Sweet Potato Hash

I love hash browns…or at least I did before I gave up potatoes. Potatoes are one of those things for me that was really hard to kick my cravings for. So to help deal with my cravings I decided to experiment with a Paleo option.

INGREDIENTS

1 white sweet potato
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 small bunch green onions, diced
2 tbsp garlic coconut oil (or 2 tbsp coconut oil and 1 clove garlic diced)
salt
black pepper

RECIPE

Skin sweet potato and shred, a food processor or salad shooter is great for this.
In a medium frying pan, heat garlic coconut oil to medium heat.
Add shredded sweet potato, diced yellow onion and diced green onion. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook for 8-10 minutes or until sweet potato begins to brown.
Enjoy while it’s still warm, preferably with Bacon!

Have a happy Paleo breakfast!

Melissa Van Dover

@mvandover | melissavandover.com

Paleo and Alcohol

We get asked about alcohol a lot, so we thought it was time to share our thoughts on drinking alcohol on the Paleo Diet in a blog post.

The most popular question we get is of course, “Can you drink on the Paleo Diet?”

We always like to answer that with a smile and, “Would we do this if we couldn’t?!”

Joking aside, while the stricter schools of Paleo do not believe alcohol consumption to be a Paleo practice and we ourselves are not promoters of regular drinking on any diet, we don’t think that a drink for enjoyment now and then should be frowned upon–after all, life is meant to be enjoyed–so don’t deprive yourself. That said, your Paleo Diet food Pyramid should definitely not look like this:

What it comes down to however, is making healthy choices. On a modern Paleo Diet the same principles apply to alcohol as they do to food. That means steering clear whenever possible of the Paleo-unfriendly food groups and items such as wheat, white potatoes and refined sugar. What does that mean in alcohol terms? It means avoiding wheat beers, liquors like vodka that are made out of white potato, and sugary cocktails or mixers that typically have large amounts of cane sugar. Try and limit your alcohol consumption to gluten-free beers, ciders with low sugar content and wine.

You may also experience a lowered tolerance for alcohol since following the Paleo lifestyle, as you are no longer consuming large quantities of carbohydrates which help absorb alcohol. Just tell people you’re a bargain for a date! But in all seriousness, because of this you may find yourself feeling the effects of alcohol faster, so please be careful. You may also find that the natural sugar in most wines, for example, causes blood sugar spikes and, if enjoyed too late at night, may hinder your ability to sleep soundly.

It’s a personal decision as to how you feel about incorporating alcohol into your Paleo Diet and an equally personal experience as to how your body copes with it.

Our advice is to listen to your body and, if you do choose to indulge, try to limit your indulgences to the more Paleo-friendly alcohol choices.

Some other great sources of information are as follows:

For Dummies Guide to How Alcohol Fits into the Paleo Diet

Loren Cordain’s One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila…Primal!

The Paleo Effect’s Paleo Alcohol Guide

Choose well and drink responsibly,

Camilla Carboni

@camillacarboni | camillacarboni.com

Paleo Energy Bars

If you’re looking for an energy bar that’s Paleo we’ve got you covered! This energy bar is packed with natural sugar, proteins and healthy fats to keep you energized during your workout. To top it off, they’ll only take you about 10 minutes to make.

INGREDIENTS

14 medjool dates, pitted
1/3 cup almonds
1/3 cup dried cranberries, sweetened naturally
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cocoa powder
plastic wrap

RECIPE

In a food processor add dates, almonds, cranberries, honey and cocoa powder. Blend until combined. (As a note, this is going to make a ball of mixture and it’ll probably get stuck in your food processor occasionally.)
Scoop mixture onto plastic wrap and cover. Form into a flat, square sheet.
Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to harden, cut into bars and re-wrap.
Keep in fridge until you are ready to eat.

Here’s to getting energized!

Melissa Van Dover

@mvandover | melissavandover.com

Stuffed Jalapeños

If you’re a spice fan like me, it’s hard to resist a spicy dish and stuffed jalapeños are one of my all-time favorites to whip up as a snack, to nibble during a sports game, or to serve as an elegant appetizer.

The jalapeño was named after the Mexican town of Xalapa (which is also spelt, Jalapa, and is pictured below).

Jalapeños are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are believed to cure colds and prevent allergy symptoms. That said, if you have a lower spice tolerance, green or red peppers make a great substitute in this incredibly simple dish. I leave it to you to go mild, medium or hot!

INGREDIENTS

3 jalapeños, sliced in half long ways down the middle
1/8 pound ground Italian sausage
3 Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced in half
Oregano spice or Italian seasoning

RECIPE

Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and place the halved jalapeños on the tray with their open side facing up.
Sprinkle Oregano or Italian seasoning on the jalapeños, and then add a Sun-dried tomato slice to the center of each one.
Top with ground sausage, pressing it firmly into the jalapeño shell.
Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Plate, sprinkle with a little more seasoning and enjoy while piping hot (in both senses of the word!)

Snack time has never been this tantalizing, and this simple!

Happy Paleo snacking,

Camilla Carboni

@camillacarboni | camillacarboni.com

APRIL & MAY 2014 EVENTS!

We are very excited to announce our April and May Cooking Demo topic: Paleo Breakfast!

Demos will be held on two dates at two different Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage locations:

Wednesday, April 16th @ 6pm – The brand new Natural Grocers store, corner Colfax and Washington, Denver CO.
Tuesday, May 6th @ 6pm – Natural Grocers Littleton, corner Kipling and Coal Mine, Littleton CO.

We’ll be showing you how to make some of our Paleo-tastic breakfasts! As a note these breakfast do include eggs. We’ll be coming out with a demo shortly for Paleo breakfasts that are also egg-free.

We hope to see you there!

Camilla & Melissa

ThePaleoPact.com

Cumin-Spiced Baked Chicken

We all have those nights when cooking is quite literally the last thing we feel like doing. That’s when baked entrees are all the more appealing! This cumin-spiced baked chicken dish takes less than 5 minutes to prep and will cook while you relax. It’s a great dish for lazy evenings, or for when guests are over and you need to whip up a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What’s more, cumin provides an abundance of natural iron, magnesium and calcium. Sprinkle it on generously!

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried apricots
1/4 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2-3 organic chicken thighs

RECIPE

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a baking dish, place the coconut oil, garlic, apricots, coconut milk and cumin seeds and stir to make a paste.
Add the raw chicken thighs and coat them in the paste.

Place the chicken dish in the over for 45-50 minutes.
Remove from the oven temporarily, flip the thighs and stir the liquid in the baking dish, drizzling it over the chicken before placing the dish back in the oven for about an hour, or until the flesh is well-done.
Remove from the oven, plate immediately and serve hot with vegetables or a side salad.

That’s chicken-ala-cumin! Enjoy,

Camilla Carboni

@camillacarboni | camillacarboni.com

Expert Guacamole

Guacamole is a fantastic Paleo snack and condiment. You can have it by itself or you can add it to any meal to spice things up. This is a quick and easy guacamole recipe.

INGREDIENTS

2 avocados
1/2 red onion diced
10 cherry tomatoes cut into quarters
4 limes
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (roughly half a bunch from the grocery store)
paprika
garlic powder
salt
black pepper

RECIPE

In a large bowl, add avocados, diced red onion, quartered cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro.
Slice limes in half and squeeze juice into bowl.
The paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper can be added to taste. To give you an idea I use roughly 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
Then mash everything together until you reach your desired consistency. You should taste your mixture at this point to see if you need any additional spices.
You’re ready to go! If you like things spicy try adding a diced jalapeño.

Here’s to making guacamole an expert would be proud of!

Melissa Van Dover

@mvandover | melissavandover.com

Chocolate Date Nut Balls

As far as desserts go, this one’s pretty good for you! Protein, dates, nuts and the superfood qualities of cacao powder, turn this delicious dessert into a guilt-free pleasure.

Date Nut Balls were my all-time favorite growing up and now, while happily living a Paleo lifestyle, I turn to them even more for a quick and easy solution to an indulgence craving.

INGREDIENTS

1 organic, free range egg
2 tablespoons vegan shortening
1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup coconut flour or coconut flakes (if you have a sweeter tooth, use the coconut flakes)

RECIPE

Makes 10 Chocolate Date Nut Balls:

In a medium saucepan, melt the vegan shortening on low heat.
Add the egg, coconut palm sugar and cacao powder and stir quickly until thoroughly blended.
Toss the dates and walnuts into a mixing bowl and pour in the heated mixture.
Stir until the mixture covers the dry ingredients.
Using your hands form the mixture into bite sized dessert balls and hold in place with a tiny sprinkle of coconut flour or coconut flakes.
Place in the refrigerator for about an hour to cool before serving.

For added decadence, dip the date nut balls in Chocolate Sauce and add an extra sprinkle of coconut or mint before placing them in the refrigerator to cool.

Enjoy!

Camilla Carboni

@camillacarboni | camillacarboni.com

PALEO CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Finally a dessert you don’t need to feel bad about eating! You’ll have a hard time believing that this chocolate pudding is Paleo when you taste it but I promise it is very much Paleo. It’s packed with healthy fats and Omega 3. This is perfect as a dessert or even a snack during the day.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup coconut milk
3 tbsp honey or agave
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp chia seeds
1 ripe avocado

RECIPE

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Scoop into a bowl or container, place in the refrigerator for 1 hour for chia seeds to grow.
Enjoy!

Yes it really is that easy!

I hope you enjoy this nutrient packed dessert!

Melissa Van Dover

@mvandover | melissavandover.com

The Paleo Pact

Choose Well. Eat Well. Live Well.

Month: April 2014

Sweet Potato Hash

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

Paleo and Alcohol

Paleo Energy Bars

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

Stuffed Jalapeños

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

APRIL & MAY 2014 EVENTS!

Cumin-Spiced Baked Chicken

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

Expert Guacamole

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

Chocolate Date Nut Balls

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

PALEO CHOCOLATE PUDDING

INGREDIENTS

RECIPE