Gluten Free Blueberry-Orange Muffins

Gluten Free Blueberry-Orange Muffins

The combination of Orange Zest and fresh Blueberries in these Gluten Free muffins is absolutely wonderful! And, I love the fact that they aren’t too sweet, making them perfect for Breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Enjoy!
Note: I tweaked this recipe from America’s Test Kitchen’s “The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook”

  • 8 Tablespoons Butter, Unsalted (1 Stick; Melted & cooled)
  • 2 Cups Blueberries (Fresh )
  • 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar (Can use 1 Cup, if you want these to be a little bit sweeter)
  • 2-3 teaspoons Orange Zest (Zest of 1 large orange)
  • 1 3/4 + 2/3 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I made the ATK’s Gluten Free Flour Blend (recipe included below), but I also make these with Pamela’s Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Blend, if I don’t have my own mix readily available)
  • 1 Tablespoon Gluten Free Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
  • 1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt (I used 0% Fat Yogurt)
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons Turbinado Sugar (i.e. Raw Sugar)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Melt the butter and let cool a bit while you begin preparing the muffin batter.
  3. In a food processor, pulse the Blueberries a few times (3-4) to coarsely chop them. Scrape them into a separate bowl and set aside.
    Note: I would normally leave them whole, but certain members of my family prefer them when chopped :).
  4. In the same food processor, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Pulse for about 10 seconds until the consistency is sand-like.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the GF Flour mix, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum. Mix well with a whisk. Then add to the sugar mixture in the food processor, pulsing until well blended.
  6. In the same large bowl that you used to whisk together the flour mixture, combine the eggs, yogurt and melted butter. Whisk until well blended, then add to the food processor and blend until there are no lumps.
  7. Transfer the batter to the large bowl and gently fold in the chopped (or whole) blueberries. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
    (Note: this resting period is important in order to let the grains soften or mature, so that the resulting muffins will not be grainy or sandy in texture)
  8. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    Line a muffin tin with muffin cups and spray with a non-stick cooking spray.
  9. After the batter has rested for 30 minutes, scoop into the lined muffin tray using a medium or large scoop. This batter does not rise much, so don’t worry about filling the cups to the top.
  10. Sprinkle the tops with the Turbinado sugar.
  11. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden and toothpick comes out clean. Cool muffins in the pan for about 10 minutes, before transferring them to a wire rack to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. Enjoy these muffins that are chock full of blueberries while warm :).
  13. Any leftovers can be completely cooled and stored in an airtight container for about 2 days or frozen for 2-3 weeks. Before serving, let thaw and microwave for about 20 seconds.

The ATK Gluten Free Flour Blend

Ingredients:

  • 4 1/2 Cups + 1/3 Cup White Rice Flour
  • 1 2/3 Cups Brown Rice Flour
  • 1 1/3 Cups Potato Starch (NOT Potato Flour)
  • 3/4 Tapioca Starch
  • 3 Tablespoons Nonfat Milk Powder (if milk allergies are an issue, substitute with Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer Powder, like Nestle Original Coffee-Mate).

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients with a whisk and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 months. Before using, bring to room temperature.




Easy Sausage Pinwheels (Only 3 Ingredients!)

Easy Sausage Pinwheels (Only 3 Ingredients!)

These are one of those yummy foods that take me right back to my childhood! My older sister was always in charge of making these for our annual Christmas parties and I remember eating dozens of them before they even left the kitchen :). They are SO easy to make and oh so yummy!

  • 2 Cans Crescent Dough Sheet (If you can’t find the sheets, just use the regular crescent dough and press the seams together)
  • 1 Pound Pork Sausage (You may use Regular or Spicy)
  • 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (I use Sharp)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sausage and cheese using two forks. Mix well and set aside.
  3. On a large sheet of foil, unroll one of the Crescent Dough Sheets.
  4. Spread half of the sausage mixture onto the dough sheet using a fork.
  5. Roll up the dough and sausage mixture along the longer edge of the dough sheet.
  6. Repeat these steps with the second Dough Sheet and remaining sausage mixture.
  7. Wrap the foil around each dough roll and freeze for about 2-3 hours.
  8. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  9. Lightly spray a cookie sheet or line it with a silicone baking pad. Set aside.
  10. Slice the dough rolls into about 1/4″ – 3/8″ wide slices and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
  11. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden color.
  12. Serve warm 🙂
Appetizers, Hors d’Oeuvres, Snacks




Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread

Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread

Oh my gosh! This recipe for Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread is so delicious and easy to make! You will have a hard time telling that it’s Gluten Free :). I make several of these at a time, since my family can polish off an entire loaf in an afternoon!

Dry Ingredients for Bread

  • 2 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I use Pamela’s All-Pupose Flour – Gluten Free + Vegan Artisan Blend or my own blend if I have some on-hand)
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Gluten Free Baking Powder (I use Clabber Girl)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

Wet Ingredients for Bread

  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1/4 Cup Canola Oil
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Cinnamon Topping

  • 4 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 4 Teaspoons Butter, Salted (Keep cold)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Using a solid shortening, grease a 9″ x 5″ bread pan. Set aside.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine the Dry Ingredients (the first 6 ingredients for bread mix). Mix well and set aside.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

  1. Using a standard Stand Mixer, whisk the eggs. Then slowly add the Buttermilk and oil. Blend well.
  2. Add vanilla and blend until well combined.

Combining the Dry and Wet Ingredients

  1. Mixing on medium-low speed, slowly add the Flour mixture, one cup at a time, to the Egg mixture, making sure to scrape down the sides between additions. Note: mixture will be sticky/gummy.

Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Layer & Topping

  1. Note: You may make this at the beginning and set aside, while making the loaf part…or make it at this step.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the 4 Tablespoons of sugar with the 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Next, cut in the cold butter with a sharp knife and blend until crumbly.

Putting it All Together

  1. Pour half of the Bread dough mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.
  2. Sprinkle half of the Cinnamon-Sugar mixture on top of this layer.
  3. Pour remaining Bread Dough mixture on top of the Cinnamon layer. Spread evenly.
  4. Sprinkle top with remaining Cinnamon-Sugar mixture.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let rest for about 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool on a rack before slicing. Enjoy!
Desserts, Snacks




Gluten Free Citrus Ginger Pork Tenderloin

Gluten Free Citrus Ginger Pork Tenderloin

I make this Gluten Free Citrus Ginger marinade for Pork Tenderloin, Pork Chops or Chicken…it’s so versatile and delicious! The combination of citrus, honey, ginger and soy sauce make this dish especially tasty and tender. And, the leftovers are even tastier! It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for those busy nights. 🙂

  • 1 Large Gluten Free Pork Tenderloin (This marinade makes enough for 2 small Pork Tenderloins or 1 Large Tenderloin)
  • 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
  • 1/3 Cup lemon juice (Fresh or bottled)
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 2 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Gluten Free Soy Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Ginger (Freshly grated of from tube)
  • 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (Fresh or from jar)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & Pepper
  1. Gather the ingredients (please note: Chicken Broth is not pictured).
  2. Trim excess fat from tenderloin, rinse and pat with paper towels to remove excess water. Place in a large resealable plastic bag. Set aside.

Making the Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, combine the next 8 ingredients and mix well.
  2. Pour marinade over the tenderloin in the plastic bag, seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (I usually place this in a baking dish or large bowl, so I can turn it over easily and to prevent any leaking).
  3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
  4. Remove the tenderloin from the bag and place on the baking sheet. Brush with the Olive Oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on all sides.
  5. Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of tenderloin. Inside temperature should measure at least 125 degrees (I cook mine to 145 degrees).
  6. Serve with rice or potatoes and a veggie for a quick and easy meal!
Main Dish




Ginger Molasses Cookies ~ Gluten Free

Ginger Molasses Cookies ~ Gluten Free

Get ready for the BEST Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies on the planet! I make batches of these soft, chewy and delicious Cookies for Christmas gifts…our family, friends and neighbors LOVE them! They make great Holiday gifts, so get out your aprons and cookie sheets and start baking! The dough freezes really well, so you can make several batches ahead of time. Enjoy!
*As a special treat for the Holidays, make my Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches by just adding a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream between two of my GF Ginger Molasses Cookies!!! Yummy! 🙂

  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I use “GF Jules” all-purpose gf flour for this recipe – this GF Flour Blend already has Xanthan Gum in it, so I do NOT add Xanthan Gum)
  • *1 tsp Xanthan Gum (add this ONLY if your GF Flour blend does not already contain it)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 Cup Shortening, melted (cooled for 10-15 minutes)
  • 1/4 Cup Molasses
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
  • *1/2 – 1 Gallon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (If you’re making my Holiday Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, see Notes*)
  1. Gather all your ingredients.

The Flour Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the Flour, *Xanthan Gum (only if needed), Baking Soda and spices. Mix well and set aside.

The Shortening Mixture

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the shortening, remove from heat and cool for about 10-15 minutes (this is so you don’t cook the eggs when you add it).
  2. While the shortening is cooling, combine the Molasses, Sugar and egg using a Stand or Handheld Mixer. Add the cooled shortening and mix well.

Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Slowly add the Flour Mixture to the wet mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, blending well after each addition.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours – I find that chilling the dough overnight gets the best results.
  3. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  4. While the oven is preheating shape the dough into small 1″ balls (you can use a small cookie scoop to get more uniform cookies) and roll in a bowl of granulated sugar, coating well.
  5. Space cookie balls at least 2″ apart on an ungreased cookie sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are covered in “cracks.”
  7. Let cool for about 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely…try one (or two) while they’re still warm!
  8. Once they are completely cooled, you can package them in cellophane gift bags
  9. Enjoy!

This dough freezes really well, so you can make several batches ahead of time for Christmas gifts, parties, etc.

*Note: For my “Holiday Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches ~ Gluten Free” just add a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream between two of my GF Ginger Molasses Cookies, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to eat! 🙂

Desserts, Snacks




Grilled Honey Pork Chops (Gluten Free)

Grilled Honey Pork Chops (Gluten Free)

This simple, delicious recipe calls for just 5 ingredients. The combination of spices and sweet honey make these pork chops savory and slightly sweet. Serve with rice and a veggie for an easy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

  • 4-5 Pork Chops (I used boneless and about 1″ thick)
  • 1 Cup Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce (Gluten Free)
  • Ginger (Sprinkle over each pork chop)
  • Garlic Salt (Sprinkle over each pork chop)
  1. In a small bowl, mix the honey and soy sauce until well blended. Set aside.
  2. Arrange the pork chops in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with the Ginger and Garlic Salt on both sides.
  3. Pour the honey mixture over the pork chops, being certain to flip over several times to evenly coat. Stab the pork chops with a fork in several places to help the flavors penetrate the meat.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or longer…the more they marinate, the more flavorful they become). I flip them over once during this time period to evenly marinate both sides.
  5. When ready to cook, be sure the grill is nice and hot before placing the pork chops on it.
  6. Grilling time will vary depending upon the thickness of the meat. The 1″ pork chops took about 8-10 minutes per side.
  7. Serve with rice or potatoes and your favorite veggies. Yummy!!!

This recipe could also be baked in the oven at 450 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes (inside temperature should measure 165 degrees) if necessary. Note: cook times will vary depending upon thickness of meat and oven.




Halloween Witch’s Hat Cookies

Halloween Witch’s Hat Cookies

These are the easiest Halloween Treats to make! You just need three ingredients, a decorating tip and a somewhat steady hand. I made these every year for each of my children’s classrooms and they were always a hit with the kids :).

  • 1 24-Pack Keebler Fudge Stripe Original Fudge Stripe Cookies
  • 24 Hershey Kisses (I used the Regular Milk Chocolate ones, but you may use any flavor you desire)
  • 1-2 4 oz Tubes Decorating Icing (I used Orange and Yellow, but again choose any colors you want)
  • 1-2 #2 Tiny Round Decorating Tip
  1. Gather the ingredients
  2. Pipe around the bottom of a Hershey Kiss with the decorating icing.
  3. Place the Hershey Kiss rightside up on top of solid chocolate side of the Fudge Stripe cookie and press gently to secure.
  4. Next, “draw” a bow with the decorating frosting on the Hershey Kiss and cookie (see photo).
  5. Repeat with the rest of the cookies and Kisses until done. I usually make enough for each child/adult to have 2 cookies.
  6. I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as we do!

Unfortunately, I injured my right hand…so my bows aren’t as neat as they used to be ;).

Desserts, Snacks




Chicken Saltimbocca (Gluten Free)

Chicken Saltimbocca

Yummy! If you like Chicken, Ham and Cheese, then this is the dish for you. This recipe is easy to make and very tasty! It’s a winner in our home…I hope you and your family enjoy as much as we do :).

  • 3-4 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Trimmed and Rinsed)
  • 3-4 Slices Ham (I used somewhat thick slices, but any thickness will do)
  • 3-4 Slices Swiss Cheese
  • 1-3 Tomatoes (I used whatever tomatoes were ready in my garden; Seeded and chopped)
  • Dried Marjoram
  • 1/3 Cup Bread Crumbs (I used Gluten Free)
  • 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 Tablespoons Parsley
  • 1/4 Cup Butter, salted (Melted)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Gather the ingredients.
  2. In a wide, shallow bowl combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan Cheese and Parsley. Set aside.
  3. Place a chicken breast between plastic sheets (or wax paper) and pound to about 1/4″ at the thickest point (usually at the center of the breast). Repeat with the rest of the breasts.
  4. On each breast, place 1 slice Ham, 1 slice Cheese and top with 1-2 Tablespoons of the chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with Marjoram.
  5. Roll up each breast and secure with wooden toothpicks.
  6. Next, dip each breast in the melted butter, coating well, then roll each in the crumb mixture, coating well. Place in a shallow baking dish.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
  8. Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

With Chicken Breasts being so large these days, I usually serve 1/2 a roll to each person. So, this recipe served 6 people.

Main Dish




Ginger Lime Chicken Bites

Ginger Lime Chicken Bites

These little chicken bites are a huge favorite with children. They cook up quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights and school lunches! Tasty and Easy to prepare…Enjoy 🙂

Chicken

  • 3 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Rinsed, dried and cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 Tablespoon Coconut OIl

Ginger Lime Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1-2 Tablespoon Lime Juice (Fresh or bottled)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger (Freshly grated or from the tube)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Onion
  • 1 Clove garlic (Minced)

Toppings (Optional)

  • Chopped Green Onions
  • Lime Juice (to squirt over the chicken before serving)
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Sour Cream
  • Sliced Lime Wedges
  1. Gather the ingredients

Making the Ginger Lime Sauce

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients and blend well. Set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

  1. In a large saucepan, heat up the Coconut Oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until almost done (about 5 minutes).

Putting it All Together

  1. Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces and continue cooking over low heat for about another 5 minutes.
  2. Serve over rice and top with whatever toppings you desire. I usually squirt a little extra lime juice over the chicken just before serving.
Appetizers, Lunch, Main Dish




Simple Apple Pie

Simple Apple Pie

This is the simplest-to-make Apple Pie recipe on the planet. It only requires 6 ingredients and is oh so yummy! Served with or without vanilla ice cream, it’s delicious either way. Enjoy 🙂

Pie Crust

  • 1 Package Refrigerated Pie Crusts (I used “Pillsbury” Pie Crust, found in the Danish/Biscuit area)

Apple Filling

  • 6 Medium Apples (I used Golden Delicious)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Topping

  • 3/4 Cup Flour (I used All-Purpose, Unbleached)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Butter, salted (Cold)
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Gather your ingredients.

The Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the flour and 1/2 cup sugar together. Set aside.

The Filling

  1. Peel and cut apples into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl (you may leave peels on the apples, if desired). If the apples start to brown, add cold water and a few ice cubes. In a separate small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon together.
  2. Dump the sugar mixture over the apples and gently toss with a large spoon making sure all of the apples are well-coated.

The Pie Crust

  1. Let pie crust sit out for about 15 minutes before unrolling into the pie dish – this makes it much easier to unroll and press into the dish. Do NOT prick the dough with a fork.

Assembling the Pie

  1. Simply dump the filling into the freshly rolled out pie crust and spread out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the sugar/flour topping evenly over the apples. Then cut the cold butter into tiny squares and place them evenly on top of the apples.
  3. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.
  4. Serve with or without vanilla bean ice cream!
Desserts, Snacks
Apples, dessert, Pie, simple, sweets