AIP Apple Parsnip Breakfast Hash

When I was a little kid, my brother and I would dip our pizza in applesauce. True story. I no longer eat pizza, but if I did I am certain that I would still smother it in that sweet goodness. I’ve always been a sucker for sweet’n’salty combos, and when I started putting applesauce on my breakfast sausage I was completely in love and it brought back all the memories of my childhood. Yes, I know applesauce on breakfast sausage sounds kind of gross, but oh my goodness you have got to try it!!! Since I know that it doesn’t sound super appetizing and it’s too simple to make a recipe for, I started thinking of things that would have the same flavor just a little more…gourmet. And thus this recipe was created. I made it with my AIP peeps in mind, so I made it egg free and potato free! You really can make a hash with just about anything (even though the ingredients are technically supposed to be meat and potatoes, I like to break rules). Another great combo would be to replace the parsnips with brussels sprouts! Or use bacon, leeks, and apples!!! Oh my, this all sounds way too good.

I’m also sugar detoxing/whole30-ing right now, so this is totes compliant. :) Who else is kick-starting their year with a “diet plan” as such? I know it’s so cliché, but after the holidays I was in serious need of something to get back on track, so I decided to do a mixture of 21DSD and whole30! After my first week I read Stacy’s (from Paleo Parents) post on how paleo challenges can sometimes justify disordered eating. I found it so unbelievably relatable, and it really made me happy that I’m not alone. (If you’ve been struggling with getting back on track, cravings, binging, etc. check it out, it’s so wonderful! :) The post reminded me that my paleo journey isn’t just about weight loss, it’s about living an all around healthier life. There are things more important than being skinny, and it’s A-OK to have a treat once in a while. But there should be an emphasis on the once in a while. It’s so important to seek food that is nutrient-dense and satiating, and I’m working each day to focus on this. I also need to work on my snacking habits and portion sizes. But I have faith that all of this will come with time. So while I am going to finish this whole30/21DSD, I’m going to stop trying to be perfect and start trying to be a better me each and every day. I will slip up sometimes, but I don’t need to beat myself up over it. I won’t always kill my workout, but it’s better than sitting on the couch. Every day is a new opportunity, a fresh start, and this year I’m striving to take advantage of that and live every day like it’s my last. This year I’m striving to follow my keys to leading a healthy life, and be the healthiest, happiest me yet. I hope you do the same. :)

AIP Apple Parsnip Breakfast Hash

serves: 4         prep time: 10 minutes       cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage (I used my breakfast sausage recipe; links, ground, or cubed patties will all work)
• 2 green apples, cubed
• 3 parsnips, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• ghee, coconut oil, butter, or lard for cooking

Procedure:

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat.
2. Once heated, add the cooking fat and let it melt. Add the sausage and cook.
3. Remove the sausage from the pan.
4. Dump the cubed apples and parsnips into the pan and toss them with the leftover fat from the sausage.
5. Sprinkle the apples and parsnips with cinnamon and stir.
6. Once the apples and parsnips are both tender, add the sausage back in and combine.
7. Top with an egg or enjoy by itself!