Paleo Jambalaya

So, I have been trying to create more budget-friendly paleo meals lately, and let me just say I have not been too successful, but this one was pretty good.

So... here it is, and let me warn you, it's spicy. If you don't like it hot, leave out the Cayenne Pepper!

And, I will be honest, all of my measurements are guesstimates. What I do is spinkle the spices over the whole pan, so I would say it comes out to an equivalent of about 1&1/2 Teaspoons, unless otherwise stated.

Here is what you'll need:

2 TBSP Garlic, chopped
1/2 C Marinara Sauce/Spaghetti Sauce etc
1.5 Teasp Parsely
1.5 Teasp Thyme
1.5 Teasp Oregano
1.5 Teasp Pepper
1.5 Smoked (or regular) Paprika
Sprinkle Salt
3 Bell Peppers, thinly sliced
1 Onion, thinly sliced
1 package Hot Italian Sausage
Olive Oil
Ghee (optional, but delicious!)

Heat the Olive oil and Ghee in a pan. I used about 2 TBSP of each, if you dont have one or the other, you can sub with any fat of your choice. Toss in the bell peppers and onions, and sautee in the oil/ghee mixture for about 3 minutes. Next, add all of the spices (excluding the marinara) and simmer over medium heat with a lid on the pan. After about 3-5 minutes, stir the onions and peppers, then stir in the sausage and the marinanra sauce. Continue to simmer and stir every 3-5 minutes for about 15 more minutes. Turn off the stove and let sit for about 5 minutes, then enjoy.

**Next time I think I will serve this over Cauliflower Rice.

Paleo-ish Coconut Cookies

Alright so I made these two ways because I was not sure which method would taste better. I made one batter only, however, one batch was cooked and one batch was frozen. As you will see in the ingredients, there is nothing that HAS to be cooked to be consumed, so not to worry.

Here is what you'll need:
1 TBSP Vanilla
1 & 1/2 C Shredded Coconut
1/2 C Coconut Flour
1/2 C Coconut Butter
1/4 C Coconut Oil

then

1/2 C Chocolate Chips (I use EnjoyLife brand, it's Dairy free)
1 TBSP Coconut Oil


Start by combining the first list of ingredients in a bowl. You may have to heat up the coconut oil and butter a little bit to soften it up for mixing. Next, roll the dough up into little balls and place them on a cookie sheet or plate (depending on your method of cooking/freezing). If you choose to cook them, they go in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. If you don't want to cook them, then freeze them! Either way, step two is the same. Take the second list of ingredients and microwave them while stirring occasionally. Make sure not to burn the chocolate/coconut oil mixture. Once the mixture is melted, pour a little over each ball and then place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

After making these, I let my family sample them and I made them vote on which were better, frozen or cooked, and we all voted for the cooked batch! Do what you want, but I really think the cooked batch tasted better. Enjoy!