I love the convenience of meatballs. They are super easy to make, and even easier to eat – which makes them perfect party food. So why not have a party all the time?

I have had a party of my own lately. This week has been so much fun (a major understatement), guest blogging for Whole30recipes on Instagram. The Whole30 program is an elimination diet for 30 days that removes things like gluten, grains, sweeteners, additives and processed foods from you diet. It is a great way to transition into Paleo, and even further into understanding the importance of eliminating inflammatory foods from your diet.

I have loved getting to share recipes that I’ve come up with, like this meal I am sharing here. But even more so, I have LOVED hearing from each of you.

I have gotten emails, personal messages, questions, kindness, support – it is super heartwarming to know that many of you are inspired by what I am doing. Really though, I teared up when I read some of the emails.  I want to share my struggles because I know you have them too. I want to show my success because everyone should know there is light at the end of their dark tunnel.

One person wrote and thanked me for being “such a great person” and “for genuinely caring about people.” As I read the email, my ego instantly floated and I feel so honored being the recipient of such compliments. But then it had me thinking, are great people who genuinely care about others hard to come by?

Being the optimist that I am, I think that’s false. There are tons of amazing people in this world who love being generous with their kindness. I do, however, think that with the newer ages of technology it has decreased our ability to feel connected to people when we’re actually in person. As if striking up a conversation with a stranger is intimidating because we can’t judge whether they’ll care to talk.

Being behind a screen can seem a little easier, not having to make eye-contact and all.

But let me just say this, vulnerability is vulnerability whether its crying in front of someone or crying while you type an email to someone,  or if you’re posting a Facebook status or a picture on Instagram. What you share, a little or a lot, opens you up to other people.

Having the chance to guest post for Whole30’s Instagram is admittedly intimidating. There are A LOT of people out there following this movement – but despite sharing recipes, getting great feedback on the food, and answering to people’s comments – this has been a vulnerable experience for me.

As you know from following my blog, and if you follow me on Instagram I tend to delve into my feelings. It’s just me. I am a sharing kind of gal and if I didn’t share what I am feeling it wouldn’t be my true self.

So it’s a risk I am taking, by sharing with a crap load of people. But my payoff? Your willingness to share your vulnerability with me. So please, email me, message me, comment, post – whatever, just be encouraged that connecting is worth the risk.

Get me here @wholelifefullsoul or @kariwlfs – or email kari@wholelifefullsoul.com

 

Now for those meatballs…

 

ORANGE TARRAGON LAMB MEATBALLS WITH CARROT MASH

Ingredients

1lb ground lamb

1 tablespoon fresh tarragon

1 zest of one orange

½ an orange juice

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon ground clove

–

7 whole medium carrots (peeled & chopped)

½ tablespoon thyme

¼ teaspoon sea salt

Zest of half an orange

Juice of half an orange

1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil (give or take)

 

Process

1. Put pot of water on the stove at high heat and add the chopped carrots. Cover and boil for 20 minutes until soft.

2. Preheat oven to 400

3. Grease baking sheet or cast iron skillet with coconut oil.

4.Combine ingredients in a bowl with your hands (you gotta get dirty with these).

5. Make into 10-12 equal size balls and place on the pan and into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (they will begin to brown on the outside).

6. While meatballs cook remove the carrots from the water once soft.

7. Place carrots into a blender along with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.

 

Serve together or take to a festive party for the holidays and use the carrot mash as a dip!

 

ENJOY

XO,

KARI