Quick Beef Stew

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Quick Beef Stew

1 Pound Ground Beef

1 Large Onion (Chopped)

2 Cups Cooked Potatoes with liquid ( this is the potatoes that you cooked earlier in the week)

1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

2 Teaspoons Seasoning Salt

2 Teaspoons Regular Salt

1 -28oz. Can of Tomatoes

1 -15 oz. Can of Whole Corn

1 14.5oz. Can Cut Green Beans

1 14.5oz. Can Sliced Carrots

In large stock pot crumble ground beef and chopped onion. Cook on medium high heat stirring and continuing to break apart meat until it is browned. Add all seasoning and continue to stir so that meat doesn’t stick. When all the pink is gone and meat is cooked through, start adding all of the vegetables with the liquid. Turn heat up and cover with lid until stew starts to boil and continue to stir occasionally. Then turn down to medium and let simmer for another 5 minutes. Turn heat off and serve warm. This goes great with the corn bread muffins or corn dodgers you made earlier this week.

Note: Remember to keep leftovers for Shepherd’s Pie. 

 

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!

Banana Cream Breakfast Muffins

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Banana Cream Breakfast Muffins

Batter:

1/4 Cup Buttermilk

5 Eggs

1/2 Stick softened Butter (or ¼ cup GF oil)

3 Large Ripe Bananas

1/4 Cup ground Chia Seeds

1/2 Cup chopped Pecans (optional)

1  Cup Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour ( I used Better Batter)

1 Cup Gluten Free finely ground Almond Flour

1 Tablespoon GF Baking powder

1/2Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Cup Brown Sugar or Pyure Stevia Sweetener ( I used the sweetener)

Filing:

1 Ripe Banana

8 oz. plane Cream Cheese

2 Tablespoons White granulated Sugar

 Preheat oven to 325*F.

In large mixing bowl mix together, buttermilk, eggs, butter, bananas and ground chia seeds. Using electric mixer on high, blend together until there are no lumps left from the bananas. Then add the flours, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and nuts (if you use them). Fold in flour mixture, then blend well with electric mixer until all ingredients are smooth. Don’t over mix. Let batter set while you make the filling.

In medium size bowl mash peeled banana and cream cheese together with fork or pastry creamer. Add sugar and stir until smooth. Fill a piping bag with cream cheese mixture. You don’t have to use a decorator tip, but if you do use a large one. Close the end and set aside, until you get the muffin cups filled.

Line a muffin pan with liners and fill each with batter (about ¼ cup each )  I like to use a triggered ice cream scoop to do this. Then insert the tip of the piping bag into the center of each muffin and squeeze filling into the batter. ( I insert the tip about ½ way down into the batter)  Pulling back and lifting the bag as the filling comes out of the top. I like to swirl it around a bit on top of batter also. Do the same to each muffin until they are all filled.   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until muffins are brown on top and firm to the touch. When done remove from oven and let cool. This will make about 12-15 cupcake size muffins.   Enjoy!

Note: You may have air holes form in the center of muffins as they cool. If that happens, just make more banana cream and fill each with the creamy filing!

 

Gluten Free Tips and Tricks Starter Guide

Gluten free Gluten Free Starter Guide and Tips

It is extremely important when first starting to eat Gluten Free (staying away from anything that contains Wheat, Barley or Rye)  and heal your body try to stay away from processed GF prepackaged foods. There are some good ones out there, but be aware, Some of them maybe GF ingredients but they could be processed on the same lines as gluten containing ingredients. Some of them just out and out lie and slap that GF label on the package just to make money. It is illegal and several of them have been caught, but another one pops up all the time. So until you find the products that you can trust at first it is just safer to eat as clean as possible to begin with.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, Non- processed meats, etc.

Always wash fruits and vegetables with a white vinegar and warm water mixture, then rinse well.

Plain Milk and Dairy is Gluten Free, ( although some do have reactions to them, it may just take time to figure out what you react to.)

Be aware of Ice creams not all Ice cream is GF. You have to read labels.

Eggs are Gluten Free, ( I know some of this seems like a no brainer, but I have had people ask me these questions, and some people do react to eggs, my Mom is one of them, but it’s not because there is gluten in the eggs. We use Duck eggs and have no problems with them.)

 Always, Always!!! READ LABELS!!! I don’t care if you’ve purchased that same brand or product before and it was GF. Food companies change ingredients all the time! I have found this out the hard way.

Be very aware of Cross Contamination! If you use the same pans, bowls, and cooking utensils to cook gluten foods then use them to cook GF foods. You WILL cross contaminate yourself. Stainless steel is great, because it can be washed in the dishwasher and clean it thoroughly. Plastic, rubber, and wooden bowls can have scratches or cuts in them which will hold on to gluten.

Toasters are a big source of Cross Contamination! If your household is not going totally GF, then you need to have a separate toaster only for GF foods.

Hand towels, hot pad holders, anything with a soft or porous surface will hold gluten. I usually use paper towels to dry my hands. Just in case someone comes in with Gluten on their hands and doesn’t get it all off, then wipes it on the towel.

Also be aware of Soaps, Shampoos, Toothpaste, Shaving lotions, etc. Some of them do contain gluten.  

Oh and this is something that you just don’t think about until it happens to you. Someone else driving your car and eating gluten then getting it on your steering wheel.  People just don’t think about it. So I’m constantly cleaning my steering wheel, since we have teenage drivers around now.

Be aware of Spices, some of them are the real deal and only contain the spice that’s in the jar. Some of them are not, they add fillers. There are some brands that are pure spices.

Be aware of cellulose. Not all cellulose is GF. Some of it is made from Wheat and Barley Straw which does contain gluten.     

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!

Easter Egg Cake Pops!

Gluten Free Easter Egg Cake Pops

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.

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!

Oatmeal Molasses Spice Breakfast Muffins

oatmeal molasses breakfast muffins

Oatmeal Molasses Spice Breakfast Muffins

1 Cup Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oatmeal

3/4 Cup GF Almond Flour

3/4 Cup Gluten Free All-purpose Flour ( I use Better Batter)

1/2 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1  1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar

2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Tablespoon  Baking Powder

1/2 Cup Softened Butter ( or butter substitute )

1 Cup Water

3 Eggs Beaten

1/8 Cup Pure Molasses ( Unsulfured)

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Preheat oven to 350*

In large mixing bowl whisk all dry ingredients together. Add softened butter, water, beaten eggs, and Molasses. Fold together with spatula then mix with electric mixer just until blended. Fold in pecans and let batter set while you prepare muffin tins with paper inserts.

Then fill each cup with approximately ¼ cup triggered scoop of batter. ( this should make 18 regular size muffins)

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until done. Insert tooth pick into center muffin. If it comes back clean, they are done. Remove from oven and add topping.

Topping :

1/4 Butter, Melted

1 Cup GF, additive free shredded Coconut

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

2 Tablespoons Molasses

2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar

Mix all ingredients in medium size bowl. Top each warm muffin with 1 Tablespoon of mixture then place muffins under broiler for 1-2 minutes to toast pecan topping. Remove and let cool before serving.

 

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!

Low Carb Cheesy Kale Biscuits

Cheesey Kale Biscuits

These make the best Bacon and Tomato sandwiches!

Low Carb Cheesy Kale Biscuits

1 cup Almond flour

1 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon dry Oregano Leaves

2 Teaspoon dry Basil Leaves

2 Tablespoon minced Garlic

1/4 Cup butter, melted (1/2 Stick)

5  Large Eggs, beaten

1 packed Cup destemmed and finely Chopped Kale Leaves ( I chopped them in the food processor)

2 Cup Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated

1 Cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat Oven at 350*

In large mixing bowl Whisk together all dry ingredients. Then blend in herbs and all wet ingredients, including cheeses and kale. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to incorporate all ingredients. Using a triggered scoop (about ¼ cup) dip out each scoop and place into a buttered muffin tin or buttered biscuit pan and bake for 20 -25 minutes or until done. Let cool about 10 minutes before removing from pan. Enjoy!

(  I used a slider size bun pan for these. It’s slightly larger than a biscuit pan)

 

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!

 

Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread Sticks

Cheesy Garlic Herb Bread Sticks

1 Cup Almond Flour 

1/2 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Baking soda

 

1 Teaspoon dry Oregano

2 Teaspoon dry Basil

1 Teaspoon dry Thyme

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder

 

1/2 stick Butter, melted (1/4 Cup)

1/4 cup Greek Yogurt

4 Duck Eggs ( 5 regular chicken eggs)

 

1 Cup freshly grated Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup freshly grated Mozzarella Cheese

1 Cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350*

 

In a medium size mixing bowl whisk together all dry ingredients including herbs and garlic powder. In another bowl whisk melted butter, yogurt and eggs until well blended. Pour all liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and blend until smooth. Then fold in all of the cheese and incorporate thoroughly. This should make a stiff ball of dough. Grease large pizza pan or sheet pan with butter and roll out dough onto pan. If you are using a pizza pan with no sides only roll out to within 2 inches of the edge. As the cheese melts the dough will spread and run over the side of pan if it is too close to the edge. Bake for 20-25 min. or until bread sticks are set and turning brown. Then remove from oven slice bread sticks into 1- 2 inch widths and place under broiler for 1-2 minutes or until well browned on top. Serve warm. 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!

Crispy Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

Slowcooker Ham and Potatoes

Crispy Slow Cooker Ham and Potatoes

 

4 medium Potatoes

2 Cups cubed GF Ham

1 Teaspoon additive free Season Salt

1 Teaspoon additive free Garlic Powder

1 Cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Line Slow Cooker with tin foil, oil sides and bottom before filling with ham and potatoes.

Wash potatoes very well, leaving the skins on, being sure to remove any bad spots. Then slice each potato into 1 inch thick rounds all the way across the potato. Place potatoes into the bottom of the lined slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with season salt and garlic powder. Place ham on top of potatoes distributing evenly. Set slow cooker on low for 6 – 8 hours.

When potatoes are soft lift foil filled potatoes and ham from cooker. Using tongs lift each potato round to the top letting ham chunks fall to the bottom, then place foil packet under hot broiler in the oven for 1-2 minutes or until potatoes are crisp. Top with grated cheese, and place back under broiler until cheese melts for a few seconds. Remove and serve. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Duck

Maple Glazed Duck

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Wild Duck

6-8 Frozen Wild Duck Breasts ( my Crockpot will hold 8)

1 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

1 Cup Pure (additive free) Maple Syrup

Line crockpot or slow cooker with parchment paper up to the rim. Place each cleaned and frozen duck breast with the skin side down into the bottom of the parchment lined crockpot, only one layer deep. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkling evenly over meat. Using only ¾ cup of maple syrup, drizzle over duck breast. Completely coating each. Cover and set cooker on low for 6-8 hours. When done, lift parchment paper, duck breasts and juices to a shallow baking pan. Cover each duck breast with remaining syrup, then place entire pan under oven broiler. Let breasts crisp for 1 ½ – 2 minutes per side. Remove from oven and ladle meat juices over each duck breast before serving. I like to let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Note: The frozen meat keeps it from cooking too fast and drying out.

 

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Smoothie

Peanubutter banana Chia Smoothie.jpg

This has become my new favorite smoothie!

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Smoothie

1 Banana (peeled and sliced)

1/2 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter ( I use low sugar real peanut butter)

1/4 Cup plain Greek Yogurt

6-8 small Ice Cubes ( add more if you want your smoothie thinner)

1 Tablespoon Ground Chia Seeds

Optional, 2 Tablespoons Stevia or your favorite sweetener

Add all ingredients to food processor or smoothie maker. Blend until smooth,  Pour into glass and enjoy!

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

Chicken Tetrazzini with Zoodles

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini with Zoodles

Chicken Tetrazzini

3 Cups Cooked and Cubed Chicken ( about 4 medium chicken breasts)

4 Cups Raw Zoodles (I used 2 Yellow Zucchini about 10 inches long)

1/4 Cup melted butter

1 Cup plain Greek Yogurt (I used fat free)

1- 14.5oz. Can Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup or 1 ¾ Cup of home made

2 Cups Freshly Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

1 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 375*

In large mixing bowl add all ingredients except Parmesan Cheese. Mix well and pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading out evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle grated parmesan on top. Finish baking for 15 to 20 minutes more or until browned on top. (total baking time 35-40 minutes) Remove let cool and serve.

Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

2 1/2 Cups Gluten Free Hazelnut Flour or Meal

1/2 Cup Packed Dark Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup White Sugar ( If you want to make this Sugar Free just use the Pyure Stevia in the same amounts as both sugars)

1 Cup All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour ( I used Better Batter)

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

2 Large Eggs (Beaten)

8oz. Cream Cheese softened

1/2 Cup Salted Butter softened (1 Stick)

1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla

1- 11.5 oz. package Hershey’s Gluten Free Milk Chocolate Chips ( if you want this sugar free then use 2 packages of the Sugar Free Chips)

Preheat oven to 350*F.

In large bowl whisk together all dry ingredients. Using electric mixer or food processor beat together eggs, cheese, butter and vanilla.  Add dry ingredients to wet and mix together until well blended, then fold in chocolate chips. You may want to cover bowl and let set in fridge for about 15 minutes, or you can go ahead and spoon onto greased cookie sheet, and flatten out to about ¼ inch thick. ( I wet my fingers to do this.) Bake for 16 to 18 minutes. We like ours just until they are crispy around the edges. Be aware these are a little rich, but that’s ok for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Duck

Maple Glazed Duck

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Wild Duck

6-8 Frozen Wild Duck Breasts ( my Crockpot will hold 8)

1 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

1 Cup Pure (additive free) Maple Syrup

Line crockpot or slow cooker with parchment paper up to the rim. Place each cleaned and frozen duck breast with the skin side down into the bottom of the parchment lined crockpot, only one layer deep. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkling evenly over meat. Using only ¾ cup of maple syrup, drizzle over duck breast. Completely coating each. Cover and set cooker on low for 6-8 hours. When done, lift parchment paper, duck breasts and juices to a shallow baking pan. Cover each duck breast with remaining syrup, then place entire pan under oven broiler. Let breasts crisp for 1 ½ – 2 minutes per side. Remove from oven and ladle meat juices over each duck breast before serving. I like to let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Note: The frozen meat keeps it from cooking too fast and drying out.

Lasagna Soup!

Lasagna Soup

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Gluten Free Lasagna Soup

1 Large Onion Chopped (mine was about 3 1/2Cups after chopping)

5- 6 Large Cloves of Garlic minced

1 Pound Lean Ground Beef

2- 14 oz. Cans of 100% Chicken Broth

4 Cups Additive Free Tomato Sauce ( you can use Peeled and Chopped tomatoes)

1/2 Teaspoon salt

1/2 of a 10 oz. Box of Gluten Free Lasagna Noodles (I used Café’ Brand no boil)

2 Teaspoons additive free Dry Oregano

2 Teaspoons additive free Dry Sweet Basil

1/4 Cup additive free Plain Greek Yogurt

½ Cup additive free Fresh Parmesan Cheese crumbled

In medium size skillet brown ground beef. When there is almost no pink left in meat, add chopped onion and garlic. If you are making this on the stove top then, cook another 5-10 minutes while covered, stirring and turning over meat and onions, until onions are soft and translucent. In large stock pot, or Crockpot add browned meat and onion mixture, along with chicken broth, tomato sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Break up noodles and add to pot, along with spices.(** If you are making this in a Crockpot or slow cooker, set on low for 6-8 hours and do not add noodles, yogurt and cheese until the last 15 minutes of cooking time.**)  On stove top cook on a slow boil continuing to stir for about 10 minutes. Then stir in yogurt, and cheese. Simmer another 10-15 minutes, when noodles are soft it is ready to serve. Serve with Gluten Free garlic bread! YUM, Enjoy!!

Gluten Free Gingerbread

Merry Christmas GingerBread

Gluten Free Ginger Bread

3 Cups fine ground GF Flour ( I like Better Batter)

2 Teaspoons GF Double Action Baking Powder ( Clabber Girl)

½ Teaspoon Baking Soda

½ Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Cinnamon

¼ Teaspoon Additive Free Ground Nutmeg

1 Cup Sugar

4 Large Eggs

1 Tablespoon Peeled and Freshly Grated Ginger Root

2/3 Cup Water

1   Stick melted Salted 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 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!

 

Jan’s Soft Butter Cream Cookies

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I recently found this cookie baking pan and since it is different from using a regular cookie sheet, I  have adjusted the baking time in my Soft Butter Cream Cookie recipe to accommodate.  I did leave the normal dough resting and baking time at the bottom for you.

 
Jan’s Gluten Free Soft Butter Cream Cookies
 
1 1/2 Cups Fine Ground GF Flour ( I used Better Batter)
½ Cup Additive Free Powdered Sugar
Optional ( If you want them a little sweeter) add 2 Tablespoons White granulated Sugar
1 Teaspoon Gluten Free Baking Powder (If you use a heavier GF Flour you will need to add another Teaspoon)
½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
½ Cup Salted Butter (1 Stick)
4 oz. Original Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 Tablespoon Additive Free Vanilla
2 Large Eggs
Preheat oven to 300*F. ( this pan conducts heat very well)
In medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and soda. Soften butter and cream cheese in microwave. Don’t get it too hot, it will kill the baking powder. Beat eggs, and add to flour mixture, along with vanilla. Then add cheese and butter folding in all ingredients. Pour dough into food processor or mixer and blend until dough is smooth. Don’t over mix, it will make the cookies tough. You may refrigerate dough or dip out a about a 1 inch ball or smaller and place each ball into oiled cookie pan, pushing dough to edges of each design with wet fingers. Then place pan into oven and bake for 8-9 minutes. When cookies are brown around the edges remove pan from oven and let cookies set for about 5 minutes. Then remove to cookies from pan and let cool on cookie rack. When cookies are cool coat with glaze icing recipe below and decorate as desired.
If you are rolling out the cookies follow instructions below.
Preheat oven to 375* F.
Cover and Refrigerate dough for 30-40 minutes or even over night. When dough is really cold, pour onto wax paper that has been covered in powdered sugar. Make sure dough is covered on both sides with powdered sugar so that it doesn’t stick     rolling pen. Roll out dough a little thicker than ¼ inch. Using cookie cutters cut out cookies and place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12- 14 minutes or until cookies start to brown. Let cool before removing from cookie sheet. You may brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar, or ice cookies and decorate.
Powdered Sugar Icing
2- 3 Cups Additive Free Powdered Sugar
¼ Cup cold water
Mix until smooth. Add more powdered sugar if you want it thicker.

Orange Spice Tea

Orange Spice Tea

This is one of my favorite Teas in the winter! I hope you try it!

Orange Spice Tea

1 Small Orange (washed and cut into small cubes, including the peel)

1 Teaspoon ground Cinnamon

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1 Gluten Free Green Tea Bag

Optional, 1-2 Teaspoon dried or fresh Lemon Thyme Leaves

Place all ingredients into coffee or tea filter of either coffee or tea maker. (I use a coffee maker) Fill with water, mine holds 12 cups and let it run the cycle. Drink warm, and use whatever sweetener you prefer. Enjoy! Oh you can also make this on the stove just in a sauce pan.

Turkey with Fruit Salad ( or Chicken and Fruit Salad)

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Turkey with Fruit Salad (or Chicken Salad)

This is a great way to use up that left over Turkey!

2 ½ Cups cooked and cubed Turkey (or 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 Hellman’s Real mayo)

In medium bowl add cooked and cubed Turkey ( or chicken). Wash and cut up fruit and onion adding this to meat, 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!