Paleo Coconut Pecan Breakfast Bars

When I found this recipe, I got excited. I'm not one to eat breakfast, and when I saw the picture of this recipe (I lost my picture on my other computer), I thought they looked like cakes. HOW HARD IS IT TO EAT CAKE ANY TIME OF DAY? But, unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of the bars. I didn't realize it would taste so banana like (and when you don't like a certain ingredient, it seems to taste 100% stronger).

- coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius. Grease a 8x8pan with coconut oil.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. add the mashed banana with the honey and vanilla.

3. Add the flour, making sure there's no lumps. Add the shredded coconut and milk, and mix well.

4. Spoon into the pan, smooth out and sprinkle with pecans. Bake for 20-25 mins. 

All Meat and Veggie Paleo Chilli

As I am trying to find different foods that I enjoy so I can lose weight, a friend of mine told me about the paleo diet; where you only eat lean meats, no grains, no dairy etc. It sounded pretty harsh to me, but to my surprise it was actually quite yummy. You're basically eating all fresh produce like our cavemen ancestors. See back in their days, there were none of these processed foods, no grains available (which makes breads, cereals, flours etc).

This chilli dish right here was that yummy, that even my dad took left over to work with him!
So here's the recipe...

- 680g lean beef mince
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 stalk celery
- 2 tablespoons chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2-3 medium zucchini, diced
- 425g can tomato puree
- 425g can diced tomatoes

1. In a frypan, brown the mince and add the garlic. Drain and set aside.

2. Add the oil, onion, celery, carrot, and seasonings. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 mins. Add the zucchini and cook for another 2 mins.

3. Add the cooked beef, tomatoes, and puree. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.


NOTE: this is a very thick recipe. Add up to 1 cup additional liquid (tomato puree or water) to thin if preferred. 

HI EVERYONE! Long time no see.
I just thought I would let you all know I haven't gone missing. My computer went a bit crazy and I have now bought a new one...

SO EXPECT TO SEE MORE RECIPES AGAIN. 

Over the next few weeks, i will be posting the recipes I have made, BUT not all of them will have the photo, as they were on my other computer. SORRY.

HOWEVER, THIS GIVES ME AN EXCUSE TO MAKE AND ENJOY THEM AGAIN (but seriously, who needs an excuse?) 

STAY TUNED... YOU WON'T BE SORRY

😋

Pumpkin pie

This pie is so sweet and yummy.

- 2 cups pumpkin purée 

- shortcrust pastry

- 3/4 cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

- 3 eggs, lightly whisked

- 1/2 cup milk

- 5oz can evaporated milk

1. Combine the pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add the eggs.

2. Add both of the milks and mix well. 

3. Line a pie dish with the shortcrust pastry and pour the mixture into the case. Bake for 30 minutes at 190 degrees celcius until skewer comes out clean.  

Apple hand pies

I made these for my mum as I don't like cooked fruit. She says they are absolutely delicious. 

- short crust pastry

- 1 Apple, cut into 8

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together except the pastry. 

2. Cut the pastry into 4 squares, and each square in half to make a triangle. Place one wedge of Apple on a triangle and wrap it up. 

3 bake on a lined oven tray at 180 degrees celcius, for 12 minutes. 

Potato chop

I wasn't a huge fan of these stuffed potato balls, but my mum and dad couldn't stop eating them. I think I didn't enjoy the texture. 

For the potato dough:

- 1kg potatoes, boiled, mashed and cooled

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

FILLING: 

- 1/2 kg mince

- 1/2 tablespoon oil

- 1 medium onion finely chopped

- 3/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon 7 spice

- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped 

1. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the mince. Add the rest of the filling ingredients and set aside.

2. Add the cornstarch to the cooled potato. Break off walnut sized pieces. 

3. Hold the ball in one hand, and use your thumb to hollow the centre. Fill the hole with filling, and pinch edges closed. Fry until brown. 

Spinach dip bites

I was actually surprised how tasty these were. It was the first time using and even tasting artichoke hearts. I must admit I do like them. 

- puff pastry

- 2 cups frozen spinach

- 3oz jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 

- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

- 4 oz cream cheese

- 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella 

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

- pepper to taste 

1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees celcius. In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichokes, garlic and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 

2. Cut the pastry into squares and line muffin holes with it. 

3. Scoop the spinach mixture into the pastry cases and bake for 15-17 minutes.