Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Marshmallow Cookies

With requests for egg nog so often, I seem to have an abundance of egg whites.  I decided to use some to make the marshmallow cookies in this recipe.  They were easy to make and have great flavor.  Mine were more of a toasted color due to my lack of low temperature on my oven.  Anyone whose seen my kitchen will understand.  This cocoa recipe is rich and chocolately, but not overly sweet.  We added a few drops of stevia. 

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza (Primal)

How does a recipe for deep dish pizza end up on a paleo blog???  Well, it is only due to the genius of Brittany Angell!  This recipe is fantastic.  I followed the crust instructions exactly.  We used chicken sausage in one pizza and seasoned hamburger in the other.  They were delicious!  I try to refrain from buying too many special ingredients, but I also enjoy learning about and how to use new things.  I just received my first bag of sweet potato starch and it was great in this recipe.
  
One of my kiddos took this next picture.  :)

20 Nutrition Facts That Should Be Common Sense

I read this article today.  Thought you might enjoy it. 

Spinach, Mushroom & Onion Saute

Here is a quick and satisfying side dish.

2 onions, sliced
2 cups baby portabello mushrooms, sliced
8 oz fresh spinach
2 Tbsp coconut oil
sea salt
black pepper


Melt coconut oil in a large skillet.  Add onions and mushrooms.  Cook for about 5 minutes or until onions become transparent.  Add spinach.  Cook another few minutes until spinach cooks down.  Season with sea salt and black pepper.

 

We ate ours with beef pot roast and this sweet potato casserole.  Yum!
 

Sweet Potato Casserole

Just in time for Thanksgiving, my kiddos and I created this wonderful sweet potato casserole.  Our family of 6 did not leave 1 bite, so double the recipe if cooking for a large group.  I thought it was delicious because of the perfect texture and blend of flavors.  For the kiddos, it was all about the marshmallows!  There are many recipes online for paleo marshmallows, but I have never made them.  I found a bag at Hy-Vee that was allergy friendly and non-GMO that did not contain HFCS, so I decided to use these.

Sweet Potato Casserole
2 lbs peeled & sliced sweet potatoes (about 3-4)
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
4 Tbsp salted butter (I use Kerrygold)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1- 1 1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans
1 cup marshmallows

Boil sweet potatoes for 20-30 minutes until soft.  Preheat oven to 350 while boiling.  Drain cooked potatoes thoroughly.  Add coconut milk, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and salt.  Whip until very smooth and blended with a hand or stand mixer.  Spread mixture into a buttered casserole dish.  Top with pecans and marshmallows.  Bake 20-25 minutes until potatoes are bubbly and marshmallows are browned. 

Peppermint Mocha

I feel very tempted and lured in by the coffee house drinks.  I usually suffer from a sugar overload induced headache when I indulge.  So, I have been working on a paleo version of some of my favorites.  Here is my peppermint mocha recipe:

1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup strong brewed organic coffee
2 Tbsp good quality cacao powder (I use Dagoba brand)
2 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
6 drops vanilla creme stevia
pinch of salt

Place all ingredients in a blender or Vitamix and process until foamy.  Transfer to a small pot and heat thoroughly. Pour into 2 large mugs and enjoy with someone special. 

This is my oldest kiddo after school.  Such a warm, comforting drink to sip on while telling Mom about your day!

Barbacoa Quesadillas

I made some reeeeeeally spicy barbacoa meat that tasted great, but the kiddos would not eat.  I ended up freezing the leftovers in small batches.  I used some to make into quesadillas and they were yummy!  Just wanted to report that it froze well.  Barbacoa quesadillas made with these tortillas and this meat, sauteed peppers & onions, and cheddar cheese.  Topped with fresh cilantro and avocado.