Tacos with “Paleo Tortillas”
This is a recipe I found on Civilized Caveman Cooking Creations facebook page. It makes eating tacos a bit more exciting than just eating a taco salad…My “tortillas” don’t look nearly as delicate or round as his do, but they still taste good! My tortillas are maybe a bit thin, as they don’t hold up too well when you try to pick it up and eat it like a tostada. It usually ends up being crunched up like chips and eaten with a fork! Either way, it tastes good and we think it adds a nice touch to “tacos”. You can find the original recipe here. Thanks Civilized Caveman for a great recipe!
Tacos with “Paleo Tortillas”
Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
2 large eggs
1 tsp. oil
1/2 tsp. salt
taco toppings of choice (ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, lettuce, tomatoes, taco sauce or salsa, avocado, olives, onions, etc.)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine flour, eggs, oil and salt in a bowl and mix until well blended.
3. Roll out balls of dough between two pieces of parchment paper to desired thickness (1/8″ thick or so). Remove top layer of parchment paper and place bottom layer with dough onto a baking sheet. (I put 3 tortillas on a sheet at a time.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-10 minutes or until desired “crispness” is achieved.
5. Enjoy!
Where I Buy Ingredients…and Information on Coconut Oil
I have often received emails with questions on where I buy my ingredients. Hopefully this post will help answer those questions. I love sales, especially the clearance racks and watch for food items to go on sale. I don’t like to spend a lot of money on things. When we switched to Paleo, it almost killed me to pay $8.00 for a pound of coconut flour and some exorbitant amount for a small jar of coconut oil. I absolutely refused to even try almond flour as it was well over $10 a pound. And then there is raw honey–which is another not-so-cheap ingredient in unrefined baking. It was clear I was going to have to do something different than buying all these things at the health food store.
To begin with, we belong to a co-op called Azure Standard. I am not positive, but I think that they deliver all over the country. There are requirements for how much is ordered in the group (around $500) and individually you need to spend $50 or more in order for them to send the shipment. They sell a lot of items in bulk and their prices are typically fantastic. These are some of the things I order from Azure Standard and the approximate price I pay (but prices change all the time).
Azure Standard Products
-Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour ($22.00 for a 5 pound bag = $4.40/lb.)
-Coconut Secret Coconut Flour ($24.00 for a 5 pound bag =$4.80/lb.)
-Organic, Unsweetened Shredded Coconut ($15.00 for a 5 pound bag = $3.00/lb.)
-Thai Organic Coconut Milk (canned) ($27.50 for 12 – 14 oz. cans = $2.29/can)
-Coconut Secret Raw, Organic Coconut Aminos (I use this as a soy sauce substitute) ($4.50 for 8 oz.)
-Earth Circle Organics Raw Cacao Powder (raw cacao is much more beneficial to you than cocoa) ($12.00/lb.)
-Cashews, Raw, Small Pieces (in most of my cooking I chop them up so this works for me) ($20 for a 5 pound bag = $4.00/lb.)
-Cashews, Raw, Whole ($40.00 for a 5 pound bag = $8.00/lb.)
-Sunflower Seeds, Raw, Organic ($10 for a 5 pound bag = $2.00/lb.)
I also buy a lot of things at Costco. If you have one of those close to you, you might be surprised how much they carry that you can eat. There is a yearly membership fee like Sam’s Club, but we find for our family it is definitely worth it. Costco product selection varies from store to store, so no guarantees your store will carry these things.
Costco Products
-Almonds (unsalted, unroasted) ($10 for a 3 pound bag = $3.33/lb.)
-Sunmaid Organic Raisins ($8.00 for 2 pounds = $4.00/lb.)
-Walnuts (unsalted, unroasted) ($15.00 for 5 pounds = $3.00/lb.)
-Organic Fuji Apples (price changes depending on the season but is usually around $1.50/lb.)
-Organic Baby Spinach (couple bucks for a big, 1 pound container)
-Bananas (price varies, but cheaper than our grocery stores)
-Vanilla (16 ounces for appr. $6.00)
-Maranatha Roasted Almond Butter, Smooth (26 ounce jar for appr. $6.00)
-Butter (currently $8.00 for 4 pounds = $2.00/lb. — pastured, organic butter would be much better for you though)
-Eggs (currently $8.00 for 5 dozen = $1.60/dozen — again, farm fresh organic would be better for you)
-Kirkland Maple Syrup (pure, Grade A) (32 ounces for appr. $14.00)
Coconut Oil Info
Most of the ingredients I buy come from one of the two places mentioned above. Coconut oil, however, has been an interesting research project and trial. I first started with a small jar that was really expensive from our local grocery store. Then, I went in with a few other ladies on a 5 gallon bucket from some company that we split (but was inconvenient for the lady who received it to try and divide it evenly). Then, I ordered 1 gallon from a company that Azure Standard sells. It didn’t have a lot of information on it, but said it was raw, cold-pressed and organic so I thought it must be good. At this time I started to learn about what to look for in a coconut oil. This [lengthy] article on coconut oil by Dr. Mercola states the things you should look for when choosing a coconut oil. In a nutshell, these are the things to look for:
1. USDA Certified
2. Unrefined
3. No chemicals added
4. Unbleached
5. Undeodorized
6. Not hydrogenated
7. Not GMO (genetically modified) or hybrid coconuts
8. Made from FRESH coconuts, not dried coconuts (used in cheap coconut oils)
9. Not processed with heat
Mercola’s website sells a good brand for $65.45 a gallon (currently the sale price), Tropical Traditions also has a good coconut oil for $65.00 a gallon (currently, through March 15th), and then there is the brand that I use: Nutiva–which is currently selling their organic, extra-virgin coconut oil at $59.99 a gallon (this also is on sale). Since I ordered my first gallon of Organic, Extra-Virgin Nutiva Coconut Oil, the price has increased slightly, but the “one-gallon price” has always been on sale. That is not to say that it will always be on sale, but I liked that it wasn’t just a “one-week deal” or anything.
Nutiva also offers FREE shipping on orders over $30.00, so if you like to buy in bulk like me, that just tops off the cake! I became an affiliate of their company soon afterwards because I love their coconut oil and love their prices! Their coconut oil meets Dr. Mercola’s standards and their price is even cheaper than Azure Standard sells Nutiva Coconut Oil for (surprisingly!) So, if you do decide to order from Nutiva, I’d love it if you wanted to go through my link. I do get a small compensation from Nutiva if you do decide to order through my link.
Just a little more on coconut oil…when I mentioned before that I had bought a brand of coconut oil that was raw, cold-pressed and organic…it was, but I found out after calling the company that it came from dried copra instead of fresh coconuts. The next coconut oil I ordered was Nutiva. When I received it, I could actually smell a difference between the two. The Nutiva brand smelled fresher to me! (Granted, I do have a super-strong nose…and it is even more sensitive being pregnant…)
Raw Honey
It is very beneficial to your health if you can find local, raw honey. I have heard that it helps with allergies other things if you can buy locally. This may take some research for you to find. If you do find a good supplier though, it is well-worth it. Raw honey can range anywhere from $2.00 a pound (the cheapest I’ve ever seen it) up to $5.00 a pound (and probably higher)! I buy honey in one gallon containers to save money.
Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-Fed Beef is a great thing to find locally. We found someone who raises his beef grass-fed and doesn’t use hormones or antibiotics on them. It is basically organic without being “certified” which costs farmers an arm and a leg to do so. If you can afford to buy 1/2 beef, that is probably going to be your best price. We split a half-beef between 3 families…and I don’t think it will last our family too long…
Other Products
I buy produce when it is on sale at our grocery store or at Costco. Our Costco carries a lot of organic produce which is fantastic! And I actually buy sweet potatoes and yams )non-organic) at Wal-Mart…they are almost half of the price of our grocery stores. I buy Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Chips at Wal-Mart as well.
Hopefully this information has been helpful to you. If you don’t have a Costco or something similar nearby that you can buy in bulk from, check around to see what is close to you. I’ve heard that “Whole Foods” is a great store to buy organic products, but we do not have one here. Let me know if you have further questions or suggestions to other places that you buy your ingredients!
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped (optional)
2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
6 oz tomato paste (about 2/3 cup)
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. oil
Directions:
1. Fry ground beef in saucepan. Add onions if using and cook until tender.
2. Chop tomatoes to desired consistency.
3. Add tomatoes, paste, seasonings, and oil to the saucepan.
4. Cook over medium-low heat until heated through.
*Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, with a slice of Grain-Free Sandwich Bread sprinkled with garlic salt and your favorite veggie. (The photo is zucchini–cut into noodles with a julienne peeler.)
*I’ve even tried this with cherry tomatoes–it worked and had good flavor but was a bit more “watery” than typical sauce.
Good Old Grilled Hamburger
“Hamburger?” You ask. Yes, we still eat hamburgers and we actually rather enjoy them even though we eat them without a bun. And yes, it is quite a basic recipe and most of you probably know how to make a burger, but I thought I’d post it as another meal idea.
Hamburger
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef or ground bison
1 egg
salt
pepper
garlic (1 clove, crushed or a sprinkle of garlic salt)
Directions:
1. Mix it all together and form into patties.
2. Grill on medium heat (or whatever your grilling preference is) until cooked. (My patties usually take about 5 minutes per side–but check them so they don’t burn.)
3. Eat and enjoy!
*Serve on top of a salad or with all your favorite fixins. We like ours with a side of baked Sweet Potato Fries.
Meatloaf (with veggies)
I know a lot of people don’t like meatloaf. I am not sure why. I have always liked meatloaf and lately have been experimenting with different veggies added to it. You can make this plain without any veggies (how I typically make it) or you can add a bit of whatever you have in the kitchen. This is how I made it last night, but feel free to try different veggies in it!
Meatloaf (with veggies)
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1-2 carrots, finely chopped
1/2 cup zucchini, grated or finely chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1 egg
1 garlic clove, pressed
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients together, pat in loaf pan.
3. Top with homemade ketchup or bbq sauce (if desired).
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until cooked through. (Meat thermometer should read 165 degrees or higher.)
Serve with veggies and Mashed Sweet Potatoes!
Taco Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
I had NEVER cooked with cabbage before I tried this recipe. I was slightly hesitant, but noticed that the original post of the recipe had lots of comments saying it had been a hit. I got this recipe from the Wellness Mama blog (her blog has been a fantastic resource for me). We always make the stir-fry with taco seasonings and love it (there are other options for seasonings on her blog, I just haven’t tried them)! The actual recipe is found here. This recipe comes together fairly quick, which is nice when you are pinched for time.
Taco Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
1/2 to 1 onion, chopped or thinly sliced
2-4 carrots, grated or chopped
taco seasoning
2 chopped tomatoes and/or salsa (for serving)
Directions:
1. Brown beef in large skillet.
2. When the beef is almost browned, add onions and carrots.
3. When onions and carrots start to soften, add the cabbage and taco seasoning.
4. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring, until cabbage starts to soften.
5. Serve with salsa or fresh tomatoes.
Harvest Sweet Potato Stew
Harvest Sweet Potato Stew
Ingredients:
1 pound bison or beef stew meat
1/2 onion–chopped
1 large sweet potato or yam
3-4 chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
OPTIONAL: (the following ingredients make it more fall-tasting)
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. ginger
Directions:
1.Brown meat, add water and onions, cook until onions are slightly tender.
2. Cut up sweet potato or yam into cubes and put on the bottom of a crock pot.
3. Add meat/water/onions and the rest of the ingredients to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Grain-Free Hamburger Hotdish with Zucchini
Now before you say, “Gross–that sounds disgusting!”, know that I said the same thing. When I first started going grain-free, I tried to find pasta-substitutes and often saw “zucchini” as one option but thought it sounded terrible. Well, my grandma sent me some fresh zucchini from her garden so I thought I would give it a try. I made the hamburger hotdish I grew up with using “zucchini noodles” instead of macaroni. I was pleasantly surprised and hope that you will be as well!
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste (3 oz)
1 can chopped tomatoes
sprinkle of Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
2 medium zucchinis or one large zucchini
Instructions:
Brown hamburger in skillet, add onions and cook until tender. Add seasonings and tomato sauce, paste and chopped tomatoes. Cook. Peel the green peeling off of zucchinis. “Peel” the rest of the zucchini with a potato peeler so that there are zucchini strips or ribbons. Add peeled zucchini and simmer for 5-8 minutes depending on desired tenderness. Serve!