16 books and counting....

This morning I just finished reading "Barefoot" by Elin Hilderbrand.  Based in Nantucket, this book was about 3 women - who each had a secret.  One was fighting from cancer, the other had an affair with a student, and the last woman was dealing with a cheating husband.  There was a 4th main character - a young boy who became a part of the women's lives.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Elin Hilderbrand. 

#13 on my list is to read at least 30 books - this is book 16, so I have 14 left before I can scratch it off my list!

OMG - I'm turning 30!

My 30th birthday was December 27th, 2010.  My husband came up with a great way to celebrate: a wine and cheese! I thought this was great since it is #29 on my list!

I decided to make an invitation by video --- my creative juices were at work:

The video was fun to make, and so was the evening.  Below are some photos! I think I started something with the lip face. ooops! :)

Crusted Paleo Salmon

Replace almond flour with regular flour & bread crumbs - and you have a paleo-crust batter that you can pretty much use with any meat - chicken, fish, beef, etc.  This time I tried the batter with salmon and it was even a hit with my husband!

Ingredients

1/2 cup of almond flour
1/4 tsp of coriander
1/8 tsp of cumin
4 salmon fillets
2 tsp of lemon juice
sea salt & black pepper






Instructions

Preheat the oven to 500F.

Combine almond meal, coriander and cumin in a small bowl

Spritz the salmon with the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Coat each fillet with the almond meal mixture.

Place skin side down on an oiled pan

Bake at 500F for 15 minutes

Lemon & Garlic Herbed Chicken

Another quick meal - Lemon & Garlic Herbed Chicken. I found this on a Paleo website - but can't remember the website.

 Ingredients

chicken thighs
4 cloves of garlic
Lemon juice
Lemons sliced
Fresh Thymes

Instructions

Place chicken thighs on baking dish



Mix lemon juice, thyme & garlic in a bowl & based over thighs.

Baste thighs with marinade & put in oven at 350 until chicken is cooked & crispy

Coconut Shrimp!

Have you ever been to a cocktail party and the server offers you coconut shrimp that melts in your mouth? 

Below is a recipe I found on a paleo website called Paleo Mama: http://paleomama.wordpress.com/2009/11/01/paleo-coconut-shrimp/

Ingredients

12-15 shrimp
 1 - 2 eggs
1 tsp of paprika
1 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 cup of almond flour
1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
3 tbsp of coconut oil





Instructions

Beat eggs with spices

Combine flour & coconut in shallow dish

Take shrimp - dip in eggs - then in coconut flour & Continue until all shrimp have been dipped and covered.

In frying pan  - melt coconut oil and cook shrimp 2-3 mins each side until shrimp is golden brown.  Let set for 5 minutes to allow coconut to stick to shrimp.

Quick and Easy Meal

I was alone for dinner one night and decided to make a quick Paleo meal. I had left over beef & fresh spinach in the fridge and a ripe avocado.

Below is the result! It was delicious, was quick, and was a great meal for one.

Ingredients

a couple of handfuls of spinach
1 avocado diced
1 cup of diced beef
olive oil
lemon
garlic (or spice of your choice)

Instructions

Mix first 3 ingredients in bowl
Make a dressing with 3 last ingredients and drizzle on top of mixture

Bread-less Pizza is possible!!

Since I started cooking 3 times a week at home - these mushroom pizzas have become one of my signature dishes and is so quick on a busy night.

 Ingredients

Portobello mushrooms
Pizza sauce (I like homemade pizza sauce)
Vegetables (of your choice)
Meat (of your choice)
Cheese
Garnish






Instructions

On flat side of portobello mushrooms spread pizza sauce, toppings & cheese

Put in oven at 325 until cheese is golden brown

Serve with salad of your choice (I love greek salad!)