Pork Chops with Apple and Sweet Potato Compote

I used to think that pork was a migraine trigger, so I avoided it like a primal eater avoids potato chips. It turns out all the other processed crap I was eating was probably the culprit (like the potato chips). I've been migraine free since going Paleo, and thoroughly enjoyed my new-found freedom for pork consumption with these chops and compote. Enjoy!

Pork Chops with Apple and Sweet Potato Compote:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork chops
• 1 large sweet potato
• 2 medium apples
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt
• cinnamon
• nutmeg

Chop sweet potato and apples then toss with olive oil and spices until covered. Pour over pork chops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake on 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Paleo Chicken Fajitas

These were a pretty big hit at my house, mostly because I could eat them totally Paleo and my partner could eat them with flour tortillas and cheese :-) I really like to entertain, but none of my friends are Paleo, so I'm always trying to come up with dinner ideas that allow some flexibility. I tried it out on my partner first and I am calling it a success. Next time I have a dinner party these will most definitely be on the menu with primal and non-primal options for wrapping and topping. P.S. Applications for Paleo friends are now being accepted :-)

Paleo Chicken Fajitas: 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 onion
• oregeno
• chili powder
• cumin
• corriander
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Lettuce
• avocado

Cut chicken into strips or cubes. Chop peppers and onion. Add chicken to the skillet with coconut oil and cook until both sides are brown. Add peppers and onion. Mix lemon juice with spices separately then add to the skillet. I would start with 1/2 teaspoon of each spice and then add additional to taste. Serve in lettuce wrap and add freshly chopped avocado before serving. 

Roasted Cauliflower and Onion

My best friend moved to Saint Louis last year; it was probably one of the most exciting days of my life. We made a commitment to see each other once a week- during the summer we made a habit of shopping at the local farmers markets together then having a long brunch. Now that the weather doesn't allow for that, we've been making new recipes together on the weekends. Our kitchen adventures began before I became Paleo; we would make complicated recipes with a million ingredients (many of them really really bad for you). Sometimes it was exhausting, and by the time we were done cooking and baking we didn't have energy for much else. Now that we have both become more conscious about the food we are putting in our bodies, our recipes are actually more simple- which means we get to spend more quality time together. Last weekend we threw together a chicken dish and she made this roasted cauliflower and onion. The food was delicious, and there were several hours left in the evening for talking about life :-)

Roasted Cauliflower and Onion:

 

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• paprika

Chop onion and cauliflower then toss with olive oil and spices. Roast on 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until vegetables begin to brown. 

Bacon, Apple, and Spinach Salad

OOOHHH bacon, how I love thee. You wanna know the best part about being Paleo? BACON. You wanna know what bacon tastes delicious with? EVERYTHING. There is no better way to fatten up a salad than with three slices of bacon, the walnuts and fruit are just for good measure.

Bacon, Apple, and Spinach Salad:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups spinach
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 large apple or 1 small apple
• handful of walnuts
• handful of cranberries

Mix and enjoy. 

Kale, Avocado, and Blueberry Shake

I was really scared this shake would turn out green.. PHEW, a nice shade of purple and you wouldn't even know I hid a couple servings of vegetables in there. I've been on a quest for breakfast recipes with hidden vegetables. I know some hardcore Paleos that can eat raw veggies and hard boiled eggs for breakfast, but sometimes I need something that goes down a little easier. This shake is perfect. Add some almond butter if you need a protein kick.

Kale, Avocado, and Blueberry Shake:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup kale
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup water
• squeeze of lemon
• 1 tablespoon raw organic honey

Boil kale without stems for 1 minute. Blend all ingredients. 

Restaurant Review: The Block

The Block: Restaurant, Butcher, and Bar

Located in quaint and cozy Webster Groves, The Block provides simultaneous restaurant, butcher, and bar. The atmosphere marries a comfortable combination of family friendly and hippie chic with a tinge of romance in the air via semi-dim lighting and an extensive wine selection. Upon entering the restaurant, it is hard not to notice the unique industrial architecture intelligently turned modern by wood paneling, elegant seating, and simplistic light fixtures. A delightful dining atmosphere is paired with a menu full of creative cuisine reflecting the restaurant's "we bust chops" slogan. The primal meal selections are plentiful: grass fed beef burger under a fried egg, Rensings farm pork chop aside steamed veggies and sweet potato hash, and Double Star Farms Amish chicken served with butternut squash, mushrooms, and arugula are just a few of the many options that are sure to satiate the paleo palate.

Check it out at http://theblockrestaurant.com/

The Block was voted Best New Restaurant in 2011 by Saint Louis Magazine; Photo courtesy of SLM.

Paleo Salted Caramel Brownies

A few years ago Starbucks started making a salted caramel mocha that was to die for. I was in undergrad when I discovered it and unfortunately for me (and my budget) there was a Starbucks on campus. I was avidly working out at the time, but I realize now no amount of time on the elliptical could make up for the crap I was consuming from that white cardboard cup with the weird green mermaid logo. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Starbucks. In fact, I think if you want to buy stock in something it should probably be Starbucks. America is addicted to coffee and even more addicted to the idea of being one of those business people always sucking caffeine out of one of their cups. Here's the thing though, Starbucks isn't actually ALL that creative when it comes to flavor combinations. Salted caramel and chocolate? I bet the cavemen thought that up. Here is my version of a salted caramel and chocolate treat, Paleo style.

Paleo Salted Caramel Brownies:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup organic maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
• 1/2 cup Enjoy Life Chips
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a separate bowl whisk eggs, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Add wet ingredients to dry and fold in nuts, cherries, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Put in fridge for an hour before serving. Store in fridge and reheat.

Paleo Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup raw organic honey
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Sea salt

Heat maple syrup and organic honey over medium heat. As soon as you see bubbles turn the heat down to low and stir continuously for about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Return to heat for an additional 3 minutes. Pour over brownies and sprinkle sea salt on top.

*I'm not going to tell you how many calories these have. Just pace yourself.