Recipe Ideas

New Year, New Recipes – Bacon Broccoli Frittata

Happy New Year!  I can’t believe it is two thousand and FOURTEEN!  That just seems crazy to me because it makes me feel like I am getting old.  I remember one of my first New Years Eve’s spent with friends was in 7th grade for Y2K.  Remember that? Y2K, when everyone thought the world might end.

So I’ve always been all about setting goals for the New Year.  Ya know, starting the first day of the year refreshed, motivated, empowered and all of that.  Well this year I am delaying this whole process a few days.  I am going to spend the weekend home, with some time to myself, getting things sorted, and detoxing a bit.  And while I am excited to do this I almost feel guilty that I didn’t have all of these feelings and motivation on January 1st.  That’s silly right?

One thing I did do on January 1st was buy a new cook book (I’ll post about that later).  So being inspired by lots of different recipes I decided to come up with my own!  As you know I typically eat my go-to omelet for dinner 3-4 nights a week. Well….I decided it’s a New Year, so new recipes are a must.  Yes I only, changed two ingredients and the way it’s cooked but it still counts.

Bacon Broccoli Frittata

Frittata2

**Disclaimer: This recipe is one of those, do what feels right, in terms of measurements. 

Ingredients

  • 3-4 Slices of Bacon
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion
  • 3-4 Broccoli Crowns Chopped into Florets (the way they come in the store with an elastic around the stalks)
  • 8 Eggs (whisked)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic Powder

Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees.  Once your broccoli is cut up, steam it so they are cooked and soft.  I did this in the microwave by adding 3 tablespoons of water and broccoli to a covered bowl.  I microwaved them for 2 minutes and they came out perfect.

While the broccoli is in the microwave start cooking your bacon in a pan over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes.  When the bacon is cooked to your liking remove from the pan.  Add your chopped onion to the pan with the bacon fat.  Saute the onions until they become clear about 3- 5 minutes.  Add the broccoli to the pan and turn the burner to low and mix around.

While the broccoli and onions are over low heat, beat your 8 eggs in a bowl and cut your cooked bacon into smaller pieces.  Add half the eggs to an oiled pan, then add the broccoli and onions.  Finally, add the rest of the eggs and bacon on top.  Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until frittata is firm.

Frittata1

I think I need to work on making my recipe instructions less wordy!  Any suggestions or tips?

Paleo Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Brisket in a Crock Pot

Happy Sunday!  I hope everyone’s enjoying their non-routine, wacky schedules these past few days.  It’s so weird having Christmas and New Years smack, dab in the middle of the week.  But I guess it gave everyone a good amount of time off!  I took last Monday off and have tomorrow and Tuesday off as well.  I can get used to 5 day weekends!

For Christmas my mom gave me a crock pot.  I used to share a crock pot with my best friend and roommate, but when I moved out of Boston I left it with her so I was so excited to get my own!

brisket2

For my first crockpot meal I decided to do a slow cooked brisket.  I searched and searched the web for ideas that were easy and simple.  To be honest it was hard to find a paleo / primal friendly recipe that was also easy.  I would have loved to try a barbecue version but it seems making a paleo friendly barbecue sauce requires a lot of ingredients.

I settled on this Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Brisket that I found on Our Full Plate and The Paleo Drummer.  It sounded really different and interesting, but both bloggers seemed to absolutely love it…

Well it did not disappoint!  I actually left the rub on for two days (because of change of plans) and then cooked it in the crock pot for about 9 hours.  It came out so tender and tasty!

Paleo Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Brisket in a Crock Pot

  • 3 lb brisket
  • ⅓ cup of ground coffee
  • 1½ tablespoons of ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of sea salt
  • 1½ teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups of Coconut Milk.  I used Pure Silk’s unsweetened version because I couldn’t find canned.

Combine coffee, cumin, salt, and cocoa powder.  Throw the rub in a big bowl or container.  Place your brisket in the spices and rub it into the meat.  I let mine sit for two days but I am sure it would be fine without so much time.  To cook I poured the coconut milk into the crock pot and then the brisket (fatty side up) on top.  I cooked it on low for 9 hours.  It came out dee-licious!

brisket1

Italian Christmas vs. Irish Christmas

Alright, I figure I still have a few days left to write about Christmas right?  Okay, good.  I had a great Christmas; ate a little too much, drank a little too much, but I love spending this time of year with my family doing just that!

Christmas Eve was spent at my Dad’s house, the Italian side of the family.  Christmas Day was spent with my Mom’s side of the family, the Irish side.  I absolutely love both celebrations but it’s funny how different they are!

Have a look in pictures and decide for yourself.

Italian Christmas Eve

IMG_0295

The table…so pretty!

IMG_0300

My Step-Mom makes the most delicious cinnamon sugar roasted pecans.  I told her she should market and sell them!

IMG_0296

Appetizers consisted of veggies and dip, hummus, artichoke dip, cold seafood salad, and crackers with this amazing nut crusted cheese ball that my grandma makes.

IMG_0297

First course was spaghetti with the option of fish sauce or marinara sauce, crabs, meatballs, and sausage.

IMG_0299

I was trying to be good at this point.  My grandma’s meatballs are my absolute favorite!

IMG_0304

Dad grilled all of those juicy filets! He marinates them in teriyaki for a while that they get so tender.

IMG_0308

Okay, drumroll please.  Stuffed lobster tails…they are to die for.  I just started eating these a few years ago.  I can’t believe I missed out for so long!

IMG_0305

The main course spread.

IMG_0307

 

Irish Christmas Day

IMG_0326

Christmas morning at my Mom’s.  She goes a little crazy with the stockings!

IMG_0333

My aunt made cheese and bacon toasts.

IMG_0332

The table.

IMG_0334

Lots of meat and potatoes!

IMG_0337

My plate consisted of turkey, ham, scalloped potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, carrots, and a broccoli and chicken bake.

IMG_0338

Of course I had to end the day with an Irish Coffee!

So yes, I over-indulged a bit for Christmas!  But the best part is that I can get right back on track because I know how and how much better I will feel for it.

What was your favorite dish you ate for Christmas?

1 6 7 8 15