 160 calories, 15 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, and only 2 grams of  saturated fat.
• A whole avocado contains more than one-third daily value of vitamin C, and more than half the day’s requirements of vitamin K.
• There are 10 great benefits of eating avocados!

Besides all of these facts, they are unbelievably delicious!

This week I made a chicken avocado salad and it met all three of my requirements, Paleo, tasty and quick!

Ingredients

1 Avocado

1/2 cup Spinach

1/2 of a Green Apple cubed

1/4 cup Minced Onion

1 stalk of Celery sliced

1 Carrot sliced

1/2 cup of Walnuts

2 Cooked Chicken Breasts

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 of a Lemon squeezed

Directions

Mix all of the ingredients together. Squeeze the lemon over it, add salt and pepper to taste. 

The combination of velvety avocado, sweet and tangy apples and crunchy vegetables really hit the spot!

This has me thinking about how we can include the super food of God's word throughout our lives, Mixing it into everything that we think, do and say!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 119:14

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

Psalm 119:10-11

May you seek to have more of this in your life!

Paleo Green Goddess Chicken and Broccoli recipe

Since February I have been primarily eating Paleo foods.  That means proteins, vegetables, nuts, fruit and healthy fats. To find out more check out this link.  

When trying to decide what to make for dinner I notice a jar of alfredo sauce in my cabinet. Why it is still in this Paleo house, I am not sure!  I began to contemplate what would satisfy my creamy cravings. I have to say this dinner hit the spot and it is completely Paleo! 

Green Goddess Chicken and Broccoli

Serves 2
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts cubed and seasoned with salt and pepper
1 head of broccoli
1 yellow squash sliced
1 avocado
1/4 Cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon garlic
olive oil
salt and pepper

Directions
In a small amount of olive oil saute the broccoli and squash until tender. Remove from the heat. Brown the chicken and then combine with the vegetables.

Creamy Green Goddess sauce
In food processor combine avocado, coconut milk, garlic and salt and pepper. mix until creamy.

Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. Ooh la la is this fabulous! 

What I learned is that when changing things in my life I must find healthier things to fill the place that the old ones once held. 

As a Christian, I must allow the old things to be removed and replace them with the new things that Jesus offers. Galatians 5:22-23

Impatience with Patience
Anxiousness with Peace
Sorrow with Joy
Hate with Love
Grudges with Forgiveness
Harshness with Gentleness
Selfishness with Selflessness
Pride with Humility

Ooh la la- this is so worth it!

Paleo Coconut Quinoa Recipe

My recipe for coconut quinoa was featured on Fast Paleo. They have amazing recipes that I use all the time!

This summer, I visited the country of Colombia, there I partook of coconut rice. Wow, was it delicious. I immediately thought of how I could make this somewhat Paleo. I know some do not like quinoa for Paleo, but it is a seed. 

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1 can coconut milk
1 tsp salt
2 tsp honey (to taste)
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut

Directions

First rinse the quinoa and drain. In the pan add coconut milk, honey and salt bring to a boil. Next add the quinoa, stir, reduce heat and cook until milk is absorbed. (about 20 minutes) Remove from heat and let rest for a few moments. Sprinkle the coconut on top and enjoy this succulent sweet treat!

I paired the coconut quinoa with blackened salmon and asparagus. The sweetness of the quinoa balanced the spiciness of the salmon.

Who knew that quinoa was so controversial? I was intrigued by some of the responses to the recipe. If you were not privy to the hullabaloo, there are 2 opinions about using quinoa for Paleolians. Some in the Paleo world say that it should not be included in a regular Paleo lifestyle and others fully endorse it, provided that it is organic and rinsed. Personally, I think that it is one of those grey areas I believe. If your body is able to digest it and it is used in moderation, then enjoy.

For more in depth reading about quinoa, I loved how Andrew dug into this issue at The Spunky Coconut. 


What I learned
Arguing over things seems to be human nature  We like to take sides! I do it all the time. My husband asks me often why I must make things a competition. I think I just like being right! 


Similarly with the quinoa issue, the bible contains grey areas. It is also very clear on what God expects of us. There are however, many things in life that we must make decisions about. I love that the bible contains references to these choices. Think about the whole food argument that Paul talked about in Romans.


Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.  Romans 14:13-14


The question is not about what we can do or not do, but how can we live a life pleasing to God? When we focus on this then everything else is simple.

Paleo Apple Blueberry Crisp

Apples and Blueberries are paired up in this delicious treat! Who says Paleo is boring? 


Paleo- Apple Blueberry Crisp

Ingredients:
- 3 granny smith apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons raw agave nectar

Preparation:
Preheat oven 350F degrees
- In a bowl, mix together apples and berries
- Add in 2 Tbsp agave, arrowroot powder and 1 tsp cinnamon
- Spoon mixture into ramekins
- In a different bowl, add almond flour, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2Tbsp agave, Mix well.
- Sprinkle batter on top of apple mixture
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
- Crust should be golden and fruit bubbling.
- Remove and cool 

- Enjoy!

Serves 6-8

The lesson

I was reminded that God has paired each of us with people in our lives. It may be a co-worker that lifts our spirits at the right time, a brother or sister that always is there for us, or a friend that helps us stop feeling sorry for ourselves or a spouse that encourages us to keep going!. At other times it is a group of people that holds us up when we are weak, or challenges us to be who God created us to be. 

Proverbs 17:17

Why not take some time today to say thank you to the people God has placed in your life?

Thank you Goose sisters, God has richly blessed me with your friendships!
Thank you Kevin for always cheering me on!
Thank you Jeni for teaching me to laugh and not be so uptight
Thank you Lissa for helping me get over myself!