Monthly Archives: February 2012

Dinner in a crunch: Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs

Posted by paleomominsalem in Recipes and tagged with ,

Yikes!  Today was one of those days where 4:30 rolled around and I hadn’t actually planned what to make for dinner.  Generally, it is important to plan ahead to support a paleo diet.  Since “convenience” foods such as pre-packaged processed foods are not on the list, planning meals in advance is a good way to reduce stress.  Failing to do so, does give one the opportunity to try out new experiments based on what is available.  In a crunch, apricot glazed chicken thighs are a tasty option.

Ingredients:

  • Package of 4 chicken thighs (I used bone in with skin – I like the skin)
  • 2 Tbs sugar-free Apricot jam or Apricot simply fruit spread
  • 2 tsp organic blue agave nectar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

  • Spray chicken thighs lightly with olive oil (I use olive oil in a Mr. Misto.  Not the fake stuff in an aerosol can)
  • Bake chicken at 375 for 40 minutes
  • While chicken is baking, mix apricot spread, agave and cinnamon together in small bowl
  • Remove chicken from oven, pour apricot mixture over the chicken, spreading to cover all the skin with a basting brush
  • Return chicken to oven and bake 15 more minutes or until juices run clear

Serve with steamed beans and cauliflower

This is quick and easy to prepare although the baking does take a while.

Goat and Mushroom Stew

Posted by paleomominsalem in Recipes and tagged with , ,

Over the years I’ve discovered that I actually like cooking and experimenting with new foods.  Shifting my family to the paleo lifestyle has encouraged me to try all kinds of new foods.  Today I focused on the 1 lb of ground goat and a pint of hedgehog mushrooms that I purchased at Corvallis Indoor Market and came up with Goat and Mushroom Stew.  I have to admit I had some trepidation about serving this up to my family as it has a pleasant but distinct flavor.  I was delighted to discover that they loved it, came back for seconds, and emptied the whole bowl!  So, confident in my new recipe, I’ll share it with you.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 lb ground goat meat
  • 3 large carrots diced
  • 1/2 bag frozen french cut green beans
  • 1 pint hedgehog mushrooms (or any other mushroom of your choice)
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 Tbs dried onion (or 1 chopped regular onion)
  • 2 “not-chicken” vegan bullion cubes (Not sure what these are? Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Edward-Sons-Not-Chicken-Bouillon-3-1-Ounce/dp/B005US11MI.  I buy mine locally at Life Source Natural Foods in Salem)
  • 4 cups hot water
  • 2 Tbs arrowroot starch dissolved in 2 Tbs water

Directions

  1. Heat the 2 tbs olive oil in dutch oven on the stove top
  2. Add the goat meat and garlic and cook until browned.  Drain off excess fat
  3. Add 2 “not-chicken” vegan bullion cubes to 4 cups of hot water to make “not-chicken” broth
  4. Add broth, carrots, beans, mushrooms, onions, and thyme to the goat.  Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce to simmer, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes
  6. Add 2 Tbs arrowroot starch dissolved in 2 Tbs water, stir, and simmer for 5 more minutes
  7. Serve!

Why I’m a Paleo Mom

Posted by paleomominsalem in Paleo lifestyle and tagged with ,

About a year and a half ago, my son was sick all the time.  He was pale as a ghost, he had stomach aches and upset stomach every day.  I was desperate and looking for answers.  The “solution” offered by doctors was to give him adult strength antacids.  Not an acceptable solution.  After research and seeking out more answers, I found it – my child was not only completely gluten intolerant, he was also unable to digest milk or soy products.

This was the beginning of our culinary adventures.  At first, our family eliminated wheat, milk, and soy from our diets.  However, as I did more research and observed the impact of foods on our health, I learned about the Paleo Diet and began to follow it.  Strictly speaking, the Paleo lifestyle focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, meat and fish.  We’ve eliminated almost all of our consumption of grains, including gluten-free grains, dairy products of any kind, and the big one – sugar.

The result – a healthier and fitter family.  For example, I dropped 9 lbs in my first month of Paleo eating and maintained the loss.  I’ve noticed our skin is clearer and healthier with a lot less breakouts.  We’re sick less frequently.

I’ve been so inspired by the changes this lifestyle has brought to us that I want to share the tools, habits, and neat things to know about the paleo lifestyle as we live it here in Salem.