Tonight is Thanksgiving eve, and we’re prepping some of the foods for tomorrow’s meal, so tonight we’re keeping dinner simple: pan seared pork chops, green beans and roasted carrots. This year we’re having to accommodate even more food allergies than we have so far, and we’re testing a few of our favorites to make sure the allergy-free versions are taste-tested and family approved. So far so good!

So while we prep tomorrow’s goodies, here’s a recipe for the Roasted Carrots we’re having tonight. These little guys are super easy to make, and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. I’ve always preferred roasted carrots to boiled or steamed, and the coconut oil gives them a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and cumin.  This recipe is adapted from a recipe we took from Epicurious that used olive oil, and we switched the olive oil for heart healthy coconut oil instead. Enjoy!

 

Roasted carrots your whole family will love (Vegan, Paleo)

Roasted carrots your whole family will love (Vegan, Paleo)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Carrots, sliced into 1" slices
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tbsp Ground Cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Slice carrots in 1" slices and set aside
  3. In a small mixing bowl, mix cinnamon, sea salt, pepper & cumin
  4. In a medium bowl, add coconut oil (microwave it for 20 seconds if it's in solid form)
  5. Add spices to coconut oil and stir thoroughly
  6. Add carrots to coconut oil mixture and stir to coat evenly
  7. Place carrots on a roasting pan in a single layer
  8. Roast in oven for 15-20 minutes, until desired tenderness (carrots will be slightly brown)
  9. Remove from oven and serve immediately
http://inspiredeats.net/roasted-carrots-your-whole-family-will-love-vegan-paleo/

Every once in a while, a girl needs something sweet.

Adapted from a recipe featured on Facebook, these little gluten & dairy-free Apple & Cinnamon Cookies are to die for! And if you’re following a Paleo diet, they’re an allowed cheat as they’re free of grains, and full of Paleo-approved foods.

Made of apples, almonds, macadamias and coconut, they’re definitely a splurge, but they’re still within the Paleo constraints, and they fit perfectly with a Primal, Gluten-free or Dairy-free lifestyle. They’re going to score low on the glycemic index and will satisfy those occasional cravings when they hit. Some other suggestions include adding raisins, dates or vegan chocolate chips.

Enjoy!

Paleo Apple & Cinnamon Cookies

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Paleo Apple & Cinnamon Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 large apples, peeled, and grated
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup macadamia nuts
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • 1 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350f
  2. Peel & grate apples into a bowl.
  3. Process almonds and macadamia nuts into a rough crumble, add into the bowl.
  4. Add all remaining ingredients and mix well.
  5. Shape into cookies on baking paper (I used egg rings to get them even) and bake for 25-30 minutes – or until edges begin to turn brown.
  6. Let cool off for 10 minutes and enjoy!
http://inspiredeats.net/gluten-free-apple-cinnamon-cookies-gf-df-paleo/