Vinegar

So a month ago I stumbled upon Coconut Vinegar. Definitely a wise choice to buy and try. Almost apple cider in flavor but a little stronger.  Delicious on a salad with some EVOO. Get creative folks, read the labels and try out something new.  That is all for now!

Front squat and beef

Today started off great! PR'd my 2 rep front squat by 10 lbs. super proud of this after being away from CFCC for 2 weeks and last week was really rough. Plus I really struggle with squats due to mobility issues. Day continued with breakfast with a friend then getting finger printed. If I ever want to commit a crime I will use my pinky fingers because they don't scan a print. The guy had to override the system to process these. This isn't the first time either. The pinky burglar haha! Who wants to rob a bank?

I quickly threw together mixed greens and shredded beef I concocted in the crockpot yesterday. I added some red peppers for color and a little sweetness. Oh and this is the first day of another BCCC for me. I'm starting a bit early but I have some serious goals to attend to.

For the shredded beef, I seared a 4 lb beef roast that was generously (for me) sprinkler with pepper and salt. Then placed seared meet in crockpot. I added garlic powder, oregano, and rosemary along with 1/4 cup of water. Cooked on low for 8 hours. Shredded this and added it back into the broth it made with some Dijon mustard. You could leave this out if you don't want added sugar.

Finished my day with some croga to get my hips ready for tomorrow. Now for some hot tea and sleep!

Stupid Easy Paleo Recipes

So those of you who know me know that I can cook up so pretty elaborate meals and like to experiment in the kitchen. But sometimes I'm lazy busy or feeling uninspired so I have a couple of go to easy meals…stupid easy at that.  Here are just a couple:

1.  Chicken Fajitas: slice up chicken breast and sprinkle with some Mexican season.  Here is a good site that has a Mexican seasoning mix I have use before Spice Hunter.  Just make sure your spice mix doesn't have sugar and I like salt free ones so I can control the salt. Oh and I didn't add salt since I'm not a big salt person but feel free to add as needed. In a pan add a dab of coconut oil, add sliced onions and peppers and sauté until soft. You can even sprinkle this with seasoning. Remove and then add in chicken up cooked.  Using butter lettuce, romaine, or any other lettuce that works as a cup/shell place chicken and onions and peppers.  If you have it make some guacamole or salsa.

2.  Chicken thighs in a crock-pot. So I’m still getting used to a crock-pot and bought some boneless, skinless thighs. For me the only way to eat them is to cook them long and slow.  I quickly made this up on a whim the other night and they came out amazing.  Package of thighs (mine had 6). Place in bottom of crock-pot. Sprinkle with salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic, cinnamon, and rosemary.  Place sliced red peppers and onions. I added a ¼ cup of water but I don’t think that was even needed because it made its own juice. Cook on low for 6 hours.  Then I shredded the meat and enjoy!

3. Need something crunchy?? Then make some Kale chips.  Great for moving watching instead of popcorn or along side of a meal. 400 degree oven, line baking sheet with parchment (for easy clean up). Tear or chop kale leaves - no stems. I melted coconut oil but you could use butter or olive oil and drizzle over kale. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder and mix together. Spread a thin layer on pan. Cook until they have crisped. Mixing them halfway through cooking is helpful.

4.  Don’t have time to cook in the morning then make some egg muffins the day or night before.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease muffin tin with melted coconut oil or use muffin liners. 8 eggs scrambled. ½ onion, ½-1 cup broc chopped or just florets, ½ c peppers (I use red and green).  Spoon veg mix until ½ up sides of muffin cup then add egg mixture to the top.  Cook for 15-20 minutes until done.  Can be refrigerated for the week. And get creative with different veg and spice mixes.

5. Cauliflower mash. Here’s my simple version.  Roasted garlic to be posted later. Take a head of cauliflower. Trim the leaves off and discard.  Cut the rest up or just break the little heads off. Add to pot with salt and enough water to steam and cover.  Boil until soft.  I’m lazy so I only add enough water to keep the cauliflower from burning so I don’t have to strain it.  With a hand blender, blend until smooth. 

6.  Grill steak, roast or microwave a sweet potato add a small salad or kale chips. Duh so easy and 100% paleo!

7.  Roasted shrimp. So easy and LOTS of protein in them.  2 pounds (12 to 15-count) shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for spice), Or I have done this with sprinkling fresh herbs. 400 degrees.  Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil, salt, and pepper in 1 layer. Roast for 8 to10 minutes, just until pink and firm and cooked through.

I will keep more recipes coming as I make them.  Look back to older posts for recipes with photos.  YEAH FOOD PORN!