As Promised... Paleo Recipes

This week is going to be an extra busy one around the Rush house.  I've been doing some heavy duty cleaning in preparation for a house guest. 

Now, the identity of the guest is a secret but if you follow me on Instagram, there'll be some hints popping up there in the next few days.

And Friday, here on the blog, you'll get a sneak peek at yet another adventure for the Rush family.

For now, let's talk food.  Paleo recipes, to be specific.

  Since eating Paleo is still new-ish for our family, whenever I try anything new, I take a poll:  "Thumbs up? Thumbs down?  Do you want to eat it again or not?"  Based on the response, the recipe either becomes a part of the menu rotation or gets pitched.

These foods are all dishes that got a thumbs up and I've now prepared several times.  I think you just might like them, too.

I've categorized the recipes by meal to make things just a bit easier for you, but we eat many of the egg dishes for any of the standard three meals.

One more thing - the leftovers heat up beautifully!

So.  Let's get to it, shall we? 

Breakfast & Lunch:

Broiled Grapefruit from Two Peas and their Pod

Simply use a little honey and palm sugar to make this Paleo.

*Having wrestled a grapefruit twice now, I highly recommend purchasing a couple of serrated edge grapefruit spoons.  It'll make your breakfast a little less stressful.

Ten Great Ways to Top Your Eggs from The Clothes Make The Girl

We especially love our eggs with tomato and fresh basil or salsa and avocado.

Apple, Bacon, & Sweet Potato Hash from The Urban Poser

The original recipe calls for butternut squash but I felt like my crew would be more accepting of sweet potato.  Want to add a little perfection to an already perfect recipe?  Top each serving with a nice, slightly runny fried egg.  Oh. My. Stars.

Southwest Scramble from Multiply Delicious

This one is not only yummy, but really pretty on the plate, too.  Salsa is a must.  Adding sliced avocado or guacamole just might make you cry from sheer joy. 

Asparagus and Herb Frittata from Right at Home

There are really no wrong ways to make a frittata so feel free to experiment with all kinds of veggies, meats, and seasonings.  Because Lily is dairy free, I omit any cheese the recipe calls for and my big girls, who really love cheese, melt some over their individual slices once the frittata is cooked.

Supper:

Paleo Minestrone Soup from Holly Would If She Could

This one was a definite winner.  And it just gets better the longer it sits.  So be sure to save some for lunch the next day.  You'll be so happy you did.

Farmhouse Hamburger Soup from Heritage Schoolhouse

This is a good soup to fix on those days when you've just don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  It tastes great and you can still pat yourself on the back for feeding your family well even if all you really did was open a bunch of cans.

Sausage, Carrot, and Zucchini Skillet from The Urban Poser (recipe is in the comments section)

Quick and easy to make.  Super tasty to eat.  A winner in every way.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

I usually sear my roasts on the stove before I put them in the crock-pot.  I didn't with this one and it was still really good.  But I'll probably try searing it next time, just to see if it makes a difference.  The onions take the place of the big ol' white potatoes that I used to put in there with the carrots. 

Ten Ways to Top a Burger from The Clothes Make the Girl

One of my favorites didn't make the list so here it is - burger patty, grilled with a little Montreal Steak Seasoning, sitting on a bed of spring mix, topped with guacamole, salsa, and sliced cherry tomatoes, then sprinkled with salt and pepper.

Fried Cabbage from Southern Plate

This recipe right here made me give up my status as a cabbage hater.

Sweets/Snacks:

Quick note here:  Even though these are Paleo and don't contain white flour and refined sugars, they're still treats and should be looked at as such.  I usually bake something once a week, then try to make it last all week long.  While some Paleo purists would probably think that was still too often, I assure you, 1 or 2 cookies every few days is much less sugar than I was consuming pre-Paleo.

Snickerdoodles from The Urban Poser

The Bird's favorite.

Perfect Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Urban Poser

I like these but if you're expecting Toll House, they may take a little getting used to.

Peppermint Chocolate Macaroons from Against All Grain

The combination of chocolate, coconut, and mint will make you very happy.

Flourless Fudgy Brownie Bites from Paleo Parents

When you really have a craving for chocolate, these will do the trick.  And then some.  Bake them the shorter amount of time for tiny little bites of fudgy goodness, a bit longer if you want them to be more cake-like.  In case you're curious, the Rush family goes for fudgy.

Spicy Roasted Cashews from Fed & Fit

Perfect for those times when you need something a bit salty.  

 Make Your Own Trail Mix

A great snack idea in which you can create your own "recipe combination" to suit your fancy.  Choose from any of the following unsweetened and unsulfured ingredients:

sunflower seeds

macadmaia nuts

coconut flakes

almonds

dried cranberries

banana chips

pistachios

walnuts

cashews

dried apricots

dried cherries

dried pineapple bits

chopped dried dates

raisins

dried apple rings

Don't feel like making a snack?  Try Lara Bars.  There are lots of flavors to choose from but Coconut Cream Pie and Chocolate Coconut Chew are two of my favorites.

Alright my friends, that's it for now.  

If you try any of these, let me know what you think! 

 Got any recipes of your own to share?  Then by all means, leave a comment.  

See you Friday!