Sweet Potato Pie

Time: 1 hour

• 12 oz yams
• 12 oz sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup cashew butter (or other nut butter except peanut butter)
• 3 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cardamon
• 1 tsp cloves
• 2 eggs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Peel and chop the yams and sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil the yams and potatoes in water until soft; around 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the water, then mash well and add the coconut milk, nut butter, vinegar, and spices. Mix, then add the eggs. Continue mixing until the pie is uniform and smooth.

Grease a 6-inch baking dish with coconut oil. Pour the pie mix into the dish, then bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool, then cut into squares and serve. This can be prepared a day ahead of time, and you can serve it cold.

Some options: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Top with pecans.

Zone info: 6 servings at 3.5 carb blocks, 0.3 protein blocks, 8 fat blocks (12 grams)




Mexican Mocha

I love espresso, and usually drink black Americanos. In years past, though, I used to enjoy a good mocha. Here is a way to make a Paleo-friendly version—not that caffeine is Paleo...

Adjust this recipe to your taste. We like a bold coffee and rich mocha. You may want to thin it a bit with more water. Experiment to get it tweaked to your tastes.

Time: 10 minutes

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp stevia powder
• 1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cloves

Heat the coconut milk and water in a small pot over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients except the espresso as the coconut milk warms. Stir well.

Meanwhile, brew the espresso or strong coffee. You can even run to your local barista to get a couple of shots if you prefer! Once the mocha mix has become hot, you have two choices: For a smoother blend, pour the mocha and espresso into a blender and mix well on low. Pour into cups and serve. The second is to skip the blender and pour straight into two cups, then add the coffee. Stir well, as some of the cocoa may clump.

Depending on how much espresso or coffee you mix into the mocha, you may need to add additional hot water to thin. Enjoy the treat!

Zone info: 2 servings at 0 carb blocks, 0 protein blocks, 8 fat blocks (~12.5 grams)




Pork Chops & Applesauce

Time: 40 minutes

• 1 lb. pork chops
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, or homemade applesauce (see last month's Performance menu)
• Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
• 1 tsp olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the pork chops on both sides. Transfer them to a baking dish. Cover the meat with 1/2 cup of applesauce and spices. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the chops over and cover with another 1/2 cup of applesauce and spices. Bake for 15 minutes more. Serve with the applesauce spooned over the meat.

Zone info: 4 servings at .75 carb blocks, 4 protein blocks, 7 fat blocks


Tomato Cucumber Salad

Time: 4-5 minutes

• 1 medium tomato
• 1/2 cucumber (I also like to use a whole lemon cucumber)
• 2 tsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• black pepper to taste

Cut the tomato into small wedges and arrange in a bowl. Slice the cucumber and add to the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad and sprinkle with the spices.

Zone info: 1 serving at 3 carb blocks, 0 protein blocks, 9 fat blocks


Deli Meat Rollups

Nothing fancy here, and not the most optimal of Paleo choices, but great on a budget or in a pinch. These pack easily in small containers for lunch. They can also be a kid-friendly snack.

Time: 3-5 minutes

• 6 slices of turkey deli meat
• 1 can chunk light tuna (preferably no salt added)
• Veggie or condiment of choice (see below)

Lay the sliced deli meat out flat, place a line of tuna down the center. Add condiments. Roll up and eat!

Many choices for condiments—try your favorites. Avoid sugary condiments! Some I like are homemade relish or sweet pickles, Dijon mustard, olive oil mayo, and even coleslaw.

Zone info: this will vary, but the above with pickles will be 2 servings at 4 blocks protein; carbs negligible.