Thanksgiving Prep Continued with Gluten Free Cornbread

Gluten Free Cornbread

Today I’m working on the cornbread for my Stuffing. ( if your from the South, we call it Dressing) The Stuffing or Dressing recipe I use calls for 2 pans of corn bread, which equals about 12 cups of crumbled corn bread. So I double the recipe below. I try to make my corn bread early, That way when it’s time to make my dressing for Thanksgiving, all I have to do is add it to the recipe.

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. Remove from oven and let cool.

Reposting my Holiday prep! Do you have your Croutons ready yet?

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.

Another Getting Ready for the Holidays Recipe

I’m reposting this Mushroom Soup Recipe upon request. Hope yall enjoy it!

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.

This is an updated version of my getting ready for the Holidays Gluten Free cooking

Gluten Free Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup

(also Preservative Free)

3 Pounds Chicken Breast

(I buy 3 lbs. of organic 1farmpoultry.com/ frozen chicken breast and just let it thaw in the fridge overnight) here is the link to their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081300885697

1 stick Salted Butter

3 – 14.5 oz. Can of Swanson 100% natural Chicken Broth (with no MSG)

2 Teaspoons Salt

1/3 Cup Argo Gluten Free Corn Starch

Wash chicken breasts, and place in crockpot whole. Chunk up the butter and place on top of chicken, sprinkle with salt, then pour in the cans of broth. Set crockpot on low for 6-8 hours. In that amount of time, chicken breast will be completely cooked and tender. Turn crock pot up on high heat, and dip out some of the liquid into a small mixing bowl, add corn starch, and whisk together. Add this back to crockpot, leaving the lid off, for 10 – 15 minutes. When liquid starts to thicken turn off heat. Using a potato masher, mash all of the chicken breast and it will shred the chicken into small pieces. Let cool, and dip out about 1 ¾ cups into 5 small plastic storage containers, dividing equally. Label and date, and freeze until ready to use. This will make enough to equal about 5 – 14 oz. cans.For those of us that cannot eat a can of soup boughten from the grocery store, this recipe will be a staple for the Holidays.

It is real food no chemicals, no preservatives, & and it is much better tasting than what you can buy in the store. Hope you enjoy it!

Pina Colada Cream Custard Pie

Remember the old Impossible pie recipe? That makes its own crust. Well I’ve been getting so many eggs, that I’ve been trying to use them in many different recipes.

This is the version I’ve finally decided works the best.

Ingredients:

5 Large Eggs ( I use Duck Eggs)

1 Cup White Granulated Sugar

1, 3 oz. box of Gluten Free Coconut Cream pudding. ( I use cook and serve, Jello brand)

1, 8 oz package softened Cream Cheese

1, 20oz. Can of Crushed Pinapple ( with the juice, don’t drain it)

Preheat oven to 350* F.

In medium size mixing bowl with electric mixer, blend all Ingredients until well mixed. Spray a 9 in. pie plate with olive oil or any gluten free spray you prefer. As long as you completely spray sides as well. Pour pie Batter into pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until pie is set in the center.

Remove pie from oven, let cool completely and refrigerate for a couple of hours before slicing. Serve cold with wipped cream or plain. Whatever you like. Enjoy!

Sausage Kale Soup

Sausage Kale Soup

     This is my version of Zuppa Toscana soup. Since my Kale and garden Onions are ready to start harvesting, I love using them in so many dishes.

3 Cups Peeled and cubed Potatoes ( about 4 small potatoes)

3 Slices of Gluten Free Bacon

2 Tablespoons Oil

1 Pound Gluten Free Pork Sausage ( You can use Gluten free Turkey Sausage or Italian Sausage)

5-6 Garden Onions

2 Cups washed and chopped Kale Leaves ( don’t use the stems they can be a little woody)

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1 – 14.5 oz. can of Gluten Free Chicken Broth

4 oz. Block of Parmesan Cheese

3 large Cloves of minced Garlic

 Wash potatoes and bake in microwave until soft. In  medium size skillet fry bacon in oil until crisp, remove and set aside. Then using the same oil crumble up sausage and brown until no longer pink. Chop garden onions along with kale and add to meat and sprinkle with salt. Sauté, stirring on medium heat until onions and kale are limp. In medium stock pot add Chicken Broth and slice or cube parmesan cheese and heat on medium heat until cheese is softened and melting. Turn heat down and add meat, kale, and onions. Chop Bacon and add to soup mixture.  Then peel and cube baked potatoes and add along with minced garlic, to soup. Simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm with Gluten Free Cheese Biscuits. Enjoy!   

Peanut Butter, Oatmeal, Chia Seed Breakfast Cookies

I know it’s been awhile since I posted a recipe, we’ve been dealing with alot here at home besides the pandemic. My Mom had a stroke and we’ve been short handed. So I’ve been very busy! Anyway I needed a boost of energy and these cookies really help! Hope you give them a try! Enjoy

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chia Seed Breakfast Cookies

4 Large Eggs

1 ¼ Cup (Packed ) Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon Vanilla

1 Cup Ground Chia Seeds

1 Cup Crunchy Peanut Butter ( I use the all natural Gluten Free kind)

1 Cup Gluten Free Rolled Oats

Optional 1, 12oz. package of Gluten Free White Chocolate Chips.

Preheat oven to 350*

In large mixing bowl beat eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and ground chia seeds, using electric mixer. When completely mixed, slowly add peanut butter then rolled oats. Dough will be very stiff so you will have to fold in the white chips by hand.

Scoop or spoon cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet, and flatten each dough mound with wet fingers. Bake for 18- 20 minutes or until browned at the edges. Let cool before removing from cookie sheet.

This will make about 24 cookies.

Getting ready for the Holidays

If yall are like me, then you are always busy! So to make life a little easier I try to start early and prepare some of my ingredients early.

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)

by Janet Monk

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.

Fried Corn Cakes

1 Cup Gluten Free Corn Meal ( I like to use the fine ground Corn Flour)

1 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Gluten Free Baking Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda

2 Teaspoons White Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

1 Large Egg

1/2 Cup Oil for frying

In a medium size mixing bowl whisk together all dry ingredients, then add water and egg. Whisk all ingredients until smooth and there are no more lumps.  Heat oil in a cast iron skillet, on high to medium high heat until hot. Using a large spoon dip out a large scoop of batter and drop into hot oil. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the batter. Fry corn cakes for 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown on both sides and done in the center. Remove cakes from oil and drain on paper towels and serve. Enjoy!

My bunch loves to eat them with Stew or just split them open and spread butter in the center and eat them for a snack.  

Tator Tot Casserole

Tator Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound ground Beef

1/2 Teaspoon additive Free, Gluten Free Season Salt

1 Tablespoon Gluten Free Worchester Sauce

1  10 ounce package of mixed frozen Vegetables (I use the carrot, green bean, peas, and corn mix)

1  18 ounce can of Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 ½ cups of freshly grated Cheddar Cheese

1 Small package of Gluten Free frozen Tator Tots

Preheat oven to 400*F

Brown ground beef in medium skillet, add season salt and Worchester sauce. Stirring in vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup. You can either leave it in the skillet or pour this mixture into a greased 9 X 11 inch  baking dish. Top with ½ cup of the grated cheese, then add Frozen tator tots, completely covering top of mixture. Place casserole into oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven when tots are crispy, top with remaining cheese and serve.

Enjoy!

Fresh Pumpkin Pie

I decided to make both! Pumpkin pie and Pumpkin Bread! I’ll add the Bread recipe later.

Fresh Pumpkin Pie

1 Cup Freshly cooked Pumpkin Puree ( you can use canned pumpkin if you wish)

1 Teaspoon Gluten Free Ground Cinnamon

¼ Teaspoon Gluten Free Ground Nutmeg

¼ Teaspoon Gluten Free Ground Cloves

1 ½  Cups Dark Brown Sugar Packed

2 Eggs

¼ Cup softened Butter ( or Oil)

1 – 14oz. Can of sweetened condensed Milk

1- 9in. Unbaked Gluten Free Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 375*

In large mixing bowl add all ingredients and mix well with electric mixer until pie filling is smooth and well blended. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Be sure to cover edges of pie crust with foil or use a crust shield around the edges, otherwise it will burn. Place pie in oven and bake for 50-55 minutes or until pie is not runny in the center. It will still be slightly jiggly, but almost set. When done remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

Enjoy!

Asian Pork

Asian Pork

Asian Pork

1 pound Ground Pork or Turkey

1 Medium head Broccoli Chopped

3 Medium Green garden Onions Chopped

1 Large Clove of Garlic, Minced

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

1 8oz. Can crushed Pineapple with juice ( in water not syrup)

3 Tablespoons GF Coconut Amino Acids. (or you can use Gluten Free soy sauce)

In medium size skillet brown ground pork or Turkey until no longer pink. Stir in remaining ingredients, cover and let simmer on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off heat, and serve over rice or quinoa. Enjoy!

Jan’s Spaghetti/Pizza Sauce

spaghetti Sauce

I love when my Pantry starts filling back up again!

Jan’s Spaghetti Sauce/Pizza Sauce

2 Gallon Peeled Tomatoes

5 Tablespoons crushed garlic

1 Medium Onion (chopped)

1 Large Sweet Bell Pepper (chopped)

2 ½ Tablespoons dry Oregano

2 ½ Tablespoons dry Basil

2 Tablespoons Garlic powder

½ Teaspoon Cumin

½ Teaspoon Paprika

1 Tablespoon Salt

1 Cup Sugar

¼ Cup Olive Oil

Place chopped onion and bell pepper into blender and pulse until it is chopped into very small pieces, but not pureed. Then in large sauce pot add oil, onion, pepper mixture, garlic, and spices. Slowly heat on low heat while you puree tomatoes in the blender. This takes me several batches since my blender doesn’t hold 2 gallon. Pour each batch into the sauce pot with onion, peppers, and spices. Slowly bring up heat adding sugar and bring to boil, stirring often. Let cook until sauce is thick.

Pour into sterilized canning jars, ( I use pints) and process in boiling water bath for 35 minutes.

Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

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Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

4- 1/2 inch Pork Chops

8 Teaspoons Gluten Free dry Ranch Seasoning

2 Tablespoons Oil

In large crockpot (mine is a 6 quart). Oil the entire bottom and sides. Rub each side of pork chops with one teaspoon of dry Ranch Seasoning. Place chops in the bottom of crockpot and cover with lid. Turn on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. Pork Chops should be browned around the edges when cooked through. You can turn half way through cooking, but it’s not necessary. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Low Carb Peanut Butter Banana Brownies

Peanut Butter Banana Brownies

We’ve been so busy here on the farm. I do our own book keeping and tax season is a busy time, along with the fun jobs of baby calves and planting.  So it’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to work up a new recipe. I’ve had this one on my mind for a while. Hope you enjoy it!

Peanut butter Banana Low Carb Brownies

1/2 Cup Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter

2 Ripe Bananas

3 Large Eggs ( I use Duck Eggs)

1/2 Cup Local Honey ( I use Clover Sourced Honey)

1/2 Cup Stevia ( Or if you want it really sweet, you can use ½ Cup Brown Sugar)

1/4 Cup ground Chia Seeds

2 Cups Gluten Free Almond Flour

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

Preheat oven to 350*

In medium size mixing bowl add peanut butter, bananas, eggs and honey. Blend well with electric mixer, then fold in remaining ingredients until wet, then blend with mixer again until all dry ingredients are well incorporated. Pour into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, or round pan if you wish. Bake 30 minutes or until brown and set in the center. Enjoy!

Optional: You can also add GF Chocolate Chips

Note: these are not overly sweet, I like to heat them up and have them for breakfast.

Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

AirFryerRoasted Carrots

Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

1 Pound whole Carrots

2 Tablespoons Light Olive Oil

2 Teaspoon Dried Basil (make sure all herbs and spices are Gluten Free)

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

4 Tablespoons Butter

Wash, peel and slice carrots in half lengthwise. Lay them flat onto the metal air fryer roasting pan. Drizzle carrots with oil and sprinkle with herps and salt. Place pan into air fryer on middle rack and set temp. at 400* for 20 minutes. Half way through cooking time turn carrots over,  dot with butter and let the carrots roast for the rest of the cooking time, or until fork tender. If carrots need to cook longer return to fryer and cook until done. Remove from fryer and serve. Enjoy!

Ginger,Garlic, Pepper Chicken Skillet

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Need to kick up your Immune system? Try this recipe.

Ginger, Garlic, Pepper Chicken Skillet

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 1/2 pounds Chicken Breast strips
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 large Bell Peppers ( cut into 1/4 inch strips)
2 Tablespoons grated fresh Ginger
2 Tabalspoons crushed Garlic ,( about 3-4 large cloves)
1 Cup GF Chicken Broth
2 Tablespoons GF Worcester sauce ( Lea & Perrins is Gluten Free)
In large Skillet on high heat add olive oil, and chicken strips. Brown chicken for 8- 10 minutes with the lid on, turning chicken over half way through. Until chicken is cooked through. Turn heat down to medium sprinkle chicken with salt then cut strips into 1 inch chunks. Add peppers, ginger, garlic, broth and Worcester sauce. Cover and let simmer 20 -30 minutes stirring occasionally until peppers are fork tender. Remove from heat and serve with rice or GF pasta.
Enjoy!

Mini Caramel Pecan Pies

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Mini Caramel Pecan Pies

1 Package , Gluten Free Caramels

1 Cup Pecan halves

Ingredients for Crust

1 egg

¼ cup oil

4 0z. Cream cheese ( I use Philadelphia cream cheese)

2/3 Cup Gluten Free Flour ( I like Betty Crocker, or Better Batter)

1/3 Cup Gluten Free Corn Starch

Place all ingredients for Crust in food processor on high until blended. Place dough in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. It just makes dough easier to work with. (You can leave this in the fridge overnight if it is sealed).

Heat oven to 350* F.

When dough is cooled line mini muffin pan with paper liners. Flour your hands with a small amount of GF Flour and dip out a small ball of dough ( about a 1 inch ball) and roll with your hands to make it firm. Place one ball of dough into each paper cup and using your thumb or a floured dough plunger to push an indention into each ball making a mini pie crust. Make sure dough comes up the sides and to the top of the paper liners. When you have finished all of the mini pie crusts place muffin pan into oven. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until crusts are baked through and starting to brown around the edges. This should make 20- 24 mini pie crusts.

When pie crusts are done remove from oven, while they are still hot, place a pecan half into the bottom of the pie shell, add a caramel to each,( caramels will melt down into pie shell) then top with another pecan. Let cool and serve! Enjoy!

Pork Fajitas

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Pork Fajitas

4- 5 cooked Pork Chops

1 -20oz. Bag of Frozen Pepper and Onion strips

2-3 Teaspoons Chili Powder ( Depending on how much you like Chili)

2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin

1-2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder (according to taste)

1 Teaspoon Salt ( or to your taste)

1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Slice cooked pork chops diagonally into 1/4 inch strips. Add meat to a greased 10 inch skillet, then pour peppers and onions over pork. Place skillet over medium high heat. Add spices sprinkling evenly over mixture. Stir then cover and let simmer 5-6 minutes. Stir to cook evenly until mixture is hot and bubbling. Remove from heat and serve with Gluten Free tortillas or Chips. Enjoy!

Chicken Taquitos

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Chicken Taquitos

Using the Roasted Chicken that you made earlier in the week, remove all of the meat from the bones and shred with a fork, removing any skin that remains. 

2 Cups cooked shredded Chicken
1 1/2 Cups Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese
2-3 chopped Jalapeño Peppers ( I like the mild peppers)
6-7 Gluten Free Corn Flour or White Tortillas ( the ones available to me are the Mission Brand)

Brush the outside of each tortilla with oil and then fill the inside with meat, cheese, and peppers to the edge of the tortilla closest to you. Leaving a space at the open ends. Start rolling up tortilla, then when you get to the edge dip your fingers in cold water and wet the edge to seal the seam. When you fill all of the tortillas, place them with the oiled seam side down into the air fryer pan. Place pan in air fryer and set the fryer on 400* for 8-10 minutes. Turn Taquitos over half way through cooking time. Remember to check them at about 8 minutes. Some fryers are more powerful than others.

If you don’t have an air fryer, then place filled tortilla in hot oil, (enough oil to cover taquitos) seam side down and fry until crisp on bottom side, then turn and fry other side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve with Gluten Free Salsa or Cheese Dip. Enjoy!

Easy Cheese Dip Recipe:

 1- 32oz. Box of Velveeta Cheese ( Queso or Yellow which ever you prefer) (Cube block of cheese, when you get it out of the box.)

1-   10oz. Can of Original Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Peppers

Pour Rotel in large mixing bowl and add cubed cheese. Place in microwave on high for about 5 minutes. Remove and stir, put back in microwave if it is still lumpy for a couple more minutes or until smooth. Serve warm!

Mashed Potatoes

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Mashed Potatoes

I usually buy White Russet potatoes, you can use any variety that you like. Russets also cook faster than some varieties like Reds or even Yukon Gold.  I use 1 medium potato per person, but since we are prepping for 3 meals, you will need to use 3 per person. So if you are cooking for 4, then use 12 potatoes.

This recipe is in conjunction with my on going series of Meal Planning and Prep.

INGREDIENTS:

12- 14 Potatoes, (depending on size, a medium potato is about 3 ½ to 4 inches long) If you have small potatoes then use 2.

2 Teaspoons salt ( use 1 teaspoon in water before boiling)

½ Cup Salted Butter or butter substitute ( =1 stick butter)

Wash and peel potatoes, removing any bad spots. Then cut potatoes into about ½ to 1 inch cubes. Place cubes into large sauce pan and cover with water about an inch above the potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and place pot one burner. Turn burner to high. When potatoes start to boil, set timer for 10 minutes. ( Do not remove pot from heat, cover with lid loosely, stirring occasionally) * After ten minutes, dip out 2 cups of potatoes and cover with liquid. Let them cool and place in refrigerator using an air tight container.* ( You will use these in the Beef Stew, later in the week)

Reset your timer on the rest of the potatoes still in the pot and let them continue to boil for another 10-15 minutes, or until fork tender.  When potatoes are very soft a fork will easily go through the potato, they are done. Remove from heat and drain liquid from potatoes into a heat proof bowl. To the pot add ½ cup butter, and 1 or 2 Teaspoons salt to potatoes, depending on your taste. Then mash the potatoes with potato masher or electric mixer. Butter will melt into hot potatoes as you mash them, remember to taste to see if you need more salt. If the potatoes are a little dry add more liquid as needed, using liquid that you drained from the potatoes. Only add a tablespoon or so at a time mashing until smooth and fluffy! ( Don’t over work the potatoes after mashing, it will cause them to be rubbery.)

Optional: If you prefer before serving you can top them with a little Garlic Powder, Chopped Scallions, Crumbled Bacon, etc. Whatever your family prefers.

Note: Remember to keep any leftover mashed potatoes.  Refrigerate storing them in a plastic sandwich bag. You can use these to make the Shepherd’s Pie.

Simple Gluten Free Meatloaf

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Meatloaf

1 Lb. Lean Ground Beef

1/2 Lb. Gluten Free Pork Sausage ( I use J C Potter blue package)

3/4 Cup Gluten Free Oatmeal

1 Egg beaten

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon pure Garlic Powder ( not garlic salt)

1 Cup Gluten Free Ketchup

Preheat oven to 350*

In medium size mixing bowl mix ground beef, sausage, oatmeal and beaten egg, along with seasoning and 3/4 cup of ketchup. I use my hands to just get in there and squish it all together until well mixed. Then place mixture into a oiled 5×9 inch loaf pan, or a 9×9 casserole pan. ( I like to use a loaf pan so that I can slice it for sandwiches later) Shape meat mixture until smooth then top with remaining ketchup, spreading out evenly. Bake for 45- 50 minutes or until done. Cool and serve. Enjoy!

Grilled Skillet Apple Cobbler

Skillet Apple Cobbler

My Mom’s apple trees have a lot of apples this year, and we love Apple anything! This cobbler is so easy and making it on the grill adds to the flavor and keeps from heating up the house with the oven.

Grilled Skillet Apple Cobbler

Crust:

2 Cups Gluten Free Biscuit Mix

2/3 Cup White Granulated Sugar

1 Cup Water

1 Large Egg (beaten)

Filling:

4 Cups peeled and sliced Fresh Apples ( I used green cooking apples, sliced about 1/4 inch thick)

1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon

1/2 Cup packed Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup (1/2 Stick) Cold Butter sliced very thin ( or butter substitute)

Finish Topping:

1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon White Granulated Sugar

Preheat Grill to 375 – 400* ( only use the outside burners)

In large bowl whisk together all ingredients for crust and pour about a third of the mixture into bottom of a greased 10 inch cast iron skillet. Just enough to cover bottom completely. Set aside the rest of the batter.

Then in another mixing bowl combine apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Then pour into skillet on top of the bottom crust. Then top apples with cold butter slices, spacing evenly over apples. When this is done pour the rest of the batter on top of butter and apples.

Place in the center of the top rack of grill and close lid. Remember to leave the center burners off and only use the end burners. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until crust is browned around the edges and a knife inserted into apples are soft.

 10 minutes before removing from grill sprinkle top with remaining Cinnamon and Sugar. Enjoy!

More Party Food!

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Gluten Free Sausage Cheese Balls!

1 Pound GF Pork sausage, uncooked ( I used JC Potter)
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1 Cup GF Bisquick ( or your own GF biscuit mix)
2 Cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional ( 1-2 finely chopped Jalapeñoes)

Preheat Oven to 375*
Add all ingredients to food processor or large mixer, using the dough hook or blade. Mix until well blended, then using a 1 to 1 1/2 inch scoop, ( or your hands) make balls from mixture. Place each ball onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. ( I like to use my stone ware, it makes them really crispy). Bake for
25-30 minutes. Turning each sausage ball half way through baking time. When cooked through, remove and serve. Enjoy!

 

Greek Sausage

 

Greek Sausage (2)

We have been working on Party food this week. I love the make ahead kind that you can pull out and just reheat!

Greek Sausage

1-  2 Pound stick of Gluten Free Sausage ( I used JC Potter)

1/4 Cup Gluten Free Greek Seasoning( Recipe Below)

Preheat oven or smoker to 260*

Cut the plastic wrapping off of the sausage and place in foil. Sprinkle Greek seasoning over sausage, turn sausage roll to completely cover the whole exterior of the meat. Then fold foil completely around sausage and seal at each end. Then place in oven or smoker and roast for 6 hours. ( you can also do this in the slow cooker on high) When done  remove from oven or smoker and let cool before slicing.

This is great to serve with chips and dip!

Greek Seasoning

2 Tablespoons Dried Sweet Basil Leaves

2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley Leaves

1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano Leaves

1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary Leaves

2 Tablespoons Dried Thyme Leaves

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder ( not Garlic Salt)

2 Teaspoons Onion Powder

2 Teaspoons table Salt

Combine all of the Herbs and spices into food processor or spice grinder and pulse or grind until all the leaves are finely chopped and well mixed. Store in an air tight container or freezer until ready to use.

Optional : add 1 tablespoon of Pepper flacks if you want it spicy.

 

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

pumpkin Cream Cheese bars

This time of year I usually make my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll, but these are so easy  I’ll be making these more often!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

1  1/2 Cups Almond Flour

1 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1  1/2 Cups Sugar or ( I used  Stevia Pyur)

1 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder

2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (always make sure your spices are GF)

1 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

2 Large Eggs ( I use Duck Eggs)

1- 15oz. Can Pumpkin Purée

Cream Cheese Filling

1 – 8oz. package Additive Free Cream Cheese (Softened)

1/2  Cup Sugar (or Stevia)

1 Egg White

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla

Preheat oven to 350*

In medium size mixing bowl whisk together all dry ingredients, then add eggs and pumpkin. Whisk all pumpkin bar ingredients together until smooth and well blended.  Pour batter into a buttered or oiled 9×11 inch, spreading evenly.                                                In separate bowl mix all cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth.  Then pour over pumpkin bar batter and swirl with a butter knife. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set in center. Let cool completely and slice into bars. Enjoy!

Chicken Cheese and Bean Casserole

Chicken Bean and Cheese Casserole

Chicken Cheese and Bean Casserole

2 Cups Refried Beans ( I used left over white beans drained and mashed)

2/3 Cup Pure Sour Cream

2 Tablespoons GF Taco Seasoning

1 Pound of cooked Ground or chopped Chicken or Turkey ( I used Chicken)

1 Teaspoon Season Salt

2 Cups freshly grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese ( reserve 1 cup for topping)

Preheat oven to 350*

In small skillet brown ground chicken or turkey and season with season salt. When done set aside and let cool. ( you can even use left over chicken breasts for this, just chop it up very fine, and omit the season salt if already seasoned.)

In medium size mixing bowl add mashed beans, sour cream, taco seasoning, cooked meat after cooling, and 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.  Mix well then pour mixture into a greased 10 inch deep dish pie plate. Bake for 15 minutes then top with remaining cheese. Bake another 10 – 15 minutes or until browned around the edges and cooked through. Remove from oven and serve with Gluten Free tortilla chips. Enjoy! ( I like to add a little GF Salsa to mine also. )

 

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

We are already getting Sweet potatoes from our garden and we love them just about anyway I fix them!

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

4 Large Sweet Potatoes (washed)

3 Tablespoons melted Butter (or butter substitute)
2 Tablespoons Pure Brown Sugar
Optional, 1Teaspoon Cinnamon
Bake potatoes in Microwave just until soft.
Heat grill to 375- 400*.
Oil grates generously.
Slice potatoes completely in half then slice again through the center of the potato, but not through the skin.
In small bowl mix melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. ( If you use the cinnamon)
Place potatoes cut side down on grate and close lid for about 35-40 seconds directly over flame. Let potatoes char slightly then turn potatoes over and brush with butter sugar mixture. Let skins char for another 45-50 seconds or if you like them very brown you can let them go longer. When done remove from grill and serve!

Slow Cooker Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole

1 pound Ground Turkey or Pork ( browned and crumbled into small pieces, I used pork)

3 Medium Yellow Squash ( 5 Cups grated or chopped in food processor )

1/4 Cup Salted Butter ( or butter substitute)

3 Cups Freshly grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 Large Eggs Beaten

1 Teaspoon additive Free Season Salt

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder

Optional 2-3 medium Jalapeño Peppers ( deseeded and finely Chopped)

2 Cups Crushed GF Cheddar Crackers for topping ( I used Snyder’s Wholey Cheese)

Line Crockpot with foil or a crockpot liner. Grease inside of liner with butter or oil then when browned meat has cooled mix evenly with your hands all ingredients except GF crackers. Place lid on pot and set on low for 6-8 hours. Before removing from pot add crushed GF Cheddar Crackers on top, spreading evenly. Let casserole rest with lid off for about 10 minutes then serve. Enjoy!

Note: If you bake this casserole in the oven, you will need to parboil the squash before chopping to make casserole. In the crockpot the longer cooking time will let the squash soften and it is not necessary to parboil.

 

Cheesy Kale Meatloaf

My Kale is doing so good this year, so I’ve been putting Kale in everything!

Cheesy Kale Meatloaf

 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

2 large eggs

1 Cup GF Marinara Sauce

2 Cups finely chopped Kale leaves ( Remove the stem before chopping)

1 Cup GF Bread Crumbs or GF Oatmeal

1 Cup freshly grated Romano Cheese

1 Cup freshly grated Mozzarella Cheese

1 1/2 Cups freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (reserve for topping)  

1 Tablespoon dried Oregano leaves

2 Teaspoons dried Basil leaves

2 Tablespoons minced Garlic

 Preheat oven to 375*

Wash stem and chop Kale leaves in food processor until finely chopped. Place into large mixing bowl along with all other ingredients, (except Parmesan Cheese). Using your hands mix well until well blended. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan patting out meat mixture evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until done and browned around the edges. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to let meat reabsorb liquids. Top with parmesan and serve. Enjoy!

 Note: This recipe also makes great meatballs! We like to top them with more marinara sauce. YUM!