Thursday, August 30, 2012

Cucumber Boats

This quick snack consists of fresh cucumber, filled with a mixture of cottage cheese, basil, and cilantro. Adding the herbs to the creamy cottage cheese makes this snack incredibly fresh and flavorful.


Click here for recipe from Susie Freaking Homemaker

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Ranch Pork Chops (Crockpot)

This recipe for moist Pork Chops covered in flavorful Ranch gravy is one you must try!

I am a picky eater when it comes to pork, because it usually tastes dry to me. These pork chops are incredibly flavorful. The gravy keeps the pork chops moist and serves as a nice "dip" for the pork chops.

I normally avoid any crockpot recipe that requires any cooking before the ingredients enter the crockpot. This recipe is one exception to my "rule" because it doesn't require too much prep time in advance. I seriously whipped up the gravy in about 10 minutes when I was home for lunch, and the dish was ready by the time I got home for work.

Click here for recipe from "From Scratch to Plate"

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Caprese Lasagna with Spicy Turkey Sausage

I love Caprese Salad, and I absolutely love Lasagna. This Caprese Lasagna with Spicy Turkey Sausage recipe combines my two loves into an utterly delicious dish. My favorite Caprese ingredients are paired with spicy sausage and a creamy white sauce resulting in a mouth-watering meal.

Caprese Lasagna with Spicy Turkey Sausage
Adapted from Iowa Girl Eats

Ingredients:
·9 gluten free, no boil lasagna noodles
·Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
·¾ - 1 lb spicy Italian turkey sausage
·2 TBS butter
·2 tsp minced garlic
·3 TBS mild gluten free flour (i.e., oat, brown rice)
·1½ cups chicken broth
·1½ cups skim milk
·Salt and pepper
·5 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
·¾ - 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves
·2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Squeeze sausage out of its casing and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove from heat.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour, whisk to combine, and cook for 30 seconds longer. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, a few tablespoons at a time, whisking to break up any lumps. Whisk until smooth, and then add the milk and whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Using a spatula, stir the sauce until thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Pour into a measuring cup with a spout and set aside.

Spray the bottom and sides of a 13x9 glass baking dish with non-stick olive oil spray. Pour about ¼ cup of the white sauce into the bottom of the baking dish; use a spoon to evenly disperse. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, and brush the top of the noodles with EVOO. Top the noodles with about a third of the shredded cheese, sliced tomatoes, basil, turkey sausage, and remaining sauce. Repeat 2 more times for a total of 3 layers.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is a unique twist on a traditional meal. This recipe is creamy and hearty, yet somewhat healthier than the original recipe I found on Pinterest.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Adapted from Chef in Training

Ingredients:
·12 oz gluten free pasta
·1 cup half ‘n half
·6 oz plain Greek yogurt
·8 oz Neufchatel cream cheese
·1 tsp onion powder
·1 tsp garlic powder
·Salt and pepper, to taste
·1½ cups chopped swiss cheese
·2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into strips
·¾ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
·¾ cup ham, diced
·¼ cup gluten free bread crumbs

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions.

Preheat oven to 375°. In a medium saucepan, heat cream cheese over medium low until melted. Stir in half ‘n half and Greek yogurt until combined. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of cheese and stir until smooth.

Grease a 9x13 dish with olive oil cooking spray. Layer noodles, chicken, bacon, and ham in the dish. Pour sauce over the top and stir to combine. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese and the breadcrumbs on top.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Roasted Potatoes, Chicken Sausage and Peppers

This one-pot meal is incredibly flavorful with roasted potatoes, chicken sausage, red peppers, and rosemary.

As this healthy meal is cooking, it filled my kitchen with a mouth-watering smell. Yum! The only preparation involved is chopping, which makes it a perfect meal for a quick weeknight.


This is another fantastic recipe I found on Pinterest. What's one of your recent favorite Pinterest recipe finds?

Click here for recipe from Skinny Taste

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies


I have a major sweet tooth and was disappointed with this recipe because these healthy cookies taste like a healthy cookie.

I came across this recipe for Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies on Pinterest. I had high expectations for the recipe, since I love anything that combines peanut butter, chocolate, and banana. I took a bite and they tasted like healthy cookies. They should, at 50 calories a piece, but then I realized that I forgot the vanilla extract. Oops! To remedy the cookies, I whipped up a batch of Homemade Vanilla Pudding and I stirred in crushed up cookies. It helped improved the flavor, but I don't think these cookies are for me. If you don't have much of sweet tooth, you may enjoy these cookies.

Click here for recipe from Six Sisters Stuff

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a healthy and incredibly flavorful spin on the traditional Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Mike and I absolutely loved the quinoa version, and we didn't miss the rice, butter, or loads of cheese that are usually in the traditional version. To make this recipe gluten free, I used my Cream of Anything Soup Base. I am so glad I'm starting to discover great tasting recipes to use quinoa in, as it's quickly becoming one of my new favorite ingredients.

Click here for the recipe from Eating Well - Living Thin

Monday, August 6, 2012

GF Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

GF Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are As Good As Gluten. I don't think gluten-eaters would be able to tell that these muffins are gluten free. I love anything banana and chocolate, including these muffins. They are sweet with a hint of cinnamon in every bite. And, they are made with brown rice flour making them whole grain and healthier than other gluten free flour blends.

Click here for the recipe from The Wannabe Chef


I've also shared this recipe on: Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Gluten Free Wednesdays

Friday, August 3, 2012

Caprese Skewers

These healthy little bites disappear quickly! Caprese Skewers are fresh and flavorful, making for a quick appetizer.

If you are wondering where the balsamic drizzle is at...it's a hard, sticky mess in my sink. I assume I let it boil too long. I love anything Caprese, so I didn't miss it.


Click here for detailed steps for preparing Caprese Skewers