Monday, December 19, 2016

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake (Gluten Free)


Rich, moist and dense chocolate cake surrounded by layers of creamy peanut butter frosting.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Banana Nut Bread

Classic banana nut bread.  
So moist and flavorful you'd never guess that it is made without oil or butter.  

Friday, December 2, 2016

Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup


Loaded with beef, tomatoes and your choice of vegetables in a rich broth.
Just like your grandmother made.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Chicken Curry


An easy, elegant and mild Indian inspired curry that your family will love!
Perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Butternut Souffle


A comforting, slightly sweet and light soufflé that pairs well with any meat.  
The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Maple Nut Scones


Lighter and fluffier than your typical scone.  
You will love the soft buttery texture and not too sweet maple flavor.

My son adores scones.  Since trying this recipe, which is a gluten free version of the Pioneer Woman's Maple Oat Nut Scones, he has asked repeatedly for them.  My husband, who is not usually a maple fan loves them too.  I like making them on a lazy Saturday morning and then freezing some to enjoy as a weekday treat.  They would make a great addition to any brunch menu too!

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Roasted Sweet Potatoes


A delicious and nutritious 3 ingredient side dish.  
Great with grilled meats or Thanksgiving Dinner!

Sweet potatoes are not just for Thanksgiving.  We enjoy them all year.  They are great with
a cozy winter meal and equally wonderful served at a summer cookout.  They are more nutrient packed than white potatoes and are packed with flavor too.  You can change up the spices any way you like, but be sure to try them with my BBQ Rub - Yum!

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Cauliflower Curry Soup


A Thai inspired twist on cauliflower soup.

In anticipation of a "cold front" arriving in Austin, I couldn't wait to create a warm and cozy soup for dinner.  So far, our Fall has remained in the '90s and the promise of some cool dry days and even cooler evenings gets everyone excited around here.  I cannot wait to wear some of my sweaters and to say goodbye (at least for a few days) to my summer clothes!
I may have jumped the gun as I made this the night before our Fall weather arrived, but my family didn't mind! I adore curry of any type and I am always thinking of new recipes to try.  If you are curry crazy too then be on the lookout for more to come!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Pasta with White Clam Sauce


A super simple pantry staple meal that is done in the time it takes to boil your pasta.
This clam sauce is so easy that you will feel guilty when your family raves!  It is very basic and I have modified it just enough so that the ingredient list is short.
This dish is a winner every time for our family.  It is light, but satisfying and all you need to complete the meal is a simple salad.  This is one of my husband's all time favorites.  And I do feel a little guilty that it takes so little effort (yes - I know that is a problem!).

Friday, October 14, 2016

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour


 Robin's Review
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour


I am always on the lookout for new gluten free products, and I as perused the isles of Whole Foods recently, this GF flour caught my eye.  I have seen this product before, but most of the cup for cup blends that I have tried in the past were so disappointing.  They either had a weird taste or very grainy texture. Should I waste my time and money trying another one?  This one promised that it could be substituted 1 to 1 for wheat flour in any recipe, so in a moment of weakness, I gave in!
I have to say that I am glad I did!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Vanilla Glazed Doughnuts (Gluten Free)


What's more relaxing than a weekend morning enjoyed with a cup of coffee and a yummy doughnut?
Baked doughnuts are the way to go!
These are classic cake glazed doughnuts that are just sweet enough and full of vanilla flavor.
Easy to make at home and the flavor possibilities are endless.
We have tried many gluten free doughnuts, 
but the ones we make at home just can't be beat.
I think I'm becoming obsessed 
with trying out all of the recipes forming in my head!
Good thing I have some doughnut lovers to eat them all.
Look out for more doughnut posts to come!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Pumpkin Pecan Crisp (Gluten Free)


This is the time of year when Pinterest and magazines are covered with every kind of pumpkin recipe you can imagine. Everything from muffins and pies to creamy lattes. So many warm and cozy comforting foods to try!
This recipe is basically a "dump cake" - which really just means you dump the ingredients (or layer them) into the baking pan. Dump cakes were so popular a few years back and this one definitely deserves a try. I have made it many times over the years and everyone loves it - even the non-pumpkin eaters that I know scarf this up!
I found the original recipe in the pages of Southern Living Magazine years ago. This is my Gluten Free version which is just as wonderful and easy. Much more scrumptious than any pumpkin pie!

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Basil Bacon Peas and Pasta (Gluten Free)


Quick, easy and so satisfying!
Pesto, bacon and cream - you can't go wrong.  This is my kind of comfort food.
My family adores pasta in all forms and this is a new favorite.
The perfect ending to a busy day!

Thursday, September 29, 2016

BBQ Rub and Sauce


A little smokey, a little sweet and a little kick!
This is my favorite Rub for grilling chicken and roasting pork.
Use as much or as little as you like to season your favorite meats.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Chicken and Sausage Paella


A simple one pan meal that is so flavorful and has just right kick.
If you love Paella, this is an easy version that is great for a family weeknight 
and special enough to serve your guests.
You can add seafood or whatever protein you like - it all works!
This recipe was inspired by Jamie Oliver's Chicken & Chorizo Paella.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Chicken Taco Soup


This easy classic soup is made with ingredients from your pantry and freezer tossed together in your crockpot for those busy weeknights.
Ever have one of those days when you find your refrigerator bare and no time to get to the store?
 (I'm not the only one right?)
Thanks to your pantry, freezer, and crockpot you've got dinner covered.
Add these ingredients to your shopping list to prepare for one of those days - you know it's coming!
Super Simple and so satisfying!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Shrimp Tacos


Tacos are one of the easiest and quickest meals to prepare - and the filling possibilities are endless!
These Shrimp Tacos are a little spicy and a little sweet.
Light, yet very satisfying.
Naturally gluten free too!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Mocha Almond Nice Cream


If you haven't tried Nice Cream you are really missing out!
If you love soft serve ice cream - this is the guilt free alternative.
Made with bananas, it is creamy and sweet without cream or refined sugar.
It may be Fall, but in Texas it is hot and I still want my Nice Cream!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Zucchini Muffins (Gluten Free)


This is my Granny's recipe for zucchini bread
that I have adapted to be gluten free.
The taste of her zucchini bread brings back memories of summers helping Granny in the kitchen and being rewarded with this warm, moist and sweet treat. I think her secret was the pineapple.
Wonderful for breakfast or snacking.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Sour Cream Breakfast Muffins (Gluten Free)


Everything you love about breakfast rolled into a muffin!

On a recent visit to my Aunt and Uncle's home
(which felt like the best Bed & Breakfast ever!!!),
my Aunt served us these delicious muffins
that she made from my cousin's recipe (Thanks Jenni!)
I couldn't wait to try a gluten free version. They were a big hit at our house!
Whip some up for a great weekend treat and be sure to keep some in the freezer for a quick on the go breakfast.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Bolognese Sauce


A classic meat sauce for pasta.  
I keep my freezer stocked for a home cooked meal 
that's ready in the time it takes to boil pasta.  
My go-to for the busiest days!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Ranch Dressing Mix


You can find many variations of this recipe on Pinterest.  This is my favorite.
The store bought mix has ingredients that I like to avoid, and this recipe is much more economical.
I use it to make salad dressing, but I mostly use it in recipes like
Taco Soup (look for my up-coming posted recipe).

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Swiss Mac and Cheese


My fondue-like version of Macaroni and Cheese.
A little more sophisticated than the childhood classic 
- and your kids will love it too!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Italian Cream Cupcakes (Gluten Free)


Moist cakes topped with a lucious pecan and coconut cream cheese frosting.  
Irresistible!

The frosting recipe is from the recipe for "Billie's Italian Cream Cake" in the Pioneer Woman Cooks.  I made this cake for my mom's birthday and it has been requested by my husband and son for their birthdays too.  I like the cupcake version, because I can freeze them and have them ready for those times when my son needs a gluten free treat to take along to a restaurant or event where I know there will not be a gluten free dessert option. 
They freeze beautifully!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Crockpot Chicken Korma (Gluten Free)





If you love curry like I do, you will love this creamy, flavorful recipe easily made in your crockpot.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Italian Meatloaf (Gluten Free)



2 lbs Ground Beef
1 cup ground gluten free Oats
1/2 cup Milk
3 Eggs
2 Tbsp dried, minced Onion
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped
4 Tbsp fresh Basil, finely chopped
2 Tbsp fresh Oregano, finely chopped
1/4 lb Pancetta, thinly sliced

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Zoodles and Noodles (Gluten Free)



A super easy, weeknight meal that combines 
the very popular Zoodle with traditional Noodles.
Zoodles are noodles made with zucchini that are spiral sliced. 
In the time that it takes for your pasta to boil, 
you can have diner on the table.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Butterscotch Brownies (Gluten Free)


Moist, buttery and filled with coconut and pecans.
Great for picnics, potlucks and backyard cookouts.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Cauliflower Alfredo Penne (Gluten Free)


Creamy and rich and packed with the goodness of cauliflower.
It's also ready in under 20 minutes!
Our family loves cauliflower, but if yours doesn't, this is a great way to sneak it into their diets.  
My recipe calls for heavy cream, but if you like, you can swap in chicken stock.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Protein Power Pancakes (Gluten Free)


These pancakes are so delicious and easy to whip up in your blender.
I orginally found this recipe on Pinterest and have tweaked it a little each time I made it over the years.  My son has declared them his favorite. We make them for breakfast, lunch and dinner (not all in the same day!). 

Friday, July 22, 2016

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Secret Ingredient Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts


The secret ingredient is pickle juice (Shhh!)  Marinating chicken in pickle juice helps to seal in the juices and makes the meat so flavorful.  So don't throw away the juice when your pickles are finished.  Any type of dill pickle juice will work.  I am careful to buy pickles that are free of artificial ingredients like dyes (yes - they do that - so check your labels).  Our favorite is Claussen Kosher Dill, found in the refrigerator section.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Peach Cobbler (Gluten Free)


Peaches are in season! 
Try them in this simple, sweet and juicy summer dessert.
My version is gluten free and no one will ever know - I promise!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Spaghetti Carbonara (Gluten Free)


Prepared in under 10 minutes this is a creamy classic pasta dish that is elegant enough to serve to guests.  It is a family favorite at our house and is a fast go-to meal made with ingredients that I usually have in my pantry and refrigerator.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Danish Meatballs


Delicious gluten free meatballs in a creamy dill sauce, served over zucchini noodles, rice or pasta.  Because it is made with Greek Yogurt it is a healthier version of the original that calls for sour cream.  
You can find the recipe for the meatballs in my post Basic Meatballs.  Then prepare the recipe here for the sauce. Traditionally served over rice -
I prefer zucchini "noodles".

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Friday, July 1, 2016

Brunch Grits Casserole (Gluten Free)


Easy to prepare and loaded with artichokes, onions, bacon and cheese.
Perfect for a Weekend Brunch!

Monday, June 27, 2016

Over-night Steel Cut Oats

Here is how to enjoy Steel Cut Oatmeal any day of the week without the usual 20-30 minute cook time.  It is creamy and so satisfying - not to mention so good for you! I like traditional oatmeal - but I LOVE Steel Cut Oatmeal - and so does my family! 

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Super Simple Crockpot Roast



Only 4 ingredients - and your crockpot does all of the work!
Moist and full of flavor!
Summertime is a great time to make use of your crockpot.  Assemble the ingredients in the morning and forget about it while you spend the day at the pool or beach.  No need to turn on the oven and warm up the house.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Basic Meatballs (Gluten Free)



This recipe is the result of lots of trail and error that led to the discovery of the "secret ingredient" -- ground oats (Shhh!).

Friday, June 17, 2016

Overnight Swiss Muesli (Gluten Free)


This is my take on a Swiss favorite called Bircher Muesli.
Silky and creamy - and because it is served cool, it is a great way to enjoy oats in the warmer months.
It is great for breakfast but we have enjoyed it as a light summer supper too.
Add your favorite fresh or dried fruit and nuts and seeds for endless variations.