Lamb Kebabs

I resisted lamb for a while because they are little and cute and I feel bad for eating them. But dang, they are DELICIOUS. This was pre-marinated kebabs from Whole Foods served over some roasted cauliflower (with curry powder, olive oil, salt, and parsley). Heaven.

Cream Cheese, You Have Forsaken Me

I was feeling brave again and decided that cream cheese couldn't be all that bad for me...right? I made black rice and measured it out into 1/4 cup servings per roll (which was still satisfying and rollable), then piled on smoked salmon, carrots, asparagus, cucumber, cream cheese, and sesame seeds. My stomach got SO upset. Immediately. Which is such a bummer because it was sooooo good :(.

Jungle Diaper Cake

For my lovely friend Tara's 'King of the Jungle' themed baby shower! Here's a refresher in how to make one.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
1 head of broccoli, chopped
2 cups frozen edamame
1 large carrot, grated
1 cup beansprouts
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons GF soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for topping
1 head of cauliflower, grated or chopped in the food processor

1. Get a pot of boiling water going. Heat sesame oil in a large saute pan and add onion, broccoli, and salt, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes. Add carrots, bean sprouts, and a bit of coconut oil, and cook for about 2 more minutes. Turn off heat.

2. Add edamame to boiling water and cook several minutes, or until done. Drain and toss in with vegetables.

3. In another skillet, add more coconut oil, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add in cauliflower rice and soy sauce and heat several minutes or until done. Toss with cooked vegetables and top with scallions and cilantro.

Spinach & Chorizo Stuffed Peppers

Hello lover.

Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 lb. each of ground beef and chorizo
1 (6 oz.) bag fresh spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
4 medium sized bell peppers, seeded and cut in half lengthwise

1. Preheat oven to 350 and cook tomato paste, parsley, red pepper flakes, onion and garlic over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Brush peppers with olive oil and salt, roast in oven open side down while cooking the meat.

2. Cook meats, stirring often, 6-8 minutes or until pink is gone. Drain and combine with tomato sauce.

3. Flip over the softened peppers and spoon in meat mixture. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, letting cool before serving.

Adapted from www.people.com.

Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Nomy noms nom nom--that's all that needs to be said about this one!

Ingredients
1 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced
3 cups broccoli
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
2 Tablespoons coconut aminos
2 Tablespoons coconut sugar (I used coconut palm sugar)
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Heaping teaspoon of minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder
Sesame seeds and chopped scallions, for topping
Steamed or sauteed cabbage, for serving

1. In small bowl toss 2 Tablespoons water with tomato paste, coconut aminos, sugar, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over beef in a large pan and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

2. Whisk 2 Tablespoons of water with arrowroot powder and pour over beef. Add in broccoli and stir until everything is evenly coated. Continue cooking until beef is cooked through and broccoli is tender. Top with sesame seeds and scallions, serve over cabbage.

Adapted from Paleo Magazine (Aug/Sept 2014)

Beach WOD

Our gym had an annual member appreciation day, and I brought some paleo-friendly yummies to the potluck. From left to right, collards from our CSA (tip: use lots of salt and vinegar to make them less bitter!), Against All Grain chocolate chip cookies, and these seriously easy and delicious 'Reese cups.'

The workout was a BEAST, on the hottest day of the summer (so far), but at least we had a beautiful view to enjoy. Felt great after, and it was fun to hang out with fellow crossfitters outside of the gym.