Eating Paleo on Vacation

We've been on vacation the last couple weeks, and I'm not going to lie, it was rough coming back to the real world.  We ventured to Nicaragua for a little surf trip, and while one of the staples is 'Gallo Pinto' (white rice and black beans) for most meals, there were plenty of paleo options.  

Walking back to our hostel* from checking the surf at Santana one afternoon we watched some locals try and get their panga up on the beach - the boys helped them out and we ended up buying a whole tuna off them for $5.  We were tempted to get that dorado you see in the cooler, but we didn't think we could eat it all.  After picking a few limes off a nearby tree and getting some salt we had an epic sashimi lunch! 

If you're in the market for a trip to Central America, please do yourself a favor and stay at Buena Onda - even the non surfers will love it!  http://www.buenaondaresort.com/ 

BBQ Sauce

I love grilling things on the BBQ, but I don't really like BBQ sauce.  It always seems overly sweet* & sticky... just overly sauce-y.  I always prefer to taste the protein I'm eating (unless it's chicken feet - then bring on the sauce!) rather than drench it in something else.  Sauces should highlight your dish, not hide it. 

This recipe is from Mark's Daily Apple and it is good.  I made a few modifications, but stuck pretty true to the original.  This will make enough to split in half, with about 1 cup to marinate and just under a cup for extra dipping.  

Primal BBQ Sauce

1 6oz can tomato paste

4 tbs melted butter

1 tbs hot sauce (use your favorite)

3 tbs honey

4 tbs apple cider vinegar

1 tbs Tamari

1 tsp dijon mustard

2-3 tbs water

1 tbs minced garlic

1 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

Whisk wet ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined.  Add in dry ingredients and whisk/stir until everything is incorporated.    This was enough to marinate 8 large chicken thighs, plus about 1/2 cup leftover for extra dipping. 

*The reason it seems sweet is probably because it is... take a look at the sugar content in that bottle in your fridge.  I'd rather eat some chocolate!