Sweet Potato Tater Tots (Paleo)

For the last few weeks, I’ve got to experience what it’s like to be a “hockey (goalie) mom” while nannying for a family. And goodness gracious, let me tell you, there’s a lot of lugging around bulky gear to a different arena each day. And wondering which rink you’re supposed to be at. And sitting in cold seats. And eavesdropping into other people’s conversation. And intaking all the scents coming from the concession stand and wishing there was actually something healthy there that I could eat.

Thus, my desire to make tater tots was born! Honestly, I’m impressed how these turned out! I was expecting a total fail since I just added ingredients as I went. But the end product has a crisp outside and soft inside. Score! (Hockey reference intended).

After making these, I would highly suggest waiting for the tots to COMPLETELY cool. The flavor intensifies. In fact, eating these on the second day made them taste the best 🙂   

Sweet Potato Tater Tots (Paleo)

Ingredients:

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped into thick coin slices

1/2 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets

1 tbsp hot sauce

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 egg

1/2 cup tapioca flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking pan with oil. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add in sweet potato. Let boil for 5 minutes. Afterwards, remove from the pot with a slotted spoon. Place into a food processor and pulse until the sweet potatoes are in small pieces and starting to turn into mash. Transfer potatoes into a bowl.

Place your cauliflower into the boiling water and also cook for 5 minutes. Afterwards, drain and transfer to a food processor. Pulse until you have cauliflower  rice. Measure out 1 cup of cauliflower rice and place in the bowl with the sweet potatoes (save the remaining cauliflower rice for another recipe!)

Stir in the hot sauce, garlic, salt, and egg to the bowl. Add in the flours and mix altogether. Let batter sit for 3 minutes to thicken. Using your hands, roll the batter into individual tater tots and place on the oiled baking sheet. Lightly salt your tater tots. Place in the oven for 10 minutes. Take out, flip over with a spatula, and bake for another 8 minutes. Let cool before eating (tastes best the longer you wait).

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Oven Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms with Cashews

Hello, all! It’s been a busy last few weeks. I finished my student teaching experience and got a job as a long-term sub position as a 5th grade science and social studies teacher. Friday night I collapsed in to bed and slept for a full 12 hours… I haven’t slept that much since high school!

Anyway, really exciting news! I GOT MY PLACEMENT FOR TEACHING IN THAILAND! I’ll be teaching K-2 grade English in Chonburi City, which is a coastal city located right on the Gulf of Thailand! I can’t even describe how excited I am! More on this to come soon.

In the meantime, a simple, yet delicious recipe. I always forget how good food tastes when roasted. Need to remember to roast more often… Anyway, the seasoning makes this an awesome side dish. Add in the crunch of the cashews, and you’re in heaven.

Oven Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms with Cashews

Ingredients:

12 oz of green beans, washed and trimmed

2 large portobello mushrooms, cubed

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp dried sage

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

pepper, to taste

2 tbsp avocado oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 handful of cashews

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine and mix all of the ingredients. Transfer to a roasting pan and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Afterwards, sprinkle with cashews and serve.

Peanut Lime Dip

Last week I was listening to a radio station where they were talking about food combos that sound weird, but taste good together. Somebody called in and said that they like vanilla ice cream and hot sauce together…interesting…

So I started thinking of combos that I like together or might like to try. Immediately I thought of one of my favorites- pickles and peanut butter. Totally a combo that seems so wrong, yet works so well (dare you to try it). If anyone has any other unique combos they like, please let me know! I’m willing to try!

Now this dip does not feature pickles and peanut butter, but it does combine broccoli, lime, and peanut butter. What can I say, peanut butter makes the world go round. And so does almond butter. Oh, I could survive on those two alone… Anyways, this dip is packed with broccoli, making it filling and good to eat. Dare you to try! 

Peanut Lime Dip

Ingredients:

1 head of broccoli

3 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

3 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter)

2 tbsp minced ginger

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

Juice from 1 lime

Directions:

Chop the broccoli into florets and place in boiling water for 5 minutes or until tender. Afterward, drain and place into a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and place into the fridge until cool (it tastes the best as a chilled dip!). Serve!

Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach and Tahini Dressing

Last minute Christmas recipe!

Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach and Tahini Dressing

Ingredients:

6 cups raw cubed butternut squash

1 tbsp avocado oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

2 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp water

2 cups fresh spinach

Feta cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 415°F. In a bowl, toss together the butternut squash, avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spread squash in a roasting pan and place in the oven for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the tahini, olive oil, and water in a small bowl. Mix in a dash of salt and set aside.

In a serving bowl, combine the spinach, squash and dressing. Serve into individual bowls and top with feta cheese.

Sweet Potato Cheese Dip

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! It felt so nice to have some time off and see my family:

Sister-brother bonding time

Since my family eats at home for Thanksgiving, we have LOTS of leftovers each year. My favorite food to eat? Sweet potatoes! And with so much leftover sweet potatoes, I enjoy making this each year!

Sweet Potato Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups of roasted and puréed sweet potatoes

1 and 1/2 cups water

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp ghee

1/2 tbsp brown mustard

1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a pot and cook over medium-low heat until hot all through. Serve.