Creamy Dijon Chicken

As usual, it's been way too long since I posted anything. It's still a little crazy around here and not a whole lot has changed. We are patiently waiting for the doctor to schedule a T&A (tonsil and adenoid) removal for our son Lucca. Patient is a loose term but I will use it for now. We have tried several antibiotics but some PANDAS symptoms just keep lingering. Lucca is manageable and is much better than last year but, we are still dealing with the PANDAS monster. Needless to say I've been a little consumed with other things and writing hasn't been the front runner in the race of crap going through my mind lately.  Does that even make sense? See what I mean???

Truth is I've been a little uninspired and tired!  I have tons of recipes written down but I never took pictures when I made them and obviously it becomes difficult to share recipes without pictures!! Plus, I like to make some recipes a couple of times to make sure I have measurements right and it actually tastes delicious. I do this some times...not all the time but some to most of the time. Because I've been tired, I've gone to the easiest and least creative foods that I have under my belt.  Things so easy, they are only a handful of ingredients.  Things I would never expect people to be interested in. 

Well, while taking Kaine, our youngest, to gymnastics a friend reminded me how much they enjoyed the dinner I had made a little while back.  While watching our little ones climb, jump, balance, and swing, she told me how much her and her husband loved the chicken I made while over at our house.  In fact they loved it so much they had already made the chicken dish several times since I had given her the recipe (which she hounded me for)! 

When we have friends over, I don't push paleo. I just cook some food and swap out some of the obvious no-no dishes.  Instead of dessert, we have fresh fruit.  Instead of cheese and crackers, we have some sweet potato/potato chips or fresh veggies. Instead of sandwiches or pizza, I grill some meat and make a salad. If the bread, cheese, sugar, dairy, and other stuff isn't in front of you it's easy to eat paleo and not even realize it.  The hardest part is when the food is staring you in the face, but it's extremely easy when the option isn't there. So, when our friends came over with their two little ones I made this chicken and the Kale "Krack" Salad.  

I went with the easiest dishes I could think of.  The kale salad I could make ahead of time and let sit in the fridge and the chicken, I just throw on the grill and I'm done. I like to talk and I get excited to speak with other adults. I work from home a lot so I don't get the office camaraderie anymore or adult conversations in general because I pretty much always have my kids around.  So when friends are coming over I want to be able to sit down, have a drink, and talk.  I don't want to be running around cooking.

After our conversation, I started to realize that maybe people would be interested in the quick meals that I typically just whip together.  But this meant I would need to make it again and take some pictures. Well, I finally got around to taking the pictures but of course that meant I still needed to find the time to sit down and write.  Of course it took longer than I had hoped but hopefully this recipe is worth the wait. If you don't count salt and pepper this dish is literally 3 ingredients added to chicken.  It's super simple and I have grilled and broiled the chicken with similar results.  My kids love chicken on the bone so we always have to get a couple of drumsticks but this works on chicken breasts, thighs, a whole rotisserie chicken or beer can chicken per my friends (not exactly paleo but oh well).  Typically the sauce will cover about 8 pieces of chicken and you may have a little left over to coat the meat while cooking or to add after it is off the grill.

Next time you can't think of something for dinner try this out and add in the Farm Salad for a super effortless dinner.
Enjoy! 
Happy Cooking and Eating!

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Prep Time:3 minutes

Cook Time:10-18 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked

Total Time:13-21 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces of chicken, typically we do 6 drumsticks and 2 chicken breasts cut into strips (quicker to cook and stays juicy)
• 1/2 cup of Amazing Mayo or favorite mayo (I like Primal Kitchen or Sir Kensington, if you don't want to make your own)
• 3 TBSP dijon mustard
• 2 tsp of Herbs de Provence (you can find this in the spice aisle)
• Salt and Pepper (about 1/8 tsp of each, but I just sprinkle some on)

Instructions:

1. Turn grill on and get hot!
2. Mix mayo, mustard, and herbs together in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 
4. Coat chicken with the dijon sauce and rub into the chicken. 
5. Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-10 minutes (depending on your grill)and flip. Cook and continue to flip until chicken is fully cooked. If you have left over sauce you can baste the chicken while it is cooking or add a little after you take it off the grill. 

Easy Lemon Dressing - Quick Farm Salad

 Last week was my birthday...along with about 5 other people that I know and love.  I had a fantastic time celebrating with friends, making new friends, spending time with family and just having a good time!  It was a pretty busy week filled with typical things like hockey, basketball and gymnastics but there were also several days of dinners and outings thrown in there too.  

  As much as I tried to stick to a paleo diet there were certain things that I couldn't pass up.  See, I have always been a foodie. I seriously love food.  I have watched cooking shows since I was a kid.  I'll always have fond memories of watching Julia Child with my grandfather on PBS. I remember thinking I can't understand what she or her french chef guests are saying but the food looks delicious. Food is an amazing art!  So it became near impossible to resist some of these dishes when I went to several amazing restaurants this past week/weekend. I look back and it was well worth it but my body hated me.  I typically don't weigh myself but I decided before I went out I would do a little experiment. I logged my weight right before I went out on Friday and then on Sunday evening I weighed myself again...8 whole lbs.  I literally gained 8 lbs in a couple of days!!  I'm not kidding...8 FREAKING POUNDS!!!  I'm only 5'3", so that's a lot. Hell...that's a lot for anyone in 3-4 days. I'm still in shock at that number but that doesn't compare to the bloating I had in my stomach, the gas and discomfort I was experiencing, the aches in my joints, the tightness of my clothes, and the fog that had come over me.  I started to feel like a different person and I didn't like it.  Who knew three days would do so much damage!  But truth is, I haven't deviated from the paleo lifestyle for that many days in a row in quite some time.

  Luckily my sons, Lucca and Kaine, only participated in one meal.  It was a cheat day for my birthday and they were able to partake.  But after three days of bad eating my body was different and it solidified why our family eats the way we do.  See, my oldest son, Lucca, has PANDAS. We decided to go hard core paleo once he was diagnosed.  The paleo lifestyle helps to keep inflammation down in the body.  It also helps keep him healthy and keeps the flare ups at bay or at least to a minimum (Our Story). But the thing is, I forgot how much I had experienced these horrible feelings in my body a while back.  Prior to eating paleo, I was a little overweight, woke up every morning sore (you think it just comes with age), had a bloated belly, had several different sizes in clothing depending on the day, didn't have energy, and just felt under the weather, tired or just in a weird brain fog.  Food is our fuel and you definitely get what you put in.  If you eat a donut or have a soda and crap all day, you feel sluggish and out of it.  Not to mention you will likely put on a couple of pounds (or 8!!!).  If you eat a salad and some lean meat while snacking on nuts, fruits and veggies, you are likely to have more energy and be more alert.  You just feel better!!  

 Here's the thing that people don't realize....paleo food and healthy food CAN TASTE GOOD!!!  Paleo food is not hard to find, there are lots of things that are paleo friendly.  Finding food is easy.  The hard part is sticking to it and resisting the bad food.  Believe me, I get it!  I clearly had a hard time this past week and boy did my body feel it. Now, will I likely cheat again?  Sure.  But probably not three days in a row!  I don't want to feel this way and I don't want to spend a week trying to get back to my old paleo self.  It's much easier for your body to bounce back after one cheat meal than it is three. Plus, I feel bad.  I feel bad that I have the option to eat this way and my son doesn't.  Technically, he can eat anyway he wants to.  But it's what is best for his body and we decided as a family we would eat paleo. It isn't fair to him that he sticks to something that I don't.  Lesson learned.  Guilt and bad body feelings are not a fun combo.  

  In order for me to get back to feeling better, I started with salads and veggies.  Contrary to what most people think about paleo,  our main dish is not meat.  Meat tends to be the side dish to our main course...Veggies!  Vegetables are important.  The meat/protein is what gives you the energy but the vegetables are what gives you the vitamins and nutrients that you need to stay healthy. Plus, they help fill you up.  I of course made the Kale Krack Salad but I needed something easier too.  The Farm Salad. Our kids call this the farm salad because when we went on a farm stay this past summer it was the salad that came with our first meal.  It was delicious, simple, fresh and easy.  As Julia Child once said "You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces - just good food from fresh ingredients." This salad is just that, fresh arugula with lemon and olive oil with a little salt and pepper. Ever since the farm stay, my kids will eat this salad up pretty regularly. Personally, I think it brings back fond memories for all of us.  We can't wait to go back this summer! There are times I change it up a bit but I always keep this dressing on hand.  I may add some avocado, cucumbers, onions and chicken to make it a big salad meal. But most times I just put it on arugula (like at the farm), micro greens, mixed lettuce or any greens I have in the fridge.  It's the perfect side salad to make your dish complete.  After 3 days of being back on paleo I have lost 5 of the 8 lbs.  I am starting to feel much better, which is what I really wanted.  I really don't count the pounds, it's about how my clothes fit and how I feel.  I just want to get out of bed in the morning, have some energy and not have my whole body ache. Well, and for PANDAS to go away and maybe be on the farm again. Oh and winning the lottery would be nice too.  Maybe not having to work anymore and traveling to a bunch of beaches... crap, this list could get pretty long if I really think about it.  I should just stick with getting out of bed, at least that one is possible.
Happy Cooking and Eating!

Easy Lemon Dressing

Serves:a little over 1/4 cup 

Prep Time:2 minutes

Cook Time:0 minutes

Total Time:2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 1/2 to 5 TBSP fresh lemon juice**
• dash of salt and pepper

 **I like it a bit more tart so I use 5 but if you don't want it that lemony do 3 1/2. 

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small dressing container or whisk together in a bowl.  

Sonoma Chicken Salad

  

  A couple of days ago was pretty tough.  I think I finally reached a point where I needed to let everything go and just break down.  Unfortunately, it happened in a strangers office.  I had never met these two ladies before in my life but I started talking about PANDAS and my son, Lucca, and emotions just completely over took my whole body. I couldn't control it (and I am known for being a control freak) which made me even more embarrassed and mad.  It was hard and I was embarrassed but I started to cry. I realized it had been a long time. It had been a long time since I had to explain my son's condition in front of a stranger.  Especially a stranger that had never met him. Someone who had never seen his ups and downs.  It was hard to express my concern and why I was there. I was canceling my gym membership.  YES People!  I was crying at the gym. The truth is I haven't been able to go to the gym much since the diagnosis of PANDAS (Our Story). It had been a good couple of months, or maybe 4, but who's really counting here? Anyway, I became so wrapped up in helping my son heal with doctors visits and more doctor visits, hospital visits, teacher meetings, etc that I forgot to take care of myself.

  Being a parent is tough!  And being a PANDAS parent, tends to come with a couple of extra challenges.  But, honestly being a parent in general is draining and you work so hard at keeping it together for your child/children that it is pretty easy to forget to think about yourself.  I clearly got to that point.  While trying to cancel the membership, they were kind but didn't want to let me go that easily.  I had to sit and explain that the whole purpose of why I chose that gym was to utilize the kid zone area, a place to bring my kids so I could work out.  I have a full time job, my husband works odd hours, so I needed something I could use in the evenings and on the weekends. Well, guess what, once your kid is diagnosed with PANDAS, you don't have any desire to bring them to a gym kid zone type area.  It's an environment that is screaming...germs, germs, germs!  I know germs are everywhere but my son has a compromised immune system.   We are working so hard to protect him and boost his immune system that taking him to the kid zone would seem counterproductive. There are lots of PANDAS parents that start to homeschool their child.  Some because their child's anxiety is so severe that they won't leave their house and some because it is one more way to protect them from contracting strep or some other viruses that can trigger an episode and send their kid spiraling out of control. 

  As I sat explaining our situation and how we had to protect my son.  I could feel it. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes. I could feel the emotions rush over me.  This lady looked at me and saw the start of it and said "It sounds like you are going through a really hard time. Maybe there is something we can offer you, to help you get through this. Some free classes or something. It sounds like you definitely need a release and you can't forget about yourself during this time.  You need a break too.  You sound like a great mom, but don't forget to take care of yourself.".  Well, that started it.  The tears came rushing out and I couldn't control it.  Part of me understood everything she was saying and she was right! I do need to take care of myself!  I do need a release!  I do need to get the PANDAS anger out of me somehow and the gym is a great place to do that! The other part of me was furious because didn't she understand that I couldn't bring my son there!  That I couldn't risk it!  That if I had a way to get to the gym, I would! I was so frustrated with everything.  At that point with tears rushing down my face, she just brought out the cancellation forms.  I pulled myself together, apologized for my crying and signed the papers.  

  I left the gym and walked to my car with the cancellation papers in my hand.  I put the key in the ignition and stopped. I sat back and just started balling.  The big ugly cry.  The one where no one looks or sounds pretty. The one that comes from your gut.  

I cried because I HATE PANDAS!  

I hate that it took my son away!  

I hate that it completely rocked his world and ours!  

I hate that there is no easy fix!  

I hate that we are still fighting with our insurance company over treatments! 

I hate that we are still trying to figure everything out because every kid is different! 

I hate that I question my 4 yr olds son's behavior and wonder is it PANDAS, regular 4 yr old behavior or is he mimicking his brother's behavior! 

I hate that there are still people that question if it's real!  

I hate that we walk on eggshells wondering if this is a small flare or will this become a big episode that we can't control! 

  There is so much to hate about PANDAS...and I definitely started going through that list while I sat in my car. 

I cried because I wish we could go back and know what we know now! 

I cried because that reminded me of the time Lucca said he wished he could die and start over! Do you have any idea how hard it is to hear your 6 yr old child say he wishes he could die!!!  

I cried because I wish this hadn't gone undiagnosed for so long! 

I cried because I don't know if we are missing something else!  

I cried because I am tired and can't remember the last time I slept through the night!  

I cried because I blame myself for letting PANDAS get the better of my son!  Not my fault by any means, but I still feel like I could have done more sooner.

I cried because I hope Lucca won't go away again!  

I cried because I wish this wasn't happening! 

I cried because I have pushed myself to the side and I need to take care of myself again, for my sanity and for my family's!  

  I decided if I couldn't go to the gym maybe I could create something at home in our basement.  But oh wait...we just got it tested for mold and we have elevated levels.  Mold remediation, here we come!  Guess what, mold is a trigger for some PANDAS kids too.  AWESOME! One more thing to add to the list!!!  

  Now, please don't get me wrong.  I am by no means looking for a pity party here.  I am the last person that wants someone to feel sorry for me.  I typically tell people to suck it up, everybody has  issues, and get over it...Put on your big boy/girl undies and move on, is my way of thinking. Here's the thing though, we as parents have to remember to take care of ourselves or we won't be any good to the people we are trying to take care of.  Everybody can use a little break or release.  For me, I needed to get that cry out and let go of all the feelings I had bottled up. I had a little mini-therapy session with myself in my car that day.  I addressed my anger and I let it go.  Now, I need to continue to work on releasing that to make sure it doesn't build up again. 

  I have no idea how to lead into this recipe, so I am not going to pretend to. All I can say is, I do love this chicken salad and it made me feel good later that day. Lucca, also had three bowls. So there you go.  

  Please don't forget to take care of yourself.  Whether it is going to the gym, talking to a friend more often or maybe a therapist, crying in a stranger's office, screaming and crying in your car, or reading a good book (again, something I haven't done in a long time). Take some time out of the day to address YOU, it will help YOU and everyone around YOU in the end. 

Happy Cooking and Eating!

Sonoma Chicken Salad

Serves:2-4 people

Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 chopped cooked chicken breasts (about .75 lb), I used some broiled chicken breasts that I had made.  It had a little thyme and salt and pepper on them.
• 3 celery stalks (about 1/2 cup), chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup red grapes, chopped 
• 1/2 cup amazing mayo
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped granny smith apple
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, I did a mix of the two
• 1 tsp poppy seeds
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until fully mixed. 
2.  I served with chopped arugula on the side, but you can also use micro-greens or serve it in lettuce cups.

Paleo Chicken Fingers

   Most kids love chicken fingers.  Let's be honest...doesn't everybody love chicken fingers now and then? My kids are no different. As a busy mom, there are some things you always need to have on hand.  These are perfect for just that.  I typically like to make a double batch and store some in the freezer.  On the nights when I don't want to cook or we are too busy and don't have time to cook...I can pop these in the oven. Add some veggies on the side and you are done. 

  Lucca is kind of a messy eater, well really they both can be at times. I will give you a warning that these can be a bit messy depending on your eater. I have no issue but my kids seem to get crumbs everywhere.  I'm just saying be a little prepared that you might have to do a quick swiffer after dinner. I don't know if it is the fact that this is true finger foods and rules get thrown out the window. Or if they just haven't really figured out how to not make a mess with finger foods yet.  Truth be told they made a mess iwth traditional chicken fingers as well.  So, really no difference to me. Ahh whatever, small price to pay for an easy dinner, right?  

  I like to serve these chicken fingers with a honey mustard sauce or BBQ sauce. My kids go back and forth on which they like better. Both are super easy to make and both can be altered to fit your sweet or tangy needs.  You can get the recipes here. 

  Paleo can be hard if you don't have things on hand. Hopefully making a double batch to freeze helps you get over that hump. Sometimes you have to spend a little time to save a little time!
Stock up, be prepared and paleo will get easier. 

Paleo Chicken Fingers

Serves:4-6 people, about 15 tenders

Prep Time:15 minutes

Cook Time:21 minutes

Total Time:36 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 3/8 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley* optional
• 1/8 tsp salt
• dash of cayenne* optional
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line large flat pan with parchment paper (easy clean up).
2. Mix dry ingredients in shallow bowl. Combine/whisk wet ingredients in another shallow bowl. 
3. Cut chicken breasts into small tenders.
4. Dip tender into egg mixture.  Shake off excess and dip into dry mixture and place on pan. Repeat. Use a fork, much easier than getting your fingers all caked in batter.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, flip and bake for 5 minutes. Then blast with the broiler for about a minute to get some more browning, if you don't get enough from baking.
6. Serve with ketchup, Paleo BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard Sauce.

To Freeze - When the tenders have cooled, place in freezer zip lock baggie or tight sealed container. 

To Reheat - Preheat oven to 350. Remove from freezer and place on foil lined pan (again easy clean up). Bake for about 8-10 minutes, flip and bake for another 8-10 minutes. 

  

Thai Chicken Lettuce wraps

 You know what isn't fun....loose teeth! Our oldest son, Lucca, has had his two front teeth loose for the past 2 months and it sucks.  For any PANDA parent, you know what I'm talking about.  For most kids, loose teeth typically means tooth fairy and silly smiles but with a PANDAS kid it also means some flare ups or just acting a bit "off".  Lately, Lucca has been a bit more emotional and clingy, higher energy, a bit harder for him to focus and having harder times falling asleep.  He is definitely still manageable and completely different from where he was in the past but it sucks to take a few steps back...even if it isn't consistent or everyday. Loosing any ground in this battle scares you as a parent. 

  Like most PANDAS parents, I researched. I found out it's pretty common that loose teeth can cause some issues or small flare ups.  Here's the thing, we have tons of bacteria in our mouth, including streptococcus mutans.  No one knows for sure if it is the gum inflammation that causes the flare ups, the bacteria/strep combo in the mouth (that enters through tiny holes with the loose tooth) or maybe it's both.  Then again maybe it's neither!  Either way it isn't fun and I just want the teeth gone already! Typically things get better once the baby teeth fall out.  I will say he tends to be a bit more "off" the more he wiggles the teeth and the more loose they become. The other issue is that one of Lucca's tics was grinding his teeth. All that grinding really jammed his baby teeth up there and I think it is making it harder for them to come out.  

  I'll admit I've been helping him wiggle his teeth.  I've been trying to work those little, and I mean little, suckers out but it is still taking forever.  I've been throwing in extra apples and carrots whenever I can. But he always seems to chew on the side instead of the front where the loose teeth are. Ugghhh!  I had to come up with a new plan to force him to use his front teeth and I wanted it extra crunchy. 

   These thai lettuce wraps were the perfect choice.  They have tons of crunchy veggies and he couldn't just use the side to chew. I had a plate piled high with different veggies and the kids loved choosing what they added to make their perfect wrap.  Kids love using their hands and they tend to eat better when they feel they have a choice.  The kids loved these and as usual we have none left.  I worry what's going to happen when these boys get older and I have to feed their larger stomachs.  Well, that's a future problem and I need to stay focused on these teeth damn it! Off to go wiggle those teeth again...clearly dinner wasn't crunchy enough!  

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Serves:4

Prep Time:20 minutes

Cook Time:20 minutes

Total Time:40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground chicken thigh
• 2 TBSP coconut oil
• 3 TBSP garlic, thinly sliced or chopped if you don't like huge chunks of garlic
• 3 TBSP fresh ginger, same as above
• 3 TBSP coconut aminos
• 1 TBSP cumin
• 2 tsp coriander
• juice of 1/2 lemon, approx 1-2 TBSP
• juice of 1/2 lime, approx 1-2 TBSP
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 head of lettuce with leaves carefully separated, Bibb, Iceberg or Romaine work well.  If you use iceberg, cut off stem and remove core, then submerge in ice water to help loosen leafs without tearing.

Garnishes/Toppings: you can use what ever you like but here are some options

• carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
• cucumbers peeled, seeds removed and cut into thin strips
• red pepper, cut into thin strips
• red cabbage strips
• thinly sliced green onions
• fresh mint leaves
• fresh cilantro leaves
• thinly sliced jalapeños
• lime wedges to squeeze on top
• Chopped cashews
• favorite hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Wash and separate lettuce leaves.  Let dry.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.  
3. Add garlic and ginger to hot pan and stir for about 1 minute, be careful not to burn. 
4. Add ground chicken, separate with a spoon and cook on high until partially cooked through, about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. 
5. Add coconut aminos, lime juice, lemon juice and spices.  Continue to cook on medium/high until fully cooked, about 5-10 minutes. 
6. While the meat is cooking, cut up garnishes that you will be using. 
7. Layer meat and garnishes on lettuce, wrap and enjoy.

Paleo Pesto

  Pesto is one of my favorite sauces!  It's so bright, light and versatile! I love it on pretty much anything.  You can spice it up or you can keep it simple.  It's just freaking awesome and I can't say enough good things about it.  What can I say...pesto is one of my best friends! 

  During the summer, pesto is great and is perfect for a hot summer day.  During the colder months, pesto reminds me of summer, so it's pretty great then too.  Basil is a great herb to grow in the summer and you can never have too much on hand.  I recently saw something on pinterest that said to freeze left over pesto in ice cube trays and use when needed.  Sounds like a great idea.  The only problem is I never have enough pesto left to freeze it.  Maybe I need to start making bigger batches????

  Traditional pesto is made with cheese.  Obviously, cheese is not paleo, so I have created a version that is still bright but paleo friendly.  I also do not stream the olive oil in while blending.  I'm sure this is a big no no, but honestly it tastes the same both ways.  This is the perfect sauce to add to some grilled chicken or grilled steak.  I've also created a pesto "pasta" salad that is unbelievable.  There are so many options it will be tough but no matter what, pesto will become your new best friend too!

Paleo Pesto 

Serves:Makes about 1 cup

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:0 minutes

Total Time:10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 oz fresh basil (approx 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2-3 TBSP fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Peel and take hard tops off garlic. Place in small food processor with pine nuts, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 
2. Puree until small pieces.  Scrapping sides occasionally. 
3. Add fresh basil leaves, you will need to cram them in.  Carefully add oil on top and puree until all ingredients are combined and relatively smooth, scrapping the sides as needed.

The Paleo Italian Sunday Dinner

Italian Sunday Dinner

   My husband, Damon, is half Italian.  Although, I have many different nationalities running through my veins, Italian is not one of them. So, I was hesitant when it came time for me to make a spaghetti gravy (marinara, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce...you get it, right?). Keep in mind his grandfather's handwritten gravy recipe is framed and hanging in his Aunt and Uncle's kitchen.  It's kind of hard to top that and it's kind of hard not to be intimidated. I knew I could never compare to that recipe, so I had to create my own style of gravy.  

Tiny little veggies that get hidden.

Fettuccine Zoodle

  Naturally, I used that recipe as a canvas and expanded from there.    I have made several gravies over the years (that Damon has enjoyed, thank you very much), but I have never written down recipes until recently. So, I was starting with just the canvas.  I figured this would be a good time to try a new recipe and get as many veggies into a dinner without the kids knowing.  This is a veggie packed gravy with veggie packed meatballs over fettuccine "Zoodles" (zucchini).  The extra veggies makes the gravy extra thick and almost meat like. Some kids may fight the "noodles" but you will still feel good because you will know about all the hidden veggies. You will need a food processor to get the veggies really small, so they are less noticeable.  I used chicken thigh for this recipe (it was on sale and I am all about sales) but you can use any type of meat, I suggest half veal and half beef.  

  If you have ever watched a movie referencing Italians, there is normally a big family Sunday dinner and it always contains pasta, gravy and meatballs.  This is my version of the Italian Sunday Dinner...paleo style.  Buon Appeito!

Paleo Italian Sunday Dinner

Spaghetti Gravy

Serves:4-6

Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots (peeled)
• 3 celery stalks
• 1/2 onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
• 36 oz strained tomatoes or tomato sauce (no salt added), I use 

  Bionaturae Strained Tomatoes (tall jar)

• 2 TBSP olive oil (or coconut oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Cut up carrots and celery into large chunks (about 1 inch) and place in a food processor.  Chop on high until it is small tiny pieces.  Place in bowl. 
2. Peel and remove hard garlic ends and cut into chunks. Chop up onion into chunks and place in food processor. Again, chop on high until it is small tiny pieces. 
3. Place the oil in a saucepan over med/high heat. Once the pan is hot add onion/garlic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add carrot and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.  
4. While the veggies are cooking add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of spinach (I cram as much spinach into a measuring cup) to processor and chop on high until it is small tiny pieces. 
5. Add tomato sauce, spices and chopped spinach to veggie mixture. Reduce heat to low/med.  
6. Finally add vinegar and stir in.  Simmer on low for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Veggie Packed Meatballs

Serves:4-6

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cook Time:30-40 minutes 

Total Time:40-50 minutes

Instructions:

• 2 1/2 lbs ground chicken thigh (or preferred ground meat, half veal and half beef are a good option)
• 1/2 onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 carrot (peeled)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup almond meal (Bob Mills will work for this)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1-2 TBSP olive oil

Instructions:

1. Place ground chicken in large bowl.
2. Peel and remove hard garlic ends. Roughly chop onion, garlic and carrots into large chunks and add to food processor. Add spinach (and fresh parsley) and chop on high until it is small tiny pieces. Add to chicken bowl.
3. Add remaining ingredients to bowl and mix by hand. *Tip - wet hands with a little water to prevent meat from sticking.
4. Place oil in large skillet/pan over med/high heat. 
5. Roll meat mixture into about 2 inch round balls.  Don't forget to wet hands a little. 
6. Place meatballs into hot skillet/pan and cook 3-4 minutes. Turn and continue to cook 3-4 minutes. Repeat until all sides are brown and cooked throughly. 

*You may need cook the meatballs in batches depending on how many  will fit in your pan, you don't want to overcrowd the pan.  Makes about 16-20 meatballs. 

Fettuccine Zoodles

Serves:4-6

Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 zucchini 
• 4 cups water (or enough to fill your medium to large pot a little over half way)
• 1 TBSP salt

Instructions:

1. Add water and salt to medium/large pot and boil on high.  
2. Chop zucchini ends off. 
3. *Optional, you can keep skin on or remove. With a peeler, peel skin off of zucchini.
4. Start in one section and with the peeler, peel the full length of the zucchini to create long thin strips. Do this in one section until you get to the center/seeds and stop.  Once you reach the center, turn and again create long thin strips until you reach the center. Repeat until you only have the center left.  
5. Once water is boiling, cook fettuccine in batches. I take a large handful and add to water. Separate with fork and cook for one minute. Remove zoodles and place in colander, let drain. Repeat until all zoodles are cooked. 

*OPTIONAL: You can also opt not to cook the zoodles. As long as you peel them thin enough they will loose some bite and slightly cook from the hot gravy. They taste good either way but they are more noodle-like cooked.