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Paleo Comfort Foods

I've had Julie and Charles Mayfield’s “Paleo Comfort Foods” cookbook for some time. Despite reading it from cover to cover, I had not actually got round to cooking from it, until earlier this week.

I was limited for time, but wanted to make a Paleo friendly appetizer/ hors d'œuvre to take along to a Primal dinner I was going. The bacon wrapped dates recipe looked perfect. I usually try to steer away from dried fruit as it is so high in sugar, but in serving something like this before dinner each person only has two or three, so the sugar impact is minimised.

These are so many different variants of this meat wrapped dish – angels on horseback (oysters wrapped in bacon), devils on horseback (prunes of figs wrapped in bacon) and even the British favourite pigs in blankets – cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon. The version in Paleo Comfort Foods is very simple, using just dates, bacon and almonds inside.

I quite simply pitted the dates, replacing the stone with a couple of raw almonds. I then cut some organic bacon to size and wrapped it around the date, holding it in place with a cocktail stick (actually, several cocktail sticks!). I put these in the oven to crisp the bacon, turning a couple of times.

I find Australian bacon seems to contain a lot less fat than American bacon (I'm always surprised American’s get enough bacon grease left over to be able to use it for other things). This makes it harder to mould the bacon around the date, but using more cocktail sticks did the job!

I also made the Carrot & Fennel salad (again!) from the Everyday Paleo Cookbook, which is fast becoming a favourite! Why have a boring salad, when you can have something a bit different?

I love to take time cooking, but sometimes it’s nice to have Paleo dishes that can be made quickly and simply.

My Paleo Comfort Foods book is full of paper markers on all of the recipes I intend to try – hopefully I'll get a chance to try some of the sauces – Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Gravy and Barbecue sauce this weekend – handy recipes to have up my sleeve as they can go with so many meals. I'm also interested in the Paleo bread recipe – I wonder whether this would be a good alternative to offer to those friends who find bread to hard to give up?

Have you tried any of the recipes from Paleo Comfort Foods yet? Which is your favourite cookbook?

Expanding Your Paleo Repertoire

Once you’ve mastered the simpler starters and salads, the real fun begins with exploring heartier comfort food classics. Recipes such as meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, and even fried chicken can all be adapted to be Paleo-friendly. Instead of breadcrumbs, almond meal or coconut flour can provide a suitable crunch, and ghee or animal fats can take the place of butter for that perfect texture and taste.

Planning for Everyday Paleo

It’s one thing to cook Paleo on a weekend when you’ve got the time – but what about weekday dinners or lunch prep? The best thing about the Paleo Comfort Foods cookbook is that many of the recipes scale well. You can make a big batch of meatballs, patties, or vegetable bakes on a Sunday and eat well all week. Pairing dishes with a zesty side salad or roasted root veg keeps things interesting and ensures you’re not relying on nuts or fruit to fill you up.

Entertaining Paleo Style

One of the biggest questions I get is what to serve friends who aren’t Paleo when entertaining. Dishes like bacon-wrapped dates are perfect because they feel indulgent, but they’re actually quite simple. Add a fresh salsa, guacamole, or a nut-based dip, and you’ve got a winning platter. Many of the dishes from Paleo Comfort Foods work well as shared meals – think casseroles, slow-cooked stews, and oven bakes with layered flavour and a side of roasted greens.

Making Paleo Work for Families

If you’ve got kids or a partner who’s not completely onboard with Paleo, it helps to start with the familiar. That’s why the idea of comfort food is so powerful – people love familiar textures and flavours. Paleo lasagne with zucchini ribbons, shepherd’s pie with cauliflower mash, and slow-cooked brisket are usually big wins in most households. Making a weekly meal plan from the cookbook and getting the family involved can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

The Importance of Good Ingredients

With any Paleo recipe, the outcome hinges on the quality of the ingredients. Organic or pastured bacon, fresh herbs, and high-quality oils make a noticeable difference. If you’re already investing the time to cook from scratch, it makes sense to source the best ingredients you can. Supporting your local butcher or farmers market not only supports your health but your community too.

Getting Creative and Adapting Recipes

Not every recipe needs to be followed to the letter. One of the strengths of Paleo Comfort Foods is that it encourages experimentation. You might swap out almonds for macadamias, add rosemary or chilli for a twist, or serve with a side of sauerkraut or kimchi. Once you become comfortable with a few go-to techniques, you'll find it's easy to modify and adapt for your own preferences and pantry.

Final Thoughts on Paleo Comfort Foods

Whether you’re just starting out on your Paleo journey or looking to expand your culinary skills, Paleo Comfort Foods is a great companion. It strikes a balance between accessible meals and the kind of indulgent food you might have thought was off-limits. With a little prep and creativity, even a busy week can be full of delicious, comforting Paleo dishes. I’ll definitely be sharing more of my favourites from this book as I try them – and I’d love to hear yours too!

Everyday Paleo

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I was really pleased to receive a few new Paleo books last week – I've got quite a lot of reading to do! I thought I'd start with Everyday Paleo, which, as a longterm reader of Sarah Fragoso's blog, I've been looking forward to.

I hadn't realised how inclusive this book was going to be – it covers everything, including what the idea of Paleo is and how you can start from scratch. One of my favourite topics sleep is also covered, as well as stress. There is also a big section about fitness (understandable, given that the author is a trainer) and a lot of recipes.

There is a big family and children focus with the book too, which I'm sure would be a great help for families looking to make the move to Paleo. There is lots of advice on introducing Paleo to children and even Paleo lunchbox suggestions.

The recipe ingredients look like they will convert quite well to Australian availability – but I'll be trying a few out myself later this week. I'm particularly looking forward to cooking up the Albondigas Soup and the Meaty Pumpkin Souffle.

Make It Paleo

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I was very excited to receive a copy of “Make it Paleo” yesterday. I met Bill & Hayley at the AHS and they really were just as lovely as they seem from their blog. I've used quite a few of their recipes, so have been immensely looking forward to receiving the book. I took the book down to the park this morning to have a read through, whilst topping up my Vitamin D levels in the sunshine.

I hadn't realised how big the book was going to be! It's the size of my old Chemistry textbook – but much more enjoyable to read. As with the Primal Palate site, the book is full of beautiful photos and well over two hundred recipes. You could cook something different everyday for months on end! There's a great introduction about Bill & Hayley and lots of information about Paleo; which ingredients are good to use, different cuts of meat, useful kitchen equipment and cooking tips. I think these sections will make the book a great Christmas present for friends who have expressed an interest in Paleo, but may be a bit hesitant about diving in.

Initially, I was a bit confused at first as to why the book had so many recipes for entrées – then I remembered; that is the American word for main course!

Tomorrow is the first beach Barbecue of the Sydney Paleo meet-up group, so I've decided to make up a few things from the book to take along with me. What better testers than more Paleo people? There are lots of dips and sauces that look really good in the book, so I'm going to make up a few to dip vegetables in, and to go with the meat. I'm also going to try the Fennel & Orange salad, which I hope will be as good as it looks, I'm very curious to try that one. I'll probably make up a few other side dishes, and possibly something from the treats/ cheat section too! I bought some beautiful organic grass fed steak to put on the barbecue, so it should be a good feast.

Most of the ingredients in the book are very abundant here in Australia. I did have to visit four shops to find the Fennel, despite it usually being easy to find. I also had lots of trouble locating Chipotle, which I eventually found out is in fact American for coriander leaves (at least, I hope it is, as that is what I'll be using!) There are a couple of other ingredients I've noticed in the recipes, that might be more challenging to find in Australia, such as Jicama (which appears to be a root vegetable) and spaghetti squash; but I'm sure these can be substituted – or perhaps if you've seen them over here, you can let me know where, in the comments below?

I usually try to make something different for dinner every evening, so it's great to have a new collection of recipes to try. I'm especially looking forward to trying the Chicken & Vegetable “lo mein”, as I rarely eat Chinese food anymore (I find it usually has very un-Paleo ingredients). I very rarely cook seafood at home too, so I will take the opportunity to cook a few dishes from the seafood section. Whilst it's not strict Paleo, it's great to have a chapter on cheats and treats! The natural, grain free ingredients are a million miles away from their conventional purchased and home-made equivalents – a far better alternative for birthdays and the odd special occasion.

The recipes look straight forward and well explained. I've chosen my dishes, gathered the ingredients – but not yet tested any of the recipes. So, I need to get cooking for the Paleo barbecue tomorrow… I'll post a write up and photos of the end results! Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Make it Paleo is released next week – If you only have room for one Paleo cookbook, I don't think you'd go wrong with this one. Amazon UK currently has free shipping to Australia with orders over £25 – a great deal for a book this big.

Why ‘Make It Paleo' Is a Must-Have Cookbook for Australians

If you're following the Paleo diet in Australia, Make It Paleo stands out as one of the most comprehensive and inspiring cookbooks available. With a beautiful layout, full-page photography, and over 200 recipes, it caters to everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned Paleo foodies looking to refresh their weekly meal rotations. What makes this cookbook so relevant for Australians is how easily most ingredients can be sourced locally, despite its American origin.

Everyday Cooking with Make It Paleo

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its approachability. You won’t find complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed to prepare the meals. The recipes are simple, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in whole, unprocessed foods. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner for the family, or planning a backyard barbecue with friends, there’s something in this book for every occasion.

Australian Ingredient Swaps and Shopping Tips

While most ingredients translate easily into the Australian pantry, a few American-specific items may need substitutions. For example, if you can’t find spaghetti squash, try spiralised zucchini or roasted pumpkin as a low-carb substitute. Chipotle chillies might be tricky, but smoked paprika combined with chilli flakes makes a good stand-in. Jicama, while rare here, can be swapped for crisp apple or even cucumber in salads for that same crunch.

Top Recipes to Try First

Fennel & Orange Salad – A refreshing summer dish perfect for Aussie barbecues.
Chicken & Vegetable “Lo Mein” – A brilliant way to enjoy a Chinese-style dish minus the MSG and soy sauce.
Beef Stroganoff – Comfort food at its finest, using clean Paleo ingredients for a creamy, satisfying dish.
Paleo Brownies – Found in the treats section, these are perfect for birthdays or special occasions when you want a grain-free indulgence.

Meal Prepping with the Paleo Diet

Make It Paleo also lends itself well to batch cooking and weekly meal prep. With easy-to-follow instructions and familiar ingredients, you can easily prepare several meals in one cooking session. Australians with busy schedules will appreciate how adaptable many of the recipes are – portions can be doubled, ingredients swapped, and leftovers stored for quick lunches or dinners.

Outdoor Eating and Entertaining, Paleo-Style

Given our outdoor lifestyle and love for beachside cookouts, the grilling section of the book is especially appealing. Recipes like citrus-marinated chicken skewers and grilled portobello caps with garlic ghee are ideal for warm weekends or holiday entertaining. With Paleo dips, marinades, and side salads included, it’s easy to pull together a full spread that even non-Paleo guests will enjoy.

Paleo Cooking for Families

If you're trying to transition your whole household to a healthier lifestyle, this book is a valuable ally. The recipes are familiar enough for fussy eaters, yet nutritious and nourishing for adults. There are plenty of one-pot meals, slow-cooker ideas, and crowd-pleasers to help ease family members into a grain-free, dairy-free way of eating – without making separate meals for each person.

Supporting Your Local Producers

The Paleo philosophy encourages sourcing fresh, local produce – and this aligns perfectly with Australia’s thriving farmers markets and grass-fed meat suppliers. Whether you're shopping at Harris Farm, a local butcher, or your neighbourhood organic co-op, many of the ingredients listed in Make It Paleo are readily available and often better quality than what's accessible in the US. Use this book to support your local economy while fuelling your health journey.

Gift Ideas for Paleo Beginners

If you have friends or family curious about Paleo but unsure where to start, Make It Paleo makes a thoughtful gift. The introductory sections explain the basics clearly and offer helpful kitchen setup advice. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t intimidate the reader – on the contrary, it invites you into the Paleo lifestyle gently, one recipe at a time.

Final Word

From my first flick through Make It Paleo in the sunshine to cooking its recipes for the Sydney Paleo barbecue, this book continues to be a go-to staple in my kitchen. It delivers on flavour, simplicity, and practicality, and remains one of the most accessible Paleo cookbooks for Australians. If you’re looking to expand your Paleo repertoire with dishes that truly work down under, this is the book to own.

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