snacks Archives -

You all may think that because I have a food blog that I must be cooking from scratch everyday…. Well, not quite. Actually, not even close!
As a single mom of a super active toddler, I do not have the opportunity to cook and bake as much as I used to. There just simply isn’t enough time in the day. From laundry, cleaning, running errands, work, toddler-friendly activities, bath time, story time, and on and on. I’m sure your day look similar, right!?
I have had to adapt and make compromises where I can. I still want to eat healthy, but now I buy more ready-made snacks and meals so I have healthy options available when I am starving and apt to reach for the nearest candy bar!
I have found some really tasty treats that either can be bought at your local Whole Foods, or that can be shipped right to your front door. I am quite picky, so you can be sure the stuff I am sharing with you today is really really good!
I found a sweet treat to curb your dessert cravings, a salty nosh to knock out that snack attack, and a super tasty and filling meal delivery option that is just “heat and eat!” Here we go!
CoCo-Roons
These tasty little bit-sized cookies made from coconut, almond flour and maple syrup. All the ingredients are organic too! They are soft and chewy, just like a cookie should be! They have the perfect amount of sweetness and they come in a variety of flavors including Brownie, Strawberry Almond, Lemon Pie, Vanilla Maple, Cacao Nib and Orange Dreamsicle. My favorites were the Brownie and Vanilla Maple! They are available at Whole Foods.

Brussel Bites

These savory bites are made from brussel sprouts, and they remind me of kale chips. They are loaded with vitamin C, folate, vitamin B, potassium and omega-3’s, so no guilt with this snack! Chomp away! My fav flavor was the Chili Pumpkin, although Cheezy Herb was also yummy! Find them at Whole Foods.

Paleo On The Go: Cajun Kielbasa Alfredo Over Kelp Noodles

Paleo on the Go is a fantastic ready-made meal delivery service. They have so many options it’s hard to choose! I decided to go with the Cajun Kielbasa Alfredo Over Kelp Noodles as I was craving a carb-y pasta dish. The meal arrived at my door, and all I had to do was heat it up. The kelp noodles were drenched in a flavorful creamy sauce and topped with slightly spicy kielbasa. It was delicious and filled me up! I may have even licked the plate, the sauce was that good!

Try them all out and let me know what you think!

These snackable smokey salmon appetizer bites are topped with tangy creme fraise, capers and lemon zest and sit atop a crispy yuca chip.

I love my appetizers and I love to snack. I like to try many things. I’m that kinda girl who orders a plate based on what everyone else at the table is ordering because I just can’t commit to one dish! Yes, I realize this is an annoying trait to my loved ones, but my passion for food and flavors gets the best of me! Sorry to all that have been at the other end of my fork popping up on their plate to have a taste 😉

Appetizers are also one of my favorite aspects of a great party, after friends and family that is (and a nice glass of wine too!). I love to sample the plethora of various bite-sized creations of all different flavors and textures.

Smoked salmon has always been one of my favorite foods, and better yet, it’s healthy and packed with omega-3’s. I even often feed Cricket salmon for the same health reasons- it’s a great anti-inflammatory and promotes good cardiovascular health. Good nutrition from foods like salmon keep this pup looking young and limber so she can chase the squirrels around the yard!

Caption: “SQUIRREL?? WHERE!?”

Today’s creation was made possible by some lovely smoked salmon we received as a Christmas gift. I was happy to eat it straight up, but I was inspired by one of my dad’s favorite appetizers that his girlfriend often makes. They are quite amazing and here is my grain-free, gluten-free version!

Smoked Salmon Bites w/ Creme Fraise on Crisps {Grain-Free, Gluten-Free and Paleo}

These snack-able smokey salmon appetizer bites are topped with tangy creme fraise, capers and lemon zest and sit atop a crispy yuca chip.

1 package of smoked salmon (lox)
1 yuca (peeled, and cut into 3″ sections)
2 tablespoons of capers
1 lemon (1 teaspoon of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest)
1/3 cup soaked raw cashews (soak for at least 2 hours, then drain)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon celtic sea or Himalayan salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
olive oil or avocado oil spray

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the peeled and sectioned yuca into a large pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, then remove from heat and drain.
Place the yuca in a large bowl and mash with a fork until fairly smooth, remove any fibrous parts that aren’t able to be mashed.
Spray a cookie sheet with olive oil or avocado oil.
Form 2″ patties with your hands, making them fairly thin, and spread them onto the cookie sheet.
Sprinkle the yucca patties with salt and pepper and place them in the oven.
Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until golden, then flip and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until both sides are golden brown and the patties are crisp, then remove from the oven.
Place the soaked cashews into a high speed blender along with the water, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Blend on high until creamy and smooth (stop blender and scrape down sides as needed).
Let the creme fraise chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to thicken.
To arrange the bites place a chunk of smoked salmon (folded over) on a yucca crisp.
Next place a heaping teaspoon of creme fraise on top of the salmon, and sprinkle with a few capers and lemon zest.
Serve immediately, enjoy!

snacks

Ready Made Paleo Snacks and Meals

Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraise on Yuca Crisps {Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Paleo}

Smoked Salmon Bites w/ Creme Fraise on Crisps {Grain-Free, Gluten-Free and Paleo}