Paleo Lemongrass 5 Spice Chicken

                                   
Good day lovelies!
It is grill and BBQ season and what better way to have fun in the sun, than with some scrumptious marinated chicken that will keep them coming back for more!

This is a great, easy, & flavorful recipe that does beautifully on the grill and can just as easily be baked in the oven.

Paleo Lemongrass 5 Spice Chicken

Ingredients:

-6 Chicken breasts cleaned and halved lengthwise, then scored on each side.

-10 Cloves garlic pressed (yes, 10 cloves)

-2 Tbs Frozen or fresh lemongrass

-2 Tbs grated ginger

-1/4 C Grape seed oil

-1/2 tsp Toasted sesame oil

-3 Tbsp Fish sauce

-1/2-1 tsp Kosher salt

-1 tsp 5 Spice mix

-3 Tbsp Rice vinegar

-1 tsp Sweet chili sauce

-1 Lime zested

-1/2 Fresh squeezed lime juice

Method:

-Lay prepared chicken in a flat dish.

-In a bowl mix all the marinade ingredients, then pour over chicken and rub into it. Be sure both sides are well covered, wrap and refrigerate overnight.

-Oil then heat your grill to high and cook the chicken breasts 8-10 mins. each side, or a few minutes longer depending on the heat of your grill and thickness of your chicken breasts. Be sure that the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken. All ow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing them to serve over salad as they will lose all their juices and become dry. 

                

This is the marinating chicken. Then you simply grill it, on each side until cooked. It takes about 10-15 mins, once you take it off the grill let it sit for a few minutes before cutting into it. Make sure the juices run clear, no blood in the juices that come out.

                           

                        

                            

I served it on a salad mix with fresh blueberries and a blueberry hill salad dressing. That recipe will follow in another post.

For now, enjoy & God bless!

                           

Spice Slathered Chicken

 
A very happy Saturday sweetpea's,

It's a day to make yummy noms but as it is the weekend, I want you to not get stressed or tired. Great food can be simple, use ingredients you have on hand, and come out boomtastic!
This is a great time saving, super duper easy, and Oh! So delicious recipe. 

Warning, it's one that gets gobbled up quickly and the scent wafting through the house will tease your taste buds mercilessly; it's worth it to wait. 

SPICE SLATHERED CHICKEN:

Ingredients:
1 Chicken weighing 3-4 lbs 
or 5-6 legs with thighs. 
Spice slather: (all spices are dry & ground) 
1 tsp thyme 
1 tsp poultry seasoning 
1 tsp bayleaf
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp garlic granules
2 Tbsp Mild paprika 
1/3 Cup Extra virgin olive oil 
2 Cloves pressed garlic

Method:
-In a bowl, mix all spices, fresh garlic, and then mix in olive oil. Be careful to stir slowly so oil doesn't splatter. Reserve. 
-Place clean chicken in a shallow baking dish lined with tin foil. 
-Very carefully lift skin away from flesh but don't remove it, you want it for cooking. 
-Once prepared, put on gloves, begin slathering the wet spice mix 1 tsp at a time under the skin onto the legs, breasts, and then do the same to the skin outside. Keep some for the cavity. 
-Rub it into the skin and rub the rest into the cavity. 
-Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in fridge minimum 4 hours or overnight. 
-Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, cook the uncovered chicken for 15 minutes and then lower the heat to 225 degrees F and cook for 1 1/2 hours. 
-Remove from oven and baste, place back in oven for 2 1/2- 3hours. 
-Remove from oven, make sure that when you poke the thigh that the juices run clear of blood. If not, then cook for an additional 30 minutes. (I don't usually need to but ovens vary, as do size of chickens. The chicken will fall off the bone when ready. 
-When removed from the oven, tent the chicken for 10 mins. before serving. 
-Enjoy hot with your favourite potatoes and greens,and share with someone you love. 







I made this when I was out in the country, for friends, and the recipe was such a hit. I was asked for it quite a few times. Here you go ladies, enjoy!
 Take care, be well, love freely...

Creamy Whole 30 Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free)

Good morning lovelies, today is a comfort food 101, Whole 30 recipe. 
I lasted 13 days on the whole 30 journey because of severe allergies/eczema/weight gain-6lbs! I was not so happy with the results & was a bit disappointed in myself, until my wonderful booboo and I talked & figured out a better strategy. I am feeling better, have lost 4 lbs in the last week with extra exercise, modification of diet, and am relieved the symptoms have abated, allowing me to move forward. 
Thank you God for this man in my life & for the opportunity to learn. 
In all of this, I came up with new recipes that I did not have reactions to, were very filling, nourishing, & Paleo/Whole 30 compliant. 
This recipe is definitely a heavier, winter, comfort food meal. I recommend this as a special once-in-a while treat, as most comfort food should be. It's chock full of healthy fats, scrumptious vegetables, protein, & that crunchy, satisfying mouth feel we look for. It's labour intensive, requires a few steps, but is worth the effort. Have fun!
The first recipe is the Kream sauce you will need to make this delightful concoction. 

DAIRY-FREE SAVOURY WHOLE 30 KREAM SAUCE 
Difficulty: Low
Cost Range: Medium to high
Time: Prep-10 mins. (after overnight nut soaking), Assembly-5mins 
Yields: 3-4 Cups depending how much liquid you prefer
Freeze: Beautifully, last 1month

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Cup raw almonds, soaked overnight & very well rinsed off in cold water. 
1 tsp macadamia nut butter
1 tsp tahini 
2 Tbsp ground white sesame
1 tsp walnut oil
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (good quality) 1 1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 Cup almond milk unsweetened plain (up to 3/4 cup if you prefer a more liquidy kream sauce, for the pot pie, I prefer thicker for chicken but thinner for beef.) 

METHOD:
In a blender, mix all ingredients & blend until smooth and kreamy. Add a bit of almost milk to smooth out more if needed but only 1 Tbsp at a time. 

Now the Pot pie recipe begins! 

Whole 30 Chicken Pot Pie (Kreamy & Crunchy) 
Difficulty: Medium to High
Cost Range: Medium to High
Time: Prep-45 mins. Bake-20-25mins (golden brown top) 
Yields: 4 Large portions or 6 medium sized ramekins
Freeze: Beautifully, lasts 1 month

Preheat Oven to 350° F

INGREDIENTS :
1 Cup savoury Kream sauce
1 Cup almond milk unsweetened plain
Mix together & reserve (keep to the side) 

INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING MIX PREP :
1/3 Cup organic, peeled, small fine chopped celery (brunoise) 
1/3 Cup organic, peeled, small fine chopped carrot (brunoise) 
1/3 Cup organic, fine chopped onion
1/3 Cup bruised scallion (green spring onion you banged with the heel of the knife) 
1 pkg sliced mushrooms sautéed 
1/3 Cup frozen or fresh green peas
1 Large clove garlic
3 Chard leaves, no stem, chopped
2 Cups cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
1 Cup reduced chicken stock
1 tsp arrowroot starch mixed with 3 Tsp water (optional) 
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp ground garlic powder
1/4 tsp fresh thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground bay leaf
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh chives

METHOD:
Prepare all your ingredients
In 2 Tbsp olive oil sauté the onions for 1 minute, add the carrots and celery, cook for 3 minutes, stir. Add scallion, cook 1 minute. 
Add stock, cook 2 minutes, making sure to scrape all the nice brown flavourful bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring. Add savoury Kream sauce and cook 2 minutes. 
Add garlic, vegetables and seasonings. Stir and cook 2-3mins. At this point you may add the arrowroot starch if you want a thicker sauce or add a bit more almond milk to thin your sauce a bit. Check for flavour, as you may need to add more kream sauce & seasonings to keep it from becoming watered down. 

CRUMBLE CRUST:
2 Tbsp ground white sesame seeds
1 Cup ground almond meal
1/4 Cup coconut flour
2 Tbsp Arrowroot starch 
1 Tbsp Tapioca starch
1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp walnut oil
Mix all dry, add wet, mix together by hand. Yup, get dirty! 
Mixture needs to hold together the way you see in the picture above, it must still be able to crumble though. Not too sticky, not too dry.
Fill your ramekins 3/4 full with your kreamy pot pie filling and then gently cover with the crumble, distributing it evenly over all the pot pies. 
(At this point, I cover them really well & freeze the portions I need to.)
Bake your pot pies in your preheated oven for 25-40 minutes depending how dark and crunchy you like your topping. You must have at least a golden brown. 
Serve with a side salad & share with a loved one. 









Leave your comments below & let me know how this recipe turned out for you!

Take care, be well, love freely...

Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress & Quick Recipes

Bonjour my holiday loverlies!
What a perfect day to discuss coping with holiday stress, finding your center, and keeping all aspects of your health on track, while holding on to what is truly important at this time of the year. 

The holidays are a whirl of activity, a flurry of movement, an avalanche of stress that can overwhelm very quickly and soon you become the Christmas victim. I know you are super busy so I am going to keep this post short and sweet with some calming, healthy, and Godly direction to help us all get through.

One of the most important things is delegating and learning that you NEED to ask for help, stick to your guns about making people keep their commitment to help you, and ignore any guilt that tries to creep in over asking and getting the help you need. 
I am serious! 
It's about everyone celebrating, that includes you. 
This means everybody gets to pitch in. 
Now you know, so make simple clear lists, add pictures to them so no mistakes are made, write places to find what is needed, and tell them to get er did!

A very important aspect to getting on track is simple advanced meal prep, make breakfast porridge you can portion & eat through the week, sandwiches, soups, stews, bean salads, snacks, all ready for the week. Do this early on Sunday, I listen to a sermon while I prepare. This makes Monday through Friday a much more pleasant experience. Check Pinterest for recipes and ideas. Here are a few links along with some easy recipes, they taste yummy and are quick to make.

Breakfast:
                        

http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/10/west-indian-cornmeal-porridge.html

                               

http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/07/the-power-up-protein-smoothie.html

                             

http://bienconfitglutenfree.blogspot.ca/2016/07/kiss-my-berries-smoothie.html

Quick Lunch: (Feel free to toss in some extra protein of choice or a sandwich.
                                   

HEMP SEED, TOMATO & CUCUMBER SALAD:

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Hemp Heart's
I English cucumber. peeled and deseeded (Taking out the seeds makes cucumber easier to digest because the seeds contain a lot of cellulose that is difficult, sometimes painful to digest.)
2-3 Vine Tomatoes, chopped
1 Bunch Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 Lemon zested and juiced
3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil


Method:
-In a bowl, combine all listed ingredients and stir gently.
-Add salt & pepper to taste, then chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Salad must be eaten fresh the same day.








5 INGREDIENT LENTIL LIME & BASIL SALAD:

Ingredients:
2 Cans cooked, rinsed, and drained lentils of your choice.
1 Bunch scallion (green spring onion), chopped
Juice & zest of 2 limes
12 Fresh basil leaves, sliced into a chiffonade (see pic below)
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin olive oil

Method:
-In a bowl gently mix all ingredients together.
-Add salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste.
-Chill 4 hours or overnight, stir gently and taste for enough salt and pepper before serving. Add a bit more if needed.

Salad lasts 3 days in fridge, not suitable for freezing.













Easy Dinner:
                                    
This is a great time saving, super duper easy, and oh so delicious recipe. 
Warning, it's one that gets gobbled up quickly and the scent wafting through the house will tease your taste buds mercilessly; it's worth it to wait. 

SPICE SLATHERED CHICKEN:

Ingredients:
1 Chicken weighing 3-4 lbs 
or 5-6 legs with thighs. 
Spice slather: (all spices are dry & ground) 
1 tsp thyme 
1 tsp poultry seasoning 
1 tsp bayleaf
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp garlic granules
2 Tbsp Mild paprika 
1/3 Cup Extra virgin olive oil 
2 Cloves pressed garlic

Method:
-In a bowl, mix all spices, fresh garlic, and then mix in olive oil. Be careful to stir slowly so oil doesn't splatter. Reserve. 
-Place clean chicken in a shallow baking dish lined with tin foil. 
-Very carefully lift skin away from flesh but don't remove it, you want it for cooking. 
-Once prepared, put on gloves, begin slathering the wet spice mix 1 tsp at a time under the skin onto the legs, breasts, and then do the same to the skin outside. Keep some for the cavity. 
-Rub it into the skin and rub the rest into the cavity. 
-Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in fridge minimum 4 hours or overnight. 
-Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, cook the uncovered chicken for 15 minutes and then lower the heat to 225 degrees F and cook for 1 1/2 hours. 
-Remove from oven and baste, place back in oven for 2 1/2- 3hours. 
-Remove from oven, make sure that when you poke the thigh that the juices run clear of blood. If not, then cook for an additional 30 minutes. (I don't usually need to but ovens vary, as do size of chickens. The chicken will fall off the bone when ready. 
-When removed from the oven, tent the chicken for 10 mins. before serving. 
-Enjoy hot with your favourite potatoes and greens,and share with someone you love. 












I would recommend looking through some previous posts for holiday rawfood, energy snacks that are no bake.
Next, we go to uber important stuff. It's the fact that you need to rest.
Grab power naps everywhere and anywhere you need to.
Skip late nights for a while and get extra sleep by going to bed early. You can record your favourite shows or movies to catch up on later on, get a massage if you need, and you have my permission to take break and rest!!!!!

Okay, now onto what you may dread.
You do need to exercise but you have no time, no worries. I have that covered too.
This 2 minute workout coupled with a walk during the day (DO IT!!!!!), will be a huge help.
I also included a wake up and goodnight yoga sequence, and exercise ball stuff because it's yoga/exercise ball awesomness! You are welcome.





Lastly, but most importantly, make time for Jesus in your life. Here is a prayer to set you free from all this holiday worry and a reminder about the true meaning behind this season. Now get out there and tackle the week with a simple and effective plan!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.-Isaiah 9:6