spaghetti squash spaghetti

*1 spaghetti squash
*1 c water

directions

1. prick squash several times with a fork. place in slow cooker with water.
2. cook low 6-8 hours.
3. pull out with tongs, it will be very super hot and squishy, cut in half, gut, scoop out squash strings
4. serve with favorite marinara

I was the #1 spaghetti-squash-can-be-substituted-for-spaghetti skeptic. And its true that its just not the same as good ole pasta spaghetti. But after being strongly encouraged to try it, I am a firm believer of this substitute. It's not the same, but its very delicious. It also lacks that 'just ate too much pasta, now its a brick in my stomach' feeling that I so strongly associate with anything pasta.

Paleo "Almond Joy" bars

*1 c cocoa
*1 c coconut oil
*3-4 tbsp honey
*1 c chopped almonds
*1 c shaved coconut

directions

1. melt oil, stir in cocoa powder and honey till smooth.
2. In small parchment lined dish, layer almonds and shredded coconut. Pour chocolate mixture over top.
3. Freeze about an hour till solid. Pull out and cut into squares.

This is our new (and only) favorite dietary-restriction friendly dessert. It's a great way to satisfy the sweet tooth woke not feeling horrible after. Plus, cocoa and almonds are super foods, so its a win, win, win...

paleo (and kid) friendly chicken nuggets

This recipe started as a family favorite. It was packed full of bread and cheese, so in order to keep it in our meal rotation, some major changes had to be made. I have experimented with it and finally have had success.

*2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves sliced into thin strips
*1 1/2 c. almonds, blended into coarse powder
*1 T dried oregano
* s&p to taste
*2 eggs
*evoo for pan

directions

1. combine almond powder and spices. place in pie tin
2. beat two eggs into a secondary pie tin
3. dip chicken pieces, working in small batches, into egg wash then into powder.
4. cook in greased pan, medium heat, 4-5 minutes on each side or until done.

yield: 3-4 kid size servings