Saturday, December 26, 2009

Roasted Root Veggies

It's always difficult to decide what to bring to family potluck holiday dinners. This year was especially tough for me because I knew the dish that I brought could possibly be the only dish that I could eat - so I knew I needed to be selective in the process. When I was asked to bring a type of vegetable, it was not too difficult for me to know that I was going to roast some good winter vegetables. I love roasted veggies! There is something about a vegetable once it's roasted, it takes on an entirely new flavor and aroma. I love them! If it wasn't for roasting veggies, I probably would not have tried brussel sprouts and now they are one of my favorites. I digress. This was a recipe I found by Chef Owen May with Michelle May MD from Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle.



Roasted Root Vegetables
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes

     3 medium baking potatoes, peels left on, cut into ½" cubes
     2 medium sweet potatoes, peels left on, cut into ½" cubes
     2 yellow onions cut in eighths
     ½ pound of baby carrots
     2 tablespoons olive oil
     1 tablespoon dried parsley
     1½ teaspoons kosher salt
     ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pre-heat oven to 450F degrees.

Wash and cut up baking potatoes and place into a large plastic bag.

Trim any tough pieces off the sweet potatoes, cut up and add to the bag.

Place baby carrots in the bag.

Cut off each end of the onion then peel. Cut the onion in half then cut each half into quarters to make eight pieces. Place into the bag.

Add olive oil, parsley, salt and pepper to the vegetables in the bag. Seal the bag and shake until all of the vegetables are coated.

Dump vegetables into a large shallow baking dish (a cookie sheet works well) and spread vegetables evenly over the bottom.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until vegetables are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serves 6.

Recipe Review:
Root Veggies were perfect for the main holiday meal at my relatives house to go along with ham and many other appetizing dishes. Since we feed an army when we gather for the holidays, I quadrupled the recipe and roasted them on two shallow cookie pans. I pre-warmed my slow-cooker and once the veggies were finished roasting in the oven, I added them to the slow-cooker for the commute, and plugged it in as soon as we arrived. I was nervous that they might get mushy, but they kept their shape and retained great flavor. I was asked by a few relatives how I made them, so without further adieu, I will not keep you waiting!

Notes: You may substitute other seasonal vegetables such as winter squash or pumpkin. When using less dense vegetables, add them 10 minutes after the potatoes to prevent over cooking. You may also try different herbs or spices such as rosemary or paprika for new flavors - but the parsley was perfect for our Holiday meal.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Family Holidazzle, Holibaking & Houses Extravaganza



Holy Christmas! It finally feels like the holidays are here - probably because they actually are! We have officially started a family tradition with my immediate family. The day began with our holibaking lists - a mixture of fudge, chocolate peppermint bark, chex party mix, and cutouts and continued the night with a bowl full of chili and the Holidazzle Parade downtown Minneapolis. Then, we ended the night with creating our own gingerbread houses and sipped some hot chocolate. We had fabulous fun times and we plan to make this a yearly event. We have always attended the Holidazzle Parade, but this was the first year we've baked together and busted out our decorating skills with gingerbread houses. 

I knew I needed to go into this Christmas prepared so I didn't have any mess ups with eating things I can not have, so I planned for a few gluten-free holiday treats on my holibaking list. I didn't want to be left out of all the holiday goodies! First up was a great, timeless option - fudge. I've never made fudge before but my Grandma Arlene always made yummy stuff and said it was pretty easy to make. Since Grandma's always tell the truth, this recipe was so easy that it amazed me.



Layered Mint Chocolate Fudge
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Chill Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

     2 cups (12 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
     1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
     2 teaspoons vanilla extract
     6 ounces white confectioners' coating*
        or 1 cup (6 oz.) premium white chocolate chips
     1 tablespoon peppermint extract
     Green or red food coloring (optional)
     Line 8- or 9-inch square pan with wax paper.

Melt chocolate chips with 1 cup sweetened condensed milk in heavy saucepan over low heat; add vanilla. Spread half the mixture into prepared pan; chill 10 minutes or until firm. Hold remaining chocolate mixture at room temperature.

Melt white confectioners' coating with remaining sweetened condensed milk in heavy saucepan over low heat (mixture will be thick). Add peppermint extract and food coloring, if desired. Spread on chilled chocolate layer; chill an additional 10 minutes or until firm.

Spread reserved chocolate mixture on mint layer. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Remove from pan by lifting edges of wax paper; peel off paper and let sit for a bit. Cut into squares.

*Confectioners' coating can be purchased in candy specialty store.


Chocolate Chex Caramel Crunch
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cool Time: 10-15 minutes

My mom is so sweet - she chose to make chex mix and researched how to ensure each ingredient was gluten free so that I could have it. She decided on the chocolate variety because she knows chocolate is one thing that I truly love! This Chex Mix was so tasty and ooey-gooey, we wanted to make two batches, but ran out of ingredients. It was determined that since it will be a staple tradition in the Kroenke Family Holiday Extravanga going forward, one batch would be plenty for all the 2009 Holiday festivities.

     8 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal
     3/4 cup packed brown sugar
     6 tablespoons butter or margarine
     3 tablespoons light corn syrup
     1/4 teaspoon baking soda
     1/4 cup white vanilla baking chips

Into large microwavable bowl, measure cereal; set aside. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.

In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave on High 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Spread on cookie sheet. Cool 10 minutes. Break into bite-size pieces.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 1 minute 30 seconds or until chips can be stirred smooth (bowl will be hot). Drizzle over snack. Refrigerate until set. Store in tightly covered container. 

Monday, December 14, 2009

Veggie Trays



Veggie Trays are my go-to whenever someone asks me to bring something to a gathering. Why, you might ask? I've been to enough gatherings where there are no veggies to be seen. Or, they are the side-kick that gets left off the table because people are more excited about the sugar, carbs and treats! I've been the girl who only wanted the sugar, carbs and treats, and I have learned that I don't want to be the provider of the treats - I want the good stuff. The photos below are my veggie trays that I made for our a few of our Family Christmas' of the 2009 Holiday season. Cutting the veggies only takes about a half hour - and I made each of them all for under $20. It feels good to go to a gathering where you're known as the one who provides the 'healthy stuff' for the holidays!


Thursday, December 10, 2009

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Friends, Food & Fun Times! Every other day there is something fun to do, gifts to purchase, and holiday planning to be had, that this time of the year always catches my off guard with how much I miss spending time in my kitchen. Since I haven't been a crazy housewife lately, I thought I would post some updates about where I've been, and what I've been eating along the way. It's been a little nerve wracking knowing that I am unable to grab a bite at any restaurant like I used to, but thanks to the internet, I've been able to find places that satisfy my issues and still be served amazing food! Here's a few of the places I've visited so far this holiday season:




Kona Grill - They have a gluten-free menu and their happy hour is fabulous! If you decide to check it out, I highly recommend their shrimp and chicken wraps (w/o side sauce). It's a great place to catch up with great friends and not be worried about what you can and can't have since they offer a seperate GF menu.

Nicoise Salad @ Lifetime Fitness LifeCafe - With 22g protein and only 360 calories - what a great lunch or dinner! The nicoise salad has everything in it. Potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, tuna salad, green beans, onions and olive tapenade. This satisfies any palette.

Wildfire Steaks, Chops, and Seafood - Simply superb! I have been to Wildfire twice in the 2009 holiday season already and both times they have amazed me with their gluten-free capabilities. They have an extensice gluten-free menu. They bake their own bread, so the first time I went I had a hamburger with roasted veggies on the side...I haven't had a hamburger in months and it was unreal! I've been missing out. The second time I went there I had their signature Wildfire chopped salad which is always satisfying and delicious with all the chopped veggies they add. I also saw on their menu that they offer GF pizza...looks like I gotta go back! :)

Chianti Grill - This restaurant also has an extensive gluten-free menu and I was able to have some pasta! Holy goodness - I'm on a carb high! I haven't had carbs like this in a long time, but gosh they are missed! :) I enjoyed GF Mostaccioli & Caprese Salad. This pasta had great rice noodles and lots of cheese, so I couldn't have as much as I wanted to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Cajun Salmon & Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms

In the mood for some fish! I made this recipe before and can't begin to explain how much I enjoyed it. Backstory: I hated salmon. Hated! I've tried to make salmon over a handful of times and every time I ate two bites and would end up giving my serving to the Mister. He's never minded. This recipe was the first time that I actually wanted seconds - and the easiest way I've ever made it!


Cajun Salmon
Prep Time: 2 minutes; Cook Time: 10 - 15 minutes

2 Fillets of Wild Salmon
SEASONINGS:
     Extra Virgin Olive Oil
     Sea Salt - just a pinch
     Fresh Ground Black Pepper - to taste
     Cajun Pepper - to taste

Preheat Oven: 415 - 425F degrees.

Start by brushing wild salmon fillet(s) with EVOO, then season fillets of wild salmon on both sides.

Place seasoned salmon fillets on broiler pan. If skin is still on, place skin side down and put in oven for 10 - 14 minutes. 10 minutes if they are fresh. 14-15 minutes if they are frozen. Cook until done to your liking.

Servings: 2 filets.

Recipe Review:
Seriously unbelieveable!!! This recipe is officially a staple in my weekly menu. I have made this recipe over a handful of times now, and everytime I use fresh wild salmon fillets from Super Target in their fresh fish section. The fillets are about $7/each, and leaves you full and satisfied.

Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms    
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 40 - 45 minutes

     3 cups cauliflowerets
     1 cup chopped fresh mushroom
     1/2 cup chopped red onion
     1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
     2 teaspoons lemon juice
     2 teaspoons cider vinegar
     1/2 teaspoon salt
     1/4 teaspoon pepper
     2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
     1/3 cup chopped green onion

Heat oven to 350F degrees. Spray square baking dish, 9x9x2 inches, with cooking spray.

Mix all ingredients except green onions. Spread evenly in baking dish.

Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and golden brown. Sprinkle with green onions.

Recipe Review:
For a salmon side dish, I usually roast whatever veggies I have in the fridge. This time I used some mushrooms and cauliflower. If you really love garlic, you'll love the recipe! If I make this side again, I will definately cut back on the garlic and possibly take out the apple cidar vinegar. I didn't enjoy these flavorings together. I love the simple but amazing EVOO and spices with roasted veggies, and this was quite a different taste.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pumpkin Muffins

Remember that pumpkin craving that I thought I was over? Well, I'm not. Not even close. One grocery store run later and somehow I had a can of pumpkin in my cart. I was going to save it until it got closer to the holidays but for some reason I couldn't stop thinking about what I could do with it. I wanted to bake and this feeling doesn't happen often. I wanted pumpkin muffins! A girl isn't going to learn how to bake, especially bake gluten-free, unless she tries right?


Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Bake Time: 20 minutes

     1 1/4 cups Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix
               or your favorite GF baking mix
     1/4 cup water
     1/3 cup honey or agave
     1 egg
     1 teaspoon vanilla
     1 tsp cinnamon
     1/4 tsp ginger
     1/4 tsp nutmeg
     1/4 tsp cloves
     1/2 tsp salt
     1/2 cup pumpkin (canned)
     Brown Sugar, top the muffins

Mix all ingredients together and spoon 2/3 full into greased muffin pan (or use paper muffin cups). Top Muffins with sprinkles of brown sugar. Bake in preheated 350ยบ oven for 18 to 20 minutes.

Servings: approx. 12 muffins

Recipe Review:
Satisfying! I added a dollop of Earth Balance Buttery Spread to the muffin and enjoyed it all melted and warm! The spices added really bring out a great pumpkin flavor. This is a really easy treat or breakfast. The Mister, who is my true food critic, thought these were yummy and he was excited because we had breakfast for the entire week. The only reason for the 4 stars was because within 2 days, even though I stored them in a air-tight container, they started to get dry. I'm wondering if it was because of the GF flour? I guess it's something I'll need to get used to!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Fully Loaded Chili

We are truly loving the warmer fall weather we're having - today we're off to a high school football championship game, so what's better than coming home to a slow cooker full of chili? I am loving my slow cooker lately. It makes going gluten-free a lot easier because I can research what goes in my pot and I don't have to pay attention to it while it cooks.



Fully Loaded Chili
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 4 hours on low 

     1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
     1 medium onion, chopped
     1 medium green pepper, chopped
     1-3/4 cups water
     2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
     1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
     1 can (15-1/2 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
     1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
     1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
     1 tablespoon baking cocoa
     2 teaspoons Louisiana-style hot sauce
     1/2 teaspoon pepper
     1/2 teaspoon chili powder
     1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
     1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
GARNISHES:
     1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
     1/2 cup crushed baked tortilla chip scoops
     1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the beef, onion and pepper until meat is no longer pink; drain.

Stir in the water, tomato sauce, beans, cocoa, hot sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Garnish each serving with 1 tablespoon each of sour cream, crushed chips and cheese.

8 servings (2 quarts).
 
Recipe Review:
This was definately not Mama B's Chili! We used ground turkey instead of the ground beef and came to the realization that nothing tops ground beef in a pot of chili. It sure is fully loaded though! The garbanzo beans were a little too much. I think this had something to do with the turkey and 5 cans of beans all together, but the garbanzo beans added too much of a thicker consistency. Adding the cocoa was a great addition. There were subtle hints of cocoa in the flavorings, but this chili really missed the mark for not having a lot of spice or zing and too many beans.