Frenchie Friday

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Happy Frenchie Friday... it doesn't take long for "Stella" to relax...

...after she approved her post, of course..."Yep, I look cute."

So, this happened over on Instagram this week!  Does she look upset?... I think she thinks I copied her fashion sense.  LOL.

Deviled Eggs

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My husband loves Deviled Eggs.  If I want to score some points with him...I just have to surprise him with this little appetizer when he gets home from work.  But it's not about scoring points...I do it because I love him;)  I don't make them very often though, so it's special. My mom used to make these and I learned from her the simple way to do it.  Some deviled eggs are super fancy with all kinds of stuff in them...but we tend to like them simple around here.  I am going to have to try some bacon crumbles on top though...everything's better with bacon, right?  :)

Ingredients:

• 12 Hard Steamed Eggs
• 1/2 cup Homemade Mayo
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper, to taste
• paprika and chives, optional

If you want to adjust the amount, that's fine, just adjust the amounts accordingly. I usually make about 6 at a time...12 halves...so I'd cut the other amounts in half;)

Directions:

1. Peel your hard boiled eggs and cut them in half, lengthwise.
2. Pop out the yolks carefully into a bowl, arrange the whites on a pretty plate.
3. You can mix the filling by hand, my mom always did, or you can use a food processor.  The difference being, you'll have more lumps by hand and have a very smooth filling with a food processor.  Add the mayonnaise and mustard, salt and pepper.  Mix well, or pulse until smooth.  Taste, and adjust to your liking.
4. Spoon or pipe the filling into the each egg white.
5. I like to sprinkle a little paprika and chives on top just because it makes them look fancy;)

Too simple for you?  Need toppings?  Nom Nom Paleo invented "Lazy Devils" that you just add to the halved eggs...no popping out the yolks!  These are some ideas for mouth-watering toppings...

• Spread Ranch Dressing, top with Bacon, Tomato and Sprouts
• Spread Sriracha Mayo, top with Prosciutto, Chives and Fleur de sel
• Spread Guacamole, top with Crab, finely chopped apple and lime juice
• Spread Mayo, top with shredded Pork, Pineapple, Cilantro and sea salt

Ok, I'm going to have to give these toppings a try...they sound and look too yummy!  Here's a teaser from Nom Nom's cookbook...

How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

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I know, making hard boiled eggs is a super simple thing to do, right?  Wrong!  I've seen all kinds of ugly, smelly, gray colored hard boiled eggs with powdery yolks.  There's a right way and a wrong way to do this...trust me.  If you follow these steps, you'll get happy, pretty, bright-yellow yolks like the ones I made above;) You'll need:

• A dozen large eggs (or less if you want) preferably ones that are at least a week old so the shells come off easily.
• 6-8 cups cold water, enough to cover the eggs by 1 inch.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda also makes them easier to peel.

Directions:

• Put the eggs in a large pot in a single layer and add the water and baking soda.  Again, make sure the eggs are at least 1 inch below the water level.
• Turn the heat to high on the stove and bring to a boil.  As soon as the water comes to a boil, set a timer for 1 minute.  When the minute's up, move the pot off the heat, cover with a lid and set a timer for 10 minutes, letting the eggs sit in the hot water.
• While you're waiting, fill a large bowl with water and ice.  When the timer goes off, transfer the eggs carefully to the ice bath and leave them in there for 5 minutes.  This will stop them from cooking.  I use a pasta spoon to transfer the eggs...makes it super easy;)
• After 5 minutes, take the eggs out and tap against the counter to crack them.  Start peeling them from he bottom where you poked the hole.  The shells should come off easily.

Hard boiled eggs can be kept in the fridge for up to a week!  I hope you enjoy these perfectly cooked eggs for all kinds of recipes and ready-made healthy snacking!

How to make simple Deviled Eggs... my husband's favorite.

Whole30 Day 15

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Happy Whole30 Day 15!  We are halfway through this Whole30 Challenge!  I wanted to check in and tell you my experiences so far...because most of my Whole30 updates take place over on Instagram and Facebook... First of all, I feel like I've had a pretty easy time sticking to the Whole30 "rules".  I think this is because I've been following a Paleo lifestyle, for the most part, for almost a year now.  The Whole30 just takes Paleo up a notch and is more strict.  I've never given up all sugar before...even raw honey.  No "paleo-friendly" treats allowed.  No alcohol, not even in cooking, is new for me too.  For those of you who know me....I love my champagne!  :)

I've heard some people are not having such an easy time.  Headaches, fatigue, crankiness...oh my!  These are the people that I believe will get such tremendous benefit from the Whole30...because they really need to detox a lot of sugar and toxins from the body.  Some are so unhealthy when they start, they have to continue a bit longer to really appreciate the full results, with a Whole45 or Whole60 for example.

This program is about kicking the sugar demon to the curb!  It's about reseting and learning to listen to your body.  Ultimately, it's about creating optimum health for a lifetime.  Here are the things that have been noticeable for me thus far...

• I am taking my cooking skills up a notch!  I'm cooking a lot and enjoying trying new dishes, new spices, and realizing healthy food can taste even better than I'd thought before.
• Healthy foods taste great.  Fruits and avocados are sweeter...I can taste flavors more.
• I'm sleeping way better.  I fall asleep quickly and wake up rested.
• I have consistent energy throughout the entire day.  I don't ever get tired, I feel alert and focused.
• My stomach is FLAT.
• My face looks less "puffy" and I can see my cheekbones again;)
• I can feel my entire body is less inflamed.  I don't have that "layer" that I would sometimes feel around my midsection, upper back and arms.
• I'm in a good mood every day.
• Asking myself, "Is this food going to make me healthier...or unhealthier" is all I need to make the right decisions wherever I go.
• I have no digestive distress.
• I don't eat emotionally or mindlessly.  I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full.
• I'm not craving sugar or alcohol...or any kind of treats.
• My skin and hair look healthier.
• I'm gaining confidence knowing what I can accomplish and knowing I'm feeding my body real nutrition.
• I've made new friends through social media and feel a sense of "community" with others who are doing it also.

You will notice I did not put weight loss on my list.  This is because I have no idea!  One of the rules of the Whole30 is no scales for 30 days.  You learn to gage your body by how it feels...not by a number.  Genius.

I feel like I could go on and on.  I saw a post on Instagram yesterday that was so wonderful.  It was a post from a mom who started feeding her young son Whole30 approved foods for 30 days to see what it could do to help his severe eczema on the back of his legs.  She had tried lotions and potions to no avail.  She posted a before and after picture of the dramatic improvement AFTER ONLY TWO DAYS and how she is so grateful to be able to heal her son with nutrition.  It's stories like that that are so inspiring because some of us don't have that level of evidence that is so profound that nutrition can actually heal you.  

I'd love to hear about YOUR experiences on the Whole30!...please feel free to share!

I will check in again on Day 30 to tell you all about my full Whole30 experience!  Happy Whole30-ing!  :)

Check out the following links for other posts of mine about the Whole30:

My Whole30 Challenge

30 Reasons to Whole30

Whole30 Day 1

Whole30 Week 1 Meal Plan

30 Reasons To Whole30

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I came across this list of 30 Reasons to Whole30 in Well Fed Paleo Recipes and I wanted to share it with those of you who aren't familiar with the Whole30 Program.  These are in no particular order and of course, not everyone's experiences are the same.  These are the most common things you will encounter on the Whole30...

1. You'll sleep longer and more soundly.
2. You'll enjoy consistent energy.
3. You'll wake up feeling optimistic and alert.
4. You'll say goodbye to digestive distress.
5. YOU'LL BE HAPPIER.  :)
6. You'll be more peaceful.
7. You'll be more clear-headed.
8. You'll drink more water.
9. You'll eat more vegetables.
10. You'll feel the difference between emotional appetite and real hunger.
11. You'll savor your food more.
12. You'll find new favorite foods.
13. You'll have fun experimenting in the kitchen.
14. You'll become more organized.
15. You'll know true "willpower".
16. You'll learn about yourself.
17. You'll slay the sugar demon.
18. You'll make new friends.
19. You'll positively influence others.
20. You'll learn more about how your body works.
21. Your skin will be brighter.
22. Your hair will be shinier.
23. Your tummy will be flatter.
24. Your workouts will feel invigorating.
25. You might get a personal record (sleep + water + veggies + fat + protein + no sugar = a physically stronger, faster you).
26. You'll feel accomplished (or maybe even smug).
27. You might lose weight or gain muscle, or both.
28. Food will become both more important and less important.
29. Your body image will improve.
30. You'll stop dieting and just eat.

-Here is a link to Melissa Joulwan's original post 30 Reasons to Whole30

Want to learn more about my Whole30 Challenge?  You could change your life in just 30 days!  I'm on Day 14 and I woke up SO happy and energized today because I slept like a baby last night.  I didn't wake up once.  Sometimes you don't realize you haven't been sleeping well...until you do.  Removing foods that cause inflammation in the body has felt amazing... I'm enjoying seeing the return of my cheekbones too;)  I'm honestly starting to encounter most of the things on this list and I'm not even halfway through.  I think everyone should give the Whole30 a try to start healing their body from the inside, with nutrition.  Are you ready to find out just how great your body was designed to feel?

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have!  I'm here to be your support system, motivate you and give you tough love if you need it...because there's no room for slips, cheats or excuses on the Whole30!  If I can do it...you can do it.

For an incredibly moving story about how the Whole30 has changed one small boy's life....read my blog post on Caleb's Story here.

Cinnamon Beef Stew

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This Cinnamon Beef Stew from Well Fed Paleo Recipes is hands down the best stew I've ever had.  Period.  I could cut the pieces of meat with a spoon...'Nuf said.

It's not a "quick and easy" recipe...but well worth the time.  Your family will think you're a superstar;)

Ingredients:  

• 2-3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium celery stock, finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3-5 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 sprig fresh sage (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Sprinkle the beef generously with salt and pepper.  In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the coconut oil over medium high heat, then brown the meat in batches, searing on all sides.  Don't crowd the pan.  Remove the meat to a bowl as it is browned and repeat with the rest of the cubes.

In the same pot, saute the chopped carrot, onion, celery, and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, about 1 minute.  I love that I discovered tomato paste in a tube...so much more user friendly than canned! :)  I'm a little confused about it saying "double concentrate" though.  I just used it 1 : 1.  Anybody know??...

Add the broth and vinegar, then stir with passion, scraping up all the wonderful brown bits at the bottom.

Put the meat and it's drippings back into the pot.  Add 3 cups of water, 2 teaspoons salt, a healthy dose of pepper, the bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage, and cinnamon sticks.  Whew....the hard part's over.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer with the pot partially covered, for 90 minutes.  If it starts to dry out (mine did not), add water, 1/2 cup at a time.  Simmer until the meat is very tender and the liquid in the pan has been reduced to gravy-like status.  (Mine took longer than 90 minutes for this to happen, just so you know.)

Remove the cinnamon sticks and herb stems from the stew pot.  Ladle into deep bowls and add a light drizzle of olive oil, if you like;)  This Cinnamon Beef Stew is  delicious when it's made...but just gets better on Day 2...Day 3... & Day 4!  :)  I noticed that the cinnamon taste dissipates the longer it sits.

This is perfect served on top of Cauliflower Rice!  Can you say "comfort food"?  YUM.  What a satisfying Whole30 meal...Enjoy!