Chicken and spinach noodle soup

I just threw it in the pot and it turned out good!

Ingredients:

32 oz chicken broth
6 cups water
1 small chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp no salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp poultry season
6 chicken boullion cubes 

whole cooked cut up chicken, or canned chicken

homemade spinach noodles (see recipe under gluten free noodles)

Bring all ingredients to a boil and add your noodles.  Let simmer on stove for a couple of hours.  You may also use your crock pot.

Stephies Italian Jambalaya-Gluten Free

This is a gluten free dish.  Its healthy and has lots of natural flavors.  Has a little bit of a kick to it with the pepper and stewed tomatoes, but its delicious.  Takes less than 30 min to throw together.

Ingredients:

4 Chicken breasts

 1 tbsp coconut oil,

1 whole slivered onion

 28 oz can stewed tomatoes

 sliced cherry tomatoes

2 cups chopped up fresh cabbage

 2 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 teaspoon onion powder 

dash pepper 

1 tsp Adobe seasoning 

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

 One smoked green chili chopped

Directions:

Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in skillet, Cut up 4 chicken breasts into chunks. Cook thoroughly, add slivered onions.  Then add all the seasonings, stewed tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, green chili, and cabbage.  Cook until cabbage is soft.  Serve over brown rice.

Delicious! 

Gluten, Dairy, Egg free pizza crust/pizza

I have recently learned that I am allergic to gluten, eggs, dairy, wheat, corn, red beans, white beans, potato, and almonds, among other things.  Eating just got difficult.  So, I am learning new ways to cook.  Here is an amazing pizza crust.  I found a similar recipe online, however it called for eggs and sweet potatoes.  I improvised with xanthen gum and butternut squash.  Turned out amazing.  Hope you enjoy it!

Crust:

Ingredients:

1 cooked butternut squash puréed
1 cup rice flour
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder 
1 tsp onion powder
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 tsp chili powder

Mix all ingredients.  Mixture will seem sticky.  Spread on pizza stone.  Crust will rise during baking. 

Bake at 400° for 30 minutes

I topped my pizza with;
small can of tomato sauce

sliced smoked pork

grilled chicken cubed

sliced onions

sliced green pepper

tomatoes sliced

Italian seasoning

Garlic powder

Onion Powder

spread the tomato sauce over the cooked crust.  Sprinkle with seasonings then add the rest of the toppings.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 min or until hot.

Enjoy!!

Steamed Brown Rice

This side dish is fantastic with any meal, and simple to make:

Ingredients

2 Cups Long grain brown rice

4 cups Water

1 pkg Lipton onion soup mix

2 tbsp Onion flakes

1 Tbsp Crushed Bay Leaves

1/2 sliced almonds

3 Chicken Bouillon Cubes

Directions:

Place all ingredients in rice steamer, and steam until done.  You can also cook on stove top according to rice directions.

Seven Layer Salad

This is NOT my recipe, however it was so good, I wanted to share it with everyone who follows me.  I actually saw this on Facebook and decided to try it.  WINNER WINNER SALAD DINNER!!!

Ingredients for Salad:

1 to 2 heads romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium red onion, sliced or chopped, your choice
1/2 cup green olives, sliced
3/4 cup corn kernels (thawed from frozen or fresh from the cob - no need to cook) I substituted Mushrooms due to the sugar content of corn.
1 avocado, pit removed, peeled and chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (about 2 cups after slicing)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, dill, and/or basil, chopped...I used cilantro

 Creamy Salsa Vinaigrette

.

Ingredients (organic and non-GMO whenever possible):
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or coconut milk, I used coconut milk
1/2 cup your favorite mild or medium Salsa
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Earth Balance vegannaise <-- I would use "Just Mayo"
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil (unrefined, cold-pressed, extra-virgin)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 heaping tablespoon chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Sweet Potato Bun

I saw this on My Fitness Pal so I had to check it out.  I'm not sure WHO created it, but I'm gonna share it!!  This is for those of you who want to eat a healthy sandwich without the bread...GLUTEN FREE, Dairy Free, and Soy Free...WOOHOO...Not only that, but this was just simply delicious.

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato

3 whole eggs

1 tbsp salt free seasoning

2 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in frying pan.  While heating peel and shred sweet potato.  I used my veggetini spiral maker and then with the chunks left over I used my small electric food chopper.  Cook sweet potato in skillet until softened.  Then remove from heat to let cool a little.

In a separate bowl whisk 3 whole eggs. 

Combine eggs, cooked sweet potato, and seasoning.

It will look mushy.  In skillet heat the other tbsp of Coconut Oil.  

Form 2 round patties with your mixture and cook on medium heat.  Cook for about 5-10 min. on each side, or until each side is crunchy.  Do not flip too soon, or it may fall apart. 

Remove from heat and top one piece of your healthy bun with whatever floats your boat!!  I kept mine simple and topped with lettuce and 3 oz. of shaved ham.  Then topped with the other half.  This was such a delightful change from bread...BETTER! There was some mixture left over for me to make another bun set for lunch tomorrow.  I just covered with plastic wrap and stored it in my fridge.

       VOILA!!!

Cabbage Rolls

Well, I had never made these before tonight.  This was an experiment gone fantastic!!!  Love this recipe and I will be making this again.  It was a little time consuming considering I wasn't quite sure what all I wanted to put in these.  I think next time will be quicker!  I hope you enjoy this gluten free meal as much as I did!

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef

10 cabbage leaves

1 whole onion - chopped

5 large carrots - chopped

1 whole yellow squash - chopped

2 cups shredded zucchini

1 whole sweet pepper chopped

1 jalapeno pepper minced

5 large garlic cloves minced

1 can Hunts Fire Roasted diced tomatoes

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tbsp chili powder

2 tbsp garlic pepper

2 tbsp salt free seasoning

1 tsp dried basil

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*.  In a frying pan, cook ground beef until browned.  While this is cooking cut the cabbage stem out of the bottom and peel off 10 large whole leaves.  In a pot, boil water and drop each leaf into boiling water for 2-3 min.  Only do 1-2 at a time.  Take out of pot and cool.

After the ground beef is cooked through.  Drain and rinse of excess grease.  Add chopped carrots, onions, peppers, squash, zucchini, and spices.  Mix well.  In a 9 x 13 pan prepare each roll.  

 Open each leaf carefully, and spoon in large scoop of meat mixture.  Complete until you have filled each leaf.  If you have extra room in your pan and extra filling go ahead and make another roll, or do what I did and throw the extra meat mixture on top.

Once you have finished rolling, top the cabbage rolls with the can of fire roasted tomatoes.   Cover with aluminum foil and bake in oven at 350* for 1 hour.

VOILA!!!  Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Gluten/Dairy Free Pan Fried Breakfast Casserole

I have had to start eating Gluten, Dairy and Soy free, so I've been experimenting.  I made this for myself and the kids today for breakfast.  Its really nothing unusual.  Just really a reminder that we can still eat good food!!

Ingredients

3 small potatoes, cleaned well, but not skinned

1/2 white onion chopped

4 oz. chopped ham

6 whole eggs

salt free seasoning

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Directions:

In a fry pan, melt Coconut oil.  I used my veggie spiral tool and spiraled the potatoes.  Rinse the starch off. Put them in the hot oil.  Then add the onion.  Mix this up and cook until the potatoes are browned and cooked.   In a mixing bowl wisk your eggs and then add the chopped ham.  Add this to your potatoes. Add your seasoning.  Cook until eggs are done.  This makes about 4 servings.  Enjoy!

Energy Bites

These are sugar free, dairy free, and gluten free energy bites...They have a rich chocolaty flavor.  One little bite goes a long ways.  For those of you who cant have all that bad stuff, these are a great substitute.

Ingredients:

4 oz. Cacao melted

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3 Tbsp Honey

1/4 cup flax seed

1/4 chunk paraffin wax 

Directions:

In a small sauce pan, melt cacao and paraffin wax.  Once melted add peanut butter, honey and flax seed.  Stir until completely melted and blended.  Line a pie pan or small 9 x 9 pan with wax paper.  Use a small rubber spatula and spread mix onto the wax paper.  Chill in refrigerator.  Once hardened, you can use a knife to cut up in small pieces, or do like I did and just break it up in small pieces.  Store in refrigerator in an air tight container.

Cherry Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Frozen Black Cherries

1/2 cup frozen Blackberries

1/4 Cup Coconut Milk

1 Cup Almond Milk

1 Cup Kale

1 whole Banana

1 Cup Water

Directions:

Throw everything in the blender and blend well.  This recipe makes 2 smoothies.

Chocolate/Peanut Butter Smoothie

Oh my....this was DELICIOUS!!!!  Full of protein also.  I drank it and forgot to take a picture.  I'll try to remember to take one next time.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Silk Original Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter

2 Tbsp. Hersheys Unsweetened Cocoa

1 banana

Directions:

Blend in blender until thick and frothy.  Enjoy!!

I have to say, so far this smoothie is my favorite!!  If you throw some ice in there it tastes like chocolate ice cream.

Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie

I should have taken a picture before I drank almost all of it.  This smoothie is thick and creamy.  You will feel full after drinking this smoothie. 

Ingredients:

1 Cup Unsweetened Original Silk Almond Milk

1 Tbsp Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut spread-Nutella

3 Tbsp Cocoa baking powder

1 whole banana

Directions: 

Place all ingredients into blender and blend until creamy and completely mixed.

Enjoy!!

Quinoa and Beans

After doing some research on Hashimotos and Celiac disease, I found that Quinoa and beans are good for you.  I threw this recipe together, unsure of what it would taste like.  As unattractive as it might look, it was pretty tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup quinoa
• 5-6 sweet peppers sliced
• 1/2 onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves sliced
• 1 can black beans (do not drain juice)
• 2 cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 2 tbsp Cajun spice
• dash of pepper

Directions:

Heat coconut oil in pan.  Add onion, garlic and sliced peppers.  Sautee until onions are translucent.  While this is cooking, prepare 1 cup quinoa according to directions, and 1 cup lentils according to package.

Add black beans with juice.

Add stewed tomatoes.  While this is heating strain and rinse quinoa and lentils.  Add them to the skillet.

Let simmer until the quinoa soaks up the rest of the juices.  Add spices and stir well.

Then serve.  I ate mine plain in a bowl.  My husband enjoyed his wrapped up in a tortilla.

Red Raspberry Smoothie

I do a lot of experimenting with smoothies.  I took out all gluten, soy, and dairy from my diet.  I'm on to a healthier, feel better, ME!!  This one is low in sugar and calories, but high in vitamins and protein. 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup red raspberries

1 1/2 cup kale (frozen)

1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (silk)

1 Tbsp Collagen Hydrolysate (great lakes gelatin)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and blend in blender well.

sauteed veggies

This makes a great side dish when you want to have a piece of grilled chicken or steak or just about anything.  I bought a veggitini and made my yellow and zucchini squash into noodles. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tsp. Coconut Oil
• 2 zucchini squash
• 1 yellow squash
• 1 whole chopped onion
• 4 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 jalapeno chopped
• 6-8 sweet mini peppers
• 1 pkg. fresh mushrooms
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Directions:

Melt Coconut Oil in large skillet.  Saute chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno until onion is clear.  Add squash, peppers, and mushrooms.  Cook until squash is softened.  Add spinach.  Cook on low heat until spinach is cooked.  Ready to serve.  Nutritious and Delicious!! 

Venison Tacos

These are Gluten Free, Soy Free, and Dairy Free!!  I have had to change my diet due to celiac and hashimotos disease.  You will be seeing some healthier recipes.  Don't worry though kids, I'll still post some of your favorites!!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds cooked venison burger, or 95% lean ground beef
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 3 pkg of your favorite taco seasoning, or homemade (6 Tbsp chili powder, 2 Tbsp Onion powder, 1 Tbsp Garlic powder)
• 1 1/2 cup water
• chopped onion
• diced tomato, fresh
• Romaine heart lettuce

Kids added sour cream and lettuce and shredded cheese

Directions:

Brown burger until completely cooked.  Add your seasoning with 1 1/2 cups water.  Mix well.  Pull romaine leaves apart.  Add about 1-2 oz of taco meat to each romaine leaf.  Then add your toppings.  I made 3 for myself.  Came out to be 332 calories.  

Voila!!!  Enjoy!!

Aunt Tracy's Homemade Granola

She wanted me to make sure I let you all know that you should use a cast iron skillet for best results.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Oats

1 egg

1/4 tsp cardamom 

1/4 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp turmeric 

1/4 tsp ginger 

1 tbsp Ghee or Coconut oil

Directions:

Melt 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil in your skillet. Mix all of the ingredients with your oats.  Add to the melted coconut oil or ghee.  Swirl it around in your skillet and toast for 10 minutes.  Take out and break up your oats and toast for 10 minutes more in oven at 425.

Green Goodness

I'm a smoothie drinker...or eater, how ever you want to put it.  They are nutritious and filling, and a good way to help you lose weight while getting some of the vitamins you need.   I made this one for lunch today after I got home from work.  It was very tasty!

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Hi-land Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 1 Cup Frozen Mixed Fruit
• 1 Medium Banana
• 1 Large Kale leaf ( I buy fresh and put it in the freezer, blends better)

Directions:

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until not chunky.  Should be smooth.

Delicious!!

Thanks to #MyFitnessPal I can give you the nutrients :)

Chocolate Smoothie

So, I have the munchies and a craving for ice cream.  Unfortunately, my body doesn't tolerate the dairy, so I made the next best thing.  A chocolate smoothie.  Its sugar free and fat free and really good.

Ingredients:

2 frozen ripened bananas, peeled and sliced

1 cup frozen spinach

6 frozen strawberries

4 heaping tbsp Hershey cocoa unsweetened

1 cup ice

1 cup water

Directions: 

 Put all of the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth.  Enjoy!!