Cave Cravings Paleo Snacks Subscription Box Review

I recently agreed to sample some Paleo snacks from Cave Cravings.  If you aren’t familiar with them yet, Cave Cravings is a subscription box service that offers healthy, natural, and organic Paleo snacks, delivered monthly to your door. 

And I was quite eager to get into mine when I opened it and saw the contents.

This box contained:

1. 4 Caveman Cookies
2. 2 Bearded Brothers Bars
3. 2 Bite-sized samples of other Bearded Brothers Bars
4. 2 packages of Coco-Roons, Vanilla Maple and Lemon Pie
5. 2 packages of Sophia’s Survival Food Jerky Chews, Mild and Original

And an information card describing each item and listing their retail values.

The first item I sampled was the Caveman Cookies.

It is a chewy and somewhat sticky cookie, just under 2 inches in diameter, made from almond meal, honey, raisins, walnuts and some tasty spices.  It is very similar to, but much sweeter, than one I make myself and I did like the chewy texture and spicy flavors.  If you like oatmeal raisin cookies, you would like this one.  I really like that they are individually packaged for convenience, portability, freshness, and portion control.  The Captain says ‘thumbs up’, too.

The full sized Bearded Brothers Bars are 2 oz. so I cut one in half and shared it with The Captain, to sample and enjoy with tea one afternoon.  The flavor … Radical Raspberry Lemon, and it was delicious.

It is made from organic figs, dates, sun butter, hemp seeds, raspberries, chia seeds, lemon extract, and sea salt.  Of course it’s delicious!  And I like the soft, chewy texture too.  Very much like a  … dare I say it…. LARABAR.  And very much like one you would make at home with similar ingredients. 

We also really liked the bite-size samples…those flavors were Colossal Coconut Mango, and Bodalicious Blueberry Vanilla.

Next up… Wonderfully Raw Mini Coco-Roons.  I am a big fan of coconut macaroons and was really wondering about these little guys.    Lemon is one of The Captain’s favorite flavors so we opted to sample them first.

The package weighs 2 oz. and there are 9 pieces inside.  The suggested serving size is 3 pieces… which doesn’t seem like very much.  But if you eat them slowly and savor each bite, 3 are quite enough.  They are so flavorful and packed with healthy coconut, almond meal, coconut oil and natural flavorings… nutrient dense ingredients that are filling and satisfying.

I have to admit I am saving the Vanilla Maple Mini Coco-Roons for a special occasion. And I just may eat them all myself!

It took us a while to get around to trying the Jerky Chews.  I haven’t eaten much jerky and was not sure I really would like them.  These are from Sophia’s Survival Foods and came in two flavors… Mild and Original. 

So far we have only sampled the Mild.

It is not like any other jerky I have ever had… it is softer, and drier, but still quite chewy like a jerky should be, I think. I could taste the lemon and the garlic in this jerky and was kind of sorry I had shared it, quite honestly.  But it is very filling and I am sure the whole 1 oz. bag really would have ended up being too much!  I am looking forward to trying the Original flavor soon.

All in all, I was really pleased with the selection of snacks in this Cave Cravings box.

If you are interested in Paleo snacks for you and your family, check them out.

Have you tried a subscription snack box service?  What do you think of them?

Souvlaki Style Pork with Vegetables and Sauce

This dish was inspired by something I found in a magazine a few weeks ago.  It is kind of an easy version of one of my favorite Greek dishes, Pork Souvlaki.  But here there is no messing with the barbecue or kebabs… it’s just a lean pork loin roast (or a tenderloin if you prefer) and some veggies.

It is a simple matter of browning the pork roast in a pan with some olive oil, and then baking it in the oven while the veggies are cooking in the same pan you used to brown the roast.  It all comes together pretty quickly and it is quite delectable.

I used a mixture of white and sweet potatoes. I would have used all sweet for me, but The Captain prefers white.  And the sauce is very garlicky… just the way we both like it!

This meal fed the 2 of us on three different occasions so I only made up two servings of the sauce each time... one for each of us.  I prepared it first and let the garlic work its magic in the yogurt while I prepared the main dish. Of course you will omit the sauce if you follow a Paleo diet.

Souvlaki Style Pork with Vegetables
Makes 6 servings

• 1-1/2 lb lean pork loin or tenderloin
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch chunks (about 2 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled, smashed and minced
• 1/2 medium onion, sliced vertically (about 3/4 cup)
• 8 ounces sweet potato, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 8 ounces white or yellow potato, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 dried oregano

1. Trim any fat from the pork roast and then rub about 1 tsp of dried oregano all over the surface.
2. Place 1 tsp of olive oil into a large non-stick pan set it over MEDIUM heat. 
3. Set your oven to 425°F to preheat.
4. Put the roast in the warm pan and cook it a couple of minutes on each side until browned.
5. Place the roast on a baking sheet and bake in hot oven about 20 to 25 minutes.
6. When the roast is cooked through, remove to cutting board and allow to rest for a few minutes until slicing into 18 slices.
7. Meanwhile, add the other 1 tsp of olive oil to the same non-stick pan and add the potatoes, onion, and garlic, and cook about 6 minutes till the potatoes begin to soften and the onions are lightly browned.
8. Add the chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil.
9. Reduce the heat and simmer till the potatoes are almost cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Add the remaining vegetables and 1 tsp of oregano.  Cook about 5 minutes until the zucchini and the pepper are tender.
11. Remove from heat and serve with Souvlaki Sauce on the top. Garnish with more oregano if desired.

Souvlaki Sauce
For each serving

• 2 Tbs fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, peeled, smashed, and minced

1. Mix together and refrigerate while preparing the roast and vegetables.

If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers new Simple Start program, or the Simply Filling Technique, there is no counting to be done here… these are all Power Foods. But I did calculate the N.I. for those of you who count Points Plus Values.

Per serving, without Souvlaki Sauce
Weight Watchers P+ = 7.
Calories 266; Protein 27g; Carbohydrate 21g; Fat 8g; Fibre 3g.

Per serving, with Souvlaki Sauce
Weight Watchers P+ = 7.
Calories 287; Protein 30g; Carbohydrate 23g; Fat 8g; Fibre 3g.

Printable Recipe

Are you a Greek food fan?  What is your favorite dish?

My Latest Obsession - North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder

I have several friends who really like North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder… so when I was given the opportunity to sample it recently, I was eager.  I had no idea what to expect.  But I trust these particular foodie friends!

When I checked the North Coast Naturals web site and looked at their Organic Hemp Protein Powder, I found this information:

Who wouldn’t be interested in  all of that?

I must say I was surprised by the color, which is sort of a light dusty brown… and the texture, which is a wee bit gritty.  I can discern no real flavor or taste to it, but I do like the nutritional information.  Two (2) Tbs of this protein powder contains 15g of Protein, only 2.5g of Fat, 9g of Carbohydrate and a whopping 8g of Fibre. It is Vegan, and sodium-free.  Normally I select a protein powder with fewer Carbs, but when they are mostly Fibre, I don’t hesitate.

Since it is flavor-neutral, I have been using it in savory dishes as well as sweet and am really pleased with the results.  The only time I would not recommend using it is where the color might be an issue… it does tend to make things brown or green!

I am always in favor of adding protein to my diet.  Without powders or other supplements, I find it nearly impossible to get in my daily requirement.  And, I do find that this Hemp Protein Powder seems to keep me satisfied much longer than a whey or soy protein powder does…and I wonder if that is because there is so fibre in it.

Here are some of the recipes I have created using this NCN Organic Hemp Protein Powder.  The first 2 are sauces for my zoodles… which of course could be used with pasta if you prefer.  And then I created a grain-free hot ‘cereal’ breakfast dish, and a dip for fresh fruit, too.  Read on!

Hemp and Yogurt Sauce for Zoodles and Noodles
Makes 1 serving

• 1/4 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled, smashed, and minced

1. Mix yogurt and hemp protein powder until well-combined.
2. Stir in garlic and then refrigerate about 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
3. Toss with zoodles or noodles to serve. 
4. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 2.
Calories 97; Protein 14g; Carbohydrate 8g; Fat 1g; Fibre 4g.

Printable Recipe

And, you all know how much I love my Sensational Sesame Sauce.  I decided to add some Organic Hemp Protein Powder to it to give the nutritional value a boost, and it worked just fine… no change at all to the wonderful salty, smoky sesame taste.   And yes, I licked the bowl!



Hemp and Sesame Sauce for Zoodles and Noodles
Makes 1 serving

• 2 tsp Tahini paste
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• 1 Tbs tamari soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp dark sesame oil

1. Mix tahini paste, hemp protein powder and tamari soy sauce till well-combined.
2. Stir in the dark sesame oil.
3. Toss with zoodles or noodles to serve.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 4.
Calories 153; Protein 11g; Carbohydrate 7g; Fat 10g; Fibre 4g.

Printable Recipe

I like to have a hot ‘cereal’ sometimes for breakfast, but because I rarely, if EVER, eat grains (I hate to declare never cause ya never know!)  So, instead of oats or quinoa, or farro, or even brown rice, or wheat berries, I like to use ground flax meal.

I dressed mine up with some Greek yogurt, a few raisins and a bit of cinnamon.

Hot Hemp and Flax ‘Cereal’
Makes 1 serving

• 1/2 small ripe banana
• 1/4 cup egg whites
• 1 Tbs ground flax meal
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• Dash of cinnamon

1. Mash banana in a medium bowl.
2. Add the egg whites and whip with a fork till frothy.
3. Stir in flax meal, hemp protein powder, and cinnamon.
4. Lightly coat the bottom of a saucepan with non-stick spray and set over MEDIUM heat.
5. When the spray has melted, add the banana mixture to the pan.
6. Cook, stirring continuously for approximately 3 or 4 minutes.  The color will lighten considerably as the egg white cooks and it will increase in volume.
7. Remove to serving bowl and garnish as desired.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 4.
Calories 182; Protein 16g; Carbohydrate 18g; Fat 5g; Fibre 7g

Printable Recipe

Sometimes I like to slice up apples and have then with an almond butter and yogurt dip. So I added some NCN Organic Hemp Protein Powder and a dash of cinnamon to it… and it was really good, but the addition of a couple of drops of liquid vanilla-flavored Stevia turned it into fabulous. 

Hemp and Almond Butter Dip
Makes 1 serving

• 3 Tbs fat free Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• 2 tsp almond butter
• Dash of cinnamon
• 2 drops of liquid vanilla Stevia, or to taste

1. Mix all the ingredients together till well-combined and enjoy with fresh cut up fruit such as apples, pears, peaches or bananas.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 3.
Calories 140; Protein 14g; Carbohydrate 8g; Fat 7g; Fibre 6g

Printable Recipe

I am so enjoying this North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder… and will be sure to keep coming up with additional ways to get it into my day.  Watch for more new recipes and ideas coming soon.

Have you tried a Hemp Protein Powder?  Does the color put you off at all?

Juicy Caribbean Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot

I like to have a few meals in the freezer to have on days when I work a couple of shifts or when we have had a very busy afternoon and I don’t really feel like spending a lot of effort in making dinner. I find the easiest way to do that is to make a pulled pork dish in the crock pot, and then divvy it up into individual servings to freeze.

When I want to serve it I usually just pop it into a small saucepan, still frozen, and cover with a lid... heat on MEDIUM, stirring occasionally till it is heated through.  Then serve it with whatever side dishes you like... cooked leftover veggies, rice, or even on toast.

There are so many different spices and herbs that can be used with the pork.  I have made it with tomato sauce in BBQ style, with apples and raisins, with chili peppers and vegetables, and with balsamic vinegar and onions.   This time around I used canned Mandarin oranges and garlic, and call it Caribbean Pulled Pork.  Lovely.

That first evening I served it with avocado on Romaine lettuce leaves that we could wrap and eat with our fingers, alongside some creamy coleslaw.  Since then I have enjoyed the leftovers with Cauliflower Rice, over cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, and with carrots and pea; The Captain likes it served over a toasted and split roll, like Sloppy Joes, or over rice.  Your choice. It’s all good.

I will give you the N.I. for the ingredients I used, but if that is not important to you, don’t fuss over it. Just put your pork in the slow cooker with the oranges and garlic, and cook. Then shred with 2 forks after it is done.  Easy, and delicious!  And if you are eating strictly Paleo, then use fresh oranges instead of the canned.

Juicy Caribbean Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot
Makes 35 servings of 2 ounces (after cooking weight) each

• 4-3/4 lb. lean pork loin roast, all fat trimmed off 
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 Tbs cumin
• 1 cup canned Mandarin oranges with juice
• Dashes of salt and pepper

1. Lightly coat the interior of the slow cooker with a non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
2. Pierce the outside of the pork roast with a knife in 8 different places around the outside, making a half inch gash each time.
3. Push a piece of garlic into each gash.
4. Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet over MEDIUM heat and put the pork roast in the pan.
5. Turning frequently, cook the pork roast just a couple of minutes till all outside edges are browned.
6. Place the pork roast in the bottom of the crock pot and sprinkle the cumin over it.
7. Puree the Mandarin oranges in your blender or with an immersion blender and pour over the pork and garlic.
8. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
9. After cooking remove all but 1 cup of the liquid.
10. Shred the pork by pulling it apart with 2 forks, and incorporate the remaining liquid as you do so. Add back liquid as desired to make it the consistency you like.  I ended up adding back most of the liquid.
11. Season with salt and pepper to serve.

Per 2 ounce serving. (You may want 1-1/2 to 2 servings at a sitting.)
Weight Watchers P+ = 2.
Calories 92; Protein 13g; Carbohydrate 1g; Fat 3g; Fibre 0g.

The sides of the slow cooker get pretty messy during cooking so that light coating of non-stick spray really makes a difference in the clean up process.

Messy but fun and informal lettuce wraps… the avocado is a nice garnish.

Printable Recipe

Smoothies, GREEN Energy Ballz, and Protein Pancakes... with North Coast Naturals

I was recently contacted by a representative from North Coat Naturals, with an offer of some products to sample.  It is a Canadian company so I was definitely interested.  This is a brand I have seen at my local supermarkets and have been wanting to try as some of my friends are fans.

After I checked out the lineup on their web site, I was eager to get on board.  I selected several items and they shipped them to me almost immediately.

I chose the Daily Greens powder for The Captain. As hard as I try to make healthy and nutritious meals, he often doesn’t eat what I think are enough veggies.  I thought that this Daily Greens powder might be the answer… I could make him a drink or a smoothie, and then stop nagging him worrying about his getting in an appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals throughout the day.  It won’t stop me from adding a handful of grape tomatoes, or baby carrots to his lunch plate, though!

The label on the Daily Greens powder says that it can be added to juice or water… and that 1 scoop has the same antioxidant level as 7 servings of fruit and vegetables.  The ingredients contain 48 berries, sea vegetables, phytoplankton… and more.  It is 100% vegetarian, 65% raw, and 60% organic.

Each scoop has 30 calories; 2g Protein; 4g Carbohydrates; .5g Fat; 2g Fibre.

The flavor is called Mixed Citrus and Berry… how bad could it be? 

I decided to make him a banana-based smoothie with it the first time out. I thought if I added it to something he already likes, the chances of a successful venture would be greater. I chose a very ripe banana, a scoop of the North Coast Naturals vanilla 100% ISO Protein Powder, a cup of fat free milk, and a scoop of the Daily Greens. 

1 scoop of the Greens powder measures between 1/2 Tbs and 1 Tbs

GREEN Banana Smoothie
Makes 1 serving

• 1 scoop North Coast Naturals Daily Greens
• 1 scoop North Coast Naturals vanilla 100% ISO Protein Powder
• 1 cup fat free milk
• 1/2 ripe banana

1. Whizz everything together with immersion blender.
2. Pour into serving glass and enjoy.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 7.
Calories 274; Protein 36g; Carbohydrate 32g; Fat 2g; Fibre 3g.

It turned out to be the most beautiful pale green-blue color.  And the taste?  Quite nice, actually.  He really enjoyed it and I have to say, I was not only a bit surprised, I was also very happy. Win, win.

He said he would be eager to try it again, just mixed with water to see how it really tastes… all righty then.  We will be doing that for sure.

UPDATE…  The Captain actually quite likes the Daily Greens  mixed with cold water.  I tasted it myself and it is kinda sweet and ‘grassy’, but good.

Daily Greens mixed with cold water

I usually make The Captain a protein drink to enjoy before his morning workout and I like to vary it from day to day… so I thought I would try to come up with something completely new using the Daily Greens and the 100% ISO Protein Powder.  I made some GREEN Energy Ballz!

GREEN Energy Ballz
Makes 12 ballz

• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 1 scoop North Coast Naturals Daily Greens
• 1 scoop North Coast Naturals vanilla 100% ISO Protein Powder
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 2 Tbs coconut flour
• 1 T hemp hearts
• 1 T chia seeds

1. Place the hemp hearts in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Place the chia seeds in another small bowl and set aside.
3. Mix the banana, Daily Greens, vanilla ISO Protein Powder,almond meal, oats, and coconut flour in a medium bowl until well-combined.
4. Scoop the banana mixture into rounds using a 1 Tbs measure.
5. Roll half of the ballz in hemp seeds and the other half in the chia seeds.
6. Store in the refrigerator and eat as desired.

Per serving of 1 ball with chia.
Weight Watchers P+ = 2.
Calories 62; Protein 5g; Carbohydrate 7g; Fat 3g; Fibre 3g.

Per serving of 1 ball with hemp.
Weight Watchers P+ = 2.
Calories 62; Protein 4g; Carbohydrate 7g; Fat 2g; Fibre 2g.

He has been having one or two of them before our morning workouts and he quite likes them.  Win, win.


I was eager to test the North Coast Naturals vanilla 100% ISO Protein Powder for myself… I think the true test of a new protein powder, is to mix one scoop of it into 3/4th of a cup of plain almond milk… shake it up and see how well it mixes with the liquid and then taste it.

My trusty and ancient Tupperware Shaker Cup

This powder did mix nicely with the almond milk with just a few shakes of the cup… and the taste was such a great surprise… barely a hint of vanilla and not sweet at all. I have definitely found a great new powder to not only enjoy on its own, or with a variety of fruits and veggies, but also to use in baking and making pancakes.  Most of the vanilla powders I have used are quite sweet and very strongly flavored so I am happy this one is NOT either of those things.

I did make my old standby Flourless Whey Protein Pancake recipe with this 100% ISO Protein Powder and was not the least bit disappointed, believe me.

Flourless Whey Protein Pancakes

And I do like its formulation.  1 scoop contains 24g Protein, 2g Carbohydrate, just under 1 g Fat,  and 0g Sugar.  That works out to 3 Weight Watchers P+ per scoop.

I made The Captain a lovely protein shake with this powder too.

Caribbean Shake
Makes I serving

• 1 scoop North Coast Naturals vanilla ISO protein powder
• 1 cup fat free milk
• 1 cup frozen mix of mangoes, peaches, strawberries
• 1/2 ripe banana

1. Whizz everything together with immersion blender.
2. Pour into serving glass and enjoy.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 8.
Calories 314; Protein 35g; Carbohydrate 43g; Fat 1g; Fibre 4g.

I find that using frozen fruit makes for a thicker shake… you can let it thaw before blending if you would like a slightly thinner mixture.

I am so looking forward to doing some baking and more experimenting with these and the other North Coast Naturals products in the box.  Stay tuned!

What is your favorite way to enjoy a protein powder?

Have you ever supplemented with GREENS product of any kind?

Is there anyone in your house who doesn’t eat enough freggies, too?

Creamy Garlic Nooch Sauce for Zoodles or Noodles

The Captain is getting very skilled at selecting green Zucchini squashes at the market. Smaller ones for lunch… larger ones for dinner.  And he seems to find the straightest and freshest, too.  Straigher zukes make for curlier zoodles!

I wanted to have zoodles for lunch, and I was craving nooch. I love the salty, almost cheese-like taste of the nutritional yeast, and decided to use some fat free plain Greek yogurt with it to make my zoodle sauce.  A bit of garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and we’re set!

If you can make this up and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, refrigerated, to allow the garlic to work its magic, so much the better.  If you made it in the morning and took it to work, by lunchtime it would be incredible!  Better make sure to take your toothbrush along, too.

I used fat free Greek yogurt because I wanted to spend my fat calories on olives, and I prefer Greek style yogurt because of its higher protein content, and thick consistency.  You can use regular plain yogurt if you like but the N.I. won’t be the same, of course.

Creamy Garlic Nooch Sauce

Makes 1 serving

• 1/2 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled, smashed and minced
• splash of lemon juice, about 1/2 Tbs

1. Mix everything together and toss with zoodles or noodles before serving.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 3.
Calories 121; Protein 18g; Carbohydrate 11g; Fat 1g; Fibre 4g.

Printable Recipe

Do you use nutritional yeast too?  What is your favorite way to have it?  I am always looking for new ways to enjoy it.

National Sweet Potato Month... My 10 Most Popular Sweet Potato Recipes

Did you know that February is National Sweet Potato Month?

I am so happy about that because they are one of my very favorite foods.  I have featured many Sweet Potato recipes here over the last few years.

Here are the 10 most popular:

Spicy Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl Scramble

Sweet Potato and Flax Egg Cake

Kidney Bean, Barley, and Sweet Potato Stew

Sweet Potato Muffins

Guilt-Free Chips

Beanless Paleo Beef Chili

Curried Coconut Sweet Potato Soup

Eggs with Sweet Potato Hash

Carrot Soup with Sweet Potato and Red Pepper

and as a bonus... don't forget about the Baked Sweet Potato Curly 'Fries' with Chicken recipe I posted a few days ago... got great reviews!  Check it out if you haven't yet...

Baked Curly Sweet Potato 'Fries' with Chicken

Are you a Sweet Potato fan?  What is your favorite way to eat them?