Peach Pancakes

This morning I mixed up a double batch of these pancakes.  I added very thinly sliced fresh peaches to them before flipping to the second side.  These were sooooo good!  Everyone liked the switch from blueberries.  Here's a nice variation while peaches are in season.  (Note:  I used almond milk in place of coconut today.)

Raspberry Iced Tea

We had a work day at our house.  My husband asked our kiddos to bring us something cold to drink.  This is what they came up with.  It was so refreshing, creative & beautiful!
 

Celestial Seasonings Cool Brew Raspberry Iced Black Tea
Stevia
Raspberries (they used frozen)
Fresh Mint Leaves

Fried Zucchini

There are certain things that make my family very happy when they see them on their plates.  One is grilled steak, another is fried zucchini.  Tonight we had both! 
 

Last summer I made paleo fried zucchini many times, this year I am continuing the tradition.  I made 2 recipes.  The first ones are my made-up recipe.  This is my family's favorite!  We ate both with this ranch dressing.
 
Rena's Fried Zucchini
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg
2 Tbsp almond milk
coconut oil
grape seed oil
1-2 zucchinis

In the first bowl mix flour and spices.  In the second bowl whisk egg and almond milk.  Slice zucchini in about 1/4 inch slices.  Heat oils in a skillet or electric skillet (I use my electric skillet at around 375 degrees.)  Dip squash in egg mixture then flour mixture.  Fry in oil flipping once.  You want them to brown but cook through.  Place on a paper towel lined plate. 

We also tried this recipe.  These were unique since you do the egg mixture step second.  The batter held on nicely and they had a great appearance.  My family did not like them as well.  I'm thinking I may try switching the flour & egg steps next time using my recipe.  
 

Breakfast Power Smoothie

Well, I threw caution to the wind today and ate this smoothie for lunch.  Anyway, it was super fast to put together and easy to drink.  Yummy & made a good lunch on the go!  I did not add the stevia since the protein powder I was using was vanilla flavored and sweetened with stevia.  I use Thorne VegaLite protein powder. 

Cajun Fish Filets

This time of year is so much fun to meal plan.  We eat whatever is ready in the garden and then add some meat.  Tonight it was broiled fish filets with cajun seasoning, green beans (our first!), and brocolli.  I use this Cajun seasoning recipe, but cut back on the red pepper.  I would have preferred to grill these filets, but the grill was out of fuel.  Anyway, this is how I prepared mine:

Rub both sides of filets generously with Cajun seasoning, top with sliced onion and sliced lemon.  Grill or broil until fish flakes.  How long this takes will depend on how thick the filets are.  Mine were a thick hake filet and took about 10 minutes. 
 
 

Breakfast Burritos

I made these before, but today I used leftover taco meat.  Here's what I put on mine.

Paleo tortilla
Quick & Easy Guac
Leftover taco meat
Scrambled eggs

I thought these were good.  50% of the children liked these, 50% would have rather just ate scrambled eggs. 

Danielle Walker (Against All Grain blogger) Update

Awhile ago I posted about Danielle's unborn baby and the fatal diagnosis she was given.  Today Danielle posted about the birth and death of her sweet little girl.  Please keep her in your prayers.
http://againstallgrain.com/2014/07/02/aila-jane-walker/

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Who could use more super fast and easy dinner ideas?  ME!  You too?  Well, this is always a hit at our house.  Tonight I decided to measure what I do, since this is typically a dump and go kind of dish.  That being said, switch things up or alter according to what your family likes. I was blessed to use the first cabbage from our garden!

2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sized cabbage, shredded
few slashes hot sauce
4 cups tomato sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 tsp dried basil

Brown beef with onion and garlic until no longer pink, drain if needed.  Add cabbage, hot sauce, tomato sauce and seasonings.  Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.  Serve as is or over cooked rice and sprinkled with cheddar cheese.  

Ok, so it's not very pretty.  :(

I Love Fat!

I watched this video link called "Ending the War on Fat."  It was put out by TIME on June 12.  It supports everything I believe and have experienced.  I have often told people that my body loves fat, this would explain why.  Eating good fats make you feel wonderful.  Here are some ideas.

Good fats(not an exhaustive list):
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Butter
Palm Oil
Animal Fat
Full-Fat Dairy
Nuts
Seeds
Avocado Oil
Avocados
Sesame Oil
Pasture- Raised Meats
Salmon
Coconut Butter
Butter
Ghee (clarified butter)
Eggs

Oven BBQ Brisket

This is an all-time favorite family recipe!  I've had to make a couple adjustments to it to make it more paleo friendly.  Original recipe from "The Better Homes and Gardens, The New Cookbook."

1 3-3.5lb beef brisket
3/4 cup water
1 medium onion
3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (this is not strict paleo)
2 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp beef powder (I use Frontier brand)
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Trim fat from meat, make sure to trim as much as possible as the end product will be much more desirable.  Place in a 9x13 baking pan.  Stir together the rest of the above ingredients and pour over meat.  Cover with foil and bake in a 325 degree oven about 3 hours, turning once.  Remove meat from juices.  At this point, I like to chill them separately.  Once chilled, it is super easy to remove the fat. Remove the fat and measure out 3/4 cup of liquid.  Add water if it is not quite enough.

In a saucepan combine:
1/2 cup ketchup (I use homemade)
2 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 Tbsp arrowroot powder
3/4 cup reserved juices

Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly.  Cook and stir for 1 minute more.

Thinly slice the cooled meat and place in a glass baking dish.  Pour sauce over the top.  Cover with foil.  Warm in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until sauce is bubbly.     



Not the best picture, but totally delicious!