So I’ve been doing this grain-free thing for a while now. And with the exception of a few slip ups, it’s been a pretty good experience, albeit a bit strict. And while eating grain free automatically ups your healthy fat intake, I’m finding that I haven’t gained any weight either. So I’m not arguing!
In fact, my cholesterol used to be high on the LDL (bad) and very low on the HDL (good). But since I’ve gone grain/dairy/legume free, those numbers have completely flipped! I have a huge supply of healthy cholesterol and the bad type is down considerably low. Can’t argue with that!
So while I may not continue with being as strict with following a Paleo plan, I can see myself enjoying recipes like the one here for many years to come without guilt and without worry.
Is going grain-free something everyone should do? No. In fact, while I understand the science behind going grain-free, I still stand firm in the fact that every person is different and every person’s body will need something slightly different. So it’s important to figure out what works for your own body and stick with that.
TRIP UPDATE:
The hardest part about being in Ireland is learning to drive on the opposite side of the road and the opposite side of the car.
Thankfully, I haven’t had to do it myself, but my mom… God bless her. Thousands of years haven’t destroyed some of the walls built by the Vikings that run along the road here in Ireland, but my mother might just get it done.
I’ve been hanging on to the “oh s#!$ bar” for dear life (thank goodness the car has one!). In fact, the number of near misses we’ve had just in the first three days has been nothing short of a world record. How I’m still alive is beyond me. My mother seems to think it’s perfectly acceptable to ride with only her side of the car in the driving lane. The other half… well, that just scraps along the curbs, the walls, the lovely green grasses…. I’m just waiting to lose the side view mirror. It’s only a matter of time.
But life threatening driving skills aside, there were some beautiful sights between Avoca and Cobh. Here are a few…
Then there are always the endless number of sheep. This particular cutie scared the pants off Mini Chef and I when we walked past his trailer at the gas station. Apparently our presence there was not appreciated. We walked by and the beast grunted at us. Scared us half to death. In turn, our reaction set off the entire trailer of sheep into fits of baa’s and the scattering sounds of paws trying to back away from us as best they could in their confined quarters. Mini Chef and I had a good giggle over that one.
And then there was Cobh…
More on Cobh in my next post…
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE CLEAN EATING RECIPES:
Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.
This delicious Clean Eating Grain Free Chocolate Pie Crust Recipe is perfect for those avoiding grains.
- 12 oz. cashews
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
Blend in a food processor for approximately 3-5 minutes, then press into a pie tin.
You can freeze it like this to fill later, or fill and bake immediately. If freezing, be sure to freeze in the pie pan inside of a large ziplock bag or air-tight container.
NOTE: Not recommended as a top crust.
This recipe from the Gracious Pantry archives, originally posted 5/8/13.
Cheri says
Ha ha…I had to laugh at your post. It reminded me of the time I went on a road trip with my parents and sister. It was easily one of the top 2 most horrific car rides I’ve ever been on. As a matter of fact, I almost made them drop me off at an airport half way home to fly the rest of the way home! I was in my early 30’s and swore I’d never do it again and you can bet your bippy I won’t! Good luck and be careful!!
The Gracious Pantry says
Cheri – Haha! Oh dear. Thankfully, she seems to be getting the hang of it. Me sitting in the driver’s seat yelling at her at every turn hasn’t helped her much. I find the more I calm down, the better her driving gets. Food for thought… lol
JoAnn says
This looks so good but we have one kid with of all things a cashew allergy. :/ I live the pictures of Ireland! It is beautiful. Your description of your mom’s driving is hilarious! You may have to take over driving just for the sake of the historic stone walls and your sanity. 😉
The Gracious Pantry says
JoAnn – Haha! I agree! Except I’m not allowed to drive because it would have been another $1K to add my name as a driver with the rental company. Otherwise, trust me. I’d be driving! 🙂 If cashews don’t work, maybe try pecans.
phyllis says
Thank you for sharing your Ireland experience with everyone. This country is on my “bucket list”. Enjoy.
The Gracious Pantry says
Phyllis – Thanks!
Kelli Ward says
Tiff — what would it taste like without the chocolate? Could I skip that?
The Gracious Pantry says
Kelli – Sure, you can skip it. It would just be a “nutty” crust. I’ve done it before, it’s good!
Amy says
Glad to hear you are having success with paleo so far. Of course you haven’t gained weight! Healthy fats don’t cause weight gain-starches and grains do! Fat is an important energy source.
The Gracious Pantry says
Amy – I agree! 🙂
Niki says
I have switched to a Paleo lifestyle (although I still include some dairy) the past couple of weeks and have loved every minute of it. I eat until I’m full and whenever I want throughout the day. I’ve lost 3 pounds and a couple of inches in my waist, but more importantly, my energy is going up. That was my main concern as well as the daily headaches I have that were caused from consuming wheat products. I haven’t had a headache since going Paleo, and I have completely gotten off of my muscle relaxer medicine the doctor prescribed to help relieve them.
I’m so glad I signed up for your newsletter and noticed this recipe. I love to bake and thought I wouldn’t be able to use your wonderful recipes anymore since going Paleo. Now I can! I hope to see more like this. 🙂
The Gracious Pantry says
Niki – I have many Paleo recipes here! Check my category section, you’ll see it there when you scroll down the the Special Diets section.
Cyndi says
Gracias Pantry,
Thank you for your recipes and do you have any other Paleo bread recipes or grain-less dishes? I miss grains. 🙁
Thanks!
The Gracious Pantry says
Cyndi – This is my grain-free section: https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/category/paleo-recipes/
Barbara Smith says
Thank you for this wonderful looking recipe.
I can’t seem to find the baking instructions for the crust.
Would you please direct me to them.
Thanks,
And Happy Mother’s Day!
The Gracious Pantry says
Barbara – They are above under “Recipe Notes”. Up in the content before the photos and recipe.
Jenny says
Could you use almonds for the crust and cream? I am not a cashew fan, but I love almonds and hazelnuts. Thank you for having such an awesome site with such great recipes! Have fun in Ireland. My husband and I loved it when we went.
The Gracious Pantry says
Jenny – I don’t recommend it. But truthfully, it’s hard to taste the cashews, so it may be worth a shot.
Laurie Kramer says
Hey Tiffany–wonderful recipe for this crust! Can’t wait to try it. Lovely photos. As for the driving, I just did that left side while in New Zealand last month! It’s weird and scary. Thankfully, the NZ drivers are calm and accepting of us tourists!!! Glad you’re having a restful time.
The Gracious Pantry says
Laurie – It does take some getting used to!
Andrea says
I made this for Mother’s Day and filled it with vanilla ice cream! chocolate sauce and whipped cream (not clean, but Mom’s faves) finished it off. So good, I would make this crust into bars and eat it on it’s own! I froze it after wards, to maintain the ice cream, and the crust is very had to cut, so pre-cut the slices… It was great, thanks so much.
The Gracious Pantry says
Andrea – Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Shanna says
Just wondering if the cashews should be raw or roasted? I have some roasted on hand, but my guess is for something I’m going to bake they should be raw. I’m also wondering what your thoughts would be on a mix between cashews and walnuts since they are cheaper and I have lots in the cupboard at the moment.
The Gracious Pantry says
Shanna – I used raw cashews. But if you do a mix of cashews and walnuts, it might actually be okay. Should be yummy!
Julie says
hi Tiffany, are you supposed to bake this crust?
The Gracious Pantry says
Julie – Nope! Not unless you want to for some reason, but you can eat it as is.
Katie says
Can I use date sugar instead of honey?.
The Gracious Pantry says
Katie – You could try it. But the honey helps hold everything together initially. Maybe try half and half?
mel says
Hi Tiffany – I read that I do not need to bake the crust but for better results … do i need to leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours or so before topping it with the cream and strawberries? Any other recommendations?
thanks! I’m thinking this would be the perfect 65th birthday cake for dad! 🙂
The Gracious Pantry says
Mel – The fridge might be a good idea just to firm things up, but it’s not critical before filling. I hope your dad enjoys it! 🙂
Karen says
How long do I bake the Crust? I do not see any info on that? Thanks
The Gracious Pantry says
Karen – I never baked it. I just used it raw.
Tiffany Smith says
Do you have any recipes for fillers for this crust? Preferably gf/df. Super excited to try this!
The Gracious Pantry says
Tiffany – Nothing custard based, although that probably wouldn’t be too hard to do. But I do have this recipe for fresh strawberry pie: https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-glazed-fresh-strawberry-pie/
The Gracious Pantry says
Tiffany – Oh! I forgot, I also made this tart with this crust: https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-grain-free-cashew-strawberry-torte/