A fun project to do with kids....

I realize this has nothing to do with eating Paleo, but I just thought I would share it for those of you who have children or grandchildren.  My younger two and I made homemade play dough today and it was so simple and fun to make that I just had to share it!    It is the best recipe for play dough I have come across and will use it over and over again.  I am not sure how long it will keep, but we are storing ours in some airtight containers in hopes of using it again.  So...if you are new to Paleo and haven't dumped everything in your pantry that isn't Paleo, this is a great opportunity to use it up!  You will need some white flour, regular salt, vegetable oil ( I don't have any so used olive oil), cream of tartar, water and a couple packets of unsweetened Koolaide.  The Koolaide is what gives it beautiful coloring and a wonderful scent. I made two batches in a matter of minutes, and the kids loved playing with it!

Homemade Play Dough

1/2 cup salt

1 cup flour

1/2 TBSP cream of Tartar

1 1/2 TBSP oil

1 cup hot water

1 packet of unsweetened koolaide (pictured is Cherry)

In a medium saucepan heat the salt and water over low heat until the salt dissolves, then stir in the remaining ingredients.   Continue to stir until it thickens up well and is the constancy of play dough over low heat ( a matter of minutes).  Remove from heat and knead with a spoon until it cools down enough to knead by hand.  Knead by hand until cool and then let the kids have fun playing with it!

*You can double this and make a larger batch, I just found they enjoyed having more than one color to play with and the smaller batches are nice for that*

Delicious, Nutritious Paleo Meatza!

I have been throwing this idea around for while, after seeing a friend post that she had made mini paleo Meatzas for dinner.  I think more traditionally it would be topped with more meat, but I think it's a great opportunity to get a bunch of veggies in and your already eating meat so I really don't think you need more.  Maybe some nitrate free pepperoni would be fun though, and if you do dairy feel free to throw some mozzarella on there.  We personally generally don't do dairy so I made ours without and it was delicious and fun to eat  Use your imagination with the toppings the possibilities are endless, I just listed what we used which was basically just stuff we had on hand.   For the pizza sauce I used the recipe I grew up on, the one my mom always used and I have always used pre-Paleo.  You may use any sauce you like, this just happens to be the one we enjoy, I also double it whenever I make it.  I suggest making it ahead of time so it is ready when you are ready, you can also pre cut your veggies too to speed up time.  
By the way...this also makes a great breakfast (or lunch) the next morning, so don't worry about leftovers!  

Meatza "Crust" Recipe

2.5 pounds of 80% grass fed ground beef 
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp. dried Basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder or granulated garlic
1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
1 egg


Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Combine all  the spices and mix well, then sprinkle on the meat, add the egg and mix in with your hands.  Be sure to get it mixed in well, but being careful not to over mix the meat.  Spread into a jelly roll pan, patting out with your hands to get it to fit.  Bake for 10 minutes and then carefully drain off all the grease.  By the way, don't be surprised when your "crust" shrinks, it will not stay the same size as the pan, this is normal.  Spread with your pre-made pizza sauce and top with your desired toppings.  Bake on the top rack of your oven for about 10-15 more minutes.  The meat will form a stiff base, which when cut you will be able to pick up and eat just like pizza.  My kids LOVED this!  Let them help by putting on their own toppings or patting the meat into the pan (just be sure to have them wash their hands after).  I find when they are involved in the preparation they are much more excited about eating something different.  Have fun!  

Mom's Pizza Sauce

1-8 oz can organic tomato sauce
1- 6 oz can organic tomato paste
2 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder or granulated garlic


Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pot and simmer not he lowest setting while making he crust.


For Toppings I used what I had around:
Sliced and chopped Zucchini, fresh parsley, red peppers, red onion, olives, and spinach.  Maybe some mushrooms, pineapple, good no nitrate pepperoni, bacon, tomatoes, etc. would be good.  You can really use just about anything on here.