Paleo Bacon Wrapped Dates

Otherwise known as meat candy, this tasty appetizer is pleasing to Paleo and non Paleo friends!

I followed the recipe that The healthy Housewife shared except that I omitted the cashews.  As a tester I made one with cashews inside the date and one without. The result Simple is better! Really and truly these are delicious! Mouth watering bacon and the sweetness of the date, perfect! I made them an hour before my guests arrived and then just heated them up.  There wasn't one leftover!

Recipe can be found here

First lightly cook the bacon- This helps to make it crispier later and it will roll around the date nicely. Then cut the bacon in half before your roll it.

After rolling the date in bacon secure it with a toothpick and place it on parchment paper.
The directions said to bake for 10 minutes, but I cooked then for about 14 minutes. I like them crispy!

This is a keeper!

What I learned

Sometimes you have to try things for yourself to make a decision. Just because someone else has recommended something or told you that this or that is the best may not be true for you.  There is only one authority that I will always believe, always trust in always put my hope.  God's word and His love

Paleo white chicken lasagna

Sometimes I miss Alfredo sauce. You know that velvety, creamy, heart stopping sauce? This is my version of a white chicken and vegetable lasagna, Paleo style. 

White Chicken Lasagna

First make this 

Luscious Cauliflower Sauce

Ingredients

·       1 Tbsp minced garlic

·       2 tablespoons butter

·       5 cups cauliflower 

·        1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

·       1/2 teaspoon pepper (more to taste)

·       1/2 cup coconut or almond milk

Directions

Cook cauliflower in water until tender, then set aside. Do not drain.

With a slotted spoon put cauliflower into food processor.

Saute garlic with butter then add to the food processor. 
Add 1 cup water and coconut milk salt and pepper, then puree. Add more water until the sauce is smooth. 

White chicken Lasagna

Ingredients

1 large Zucchini-mandolin sliced

1/4 cup diced carrots

1 cup Spinach

1/2 cup broccoli

2 cups cooked diced chicken

1/4 cup cooked nitrate free bacon

2 cups Luscious Cauliflower Sauce

Directions

Layer the zucchini in a glass Pyrex dish

Saute broccoli, carrots in 1 Tbsp coconut oil till tender. Season with salt and pepper. 

 

Place spinach on top of zucchini, then layer vegetable mixture on top. Sprinkle with bacon and cover with 1 cup of white sauce.

Place another layer of zucchini on top, layer with spinach, chicken, bacon. Cover with one more layer of zucchini and finish with 1 cup of white sauce. Sprinkle with seasoning.

Cover with foil, bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Then uncover and bake for 10 minutes. Take out of oven and wait 5 minutes before serving.

Yes, it is as good as it looks! Yummy

What I learned

There many steps to making this delicious dish.  Each of them were required to yield the end result. Sometimes we are tempted to rush ahead and skip through the lessons that God wants us to learn. Our lives are not just a series of unconnected events.  Because He knows the plans He has for us, He also knows what is required for us to get where He wants us to go. 

Slow down, don't be in such a hurry that you miss what He is trying to teach you through exactly where you are today!

Paleo Glazed Turnips

You are not going to believe how yummy these are! I was nervous to make them but will definitely will now that I have ventured into turnip land!

Glazed Turnips

Ingredients

· 2 medium turnips

· About 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons water

· 2 tablespoons butter/ghee

· 1 tablespoon honey

· 1/2 teaspoon salt

· 1/4 cup orange juice

· 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger

· 1/2 tsp organic orange zest

Directions

Peel turnips, cut into small slices. Arrange turnips in a skillet add enough water to cover the turnips. Add 1 Tbsp butter, 1 Tbsp honey, and salt and boil on high heat, and cook for about 10 minutes. Continue cooking uncovered, until tender and water has evaporated.

Remove turnips from pan.

Into the pan combine 1 Tablespoon butter and honey with orange juice, zest and ginger. Transfer the turnips into mixture, then heat until all of the turnips are coated with glaze.

Enjoy this great dish!

What I learned

New things can be scary but trying them can be half the fun!  Sometimes God call us to step out and try something that we are uncomfortable with so that we can trust him and grow. 

He may be calling you to let go of your fear of

speaking in front of people

not having enough of _________

failure

heights

flying

travel

a mission trip

sharing your faith

singing

being real

Go ahead, try something new! He will be with you!

Zucchini Sweet Potato bake with Meatballs

That looks so good! The recipe on Paleo OMG looked unbelievably good. Today I decided to give it a try. 

Of course I changed the recipe. Taking something and putting my own spin to it is one of my favorite things to do.

Ingredients 
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 small zucchinis, shredded
1 small y sweet potato shredded
1 red onion, shredded
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 pound grass fed ground beef
1 (14 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Use a grater or shredding attachment on a food processor to shred the zucchini, sweet potato and red onion.
• Place a large skillet over medium heat, add coconut oil and minced garlic, then add the zucchini, sweet potato and onion.
• Let vegetables cook down until soft, then add ½ tablespoon Mrs. Dash and Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and a bit of salt and pepper to the vegetables and mix around to coat.
• Then add the diced tomatoes.
• Transfer vegetable mixture into a glass Pyrex dish.
• Place ground beef in a bowl along with the rest of the spices and some salt and pepper. Add in spinach and form into meatballs.  
• I made 12 meatballs with the pound of meat.
• Press each meatball into the vegetable mixture.

Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
It was unbelievably good!!

What I Learned

Many times we are introduced to things that seem unbelievably good, yet we can be skeptical as to their validity. "Could this really be as good as it claims to be? "

How many times have we seen infomercials and thought, "I'd like to try it but it probably won't work?  Other times we put our trust into something and we end up being disappointed because it wasn't as good as the product or recipe claimed to be. 

Time after time of being let down begins to wear us down and pretty soon we begin to trust less and less. 

There is one person who has always been and always will be reliable! He is unbelievably good! 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.  Psalm 118  

Paleo Spanish Rice

On the menu tonight is Mexican rice using quinoa and pulled pork with tomatillo sauce. You can find the recipe here.

In the crockpot this morning I placed a pork shoulder that I sprinkled with a little garlic, salt and pepper. 3 hours later it was finished! All I needed to do was shred it and mix it with the tomatillo sauce. 

Paleo Spanish Rice   
1 cup quinoa
1/2 onion diced
1 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 cup water
1 Tb tomato paste
2 Tsp Cumin
Salt and Pepper
1 Tb Olive oil

Directions
In frying pan brown quinoa, remove from pan. Brown onions in the olive oil, add chicken stock, water, tomato paste, cumin and salt  and pepper. When mixed add in quinoa and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.

What I learned

Why is it called Spanish Rice?

There are two thoughts regarding this. FYI, This dish isn't made in Spain!

1. Rice is not native to Mexico, it was brought over in the 1500's when Spanards began to import cattle, pigs, goats and chickens. They also brought back to Mexico from their travels to Asia, wheat and rice. Because the Spanish people originally introduced rice to Mexico, it has been dubbed "Spanish Rice." 

2. Another theory is that because Spanish is spoken in Mexico and this rice is made there, it is thus called Spanish rice. hmmm.

Personally, I think it should be called Mexican rice!

I see an interesting comparison to those who are called Christians. We are called Christians if we have an association with Jesus. This could mean that we have attended a church, know the Christian bible stories, been brought up in a Christian home, have Christian friends etc. The bible presents a different viewpoint.

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

The fact is that unless we have a personal relationship with Jesus then we are NOT Christians. If we do Christian things but are not followers of Jesus we really are just religious or spiritual people.

If you want to find out more information about having a personal relationship with Jesus this link offers a many answers to your questions. 

You were created to know God in a personal way—to have a relationship with Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ. How do you start a relationship with God?

1. Realize that you are a sinner.

   No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. The Bible says, "No one is good—not even one." We cannot become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.

2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.

   The Bible tells us that "God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners." This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.

3. Repent of your sin.

   The Bible tells us, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.

4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life.

   Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . ." If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.
   "Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen."

Paleo Meatloaf

Growing up meatloaf was one of my favorite dinners.  Eagerly awaiting for it to be done I would peek through the oven window to glimpse the bubbling goodness! The meatloaf reminds me of being home with family.

For many years I stopped eating beef because it was so difficult to digest.  That was until I found out about grass fed beef! Praise the Lord I can eat it again!  This recipe is guaranteed to fulfill your meatloaf craving!

Paleo Meat Loaf

Ingredients

2Lbs Grass fed hamburger
1 Onion chopped
1 cup Kale chopped
1 Carrot diced
2 Eggs
1 Tb Minced garlic
1/2 Red Bell Pepper chopped
1 can Tomato paste 6oz
1 can Water
1 Tb Mrs. Dash
Salt and Pepper

Directions

Mix together all ingredients together except the tomato paste and water. In another bowl mix the tomato paste and water together, then add to the meatloaf mixture.

Place in a meatloaf or bread baking dish and bake for 45 minutes at 350.

I like to serve it with a mild salsa on top! Enjoy!

* I place a cookie sheet under it so it doesn't bubble onto the bottom of my oven! :)

What I learned
It is so much better to have a first hand experience rather than admiring it from afar. This meatloaf has reminded me that we are included in God's family.

• He has included us

That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ. …Ephesians 2:12-13

• He has made us family!

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, Ephesians 2:19

• He is our Father!

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

Father thank you that we do not need to look through the window admiring you and your kingdom. We are grateful that we have full access to you because you have called us your children. Thank you for making your home with us. May we always think of meatloaf as a reminder that we are at home with you!

Paleo Chicken Fried Rice

There is something about Chinese food! The freshness of the ingredients, the fragrant ginger and garlic.  Its enough to to make me want some right now! Just in case you are skeptical if this can be Paleo, no rice was used in this recipe!!

Paleo Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower
1/2 cup green onion
2 TB coconut oil
2 TB minced garlic
1 TB zested ginger
1 carrot sliced thin
1/2 cup broccoli
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
6 TB liquid aminos
1 TB Sesame oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup cooked chicken

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

• Cut cauliflower off of core and place into food processor. Pulse until it becomes rice like.
• Saute onions and vegetables in 1 TB coconut oil, then remove from pan. 
• Place 1 TB coconut oil in pan with garlic and ginger, add cauliflower to the pan.  Cook until just hot. 
• Add the vegetable chicken mix to the cauliflower. 
• Crack the two eggs and cook. 
• Pour the liquid aminos into the pan and mix. 
• Last, drizzle the sesame oil on top! 

What I learned

I have been eating a Paleo diet for 1 1/2 years now.  Most of the time I do not miss the gluten or other things that Paleo suggests that you omit from your meals. Sometimes however I begin to doubt that I could be satisfied with recipes that don't have what the regular one does.  In this case it was hard to believe that cauliflower would make me happy!

I have been a Christian for well over 35 years and still sometimes I begin to doubt that the life that has been planned for me by God will satisfy me. It all looks good on paper, but in reality sometimes I still long for the things that have nothing to do with me any more.  During times like these I must look deeper into God's word and fully trust that the Creator has a better plan than I do!

Paleo Chicken Broccoli Quiche

Two of the things that I miss on our Paleo eating is bread and cheese. When I saw this recipe I began salivating.  All day long I thought about getting home and making it! The original recipe can be found at Fast Paleo.  I have adjusted it to fit our tastes.

Ingredients

Crust
3 cups Almond Meal
3 Eggs
4 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp sea salt

Filling
2 cups cubed chicken 

1 onion chopped

1 tsp garlic

1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes

1 head of broccoli chopped

3 Eggs

1 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1 tsp arrowroot

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp crushed black Pepper

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Pre-heat the oven 350F.
Begin making the crust. Mix the crust ingredients until it it makes a dough. Press into a greased 9x9 pan. The dough can be thick, be sure to press it down with your hands and a fork. (You can use all or some of the dough depending on your preference of the thickness). 

Poke the bottom with a fork and a bake for 20 minutes. 

After removing the crust from the oven, increase the temperature to 390F.

Make the filling while the crust is baking.

Saute the chicken, onion and sun dried tomatoes in the olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. 

In a bowl, beat the eggs, coconut milk, arrowroot, garlic, red pepper, salt and black pepper.

Next spread the chicken, tomato, onion mix evenly over the crust.
Pour over the egg mixture filling up every little cavity. Place the broccoli on top, covering the entire dish, pushing it down into the mixture with your hand.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.  Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy. It is so good!

What I learned

While trying to stay true to my Paleo lifestyle it can be difficult to abstain from certain things like cheese and bread. In the midst of this I have had to find other things to add to my recipes. There are things that God has asked us not to be a part of and in our lives as Christians we too must sometimes figure out how to respond to those things that we are asked to abstain from.  From the time of Adam and Eve each of us have had the same dilemma.

We really have 2 choices; abstain or give in.

I have many friends who have decided that it is too hard to follow Christ all of the time so they go the route of giving in and asking for forgiveness after. This makes me so sad. Instead of remaining strong and finding another way they have given in, given up and quite honestly made excuses! Living this way marks us with shame and justification. Like Adam and Eve we eventually begin to hide from God and hope that he doesn't notice our lapses in judgement.  There has to be a different way!

I believe that there is a way to live beyond sin, but it requires us seek God, and to humbly follow hard after Him. Seek Him and He will be found by you. You won't be disappointed!

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

Paleo Pizza Bowl recipe

While in Tennessee, we went to a little diner called The Cobbly Nob. I was delighted to find what they called a pizza bowl.  Here is my version of it.

Sauce Recipe

·        1/2 cup chopped onion (or one small-medium onion)
·        1 tablespoon Olive oil
·        3 cups water
·        1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste (I like Contadina)
·        1/2 tsp. honey (optional, takes away the acidity)
·        1 tsp. basil
·        2 tsp. oregano
·        1 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)
·        2 tsp. garlic
·        1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Sauté onions in olive oil then add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. (I love to let it sit in the crock pot for an hour or so on low.)

Pizza Bowl Recipe

For each bowl

•  Foil
•   ½ cup sauce
•   Toppings of your choice (onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, olives, mushrooms, jalapeno, pineapple, sausage, bacon, ham)       
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning

Place foil into oven safe bowl, add sauce, then place your toppings. Cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Satisfying on so many levels!

The flavors in this dish all mix together so well, that I didn't even miss the crust. I have been eating paleo for about 6 months now and honestly I don't miss some of the old things.  Making changes in my diet have required some sacrifice but the benefits in my health have far out weighed that which I have given up.  

I am reminded that as Christians we too must make some choices to give the old way of life up, and soon you won't miss them anymore. Daily we must choose to surrender, and press on.

Surrender

This is not an easy task for us.  The more we grow in Christ, the more we understand how much we must surrender. In I Kings 20:4 King Ahab makes this promise, " I and all I have are yours"  My desire every day is to be able to say this. To keep nothing back. Daily bringing every single sin before His throne and then changing my behavior. This means that I must come clean with Jesus about thoughts, words, feelings, work, time, and possessions. 

 Andrew Murray has said, "Jesus has a right to all--He demands the whole. Give yourself, with all that you have, to be guided and used and kept, undivided and blessed."  

Will this be your prayer today?" I and all I have are yours" 

Press on

One we have surrendered the next step is to get to work! Daily asking, "what would you have me do today?, Who can I care for in your His name in all that we do!

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 

To think all of this started at the Cobbly Nob and the pizza bowl.  I love hoe God teaches me through everything!

Paleo Salmon Stuffed Zucchini

Two of my favorite things combined together make a delightful dinner! I was craving salmon but wanted a little twist on it. This was an experiment that went right! I never thought that this combination would taste so good! 

Ingredients  Serves 4
Salmon (14 oz) approximately
1/2 onion
1 egg
1 Tbsp garlic
salt and pepper
1/2 bell pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 large zucchini or yellow squash

Directions

• Place all ingredients except the zucchini into a food processor and pulse till blended together.
• Cut the zucchini in half then in half again. Scoop out the seeds to create a bowl.
• Spoon into the zucchini the salmon mixture, forming a mound on top. Sprinkle additional seasoning on top and bake uncovered for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo.

What I learned is that you never know how God wants to use things in your life to ramp up your witness! We all have things to offer and God wants to use these things for His purposes and plans.You were created because He had and has a plan for you!

Whether you are 
quiet or loud   
shy or outgoing
creative or academic
organized or free spirited
serious or silly
walker or runner
behind the scenes or upfront

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, Ephesians 4:11

God wants to use your gifts in a specific combination that He has already designed. The question is whether you are ready to offer these gifts to Him?