Bacon and Cheese Potatoes

Bacon and Cheese Potatoes

Bacon and Cheese Potatoes

3-4 Medium size Potatoes (Baked with the skin on)

3-4 Slices of Bacon (cut in half)

1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Season Salt

1/2 Cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese

Slice baked potatoes into rounds with the Peeling still on. Then place potato slices into greased baking pan. ( I used my round copper pan that fits into my Air Fryer) Season with garlic and salt, place bacon slices on top (they cook better if the slices are cut in half). Place pan into Air Fryer ( or oven) cook 15 minutes at 400*. Half way through cooking time, turn bacon so that it will crisp on both sides. When done remove from oven and top with cheese. Enjoy!

Fried Radishes

Fried Radishes

2 Large bunches of Radishes ( enough to make 2 Cups sliced radishes)

1/4 Cup Oil enough to cover bottom of skillet (optional, add 2 Tablespoons bacon or pork chop drippings)

1 Teaspoon Salt

Wash radishes well, cutting off the greens and the root end, do not peel. Slice to about 1/8 inch thick. Add meat drippings and oil to skillet and heat until sizzling on medium high. Add sliced radishes spreading out evenly in skillet. Season with salt, cover with lid and let fry for about 3 minutes. Then turn radishes and stir spreading out evenly. Let fry covered, another 3-4 minutes until edges are starting to get crisp and centers are soft. Remove from heat and serve. 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.

Grilled Garden Veggies

Grilled Garden Veggies

2 Medium Yellow Squash

3-4 Green Onions ( or scallions)

1 Medium Head of Broccoli

Optional- 1 Bell Pepper or Jalapeño

2 Tablespoons Light Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Softened Butter to grease pan

1 Teaspoon (additive free) Season Salt

½ Teaspoon Sea Salt

1 ½ Teaspoons Garlic Powder

Preheat Grill to 375- 400*

Butter a 9x 13 inch foil pan, or you can make a pan out of foil, but be sure and double layer it.

Wash and slice the squash and onions into 1/4 inch slices, then break apart Broccoli florets and place in pan. Drizzle oil over veggies and toss to coat. Then sprinkle seasoning salt, sea salt and garlic powder over veggies. Cover loosely with foil and place on grill. Close lid and let veggies stem for about 10 minutes. Raise lid and uncover veggies and toss them using a long spatula. If you want grill marks on some of the veggies take out a few of the squash slices and broccoli florets with tongs and place on a well oiled grill grate. Let them brown only for a minute or two, then return veggies to pan. Close lid on grill and cook for another 15- 20 minutes or until veggies are fork tender. Serve warm.

Ham and Broccoli Salad

Ham and Broccoli Salad

 

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Ham and Broccoli Salad

2 Heads Broccoli, chopped (about 6 cups)

1 Cup Chopped Ham (Farmland has Gluten Free ham )

1/2 Cup Pineapple Chunks

1/2 Cup Gluten Free Mayonnaise ( I use Hellmann’s)

1/2 Cup Plain Additive Free Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup sugar or Stevia Sweetener (I use ¼ cup sugar and 1/4 cup Stevia)

2/3 Cup Additive Free freshly shredded Cheddar Cheese

In mixing bowl combine broccoli, ham and pineapple. In small bowl whisk together mayo, yogurt, and sugar. Pour over broccoli mixture, blending well. Top with cheese and serve. I like to add a few Gluten Free Croutons. This is a favorite at pot luck diners.

Okra Fritters

Okra Fritters

Okra Fritters

2 Cups Okra, stemmed and cut in half (about 20 pods of 3-4 inch okra)

1 Cup Gluten Free Cornmeal

2 Eggs

1/4 Cup Milk (If you need an exchange use water or milk substitute)

1 ½ Teaspoons Salt

Enough oil to deep fry fritters.

Wash, stem and cut okra in half. Pour in food processor with the cutter blade inserted. Pulse 4-5 times until okra is chopped but not pureed. Add cornmeal, eggs, milk and salt. Blend just until mixed into dough. Heat oil on high until hot enough to fry. Reduce heat to medium, then drop fritter dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown. ( about 2-3 minutes) Be sure to turn each fritter when brown on bottom side. Also make sure fritter patty is only about 1/2 inch thick. The fritters will not cook well in the center if they are too thick. When done remove from oil and drain to paper towels. Enjoy

Variations: Add garlic powder, or chopped onions for a different taste.

Okra fritters are also great for dipping!

Rosemary Dill Cucumber Salad

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Rosemary Dill Cucumber Salad

5 Cups washed peeled and sliced Cucumbers ( about 5-6 Large Cucumbers)

Dressing:

1/8 Cup of Milk

1/2 Cup of Gluten Free Mayonnaise ( I use Hellmann’s original)

1/4 Cup plain Greek Yogurt

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Chopped Rosemary Leaves

1/2 Teaspoon Dried Dill Weed

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/8 Teaspoon ground Black Pepper

In large mixing bowl (or serving bowl) add all ingredients for dressing and whisk together. Add peeled and sliced cucumbers and fold together. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also mix the dressing and refrigerate the night before and it tastes even better. Enjoy!!

 

Chicken and Fruit Salad

Gluten Free Chicken and Fruit Salad

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Chicken & Fruit Salad

(or you can use Turkey)

2 ½ Cups cooked and cubed chicken ( about 2 large cooked chicken breast)

1/3 Cup finely chopped red onion

1 Small apple, about 1 to 1 ¼ cups chopped apple with the peeling

1 to 1 ¼ Cups quartered and sliced seedless grapes

2/3 Cup chopped pecans

2/3 Cup Gluten Free mayonnaise ( I use Hellmans Real mayo)

In medium bowl add cooked and cubed chicken ( or turkey). Wash and cut up fruit and onion adding this to chicken, along with pecans. Then pour in mayo and mix well. Serve in lettuce wrap or on your favorite Gluten Free bread for a great tasting sandwich. Enjoy!

Fresh Veggie Pizza

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. )

Basil Kale Garden Dip

 

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Basil Kale Garden Dip

2 Cups chopped fresh Basil

2 Cups chopped fresh Kale

6-7 large Cloves of minced Garlic

2 Large Tomatoes Chopped

1 Large Bell Pepper Chopped

Optional 1 Jalapeño Chopped

8 oz. (1 Cup)  Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Teaspoon Salt ( or season to taste)

In food processor pulse the Basil, kale and garlic until only small pieces are left. Then add remaining ingredients. Blend until tomatoes and pepper are also in small pieces. Cover and  refrigerate for about an hour, or over night before serving. The flavors of the vegetables and herbs will blend together better the longer it sets. Serve with chips or use a dip for chicken or meatballs.

Variations: You can also add onions, or 1 Tablespoon of Chili powder. Also pepper flakes.

Wilted Salad with Hot Garlic Ginger Dressing

Wilted Lettuce Salad with Hot Garlic Ginger Dressing

4 Cups washed and torn Leaf Lettuce

1 Cup washed and torn Baby Kale Leaves

1-2 Chopped Green Onions

Optional- 1 Cup chopped cooked Chicken or Turkey

1/4 Cup light Olive Oil

2-3 Slices Gluten Free Bacon

2 Tablespoons minced Garlic

1 Tablespoon Freshly Grated Ginger ( have garlic and ginger already minced and grated before you start to fry bacon).

In medium size bowl assemble lettuce, kale, onions, chicken, and toss. Plate individual salads onto heat proof bowls or plates. Using a cast iron skillet, heat oil on high and fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon when done and drain on paper towel. Leaving heat turned up on medium high add garlic and ginger. Fry until garlic sizzles just starts to turn brown, this only takes a few seconds. Immediately remove from heat and pour over plated salads. Lettuce should pop and sizzle so that it will wilt. Crumble bacon over salads, season to taste with salt and or pepper and serve.

Variations: Instead of cooked chicken, you can use cooked and thinly sliced steak.

You may also want to add some chopped hot peppers, or top with grated cheese or boiled eggs.

Some people also like to add a bit of balsamic or white vinegar after pouring oil over salad.

Teriyaki Carrots

 

 

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Teriyaki Carrots

2- 12 oz. Bags of sweet baby Carrots ( I use Green Giant real baby carrots)

1 – 10oz. Bottle of Gluten Free Teriyaki sauce ( I use Kikkoman)

2 Tablespoons minced Garlic (if you like garlic add more)

1 Teaspoon GF, MSG Free Season Salt

Preheat oven to 375* F.

Wash and rinse Carrots then spread them out in a 9×13 inch baking pan. ( I prefer to use glass or stone ware) Pour teriyaki sauce over carrots, making sure all carrots are submerged in sauce. Spread garlic over carrots then sprinkle with season salt. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until carrots are fork tender. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations: I have also made this on top of the stove in a cast iron skillet as a stir fry. Adding thinly sliced beef or chicken and other vegetables.

Note: If you use the larger size carrots, baking or cooking time will be longer.

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.

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.

 

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!

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 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.

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 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. )

Gluten Free (Garden Fresh) Jambalaya

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Gluten Free (Garden Fresh)  Jambalaya

¼ Cup GF Oil

1 Cup chopped Onion

2 Large Cloves Garlic finely chopped or minced

1 Teaspoon additive free dried Celery Flakes

1 or 2 Jalapenos deseeded and chopped (Optional)

2 Medium Sweet Bell Peppers deseeded and Chopped

2 Cups Uncooked Chicken Breasts (cut into 1 -2 inch pieces)

3-4 Fish fillets (fresh or frozen any kind, as long as it is not catfish)

1 Tablespoon additive free Paprika ( I usually make this a heaping Tblspn.)

1/2 Tablespoon additive free Seasoning Salt

2 Cups chopped GF Ham ( I use leftover ham)

2 Cups thinly sliced fresh Okra

2 Cups cored, peeled and chopped fresh Tomatoes

1 – 12oz. Package frozen, peeled, deveined, tail-off, Shrimp ( I like the extra small)

1 – 14.5 oz. Can 100% Chicken Broth

1 Cup Red Quinoa ( I like Ancient Grains, it’s already rinsed)

In very large skillet, ( mine is 15 inches) pour in oil and set heat to medium high. Add onion, garlic, celery flakes, jalapeños and bell peppers. Let this start to sizzle and move vegetables to outer edges of pan. Then add chicken to the center of the skillet to cook and brown, about 15 minutes. Stirring and turning chicken pieces occasionally. Move chicken pieces to edges of skillet and add fish fillets to center of skillet, in a single layer. Sprinkle seasoning salt and paprika over meat and vegetables. Let this cook another 5- 10 minutes or until fish and chicken are cooked through. ( note fish will break up as it cooks). Then add ham and okra, and tomatoes. Stir in and cover for about 5 minutes. Then add shrimp, chicken broth and quinoa. Turn heat up until it starts to simmer, then turn heat down to medium. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes. Be sure to stir making sure quinoa is down in the liquid. Quinoa should be cooked by now, turn heat off and serve. We like to have this with hushpuppies or cornbread.  Enjoy!

There are many variations to this dish! Some add sausage, and cayenne pepper, others may add squash. Of course the original recipe uses rice. Just add anything that makes you happy!  It’s Jambalaya!

Cajun Squash Sauce

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1 Tablespoon minced Garlic

2 Teaspoons additive free Paprika

1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1/2 Teaspoon Fresh chopped Oregano Leaves

3 Cups puréed Yellow Squash

1 – 14.5 oz. can 100% Chicken Broth

1 Teaspoon Salt ( If you are watching your salt intake just use less salt )

In food processor add all ingredients except broth and salt. Blend until smooth.     ( the oregano leaves will not completely blend, but that’s fine.) Add broth and salt, blend again. (if you are going to freeze sauce, do not add salt) Pour sauce into medium sauce pan and heat to boiling. Or pour over chicken, pork or beef to bake. I like to pour it over left over grilled chicken.

Bacon Tomatoes and Okra

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Don’t worry,this is not slimy. When you add in the tomatoes, the acid breaks down the slime of the okra.

1/2  Pound of GF Bacon

4 Cups Sliced fresh Okra

2 medium Cloves of Garlic (chopped)

1 Small Jalapeno chopped (Optional)

2 Cups cored, peeled and chunked tomatoes ( About 3 medium tomatoes chunked into 1 to 1  ½ inch cubes)

1/2 Teaspoon Salt ( or less if you are watching your salt intake)

I medium skillet fry bacon just until crisp. Remove bacon from grease, to crumble into chunks and reserve for later. Add garlic, jalapeno and sliced okra to grease and fry on medium high heat just until okra is soft and starts to turn brown, stirring so that it cooks evenly. Reduce heat and add tomatoes and salt. Raise heat and let vegetables just come to a simmer. Remove from heat, stir in bacon and serve. Enjoy!

Note: You don’t have to peel the tomatoes. I just like mine peeled.

Zucchini Tex-Mex Chili Bake

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Zucchini Tex-Mex Chili Bake

1 large Zucchini Squash

2 Tablespoons GF oil

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

2 pounds lean Ground Beef

1/2 cup chopped Onion

1- 1.25 oz. package GF Taco Seasoning

2 tablespoons Chili Seasoning ( I used Williams original )

1- 15oz. can Dark Red additive free Kidney Beans (I do not drain)

2 Cups freshly grated Cheddar Cheese

Wash peel and thinly slice zucchini length wise. (I cut the zucchini in half, it makes it easier to work with)  If you have a mandolin slicer, that works great. Heat oil in large skillet, salting and lightly browning zucchini slices on both sides about 1- 2 minutes per side. In another skillet add chopped onions, ground beef, taco seasoning and chili seasoning. On medium high heat stir and separate meat into smaller pieces until meat is cooked through and no longer pink. Preheat oven to 375*F.

Starting with meat mixture in a 9×13 inch baking pan, layer meat, squash, and beans, ending with meat on top. Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until cooked through and bubbling. Top with cheese and serve.

Variations:

Add a can or small bag of corn. You may also use other types of squash.

Also you can use black beans, or brown beans instead of kidney beans.

Gluten Free Stuffed Tomatoes

IMG_2169 We are getting several tomatoes from the garden now, so I’m making fresh tomato recipes. Hope yall are getting some fresh tomatoes too!

Gluten Free Stuffed Tomatoes

6-8 Medium size ripe Tomatoes

1 Pound GF sausage cooked and drained ( I used Johnsonville Gluten Free)

1 Tablespoon Freshly chopped Rosemary (if you use dried, then use half the amount)

1 Tablespoon Freshly chopped Sweet Basil Leaves

1 Teaspoon salt

1 1/2 Cups GF Bread Crumbs. ( I save the ends and cut them up for crumbs)

1 1/2 Cups additive free freshly grated Mozzarella Cheese

1 Cup additive free freshly grated Parmesan Cheese ( for topping)

Preheat oven to 375* F.

In medium skillet cook sausage into small crumbled pieces, until lightly browned, just until the pink is gone. Remove cooked meat and drain on paper towels. Wash tomatoes and slice off just the very top. After you remove the core of the tomatoes, cut up the tops into small chunks and add to medium size mixing bowl. Gently slice around the inside of the tomatoes and scoop out the ribs and seeds of the tomato, cutting this into small chunks and add to mixing bowl. Being careful not to cut all the way through to the outside of the tomatoes. (setting aside the outside of the tomato until you are ready to add stuffing.) Add herbs, salt, bread crumbs, and mozzarella to tomato chunks in the mixing bowl. Then add crumbled sausage to tomato mixture and mix thoroughly. Grease a 9×13 baking dish, scoop tomato mixture into hollowed out tomatoes and place each stuffed tomato into baking dish. Add any remaining filling around tomatoes. Bake for 20- 25 minutes or until stuffing is starting to brown and tomatoes are getting soft. Remove from oven and top with parmesan cheese. Serve while still warm. Enjoy!

Gluten Free Tomato Pasta Salad

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Gluten Free Tomato Pasta Salad

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

5 Quarts Water

1 – 16 oz. Bag GF Pasta ( I used Sams Mill elbow macaroni, Wal-Mart Brand)

2 Large Tomatoes ( cored and chopped)

1/3 Cup Fresh Parsley leaves (chopped) (if you use dried, cut the amount in half)

3/4 Cup Freshly grated parmesan Cheese (reserve, ¼ cup for topping)

Add water and salt to large pot and bring to rolling boil. Then add olive oil and pasta. Set timer for 7 minutes. During that time pasta will come to rolling boil. When time is up remove and drain in strainer. Rinse with cold water, and place pasta in large mixing bowl. Let cool and add tomatoes, parsley  and ½ cup of cheese. Mix Dressing below, and pour over salad, lightly stirring in dressing . Top with remaining cheese, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Dressing:

Juice of 1 lemon ( about ¼ Cup)

1/3 Cup GF Oil ( I used Light Olive Oil)

1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano (chopped)

1 Tablespoon Fresh Sweet Basil(chopped) (if you use dried, then use half the amount)

1 Teaspoon Salt

2 Teaspoons additive free Garlic Powder

In small bowl whisk all ingredients together and pour over salad.

Please Note: Some GF pastas do not hold up overnight. If you’re not sure then make salad just before you are ready to serve.  I also do not cook Sams Mill pasta as long as the package directions state. I reduce the time by 1 minute.

Salad Variations: Add in cooked and chopped bacon, or chopped ham.

Also you may add in chopped broccoli, lettuce, or onions, but if you do you will have to double the dressing recipe.

Roasted Green Tomato Salsa

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Roasted Green Tomato Salsa

4 Large green tomatoes

3-4 Large Jalapeños ( 4-5 inches long)

5-6 Large Whole Cloves of Garlic

2-3 Green Onions

1 Teaspoon Salt

Preheat grill to 375* – 400*F.

Wash all vegetables, clean and peel outer skin off of garlic and onions. Core and cut tomatoes into quarters. Cut stems off of jalapenos. Place all vegetables in large foil pan, arrange so there is only one layer. Make sure to place the tomatoes with skin side down. Sprinkle with salt over all vegetables and place pan over center burners. Lower the flame on the center burners and close lid of grill. Check occasionally to make sure vegetables are not burning, you only want to roast them. The green onions will cook faster than the other veggies, when the green ends turn dark brown take them off the grill. Cook rest of the vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are soft and turning brown. They are cooked when you can pierce through with a fork.  Let cool for about 10 minutes, then add all vegetables, including onions to your blender and blend to desired thickness. I like mine a little chunky. You may like yours pureed, taste and add more salt if desired. Serve as a dip or as toppings for tacos or tostadas.

Note: I like to go a little heavy on the garlic, if you don’t care for a strong garlic taste, then don’t roast as many cloves as I do.

If you plan to can or preserve your salsa, before you add to jars, you will have to boil blended vegetables, and follow canning directions, according to Ball or Kerr canning books.