Author: Janet Monk

Green Onion Potato Cakes

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Green Onion Potato Cakes

1 peeled and mashed Avocado

3 small baked Potatoes (About 3 cups chopped with peeling on)

2 Eggs beaten

2-3 chopped Green Onions ( about 1 cup)

2 Tablespoons Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour

1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon MSG Free Seasoning Salt

Optional 1/2 Cup freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese

Preheat oven to 375*F.

In medium size mixing bowl Mix all ingredients. Then spoon onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 25- 30 minutes or until potato cakes are brown and crispy.

You can also fry these if you prefer.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies or Bars

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Gluten Free Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies or Bars

1 Cup GF Rolled Oats …
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
1 Cup GF Peanutbutter ( crunchy or smooth)
2 Eggs ( beaten)
Preheat oven to 350*F.
In medium size mixing bowl whisk together oats and brown sugar. Add Peanut Butter and beaten eggs, and cut into sugar, oat mixture ( I like to use a dough cutting tool.)
When well mixed, if you are making the bars spread Batter into a greased 9 inch baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until set in center. For cookies spoon onto greased baking sheet and bake for 15-16 minutes or until cookies are starting to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool.

Variations: Replace Oatmeal with cooked Quinoa.
You can also add a mashed Banana or other fruit.

Roasted Broccoli and Canadian Bacon

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Roasted Broccoli and Canadian Bacon

3 Large Heads of Broccoli

1/3 Cup Pure Olive

1 Teaspoon additive free Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon MSG free Seasoning Salt (I use Lawry’s)

4-5 slices of Gluten Free Canadian Bacon

Optional-1/2 Cup Freshly grated Asiago Cheese

Preheat oven to 400* F.

Wash and drain broccoli. Then cut broccoli florets into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Drizzle oil over broccoli, tossing to completely coat florets in oil. Spread broccoli out in pan so that it is only one layer deep.  Sprinkle garlic powder and seasoning salt evenly over florets. Using kitchen shears, cut Canadian bacon in ½ inch pieces over broccoli. Place pan in oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then turn broccoli and bacon so that it can brown on the other side. Bake another 10-15 minutes or until tips of florets are turning brown and stems are tender. Remove from oven top with cheese and serve. Enjoy!

Variations: Add chopped pistachios or pine nuts.

Replace the Asiago with Parmesan ( you can also add the cheese the last 5 minutes of baking time to brown the cheese.)

If you really like garlic, replace the garlic powder with sliced garlic and let it roast along with broccoli.

 

Bird Nest Cookies

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Gluten Free Bird Nest Cookies

1 Cup Gluten Free (additive free) Shredded Coconut

1/2 Cup Gluten Free Coconut Flour

1 Cup Gluten Free Peanut Butter

1 Large Egg (beaten)( if your eggs are small use 2)

1/2 Cup Pure Honey

Pre-heat oven to 350*

In medium size mixing bowl, whisk together coconut and coconut flour. Breaking up any lumps. Stir in peanut butter, egg, and honey until well mixed. Dip by spoonful’s onto greased cookie sheet. Letting the coconut shreds stick out of the sides. (They don’t need to be perfect.) Then wet the spoon and make an indention in each cookie to form the nest. Bake for 12- 13 minutes or until cookies are set and browned around the edges. Let cookies cool completely and add small Gluten Free candy eggs or M & M’s.

 

Easter Egg Cake Pops

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Gluten Free Easter Egg Cake Pops

April 1, 2015February 22, 2016 / Janet Monk / Edit

eggs

Easter Egg Cake Pops ( only without the stick)

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

1 Cup Sugar

3 eggs

1 Cup All-purpose Gluten free Flour  (I use Better Batter or 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 the seam side down. This causes them to have more of an egg shape.( It may be necessary to trim the seam side of pops) When cool dip in melted GF almond bark and decorate. This is a fun decorating project for the kids!

Please note: Butter is the only thing I’ve found that will keep the pops from sticking. Also, its important to use the yogurt or cream cheese in the batter. Even if you choose to use a cake mix, replace the butter called for with yogurt or cream cheese.

This will make 2 dozen cake pops.

Gluten Free Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

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Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

1 Cup All-purpose Gluten Free Flour (with xanthan gum already added)

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

1 Teaspoon GF Baking Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

3/4 Cup Milk (or Water) (Some Gluten Free Flours take more liquids than others, so you may have to increase this or use a little less)

1 Large Egg

1 or 2 Gluten Free Cooked Sausage Patties ( I make my own sausage) Cut the cooked sausage patties into ½ inch size squares.

Pre heat Oven to 350*

Whisk together dry ingredients in medium size mixing bowl.  In another small bowl or measuring cup whisk together milk (or water) and egg. Pour into flour mixture and mix until there are no lumps. ( Note: this will be much thicker than a normal pancake batter. If it is too thin the sausage will sink to the bottom.) Line a mini muffin pan with paper cup liners and dip a small amount of batter into the bottom. Then place a square of the cooked sausage on top of the batter. Then finish filling the cup with batter. The pancake batter will rise, so don’t over fill the muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve by dipping into your favorite syrup or jelly. I like mine dipped into agave nectar.

These freeze very well.

Gluten Free Red Velvet CupCakes

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Gluten Free Red Velvet Cupcakes

GF Red Velvet Cupcakes

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With Chocolate Chips

 

2 Cups Good Quality All-purpose Gluten Free Flour with a gum already added (I use Better Batter or Tom Sawyer GF/Betty Crocker GF)

1 Cup Sugar

2 Teaspoons GF Baking Powder ( I use Clabber Girl)

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2  Tablespoon Pure Cocoa Powder

1 stick Salted Butter melted or softened

1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla

¼ Cup water

2-14.5oz. Cans of Beets (I used Great Value Brand, or any brand with no artificial colors or flavors added)

3 Eggs or 2/3Cup 100% additive free Egg Whites

Optional 1 bag of GF chocolate chips

In medium size bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and cocoa.  Drain juice from cans and pour beets into a strainer and rinse excess brine from beets with cold water. ( this will measure out to about 2 Cups of chopped beets) Put rinsed beets into food processor and chop on high until beets are a pureed.  Add melted butter, vanilla, water and eggs and mix well. Add flour mixture, mix well so there are no lumps. (if you are using chocolate chips fold them in now)  Let set 15 – 20 minutes, to let rice flour absorb liquids.

When ready to bake.

Preheat oven to 325*F.

Using a triggered ice cream scoop (about ¼ cup) fill each cupcake liner with one scoop of batter. Bake for 25- 30 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted into center cupcake, comes back clean. This will make about 18 regular cupcakes 12 of the large muffin size. When cool ice with cream cheese frosting.(recipe below)

 

Cream Cheese Icing                                                                                  

 8 oz.  Plain Preservative Free Cream Cheese ( Philadelphia)

1 Stick softened Butter

2 – 2 ½ Cups Pure GF Powdered Sugar

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

Gluten Free Party Bread Bowls

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Gluten Free Party Bread Bowls

IMG_1664Gluten Free Party Food Bread Bowls GF Pizza Bowls

Bowl: (this is enough to make 12 – 3 inch bread bowls)

4 Cups Bob’s Red Mill GF Corn Bread Mix

2 Cups Milk

1/2 Cup GF Oil

2 Eggs

Preheat oven to 375* F.

In large mixing bowl beat milk, oil, and eggs until blended. Then slowly add corn meal mix and stir until blended. Grease a nonstick bread bowl pan thoroughly. I pour the oil inside the small space that makes the bowl then using a paper towel covered in oil, coat the entire inside, top to bottom. ( you don’t want it to stick when you remove the little bowls.) After greasing pan, spoon corn bread batter into bowl, slightly below fill line, filling all of the bowls. (mine makes 6 at a time) Then tamp pan on counter top to make sure there are no bubbles in the batter. I bang it on the counter pretty hard, about 3-4 times. Bake for 25 minutes or until completely brown and loose around the sides of the little cups. Remove from oven and let cool for 15- 20 minutes before trying to remove bowls. Then slide a plastic knife around the edges of the bread, being careful not to cut through the little bowl. Gently twist each bowl to loosen and invert over platter or counter. Bread should slide out.  Please note: this is not my corn bread recipe I have used in previous posts, although you could use that one instead.  This one is Bob’s Red Mill Cornbread Mix. This is the bread bowl pan I use. IMG_1669

Filling:

1 pound Lean Ground Beef

1 – 14 oz. jar of Gluten Free Pizza Sauce (I use Francesco Rinaldi)

1 Cup Additive Free Freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese

8 oz. Additive Free Mozzarella Cheese sliced into small slices

Brown Ground beef, being sure to crumble up beef into small pieces as it browns. Add pizza sauce and let liquid cook down until thick and bubble. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before filling bread bowls.

Spoon a small amount of beef mixture into each bread bowl about half way full, being sure to drain any liquid remaining in beef before filling bowl. Add 1 small slice of mozzarella cheese, then finish filling with beef. Then top with the parmesan cheese. Repeat this process until all bread bowls are filled. Serve warm.

Note: you can make the bread bowls ahead of time and freeze them until you are ready to fill with beef mixture. Just place them in a baking dish and heat until they are warm.

Variations: You can make chili to fill bread bowls, or shred ham and cheese to use as filling. Just use your imagination, and have fun!

Taco Meatloaf Ring

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Taco Meatloaf

2 pounds Lean Ground Beef

1 Cup Crushed Gluten Free Corn Chex ( or Gluten Free Bread Crumbs)

2-1.25oz. packages Gluten Free Taco Seasoning

1 Cup Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup Gluten Free Picante Sauce

2 Eggs Beaten

Preheat oven to 375*

In large mixing bowl mix all ingredients until well blended. (I use my hands) Grease Bundt pan, and dip meat mixture into pan, pressing down as you fill pan. Making it even all the way around. Place pan in oven and bake for 30- 35 minutes or until it starts to form a crust and pulls away from the edges. When done remove pan from oven and let cool. When pan is cool enough to handle drain any remaining juice. Place serving platter over the top of bundt pan and tip upside down to invert into platter. Serve with GF chips, pico, salsa, guacamole or any of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Quick Breakfast Skillet with Hash Brown Crust

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Quick Breakfast Skillet with Hash Brown Crust

2 Cups peeled and shredded Potatoes ( Or additive free unseasoned frozen Hash brown potatoes)

3 Tablespoons melted butter or butter substitute

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

2 Eggs Scrambled and chopped

1 Cup cooked Ham Chopped ( or sausage, depending on what you prefer)

1 Cup freshly grated Cheese ( I use sharp Cheddar)

Gluten Free Picante Sauce

Preheat oven to 450*

Grease 8 inch skillet on bottom and sides. Spread shredded hash browns to completely cover bottom and up the sides about an inch. Drizzle with melted butter over the potatoes in the bottom of skillet. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 20 minutes or until potatoes are crisp. While potatoes are baking, prepare eggs and meat.  Remove skillet and top with eggs, meat, then cheese, spreading evenly. Return to oven for 1 minute or just until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve by slicing through topping and potatoes underneath, cutting desired portion, then dip out with heat proof spatula. Top with picante sauce and  Enjoy!

For large family, just use a larger skillet and double recipe.

Gluten Free Sugar Free Cherry Chocolates

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cherrychocolates

Gluten Free Sugar Free Cherry chocolates

1 cup water

1/8 cup corn starch

2 – 8oz. packages sugar free chocolate chips

1- 12oz. package frozen Dark Sweet Cherries ( I used Great Value unsweetened)

1/4 Cup of your favorite sweetener ( I used Stevia)

2 Dozen Mini Muffin paper baking cups

In small sauce pan, whisk together water and corn starch, to make the cream filling. Place sauce pan on burner at medium high heat and continue to stir until it starts to bowl and thicken. This will go very fast, so watch it carefully.  Remove pan from heat and let cool.

Line mini muffin pan with baking cups. In a medium size glass mixing bowl, melt chocolate chips in microwave on high for 2- 3 minutes, stirring half way through. When done stir to dissolve all of the chips, then use a regular spoon to dip melted chocolate into baking cups, lining the bottom and sides by using the spoon to spread it, completely coat each cup so that none of the paper is showing.  Then add a frozen dark cherry into each cup. Place filled pan into the freezer for about 3 minutes.

Finely chop or puree’ the rest of the cherries and add to the filling in the sauce pan. Then stir in sweetener until all is blended. Remove muffin pan from freezer and spoon filling around cherries in each cup. Then top with remaining melted chocolate. Return muffin pan to freezer for another 2 minutes or until chocolate is set. Remove pan and serve, or fill candy boxes with cherry chocolates and give as gifts. Enjoy!

This recipe will make 2 dozen cherry chocolates.

Easy Gluten Free no Yeast Dinner Rolls

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Easy Gluten Free no Yeast Dinner Rolls

1 Cup Good Quality All-purpose GF Flour (with xanthan gum already added)

1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

1  1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

1 Cup Butter Milk (make sure it is real butter milk)

1/4 Cup Gluten Free Mayo

1 Large Egg

Optional ( 2 Teaspoons Sugar)

In medium size mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and  baking soda.  In another bowl whisk together butter milk, mayo and egg, then pour into flour mixture and mix just until blended. (don’t over mix, it will make it rubbery) Oil or grease regular cup cake or muffin pan, ( I also like to flour mine).  Then using an Ice cream scoop to dip batter, fill each muffin container. ( I only got 10 rolls out of this recipe.) Let batter or dough rest for about 15 minutes.

Heat oven to 325* and bake for 25 minutes. Let rolls cool before removing from pan.

Garlic Onion Chicken Crockpot

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Fajita seasoning is not just for fajitas anymore! Try this new recipe, and you will agree!

Garlic Onion Crockpot Chicken

3 Tablespoons minced Garlic

1 Large Onion Chopped

2 Pounds additive free Chicken Breasts

1 – 14.5 oz. Can of additive free Chicken Broth (I used Swanson’s)

1- 1.12oz. Package Gluten Free Fajita seasoning (I used McCormick)

2 Tablespoons Gluten Free Soy Sauce

Add garlic, chopped onion, and chicken to crock pot. In medium size bowl whisk together fajita seasoning, chicken broth, and soy sauce together and pour over chicken. Set crock pot on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. I leave the chicken breast whole until they are cooked through then they are easier to slice or shred. When done serve over Gluten Free pasta or rice.  Garnish: Chopped Fresh Green onions and your favorite Cheese.

 

Oven Roasted Worcestershire Garlic Squash

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Oven Roasted Worcestershire Garlic Squash

2-3 Small Zucchini Squash (washed peeled and seeded)

3/4 Cup of Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce (I use Lea & Perrins)

1 Teaspoon additive free Season Salt

1 Teaspoon Pure Garlic Powder

Preheat oven to 375*

Slice peeled squash into 1/2 inch strips. Place in a single layer into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over squash. Then evenly sprinkle salt and garlic powder over squash. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until squash is tender when pierced with fork. Serve warm.

Variations: instead of worestershire sauce use GF Teriyaki sauce, or GF Balsamic vinegar. Or use fresh chopped or minced garlic.

You can also roast this on the grill. It’s really good with the smoke flavor baked in!

Ham and Mushroom Gravy over Pasta

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Ham and Mushroom Gravy over Pasta

2-3 Cups Chopped left over GF Ham

1 Cup cleaned and sliced Mushrooms (or 1 large Can)

1 – 14.5 oz. Can of GF Chicken Broth

1  1/2 Tablespoons of Cornstarch to thicken (or GF Flour)

Cooked Gluten Free Pasta (any kind and as much as you want)

In large skillet, add ham, mushrooms (if you use canned go ahead and add the juice too) and 1/2 the can of chicken broth. Turn heat to medium high for about 2 minutes or until juices and ham start to bubble. Add corn starch to the other half of the chicken broth and whisk until dissolved. Then pour into skillet and stir until thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Pour all ingredients over cooked GF pasta, garnish with a bit of chopped basil or parsley. Enjoy!

Variations: You can use Shitake mushrooms, or add a bit of chopped hot peppers or black pepper.  To make more gravy just add another can of chicken broth and double the amount of cornstarch, or you may also add butter if you want.

Note: I do not add any more salt, as the ham is very salty anyway. You may want to season more to your taste.

Coconut, Oatmeal, Quinoa Breakfast Muffins

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Coconut Oatmeal Quinoa Breakfast Muffins

(These are Gluten Free, Soy Free, and Dairy Free! Also High in Protein and Fiber)

1 Cup GF Oats

1 Cup Coconut Flour

1/2 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1 Cup Packed Pure Brown Sugar

2 Teaspoons Additive Free Ground Cinnamon

1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Cloves

1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Nutmeg

1/2 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Ginger

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon GF Baking Powder

1/2 Cup Oil (or butter substitute)

1/2 Cup Water

3 Large Eggs Beaten

1/2 Cup Honey

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa ( I used the Tri-Color)

In large mixing bowl whisk together all dry ingredients including spices. In separate bowl beat oil, eggs, water, and honey together, then fold in cooked quinoa. Add this mixture to dry ingredients and mix well.

Pre-heat Oven to 350* Line large muffin tins with muffin papers and fill each to the top with batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center muffin comes back clean.

Optional:Top with crumb icing below and place muffin pan back in oven under broiler for about 2-2 ½ minutes or until icing starts to bubble. Let cool and serve.                                                                                                                       Crumb Pecan Coconut Icing

1/2 Cup butter substitute or (1 stick melted butter)

1 Cup Packed Pure Brown Sugar

1 Cup Additive Free  shedded Coconut

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Mix all ingredients and spoon on top of muffins.

2016

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blessed16 (1)

As this year comes to a close and we are going into a New Year, I would like to thank all of my Friends and Family, including my online Friends. When I started the cook book I had no idea what a HUGE project it would turn into. I already had a very busy life, but this book was something I felt so strongly, that I had to do.  And I could not have finished it and started the process of marketing it without all of you that helped me along the way.  I love you all and will forever be grateful and thankful for your help!!!

In 2016, I will continue adding recipes to this site and my Face Book recipe page. Living Gluten Free is not a fad diet for so many of us. It is a way of life that we have to maintain in order to live a healthy life. And I will keep searching for more info and developing recipes that will help others live a Gluten Free life! Again THANK YOU  All!!!

Black-Eyed Pea Salsa Salad

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Black-eyed Pea Salsa Salad

by Janet Monk

IMG_1620Try this salad for New Years Day!

Black-eyed Pea Salsa Salad

1/3 Cup juice from cooked Black-eyed peas

3 large Cloves crushed garlic

1 ½ Cups Diced Red Onion ( about half of a medium size onion)

1 ½ Cups Frozen cut Corn

3 ½ Cups Cooked and Drained Black-eyed Peas

1 Large Chopped Bell Pepper

1 Cubed Medium Tomato

1 ½ Cups gluten free Salsa ( mild or hot, your preference )

1 Cup freshly Grated additive free sharp cheddar Cheese

In medium skillet sauté onion and garlic in juice of black-eyed peas on medium high heat, for about 3- 4 minutes or until onions start to turn translucent. Add corn and cook another 3- 4 minutes, stirring being careful not to burn, juice will evaporate. Turn off heat from under skillet and prepare other vegetables. In large bowl add drained black-eyed peas, chopped bell pepper, tomato, and salsa. When onions, garlic and corn are cool add to black-eyed pea mixture. Top with grated cheese and refrigerate or serve.

Pineapple Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

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Pineapple Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

1 Large Bell Pepper (seeded and cut up into small chunks)

1 – 20oz. can of Crushed Pineapple with juice

1 Teaspoon additive free Onion Powder

2 Teaspoons MSG Free Season Salt

3 – 8 oz. packages of Softened Original Philadelphia Cream Cheese

2 Cups Chopped Nuts ( we like pecans) reserve ½ cup for garnish

Pour bell pepper, pineapple with juice, and seasonings into blender. Set it to chop for about a minute or until well blended. Then add Cream Cheese, blending until well mixed. Add 1 ½ cups of the nuts just pulse to mix. Pour into container cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with remaining nuts and serve chilled.

This is one of our favorites! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Green Lemon Avocado Cookies

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IMG_1803I made these originally for St. Patrick’s Day, but they make really good Grinch Cookies! You can have so much fun with them!

Green Avocado Lemon Cookies

2 Avocados ( about 1 ½ Cups)

3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Thyme Leaves

2 Cups GF All Purpose Flour ( I use, Better Batter, or Tom Sawyer GF and Betty Crocker GF Flour Mixed)

2 Teaspoons GF Baking Powder

1/2 Cup GF 100% Corn Starch ( I use Argo)

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

2 Eggs beaten ( or 1/3 cup egg whites)

1  1/4 Cups Pure Organic Agave Nectar

2 Cups Gluten Free White Chocolate Chips

In food processor blend avocados, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. In mixing bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour flour mixture into food processor with avocado mixture, add eggs, agave nectar and blend on high speed until well mixed and smooth. Pour batter into mixing bowl and fold in white chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 15- 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 325*F.

When ready to bake cover cookie sheet with parchment paper, and spoon cookie dough onto cookie sheet and bake for 14 – 16 minutes. When cookies are brown on top they are done. Remove from oven and let cool. (optional sprinkle with more fresh thyme leaves.)

 

 

Quiona Peanut Butter Bites

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There are many versions of these little bites. Some of them are called energy or protein bites. This is my version, and what ever you call them, they are quick and easy and good!

Quinoa Peanut Butter Bites

2 Cups Cooked Quinoa

1 Cup GF Crunchy Peanut Butter ( I like Jiff Natural Crunchy)

2 Cups GF Oatmeal

1/4 cup agave nectar or honey

2 Tablespoons Ground Chai Seeds

½ Cup additive free Shredded Coconut

Enough Powdered Sugar to coat each bite. (about 1 ½ Cups)

Add all the ingredients,(except powdered sugar) to large mixing bowl. You can fold and stir this with a large spoon, but I find it is easier to just use your hands. Mix well and roll into balls about 1- 1 ½ inch in diameter. Then dip each ball into powdered sugar and  coat each bite.

Variations: add 1 cup chocolate chips or raisins.

Or you can dip each bite in melted chocolate.

Ginger Bread, Real and Gluten Free

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Gluten Free Ginger Bread

3 ½ Cups All Purpose Gluten Free Flour ( I use Better Batter or Tom Sawyer/Betty Crocker GF mix)

1 Tablespoon GF Baking Powder ( Clabber Girl)

½ Teaspoon Baking Soda

½ Teaspoon Salt ( if I use salted butter, I omit the salt)

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Cinnamon

¼ Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Nutmeg

1 Cup Brown Sugar packed or White Granulated ( I prefer Brown Sugar)

4 Large Eggs ( if I use Better Batter then I have found it takes another egg)

1 Tablespoon Peeled and Freshly Grated Ginger Root (if you really like Ginger add more, it doesn’t hurt)

2/3 Cup Water

1   Stick melted Butter

½  Cup GF Oil

1 Cup Pure Additive Free Honey

In large mixing bowl whisk together, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. In another bowl beat the eggs and add the freshly grated ginger and whisk together. Add water, melted butter, oil and honey, to the eggs and ginger. Stir all liquids together and pour into flour and spice mixture. Beat with mixer just until well blended. Don’t over mix, it will make the bread rubbery. Let batter set in fridge for about 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325*F.

When ready to bake, pour batter into four small greased and floured ( with GF Flour) 3 ½ x 5 ½ inch loaf pans, or two large 9×4 inch loaf pans. Fill pans to about ½ inch from top of pan. I like to swirl the batter on top, so that it will split and look more like artisan bread. Or you can smooth out the dough if you prefer. Remember to place a 9×13 inch pan half full of water on bottom rack of oven. Evenly space loaf pans on top rack, over water and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove water and bake loaves for another 20 – 25 minutes, or until tooth pick inserted into center loaf comes out clean. Remove pans from oven and cover with foil. Serve warm with butter. Or give to friends for Christmas!

Variations: instead of bread, you can make Ginger Muffins, adding pecans or walnuts. Also when baked you may want to top with a ginger glaze, or mix powdered ginger and agave nectar for a glaze.

 

 

Duck Kabobs, Party Food

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Duck Kabobs, Party Food!

3-4 Large Duck Breast (or Chicken Breast)

1/2  of a 10oz. Bottle of Gluten Free Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 Tablespoon pure Garlic Powder

2 Bell Peppers ( I used red and yellow, but for Christmas I will use red and green)

1 Medium Onion

1 Dozen Kabob Skewers, I used the shorter skewers ( soaked in water at least 15 minutes)

Wash and slice Duck Breast diagonally between ¼ and ½ inch thick. Place slices in a shallow pan and cover with teriyaki sauce and garlic powder. Cover and marinate over night in fridge. When ready to bake preheat oven to 375*. Wash and core bell peppers. Then slice them into 1 inch squares. Peel onion and slice into 1 inch square chunks. Assemble kabobs by alternating, the meat and vegetables as you slide them onto the skewers. Place each kabob into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. When all kabobs are together and in baking pan, pour marinade over meat and vegetables. Bake uncovered for 40- 45 minutes or until meat is cooked through. Server warm! Enjoy!

Variations: You may want to use chicken or pork.

You can also add any vegetables or mushrooms that your desire! Have fun with it! It’s party food!!

 

Pineapple Cream Cake

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PinappleCake

Pineapple Cream Cake

7 large Eggs

1- 20 oz. Can of Pineapple Chunks,and Juice puréed  (or crushed or fresh pineapple)

4oz. of Original Cream Cheese, softened ( I use Philadelphia)

2 Boxes Betty Crocker Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix

In large mixing bowl beat eggs, then add 1  1/2 cups of the pureed pineapple.  (reserve remaining pineapple for topping) Beat well until mixture starts to bubble. Then add chunks of the softened cream cheese, mixing until cream cheese is incorporated. Slowly fold in both cake mixes, and mix on high until well blended. Let batter set for about 15 minutes to absorb liquids.

Preheat oven to 350* When ready to bake, pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch cake pan. Bake for 25- 30 minutes or until cake is set in the center and a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes back clean.

Top with Gluten Free Whipped Cream and drizzle remaining pureed pineapple over the top of whipped cream.

Variations: You can add shredded GF Coconut or chopped pecans to change it up!

 Enjoy!!