Potato Nirvana! GF, V & Paleo

Behold.

The Great.

Potato.

Youuuuu Guyssssssss. This is by far one of the most insanely delicious things ever. Literally, ever.

Have you ever had one of those days where you'd just rather skip dinner and just go straight to dessert? Or rather, have dessert for dinner?

Like everyday? Okay yeah, me too :)

Well, this recipe is the best of both worlds. You get dinner and dessert in one! How? Because it's so friggin tasty, and deceptively healthy!

I'd call that a #win!

Now, potatoes are a little tricky. They're not on the Specific Carb Diet. Period. Sweet Potatoes are on the Paleo diet, and Red potatoes are on the Body Ecology Diet. So, do with this what you will.



Before I dive in, I promised yesterday to give you a quick update on our trip to Florida.

It was amazing -- we stayed right on the water and we spent the week on the beach,

taking walks,

watching the sunset,

and enjoying delicious Tiki Bar drinks:)

Ok...back to the spuds.

For this recipe I used a Japanese Sweet Potato. There are all different types of tubers -- sweet potatoes, yams, japanese sweet potatoes, etc. But I choose the Japanese variety because I like the texture of it. The flesh is actually white, not orange, like we're used to at Thanksgiving. But the texture is almost gummy, and creates this beautifully thick, paste-like consistency that I found really enjoyable. ((It doesn't sound that appetizing from that description, but believe me, it was splendid...Think cookie dough))

Also - to "up" the nutrition factor, and intensify the color, I added steamed carrots to the flesh. Aren't I tricky ;)

Here's what you need. (Serves one -- although, I guesssss you could split it)

1 massive Japanese sweet potato, baked
1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped and steamed
pinch of salt

Drizzle:
3 Tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt

Garnish
pecans, roasted and chopped

Optional: (to be blended in)
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tbsp honey

Preheat oven to 375. Prick your sweet potato all over with a fork. Rub the skin with a little bit of oil - I used grapeseed. Bake for about 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes with an oven mitt. (I placed a cookie sheet underneath the potato to catch any sugary drippings that might ooze out of the spud.)

While the potato is baking, I made my almond butter drizzle. In my food processor, I mixed the peanut butter, honey and cinnamon until it was nice and smooth and drizzly. If the consistency is too thick, you can add either a splash of water, or a little bit of oil. I used a touch of almond oil, but another flavorless oil would be fine too.

Transfer your sauce to another bowl, and try to refrain from eating all of it. ((I made 4x the amount listed in the recipe to keep on hand for yogurts, cereal, smoothie additions, fruit dip, etc.))

*You don't have to clean your food processor just yet. Any remaining sauce left of the sides/blade will just mix nicely in with the flesh.

Also while your potato is baking, steam your carrots either on the stove or in the microwave. I just used the microwave and a Pyrex measuring cup.

Lastly, toast some pecans in a skillet over low heat until fragrant. This doesn't take very long - about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. But watch them, because they can burn quickly!

Once the potato is finished baking, cut a slit in it lengthwise, but not all the way through. Then, carefully (with oven mitts because it's hot) push the two ends together.

Then, spoon out the flesh of the potato and place into your food processor along with the carrots and a pinch of salt. Don't scrape all of the flesh out of the potato -- you still need the potato to be sturdy and able to stand on its own.

While the flesh of the potato and the carrots are still hot, process them until combined and smooth. (The steam given off helps facilitate this.) I also added about a Tbsp of almond butter, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 pinch of salt and 1/8 tsp cinnamon to the food processor to be mixed in. That is optional -- but highly encouraged :)

To assemble, generously spoon the potato/carrot mixture back into the skin and pile it high! Then, liberally smother that baby with your almond/peanut butter and honey mixture. Garnish with pecans if desired.

DIG. IN.

Was this bigger than my face? Yes. Did it weigh roughly the same as a large cat? Yes. Was it one of the most delicious things in the entire world? Abso-friggin-lutely!

Ladies and gentlemen, this potato. This potato. This potato. THIS POTATO! I kid you not....it was nirvana. And I got that word, because Webster told me that it meant utter bliss. Ecstasy. Pure joy. Yep - that about sums it up.

It was like eating pumpkin pie flavored cookie dough. It was sweet and nutty and had a kiss of cinnamon.

And the texture was marvelous. Like I mentioned, Japanese Sweet Potatoes have a tacky and thick texture that makes it so you almost have to chew it. It was so good.

But the drizzle. OH THE DRIZZLE! In the words of Uncle Jesse,

Seriously, though...it should be illegal. It is so rich and nutty and sweet, and combined with the sweet potato and carrot mash, it is just out of this world. 

Lastly, the color is just outrageous. That orange color is not enhanced, nor from a can, my friends. No filter here! It's all from some good old beta carotene found in Bugs Bunny's favorite veggie. Not only do carrots intensify the color, but they also up the nutrition factor too!

This was a ten. Nay -- an eleven. If you feel like giving yourself a hug through your stomach, make this dish.

It's "Din-sert." "Desse-ner." It's healthy dessert for dinner. It's Potato Nirvana.

PS: You can thank me later ;)

Curried Sweet Potato & Carrot Latkes! GF & Paleo!

Hey Happy Tummies!

Gosh, thank you all for the outpouring of kind words about my family photos I posted earlier this week. You guys are just the greatest:)

I can't believe that there's less than 3 weeks until Christmas! In fact, I get to see this little munchkin in just two weeks! Weee!!

So for today's recipe, I wanted to share a seasonal favorite with a Happy Tummy twist! As many of you know, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 16. Potato Latkes are a traditional part of that holiday, but unfortunately aren't gluten free - or paleo for that matter. Soooo I decided to shake things up and give them a makeover - Happy Tummy style!

Introducing Curried Sweet Potato and Carrot Latkes with Avocado Cream Sauce!

And they're Gluten and Dairy Free, Paleo, and have a Vegan option!

Here's what you need: (Serves 2-3)

1 sweet potato, shredded, about 2 cups
1 carrot, shredded, about 1 1/4 cups
2 eggs, beaten (vegan option: 2 flax/chia eggs)
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp curry powder
3 healthy pinches of salt
3 Tbsp - 1/4 cup olive oil, coconut oil, or grape seed oil

1 avocado
squeeze of lime
1 Tbsp cilantro, minced

optional:
1 fried egg per person

Grate your carrot and sweet potato on a box grater.

In a medium sized bowl, beat 2 room temperature eggs with a fork with the salt, pepper, and curry powder. Stir in your carrot and sweet potato until evenly coated with the egg. Stir in the almond flour.

In a frying pan or cast iron skillet, pour enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan in a thin layer. Heat the oil for about 2 minutes, over medium-high heat.

Take 1/4 cup of the carrot/potato mixture and form into a patty. Place in the frying pan, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, when the edges begin to turn golden brown, flipping gently with a spatula. Place on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Makes 10 latkes.

Meanwhile, mash your avocado with salt, a squeeze of lime, and 1 Tbsp of cilantro.

To serve, top each latke with a dollop of avocado cream, and garnish with minced cilantro.

OPTION B:
Another plating option is to top 2 latkes with a fried egg instead-of/in-addition-to the avocado cream sauce!

What a treat was this!! It could be dinner. It could be breakfast. It could be a midnight snack. JUST EAT IT, PEOPLE!! hehe:)

But seriously, WOW. The curry is such an unexpected punch of yummy flavor. It's a bit spicy, which is instantly cooled down by the buttery and rich avocado. And it pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness from the sweet potatoes and carrots. Finally, the cilantro pops in with this burst of freshness that takes it over the top.

And the textures! The potatoes have become nice and crunchy and chewy. And then there's the cool and creamy avocado to compliment it.

But Happy Tummies...the egg. My, oh my! The rich and gooey yolk ties everything together with this luxurious richness that's perfect for dinner, or a hearty breakfast!

Just do yourself a favor -- make this meal! Whether you call them latkes, potato pancakes, hash browns, skillet potatoes, WHATEVER -- just do it! Your tastebuds will thank you:)

What's your favorite holiday tradition? Mine is putting up the Christmas tree while listening to Kenny G :)

Snappy Guac & Chips! GF, V, BED!

There’s something truly healing about being on the lake. I don’t know what it is exactly. But there’s an overwhelming feeling of peace. I feel close to nature. Close to God.

And there’s something about boating. The gentle wind in my face, hair blowing, the sun warmly kissing my shoulder while listening to the hum of the engine; I feel free. I feel alive. And I almost forget that I’m sick. I forget that I’m in the 8th month of my Ulcerative Colitis flare. And for those precious moments, there’s no pain. Worries and anxiety about treatment plans and upcoming doctors appointments disappear with our white foamy wake. I get lost in the mirrored water, looking at the bright blue sky and the deep green pines on the shoreline zipping by. Things are different here.

And it makes me think about a lot of things. In particular, what I’m supposed to learn from this journey I’ve been on. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. So there is a reason why I’m going through this…just what am I to take away from it? Thinking about it, it’s pretty remarkable. I started flaring during the run of a show in NYC. I had a wonderful life full of fun, friends and pursuing my dreams. Then, my world was rocked with this flare, forcing me to move home. Little did I know that it was going to be for 8 months. But now my mind is wandering into negativity…time to get back to the water. I know I’m going to get through this. I guess I need to look at this as a gift of time…time to find out who I am, time with my family, time to appreciate the things I have been blessed with.

And so, after such a reflective day on the water, I was in a trance-like state. Like a swaddled baby, I wanted to stay in that cozy space, and not concoct something wildly creative or outlandish for dinner. Just something simple – quiet. It’s not often that I feel this way, but its nice sometimes to have pensive moments.

such a creamy sauce!

In the kitchen, I started out by just taking out some potatoes…simple, humble, delicious. But then, I couldn’t help it…and my playfulness decided to make an appearance:) And a wonderful meal came into my mind — time to cook.

so bright and fresh!

So I made Snappy Guac and Chips! Sugar Snap Peas, tossed in an Avocado Dressing, over a bed of Roasted Broccoli and crunchy Red Skinned Potato Chips! So delicious and a festival of flavors and textures! Cooking for my fam definitely brings out joy in me:)

Snap Peas and Guacamole Sauce — Superb!

And it’s gluten free, vegan, and Body Ecology Diet friendly!

what a plate!

But wait — How are Red Skinned Potatoes on the Body Ecology Diet? That’s a ZERO sugar diet; and starchy veggies — ie: potatoes — are strictly prohibited! Welllll, it just so happens that Red Skinned Potatoes are the ONLY potato allowed on the BED because they have less sugar than their white and orange potato cousins, and therefore, don’t feed the yeast! (pg 52) Sweet!

such crunchy chips!

Here’s what you need:

7 organic red skinned potatoes, sliced thin on a mandolin

1 stalk of broccoli, broken into florets, and roasted
1 1/2 cups sugar snap peas, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely diced
2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Avocado Dressing:
1 avocado, mashed
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp salt
1 garlic glove, grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Carefully slice your red potatoes on the mandolin. Place them in a single layer on 2 olive-oil-lined baking sheets. (You’ll have to do 2 batches). Spray them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll need to watch them carefully towards the end — when they begin to get brown spots on them, take them out – they’re finished!

Meanwhile, roast your broccoli. Place the florets on an olive-oil-sprayed baking sheet. Spritz with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Also, prep your veggies. After you chop your red onion, soak it in ice water for 10 minutes – this gets rid of that bitter onion-y bite. Drain, and squeeze dry in a paper towel.

gorgeous roasted broccoli!

Finally, make the dressing. Combine the dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with the back of a fork until creamy and smooth. Add enough lime juice so that it is “liquidy.” Toss your snap peas, cilantro and red onion with the dressing.

mmm mmm mmm!

To serve, make a bed of the chips. On top of that, make a cushion of broccoli, and top with the snappy guacamole! Garnish with green onions and cilantro, and enjoy!

amazing textures!

This meal was SO GOOD! The textures of the meal took it over the top! The chips were phenomenal – they were incredibly crunchy! My parents loved them too — there was not a single one left! And combined with the tender-crisp broccoli, and crunchy snap peas slathered in the creamy dressing – it was amazing!

gluten free, vegan, and Body Ecology Diet friendly!

And the flavor was out of control! The dressing was just like guacamole – with the bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, and subtle hint of garlic. It. was. so. good!

Maybe I’m supposed to discover how much I love to cook during this time:)

Do you have a special place that makes you feel free? Do you listen to music, or go for a walk?

See ya tomorrow!

Need a mandoline? Here's the one I use:

Crispy Potato Pepper Pile! GF, V, BED

Aren’t holidays great? Time off to enjoy with family and friends, relaxing (preferably on a boat), sunshine, and lots of good food to go around! Sounds like a winning combination to me!

Potato Pepper Pile Up!

Wisconsin is wonderful — we’ve been boating, playing board games (Scategories anyone?) and watching lots of movies. Today, we went to the annual Fourth of July Flea Market. It’s a lot of fun — the entire population of the Northwoods shows up for the event — all 676 of them! haha And tonight, we’re headed to the fireworks show!

delish!

So for dinner tonight, I made a scrumptious dinner! Roasted Red Potatoes, with Zesty Sauteed Veggies and a Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce!

crispy potatoes!

And it’s Gluten Free, Vegan, and Body Ecology Diet friendly!

gluten free, vegan, body ecology diet friendly!

But wait — How are Red Skinned Potatoes on the Body Ecology Diet? That’s a ZERO sugar diet; and starchy veggies — ie: potatoes — are strictly prohibited! Welllll, it just so happens that Red Skinned Potatoes are the ONLY potato allowed on the BED because they have less sugar than their white and orange potato cousins, and therefore, don’t feed the yeast! (pg 52) Sweet!

what a meal!

Can I just tell you…this was outstanding! Even my 18 boy cousin, who hates vegetables, gobbled it up and said he loved it! Point for team Veggies! :)

what a view!

So here’s what you need: (Serves 3)

6 Organic Red Skinned Potatoes, diced

5 asparagus spears, chopped in 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 cup sugar snap peas, chopped in 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
sprinkle of garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 green onion, chopped (garnish)

Cream Sauce:
1 red pepper, roasted, peeled, then chopped
1 clove of garlic
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place your diced potatoes on an olive-oil-sprayed baking sheet. Spritz the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown, stirring once half-way through.

In the mean time, roast your red pepper.

To roast the red pepper, I literally set it on our gas flame burner and kept turning it with tongs until it was completely charred. I then put it in a bowl and covered it with plastic wrap so that the steam loosened the skin. Then, after about 15 minutes, the charred skin peels right off (use your hands), and you’re left with a wonderful, roasted pepper! If you don’t have a gas flame, you can do the same right under the broiler! After you peel the skin and take out the seeds, chop the flesh and put it in the food processor with the cashews, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Blend until you get your smooth, creamy sauce! YUMMO!

yum x 3

Finally, saute your onion in 1 tsp EVOO, salt, pepper, and your spices. Let them soften for about 3 minutes, and then add your asparagus. Let it cook for 3 minutes, and then stir in your snap peas. Let them warm through for about 2 minutes, and then take off the heat. They’ll be warm and crunchy!

golden, crispy potatoes!

To serve, make a “bed” of potatoes, top with your veggies and a dollop of the red pepper sauce. Garnish with green onions.

This meal was ridiculously good! It was hearty and full of flavor! Zesty with a smokey-sweet overtone.

crunchy asparagus!

And the textures were wonderful! The potatoes were crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Topped with warm, crunchy veggies, and an out-of-this-world red pepper cream sauce! It was so rich and luxurious. It was hard to believe that it was just red pepper and cashews!

red pepper cream sauce!

My family was going crazy for this cream sauce! They passed it around the table, and proclaimed that it was amazing!

And it was really pretty too! Regal looking:)

golden, crispy potatoes!

Did you set off fireworks tonight? Make s’mores?

See ya tomorrow!

This recipe was made possible by my food processor and olive oil mister! Here are the ones I use: