Learning as I go

In the last 5 years I have really taken to cooking. I didn't do much at first, some baking mostly. I have discovered it is a new passion of mine and felt that this would be a great way to share the many recipes that have come my way along with some originals of my own. In the last couple weeks we have started receiving CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) - local grown fruit and vegetables and boy have I had fun figuring out what all I can do with it. Ive been making and cooking things I never imagined I would. So if you have found a passion in cooking like I have you have come to the right place. I hope you enjoy!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Paleo Crock-pot Chicken Soup


 
Ingredients
4 frozen skinless boneless chicken breast (in the pot above I could only fit 3 but that was still plenty of chicken for the soup)
Garlic salt to taste
2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 clove garlic
1 14 oz. can of coconut milk (full fat)
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes and juice
1 cup of chicken broth (I used homemade chicken broth but you can use store bought)
Sea Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Put all the above ingredients into the crock-pot, cook for 9 hours on low. After 9 hours take two forks and shred the chicken, set the crock-pot on warm till ready to serve (making sure to taste it before serving to make sure there is enough salt and pepper)

Served: 6 (with left over’s for lunch the next day)
 Love and Enjoy!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Paleo Crock-pot Chili


Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs. ground beef ( I used ground turkey)
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion
• 4 carrots
• 1/2 medium sized bag green beans (or chopped celery if you do not eat green beans but these are not considered a legume)
• 1/2 medium sized bag pepper strips

• 1 28oz can Crushed Tomato
• 1/2 28oz can Tomato Puree
• 4-5 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tbsp. cumin
• 1/2 tbsp. thyme & Oregano
• 1.5 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1.5 tsp. salt & crushed red pepper flakes, cracked pepper (if you like your chili spicy put in about a tbsp. of the red pepper flakes)
• 2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

 
How to:
• Dig out the crock-pot
• Chop up your onions and carrots. I like smaller pieces in my chili but cut them to however you like it.
• Chop up your chicken, toss that in with the ground beef/turkey {I like to brown my turkey to lock in the flavor but you can throw in raw as well}
• Layer on your frozen veggies.
• Spices go in next, then give it a mix, you want to coat the meat in the spices before the tomatoes go on!
• Add in your apple cider vinegar
• Now your tomatoes. I also took the can and rinsed it out
• One last stir, cover… let it go for as long as you can {On high 4 hour min. on low 6-8 hour min.}
 I also made some Almond Bread to go with it instead of Corn bread here is the recipe for that: 
 


Grain-Free Almond Bread
 
Ingredients:
  • 3 to 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup barely melted butter or coconut oil
  • 2 cups blanched almond flour/meal
  • 1/4 cup flax seed meal
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs well with vinegar. Add butter or coconut oil and whisk together until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, flax seed meal, salt and baking soda. Mix with fork until well distributed.
Add flour mixture to egg mixture and mix until smooth. Press into a greased 8″ or 9″ square baking pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown or toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes. Cut into 9 squares. (Then we cut each square in half horizontally and spread on some honey or butter.)
 
Love and Enjoy!