I blogged last week on my favorite things on being on Paleo. I have been successful in my way to clean eating and being on this way of living. We have switched the kids over at dinner. Not quite 100% in all areas in our family life, but I am pretty much 100 %. I have found eating out is difficult. I have managed to pick places that have a gluten-free menu items and are friendly in those areas. I constantly look on Pinterst and find new ideas.

Then I have my moments. Tonight was one of those moments. I just wanted cheese and crackers. I rarely crave these combination of food items, so on my way home I picked up each of these items.  I wanted to be as natural as possible in this splurge. I went to our very small and limited health food department. I looked for veggie cheese, because I had heard wonderful things about it. I really wanted to try it. I couldn’t find it in the blocks of cheese. I did what any good girl would do and begin to read labels. I picked up Super Natural Pepper Jack Organic Cheese. I am not always fooled by the front label. I read the ingredients. It did contain milk but everything was all natural. I bought it. Next was the  crackers. I wanted to stay way from gluten. I found Curnchmastter Multi-Grain Crackers. Again, found the ingredients to be all natural. (not necessary paleo).  I felt like I was on some what of a good kick. Not 100% Paleo but all natural for processed food.

How did it all taste?

The cheese tasted great. I loved it. I really found it to be no different then non-organic cheese. The crackers were not Ritz. They were thin but really crispy. It did  help with the craving for the cheese and crackers. I did not have a  headache afterward. This was a win night for me.

I also made a Cobb Salad with Green Goddness Dressing.  It’s super simple. I did opt out of the bacon and cheese just for personal preference of taste.

The recipe is as following:

2 heads romaine lettuce (or a mixture of lettuces), chopped ; i used Kale.
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 avocado, sliced
1 2.25oz can sliced olives, drained
2 grilled chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (I used 2 grilled chicken tenders  and shredded them)
2 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, chopped
3oz cooked bacon, chopped
2oz bleu cheese, crumbled

Recipe from: http://thedomesticman.com/2013/12/17/cobb-salad-with-green-goddess-dressing/

The dressing was amazing as well. I also opted out of the chives of the dressing and did not have tarragon. The dressing turned out okay. A bit strong taste of lemon, so I will reduce some of the lemon ingredients.  Click on picture for recipe. Overall, a great salad 🙂

Recipe from: http://thedomesticman.com/2013/12/17/cobb-salad-with-green-goddess-dressing/

Recipe for the dressing:

1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup full-fat greek yogurt
juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
rind of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tsp), minced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp each chopped chives and fresh tarragon
1 tsp each salt and Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper

 

 

I am experimenting with avocados because it is a staple in the Paleo Diet.  I found a spread that I love, love , love. Did I say how much I lOVE this spread? I really feel like it’s more like a  dip than a spread. I will use it on my cut veggies and other items.

Cilantro Lime Avocado Spread:  http://fitfoodiefinds.com/2014/05/cilantro-lime-avocado-spread/

Ingredients

• 1/2 lime, juiced (I used 1 whole lime juiced)
• 1 ripe avocado (I used two ripe avocados)
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 Tablespoon garlic ( I doubled this and used 1 TSB of garlic power and 1 tsp of garlic salt)
• 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro ( I subbed 1 tablespoon of dried parsley)
• salt and pepper, to taste (none of this)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a small food processor and process until smooth or at desired consistency.

I had to avocados tonight to use up before they went bad.  I had to use them up.  I doubled the recipe . I also did not have fresh cilantro, so I subbed  dried parsley in for it (just the recommended for a one batch) and used 1 TSB of garlic powder and 1 tsp of garlic salt. It was awesome!

What are some of your tried and true recipes? What are some must-have’s in your pantry?