Meaty Mixture Stuffed Veggies

I have come to realize I am not very good at this blogging thing..  I know, this comes as a huge surprise to all of you...  =)

For everyone that reads this and follows it, I pledge to become a better blogger and keep this thing more up to date.



My parents were here for the last three weeks.  I hadn't seen them in almost a year, so it was really great to spend some time with them.  We did all of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai attractions and also went to Oman and did some camping.  While they were here, I also tried to show them some of the local foods and restaurants.  The only problem....  my mom is a huge bread fan!  Needless to say, staying paleo, even 80/20, was almost impossible...  But, I think I did pretty well.  I allowed myself one non paleo meal a day and everything else was paleo.  It worked out pretty good for me, and I was able to enjoy dining with my parents without obsessing over every little bite I put into my mouth. 

Unfortunately, my parents had to leave last night so now my house is empty and I am in the process of cleaning out my fridge and pantry of the nonpaleo food items that made their way into my home during the parental visit.  It also means that I am in desperate need of going to the grocery store to restock on all the wonderful fruits and veggies we can find here.

By the way, I also managed to talk my parents into having a mostly paleo Thanksgiving.  Considering what we usually have on our table at Thanksgiving time, the paleo version turned out really well and I didn't feel like I need to sleep for the next three days after finishing dinner.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be either to sub out nonpaleo food items with their paleo counterparts.  Maybe I will make the next post about the paleo substitutions........

Now that I have caught you up on the goings on around here... its on to the reason you guys actually put up with my random ramblings.. the recipe portion.


Today there isn't going to be a recipe per say..  It is more of an idea of what you can do if you have empty cabinets, are short on time, or are just feeling really lazy.  I call it, stuff some veggie with some meat kind of thing.  Yep, very imaginative I know.  You wish you could be like me don't ya???

What this really means is you take some meat (for me it is usually canned tuna because when I am lazy, I am REALLY lazy) mix it with some onion, tomato, paleo mayo or some honey mustard or anything you want really to make it nice and moist, then hollow out a veggie (tomato, cucumber, zucchini, pepper), shove in the meat mixture and proceed to stuff your face.  Its GREAT!  Easy, good tasting and fits into paleo perfectly.

See, the reason I came up with this is that I feel that anything you could put on a sandwich belongs in some kid of vessel to eat it from.  I tried eating my tuna salad from a bowl, but it just didn't satisfy the I need a sandwich receptors of my brain.  Since I can no longer eat bread, that means I had to get a little creative.  Eanter stage right veggie vessels. 

So next time you need an easy breakfast/lunch/dinner idea, try this.  You will thank me, I guarantee it.

Here are some ideas of meats and veggies that I have tried in the past..

Canned Tuna
Sundried tomatoes in olive oil
paleo mayo
pickle
red onion
Mix it all in a bowl then stuffed it in a few hollowed out tomatoes

Canned Tuna
Paleo BBQ sauce.
Mix Tuna and BBQ Sauce. Heat in microwave for 45 seconds.  Stuff into hollowed out cucumbers

Egg Salad (made with whatever you want be it guacamole or traditional way)
Stuff in red pepper or tomato.

Anyways, I think you get the picture.  Be creative with this.  Try out different kinds of meat with different mix ins and different veggies to stuff it in.  If you come up with some out of this world combinations, you are required to share them with the rest of us so we can all join in the orgasmic explosion of wonderfulness for our taste buds.

2 Reviews and a Cow Curry

So I know I haven't been a very good blogger lately, in fact I have really sucked at it.  Part of that is because I haven't been a very good Paleo eater either, meaning not at all. 

Why you ask???  Well the short and long of it is that I got lazy.  I let myself slip off one time, and then could just never seem to get the willpower back to get back on.  But, I have made a deal with myself and I am now going to get back onto Paleo eating. 

I need this, my body needs this, my brain needs this.  Needless to say I haven't felt very good since coming off the diet.  I've been tired and bloated and listless.  But hopefully that will all change for the better this week.

So in this mind frame and in the spirit of getting back on the wagon I bring you two recipe reviews and a new recipe I came up with last night...

Recipe Reviews

#1    Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes



http://www.thewannabechef.net/2012/01/27/paleo-chocolate-cupcakes/

Many of you have asked for the recipe for the chocolate cupcakes I made for the Paleo party I had at my place.  I have been very remiss in getting it posted..  so without further ado..  here it is.

These cupcakes are easy to make which is defiantly the first thing I look at when doing a new recipe.  Not to many ingredients and things I typically have on hand.. so  big thumbs up there.

Second test is taste and texture and boy these sure passed those tests with flying colors.  They are rich and dense and not to grainy from the coconut.  Just one will be enough to kill that chocolate craving.  They are also really good out of the fridge so you can save them for snacks throughout the week.

In summary;  they are nice enough for any party (especially when topped with a bit of chocolate ganache frosting) but easy and quick enough for a weeknight  chocolate craving. 

Just to let you know, when I made them I substituted honey for the palm sugar and decreased the amount of coconut milk by 2 tablespoons.

#2   Chocolate Zucchini Bread

http://paleomg.com/moist-chocolate-zucchini-bread/

Kim was kind enough to bring some of this yummy bread to training the other night to let us all try it, and all I can say is thank you Kim!  This bread was amazing.  You would never know it was made from zucchini.  It did not have the heavy zucchini taste that this bread can sometimes get depending on the recipe. 

I can't comment on how easy or hard this was to make as i didn't make it.  But judging by the recipe it looks easy and should only take things that you already have on hand (except maybe sunbutter..  but you can always sub a nut butter for this as long as there are no nut allergy's). 

For the second test, this bread passes with flying colors.  It is moist and chocolaty (I seem to be saying these words a lot lately) and just plain delicious.  A small piece of this bread would be more than enough to satisfy your chocolate cravings as it is pretty rich.  This bread is so good that you could take it to a party and I don't think anyone would know it was paleo (unless you decided to enlighten them about the yummyness that Paleo cooking can be).


All in all, these two recipes should help all of you who are chocolate lovers like myself not miss your chocolate quiet so much, which may just help you stay true to Paleo just a little bit longer. 


Now, for the new recipe.  This is something that I came up with last night as I had some stew beef lying around that needed to be used up.  You don't typically find curries made with beef (I believe that is because Hindus revere the cow) but I figured, heck, its beef, what have I got to lose.  So I came up with this.  It is not the fastest recipe in the world, only because you need to let the  beef boil for a bit so it gets nice and tender.  Other than that though, its a pretty simple recipe that comes together quickly.  And, if you make lots of Indian food (as I do) you should have all of the spices and ingredients already on hand.  So without further blabbing, here it is..

Spicy Cow Curry

Ingredients

• 800 Grams Beef Cubes
• 2 Cups Beef Stock
• 1/3 Cup Diced Onion
• 3 Bay leaves

For the Curry Sauce

• 1 thumb sized piece ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. chili or cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. cumin seed
• 1/2 tsp.  pepper
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1/8 tsp. cardamon (break open the pods and just use seeds)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. hone 
• 1 14 ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk (not lite)

Directions

 

• Place stock in a large pot over high heat. Add the meat, onion and bay leaves.  Bring to a boil then reduce to low to get a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender or near-tender.

• Add all 'curry sauce' ingredients except coconut milk in a small bowl. Mix sauce into beef and stir until well combined.  Place top back on pot and continue simmering 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Taste-test the curry, adding more chili if you want it spicier, pr salt and pepper if needed. If too sour, add a little more honey. If too salty or sweet for your taste, add a touch more lemon juice. If too spicy, add more coconut milk.

• Transfer to a serving bowl, or plate up on individual plates or bowls. Top with fresh coriander or basil if desired. Drizzle extra coconut milk on top(if desired), and serve with cauliflower rice.

 

Training Days

We have had a few newbies join Tribal over the last few weeks and there was a request for the training schedule.  So here it is....

Sunday     7pm    at the Cricket Stadium in Khalifa City A
Monday    7pm  Al Ghazal Golf Club
Tues         7 pm (Meet about 6:45)  Yas Marina Circuit  (go in gate 20)
Wed         7 pm Al Ghazal Golf Club
Thurs       No training
Fri            No training
Sat           7 am Cricket Stadium in Khalifa City A

If I missed something or if there is something wrong on the schedule please let me know.

Confession and the Kitchen Sink

Alright everyone, I know I have been a bad Paleo blogger the last few days..  That's probably in direct correlation (there ya go Jon, used a stat term just for you) to the fact that I have been a bad Tribe member and Paleo eater for that same amount of time. 

I fell off the... well I would say wagon but that's not very Paleo...  so I guess you could say I fell off the cliff into a big lake of temptation and eating whatever  darn well pleased.  And now I feel like crap.

It's amazing to see the difference between how you feel when you eat clean, and how you feel when you go back to eating like you used to.  FAT, LAZY, UNHAPPY. 

So this week I am trying to drag my self slowly back up that cliff face.  It will be  a long, hard journey.  But I know I can do it.  Just need to find that kernel of commitment I had when we started this challenge.  I really want to feel as good as I did after the first 2 weeks.

I really tried to start that slow climb this evening by making a truly Paleo dinner.  As some of you know I hosted a Paleo party at the house this weekend.  I had a ton of food leftover.  I sent a good portion into work with Stefan as I knew we would never eat it all.  But I did have some left in the fridge, so I spent an hour trying to decide what to make tonight..  And then I had the epiphany.  Why not use up most of the leftovers in one dish that uses only one pot.. 

So I did...  and I dubbed it the Kitchen Sink Curry.

Now, this is when I usually give you a list of ingredients with amounts and things such as that.  But this "recipe" will be a bit different because, well, I didn't use much of a recipe.  I just grabbed stuff out of the fridge, cut it up, tossed it in a pot.. added some tomatoes and chicken stock and simmered it for a while..  but I will do my best to tell you what was in it.

Kitchen Sink Curry

Prep time:  10 mins          Cook time:  40 mins         Serves: about 4

 4 Cups of whatever veggies you have on hand/leftover  (I used zucchini, eggplant, carrot, mushroom)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion
3 Cloves garlic
1 Tbsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ginger powder)
1-2 Cups of whatever meat you have leftover ( I used steak and meatballs..  weird I know but it worked)
14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 Cup chicken stock
2 Tsp cumin
2 Tsp coriander
1 Tsp turmeric
pinch or two of crushed red pepper (add more for more heat)
pinch or two of fennel (I left this out as I don't like the flavor of it)
1 Tbsp Cilantro roughly chopped


Cut up the veggies into bite sized pieces (including the onion).  Either dice the garlic or use a garlic press.  Grate the ginger if using fresh.

Add oil to large pot over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic and ginger and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.  Throw in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a slow boil.  Once boiling turn down heat, cover and simmer while you go and take a quick walk (or for about 30 mins).  Upon returning, remove lid and let simmer another 10 mins or so so it can thicken. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. 

I served this over some cauliflower "rice" and it went over very well. 

To make "rice"  place small grater wheel on your food processor.  Grate florets of cauliflower (uncooked) into fine pieces.  Place grated cauliflower into microwave safe dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap  (DO NOT add water).  Microwave for 4-5 minutes.  Enjoy as rice!


PS..  I will be posting some of the recipes I used for the party food over  the next few days.   I will also be posting some reviews of recipes that other tribe members have tried and sent to me.

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Zuchinni Boats

So this next week is going to be a bit different.  I didn't get the results doing Paleo last week that I wanted, so this week I am determined to cut out all excess sugar and carbs.  This means no baking this week.. 

I know, it really sucks. 

But that's OK, I promise to still post up really good, satisfying recipes..  I don't do plain meat and veggies..  I need things a bit more complicated than that, and I get bored easily, and I think I may have a bit of ADD.. but that's for another post.

Just to show you that I do plan to still deliver more delicious recipes, here is the one I made just this evening.  (And yes, I forgot to take pictures again..  stupid me)

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Servings:  about 8    Prep Time:  10 Minutes    Cook Time:  65 Minutes

This recipe will make a lot of stuffing..  Probably enough to stuff 4-6 large (the dark green US type) zucchini.  I was full after one, Stefan ate 1 1/2  so that should give you an idea about the serving size or so.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (that's about 800 grams) Lean Ground Beef
4-6 Zucchini (Dark Green US Type)
1 Carrot
1 Medium Onion
4 oz Mushrooms
1 Small Red or Yellow Pepper
2 Cups Tomato Sauce
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1.5 Tbsp Cumin
3 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
3 Tbsp Yellow Mustard
1 Tbsp Salt
2 Tsp Pepper

Directions

• Cut Zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle forming your boats
• Place all veggies (including half the stuff scooped from the middle of the zucchini) in a food processor and process them until chopped finely
• Place ground beef in a large pan over medium heat and brown
•  Drain off fat
• Throw all the other ingredients into the pan with the ground beef and mix well.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally
• While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (about 200 C)
• After simmering, spread meat mixture into each boat and place on a cookie sheet.
• Put sheet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes
• Remove and enjoy!

You can serve these boats by themselves or make another veggie to go with them.  (I bet sweet potato would go nicely with it)

To change this recipe up, or if you have to much stuffing, or if you don't like zucchini, you can just make the filling then wrap it up in a lettuce leaf, stuff a pepper or tomato with it, or serve it over cauliflower "rice".  The options are endless!
 

Recipe Review: Paleo Sweet Potato Waffles

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you feel like you just can't face eating another egg for breakfast?  You feel like just seeing one might make you scream, or be sick?  Well that was me this morning.  Even the idea of an egg for breakfast had me groaning in dissatisfaction.  But lo and behold, when I opened my fridge what was staring me in the face...  eggs and a quickly going brown avocado. 

It was then that I remembered what I was suppose to do yesterday... go shopping.  Which of course never happened. 

I think I actually growled at my fridge at this point.. I'm sure my daughter was a bit worried about me just then.

I quickly slammed the fridge and stood there thinking that I now had two choices..

1) Say screw paleo and eat some ice cream (wha.. you've never had ice cream for breakfast??  You have to try it.  It's even better than having ice cream for dessert..  But maybe that's because it is a little bit naughty..  I like being naughty)

or

2)  Go back to the couch, get on facebook, pout for a bit, and try to ignore my stomach until lunch when I might be able to think of something other than eggs to eat.

Well, I was actually good and chose option 2.

Then I logged onto facebook, and there it was, staring me in the face.  A big, fluffy, golden waffle.. with steam rising off of it.. and a pool of butter in the center.. with maple syrup dripping down the sides...

Sorry, just a minute.. keyboard stopped working due to the drool..  Let me just clean that up..
OK that's better, lets move on quickly.

So, after seeing this of course I wanted waffles.. Which, being thegood little paleo girl that I am, meant goign on a search for a good waffle recipe.  And guess what.  I actually found one that was really good.

http://www.primarilypaleo.com/2012/06/primarily-paleo-sweet-potato-waffles/

(click this link for the recipe)

 

When I say really good, I mean REALLY, REALLY good.  I have tried several waffle recipes now (I am a bit addicted to waffles.. not quite as much as chocolate, but close) and none of them have been any good; until this one.  It's slightly sweet, moist, and while it is a heavy waffle, they somehow manage to be fluffy and "light".  Quick and easy to make, they took me about 15 minutes from start to finish, and that included the cooking of the sweet potato.   They...are...perfect..  I may never make a "regular" waffle ever again:  they were that good.  And, the best thing is, they are toddler approved.  My 2 year old loved them.

My recommendation.... stop reading this right now, and go and make these..  and when you are finished licking all the goodness off your plate.. come back here and tell me what you thought.

As you can tell, I really wasn't in the mood for a really healthy breakfast..  I topped mine with a blueberry compote and some of my paleo chocolate pudding I thinned down by adding milk and heating.  (Sorry, my food photography isn't very good yet..  but I'm working on it)

One cautionary note:  These are very filling.  I made two for myself..  I ate 1 and 1/2 (because I couldn't stop enjoying the deliciousness) and felt sick..  Learn from my mistake..  Eat only 1 at a time. 

Second note:  When you make the batter you will probably think the same thing I did;  there is no way this will make a good waffle.  It is so thick that you can't pour this into the iron.  You actually have to spread it.  Believe me though, it's right and it will turn out just fine.

PCP... Just Barely Legal

PCP...  Addicting and makes one Euphoric..  One bite, and you will never be the same. 
One bite???  But don't you smoke PCP??  Well if we are talking about the drug, then yes you do...  But I am talking about the edible PCP....  Paleo Chocolate Pudding.  Chocolaty, smooth, and just about as addicting as the actual drug. 

HAHAHA  Did you actually think I was going to post up about a drug?  Well I guess if you are as much of a chocolate fanatic as I am then you could consider this stuff a drug.

One bite of this stuff and you will never, ever make the stuff from the box again.  This is not one of those recipes that tastes OK or is an OK substitute for the real thing while you are on the Paleo challenge.  No, this IS the real thing..  believe me... I am a chocolate pudding connoisseur.

Not only does this stuff taste great but it is really simple to make  Only 5 ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to throw together.  This is one quick, delicious fix for those chocolate cravings (which, if you are anything like me, are ever present). 

So I will quit flapping the yapper and get down to the good stuff...

Makes 2 cups of pudding

PCP (Paleo Chocolate Pudding)

Ingriedents

1 3/4 Cup plus 2 Tbsp Coconut milk
1/4    Cup honey
2 1/2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
2       Tbsp Sweet Potato Starch
Pinch of Salt


Directions

• Add cocoa powder to small sauce pan
• Add enough milk to cocoa to make a smooth paste
• Add honey and a pinch of salt
• Add rest of milk and starch and mix until starch is dissolved. 
• Heat over medium heat until mixture thickens
• Turn to low heat and mix for 1 min
• Remove from heat and continue mixing for another minute
• Let cool before serving 

I place mine in the fridge for a bit before serving as I like my pudding cold (and it also makes it thicken a bit more).  This pudding may not be as thick as you are used to pudding being, but believe me it is still delicious.

If you don't have sweet potato starch on hand all I have to say is.... WHY NOT??    This stuff is easy to make and is great for thicking soups and gravies (and of course pudding).  Click here for an easy recipe for making the starch since, like everything else healthy here in the UAE,it is almost impossible to find here.
http://homeschoolblogger.com/armoorefam/47426/