Luscious Lemon Paleo Puff Cookies

Oh, yeah. I said it: paleo puff cookies. You're, uh.. drooling a bit. Yeah, just there. There ya go.

Another fantastic use (if I do say so myself!) of coconut flour in this recipe; if you haven't yet experimented with this ingredient of paleo gold, have yourself some paleo pancakes.

If you're baking for four or more, I recommend doubling the recipe. A tray of 10 cookies between myself and three of my loyal taste-testers disappeared in mere minutes. Of course, that might speak more to our ability to nom anything with sugar on top, but all the same. Better safe, you know.

Equipment:

• Parchment paper - not wax paper; it melts!
  Need some? Try this: Natural Parchment Paper (Google Affiliate Ad)

Ingredients:
Makes ~10 cookies

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup coconut or almond milk
• 2T coconut nectar
• 1t vanilla extract
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 3/4 cup coconut flour
• 1t baking powder
• 1/4t baking soda
• Dash of cinnamon
• Dash of sea salt
• Coconut or date sugar for sprinkling
• Coconut oil for greasing

Preparation:
1. Heat over to 350 F.
2. Mix wet ingredients (including lemon) in one bowl; mix dry (excluding sugar) ingredients in another.
3. Add wet to dry and stir until combined. Batter should be moist, but not runny; add more milk or flour as needed.
4. Scoop batter by tablespoon onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until bottoms are brown and tops are lightly crisped.
6. Cool and enjoy!

I don't have a mini muffin pan, but I'm curious as to how these cookies would turn out as mini muffins. Any adventurous chefs out there? Tell me if it works!

Paleo Chocolate Brownie Cake

Paleo purists might say that you can't hunt and gather a cake, and while I agree, I submit that a cake made with fresh, real paleo ingredients is still viable in moderation.

Especially a chocolate brownie cake. Besides, what good is any special occasion without cake?

If you're new to baking with coocnut flour, refer to my recipe for paleo pancakes for more information. And if you'd like, use the pancakes for pizza crusts or sandwich pockets; the possibilities are both grainless and endless.

To make a layer cake, double your ingredients and bake in two pans!

Equipment:

• Cake pan
  (I used a round recycled foil pan.)

Ingredients:
Serves 6-8

• 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  (Date sugar works here as well.)
• 1/4t sea salt
• 1/4t cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk
• 5 eggs
• 1/2T vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  (Plus extra for greasing your cake pan.)

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Grease cake pan with coconut oil.
3. In one bowl, mix dry ingredients; in another, mix wet.
4. Add wet to dry and stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into cake pan and bake for 25-35 minutes.
6. Cool before frosting/serving.

Did your paleo-friendly cake kick ass?

Simply Seasoned Eggs

Eggs: one of the most versatile paleo options. Add meat, add veggies, add spices; you always end up with something different and delicious.

When grocery shopping comes due again, I somehow manage to always end the week out with eggs remaining. I've perfected (for my personal pallet, anyway) a simple seasoning for those moments when I don't have the bacon or spinach to make my signature omelet.

Try it; you might surprise yourself with your own culinary prowess.

Equipment

• Skillet

Ingredients:
Serves One

• 1T fat of your choice
  (I used clarified butter, AKA ghee; other paleo options include coconut, avocado, or macadamia nut oils, or animal fat.)
• 3 eggs
• Salt, black pepper, garlic, oregano, basil (and whatever else you've got in your cabinets--get creative!) to taste

Preparation:
1. Heat fat in skillet over medium heat.
2. Scramble eggs and spices in a bowl. If you're partial to using only egg whites, try saving the yolks for homemade paleo mayo.
3. When fat has melted, reduce heat to medium low and pour in egg mixture. When the edges of your omelet are slightly browned and the middle is no longer glossy, it's time to flip! If you have trouble flipping it, let it cook for a few more minutes. Watch the edges! Try using your lowest heat setting if you find your edges are getting too brown. It may take a few extra minutes, but it's worth the fluffy texture!
4. Remove from heat and enjoy!

What's your favorite way to prepare eggs?

Blackberry Iced Coffee

Although there is some debate as to whether or not coffee falls under a strict paleo diet, this recipe is for those (like me) who can give up everything but the morning brew.  For an added twist or to suit seasonal varieties, change up the fruit.

Equipment Needed:

• Blender

Ingredients:
Serves One

• 3 – 5 blackberries
• 10oz brewed coffee, cooled
• 3oz coconut (or almond) milk
• 1/2t vanilla extract
• 12 ice cubes (give or take per your preference)

Preparation:
1. Add berries, ice, vanilla, coffee, and “milk” to your blender.
2. If you have a “Smoothie” setting, use it; otherwise, blend until you achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Pour into a cup and enjoy!

How do you keep your coffee paleo and flavorful?