Recipe Coconut milk berries icy poles popsicles ice lollies lolly Paleo Network-min

Recipe: Coconut Icy Poles

What to do when you've made more coconut milk than you can possibly use? Make coconut ice lollies of course! I already had some moulds for icy poles and some wooden sticks, so it couldn't have been easier. This would work great with coconut yoghurt too, next time you make a batch.

Recipe Coconut milk berries icy poles popsicles ice lollies Paleo Network-min

Recipe: Coconut Icy Poles
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Desserts
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Leftover coconut milk or yoghurt? Don't waster it - throw it in a popsicle mould instead!
Ingredients
  • coconut milk
  • handful of berries
  • handful of coconut flakes
Instructions
  1. Put some berries at the bottom of each mould
  2. Next add a pinch of coconut flakes to each section
  3. Finally top with the coconut milk (or yoghurt)
  4. Put in the sticks and freeze until solid

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Recipe homemade coconut yoghurt paleo network-min

Recipe: Homemade Coconut Yogurt

I think I've finally perfected my coconut yoghurt recipe – well, to be honest I actually bought a thermometer (mine is similar to this one). I tried to wing it without one, but really, if you want to do this properly, you've got to get the temperatures right.

Recipe Coconut Yoghurt Easy Probiotic Natural Homemade Paleo Network-min

Firstly, why coconut yogurt?

Well, if you haven't already tried it, it's so delicious! But so expensive to buy. I've found one really good brand, CoYo in some health food shops, but it's never going to be more than a very occasional treat.

The thing with coconut yoghurt is that it's great if you don't tolerate dairy well, given that it's made with coconut milk rather than dairy. It's also a great way to get some probiotics into your diet and of course, coconut is a great source of fat.

I love this yogurt on it's own, but it's great with fruit, or frozen as a paleo desert! It would be great with a paleo no-oatmeal for breakfast too.

So here's how I make it (trust me, it's easier than it looks)…

Recipe Coconut Yoghurt Probiotic Natural Homemade Paleo Network-min

Recipe: Homemade Coconut Yogurt
Prep time: 
Total time: 
This coconut yogurt make take a little time to prepare and wait for - but it's easy and oh so worth it!
Ingredients
  • 6 cups coconut milk (see my instructions to make this yourself)
  • 1 medium can of coconut milk
  • half a vanilla bean pod
  • 3 tablespoons of natural gelatin
  • a live yoghurt culture
  • You'll need:
  • glass mason jars with air tight lids
  • a candy thermometer
  • a whisk
Instructions
  1. Make the coconut milk the night before, following the instructions in my recipe
  2. The next day put the coconut milk in a pan, adding in the vanilla pod. This is where the temperature becomes crucial. Put in your thermometer and don’t take your eyes off until it hits 82 degrees C (180 degrees F). You’ll need to whisk the mixture constantly during the 15 minutes or so it takes to get to this temperature: burning and sticking to the pan does not make a good coconut yogurt!
  3. Once you reach 82C (180F) take the pan straight off the heat and alow it to cool naturally. But keep monitoring the temperature – you’re aiming for it to cool to 38C (100F).
  4. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature and keep an eye on it – once it’s reached this temperature, turn it off.
  5. Once you hit 38C (100F) remove the vanilla pod, as it’s now served its purpose. Pour a big size dollop of the mixture into a bowl and add in your culture, whisk it in thoroughly until it’s completely mixed in. Now, add this bowl back into the main coconut mixture, and thoroughly mix in with your whisk.
  6. Mix the gelatin into the coconut mixture and keep whisking until you’re sure it’s totally dissolved and mixed through.
  7. Spoon the mixture into your air-tight jars or bottles and put them in your (now turned off) warm oven.
  8. Leave the jars in your oven overnight, to let the culture do their work. The following morning, put the jars in the fridge to allow them to thicken up (the gelatin will help make this happen)
  9. If you want to add a sweetener like honey, mix it in at this stage. Otherwise, all to sit in the fridge for about 4 hours.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

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recipe paleo coconut milk make your own homemade-min (1)

Recipe: DIY Coconut Milk

I've written a lot before about some of the dodgy coconut milk on the shelves of your local health food store. You really have to check the ingredients carefully, it's near impossible to find one without the mysterious “guar gum”, not to mention stabilizers, emulsifiers and a host of chemicals I'd rather not consume. If you want to learn more about some of the dodgy ingredients, you'll need to read this.

So whilst you can find the odd brand without all of the added nasties, it's surprisingly easy to make your own coconut milk. You just need a bit of time!

Recipe Coconut Milk Easy DIY Natural Homemade Paleo Network-min (1)

Recipe: DIY Coconut Milk
Prep time: 
Total time: 
This simple recipe makes about 4 cups of coconut milk, just scale as required. Whilst it's easy to make, it does need some time - so ideally make it the day before you're going to need it.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup coconut flakes
  • 4 cups distilled water
Instructions
  1. Soak the coconut flakes for about four hours in the water.
  2. Once the flakes have gone mushy in the water, put in your blender, and blend for a few minutes until it's a nice evenly mixed in texture.
  3. You'll then need to strain the mixture. I like to do this through a cheesecloth as it's much easier on the washing-up than using a sieve!
  4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within three days or so.
  5. Oh - and the contents of the cheesecloth? Don't waste it! You can use the leftover coconut pulp in your paleo baking!

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Recipe paleo chocolate cookies biscuits dehydrator-min

Recipe: Paleo Chocolate Cookies

Let's get one thing clear – these are a treat – not a daily indulgence (whenever I post sweet recipes I get comments about how cavemen wouldn't eat dessert, yet they're also the most popular recipes I post!).

Recipe Strawberry Date Almond Cashew Cookies Paleo Network-min

As the weather's been a bit cooler, it's been the perfect time to get my dehydrator out. This recipe was a case of making do with what I had and seeing what I could come up with, but very pleased with the results.

If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use your oven I believe, but do some research first. If you're keen to try a dehydrator (and I highly recommend them), you can go really cheap like this one, or go all out on an Excalibur like this.

Recipe: Paleo Cookies
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Dessert
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
These cookies are a sweet treat straight from the dehydrator. Just six ingredients is all it takes to make these delicious treats!
Ingredients
  • 20 small medjool dates
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 10 strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • Few drops vanilla essence
Instructions
  1. Pit the dates and leave them to soak for a few minutes in a cup of water
  2. I was too mean to buy expensive almond meal, so I put the almonds and cashews in a paper bag on a heavy chopping board, and bashed with a rolling pin until they were almond completely ground down. If you have almond meal - you're done!
  3. Put the date mixture into a blender and pulse until the mixture is consistent, then add in the ground nuts and strawberries. Add in the vanilla and cacao and blend until it's thoroughly mixed and smooth.
  4. Spoon onto a dehydrator sheet and flatten with the back of the spoon to make the cookie shapes.
  5. Recipe Strawberry Date Almond Cashew Cookies Paleo Network Making
  6. I dehydrated at 145 degrees for about 20 hours, but keep checking as you may prefer a different texture.

 

Paleo birthday cake recipe no flour primal fruit cake

Paleo Birthday Cake

Who said you can't have birthday cake now you're eating paleo?




My Mum is very careful to avoid all grains and sugars, so was both delighted and horrified when I presented her with this cake for her birthday! I didn't own up to the contents until she cut into it – she hadn't been expecting to cut into a melon!

Paleo birthday cake recipe no flour primal fruit cake

Birthday Cake Ingredients:

  • A large watermelon
  • Double cream (use coconut cream if you don't do dairy)
  • Flaked almonds
  • Summer berries

Birthday Cake How To:

1) The key is in cutting the watermelon into a good shape. Cut the top and bottom off the melon (at the widest part). Cut the edge off carefully, making sure your cut is straight. There will be a lot of wastage in pursuing the perfect cake shape – so save it all for a fruit salad!

2) Whip up the cream (use coconut cream if you can't tolerate dairy) and spoon it onto the melon cake, arranging it to cover the whole cake.

3) Sprinkle the almond flakes onto the sides and top of the cake and decorate with fresh berries.

Paleo birthday cake recipe no flour primal fruit cake slice

You can also use other types of melon or pineapple – or even tier them to make a layered cake. Have you had a go at making a paleo birthday cake? I'd love to hear how you made yours!

Paleo bliss bombs fat 4 ingredients recipe-min

Recipe: 4 Ingredient Paleo Bliss Bombs

I had a friend coming round yesterday and wanted to make a paleo treat – only problem was I didn't have many ingredients. I've made these paleo treats before, but have always used lots of different ingredients. These came out great – sometimes it's best to keep things simple!

Paleo bliss bombs fat 4 ingredients recipe-min

Recipe: 4 Ingredient Paleo Bliss Bombs
 
Author: 
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • Medjool dates (I used about 7)
  • Fresh strawberries (I used 5 as that was all I had!)
  • Almond meal (about 40g)
  • Shredded coconut (a handful)
Instructions
  1. Remove the stones from the dates and de-hull the strawberries.
  2. Put the dates and strawberries into a food processor or blender and whizz them until the form a paste. Add the almond meal and mix again.
  3. Remove the mixture and use your hands to roll into equal size balls.
  4. I rolled some in the shredded coconut and left some coconut-less.

If I'd had the ingredients, I would have put a raspberry or nut in the centre and perhaps mixed some cacao powder in with the mixture.

Do you have a recipe for something similar to these bliss bombs? What do you use in yours?

paleo-diet-bliss-bombs-recipe-min

http://paleo.com.au/recipe-raw-sweet-potato-carob-brownies/

Recipe: Raw Sweet Potato and Carob Brownies

I’ve fallen a little bit in love with carob recently. It’s a richer, less sweet alternative to chocolate, and it makes wonderfully intense brownies and ‘hot chocolates.’ I’ve adapted my go to raw chocolate brownie recipe to include carob instead of cocoa, but the secret ingredient in these is the sweet potato. Not only does it bind the brownies together effortlessly, it brings the sugar content right down as it is a direct alternative to honey or extra dates. Whip up a batch of these in 10 minutes and munch on them throughout the rest of the week!

Recipe: Raw Sweet Potato and Carob Brownies
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Desserts
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • • ½ cup walnuts
  • • ½ cup pecans
  • • ½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
  • • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • • ½ cup dates, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
  • • ½ cup carob (or ¼ cup carob, and a ¼ cup + 2tbsp cocoa for less intense brownies)
  • • Pinch sea salt
  • • Dash of vanilla extract
  • • Dark chocolate chips / cacao nibs / goji berries (optional)
Instructions
  1. Line a square cake tin with a little parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Steam the diced sweet potato for around 10 minutes until soft. Set aside to cool.
  3. In your food processor, blitz the walnuts, pecans and coconut until crumbly. Add the coconut oil, dates and sweet potato, and process again until a sticky dough is formed.
  4. Add the carob, sea salt and vanilla before whizzing together again. For a bit of extra texture, stir in (but don’t process) some dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs or goji berries. Spread the brownie mix evenly throughout the cake tin, before leaving to set in the freezer for around an hour. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

paleo primal recipe Raw Sweet Potato and Carob Brownies sweet treat-min

Chocolate Orange and Fig Pudding paleo recipe dessets sweet treat-min

Recipe: Chocolate Orange and Fig Pudding

Caught somewhere in the dreamy middle ground of a chocolate mousse and a chocolate pudding, this recipe is about as indulgent as it gets on a Paleo diet – but you can sleep soundly knowing that it’s full of healthy fats and nutrients, and low on the sugar. The secret ingredient in this recipe is the Avocado, which provides a delectably smooth texture and creamy flavour.

Serves 2

Chocolate Orange and Fig Pudding Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe, large avocado, stone removed, peeled
  • ½ an orange, juice and zest
  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 medium sized fig, diced

 Chocolate Orange and Fig Pudding How To:

1)    In a food processor or high powered blender, blitz your avocado to a pulp. Squeeze in the orange juice before blending again to combine.

2)    Add the raw honey and cocoa powder and blitz once more. Spoon out of the food processor and into two small desert bowls. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

3)    When ready to serve, stir in the diced figs and sprinkle the orange zest over the top. Garnish with a mint leaf it you have one.

It’s brilliant for making healthy desserts, but there are so many other ways to enjoy avocado. What’s your favourite?

Chocolate Orange and Fig Pudding paleo recipe dessets sweet treat-min

Chilli and Cumin meatballs with a mango and pomegranate salsa paleo dinner recipe-min

Recipe: Chilli and Cumin meatballs with a mango and pomegranate salsa

This meatball recipe took a little while to perfect, but when I finally got there, the results were outstanding. The heat of the meatballs is balanced perfectly with the natural sweetness of the mango salsa (with an added ginger kick!). They can be pan fried or oven baked, and freeze really well too. Go on, whip up a big batch!

Meatballs Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • 600g lamb mince
  • 2 tbsp ground almonds
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp hot paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp coriander

For the salsa:

  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • 1 large mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • Juice and zest 1 lime
  • Large chunk fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Meatballs How To:

1)    To make the meatballs, mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl with your hands until thoroughly combined. Roll into golf ball sized meatballs – this recipe makes about 12.

2)    To bake, line them on a baking tray topped with parchment paper and place on the top shelf of the oven at 180C/350F. To fry, heat a good chunk of coconut oil in a large, heavy based pan, and sizzle for around 12 minutes until thoroughly cooked through.

3)    Whilst your meatballs are cooking using your chosen method, begin making the salsa by gently heating the coconut oil in a saucepan. Add the diced mango and cook for around 5 minutes until lightly caramelised. Add the pomegranate molasses and a splash of water and stir, before mixing in the remaining ingredients. Remove from the heat, and serve alongside the meatballs and veggies of your choice.

Chilli and Cumin meatballs with a mango and pomegranate salsa paleo dinner recipe-min

Cinnamon and molasses flax cookies paleo recipe dessert sugar free gluten free dessert-min

Recipe: Cinnamon and molasses flax cookies

Cinnamon and molasses flax cookies – the name says it all doesn’t it? These paleo treats are warming and lightly spiced, with a melt in the mouth texture. The molasses and flax work together in this recipe to bind the cookie dough, so no eggs are needed. Best of all, they are ready in less than 15 minutes!

Makes 6 cookies

Cinnamon and molasses flax cookies Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • Pinch sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ginger (optional)
  • 1 large tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, to coat

Cinnamon and molasses flax cookies How To:

1)    Preheat your oven to 160C / 325F / Gas mark 3. Line a baking tray with some parchment paper and set aside.

2)    In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, flaxseed, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and ginger (if using). Then add the coconut oil and molasses, and mix well. This is best done using a stand alone mixer, but if you don’t have one, your hands will be just as good. Just be sure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The dough will be relatively sticky, but still workable.

3)    In a separate bowl, combine the coconut sugar and cinnamon. Using your hands, roll the cookie dough into golf ball sized shapes, then coat evenly with the cinnamon and coconut sugar mixture. Lay out on the baking tray, and flatten slightly.

4)    Bake for 8 – 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving – these are best eaten straight away but keep for up to a week.

Cinnamon and molasses flax cookies paleo recipe dessert sugar free gluten free dessert-min