How to make your own Almond Meal and Nut Butters

Here is the post I've been promising you all, on How to Make Your Own Almond Meal and Nut Butters.  Being the budget minded person that I am, I was so thankful to have friends who shared with me just how easy it is to make almond flour and nut butters.  If it weren't' for their reassurance I don't know if I would have ventured to give it a try.  I've done some experimenting with different methods of making both, and I'm looking forward to sharing with you what I've found to be the simplest, easiest way of doing it.

To view larger, just click on the You Tube link in the right hand corner.

To make Almond Meal/Flour you will need the following:

raw almonds (I use these from Costco)
Coffee grinder
sifter
bowl or container for sifting the flour into

1. Place a small amount of almonds (like you would coffee beans) in your coffee grinder.  I have a Krups which works great for this, I however only use it for making almond meal and don't suggest using it for both coffee and among meal.  
2. When you are ready push the button or on my model the lid, and let it grind, I usually give it a few shakes while grinding.  It will only take a few seconds to process, it's amazing how quick it is.  Check after a few seconds to see if the grind is fine enough, if not process a little more until it's your desired texture, you just don't want to let it go to long or it will start to turn into almond butter.  
3.  When it reaches the desired texture or grind pour into your sifter and sift away.  Any remaining chunks of almond that are to large can be reground with the next batch, on their own, or throw them in with your next batch of almond butter. 

 It is a really quick process, repeat the steps until you have the desired amount of almond meal, store in an airtight container (and in the freezer for longer storage if you like).  That's it, it's that simple.

To Make Almond Butter:

raw almonds (I use these from Coscto)

Jelly roll pan or other large baking pan

Food Processor

sea salt (if desired)

Coconut oil (if desired)

1. Start by preheating your oven  to 350 degrees.  
2. Spread desired amount of almonds out into your pan, 2-3 cups is usually good depending on the size of your food processor.  Mine is an 11 cup Cuisanart and handles 2 cups with ease, 3 cups or more requires a little assistance from me along the way.  
3. Place pan in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes to toast the almonds.
4. Remove almonds from the oven and pour into your food processor with the regular blade attachment on ( do this directly from the oven and don't cool them off).  
5. Turn on your food processor and let it grind away, that's it.  When I do larger amounts I sometimes have to stop it part way and stir so the sides get mixed in well.  But when I do 2 cups I just let it go and walk away.  It does it all on it's own.  I generally don't add oil and just let mine grind until it's pretty soft and runny in texture.
6. However, if you want to up your consumption of coconut oil, or maybe you just prefer the taste, you made add 1-2 TBSP of coconut oil, macadamia nut oil or any other desired nut oil, part way through the process.  I add it when it starts to get a little dry and crumbly, which is about half way thru the process.
7. If you like you may also add a pinch of sea salt near the end.

Once again a very easy process, and so good!!  I love it when it's fresh and still warm, yum!  You can do the same with any nut you like, I also like to make sunflower seed butter too.  I watch them very closely while roasting and give them a stir now and then.  But processing them is the same technique, I do add some oil to my sunflower seed butter, otherwise it just seams to be to dry.  You can experiment with the oils too, I like using some Macadamia Nut oil, it adds a wonderful flavor.  

So there you have it, both processes are really quite simple and can save you a little money too.  I figure making my own almond meal saves me about .50-.60 cents per pound.  And making my own almond butter saves me about $1.50 per pound, and it puts you in control of what goes in to it (like combining nuts etc, ).  You can also experiment with adding some flavoring to your nut butters, like vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa powders, honey, etc. I would love to hear what kind of combinations you come up with. I hope this post has been both helpful and inspiring!   Enjoy!

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Quick and Easy "Paleo" Oven Pancake

I found a recipe for an oven pancake on Pinterest the other day and decided to convert it.  In the conversion process I also added some vanilla and cinnamon to it and the end result was something we all loved!!  It reminds me of Overnight French Toast in our pre-paleo days.  This is so quick and so easy, and really tasty,  and if you know me at all you know I love that combination (quick, easy and tasty)!  

Thicker version, double batch in a 9x13" pan.

Quick and Easy Paleo Oven Pancake

6 eggs
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1 cup almond flour
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup butter (1/2 a stick), melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 inch pan well (be sure it's good and thick), combine the above ingredients in a medium bowl, beat for 1-2 minutes.  Then pour into pan and pour melted butter over the top, move to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until done.  This will make a thin oven pancake, for a thicker one like I have in the photos you will need to either double this recipe or use a 8x8 pan instead.  We like it both ways, thin and thick, but to feed my crew I need to make it thicker so more of them get fed! Top with some maple syrup and you are in for a treat! 
*TIP* 
I poured our maple syrup into a simple squeeze bottle with a small tip and it works wonderful, now we can just drizzle the syrup instead of pouring.  And the kids can do their own now because they have better control.

 Hope you enjoy!

Going in to the oven.

Nice and puffy, ready to come out of the oven.

Ready to enjoy!

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A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

My dad, summer of 2010

So, I wrote a whole post about Fathers,  and Fathers day and then when I went to edit it today, well...it went bye-bye!!  I am very frustrated, but I want to have something up in honor of my Dad so here it goes.

I am very blessed to have the experience of growing up with a father who loved me (and my 2 younger brothers), very much and whom also loves the Lord.  I realize not everyone has had a good experience with their earthly fathers, so I consider it a blessing.  He has given myself and my family so much over the years, both monetarily and in wisdom.  My husband and I actually attribute our meeting to him!  Summer of 1989 I graduated from High School in Bellevue Washington (where we had been living for 2 years), my family all went back out to Unalaska for the summer, but I stayed behind and didn't join them until later in August.  During that time I remember several conversations with my dad where he would mention how there was this nice young man there who really loved the Lord and how I should meet him.  During that time, Dan (my husband) was in Unalaska too, he had arrived in June to work for the summer and apparently my dad would show him my senior portrait and tell him all about me.  So while he claims not to remember it, we give him credit for planting the seeds and for pointing us in the direction of each other.  Turns out my husband and I  didn't just stay in Unalaska for a few months to make money for college. We were engaged on January 6, 1990 and got married on August 18, 1990 and lived in Unalaska for the first 4 years of our marriage.  We were young and in love (both 19, our poor parents!) and didn't have a lot of common sense yet.  Like thinking about where we would live, but my loving father, converted one of his units into an duplex, putting in a kitchen for us and only charging us minimal rent.  My parents even furnished it!  If it weren't for them we probably would have been sleeping on on the floor at a friends house!  I don't' think we realized at the time just how blessed we were, but now I see how much my dad loved us and wanted us to have a good start.  Over the years he would, help us numerous times, to many to count actually.  And though he has had many trials and heartbreak in his life he has always loved and followed the Lord.  He and my mom continue to be an example of giving their life, and loving/serving the Lord,  I am thankful for him and the example he is to my children and myself.  I love you DAD!

 My son Daniel learns from his grandpa how to clean fish.

My dad proudly displaying his king crab catch.

My Dad and oldest son Jamie with my Dad's fabulous Alaskan smoked salmon!  It is an old native recipe and the best smoke fish you will ever have!  I am so thankful my two oldest boys had the opportunity 2 years ago to spend a month working and living with their grandparents. 

 There is a lot they can and did learn from my dad (and my mom for that matter). 

Thank you Dad and Happy Father's Day! 

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Budget tip for Laundry Detergent

I know this isn't Paleo, but it is budget, so I thought I would share it.  A few months ago a friend shared her recipe for homemade laundry detergent and I started and using that instead of the store bought stuff.  I've had some time to test it out now and wanted to share the results and recipe with you.    One of the things I love about it besides saving money, is that is works wonderfully for removing the "sour" smell from towels.  I had washed my towels in just about everything imaginable but could never get rid of that smell.  But after using this detergent, there is no more "sour" smell!  And I have found our clothes are getting nice and clean.  I use just 2 TBSP for my light loads and wash on warm, 2 TBSP along with some bleach for my whites and wash in hot, but for my darks I only use 1TBSP and wash on cold (which is most of my laundry).  And last but not least I wash all the bedding and towels with 1 TBSP and on hot.  


(Please be sure so see my ***update*** at the bottom of the page) 


The "recipe" is pretty simple, you will need the following:

1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing  Soda (which is different from regular baking soda)
1-Bar of Fels-Naptha finely grated
fine grater
bowl or container for mixing and or storing


I start by finely grating my bar of Fels-Naptha on my box grater, in only takes a matter of minutes and I find it quite easy.  Some however, prefer to use their food processor for this step.  Then combine your shredded soap with 1 cup of the borax and 1 cup of the Washing Soda in a small container (I like to use an airtight container).  Give it some good shakes, or you can stir it and you're ready to go.  I have an extra one tablespoon measurer, that I just keep with my soap for convenience.  It does have a slight scent when it's dry but the clothes don't come out smelling scented.  Apparently you can add scent, but I haven't felt the need to do that and just like it as is.  That's it, pretty simple and easy, and works as well if not better than the more expensive stuff I was using (Gain or Tide).  

What you will need, Washing Soda $3.24 per box , Borax $3.38 per box and Fels-Naptha .97 cents per bar (all prices are from Walmart, Eureka, CA, 06-14-12).

Grating the bar of soap.

The finely shredded Fels-Naptha.

All mixed up and ready to go.

BEFORE mixing in the food processor.

AFTER the food processor.


***UPDATE***
I had a box of borax that had been sitting around for a long time and had absorbed moisture.  It had lumps the size of tennis balls in it that were hard to break up.  A friend had mentioned mixing her detergent in her Ninja, so after I grated the soap and mixed it all up, I dumped it all in my food processor and let it process until the mixture was a nice fine texture.  No more lumps, but what I found out was that I prefer the texture, too, the soap mixes in better and is easier to scoop etc.  So this is now the method I am using to combine it, I would suggest not standing over the food processor while it's processing.  You don't want to breathe it in, if you can help it, but that's my only caution.  

Kaitlynn grating the soap, the girls love this job!! 

In the food processor. 

My final product, nice and fine.

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Grilled Paleo Jalapeño Bacon Burger on Portobello Mushroom "buns"

Who doesn't love bacon and burgers?  I know I do, that's what prompted my experimentation with this burger.    I found the secret to grilling these is to keep the briquets somewhat cool (around 250 degrees) and I kept a spray bottle near by for flare ups.  That combination worked beautifully and the end result was stunning and delicious burgers!

BACON JALAPEÑO BURGERS 

on

 PORTOBELLO "BUNS"

1 pound bacon ends ( I love Beelers, I've tried a few others but found them to salty)
2 pounds 85% grass fed ground beef
3-4 Jalapeños (depending on size), seeded,  unless you like really spice then leave some seeds in
1 cup roughly chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup roughly chopped red onion
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
a  handful of fresh parsley (or cilantro might be good)
3/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. sea salt ( I figure the bacon adds most of the needed salt)
portobella mushrooms if desired

1. First start your charcoal so it will be ready to grill after you get these all assembled. 
2. Next slice 1/2 a package of bacon ends into "strips" about 1" apart, then add to a food process with and process until it forms a ball.  
3. Then remove and add to a large bowl along with your ground beef. 
4.  Roughly chop your onions and add them to the food processor and pulse a few times until until finely chopped.  You want to be sure not to over process them, if you do, just drain off some of the excess liquid.  Then dump them into the bowl with your meat.  
5. Now add the parley, garlic and peppers and pulse a few times until nice and small, add them to the bowl.  
6. Next add your salt and pepper to the meat mixture and mix well with your hands. 
7.  Form into patties in your desired size and grill. The key is to grill them at a lower temperature and spot any flare ups with a spray bottle.  Or you could just fry them up in a pan if you like.
8.  I also grill my portobello mushrooms for a little bit, to give them that smokey/grilled flavor. 

 You can top them with guacamole, etc. we used lettuce, tomatoes and avocados and they were delicious. 

 Hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Fresh veggies ready to be made into Bacon Jalapeño burgers.

Peppers and parsley after they are chopped in food proccessor.

Roughly chopped onions in the food processor ready to be minced.

My favorite bacon, and the one used in this recipe.

All the ingredients ready to mix, with the ground bacon on top.

Formed patty ready for the grill.

Grilled and ready to eat.

Burgers and "buns" grilling.

Time to eat!  Yum!

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Grilled Pizza (Grain Free and "Paleo" style)

In my last post I mentioned making an effort to let my girls help or prepare meals more often.  The following is the creation of my 9 year old daughter and I, and the photos are of her pizzas.  She mixed the dough first with a spoon and then kneading it with her hands ( she loved that part!).  I then divided the dough and rolled it out for her, we then pre-baked the crust, removed it from the oven and she then put all the toppings on and we grilled them.  Oh, I almost forgot she also mixed up the pizza sauce we used.  This was such a fun treat for them, we used to have pizza quite frequently on Friday nights pre-Paleo, so they really enjoyed it!  We have a large family so we had to repeat this process several times, ( I make triple this, but cut the recipe down for everyone), some we topped with Cheese and others we did not.  For grilled Pizza we like the crust rolled nice and thin and crispy almost like a cracker, Yum!  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do, feel free to change up the herbs and spices to whatever you like, and use your favorite toppings, too.


GRILLED GRAIN FREE/ "PALEO" PIZZA

2 1/2  cups of almond flour (you may need another 2-3 TBSP)
2 eggs
3 TBSP of good extra virgin olive oil (I like Kasandrinos Extra Virgin Olive oil (Kotinos)  )
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp dried sweet basil (or any herbs, garlic etc. of your choice)


First thing you want to do is get your grill started, we used charcoal and some leftover mesquite wood chips for ours.  The key is to use very little briquets, you want a really low heat, like really low or it will burn.  Another option is to put most of the briquets on one end of the grill and use more of an indirect heat.  We started out with the rack on the lowest setting and as the coals cooled we just raised them and it worked wonderfully.  
Then preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and combine all of the above ingredients first with a spoon and then kneading and mixing well with your hands.   Next, take 2 sheets of parchment paper ( they need to be about the same size), I buy mine on a large roll from Costco and just tear it to fit my pan.  Take the desired amount of dough, depending on your pan size, and roll it tightly into a ball with your hands.  Place on one sheet of parchment paper on your work surface, then place the "dough" on the parchment paper, flattening slightly with your hands.  Take the second sheet of parchment paper and place over the top of the dough.  Then using a rolling pin, roll in all directions to get the shape and thickness desired (we did both rectangular in a jelly roll pan and round on a pizza pan).  I roll mine really thin (about a generous 1/8 inch), but 1/4 inch should be fine too.  Then remove the top sheet of parchment paper and using the bottom sheet of parchment paper slide the whole thing onto your desired pan (leaving it on the bottom parchment paper). Place in the oven either on the middle rack or one rack up from that (I usually have 2 going at a time and rotate the rack they are on), bake for 15-20 minutes.  Then remove from the oven spread with your Pizza Sauce and top with your desired toppings.  We love to mix it up, but Applegate Pepperoni is always a hit!    Then using the pan just slide the whole thing off onto the grill, and then remove the parchment paper by sliding the pizza off the paper while it is on the grill.  I found that to be the best technique for me, but use whatever works best for you.  Then close the cover on your grill and check it after a few minutes, I like to use a spatula to move it around on the grill so if I have a hot spot, it gets rotated.  Ours took about 10 minutes on the grill and we had our grill  at a really low heat.  Then using a spatula carefully direct the pizza to either the pan you started out with, a cutting board or other surface, cut, serve and enjoy!    This is a great recipe to get the kids involved with, they love mixing, rolling, and making their own pizzas!  Be sure to throw lot's of veggies in there too!  Mushroom, Linsey Natural Olives, tomatoes, peppers, sweet onion, zucchini, artichokes, etc.  

We look forward to experimenting with some pesto, pine nuts, chicken, etc. too later this summer!

*Next time we make this I will try to remember to get photos of the process, I personally love process photos and find them helpful.*

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Mom's Paleo Pizza Sauce

This is the wonderful Pizza sauce I grew up eating on my mom's homemade whole wheat Pizza, so naturally I was thrilled it's still works with Paleo!   I now eliminate the garlic as my 14 year old daughter is allergic, but other than that it's my mom's original recipe she's used for years.  Thank you mom!

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 on the lowest setting while making the crust. 

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