almost Paleo Protein Snack Balls

I saw a tasty-looking recipe on Pinterest from Caveman Strong, and I was intrigued, but I rarely make anything as it is given, so here's my version:

almost Paleo Protein Snack Balls

1 c almond flour (very finely ground)
1/2 c coarse almond bits
1/4 c shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 c chopped dark chocolate
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
1 large free-range egg

Mix dry ingredients together, then add in wet ingredients.
Form into 1 1/2" diameter balls and bake at 350f for 8-10 mins
enjoy!

Laundry on the Line aka Summer in March

Yesterday we hung our jeans out to dry - it was perfect line-drying weather.



















We also planned our garden and built the first garden box of four, one of which will be half-sized for the littles to plant and dig in.

The box is by no means perfect, but all it has to do is hold dirt, right?  Oh, and that funny looking thing on the near left post, that's seeds germinating in the warmth.

Pancakes

These are GF, of course!  and oh so yummy!

60 gm almond flour, finely ground (you can make it finer by re-grinding in a coffee grinder)
40 gm GF oatmeal flour

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 - 1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanillla extract

Mix the dry ingredients together and wet ingredients together and then combine, mixing until well blended, adding the extra milk as needed for a smooth, thin consistency.

Cook on hot, lightly oiled griddle until set on first side (about 60-90 seconds) then flip to other side, cooking until lightly golden.

Makes 4 1/2 dozen 2" pancakes, or 2 dozen 3 1/2" pancakes.
     I usually make 2" pancakes because The Boy likes to eat them in one bite, and 2" is just right for a little mouth.

Cheesy Nacho Hashbrown Casserole

2 1/2 lbs grated potatoes
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided, 4 ounces kept out for topping
6 oz sour cream
10 oz condensed milk
10 oz nacho cheese sauce
1 TBSP minced garlic
1 tsp black pepper
2-3 cups milk
1/4 cup diced mild chiles

Pre-heat oven to 350 F
Mix everything together in a large bowl, reserving 4 ounces of grated cheddar cheese, and pour into lightly oiled large baking dish, approximately 11x17.  Sprinkle top of casserole with reserved cheese.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, until cooked through, cheese is melted and top is lightly browned.

Real Food Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

YUM!

2 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar, honey or maple syrup
2 TBSP vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt

Mix everything together in a medium sized bowl, and pour into a 2 quart ice cream maker, freezing per maker's instructions.

Enjoy!

Broccoli-Quinoa Bake

3 cups lightly steamed broccoli
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups milk
16 oz grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, etc.)

1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg

2 TBSP Parmesan cheese

Mix broccoli, quinoa, milk, cheese, pepper, salt and nutmeg together in a large bowl.  Pour into a large, shallow baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake in 425 F over for 25-30 minutes, until top is lightly browned.

Spanish Rice from Scratch

This recipe is my compilation from a few different recipes.  It's cooking right now, so I hope it's good!

Saute in pan until soft and translucent: 1 onion finely diced, 3 cloves garlic finely diced, and 1 TBSP oil or fat (I used kidney lard - yum!).  Add in 1 1/2 cups brown rice, and toast lightly.  Carefully add 2 1/2 cups water or stock, 8 oz tomato paste, a pinch of corriander, two pinches of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste, stirring thoroughly.  Allow to come to full boil, then reduce to simmer, and allow to cook for 35-45 mins, until done.