BEEF JERKY

I am at a loss for words tonight.  I think that is apparent by the original recipe name "beef jerky".  I-yi-yi!  I can't believe how easy and delicious this recipe is!  I love always having this on hand for a great snack or a quick protein source on the go.  Best of all, it miraculously turns to jerky while we sleep!  Simply genius!  I have experimented with many different spice creations from pizza to taco to mediterranean.  All wonderful but the pizza spiced jerky is my favorite.  Feel free to get creative with your seasonings.  This is just a "general" recipe but there is always much room to experiment with flavors.  Keep me posted if you love this just as much as we do!

RECIPE

-1 - 1.5 lbs. grass fed ground beef  (or elk, bison, venison)
-sea salt (to taste. I use a little less than 1 Tbsp.)
-cracked black pepper (to taste)
-garlic powder (to taste)
-Coconut Aminos
-salt free pizza spice (or any other spice blend.  I use about 2 Tbsp. but season to your liking.)

Directions:

-Preheat oven to your lowest setting.  Mine is 170 degrees.
-Lightly rub Olive Oil on a large baking sheet with a lip.  (I believe mine is 11 by 13.)
-Mix desired spices, sea salt, pepper, & garlic powder with beef. Work it thoroughly with your hands as if you were making a meat loaf.
-Roll meat on to cookie sheet.  A rolling pin works really nice to get an even consistency.  Cover entire sheet making beef about 1/4 inch thick.
-Using a butter knife, lightly score the meat into the sizes of jerky pieces you want to end up with.  Or skip this step and cut with kitchen scissors after done baking.
-Brush top with Coconut Aminos.
-Put in oven for 8-12 hrs. or until hardened.  I prefer to flip it once at about the 7-8hr. point.  I usually put it in the oven before bed, then flip it when I wake, and return to oven for a couple more hours.
-Store in the fridge for a couple weeks. (If it lasts that long!  We usually double this recipe & do 2 sheets.)

ENJOY!  Eat Well & Be Happy!

LITTLE LOVE DROPS

I think I have a real problem here people!  I have these "little love drops" perfected!  Each Saturday night we treat ourselves to a  Paleo cheat (it helps us to not feel deprived and stay on track the rest of the week.)  I usually try to experiment with different recipes each time.  To be honest, it has been awhile since I have made anything other than these darn cookies.  They have me completely smitten, to say the least!  Like the best, ooey -gooey, chocolate chip cookie you have ever had!  I am waiting to get sick of them but instead I dream about them....this really is LOVE!  In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I would help you fall in love:)

LITTLE LOVE DROPS

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup coconut flour, sifted
-1/2 cup almond flour
-1 tsp. baking soda
-1/4 tsp. baking powder
-1 tsp. sea salt
-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
-2 really ripe, brown bananas
-1/2 avocado (about 1/3 cup mashed)
-1 cup canned coconut milk (regular, not light)
-4 Tbsp. honey
-1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
-1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
-2 eggs
-1/3 cup shredded coconut
-3/4 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees
-In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. (coconut flour, almond flour, baking soda & powder, sea   salt, and cinnamon)
-In a large bowl, mash avocado and banana well with a fork.  Then add remaining wet ingredients.
-Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well and working out clumps.
-On a parchment lined cookie sheet drop about 2 Tbsp. of dough per cookie.  For an ooey-gooey center leave the cookie rounded.  If and evenly baked cookie is desired, press down and flatten the tops slightly.
-Bake cookies for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.  ( I usually set my timer for 16 minutes and keep a watchful eye until they are done.)

ENJOY!  Eat Well & Be Happy:)