Fresh Italian Meatballs

The thing I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these meatballs alone with some marinara dipping sauce, or combine it with spaghetti squash for a Paleo take on the traditional spaghetti. In addition to this being so veritable, it is quickly and easy! I used 2 lbs meat so that I would have leftovers for lunch. I would say the 2 lbs would serve about 4 people, if you were just eating the meatballs alone, as we did.

Fresh Italian Meatballs
2 lbs ground beef
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 egg

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Scoop and roll 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet (use a cookie sheet that has a lip to it as the meat creates a bit of juice). Bake for 20 min, turning the meatballs once during baking. Remove from oven, add a side of marinara sauce and enjoy!

Leftovers?

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. As a kid I can remember asking my mom what was for dinner and if she said "leftovers" I would groan- "oh yuck". These days though I LOVE leftovers! I usually try to cook more than we need just so I will have leftovers. If you are lucky enough to have these tasty treasures in your fridge from Thanksgiving you may be wondering, "how long is this stuff good for?". Check out this post for some guidelines on your leftover's shelf life. Enjoy!

Paleo Thanksgiving Ideas

Are you looking for some tasty Paleo recipes for this Thanksgiving? Maybe you have decided you are going to eat your grandma's apple pie, but want to keep the rest of your meal Paleo. Maybe you are being 100% strict and need some inspiration. Check out this post by our friends at Whole9. There are lots of delicious looking recipes and great ideas to make your Thanksgiving a success. Enjoy!

Fresh Creamy Tomato Soup

 Seattle has turned to its usual cold and rainy weather. We have all put on our boots, scarves and coats. (Minus the umbrellas, those are for tourists. :) ) Nothing sounds better on a cold rainy night then a bowl of warm, creamy, savory soup. Check out this simple recipe for tomato soup. I used ground turkey this time, but previously I have used sausage, and ground beef. They are all delicious and make the soup a little different.

Fresh Creamy Tomato Soup

5 cloves crushed garlic
2 - 28oz cans of crushed tomatoes
1 can coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb meat of your choice (cooked and seasoned to taste)
2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp onion powder


Place all ingredients, except meat, into large pot, cook on medium high heat until warmed through. Then add cooked meat of your choice. Stir for another 5 min until the meat is warmed.

 

Top with sliced avocado (as pictured) or keep it simply as is. Enjoy!

Fresh Egg Muffins

Lately I have been so tired of my morning eggs. Like if I take one more bite, I may loose it. Are you with me? Well here is a recipe that will save your mornings. This is a simple, delicious recipe that can be modified to any taste. In addition to the flavor- it will save you time, as you grab it on your way out the door. And that my friends, is priceless!

Fresh Egg Muffins

12 eggs
¾ cup organic heavy cream or coconut milk

¼ tsp salt

Optional Ingredients: (Add 1 cup of additional ingredients, or more if you want. I like my quiche full of goodies)

Cooked Meat: Sausage, ham, bacon, ground beef, steak, ground turkey.
Veggies: (Raw) Broccoli, pepper, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, fresh cilantro, fresh basil.

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

Coat cupcake dish with non-stick spray or butter. Cook quiches for 20-30 min, or until the centers are firm.

Enjoy fresh, reheat or freeze for a great snack on the go.

I included caramelized onions, red pepper and ground beef to my mini-muffins pictured here.

 

A Good Dose of Reality

Do you find these pictures floating around Facebook? Do you hit the "like" button? Do you feel guilty if you don't? Do they make you feel that you are somehow not giving your workout everything you've got? Do you really have to be obsessed to be dedicated?

I'll be honest, these have never really resonated with me. I LOVE wodding, and I can get after it like a champ, but I am not a stay at the gym for all hours of the day every day of the week type of girl. Yet, I do see this happen. Check out this post by whole9 for a reality check regarding this issue. They make some excellent points for all of us who love to work out and also have a life outside of the gym. Keep it in perspective and enjoy a long healthy life, that includes getting your laundry done, having dinner with friends, and working out at the gym. Enjoy!

Halloween Problems

Wahoo! You made it through Halloween! You may have snacked on a ton a few sugary treats. The tip for today is referring to any "extra" candy that is laying around calling your name: THROW IT AWAY! Hey, you paid for it and you can decide to throw it out! Just do it, don't think twice, and don't take an extra bite for the road. Halloween came and went, it was real, it was fun, and it is over.  Besides who wants to turn into Augusta Gloop anyway. . .? Enjoy!