Homemade Spice Blends

These are my favorite spice blends.
I find myself using these three more than any others.

They are very versatile and I am finding new ways to use them all the time.

I was inspired to make my own when I discovered that some of my favorite store-bought blends contained some questionable ingredients
- and many contain soybean oil, which we try to avoid.

I measure the ingredients into Mason jars, shake, seal with the lid,
(these plastic ones can be found at Walmart)
and store in a cool, dry place.
I often make double batches because I use them so often.
They also make nice hostess gifts!

Roasted Potato and Green Bean Salad

This is a wonderful side for all of those grill night meals

and is perfect for a picnic - no mayo!

Texas Brisket and Ribs at the Salt Lick

The Salt Lick

One of our favorite restaurants in Austin (technically Driftwood).

 It has our vote for the best Texas barbecue and as the menu states 

"Everything is Gluten Free except the bread and desserts". 

(Trust me - you won't have room for it anyway!)

The experience is definitely Texas.  Live music, friendly staff, 

rustic atmosphere, and lots of boots.
It's cash only and BYOB.  Weekends are busy, but you can listen to live music, find a shady seat in the garden, or check out the Salt Lick Cellars next door for some wine tasting while you wait.

It is one of the places we are sure

take our family and friends when they visit.

So in order to maintain our addiction, we try to keep 

our guest room filled!
If you can't make it to Austin, you can order from their website:

http://saltlickbbq.com

Good Morning Granola

Don't let the ingredient list fool you - 

this granola is couldn't be easier.

Stick with the measurements for oats, oil and maple syrup

and play around with the other ingredients - 

either using nuts and seeds thats you have on hand

or choosing what your family loves.

Summer Pork Kabobs

The weather here in Texas is starting to get warm!  Perfect grilling weather.
Prepare the marinade, pork and vegetables in the morning or the night before.
Then it takes just a few minutes to get everything on the skewers
and then onto the grill - no need to heat up the kitchen!

Why I Love Gluten Free Bisquick

This baking mix makes the BEST Waffles!  They are golden and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.  They are as easy to make as waffles made with traditional Bisquick and our family honestly likes the Gluten Free version better.

Fruit and Custard Pie

This is my version of a favorite from my husband's family in Switzerland.

It is called Wahe. 

You can use any fresh fruit in this recipe.  

Peaches, apricots, plums, and any type of berries are wonderful.

My mother in law serves this as a light dinner - 

which we also love to do, especially in the summer.

It also makes a great dessert.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (Gluten Free)

So moist and delicious.  

This Banana Bread does not last long at our house!

Fondue Cauliflower Casserole

This simple casserole is has all the flavors of Swiss Fondue.

My family raves every time I make it.

Super Simple Guacamole

This guacamole is delicious and couldn't be more simple.

Mexican Lasagne (Gluten Free)

Basically this is a chicken enchilada casserole.  

It is easy to put together and doesn't require any special 

Gluten Free ingredients.  

You can add beans and corn and use either red or verde enchilada sauce.

Be careful when choosing a ready-made enchilada sauce.  Many contain wheat.

I use Frontera Green Chile Enchilada Sauce or make my own.

Why I Love Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix (Gluten Free)

This is one of my favorite gluten free flour blends.  It is especially good in cake and cookie recipes.  I think the almond meal is the key.  It gives my cakes and muffins a lighter texture and better structure.  When I use some other gluten free flours the texture can be dense and gummy.

Lemon Breakfast Bread (Gluten Free)

This Lemon Bread is great for a weekend breakfast or brunch.  

It also makes a simple dessert.

While we were staying at a Bed and Breakfast in Vermont we were served this delicious bread.  Our hostess was kind enough to share her recipe.  

This is my gluten free version.

Cheeseburger Pie (Gluten Free)

This is our version of Impossible Cheeseburger Pie.

It is my son's favorite and he said that I should call it my "signature dish"!

Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

I am addicted to this salad! You can vary the ingredients as much as you like.  I often substitute the mandarin oranges with either strawberries or dried cranberries.  I swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds.  And I often add blue or feta cheese.

The best part of this salad is that my whole family eats raw leafy greens!

Creamy Penne with Mushrooms Asparagus and Sun Dried Tomatoes (Gluten Free)

One of my go-to meals.  It is super simple and you can use whatever vegetable ingredients you have on hand.

Peachy Cream Chicken (Gluten Free)

 Quick and easy, but elegant enough to serve to guests.  My family loves it!

Almond Oat & Chip Cookies (Gluten Free)

 Not your typical oatmeal cookie - lots of goodies and no raisins (unless you want some!)