Earthivore is As Fresh As It Gets!

On June 18th, I attended an award ceremony put on by the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Half Moon Bay Lodge.  I was invited to the event to accept the "As Fresh As It Gets" Award on behalf of my business, Earthivore.  Every year, the SMC/SVCVB recognizes restaurants and businesses for using fresh and local produce.  

Earthivore was recognized as a corporate award winner for the local produce that I use in my Paleo Cooking Bootcamp classes. Every Saturday, before one of my cooking classes, I go to the College of San Mateo Farmer's Market and hand-pick all of the produce to ensure that my clients are getting the freshest, healthiest and most nutrient-dense ingredients to cook with.

It was an honor to be recognized for this award, and to share the experience with a group of like-minded people who are passionate about local and sustainable farming, and providing our clients with the freshest, most-nutrient-dense foods available.

My Take on Takeout: Your Go-To Source for Paleo-Friendly Restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area

Featuring: The Counter Burger 

(Locations: San Mateo, Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Fremont, Walnut Creek)

"What do I have to give up to be Paleo?" 

"Will I starve?"

"Will I ever be able to eat out again?"

"How can I be Paleo if I can't cook?"

"What about takeout?"

These are questions that I hear every time I host a Paleo cooking class or give a talk on Paleo.

Paleo is satisfying, delicious, and most importantly it's completely accessible (with a little guidance from a Paleo Coach like me!).  

Every month I am going to give you my take on the best Paleo-Friendly Restaurants in the Bay Area.   

Naturally, my first post would be about The Counter Burger since this is a restaurant that we frequent once a week (at least)!    

Choose the "Build-Your-Own-Burger" option and you can completely customize your Paleo burger.  With the exception of Cheeses, almost all of the options are Paleo.

Start with a protein - I love that all their meat is hormone and antibiotic-free and they even have bison!  

Swap your bun for a bed of Organic Mixed Greens. 

Leave off the cheese.

Choose a non-dairy sauce, and preferably one that does not contain refined sugar.  I've been known to bring a mason jar of home-made BBQ Sauce or Ketchup with me in my purse!

Almost all of the toppings are fair game - I love their Red Ripened Tomatoes, Grilled Red Onions, and Dill Pickle Chips.  Avoid the non-Paleo topping like the Corn + Black Bean Salsa, Croutons, and Quinoa.

Finally, I always order premium toppings, including: Sliced Avocado and Applewood Smoked Bacon! 

If you choose a side, go for the Sweet Potato Fries!*  

Email me to receive My Take on Takeout Newsletters: katiekuiter@gmail.com.

I'd love to hear about your experience at The Counter Burger and please share your favorite burger combo!

*If you have any issues with chronic pain and inflammation you should skip the Sweet Potato Fries as they are fried in canola oil which is a highly inflammatory oil.

Simple + Delicious Paleo Spring Dessert Recipe

Paleo Peach Almond Crisp

With summer just around the corner, the aroma of fresh (and local) peaches at the Farmer's Market inspired me to make this simple and delicious Paleo recipe this week. 

Whether you eat it for breakfast, a quick snack, or dessert, this Paleo Peach Almond Crisp is a healthy way to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Recipe: 

Hands-On Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes

Makes: 6-8 Servings

Ingredients:

·       Organic Peaches (x6)

·       Organic Lemon (x1)

·       Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour (x1 C)

·       Organic Medjool Dates (x10)

·       Organic Cinnamon (x1 tsp)

·       Organic Nutmeg (x1/2 tsp)

·       Himalayan Sea Salt (x1/4 tsp)

·       Organic Refined Coconut Oil (x1/4 C)

·       Organic Sliced Almonds (x1/2 C)

  

First, pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit:

Remove the pits from the peaches and chop them into small chunks:

Put the peach chunks into a large mixing bowl and zest one whole lemon into the bowl:

Next, cut the lemon in half and juice the entire lemon into the mixing bowl:

Use a spatula to stir the peach chunks, lemon zest and lemon juice together:

Next make the topping.  Tear the dates in half using your fingers and remove the pits:

Add the dates to the food processor, along with the almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and coconut oil:

Put the lid on your food processor and pulse to combine the ingredients.  The topping should be sticky, crumbly and oh so delicious! I highly recommend that you taste a little:

Pour your peaches from your mixing bowl into a medium size glass baking dish:

Use the back of your spatula to press down the peaches into an even layer:

Using your fingers, crumble the date mixture on top of the peaches:

Using a spatula, spread the date mixture evenly to coat the top of the peaches:

Pour the sliced almonds over the date topping:

Cover the baking dish in aluminum foil:

Bake for 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes:

Enjoy this treat on its own or with Paleo ice cream!

(Credit: Adapted from Melissa Joulwan's Peach Almond Crisp Recipe (Well Fed))