Crack Broccoli

This is the recipe that started it all.  It is how I derived my theory that every veggie can be exciting and delicious if you find the right way to make it :) 

Growing up, we only had broccoli one way - steamed and if you were lucky covered in velveta cheese.  For years I thought I hated broccoli... until I tried it raw dipped in ranch. 

My family likes raw broccoli ok, but THIS, they love!!! After trying crack broccoli, I am not allowed to serve it any other way!  It is literally the first thing eaten off their plate and leave them asking for more, even after seconds :)  It is also the MOST requested recipe from me.  It goes with most everything and is super fast to make.  It is simple enough a kid can even make it with some supervision for the oven.  The only way to blow this recipe is not making enough! ;)  Try it tonight!

Egg Perfection

At the start of our paleo diet, I was totally overwhemed.  "If I could just cook a few simple things really well, I would be set."  My first endevor was omlettes.  Growing up I remember my Mom's perfectly cooked & seasoned scrambled eggs.  They were worth dragging my tired teenage butt out of bed for.  My eggs, not so much.  They were flavorless, spongy, and even a ton of cheese on top couldn't rectify them. 

Enter Julia. 

Everyone remembers her tall figure and funny accent.  But more importantly, she was an incredible chef and her unique charm shines through her dishes :)  And I could totally relate to an impromptu dinner party for 300 (what a normal dinner around here feels like ;)  Since using her technique and simple recipe, I have cooked ham and spinach omlettes for playdate lunches, bacon omlettes for dinner, and plain omlettes as fast as I could cook them for my starving small army (aka family).

The next 30 minuntes will change your life :)  Bon Appetit!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Why yes, these peanut butter oatmeal bars are even better with chocolate chips in them!  Not that I tried that or anything ;) 

This is a great make ahead breakfast that can last all week.  Cook in cupcake liners with sprinkles and a drizzle of royal icing on top for a healthy afternoon snack.  Or replace the peanut butter with maple syrup, cooked apples, walnuts, blueberries or anything your heart (or sweet tooth) desires ;)

Protein Wrap

"I'll take a cobb salad, hold the greens!"  That's basically what this delicious wrap tastes like :)  Super easy, super filling and super good for you!  We made them for an outdoor family dinner and served along with fresh strawberries. My fav kind of meal - simple and delicious! 

There are all kinds of paleo wrap/tortilla recipes, but I used basic lavash from the store, since it is yeast free and the kids have trouble with lettuce wraps. It was wonderfully filling but not too heavy - perfect for spring and summer :) 

Paleo Apple Pie Smoothie

Give me an apple flavored anything and I will be happy ;)  But this is even better!  I made these amazing apple pie smoothies as an after school snack for the kiddos and a pick me up for myself.  Super yummy!  And it helped my kids get enough nutrients they weren't bouncing off the walls or fighting with each other while I made dinner. Score!

It's is a great boost to have inbetween meals, after a workout, or with an omlet for a protein-packed breakfast.  I may have even served these along with a simple veggie meal for dinner ;)

Note: If you are making the almond butter yourself, make sure the consistancy is creamy like peanut butter or it will be kinda lumpy and hard to get through your straw!

My favorite salmon recipe!

I'm back from Easter break with a kick!  Oh my tastebuds!  This has got to be hands-down the best salmon recipe I own, and I don't normally even like teriyaki!  The sriracha cream sauce is so simple and flavorful, you will never buy that prepackaged stuff again.

It is another simple recipe that is impressive, restraunt quality even ;)  Great for company, or just a quick healthy meal in between evening activites.  Grilling this would be a nice summer alternative to baking it.  Serve over rice with broccoli, asparigus or wilted spinach.  Top an asian salad with it, or just drown it in sriracha cream sauce the next day for a lunch on the run :)

My kids beg for this meal daily, and even Hubby, the Salmon Master himself, has officially turned over fish cooking honors to me after I made this ;)  Add it to your summer repertoire; you won't be disappointed! :)

Naan

Ok, this is definitely not paleo, but it is so delicious, that it is worth adding to our Indian dinners :)  Naan is easy peasy to make, and definitely cost efficient.

I used vanilla yogurt, and it didn't make any difference in flavor :) 

We ate them with a sweet potato soup, but they go with everything!  Curries, stews, mexican, chinese, you name it :)  Just a word of caution, I would absolutely double the recipe as these will go FAST! :)