July 2011
47 posts
Which Brand of Frozen Coconut Milk Tastes Best?
I’m not trying to be an alarmist or anything, but THERE’S A GLOBAL SHORTAGE OF COCONUT! Really. I’m not kidding. Read about it here. We’re all doomed.
To survive the impending coconut Armageddon, I’m on a mission to identify the best tasting coconut products and horde them all for myself. [Insert evil cackle here.] Believe me: There ain’t gonna be no Thrive TVP crap in my survival...
June 2011
47 posts
3 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/29/11
Vacation is officially over but I can’t complain because I’m well-rested and relaxed. Let’s see how long that lasts…
This morning, I didn’t have a chance to eat anything more substantial than a handful of macadamia nuts because I was helping the kids get ready and prepping some last minute meals. Before leaving the house, I cooked a batch of emergency protein (grass fed ground...
2 tags
Microwaved Spaghetti Squash
Prior to going Paleo, I hated eating spaghetti squash. How the heck is this squeaky, bland vegetable supposed to be a substitute for pasta?
Now that I’m an enlightened cavegirl, I’ve had a change of heart. I’ve tried roasting it in the oven but an hour is a loooooong time to wait for cooked “pasta.”
Enter the microwave.
All my loyal readers know how much I love my microwave...
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/28/11
Eeep! It’s my last full day of vacation before I start my night shifts again! Geez, where did the time go?
For breakfast, my hubby fried up a plain egg omelet that I topped with Aubergine dip, cherry tomatoes, and basil chiffonade.
Sorry nightshade avoiders, but this flavor combination is delicious. If you live in the Bay Area and aren’t sensitive to eggplant, definitely grab a container.
...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/27/11
In case you’re wondering, I’m still on the straight and narrow after our non-Paleo excursion on Saturday night. Yes, Sidney, I’m talking to you.
For breakfast, Fitbomb fried me a couple eggs in butter and I topped them with avocado and cherry tomatoes before gobbling them up.
Then, I dropped Big-O at camp before hitting up Costco with the little guy. While at my favorite warehouse...
4 tags
Eating Out (Not) Paleo: Saison (San Francisco, CA)
I LOVE going out to eat — it’s hands-down my favorite way to celebrate a special occasion. Plus, if it’s a date night without the kids, it’s even more awesome because I can be a total potty mouth (which reminds my honey of why he first fell in love with me).
Dinner dates with just my husband are few and far-between these days, so I keep a running wish list of the latest and greatest...
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/26/11
Yep, I kinda went off the rails yesterday but today I jumped right back on the Paleo wagon.
After our decadent anniversary dinner at Saison the night before, I wasn’t really hungry when I woke up so I skipped breakfast. I met up with Fit Daffy at the Mountain View Farmers’ market and stocked up on protein, cherries, and cherry tomatoes.
When I got home, I was famished so I heated up...
4 tags
Paleo(ish) Eats: 6/25/11
Today’s eats spanned the spectrum from lowbrow to highbrow — and with leftovers, fast food, sugar(!), legumes(!!) and grains(!!!) thrown into the mix.
Let me explain…
Although I’m a committed cavegirl, I’m even more of a hardcore foodie at heart. So every once in a blue moon, I like to splurge and eat a kickass meal without worrying too much about the consequences. After all,...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/24/11
Yo! It’s our wedding anniversary today! You might not know this but Fitbomb and I were betrothed as infants in our parents’ village in China. Cute picture, huh?
It’s amazing that we’re still together after all these years. The village matchmaker has an unbelievable track record.
Okay — which of you numbnuts actually believed that story? You’re effectively banned from my blog. Forever....
3 tags
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
Forget Febreeze — the best way to make your house smell awesome is to stick a seasoned pork roast in a low temperature oven and slowly cook that sucker over 8-10 hours. My kids were panting like little puppies at the oven window all day waiting for the roast to come out.
I originally learned about this technique from Michael Chiarello’s recipe for Forever Roasted Pork. I simplified the...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/23/11
Today, all my eats were either leftovers or cooked by someone else, but I was still able to gorge on relatively clean chow.
My morning was pretty hectic – so much so that I didn’t even have a chance to fry an egg before I left the house. I broke my fast mid-morning when we got home and I reheated some broccoli slaw stir-fry and shredded rotisserie chicken.
Once the food was in my belly, we...
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/22/11
Here’s what I chowed on today:
At breakfast time, hubby made us both savory coconut pancakes topped with avocado, shredded rotisserie chicken, and cherry tomatoes.
I LOVE when someone else cooks for me and these were tasty to boot!
For lunch, I made a quick vegetable stir fry with broccoli slaw, sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers that I seasoned with coconut aminos and Red Boat fish...
2 tags
Braised Thai Green Goat Curry
I saw that face! Goat meat isn’t gamey and gross – braise it in a nice curry and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Try it, you’ll like it!
I’ve made braised Thai green curry dish before with beef short ribs but this version is slightly different since I modified Sarah Fragoso’s recipe and subbed in a long-cooking stew meat in place of quick-cooking poultry.
Here’s what I assembled to serve 3...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/21/11
Geez. Summer announced itself with a vengeance today. Yes, I’m a wimpy hothouse flower and these Nor Cal “hot” days are truly nothing to whine about. But I like complaining. A lot.
Before hitting my WOD at the women’s class at CrossFit Palo Alto, I fueled up with a couple of fried eggs and some nuked frozen broccoli that I sprinkled with Volcano Grind seasoning.
I’m happy to report that I...
6 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/20/11
Since Big-O is on summer break, we only have to hustle a little bit to get him ready and out the door in time for his 10:00 a.m. summer camp. It’s nice being able savor a leisurely breakfast at home instead of gulping one down as we sprint to school.
For breakfast, I made another frittata with nuked frozen broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and Volcano Grind seasoning.
I’m loving the...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/19/11
Man, adjusting to Pacific Standard Time was a real bitch this morning. It didn’t help that Big-O popped out of bed right at 8:00 a.m. because “I have to make Daddy a card and breakfast!” Okay, you win.
For breakfast, the two of us baked a frittata tailor-made for Fitbomb. It was filled with sautéed shrimp (favorite protein!), baby chard (only veggie not rotten in the fridge), and Volcanco Grind...
6 tags
Microwaved Yams/Sweet Potatoes
Baking sweet potatoes/yams in the oven USED to be my go-to method for cooking these spuds. Since I rarely eat them right out of the oven and I peel the skin, I’ve starting cooking them in the microwave instead. Using the microwave, I can cook the yams in a fraction of the time and there’s no risk of me burning down the house. Win win!
The different types of sweet potatoes/yams cook at various...
6 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/18/11 (Last Day In Kauai)
Why is it that all vacations are over before you’re fully able to savor them? Suffice it to say, we were all sad to leave paradise today.
On our very last morning in Kauai, we woke up with the sun (and the loud-ass crowing roosters) to pack up our belongings.
I swear, there’s free-range poultry running around all over this island! I wonder if people grab and butcher these scrawny buggers at...
7 tags
Paleo(ish) Eats: 6/17/11 (Penultimate Day In...
Our last full day in Kauai…
I’m so sad I can hardly blog. That, and I’m beyond tired.
We started the day bright and early. Before hitting our last 6:00 a.m. class at Kauai CrossFit, I downed a heaping tablespoon of almond butter. Why no real breakfast? We woke up and found the fridge was busted. The internal temperature was 70 degrees, so everything in it was probably spoiled. I guess...
8 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/16/11 (Fifth Day In Kauai)
When we woke up this morning, we retuned to Ono Family Restaurant but this time we brought the whole gang. I mean the place IS called Ono FAMILY Restaurant so it just felt right to come with our motley crew.
For breakfast, hubby and I split two omelets: one filled with bacon and avocado…
…and the other stuffed with spinach and mushroom.
Again, we subbed out the starches with...
5 tags
Roasted Spiced Mushrooms
Even though I’m on vacay, I care enough about you, dear reader, to post a new recipe. Okay – this recipe is super simple and involves my favorite go-to cooking technique (roasting) but why mess with a good thing?
I’m seriously crushing on the spice blends and salts from Aloha Spice Company. Most are Paleo-friendly and/or organic and the flavor combinations are spot-on. Pele’s Fire Hawaiian is...
5 tags
Dining Out Paleo(ish): Bar Acuda (Hanalei, HI)
Kauai is gorgeous, but when it comes to restaurants, this little island isn’t regarded as a foodie haven. Really. I shit you not.
However, as an eternal optimist, I’m convinced that every culinary wasteland has a hidden gem somewhere. After lots of research and word of mouth recommendations from friends, I came across Bar Acuda in Hanalei.
Bar Acuda is a tapas restaurant owned by Jim...
8 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/15/11 (Fourth Day In Kauai)
Another day of Paleo eats in Kauai…
Unlike our previous few days on the island, we ate just about all our meals out at restaurants (which is a more typical M.O. for us when we’re traveling). But this is my vacation, damn it, and I don’t want to cook all my meals!
Before heading to our 6:00 a.m. class at Kauai CrossFit…
…I scarfed down half an avocado sprinkled with Aloha...
6 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/14/11 (Third Day In Kauai)
Another fun and relaxing day in Kauai…
We woke up this morning at the crack of dawn since the kiddies don’t know you’re supposed to sleep in past 5:00 a.m. when you’re on vacation. Since everyone was awake, my sis and I cooked breakfast together. She threw together a purple sweet potato and onion hash…
…and I made a frittata with leftover Kalua pig, sautéed local Alii...
7 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/13/11 (Second Day In Kauai)
We started off our first morning in Kauai bright and early with one hell of a chipper at Kauai CrossFit. You can read all about it in great detail on Fitbomb’s blog. My two big regrets were that I didn’t eat breakfast beforehand and I forgot to pack my contact lenses for our trip. I was super peeved that my near-sightedness caused me to miss the beautiful ocean views AND the second...
F#@$*!!
First of all, thanks for all the points of view raised about my filthy potty mouth in the comments of yesterday’s post. This ain’t the first time the subject’s come up; some commenters tell me they share my affinity for expletives, while others seem to want to wash my mouth out with soap. Given that the topic’s popped up again, I thought I’d finally explain myself.
...
7 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/12/11 (First Day In Kauai)
Traveling with kids is never a bowl of cherries – especially if the little ones are dragged out of bed at 5:20 a.m. Luckily, my kiddos are becoming better travelers — provided we zombify them with iPads or iPhones.
So what did I eat today?
Pickings were slim at Mineta San Jose International Airport, but I picked up a chef salad before boarding the plane. While en route to Kauai, I chowed...
6 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/11/11
Wooooweee! I had a FANTASTIC day but because I spent half of it relaxing and kvetching at the spa, this post will be short and sweet since I gotta get our stuff together for our trip to Kauai tomorrow morning.
Quick recap of eats:
Before hitting the spa with Fit Daffy and R, I made a frittata with leftover sautéed baby chard and emergency protein that I split with my hubby.
Don’t throw away...
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/10/11
Today I was so tempted to order take-out for all my meals. Yes, I’ll readily admit that I feel like this A LOT. I definitely enjoy eating more than cooking!
Despite my laziness, I ended up cooking my meals today because:
We’ll be eating out a lot in Kauai.
The meals we eat in paradise won’t be very Paleo-compliant.
I picked up a new box of veggies yesterday from Mariquita Farm and I...
3 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/9/11
Hurray! It’s my first day of vacay and I got a solid eight hours of sleep last night! Yes, I’m still in a sleep deficit due to my wacky schedule but I’m working on it.
For breakfast, I started making a scramble with leftover ‘shrooms and nuked frozen broccoli but at the last minute I popped it in the toaster oven. Poof! Frittata!
Although this egg-y brekkie was tasty, I wish I’d decided...
4 tags
Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Who doesn’t like big ‘shrooms stuffed with meat and veggies? What if you could make them easily and quickly with Paleo pantry staples? Win-win! This dish is pretty simple to make and the results are yummy – as long as you start out with delicious components. Don’t cheap out!
Follow the jump to get the recipe!
Here’s what I gathered to make 5 stuffed ‘shrooms:
5 medium Portobello...
This Graphic Explains It All
Learn more about the Paleo Diet.
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/8/11
Last night of work! Here’s what I ate throughout my 10-hour nightshift…
My first meal at work was a chicken apple sausage with leftover stir-fried summer squash, baby spinach, and pancetta.
For snack, I ate another grass fed Paleo Kit. Shoot! I already need to order more kits!
The last meal I ate at work was leftover sous vide cowboy chops, garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes, and broiled...
6 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/7/11
Here are my eats on my second to last night of work:
My first meal at work was the same as the night before: leftover veggie and ham soup with chicken apple sausage.
For snack, I ate a grass fed Paleo Kit. These things are tasty but a wee bit messy — it’s best to use a wet wipe to clean your digits.
The last thing I chowed at work was leftover slow cooker roast chicken,...
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/6/11
Whoa, nelly! Phil’z Coffee is STRONG stuff. I was buzzing when I started work but the java is so delicious, I didn’t mind the palpitations and jitters. Yes, I shouldn’t chug 20 ounces in less than 15 minutes before starting my nightshift but I’m an all or nothing kind of gal.
Here’s what I ate while on my caffeine high:
My first meal was at 2:30 a.m. when I drank some soup...
5 tags
Sous Vide Gigantic Grass Fed Cowboy Chops (Bone-In...
Sous vide is the BEST way to cook super-big, bone-in rib eye steaks. You end up with perfectly cooked beef and no risk of wasting your hard-earned moola. These steaks are expensive, yo! Plus, you can cook these steaks ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to sear them off. If you’re a visual learner, watch this video.
(If you’re brave and want...
6 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/5/11
I’m more than halfway through my workweek…
My first meal at work was some leftover umami slider burgers, baked sweet potato fries, and nuked frozen broccoli.
Halfway through my shift, I ate a package of Just Jerky for snack.
The last meal I ate at work was a sous vide wild king salmon salad with greens, shredded carrots, avocado, and cucumber.
When I got home, I seasoned and...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/4/11
I just have to get through five more nights of work before my three weeks of vacation starts! But before I get ahead of myself, here’s what I ate at work…
For my first meal at work, I chowed on some leftover slow cooker roast chicken, cauliflower fried rice, and roasted broccoli.
For snack, I ate some coconut flakes and macadamia nuts. Eating this tropical combination makes me yearn for our...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/3/11
Wanna see what I ate on my second night at work?
For my first meal at the hospital, I ate some smoked salmon with leftover Portobello mushrooms and sautéed cabbage and mushrooms.
I was still hungry so I also downed a grass fed beef Paleo kit. Have you noticed that I can eat a lot for my size? (The right answer is the same one you give if I ask if I look fat, “NO!”)
The last thing...
3 tags
Sous Vide Umami Slider Burgers
I love me some sous vide Turkish slider burgers but sometimes I need some variety in my burger seasoning. Ever since I bought my first bottle of Red Boat fish sauce, I’ve been splashing it on almost every dish I’ve made. My chef sis recently tipped me off about a great recipe on White on Rice Couple’s food blog for the Ultimate Umami burger. Guess what’s the secret ingredient? Ding! Ding!...
4 tags
Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Now that I don’t eat regular French fries, baked sweet potato fries are my favorite side dish when I’m serving burgers at home. These aren’t quite as crispy as fried spuds but they’re tasty and easy to make. Plus, you can totally switch up the seasonings and your taste buds won’t get bored.
Get the simple recipe after the jump!
Here’s what I gathered to serve 4 people as a side dish:
2...
4 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/2/11
Here’s the grub I packed for my first night back at work:
I ate a small container of leftover Bo Kho and garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes for lunch…
…a coconut Paleo Kit for snack…
…and leftover pancetta-spinach frittata with a small salad as my last meal before going home.
When I got home, I liberally seasoned a whole chicken inside…
…and...
3 tags
Another Giveaway! Wear My Shirts and Win!
Okay, peeps. Looks like I need models for my t-shirt shop. Wanna help?
If you buy a Nom Nom Paleo shirt, snap a clear, in-focus picture of yourself wearing it. Email your best shot to me at nomnompaleo@gmail.com and I’ll put it up in the shop so that folks can check out how the shirts look on a real, live person — you!
Need more incentive? If you also post that picture on my facebook fan...
5 tags
Paleo Eats: 6/1/11
Work started tonight and I was excited because the sooner I finish my seven night stretch, the faster my three-week vacay starts. Don’t get me wrong, I really like my job but a good chunk of my PTO will be spent on Kauai. Yes, I’m gloating a little.
This morning, I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare breakfast before meeting my mother-in-law for her oncology appointments — so I just...
