Almost Paleo Chocolate Chili

The concept of a Paleo diet is extremely fascinating to me.  I already don't eat a lot of bread but have found it hard to give up other grains.  I found this recipe in the new Well Fed cookbook.  I've never made a chili with chocolate in it before but it sounded good so I had to try it.  I did change some things in the recipe to make it more to my family's taste.

Almost Paleo Chocolate Chili

2 tablespoons coconut oil (I used Tropical Traditions)
1/2 cup diced onion (rinsed with water)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz.) fire roasted, diced tomatoes
1 can (10 oz.) rotel tomatoes
2 cans kidney beans
14.5 oz. low sodium chicken broth

Use a large deep pot over medium-high heat, then add coconut oil.  When the oil is melted, add onions and stir, cooking till translucent; 3-5 minutes.  Add garlic and as soon as fragrant (about 30 seconds), crumble ground beef into pan.  Cook stirring often till browned.

In a small bowl, mix all seasonings with a fork and then add to pot, stirring like you mean it.  Add tomato paste and stir till combined, about 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes, broth and beans to pot, stir, bring to boil and simmer about 45 minutes.

Serve with spinach in bottom of bowls and top with some cheddar cheese.

There is a referral link for Tropical Traditions in this post.  If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

Remnant By Roland Allnach

This is a three part anthology.  All three parts in the same binding each can be considered a novella while the whole thing is only about two hundred pages.  I was intrigued by the tag line “When all that’s left is broken, which piece do you pick up first?”  The kind of question that makes you curious to figure out how it will be answered which is one of the reasons that I love science fiction.  We get answers to questions that I never thought about before. 

The first part “All the Fallen Angels” focuses on Jansing Stohko who is trying to make ends meet.  He has an outdated ship and trouble finding customers.  He has been in jail and wants to leave that part of his life behind him.  Only no one else wants to forget that he is a criminal.  He takes the job offered to him which is shady and dangerous.  He ends up stranded and meets people that helped put him in jail.  Stohko has a chance to re-evaluate his choices and actions.  His questions are answered as he unravels the conspiracies.  I think it deals with what happens when other people break everything you have and Stohko is in that position.  He has no way to change what happened to him and has to find a way to live with his altered circumstances.  I was surprised a little with the outcome but Stohko earns his ending.  You might not realize that you internalize other people's attitudes towards yourself.  I am slightly more aware of this after reading.

The second part “Enemy, I Know You Not” follows a platoon with two men capable of leading them.  Hovland is surprised that he is not in charge of the new recruits.  Ellister is.  Yet, when everything turns to the chaos of war leaders can’t fix it.  This part deals with the completely broken, what can you do in a situation with no winner?  Can you survive such an ordeal? Hovland may have experience but it only takes one challenge to erase all you know.  I have a slight military/action bias, but this took place in a simulator which is a nice twist.  A good insight into what it might be like to survive under the conditions of war created chaos.  The problem lies with the aftermath there is a story unfolding even at the end of the book but with a sense that things will work out well.  

The third part “Remnant” is the struggle of Peter Lowry.  He has survived a pandemic plague killing most humans.  After surviving on his own, he is faced with visitors.  How will he deal with a broken world?  How can you live when you are broken?  He has a past to deal with and must decide on his future.  This was my favorite of the three.  I always like survival stories and this one changed it by having the single person doing well on his own and deciding to trust others.  Plus I can picture myself in his shoes acting in a similar way when being completely alone for a long period of time.

I would recommend Remnant to those that also like science fiction.  The main theme is to deal with situations you can’t escape from and figuring out how to adapt.  The narratives are compelling as the main characters are complex living in extreme circumstances.  Allnach's style truly is conversational to the point that I got in the zone.  I didn't necessarily notice I was reading.  Another unconventional book to add to the pile which leaves me as a satisfied reader. 

Author's Bio: 

Roland Allnach, after working twenty years on the night shift in a hospital, has witnessed life from a slightly different angle.  He has been working to develop his writing career, drawing creatively from literary classics, history, and mythology.  His short stories, one of which was nominated for the Pushcart prize, have appeared in several publications.  Writing aside, his joy in life is the time he spends with his family.  

You can find out more at his website: rolandallnach.com

We're also giving away a copy of Remnant.  To enter leave a comment below telling me why you like reading science fiction books.  To get a second entry, just follow the blog.  :)  Contest will run through April 8. 

I was given this book to review.  All opinions are my own.

$.99 lb Corned Beef @ Mariano's

This afternoon we ran over to pick up a few odds and ends at Mariano's in Arlington Heights.  Back by the Alcohol section of the store, there was a butcher case with cuts of corned beef for $0.99 lb.  Lee was back there packing it up.

This is absolutely an awesome price for corned beef.  I got about $10 worth to throw in the freezer.  I'm not sure how much longer they will have it.  So I'd head over and pick some up!

Mariano's Fresh Market Match-ups March 22 - March 31, 2012

Here are the best deals March 8 - March 21, 2012

Double Daze

Every Wednesday you can save 100% more on manufacturers’ coupons.  The manufacturer gives you a deal, and we double it.  Redeem up to 5 manufacturers' coupons worth up to $1 each and spend a minimum $25 in a single transaction, and we make those 5 coupons worth $10. That’s 100% more savings.

Mariano's Fresh Market Coupon Policy


Best Deals
 

·       Organicgirl Quick Cook Greens 12 oz. $2.99 Print $1 here, Print $1 here (exp. 3/31)

                     Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

·         Barilla Pasta 12-16 oz. $.99 3/18 SS, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here

o   Final Price Free during Double Daze

·         Barilla Pasta Sauce 24 oz. $1.99 3/18 SS, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Days

·         Roundy’s Large Eggs 1 Dozen $.99

 

·         Blue Bunny Ice Cream Treats 6-16 ct. $2.99 Print $1 here

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Produce

·       Large Artichokes $.99 each

·       Strawberries 1 lb. 2/$4

·       Organic Strawberries 1 lb. $2.99

·       Broccoli or Cauliflower $.69 lb

·       Organic Broccoli $.99 lb

·       On the Vine Cluster Tomatoes $1.29 lb

·       Organic Beefsteak Tomatoes $1.49 lb

·       Red Grapefruit 3/$1.98

·       Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pinapple 4.5 lb $2.88

·       Red Bell Peppers $1.29 lb

·       Red, Gold, Purple or White Bite-Size Potatoes $1.69 lb

·       Infinite Organic Culinary Herbs .75-2 oz. 25% off

·       Whole or Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms 8 oz. 2/$3

·       Gourmet Mini Cucumbers 6 ct. $2.49

·       Organicgirl Quick Cook Greens 12 oz. $2.99 Print $1 here, Print $1 here (exp. 3/31)

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Meat

·         Bell & Evans Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $3.99 lb

·         All Natural Fresh Pork Baby Back Ribs $3.88 lb

·         Fresh Atlantic Cod Fillets $9.99 lb

·         All Natural Fresh Ground Sirloin $4.69 lb

·         USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Boneless Top Round Roast or Steak $3.99 lb

·         USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak $9.99 lb

·         Perdue Fresh Ground Turkey or Chicken 16 oz. 2/$6

·         USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Pinwheels Regular or Stuffed $5.99 lb

·         Old Fashioned Applewood Thick Sliced Bacon $3.99 lb

·         Mariano’s Market Fresh Steamed and Flavored Shrimp 26/30 ct. $13.99 lb

·         Raw Tiger Grilling Shrimp 8-12 ct. $14.99 lb

·         Fresh Live Mussels 2 lb bag $4.88

·         Jumbo King Crab Legs 12-14 ct. $19.99 lb

·         Wild Salmon Burgers 4 oz. 2/$4

·         Fresh Farm Raised Tilapia Fillets $6.99 lb

·         Fresh Farm Raised Steelhead Fillets $7.99 lb

·         Polpo Baby Octopus $5.99 lb

·         Colossal 8-12 ct. Peeled and Deveined Cooked Shrimp $17.99 lb

·         Italian Seafood Salad with Crab Meat $6.99 lb

Deli

·         Greenridge Farm Village Ham $4.99 lb

·         Premium Choice Roast Beef $7.99 lb

·         Dietz & Watson Black Forest Turkey $5.99 lb

·         Colby or Colby Jack Cheese $3.99 lb

·         Parmesan Peppercorn Salad $3.99 lb

·         Broccoli Cheese Salad $5.99 lb

·         Athenos Hummus 7 oz. B1G1 Print $.75 here

Bakery

·         Tiffany Box Cake $8.95

·         Fresh Made Donuts 2/$1

·         Strawberry Rhubarb or Blackberry Pie 8-inch $3.95

·         Asiago Cheese or Jalapeno Cheddar Bread $4.25

·         French Bread (White or Wheat) 16 oz. $1

Cheese

·         Pinna Imported Pecorino Romano Cheese $4.99 lb

·         Saint Andre 75% Triple Cream Cheese $14.99 lb

·         Prairie Breeze Cheese $10.99 lb

·         Uplands Pleasant Ridge Reserve Cheese $19.99 lb

·         Carr Valley Menage $12.99 lb

·         Crave Brothers Ovoline Fresh Mozzarella 12 oz. B1G1

Roundy’s

·         Roundy’s Premium Orange Juice 64 oz. $2.79

·         Roundy’s Shredded or Chunk Cheese 5-8 oz. $1.99

·         Roundy’s Fries, Tater Puffs or Hash Browns 16-32 oz. $1.89

·         Roundy’s Ice Cream 48 oz. $2.99

·         Roundy’s Root Beer 4 pk. $2.49

·         Roundy’s Purified Water 35 pk. $3.99

Natural & Organic

·         Roundy’s Organic Salad Dressing 12 oz. $1.79

·         Hodgson Mills Bread Mix 16 oz. $2.79 Print $.60/2 here (zip 77458)

o   Final Price $2.49 each

·         Schar Gluten-Free Pasta 12 oz. $3.89

·         MorningStar Farms Meat Alternatives 5.25-14.5 oz. $2.99 Print $.75/2 here

o   Final Price as low as $2.24 during Double Daze

·         Roundy’s Organic Raspberry or Strawberry Preserves 10 oz. $1.79

·         Lifeway Low Fat Kefir Cultured Milk 32 oz. $2.99 Print $1/2 here

o   Final Price as low as $1.99 each during Double Daze

Grocery

·         Barilla Pasta 12-16 oz. $.99 3/18 SS, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here

o   Final Price Free during Double Daze

·         Barilla Pasta Sauce 24 oz. $1.99 3/18 SS, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here, Print $1 off Pasta and Sauce here

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Days

·         Arnold/Brownberry Dutch Country or Italian Bread 20-24 oz. $1.99

·         Hellmann’s Mayo 22-30 oz. $3.49 Print $1/2 here (Savings Club Members)

o   Final Price as low as $2.49 during Double Daze

·         Knorr Pasta or Rice Sides 3.8-6.4 oz. $.99

·         Kraft Sizzling Salad Dinner Kit 12 oz. $1.89

·         Kellogg’s Cereal, Pop-Tarts, Bars or Eggo Syrup 4.4-23 oz or 5-12 ct. $2.79 ¾ RP, 3/11 RP, Print Kellogg's Coupons here, Print Kellogg's Coupons here (Savings Club too)

·         Roundy’s  O’s Cookies 18 oz. $2.29

·         Folger’s Coffee 22.6-33.9 oz. $8.99 3/25 RP

o   Final Price $8.74

·         Simply Asia Noodles 11 oz. $2.49

·         Skinny Pop Natural Popcorn 4.4 oz. $2.99

·         Ritter Candy Bars 3.5 oz. $2.29 Print $1/2 here

o   Final Price as low as $1.29 each during Double Daze

·         Academia Barilla Olive Oil 17 oz. $8.99

·         Quilted Northern 12 Double Roll $6.99

·         Brawny 6-8 Roll Paper Towels $6.99 ¾ RP, Print $.75 here (Savings Club Members)

o   Final Price $6.24

·         Puffs Facial Tissue 3 pk. $4.48

Dairy

·         Roundy’s Greek Yogurt 6 oz. $1

·         International Delight Flavored Coffee Creamer 32 oz. $2.79 Print $.55 here or blinkies @ Dom’s

o   Final Price $2.24

·         Minute Maid Premium Orange Juice 59 oz. $2.79 Print $.75 here

o   Final Price $2.04

·         Heluva Good Dips 12 oz. $1.49 1/22 RP, Print $.50 here

o   Final Price $.99

·         I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter 7.5-16 oz. $2.49 Print $1.25 here, 3/25 RP

o   Final Price $1.24

·         Roundy’s Large Eggs 1 Dozen $.99

·         Duffy’s Crumpets 8 oz. $1.99

·         Lia Marie Garlic Spread 12-14 oz. $2.99

·         Bay’s English Muffins 6 ct. $1.89

·         Clear Value Milk 1 Gallon $1.99

·         Oberweis Milk 64 oz. $2.49

·         Kraft Shredded, Chunk or Crumbles Cheese 5-9.6 oz. $2.79

·         Roundy’s Grated Parmesan Cheese 8 oz. $1.99

·         Kraft American Singles 16 oz. $2.99

Frozen

·         Eggo Waffles or Pancakes 8-12 ct. $1.79 3/11 RP

o   Final Price as low as $1.04 each during Double Daze

·         Home Run Inn or Gino’s East Pizza 27-33 oz. $4.99

·         Tombstone or Jack’s Naturally Rising Pizza 18.1-30.5 oz. $3.29 Print $.50 here

o   Final Price $2.79

·         Healthy Choice Café Steamers or Complete Selections 10-12.5 oz. $2.19 Print $1/3 here, Print $1/2 here, 3/25 SS

o   Final Price as low as $1.19 each during Double Daze

·         Farm Rich Appetizers 20-30 oz. $3.79 Print $1 here, Print $.75 here

o   Final Price as low as $1.79 during Double Daze

·         Mrs. T’s Pierogies 12.84-16 oz. $1.99 ¾ RP

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

·         Bertolli Meals 24 oz. $4.99 Print $1.75/2 here

o   Final Price $4.12

·         Birds Eye Steamfresh or Freshlike Classic Vegetables 10-16 oz. $.88 ¾ RP

o   Final price as low as $.22 during Double Daze

·         Marie Callender’s  Meals 10-19 oz. $1.99 Print $1 here if Multi-serve bakes are included

o   Final Price as low as Free during Double Daze

·         Hot Pockets Snackers 10 oz. $2.29 Print $1/2 here

o   Final Price as low as $1.29 during Double Daze

·         Hot Pockets Snacks 30 ct $4.99

·         Minute Rice Steamers 10 oz. $.99 1/29 RP

o   Final price $.49 here

·         Doreen’s Gourmet Pizza 24-28.5 oz. $4.99

·         Blue Bunny Ice Cream Treats 6-16 ct. $2.99 Print $1 here

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

·         Gardein Protein Meat Alternatives 9-10.5 oz. $2.59

Misc.

·         Nature Made Vitamins or Supplements 12-500 ct. B1G1 Print Coupons here

·         Gerber 1^st or 2^nd Foods Baby Food 2 pk. 2-5-3.5 oz. 10/$10

·         Huggies Jumbo Diapers, Slip-ons, Pull-ups or GoodNites 12-50 ct. $8.48 limit 1 3/18 SS

·         Depend Adult Undergarments 14-52 ct. $10.98 limit 1 3/25 SS

o   Final Price as low as $8.98 during Double Daze

·         TRESemme Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling Products 4.2-32 oz. 2/$7 3/18 SS

o   Final Price $3

·         Dove 6 pk. Bar Soap or 18-24 oz. Body Wash $6.49 3/25 RP

·         Irish Spring 2.7-3 oz. Deodorant, 15-18 oz. Body Wash or 8 pk. Bar Soap $3 3/11 SS (exp. 3/31)

o   Final Price as low as $1 during Double Daze

·         Ivory 10 pk. Or Zest 8 pk. Bar Soap $4 ¾ PG, Print $1/3 here

·         Dove Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling Products 7-12 oz. 2/$7 3/25 RP

o   Final Price as low as $1.50 during Double Daze

·         Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked DVD Available 3/27 $16.99

·         The Muppets DVD $17.99

·         All Theater Box Candy 2.83-7.8 oz. 3/$3 wyb 3 or more