Welcome!
This is my first blog, so let me give you some background. My boyfriend Eric and I are currently attempting to adopt the Primal Blueprint lifestyle. This "lifestyle" is designed around what our ancient, primal ancestors ate (read here no sugar or carbs) and did every day for exercise. They were hunters/gatherers so this means lots of meats and veggies, running short distances, and lifting heavy things. I of course am a big fan of this from a scientific standpoint because although many things have changed over those millions of years (body hair, brain mass, etc.) one thing did not change much... our body's blueprint!
This is my first blog, so let me give you some background. My boyfriend Eric and I are currently attempting to adopt the Primal Blueprint lifestyle. This "lifestyle" is designed around what our ancient, primal ancestors ate (read here no sugar or carbs) and did every day for exercise. They were hunters/gatherers so this means lots of meats and veggies, running short distances, and lifting heavy things. I of course am a big fan of this from a scientific standpoint because although many things have changed over those millions of years (body hair, brain mass, etc.) one thing did not change much... our body's blueprint!
Now, I have been on similar diets before (Atkins, gluten-free, Canadensis) and this one fits right in with the same rules, most of which I do not have an issue with, except for this one small thing. No sugar and no grains (or at least most grains). This is what results in my most creative moments and also my greatest melt downs. However, for the purpose of this post let's just say it lead me to one of the best meals I have ever made... I call my creation "Better Than Chowder" and this is how it came to be.
Ever have one of those days, weeks, or months where you just can't shake that "comfort food" craving? If you haven't, then stop reading now and never come back. If you have... you are in luck! I stumbled upon this recipe when I was sulking one day and wishing I wasn't the type of person who cared what I ate, because all I wanted was a big fat bread bowl full of steaming chowder. In my self-loathing state I went to the only website that has yet to fail me when it comes to talking me down from the "food ledge". Lo and behold, I found the below recipe, which (being the person I am) I immediately revised to my stomach's grumbling liking. The result was honestly the most fantastic soup/chowder I have ever had... be warned, part of the primal blueprint diet is a comfort and acceptance that bacon is okay to eat daily. If you do not believe this then you might have some issues with this recipe.
Better Than Chowder Recipe
- 4-8 slices bacon
- One large leek OR one bunch of watercress (wash and separate the leaves and stems then chop the stems up fine)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped (or white onion)
- Large turnip, peeled and cubed
- Baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Inner stalks/leaves of celery (to add flavor to the broth)
- pepper to taste
Directions:
Start by frying the bacon in a large, deep frying pan. Then remove the bacon, chop it up and set it aside; use the bacon grease to sauté the onion and garlic until browned. Add turnip and saute another 2 minutes. Then add the watercress stems (if using leeks do not add now), mushrooms, crumbled bacon, stock and celery leaves. Combine well and add SLOWLY cream and coconut milk. Simmer for at least 30 minutes with a lid on then add the watercress leaves (or the leeks) and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Pluck out the celery stalks/leaves. Add pepper if needed, but the watercress and bacon should already provide adequate seasoning.
I know it seems like a weird combination but it is DELICIOUS, I am eating it now, and it's easy to make!
Be sure to check out the Primal Blueprint lifestyle and the original recipe I modified at the website http://www.marksdailyapple.
