Quick Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

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Quick Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

1- 8oz. Can of Pieces and Stems Mushrooms ( blended slightly in food processor)

3 Tablespoons Salted butter ( or butter substitute)

1 Cup of Water or Milk ( I use water)

2 Tablespoons Corn Starch

1 Teaspoon Salt

Pour Mushroom pieces with liquid into medium sauce pan, turn heat on medium high and add butter. In small bowl mix water (or milk) with corn starch and whisk together until dissolved, and add to sauce pan along with salt. Stir and let mixture come to a bowl and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool. Use in casseroles, or eat as soup with crackers.

Variations: Add ¼ teaspoon black pepper or garlic for a little kick.

To make a larger batch to freeze for later, just double or triple the recipe.

Gluten Free Layered Salad

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Glute Free Layered Salad

1/2  of a Large Head of Lettuce (washed and chopped)

1 Large Bell Pepper (washed deseeded and chopped)

1 Small Purple Onion (peeled and finely chopped) In the summer, I like to use Green Garden Onions

1 – 12oz. bag of Frozen Green Peas ( I do like to rinse and drain in cool water just before adding to salad)

Optional 1 peeled and chopped Avocado

1 1/2 Cups Freshly grated Cheddar Cheese ( make sure it is additive free)

5-6 slices of cooked and drained Gluten Free Bacon (chopped, or finely crumbled)

Dressing: 1 1/2 Cups Gluten Free Mayonnaise ( I use Hellmann’s Original)

1 1/2 Tablespoons of Sugar (if you prefer to use Stevia, just use the same amount)

In medium bowl whisk together sugar and mayo. Set aside until ready to use. Or make ahead and refrigerate.

In 9×13 pan layer, chopped salad, bell pepper, onions, frozen peas, and avocado.

Top with dressing, spreading over the top of the vegetables until all covered.  Then top with grated cheese, then crumbled bacon. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Do ahead tips: Fry bacon several days ahead drain and crumble. Store in the fridge in sealed container.

Chop all the other veggies except lettuce and avocado, and store in fridge.    (Keep peas frozen until ready to use)

Mix dressing several days ahead and store in fridge.

 

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole

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Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole

1 Stick of salted Butter (softened)

3/4 Cup Pure Organic Agave Nectar

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)

1/3 Cup Egg Whites (or 2 whole eggs)

3 ½ Cups Cooked (or canned, & drained)  Sweet Potatoes ( if you use canned, it is 1- 29oz. can additive free sweet potatoes or yams) (for fresh sweet potatoes, it will take about 2, 8-9 inch large peeled and boiled sweet potatoes)

In large mixing bowl, add softened butter, agave nectar, brown sugar and egg whites. Using electric mixer, beat until blended. Add sweet potatoes and mix until potatoes are blended well with butter mixture and look like mashed potatoes.

Preheat oven to 350* Pour potato mixture into a greased 9 inch square baking dish, smooth out the top, and make the topping.

Pecan Topping:

1/2 Stick of butter (1/4 cup)

1/4 Cup Pure Honey

1  1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)

1/4 Cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

2 Cups Chopped Pecans

In medium bowl melt butter, and add honey, brown sugar and flour. Whisk together until flour is completely dissolved. Add Pecans and fold into butter honey mixture.  When well mixed spoon pecan topping onto sweet potatoes and bake for 30 – 35 minutes. Let casserole cool and serve. Enjoy!

To make this dairy free, just switch out the butter for Earth balance or another GF butter substitute.

Do ahead tip:

If you prefer fresh sweet potatoes, you can peel and cut them up into large chunks and put them in the crock pot, cover with water and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until soft. Drain and refrigerate until needed.

 

Gluten Free Corn Bread

IMG_1473The Stuffing or Dressing recipe I use calls for 2 pans of corn bread, which equals about 12 cups of crumbled corn bread. I try to make my corn bread early, measure it out and put it into bags and freeze it. That way when it’s time to make my dressing for Thanksgiving, all I have to do is add it to the recipe.

Below is the recipe I use for the flour mix, and my Gluten Free Corn Bread. I hope this helps you getting prepared for your Gluten Free Thanksgiving.

Gluten Free Corn Meal Mix

1–24 oz. bag of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Stone Ground Whole Grain Corn Meal

2- 24 oz. bag of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Corn Flour

Mix well with whisk, in a large mixing bowl, and pour in air tight container. Be sure and label container.

The reason I like to use the mix of corn flour and cornmeal, is because the GF corn meal is coarser than regular cornmeal. So when you add the corn flour it just evens it out. If you like the grit of the corn, then just use the cornmeal. ( I have a thing about texture. I don’t even like regular pears because of the grit!)

If you like the finer grind of the Corn Flour, just use the Corn Flour alone instead of adding the Whole Grain Corn Meal

Gluten Free Corn Bread

2 Cups GF Corn Meal/Corn Flour Mix (2 bags Bobs Red Mill Corn Flour, 1 bag Bobs Red Mill Corn Meal)

½ Teaspoon Salt

2 Teaspoon GF Baking Powder

½ Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Tablespoon Sugar

¾ Stick of softened Salted Butter (6 Tablespoons or 3/8 cup of oil)

1 Cup Water or Milk

2 Eggs Beaten

In large mixing bowl whisk together dry ingredients, then add butter, water and eggs. Mix well and pour into a greased, 9 – 10 inch skillet, or baking dish. Bake at 350* for 25 – 30 minutes, or until set and browned around the edges. Cool and serve, or freeze in freezer bags for Turkey and dressing.

Gluten Free Stuffing or Dressing

IMG_1480 IMG_1473 IMG_1516 Gluten Free Stuffing or Dressing               To begin my stuffing I like to start preparing now. So first I make my croutons. Then I make my cornbread. That way I only need to assemble the stuffing on Thanksgiving.

Gluten Free Croutons

Preheat oven to 400*

Gluten Free bread

1 Teaspoon additive free garlic powder

1 Teaspoon salt

Per 2 ½  Cups cubed bread

I use leftover Gluten Free bread if I can, and I like to save the ends for croutons also. But if you need several cups at a time, one 9×4 inch loaf will make about 4- 5 cups of baked croutons. To cut each slice into small crouton size squares, I usually stack the slices of bread, then cut so it goes faster. And spread the little squares on a cookie sheet, or baking pan one layer thick.  Sprinkle on garlic powder and salt, and bake. About 20 – 25 minutes or until crisp. Make sure to check them at about 15 minutes, they will need to be stirred. When done, let them cool, and store in an air tight container in the freezer until needed.  To use in a salad, take out what you need and microwave about ten seconds. Or save them for stuffing.

My dressing (or stuffing) recipe calls for 4 cups of croutons. My baking pans will hold 2 ½ cups of cubed bread at a time, which equals (after shrinkage) 2 cups of croutons. So after baked and cooled the 2 ½ cups will shrink to about 2 cups.

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Stuffing (or Dressing)

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing

2 Sticks of Salted Butter

2 Medium Onions Chopped (about 4 cups)

2 Cloves of Garlic Crushed

2 Tablespoons Additive Free Dried Celery Flacks

2- 14 oz. Cans of 100% Chicken Broth (Swanson’s)

1 ½ Teaspoons Salt

1 Teaspoon Pure Ground Black Pepper

1 Container of Frozen GF Cream of Chicken Soup (See Recipe in previous post)

¼ Cup Pure Additive Free Ground Sage

2- 10 inch Pans of Baked GF Corn Bread (See recipe in previous post) (this should make about 12 cups when crumbled)

4 Cups Gluten Free Croutons ( See recipe in previous post)

2 Eggs beaten.

1 Cup of Turkey Drippings (if you like your dressing Really moist you can add another ¼ to ½ cup)

In large sauce pan melt butter, and add onions, garlic, and celery, sauté until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, GF chicken soup and sage, until soup melts do not boil. In large mixing bowl, crumble cornbread and add croutons. Pour onion and broth mixture over bread, (make sure broth & drippings is not too hot to cook eggs) add beaten eggs and turkey drippings. Mix well and add to turkey roasting pan. (as per directions above) Or if you would rather not stuff the turkey with dressing, you can always bake the dressing independently, at 325* for 40 – 45 minutes. This will fill 2,  greased 9×13 pans, and will feed a large gathering for the holidays.

When I make dressing for us during the year, not on any holiday. I half the recipe and buy a small 1 – 1 ½ pound turkey breast, thaw it, wash it well and slice it into about ½ inch x 2 inch shreds and add it to the onion and chicken broth mixture to cook. Only when you add the frozen GF cream of chicken soup, go ahead and add the whole container. Then you must let the mixture come to a boil to help cook the turkey pieces. Let this cool before adding to bread and both beaten eggs. Bake as above in one greased 9x 13 pan.

Typs of Gluten Free Flours and Nutritional Values

GFLourNutritionGluten Free Flours and Nutrition                              I’ve had several questions lately about the nutritional values of Gluten Free flours. So here are few of the ones I’ve used. Please take note that not all of the serving sizes are the same from one type to another. So it can be misleading.

Rice flour blends are usually a blend of Rice, Potato starch, and Tapioca. Some of the Rice flours, such as Pillsbury add Pea fiber, and unflavored gelatin, or pectin. None of the blends are in the same amounts. That is why they do not bake up the same.

Bean Flour blends usually have a blend of Garbanzo beans and Fava beans with other starches added, such as potato or tapioca. Or they may also add Sorghum flour.

The Coconut and Almond flours are usually not blends. I add those flours to cut down on the carbs. I hope this helps answer some of your questions.

Gluten Free Preservative Free Cream of Chicken Soup

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Gluten Free Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup

Glutnen Free Honey Sweet Rolls

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Honey Sweet Rolls

Gluten Free Flour Mix:  My favorite flour mix, 1 – 1pound box of Betty Crocker GF Rice Flour and 3 Cups of Tom Sawyer GF Flour, whisk together and store in airtight container. Using this mix there is no need to add xanthan gum.

Ingredients for rolls:

3 ½  Cups Gluten Free Tom Sawyer/Betty Crocker GF Flour Mix (see GF flour mix above) (Or Better Batter)

Note: If you use another flour that does not have xanthan gum, then you must add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum.

½ Teaspoon Salt

½  Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Heaping Tablespoon Gluten Free Baking Powder

1 Cup Pure Egg Whites

½ Cup Gluten Free Canola Oil

1/2 Cup Pure Butter Milk

½ Cup Pure Honey

In large mixing bowl whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Then add egg whites, oil, butter milk, and honey. Gently fold liquids and flour together until all dry ingredients are wet. Don’t over mix! Cover mixing bowl and store in refrigerator at least 2 hours. ( I like to mix this the day before and let it set overnight, also dough is much easier to work with when cool.)

When you are ready to bake rolls, remove from fridge and prepare yeast mixture below.

Yeast Mixture:

¾  Cup White Granulated Sugar

½ Cup Scalded Milk (in microwave about 1 minute)

¼  Cup Cold tap water

2 Heaping Tablespoons Dry Active Yeast

In medium glass mixing bowl, add sugar, scalded milk, & water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Temperature should not be over 110 degrees. (It will kill the yeast) Add yeast and mix with plastic whisk. Set aside and let it foam about 15 minutes. I like to set it near the stove to keep it warm.

Preheat oven to 325* Add a 9×13 inch baking pan filled half way with water, to bottom rack of oven. This will keep rolls moist while baking.

When yeast is ready, add dough and yeast mixture to food processor or mixer. Blend on highest setting until well mixed. Do not over mix, it will make rolls rubbery. I usually blend no more than 30 to 40 seconds or until all lumps are gone and dough is smooth.

Pour dough onto wax paper that has been lightly greased and floured (with GF flour). Lightly sprinkle more flour on top of dough, just enough to roll out. Roll out dough to about 1 inch thickness. Using a 2 ½ in round cookie cutter, cut rolls and place in a lightly greased nonstick pan. Or if you are using a glass baking pan you must lightly grease and flour the pan or the rolls will stick. I can get 18 rolls into a 9×13 inch pan. This will make 24 – 25 rolls depending on how big you make them. I use a smaller pan for the rest of the rolls. Try not to handle the dough any more than you have to. The more it is worked the tougher it makes the rolls. If you would rather make popover style rolls, then just use an ice cream scoop and place 1 scoop of dough into a regular greased nonstick cupcake or muffin pan.

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Melt ½ stick of salted butter and generously brush top of rolls. Let rolls rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes.  Place in top rack of oven, above water,  when rolls have risen and bake for 20 minutes then remove pan of water from oven and let rolls finish baking for another 5 to 10 minutes or until completely brown and done in the center. Insert a wooden toothpick in the center roll, if it comes back clean, then they are done.

Remove from oven and butter again while warm. Lightly cover rolls with foil that you have pierced with a fork, ( so rolls do not sweat) until you are ready to serve. These freeze very well. To thaw and serve, remove from freezer bag and pop them into the microwave for 25-30 seconds per roll, longer for multiple rolls.

Jan’s Gluten Free Catalina Dressing

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This week I’m working on my Gluten Free Salad Dressings. If I get them ready a few days early it helps the flavor. Plus I don’t have to worry about mixing them up on Thanksgiving. The dressings will be ready and no last minute decision to use a bottled dressing.

This recipe only makes a pint, but I will have to double it for the Holidays.

Jan’s GF Catalina Dressing

This dressing just literally bursts with FLAVOR!

½ Cup White Vinegar

3/8 Cup GF Thick Tomato Sauce

1 Cup Canola Oil

½ Cup White Granulated Sugar

2 Teaspoons Salt

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Paprika

½ Teaspoon Original Williams Chili Seasoning

1 Teaspoon Additive Celery Flakes

½ Teaspoon Additive Free Dry Mustard

1 ½ Tablespoons Additive Free Onion Powder ( I have used Chopped Fresh sweet Onions, only double the amount, 3 Tablespoons)

I like to use my smoothie maker or juicer attachment on my blender to make this, it grinds up the spices really fine. Or you can use the blender. Pour all liquid ingredients in first, then add dry ingredients and blend until all dissolved. Pour into pint jar, or air tight container, put lid on, and store in refrigerator. Shake before each use. Enjoy!

Gluten Free Preservative Free Chili

IMG_20180210_190721IMG_1385It’s getting cooler here in Oklahoma, so we have to have our Chili. Hope you enjoy this recipe!

1 or 2 Small Jalapenos Chopped

1 Small Clove Garlic Diced

1 Small Onion Chopped

2 Pounds Lean Ground Beef ( Make sure it is free of fillers, & is 100% real beef)

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Seasoning Salt

½ Teaspoon Salt

2 -2 oz. Packages Original Additive Free Williams Chili Seasoning

48 oz. or 6 Cups 100% Additive Free Diced or Chopped canned Tomatoes

Brown ground beef in skillet and add chopped jalapenos, garlic and onion at the same time. When meat is cooked down and starting to brown add the salt. Continue to stir and scrape the bottom of the skillet until all liquid is gone from meat and it is browned. Remove from heat and transfer to a large pot. Add the chili seasoning and stir, on low heat until well mixed. Then add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer, on low heat for 20 – 30 minutes and serve.

The top photo is a Frito Chili Pie. Just crush Fritos in the bottom of your bowl, add Chili, the grated Cheese and chopped onions if you prefer. Enjoy!!!

Garlic Basil Fettucine

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Garlic Basil Fettucine

8 oz. uncooked Gluten Free Fettucine Pasta (I used Sam Mills Corn Pasta)

1 cup Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves

4 Large Cloves Minced Garlic

1/2 Cup Light Olive Oil (or melted Butter)

Optional 1/2 Cup Chopped Gluten Free Ham or cooked chopped Bacon

1 1/2 Cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions less 1 minute and I also add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the boiling water before adding pasta. When pasta is done drain and rinse in cool water and drain thoroughly.

In large skillet heat oil until hot then add garlic and basil leaves. Stir and continue to sauté for 2 – 3 minutes on medium high heat or until leaves start to turn a dark green. If you are going to use ham or bacon turn down heat and stir in meat. Then add cooked pasta and 1 cup of cheese. Turn off heat and stir and toss pasta in oil and herbs until completely coated and cheese starts to melt. Serve warm and top with remaining cheese.

Gluten Free Cake Pop Eyeballs

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Gluten Free Cake Pop Eyeballs

1/2 Cup Plain GF Greek Yogurt ( or 4oz. cream cheese)

1 Cup Sugar

3 eggs

1 Cup Tom Sawyer Gluten Free/Betty Crocker GF Flour Mix ( ½ & ½ mix)

1 Teaspoon Gluten Free (Clabber Girl) Baking powder

1 Teaspoon pure Vanilla

Cream yogurt, sugar & eggs. Add remaining ingredients & mix well on high speed until blended. Let dough set in fridge for about 30 min.  When ready to bake preheat oven to 350*F. Butter both sides of non-stick cake pop pan and fill bottom half of pan with batter. (without the holes). Place top on, and lock together. Place in oven and bake for 9 minutes, then turn pan over and bake another 9 minutes. (18 minutes total). Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before removing top.  If batter comes through holes in the top be sure and remove those little bits before cooling. After 5 minutes remove from pan and lay them out to cool on cooling rack ( It may be necessary to trim the seam side of pops) When cool dip in melted GF almond bark and decorate.IMG_20151019_152458~2 (1)

Or use the Simi Royal Icing recipe below. You must cover cake pops with a crumb coating ( thin glaze icing) then let set before covering with royal icing.

Simi Royal Icing

6 ½ – 7 cups Powdered Sugar (or icing sugar)

1/4 Cup Pure Light Corn Syrup

1/4 Cup Milk ( plus 1-2 Tablespoons if needed)

In food processor add 6 ½ Cups powdered sugar then add remaining ingredients. Blend well until all ingredients are smooth and forming a stiff dough. If dough is too wet then add the other ½ cup of powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is stiff.   If dough is too stiff add 1 Tablespoon milk.

I would not advise adding water. It makes the icing too sticky.

Remove Icing from processor and place on wax or parchment paper covered with powdered sugar roll out icing to about 1/8 inch thick and cut a 3 inch square from icing to wrap around each cake pop. Trim bottom of eyeball and finish decorating with piping any color you prefer.

 

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Stuffing (or Dressing)

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Stuffing (or Dressing)

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Gluten Free Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing

2 Sticks of Salted Butter

2 Medium Onions Chopped (about 4 cups)

2 Cloves of Garlic Crushed

2 Tablespoons Additive Free Dried Celery Flacks

2- 14 oz. Cans of 100% Chicken Broth (Swanson’s)

1 ½ Teaspoons Salt

1 Teaspoon Pure Ground Black Pepper

1 Container of Frozen GF Cream of Chicken Soup (See Recipe in previous post)

¼ Cup Pure Additive Free Ground Sage

2- 10 inch Pans of Baked GF Corn Bread (See recipe in previous post) (this should make about 12 cups when crumbled)

4 Cups Gluten Free Croutons ( See recipe in previous post)

2 Eggs beaten.

1 Cup of Turkey Drippings (if you like your dressing Really moist you can add another ¼ to ½ cup)

In large sauce pan melt butter, and add onions, garlic, and celery, sauté until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, GF chicken soup and sage, until soup melts do not boil. In large mixing bowl, crumble cornbread and add croutons. Pour onion and broth mixture over bread, (make sure broth & drippings is not too hot to cook eggs) add beaten eggs and turkey drippings. Mix well and add to turkey roasting pan. (as per directions above) Or if you would rather not stuff the turkey with dressing, you can always bake the dressing independently, at 325* for 40 – 45 minutes. This will fill 2,  greased 9×13 pans, and will feed a large gathering for the holidays.

When I make dressing for us during the year, not on any holiday. I half the recipe and buy a small 1 – 1 ½ pound turkey breast, thaw it, wash it well and slice it into about ½ inch x 2 inch shreds and add it to the onion and chicken broth mixture to cook. Only when you add the frozen GF cream of chicken soup, go ahead and add the whole container. Then you must let the mixture come to a boil to help cook the turkey pieces. Let this cool before adding to bread and both beaten eggs. Bake as above in one greased 9x 13 pan.

Ella’s Gluten Free Strawberry Cake

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Ella’s Strawberry Cake

Betty Crocker Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix

Replace the 2/3 Cup of water called for in the mix with 2/3 Cup Puréed Strawberries

Use only 1/2 Stick of melted Butter(or 1/4 Cup oil)

1/4 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt ( I use Fage)

Instead of 3 Eggs Use 4 Eggs (Beaten)

Omit the Vanilla called for on the box

Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and fold liquids into cake mix. Then mix on high for 30- 40 seconds or until all dry ingredients are mixed. Then let batter rest for about 20 minutes before baking to let the rice flour absorb the liquids.

Preheat oven to 325*

When ready to bake pour batter into a greased and floured square 9 inch or 9inch round. Bake for 35- 40 minutes or until cake is set in the center and a tooth pick inserted in center of cake comes back clean. Let cool and Ice with Butter Cream Frosting below. This makes a very rich dark red cake. Enjoy!

To make a 2 layer cake or 9×13 inch cake, you will need 2 Cake mixes and double the recipe above.

You may want to add fresh strawberries to decorate or add the pureed strawberries to the frosting. Whatever you prefer. ( Or drizzle the strawberry juice over the frosting then add fresh strawberries)

Basic Butter Cream Frosting

8 oz. Plain Philadelphia Cream Cheese

2 Sticks unsalted Butter Softened (or 1 Cup)

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla

4- 5 Cups Pure GF Powdered Sugar

In food processor blend all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate in sealed container until ready to use.

To make a Fruit Flavored Butter Cream Frosting.

Instead of 2 Sticks of butter, replace 1 Stick with 1/2 Cup pureed Fruit and omit the vanilla. Mix until frosting forms peeks. If it needs to be thicker just add a little more Powdered sugar, until the frosting is the consistency you prefer.

Basil Pesto (of course it’s Gluten Free)

IMG_20151001_184515I have so much Basil this year, I’ve been looking for any kind of recipe to use my Basil.

Basil Pesto

2 Cups Freshly Cut Basil Leaves ( washed, drained and packed into measuring cup)

1/2 Cup Hemp Seeds ( If you use seeds that are salted, omit the seasoning salt)

3 Large Cloves of Garlic

1 1/2 Cups Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Teaspoon additive free Seasoning Salt

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

Optional ( 1 jalapeño pepper)

Place all ingredients into food processor and blend until completely puréed . You may need to stop and push down the sides to get it all blended.

Serve with GF Fettuccini pasta or just eat with GF crackers. Enjoy!

Tomato Beef and Herb Pasta Skillet

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1 Pound Lean Ground Beef

3 Tablespoons minced Garlic

2 Tablespoons Freshly Chopped Basil

2 Tablespoons Freshly chopped Oregano

3 Cups Chopped Fresh Tomatoes

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

6 oz. of cooked Gluten Free Pasta ( I used ½ of a 12oz. package GF Fusilli rice and corn pasta)

5 oz. Block of Parmesan Cheese

In a 10-12 inch size skillet crumble ground beef. Add garlic and herbs. Brown meat on medium high heat, stirring as you let it brown. While meat is cooking grate the whole block of cheese.  When meat is nolonger pink add chopped tomatoes and salt. Stir and let tomatoes heat up about 5-6 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta and half of the cheese. Stir in cheese and pasta, turn heat off and top with remaining cheese and serve. Enjoy

How to cook Gluten Free Pasta:

Before I start cooking my meat, I start the water for the pasta and add 1 Tablespoon of butter or oil. When it comes to a boil I pour in my pasta and stir, so that it doesn’t stick together. Cook accourding to package directions, less one minute or the shorter of the2 times it gives.  The Heartland pasta I used calls for 12- 14 minutes, I cooked it 12 minutes. I start the timer when I add the pasta to the boiling water. When time is up remove pan from heat and drain water from pasta. I then Rinse the pasta in cold water and drain again. Let it set until ready to add to meat.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Gluten Free Pumpkin CupcakesPumpkin Spice Muffins

¼ Cup Butter ( ½ stick) or oil

¼ Cup water

¼ Cup Milk

1 – 15 oz. Can 100% Pumpkin with no additives ( I use Libby’s)

2 Cups Tom Sawyer GF Flour/ Betty Crocker GF Rice flour Mix ( ½ & ½ )

Heat butter, water, and milk ( microwave 1 minute 5 – 10 seconds) just before boiling. Add Pumpkin, hot water, milk and butter to food processor mix and add flour. Mix just so there are no lumps. Let set for 20 – 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.

2 Large Eggs

1 ½ Cups Sugar

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Nutmeg ( I like Morton Bassett)

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Cinnamon

½ Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Cloves

2 Teaspoons GF Baking Powder

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Preheat oven to 325*

In small bowl whisk sugar and all spices, making sure there are no lumps. Add eggs to GF flour and pumpkin mixture in food processor, blend then add sugar and spices. Mix well until all ingredients are blended. Do Not over mix. Using a triggered ice cream scoop (about ¼ cup) fill cups with one scoop of batter. Bake for 25- 30 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted into center cupcake, comes back clean. This will make 18 cupcakes. Ice with Sugar and Spice Cream cheese icing.

Sugar and Spice Cream Cheese Icing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 4 oz. Plain Preservative Free Cream Cheese ( ½ – 8 oz. package Philadelphia)

1 Stick softened Butter

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla

2 – 2 ½ Cups Pure GF Powdered Sugar

½ Teaspoon Additive Free Cinnamon

¼ Teaspoon Additive Free Nutmeg

¼ Teaspoon Additive Ground Cloves

In food processor blend all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tomatoes and Smoked Peppers

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Tomatoes and Smoked Peppers

I use my canned Tomatoes and Smoked Peppers as I would use Rotel. For casseroles, of for a quick stove top meal using hamburger and pasta. I can just pop open a jar and add a lot of flavor to any dish!

8 Cups Peeled and Diced Fresh Tomatoes (if you prefer you can chop them in the food processor)

2 Large Fresh Bell Peppers diced (about 2 Cups) (wash, deseeded and deveined)

3 Medium Jalapeños diced (about ½ Cup) (wash deseeded and deveined)

2 Large Smoked Chilies diced ( I used the mild Hatch Chilies)

2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice

1 1/2  Teaspoons Salt

In large stock pot add all of the chopped peppers, lemon juice and salt. On medium high heat cover and stir occasionally. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the green peppers start to turn a lighter color and are getting soft. Then add tomatoes and continue to stir. When tomatoes start to foam and boil, cook another 15 minutes. Turn heat off and fill sterilized jars within an inch of the top of the jar, and cover each jar with sterilized lids and rings. Process in a boiling water bath according to your canning directions for your altitude. Here in Oklahoma I process mine for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath so that the jars will seal and there is no spoilage.

I do not invert the jars after processing. This can cause leakage and your tomatoes to spoil.

Gluten Free Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops with Gravy

IMG_2281My herbs are doing great! They smell so good outside my kitchen door! I just had to come up with a recipe for my rosemary. I gave some to my sister the other day and she used hers in a pork roast. I decided to try it on pork chops, but you could also do this with chicken.

Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops with Gravy

Pork Chops:

4 medium size Pork Chops

1/2 Teaspoon Freshly chopped Rosemary

1/4 Teaspoon additive free Garlic Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1/8 Teaspoon Black ground pepper ( optional)

In medium size skillet, place washed pork chops in single layer. On medium high heat, cover and brown pork chops on one side for 2-3 minutes. Turn pork chops then season with herbs and spices.  Cover and cook another 3-4 minutes depending on how thick your chops are. Cut through thickest part of meat to insure chops are no longer pink and they are done. Turn off heat and remove chops to a platter in order to make gravy.

Gravy:

(Tip: Have all ingredients measured and ready to pour into gravy before you start, it cooks quickly)

2 Tablespoons Salted Butter

1 Tablespoon minced Garlic

1 Teaspoon freshly Chopped Rosemary

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

2 Tablespoons all- purpose Gluten Free Flour

1 1/2 Cups Milk

Add butter to meat drippings, and melt on medium high heat. Add garlic, rosemary and salt. Using whisk, stir for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes, or until butter and garlic starts to brown. Reduce heat to low and whisk in flour and stir until all lumps are dissolved, this only takes 3-4 quick stirs. Pour in milk and raise heat back to medium high, continuing to stir with whisk until gravy thickens. Remove from heat, pour over pork chops and serve warm. Enjoy!

Gluten Free Squash Fritters

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Gluten Free Squash Fritters

2 1/2  Cups Shredded Squash (zucchini, yellow, or any squash you prefer)

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

2 Eggs beaten

1/4 Cup Water (or milk)

!/2 Cup Chopped Onion (optional)

1 1/2 Cups GF Corn Bread Mix ( I used Bob’s Red Mill)

1/2 Cup GF Oil ( or enough oil to pan fry)

In medium size mixing bowl mix shredded squash and salt. Let set while you beat eggs and water together and cut up the onion. ( The salt will help bring out the moister in the squash) Then add eggs, water, onion and corn meal. Stir until corn bread mix is wet and well incorporated.  Pour oil into 10 inch skillet and heat on high. When oil is hot drop squash batter by spoonful’s into oil and fry fritters 3- 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Serve while warm and crispy!

Variations: Add chopped jalapenos’ or minced garlic.

Change out the squash for fresh cut or frozen corn (drained) to make corn fritters.

Gluten Free Soft Pumpkin Cookies

IMG_2276Gluten Free Soft Pumpkin Cookies
1 ¾ Cup Jan’s GF Pie Crust Mix ( see recipe Below)
2 Teaspoons GF Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Additive Free Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Cloves
1 3/4 Cups Dark Brown Sugar Packed
2 Eggs
1- 15oz. Can Pure Pumpkin Purée
Place pie crust flour mix, baking powder, baking soda, spices and brown sugar in mixer or food processor and mix or pulse until blended. Then add eggs, and pumpkin, blend until all incorporated and smooth. Place dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until dough is stiff. When ready to bake preheat oven to 350*F. Place dough onto lightly greased cookie sheet by a tablespoon each, and bake for 20 minutes or until cookies are puffy and browned around the edges. When done remove from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. These make are really soft cake like cookie. This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Jan’s Gluten Free Flour Mix for Pie Crust

I keep this made up, only in a larger amount, & in the freezer, it makes prep. time go so much faster.
(I have not tried other GF Flour with this mix, but I have heard that Better Batter works well too)
2 Cups Gluten Free Tom Sawyer Flour (or other all purpose GF Flour)
1 Cup Argo corn starch
1 Cup Gluten Free Betty Crocker rice flour blend
Mix well in large bowl & store in a gallon freezer bag. Be sure & label the bag. If you cook Gluten Free, like I do, labeling is important. Note: if you use Betty Crocker Rice flour alone, then you must add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum, per 2 cups .

Butternut Agave Bake

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1 Large Butternut Squash ( about 8-9 inches long)

2 Tablespoons G F Canola Oil

3 Tablespoons Butter

1 ½ Teaspoons Additive Free Seasoning Salt

½ Cup Pure Organic Agave Nectar ( I use the dark or amber color)

Peel butternut squash, slice open and scoop out seeds. Wash and slice into 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick slices about 2- 3 inches long. Pour oil into large skillet, on high heat. When oil is hot pour squash into skillet, one layer thick. Braise squash just until golden brown on both sides. About 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and drain onto paper towels. (Do ahead tip: I will do this a few days ahead of time and just store the squash in the fridge, in a sealed container, until I’m ready to bake and serve it.)

Preheat oven to 375* F.

Grease the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Lay squash evenly in baking pan and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Dot with rest of butter, and bake for 15 minutes to let salt and butter bake into squash. Remove from oven and drizzle agave nectar over squash and bake another 10 – 15 minutes or until squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and serve.

You can add 1 or 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar if you prefer.  I don’t because I like the subtle taste of the squash and agave. It is just to your taste, if you or your family like it sweeter, then add the brown sugar.

Variation: To serve for an everyday meal, pour enough oil into the skillet to fry squash until crisp, like french fries. Drain to paper towels. Salt and drizzle with agave nectar, or use nectar as a dip. You can also do this with sweet potatoes, for sweet potato fries.

Gluten Free Egg Bread

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Baked Egg Bread

I’ve seen several versions of this recipe some with flour, some without. So I tried my own version, (My husband loves eggs) Either way, this is just a fancy baked omelet. So if you like eggs, this is for you, just add seeds, or whatever you prefer. It’s an easy alternative to baked bread!

1/3 cup liquid pure egg whites 1/4 cup GF all- purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon GF baking powder 1 whole egg 1/4 cup GF Greek yogurt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

(optional, 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, Chia seeds, etc. Your preference)

In small bowl whisk together flour and baking powder. In mixing bowl whip egg whites with mixer until foamy, about 30-40 seconds. Continuing to mix add slowly sprinkle in flour and baking powder, whole egg, yogurt and baking soda. Mix just until there are on more lumps. If you add seeds fold them in now.

Preheat oven to 375* F.

Pour egg mixture into 2 greased 6-7inch cast iron or nonstick skillets or pans. Dividing evenly, bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp around the edges. When done remove from pans and let cool. Slice each in half and store in zip lock bag in fridge to reheat and eat later. Or fill with your favorites fold and serve. I filled mine with bacon tomato and avocado. Enjoy!

Gluten Free Dry Ranch Mix and Dressing

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Gluten Free Ranch Seasoning Mix

2/3 Cup GF Dry Buttermilk (Saco Cultured Dry Buttermilk)

2 Tablespoons Additive Free Dried Parsley Leaves

2 Teaspoons Additive Free Dried Dill Weed

1 Tablespoon Salt

½ Teaspoon Pure Black Pepper

4 Teaspoons Additive Free Onion Powder

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Garlic Powder

Process in food processor until dill and parsley are completely ground fine. Store in a labeled container, in the refrigerator or freezer.

GF Ranch Salad Dressing

4 Teaspoons Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (See Recipe above)

1 1/3 Cups Pure Butter Milk ( to make dressing thicker use half butter milk and half plain GF Greek yogurt )

1 Teaspoon White Vinegar

2 Teaspoons Sugar

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon GF Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

½ Teaspoon Kikkomans GF Soy Sauce

Place all ingredients in pint canning jar and whisk together. Put lid on jar and store in refrigerator.

Gluten Free Grilled Teriyaki Pork Burgers with Sauce

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Gluten Free Grilled Teriyaki Pork Burgers, with Sauce

1 Tablespoon GF Oil

1 Tablespoon minced Garlic ( I use a heaping Tablespoon, we like garlic)

2/3 Cup Water

1 Tablespoon Pure Dark Brown Sugar

1 – 10oz. Bottle Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce

1 Pound Ground Pork

1 Tablespoon 100% pure Corn Starch

In medium size sauce pan add oil and garlic. Turn heat to medium high and stir garlic for about 60 seconds or until garlic sizzles and starts to brown. Turn heat off, and add water, teriyaki sauce and brown sugar. Whisk together and remove 1/3 Cup of sauce, be sure to get some of the garlic.

In medium size bowl add ground pork and make a well in the center of the uncooked meat. Pour the 1/3 cup of sauce into the well and blend together with your hands until well mixed.

Preheat Grill to 350* – 375* F.  Make Pork into 5- 6 small patties and place on hot grill.  Grill for about 8- 10 minutes per side. When you have finished sauce below, drizzle sauce over burgers after turning them the last 5 minutes of grilling time.

Sauce: If you have a burner on the side of your grill, finish the sauce while the burgers are grilling. Add corn starch to the teriyaki mixture and whisk until dissolved. Set sauce pan on medium heat and continue to whisk until sauce is bubbling and thick. Turn heat off and drizzle over burgers when you have turned them the last time.

Oh, I usually grill veggies when I cook the meat, so I like to save some of the sauce to drizzle over the veggies when I take them off the grill.  Enjoy!

Gluten Free Fresh Veggie Pizza with Cream Cheese Filling

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Gluten Free Veggie Pizza

Pizza Crust:

2 Cups Gluten Free Bisquick Mix

2 Eggs

2/3 Cup Milk

2/3 Cup GF Oil

Preheat oven to 325*F.

In medium size mixing bowl, whisk eggs and milk, add oil, and fold in Bisquick mix. Mix well and set dough in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The Bisquick is a little gritty, so I like to let it set to absorb the liquids as long as possible. When ready to bake, grease a 12 inch pizza stone or nonstick round baking pan. Pour dough onto pan and spread dough with your hands until completely covering pan and forming a raised crust around the edges. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let crust cool and cover with filling below.

Filling:

2 – 8oz. packages additive free cream cheese ( I use Philadelphia)

1 Heaping Tablespoon of Gluten Free Mayonnaise ( I use Hellmann’s)

1 Heaping Tablespoon Gluten Free Dry Ranch Mix( see recipe in Vegetables and Dressings)

1 Large head of Broccoli chopped (just florets do not use large stalks)

1 Sweet Red Bell Pepper, washed, seeded and cubed into small pieces

1 Sweet Orange or yellow Bell Pepper, washed, seeded and cubed also

1 medium tomato cubed or about 1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes sliced in half

In food processor blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and dry ranch dressing mix, until smooth and creamy. Spread cheese mixture onto cooled crust, then cover with chopped vegetables. Slice into small pizza slices and serve. ( Note: add any vegetables you like, or you can even add chopped avocado, or if you want to turn this into a meat pizza, then add some chopped GF ham. )

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