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

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

I made Loaded Baked Potato Dip for a 4th of July cookout. It was delicious and didn't look this pretty by the time our friends arrived, as I couldn't resist trying it. Once I started "trying it", it was hard to stop devouring it! This is one of my new favorite appetizers. It's addictive and requires only 4 ingredients and minutes to prepare.

What's your favorite appetizer this summer?

Click here for Loaded Baked Potato Dip recipe

Saturday, July 28, 2012

My Pantry: Joy Gluten Free Sugar Cones

I was beyond excited when I found these Joy Gluten Free Sugar Cones at the grocery store a few months ago. I immediately put them in my cart and sent a picture to all of my gluten free family members. They were equally ecstatic and could not wait for me to report back on how they were. A text from my aunt was the best: "Omgomgomg!!!! I NEED those!" I couldn't agree more. My family can't find these in their area yet, so I stocked up and brought them some as well.

I've mentioned my LOVE for ice cream before. I love ice cream so much that it's my job as I'm fortunate to work for an awesome ice cream company. There aren't many things I miss since becoming gluten free because I can make them myself or someone else does. However, ice cream cones are the one thing I really, really, really miss. Well, not anymore! These Joy Gluten Free Sugar Cones are A-MAZ-ING, crunchy and sweet! My husband and I loved them, as well as the rest of my family.


I paid $2.89 for a box of 12 cones. While that's about a little more than the regular Joy cones, I don't care. They are delicious!


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. It's a product I bought, loved, and wanted to share with you!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac & Cheese


After making Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac & Cheese, I am officially hooked on quinoa! While the picture may not look too appetizing, this dish is spicy, creamy, and packed full of protein.

When I was rinsing the quinoa to make this for dinner a few weeks ago, Mike asked me "What are you doing? Quinoa?! I thought we were having something good."

I responded, "We are. IGE's husband likes it. You will too." Mike walked way, shaking his head in disappointment.

Fast-forward 40 minutes or so later at the dinner table. Mike had his mouth full of Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac & Cheese and gave me a thumbs up as he said "It's really good." I completely agree. If you remember my quinoa mac & cheese flop from earlier this year, this recipe tastes nothing like dirt! Mike even got seconds (and I may have too).

Click here for recipe from Iowa Girl Eats

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Salted Nut Bars

I made Salted Nut Bars for a cookout a few weeks ago, and for lack of better words they are "OMG SO good." They are the perfect combination of sweet and salty.

Salted Nut Bars are easy and quick to prepare and require only 5 ingredients. The bars are a little sticky to eat, but they taste so incredibly delicious that you won't mind licking your fingers clean. :)

Click here for recipe from Bake or Break


I've also shared this recipe on: Slightly Indulgent Tuesday

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Lightened Up Corn Casserole

Around the holidays, I used to love corn casserole, but it isn't something I've had since becoming gluten free. When I saw a recipe for a healthy and gluten free version, I couldn't wait until the holiday season to try it.

This Lightened Up Corn Casserole tastes good. Honestly, it's almost as good as the week's-worth-of-fat version that usually accompanies holiday dinners. This recipe will definitely make it on the rotation for the holidays later this year.

Click here for recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie

Monday, July 16, 2012

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are phenomenal! They are meaty, juicy, cheesy, and naturally gluten free.

The blogger that came up with this recipe is a culinary genius! We enjoyed these SO much that I will definitely be making them again very, very soon. I'd recommend doubling or tripling the batch. They reheat well and have a way of quickly disappearing. :)


Click here for recipe from Peace, Love, and Low Carb

Friday, July 13, 2012

Oatmeal Chocolate-Peanut Butter Chip Cookies (Flourless)

These Oatmeal Chocolate-Peanut Butter Chip Cookies came together in literally less than 5 minutes. They are crispy and DELICIOUS!

You can't tell by the picture or the taste that these cookies are also healthy. There is very little sugar, no eggs, and no butter. Which also makes the cookie dough safe to eat - yay! Be sure to use gluten free oats to make them gluten free. Instead of following the original recipe for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, I used chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. It was a great substitute - I love the combination of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate.

This recipe comes from Chocolate Covered Katie. I've written about her before, but if you have not checked out her blog you need to do so now! Be prepared to spend way too much time drooling over her healthy dessert recipes and pinning an obscene amount of recipes. :)


Click here for recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

My Pantry: Hazelnut Nut-Thins

I've written about my love for Blue Diamond Nut-Thins a few times before, and I recently tried a new flavor - Hazelnut. They were just as good as the other flavors I've tried and complemented the Homemade Hummus I made perfectly.

Have you tried Blue Diamond Nut-Thins? What's your favorite variety?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. It's a product I bought, loved, and wanted to share with you!