Behold the power of the lettuce wrap

When we first started this journey a few months ago, I missed sandwiches the most.  Slapping meat and veggies between two slices of whole wheat bread is simplicity itself, and was either the basis or the totality of many lunches of mine.  A sandwich and some mac and cheese?  Mmmm, I thought that was great.  Now, not so much.  But, back to topic.

Of all the things I shifted away from in this life change, the ease of a sandwich, and sandwich fillings have been heartily missed by me.

I had been making Melissa D'arabian's turkey lettuce wraps for the longest time, but it never occurred to me to make lettuce wraps a regular thing in our house.
( http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/turkey-lettuce-wraps-recipe/index.html  )

 1 lb ground turkey                                                                   $1.69
molasses                                                                                  $  .10
can of sliced water chestnuts (diced)                                         $  .89
White Mushrooms                                                                    $1.49
2 cloves garlic - pressed                                                           $  .10
rice wine vinegar                                                                       $  .10
1 head ice burg lettuce                                                              $1.59
2 carrots - grated                                                                      $  .50
Spinach leaves                                                                           $  .25
Bell pepper - sliced                                                                    $  .79
                                                                         Total            = $ 7.50                  

Lettuce wraps as a regular thing had never occurred to me that is, until the other day; when I made just a touch too much egg salad, and a container that would have made three sandwiches was in the refrigerator.

This was the day after I made some turkey lettuce wraps, and I had some lettuce leaves left over.  I slapped the egg salad into the lettuce cups, and voila! A paleo friendly luncheon in about a minute and a half...

2 eggs @ 14 cents each                                                   $  .28
mayo                                                                               $  .05
mustard                                                                           $  .05
Worscheshire sauce, garlic & onion powder, s&p            $  .10
Lettuce (cost already tallied above)                                  $ zero
                                                                   Total =        $  .48 



I have also put some of our chicken salad into lettuce cups for luncheon since then, and paired them with some tomato soup.  The crunch of the lettuce gives added texture to the meal.  I like it, and I am sure you will too.  Plus, it is inexpensive!

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