If you are on a Whole30 diet or are a very strict Paleo that does not allow any sort of sugar, these won’t be for you.  They do contain both natural maple syrup and turbinado sugar so they are not low sugar.  (If you want a pumpkin treat that without added sugars try our UNSWEETENED Pumpkin Streusel Muffin Recipe instead.)

However, at our house we allow some treats like this as long as they stay grain-free and dairy free so these work for us!   Just a warning though…they don’t last long around the house.  They usually don’t even last a day at ours!

Best Ever Snickerdoodle Recipe

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Cookie Ingredients:

Cookie mix:

• 4 cups almond flour (we love this brand.)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 6 tbsp canned 100% pumpkin
• 1/2 cup 100% maple syrup
• 5 tbsp coconut  oil (melted)
• 4 tsp vanilla

For coating cookies:

• ¼ cup cinnamon
• 1 tbsp Turbinado Sugar

Pumpkin Cookie Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a medium size mixing bowl, blend together almond flour, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin spice.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix together coconut oil, canned pumpkin, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4. Mix all the ingredients together into the larger bowl.
5. Place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the dough to become more firm and easier to shape into cookies.
6. In a small ball, mix cinnamon and turbinado sugar.
7. Form dough balls that are a little over an inch and a half in diameter (about the size of a golf ball.)
8. Coat cookie balls into cinnamon/sugar mixture.
9. Place on an ungreased  cookie sheet and then flatten them with your hand until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
10. Bake cookies for about 12 minutes until cooked through.
11. Allow to cool completely (if you can wait) on the cookie sheet before serving.

I hope you like them as much as we do!

Related Articles that You Might Enjoy:

• Best Paleo Pumpkin Recipes: 20 Ways
• UNSWEETENED Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Sometimes the things we miss most on the Paleo diet are condiments. Well if you are missing ketchup, this easy Paleo ketchup recipe will fill that craving. It is better than store-bought any day!

I haven’t really had ketchup since July of last year (when I started eating Paleo-style).  I have been pretty appalled by the ridiculous list of ingredients (not to mention sugar content!) of the brands I used to consume, so I dumped the container(s) that were in my fridge, and never bought more.

But I have definitely missed ketchup!  I love to slather it on a big, grass-fed beef burger… there is nothing quite like it!

I was pretty thrilled to see that Paleo Comfort Foods, my all-time favorite Paleo cookbook, has a fantastic recipe for homemade ketchup.  It is easy to make, and it has a deliciously sweet after-taste, with no hint of chemicals (as you will probably find in typical store-bought ketchups).

The only problem?  We consumed most of the batch right after making it. 

A Ketchup Tip

The next time I made ketchup, I made LOTS of extra and used the recipe below that I made up myself by modifying a recipe that sounded good.  Turns out that it tasted AMAZING and froze well too.

I portioned the batches into ice cube trays and froze them for later use.  These sizes are be perfect to defrost and slather all over anything!  Love it!

My Easy Paleo Ketchup Recipe

I tweeked the recipe a bit….so here is my version.

• 1 6 oz. can organic tomato paste (look for ones without citric acid like this);
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar;
• 1/2 tsp salt;
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon;
• 1 pinch ground cloves;
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg;
• 1/4 cup water;
• 1/8 tsp dry mustard;
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  

(Make a double-batch if you want extra!)

I put all of the ingredients in my Vitamix blender to mix well.  Then I placed it into the refrigerator overnight to make sure that the flavors married perfectly.  We ate it the next day on burgers and I froze the rest for later.

Looking for the best Paleo pumpkin recipes from the Paleo community?  Here are some of the best ones that I have tried to satisfy any pumpkin craving.

I am a huge sucker for anything “pumpkinny.”  Once the air starts getting a little cooler, I automatically start craving the smells and tastes of Fall!  And what says “Fall” more than some delicious pumpkin recipe?

I always have a pumpkin candle burning this time of year, and sometimes I just want to drink it because it smells SO amazing!  Since that probably wouldn’t taste as great as it smells, I’ve found lots of pumpkin recipes.

When I use pumpkin, I will admit that I usually buy a can of organic, pureed pumpkin.  Be sure to look closely to ensure you don’t pick up “pumpkin pie filling,” as this product contains much more than just plain pumpkin!

However, if you would like to try making your own pumpkin puree, I applaud you!  Just look for some “pie pumpkins” (usually a smaller, sweeter, smoother pumpkin than the typical jack-o-lantern pumpkins you see everywhere).  Look for one that is firm and un-bruised.  Cut the pumpkin in half, and scoop out the seeds.  Next, you can either microwave it with about an inch of water for around 15-30 minutes, or steam it on the stove for about the same amount of time.  With both methods, check frequently on the pumpkin’s softness.  When it is soft enough to scoop out the flesh, it’s ready!

The pumpkin should separate easily from it’s skin.  Use a table spoon to scrape it into a bowl – it will come out in large chunks.  Finally, puree the meat to create a smooth consistency.

Best of the Best Paleo Pumpkin Recipes that I Have Tried.

Here are some ideas to help you use as much pumpkin as possible this year!

(Note: most of these are treats, and should be treated as such… not consumed on a super-regular basis, and not over-eaten.)

1. My all-time favorite pumpkin recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes.  The best version I’ve found is the one in Practical Paleo.  Absolutely amazing.  Click here.

2. Pumpkin Pie.  I’ve made this recipe numerous times, especially over the holidays last year.  It is absolutely delicious, and puts regular grocery-store pumpkin pies to shame!  Click here.

3. Pumpkin Muffins.  There are a TON of recipes out there for pumpkin muffins… here are a few of my faves: Paleo Pumpkin Muffins,  Carrot Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins, and another using coconut flour.

4. Pumpkin Cookies.  This recipe is yummy!

5. Pumpkin Spice Cake.  The Food Lovers know how it’s done!  Click here.

6. Pumpkin Custard.  I haven’t tried this one yet, but it looks great!  Click here.

7. Pumpkin Swirl Banana Bread. Click here.

8. Paleo Pumpkin Ice Cream.  What could be yummier?  Click here.

9. Pumpkin Smoothie.  Just blend 1 banana, 1 C coconut milk, 3/4 C pumpkin puree, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg.  Delish!

10. Sugar Detox Pumpkin Cake in a Mug.  Again, haven’t tried this one, but it looks yummy!

11. Pumpkin Granola.  I love this recipe!

12. Pumpkin Pie Espresso Hazelnut Butter.  Haven’t tried it, but wow… I should.  Click here.

13. Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Used to be my favorite drink at Starbucks… now I can enjoy it without feeling disgusting afterward!  Click here.

14. Pumpkin Chicken Chili.   Oh yum!  What a perfect meal on a cool Fall evening!  Click here.

15. Bison Chili with Pumpkin.  A new Paleo friend just told me about this recipe, and says that it’s delicious!  I cannot wait to try it.

16. Creamy Pumpkin Curry.  I love recipes from Everyday Paleo!  Click here.

17. Pumpkin Cashew Coconut Curry.  Looks tasty!  Click here.

18. Paleo Pumpkin Bread.  From Robb Wolf’s website… click here.

19. Ground Lamb and Pumpkin.  So delish!  Click here.

20. Pumpkin Soup.  I love it!  Click here.

.

Enjoy this lovely PUMPKIN season!

Other Paleo Desserts You Might Like:

• My New FAVORITE “Dessert”
• A “Wow” Paleo Dessert

Why We Love It

Bone broth has become a “must-have” staple in our home due to the health benefits that I have experienced starting with the AIP diet to heal my gut, lose weight and minimize many symptoms the have disappeared when we changed how we eat.
Bone Broth Sampler- Grass-fed Beef, Free-range Chicken & Turkey

Why is Bone Broth Good for You? It’s in the Amino Acids

Even those who criticize the consumption of bone broth must admit that it does contain animal-sourced amino acids that are valuable to the human body. These amino acids can help protect and strengthen your joints and bones, allowing you to safely enjoy an active lifestyle for a longer period of time, heal your body and reduce inflammation.  Some functional medicine doctors recommend having a cup of it every day for optimal health.

According to Sarah Ballantyne, Ph.D. (a.k.a. The Paleo Mom), you should consider bone broth a “super food.”  She writes that “…while meat of all kinds does supply both of these amino acids, you just can’t beat the quantity or absorbability of proline and glycine in bone broth, hence bone broth’s superfood status.”

Give Your Gut a Helping Hand

Many medical professionals and health experts also recommend the consumption of bone broth because it can take away some of the discomfort that comes with leaky gut syndrome and other digestive issues. This includes helping minimize the symptoms of food allergies and intolerances, so you can enjoy a healthy diet without spending hours in bed or in the bathroom afterwards.

Other Potential Benefits

The vitamins, minerals and fatty acids found in bone broth are also believed to benefit the human body in a variety of ways, including:

• Shinier hair
• Clear skin complexion
• Less noticeable cellulite
• Stronger immune system

There is a lot of research to back up any of these claims in addition to the thousands of people from around the world who stand by these assertions because they have seen it work to improve their own health.

Where Can You Buy Bone Broth

If you don’t have the time or want to take the time to make bone broth, you can sometimes find it at health food stores locally or online.  Since we have Amazon Prime, we often order one of these brands:

 Organic Bone Broth Sampler- Three Free-range Chicken Versions & Turkey, 8 oz each Osteobroth – A Nourishing, Chicken Bone Broth in a Convenient, Powdered Form 9.2 Oz  Kettle & Fire – Grassfed Pasture Raised Beef Bone Broth –     17.6 Oz Each

&

We use it for cooking, as a snack and to restore health! It really is a favorite superfood for us. 

Related Articles:

• Bone Broth Recipe for a Slow Cooker or CrockPot
• Paleo Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe

A recent article in the Huffington Post seems to agree with us:

“There are very justifiable reasons to adopt a gluten-free diet: Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that makes some people intolerant of gluten and affects about 1 percent of the population, can be an immensely painful illnesses. Celiac can also lead to a host of other health problems, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, including diabetes, anemia, infertility and miscarriage, migraines, intestinal cancers, and neurological conditions like epilepsy. Another condition, non-celiac gluten sensitivity can also cause painful and disruptive symptoms.”

But they also suggest that people like food expert and author Michael Pollan, who support for plant-based eating argue “Gluten is bad for some people, but I think a much smaller number than we think,” he said. “There are people that have a genuine gluten intolerance, and then I think [there are] a lot of people who think they do.”  (Read more of the complete article in the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2016/04/05/michael-pollan-cooked-gluten-fermented-sourdough_n_9626200.html )

But our argument is what it has always been…is eating grains as the primary source of calories in your diet GOOD for you?  Has the suggestion of the food pyramid based on grains helped us become healthier as a society? There is absolutely no statistical information that supports that at all.  In fact, this is the first time in history that a baby born today life expectancy less than that of his or her parents.

Grains are fine if in the case of famine.  It will sustain you so you don’t die.  But most of us are not in a short-term survival situation and should be eating for long-term health and not short-term survival.

So…even if grains did not cause all the problems that many of us see and experience when we eat them, it is like putting water in your gas tank; It may still run for a while, but it is NOT a good choice and you will have to fix the issues that you caused eventually.

Wouldn’t it be better to fill up and fuel your body with healthy things that are MEANT to nourish us, heal us and make our whole systems run better?  We think so too.

Sorry, Michael Pollan.  We will forgo the gluten and grab some fruits and vegetable instead.

Learn More:

• Foods that Cause Inflammation, Arthritis and Weight Gain
• Chronic Inflammation Symptoms Caused By Food
• What is Wrong with Legumes on a Whole30 or Paleo Diet?
• What is Wrong with Soy?
• What’s Wrong with Dairy?

I have been wanting to try this recipe ever since I started eating Paleo-style.  I don’t know why it took me so long to get around to it, but MAN, have I been missing out!

Paleo Comfort Foods is one of my top two favorite Paleo cookbooks.  And when I think of comfort foods, I think about fried chicken.  My grandma used to make the most amazing fried chicken, and I was sure that this recipe could not possibly stand up to hers.  Well, guess what?  It totally stands up.

The recipe is VERY easy… and the result is fantastic!  My husband raved about it at dinner last night, and we ate the leftovers for breakfast this morning… we just could not wait for lunch.

My favorite part is the little hint of chipotle spice.  It is PERFECT!  I cannot wait to make this again…  Doesn’t it look great!  I promise that it tastes even better!

.

Crispy Oven Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut oil

2 large eggs

1 cup almond flour (I used almond meal)

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp thyme

1 tsp chipotle powder (optional – but AMAZING!)

2 pounds chicken (I used breasts, quartered… but use whatever you like)

.

Cooking Directions:

Heat oil in a large frying pan to 350 degrees.

Whisk eggs in a medium bowl.

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl, and mix well.

Dip chicken in whisked eggs, and then coat/cover chicken with dry mixture, and place in hot oil.  Allow both sides to brown.

Place drying rack on a sheet pan and assemple chicken on the rack so there is space between all pieces.

Place in 400-degree oven for 10-15 minutes.

Isn’t this the Best Oven Fried Chicken Recipe EVER?

Original Paleo Food Dehydrator Beef Jerky

Ingredients:

3 lb flank or skirt steak, as lean as you can find
1 cup coconut aminos  (this is the kind I love!)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chipotle powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions Using a Dehydrator:

1. Freeze meat for about 2 hours until it is almost frozen but still able to be cut with a knife.
2. Carefully slice meat into 1/8th inch think strips (try to be as even as possible)
3. Mix the coconut aminos with the pepper and minced garlic in a bowl.
4. Toss sliced steak with the coconut aminos mixture.
5. Marinate jerky overnight (wait 24 hours if you can) in refrigerator.
6. Lay strips of beef on the dehydrator sheets and sprinkle with remaining spices
7. Cook according to the dehydrators instructions (usually approximately 145 degrees for 6-7 hours.)
8. Closely monitor meat to make sure it looks done but it doesn’t dry out too much.
9. If you didn’t keep the thickness consistent, some pieces may need to be removed before the rest is done.

This will product about 2-3 pounds of delicious jerky.

Paleo BBQ Beef Jerky:

Ingredients:

3 lb flank or skirt steak, as lean as you can find
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup Paleo BBQ sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions Using a Dehydrator:

1. Freeze meat for about 2 hours until it is almost frozen but still able to be cut with a knife.
2. Carefully slice meat into 1/8th inch think strips (try to be as even as possible)
3. Mix the olive oil and BBQ sauce in a large bowl
4. Fold in the meat until fully coated with the sauce
5. Marinate jerky overnight in refrigerator.
6. Lay strips of beef on the dehydrator trays and sprinkle with the garlic powder.  (You may want to use dehydrator sheets if you have them because this can get messy if you don’t!)
7. Cook according to the dehydrators instructions (usually approximately 145 degrees for 6-7 hours.)
8. If you didn’t keep a uniform thickness, some pieces may need to be removed before the rest is done so watch closely.

This will product about 2-3 pounds of yummy Paleo BBQ jerky.

Note:  Some people think it makes the best food dehydrator jerky if they add a little (like this all-natural one) to the marinade.  Try it both ways and see which dehydrator jerky recipe variation that you like best.

Enjoy the Best Food Dehydrator Jerky Recipes We Could Find!

Related Articles:

• Compare Food Dehydrators for Making Paleo Snacks
• The Paleo Diet Plan – What it is and Why You Should Try It

If you’re starting out with the Paleo diet, you may start to compare food dehydrators to make great homemade Paleo snacks. It is one of our kitchen essentials!

I know that some of you may want to start with the best of the best, but it’s important to know that when you buy new appliances and things for your kitchen (to help you follow your diet better.) However, you may want to wait to see how much you actually use the dehydrator so you can determine the best one for you.  There is no reason to blow your family budget on something that you may or may not use.

For us, a good dehydrator is a MUST HAVE!

In a hurry?

==>>  Read all consumer reviews on our favorite here…

Our Dehydrators and Upgrades

We actually got her first day hydrator in our household by borrowing one from my in laws. I wanted to see how much we would use it to create Paleo snacks, how much the kids would like them and really how much use it would get overall. So we started out with a borrowed version. This was a cheap smaller one with a 5 tray system that was round and couldn’t hold a lot of food.

Then because we had such a small dehydrator and we’re starting out, we ended up using up all the time! It took about 24 hours to dry apple chips so it was almost constantly running for several months in the fall when we had apples and bananas and things to dehydrate for snacks. Since we were new to Paleo — those were very important transition foods in our adjustment from having things like crackers and chips to having these new and different snacks in the house!

To Compare Food Dehydrators – Can You Borrow First?

What I would suggest if you are first starting out is to actually borrow one and see if you like it see if you and your kids actually like dehydrated food. They can be great snacks for after school. They can be great snacks to take to the office. BUT if you don’t like them then there’s no reason to buy a home dehydrator for yourself.

You can try it and if you are using it all the time then you may want to upgrade to a different dehydrator. You will also know how much you use it to help determine which size to get and how much to spend.

Best Food Dehydrator on a Budget

If you just think you need a small dehydrator and you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money I would suggest the Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator.

It has:

• A fan so that you don’t have to change the order of the trays as it works,
• 2 solid sheets for things like Paleo fruit leather
• 2 mess sheets
• Jerky seasoning (but I would make your own Paleo version which is better!)

This dehydrator is too small for my family but it’ll definitely work if you don’t dehydrate a whole lot.

Why I LOVE my Excalibur Food Dehydrator

Now if you were like us and end up running the dehydrator that you borrowed constantly then may want to invest in something a little better. (OK….LOTS BETTER!)
I knew based on my research that I wanted and Excalibur dehydrator and that was what I had my heart set on. So I asked for one for Christmas. (You may want to ask or BEG for one for a birthday, for Mother’s Day, for Father’s Day, or whatever holidays you celebrate and people give you gifts!) They are not cheap but I think it is SOOOO worth it!

Excalibur 5 Tray Food Dehydrator Vs. Excalibur 9 Tray Model

I actually got my first Excalibur dehydrator for Christmas. I was given the five tray system (Model 3526TB) from my in laws and I was so excited about it. However, I was really concerned about whether I wanted a 5 tray or the 9th tray (Model 3926TB) which really has a lot more square footage to cover at one time. My husband convinced me to return the 5-tray and get the one I knew we needed.

You see l have a child who goes in there and grabs the bananas or grabs the apples right out of the dehydrator before it’s even done. (She likes them when they’re kind of squishy and not quite dry…so I lose about one whole tray of each fruit before I even get a chance to take them off of the tray!)

So if you’re in a situation where someone just loves them so much that you can go through a whole bags worth of apples in a couple days like us — something like the Excalibur 9 Tray Model 3926TB would be much more helpful to you.

Other reasons to opt for the bigger version:

• If you have a small or large garden that you bring in a lot of fruits and vegetables or other things that you dry
• if you buy bulk grass fed meat
• if you buy a half of a cow at some point to put it in your freezer and make some into jerky
• or if you just want to say a lot of money on your family’s snacks.

It is worth the extra price for a LOT more drying space. I LOVE it.

Recent Reviews from Other Users:

Related Articles:

• Paleo Diet Food List: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
• The Paleo Diet Plan – What it is and Why You Should Try It
• Best Food Dehydrator Jerky Recipes

Digestive Chronic Inflammation Symptoms

Autoimmune disorders are often connected to leaky gut syndrome, gluten intolerance and other problems directly related to the digestive system. When your body is inflamed, there is a good chance you will experience at least one of the following symptoms on a regular basis:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Nausea
• Ulcers
• Stomach pain

You may notice some of these symptoms after you eat specific types of food, or they may strike at seemingly random times. You may suffer them so often that you don’t think much about them, but your body is trying to tell you something. It’s time to listen.

Fatigue and/or Depression

How much time do you spend sitting on the couch watching your children play rather than playing with them? Do you frequently say no to social engagements that you would actually love to attend because you simply don’t have the energy to make it through? If you experience fatigue that is unexplained by known medical conditions, it is possibly a symptom of inflammation causing chaos inside your body.

Fatigue is closely related to depression, but not everyone with inflammation experiences depression or vice versa. If you find yourself tuning out of life and shrugging off things that once gave you pleasure, it is possible that are going through a period of depression the could actually be caused by inflammation.  (More details about depression and inflammation can be found here.)

Aches and Pains

Do you have days where you simply don’t feel good? Are you always joking that you are getting old because your joints hurt or you have aches in specific body parts for no apparent reason? It’s true that getting older will cause changes in how you feel, but consistent, unexplained aches and pains are likely symptoms of inflammation or other problems occurring inside your body. For example, if you experience pain or achiness in your hands, you may face a diagnosis of arthritis in the future.

Asthma and Allergies

Some people suffer asthma their entire lives and it doesn’t have anything to do with inflammation or the development of autoimmune disorders. You may also experience allergic reactions to certain foods or medications without it indicating that you will one day suffer an autoimmune disease. Yet, asthma and allergies are symptoms that your body is reacting negatively to internal conditions. You may need to eliminate certain foods to stop allergic reactions, and asthma may seem to come out of nowhere as a result of increased inflammation inside your body.

When you breathe in a toxic substance, you can instantly feel the effects. Your eyes may water or turn red, you may start to cough or you may feel your nose burn. These are allergic symptoms triggered by your immune system to fight off the sudden onslaught of toxins. The same can happen if you are exposed to a toxin in your everyday environment on a routine basis. That toxin can even be a food that you enjoy eating.

Mood Swings

Are you laughing so hard you cry one moment and crying so hard you may never laugh again the next? Unexplained changes in mood or over-the-top emotional reactions that are beyond your control may signify disharmony in your hormone balance, and that is sometimes a symptom of inflammation. This is particularly true if you are a woman of the proper age for the onset of menopause.

Many women experience increased inflammation as they go through this period of life change, but don’t rule it out if you are too young or have already gone through menopause. Inflammation can cause fluctuations and changes in hormone levels, so pay attention if your moods try to tell you something.

Notice the variety of inflammation symptoms listed here. Is it any secret why autoimmune disorders and inflammation are sometimes difficult to diagnose correctly? The symptoms are so varied and most can easily point the finger at other medical conditions.

Learn the Foods that Cause Inflammation, Arthritis and Weight Gain >