Brown Sugar & Garlic Pork Chops with Yukon Gold Potatoes

Brown Sugar & Garlic Pork Chops with Yukon Gold Potatoes

Are you looking for a quick & easy dinner recipe? This one-dish sweet and savory Pork recipe is perfect for those nights when you just don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen 😉 I sometimes use thin Pork Chops, if I’m in a hurry and when I have more time, I use thick Pork Chops and slice them after cooking. I particularly like this recipe, because it only requires 5 ingredients (not including salt & pepper) and it tastes like you’ve been cooking all day 🙂 A 5-Star recipe in our home!
Note: If you do not like Pork, Chicken is a wonderful substitute

Equipment:

  • 9″ x 13″ Baking Dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl

The Ingredients:

  • 3-4 Thin or Thick Pork Chops (Pat dry; Note: see Instructions for comments on thickness of Pork)
  • 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar (Increase to 3/4 Cup if you prefer a sweeter taste)
  • 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (I use the already minced Garlic in a Jar from the produce section)
  • 1/2 + 1/4 tsp Table Salt (1/2 tsp for the Potatoes; 1/4 tsp for the Pork)
  • 1/4 + 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp for the Potatoes; 1/4 tsp for the Pork)
  • 8-10 small/medium Yukon Gold Potatoes, thinly sliced (I use Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor, but any potatoe will do 😉 Use enough to cover the bottom of your baking dish)
  • 2 + 1 Tbsp Canola Oil (2 Tbsp for the Potatoes; 1 Tbsp for the Pork)
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Gather the ingredients.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced Potatoes, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Pepper and 2 Tablespoons Oil. Toss to coat well and spread into the 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
    Note: If my Pork Chops are on the thinner side, I place the potatoes in the oven while I prepare the Pork Chops, to give the potatoes a little head start 😉
  4. Using the same large bowl that you used for the Potatoes, combine the Brown Sugar, Garlic, 1/4 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Pepper and 1 Tbsp Oil. Mix well.
  5. Add the Pork Chops to the Brown Sugar mixture, one at a time, turning them over and kind of “mushing” them around to coat well. Place the Pork Chops on top of the Potatoes in the baking dish. Note: if you have any leftover Brown Sugar mixture drop it amongst the potatoes.
  6. Bake, uncovered, for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the thickness of your Pork Chops. The Pork is done when the internal temperature measures 145 degrees.
  7. If your Pork Chops are on the thicker side, slice thinly and serve on top of the Potatoes, being certain to drizzle some of the yummy juices over the top before serving.
  8. Serve with your favorite veggie and enjoy 🙂
Dinner, Main Dish




Chocolate Frosted Brownies ~ Gluten Free

Chocolate Frosted Brownies ~ Gluten Free

These GF Chocolate Frosted Brownies are incredibly fudgy, rich and delicious!!! I adapted this recipe from a very popular Brownie recipe from many peoples’ childhoods, called the “Lunch Lady Brownies” – the only changes that I made was to substitute the regular gluten-containing flour with GF All-Purpose Flour and they turned out perfect! My family had NO idea that they were Gluten Free 😉 Yummy!!!
A huge “Thank You” to Holly @ Life In The Lofthouse for sharing the original “Lunch Lady Brownies” recipe 🙂

Equipment:

  • 9″ x 13″ Baking Pan
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • Stand or Handheld Mixer

The Brownie Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup (2 Sticks) Salted Butter (Melted)
  • 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I used Better Batter)
  • 2 Cups Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar (You may use your desired brand of granulated sugar)
  • 4 Large Eggs (I use Egglands Best, but any brand is fine)
  • 4 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

The Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/4 Cup (1/2 Stick) Salted Butter, softened (I use Land O Lakes brand)
  • 1/4 Cup Milk (I use Whole Milk, but 2% or 1% are fine, too)
  • 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 3 Cups Powdered Sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Using a Stand Mixer or Handheld mixer, fitted with the Paddle attachment, blend the Melted Butter and Cocoa Powder until smooth.
  4. Next, add the GF Flour and Granulated Sugar, mixing until blended…scraping the sides as needed.
  5. Add the eggs, one at a time, until just blended.
  6. Slowly mix in the Vanilla Extract, blending until just combined. The batter will be thick.
  7. Evenly spread the Brownie batter into the prepared Baking Dish.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes while preparing the Chocolate Frosting. Note: You want the Brownies to still be warm when you apply the Frosting.

Making the Chocolate Frosting:

  1. Using a Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer, fitted with the Paddle attachment, combine the Softened Butter, Milk and Cocoa until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the Powdered Sugar, 1/2 Cup at a time, starting on Low each time to avoid a HUGE powdery mess 😉
  3. Once all of the Powdered Sugar has been added, beat on Medium to Medium-High speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and creamy.
  4. Spread evenly over the top of the Brownies and let cool completely (I know it’s hard to do!!!) before slicing. Note: I remove the entire Brownie using the foil to lift it…and then I slice them 🙂
  5. Serve by themselves, with a glass of cold milk or your choice of Ice Cream! Enjoy!!!
Desserts, Snacks




Oven Baked Barbecue Spare Ribs

Oven Baked Barbecue Spare Ribs

These Barbecue Ribs are a perfect combination of sweet with a touch of heat and the meat literally falls off the bones! I could eat the entire rack!!! I have always LOVED Barbecue Spare Ribs, but have never attempted to make them myself…until now 😉 This wonderful recipe comes from cafedelites.com ~ Thank You for sharing! Also, a HUGE “Thank You” to “Cooking with Ry” for sharing “How to Easily Remove the Membrane From Your Ribs” on his YouTube Channel 🙂

The Rub:

  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Table Salt
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 lbs Pork Ribs (Baby Back or St. Louis Cut)

The Barbecue Sauce:

  • 2 Cups Barbecue Sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s Original, but use your favorite)
  • 3 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Table Salt
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rack in center position of oven.
  2. Line a baking tray with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Note: If you have never done this before, go to “Cooking With Ry” on YouTube and search for “How to Easily Remove The Membrane From Your Ribs” – his instructions are very easy to follow and all you need is a dinner knife and some paper towels 😉

Making the Rub:

  1. In a small jar or bowl, combine all of the seasonings for the rub and mix well.
  2. Sprinkle the Rub over the Ribs; then drizzle with the Olive Oil. Rub the seasonings and Oil thoroughly over both sides of the Ribs.
  3. Cover the entire baking sheet with foil.
  4. Bake for 2 hours.

Making the Barbecue Sauce:

  1. While the Ribs are baking, combine the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended. Set aside.

Putting it All Together:

  1. Once the Ribs have finished baking, remove them from the oven and take the foil off of the top.
  2. Increase oven temperature to 460 degrees.
  3. While the oven temperature is rising, thoroughly coat the tops of the Ribs with the Barbecue Sauce, reserving some for serving with the Ribs.
  4. Return the Ribs, uncovered, to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  5. To caramelize the edges of the Ribs, change the oven setting to Broil, leaving the rack in the center position, and broil for about 3 minutes.
  6. Remove Ribs from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  7. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!
Dinner, Main Dish
American




Honey-Sriracha Tofu Bites ~ Dairy-Free; Gluten-Free; Vegan

Honey-Sriracha Tofu Bites ~ Dairy-Free; Gluten-Free; Vegan

This quick & easy recipe is chock full of flavor. It’s sweet with a kick of heat and is ready in about 20 minutes! Serve over rice with your favorite veggie 🙂

  • 14 oz. Medium-Firm or Firm Tofu
  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp Sriracha Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos (you may also use Soy Sauce)
  • 4 Tbsp Honey (I usually add 4 Heaping Tablespoons)
  • 2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar (you may also use Rice Vinegar)
  • 3-4 Tbsp Potato Starch (or GF Corn Starch*)
  • 3 Tbsp Canola Oil
  • 1-2 Chopped Fresh Green Onions (optional for topping)
  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Drain the water off of the block of Tofu and set the tofu on several layers of paper towels for about 10 minutes, flipping over a few times (this step helps pull the water out of the tofu, so it won’t “sweat” and add a bunch of liquid to your dish while cooking).
  3. While the tofu is draining, whisk together the Garlic, Sriracha, Braggs Liquid Aminos, Honey and Vinegar until completely blended. Set aside.
  4. Next, cut up the tofu into cubes and place in a medium to large bowl.
  5. Sprinkle the Potato Starch (NOT Potato Flour) over the cubes of Tofu and gently toss to evenly coat. *You may use Corn Starch in place of the Potato Starch, but the end result will be a little different…more crispy and chewy when using the Corn Starch; the Potato Starch results in a softer outside and somewhat “gummy.” My family prefers the Potato Starch, but both end up tasting delicious 😉
  6. In a large non-stick skillet, heat the Canola Oil over Medium to Medium-High heat until it has a shimmer on the surface, which indicates that it’s ready.
  7. Carefully, add the coated Tofu cubes and spread them out evenly. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until Tofu turns a light, golden brown.
  8. Add about 1/2 to 3/4 of the Honey-Sriracha Sauce (the reserve sauce is for topping) to the lightly-browned Tofu and gently stir to coat the Tofu.
  9. Lower the temperature to Low and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  10. Serve over Rice, spooning a little bit of the reserve sauce over the top, and pair with your favorite vegetable. Yummy!

A BIG “Thank You” to pickledplum.com for sharing the original recipe 🙂 I made a few changes in order to make it allergy-friendly for my family.

Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish




Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies ~ Gluten-Free

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies ~ Gluten-Free

These Oatmeal Cookies are so buttery and chewy that they melt in your mouth. I also love the fact that there are only 8 ingredients needed…all ingredients that we usually have on-hand.
Of course, a HUGE “Thank You” to Ree Drummond (aka: The Pioneer Woman) for sharing the original recipe for these wonderful cookies! The only thing that I changed was swapping out the regular flour with Gluten-Free Flour 😉 These cookies earned a 5-Star review in our house!

  • 2 Cups Dark Brown Sugar (firmly packed)
  • 1 Cup Salted Butter, Softened
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 1/2 Cups Better Batter All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix (you can use other brands, but make sure they contain Xanthan Gum – results will vary)
  • 1 tsp Salt (table)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3 Cups Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Oats (I use Quaker Brand)
  • 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Nuts (optional ~ I did not include nuts due to nut allergies)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Gather the ingredients.
  3. Line 1-2 cookie sheets with Parchment Paper or a baking pad. Set aside.
  4. Using a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, combine the Brown Sugar and Softened Butter until light and fluffy.
  5. Next, add the Vanilla and the Eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after adding each Egg.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the GF Flour, Salt and Baking Soda until well-blended.
  7. Slowly add the Flour mixture to the Butter mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
  8. Next, add the Oats (and Chopped Nuts, if using), one cup at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Mix until all Oats are blended (be sure to check the very bottom of the bowl for any dry oats).
  9. Using a cookie scoop or spoon of your desired size (I used a 2″ cookie scoop), drop cookie dough balls onto prepared cookie sheets several inches apart (they spread!)
  10. Bake for 12-14 minutes (longer if you want crispy cookies).
  11. Cool on the cookie sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
  12. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a bowl of Vanilla Ice Cream 🙂
Desserts, Snacks




Paprika Cauliflower Bites ~ Gluten-Free

Paprika Cauliflower Bites ~ Gluten-Free

Did you know that there are three (3) different types of Paprika? There is “Sweet Paprika,” usually labeled as “Paprika” and offers a somewhat sweet pepper flavor without much heat. The second type is “Hot Paprika,” because it is exactly that…HOT! The last type is “Smoked Paprika” and comes from peppers that have been smoked and dried over a fire. “Smoked Paprika” comes in a variety of spiciness (mild, medium, medium-hot and hot), depending on the variety of peppers used.
Paprika is definitely one of my favorite spices, so I am always trying out new ways to use it in my recipes. I hope you enjoy these Paprika Cauliflower Bites 🙂

The Marinade:

  • 1/4 Cup Light Olive Oil (or Canola Oil)
  • 1/4 Cup lemon juice (Juice of 1 Large Lemon)
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated or shredded (I use grated when it’s available)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt (table)
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper

The Cauliflower:

  • 1 Head Cauliflower (broken/cut into bite-size pieces)

The Coating:

  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I use King Arthur or Better Batter)
  • 4 tsp Paprika (I use “Sweet Paprika” (label usually states just “Paprika”)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, shredded or grated (I use Shredded for this part for a cheesier finish)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter, salted
  1. In a medium-size bowl, combine all of the Marinade ingredients mixing well; set aside.
  2. Place the bite-size Cauliflower pieces into a large resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the Marinade into the bag with the Cauliflower and close bag securely. Smoosh the Cauliflower around in the marinade to evenly coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. Meanwhile, combine the GF Flour, Paprika, Pepper and Parmesan Cheese in a large bowl, mixing well.
  5. Once the Cauliflower has finished marinating, melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the Cauliflower pieces from the marinade to the GF Flour mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss to evenly coat all of the Cauliflower pieces with the GF Flour mixture.
  7. Once the Cauliflower pieces are ready to cook, transfer the pieces to the large skillet containing the melted butter. Do not move the Cauliflower around for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the pieces to turn golden brown and lightly crispy. Gently flip the Cauliflower pieces over to cook all sides…you may have to reduce the temperature to prevent burning. Test a piece after about 5 minutes to see if it’s done (softened) – I usually cook mine for about 8-10 minutes.
  8. Serve with a fresh salad and your choice of protein….yummy! 🙂
Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Side Dish




Oat Bread (Gluten-Free; Dairy-Free; Vegan)

Oat Bread (Gluten-Free; Dairy-Free; Vegan)

You will fall in love with this soft, yummy GF, DF, Vegan Oat Bread! It’s perfect for toast, sandwiches or warm with some fresh buttery spread 🙂 I usually make two loaves at a time and freeze one to have a loaf ready to go when the first one runs out (usually within 2-3 days in our family). I hope you enjoy it!

  • 3 Cups + 3 Tbsp (453 g) GF Bread Flour Blend (I usually use my own blend (from “letthemeatgfcake” and instructions are included with my Italian Sandwich Bread GF recipe) or Better Batter GF Flour Blend (just be sure your GF flour blend contains Xanthan Gum))
  • 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp Quick Rise Yeast
  • 2 Cups Plain Oat Milk
  • 4 Tbsp Buttery Spread (Earth Balance Original or Country Crock Plant Butter with Avocado Oil)
  • 1 Handful GF Whole Oats (for sprinkling on the top)
  1. Thoroughly coat all sides and bottom of the loaf pan with shortening and then a dusting of GF Flour. Set aside.
  2. In a small microwave-proof bowl, melt the butter-substitute and set aside.
  3. Using a Stand Mixer, with the Paddle attachment and set on Low, combine the GF Flour, Sugar, Salt and Yeast until completely blended.
  4. In another microwave-proof bowl (or 2-cup glass measuring cup with a pour spout), heat the Oat Milk for 45-60 seconds or until just slightly warm.
  5. Pour the melted Butter-substitute into the luke-warm Oat Milk and gently stir.
  6. With the mixer on Low, slowly add the Milk mixture to the GF Flour Mixture until completely combined.
  7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle attachment. Increase the speed to Medium-High and beat for 5 minutes.
  8. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the bread dough into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Lightly spray the top with water and cover with plastic wrap (I spray one side of my plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray, so it can be easily removed after the dough rises).
  9. Place in a warm, draft-free spot to rise for about 1 – 1 1/2 hour (or more, depending on the current temperature) or until dough has risen slightly above the top of the pan.
  10. Once the dough is ready to bake, place one oven rack in the lowest position and the other rack in the middle position of your oven. Next, place an oven-proof dish (I use a glass loaf pan) with about 1 Cup of water on the lower rack set off to one side, so as not to block the heat.
  11. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  12. Remove plastic covering from the bread loaf, sprinkle the top with the GF Whole Oats and bake for 35-40 minutes. Bread is done when it starts to pull away from the sides of the loaf pan and it makes a hollow thud sound when you gently thump it. Note: If the bread starts to get too dark on the top, cover loosely with foil (I start checking at the 15 minute mark).
  13. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove bread from the pan and continue cooling on a wire rack.
  14. Enjoy with a buttery spread and honey or fresh jam/preserves…or slice to use for your favorite sandwiches 🙂
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Snacks




Zucchini Bread – Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

Zucchini Bread – Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

This moist, delicious Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Zucchini Bread is packed full of nutrients and spices! I always make a double batch (this recipe is for 2 loaves), because it disappears very quickly in our house 😉 I attempted to make a Vegan version (substituting applesauce for the eggs) for my daughter, but it turned out like a VERY wet brick…I will continue trying different Vegan versions until I succeed! In the meantime, let me know what you think of this GF, DF version 🙂

  • 3 Cups Zucchini, shredded (water squeezed out)
  • 4 Cups Better Batter All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix (You can use other cup-for-cup GF flours, but end results may vary)
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2-3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling in both pans)
  • 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar (Firmly Packed)
  • 5 tsp Baking Powder, GF
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 1/2 Cups Plain Rice Milk (or any other non-dairy unflavored milk (if you’re not DF, you can use Skim, 1%, 2% or Whole Milk))
  • 1/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (I use Canola)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Large Eggs (lightly beaten)
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • 1/2 Cup Pecans or Walnuts, chopped (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Gather the ingredients.
  3. Spray two 8″ x 4″ loaf pans with the non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle all sides and bottom of each pan with about 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar. Set aside.

The Flour Mixture:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the GF Flour, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Baking Powder, Spices and Lemon Zest. Mix thoroughly and form a well in the center. Set aside.

The Zucchini Mixture:

  1. Using a food processor or handheld grater, shred the Zucchini and place on paper towels in a large bowl to absorb the water.
  2. In another large bowl, mix the milk, oil, vanilla and eggs until well combined. Add the shredded zucchini and mix well.

Making the Batter:

  1. Add the Zucchini Mixture to the center of the Flour Mixture.
  2. Mix well using a fork to start with to help break up the Zucchini. Then switch to a large spoon to ensure that you get all of the ingredients off of the bottom. (Note: if you’re adding nuts, do so at this step).

Baking the Bread:

  1. Divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. If desired, you may sprinkle the tops with additional granulated sugar.
  2. Bake on the center rack for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer loaves to wire cooling rack and let cool completely before slicing.
  5. Enjoy!
Breakfast, Desserts, Lunch, Snacks, Sweet Breads




Stove-Top Paprika Chicken Bites (Gluten Free)

Stove-Top Paprika Chicken Bites (Gluten Free)

These crispy, yet tender, Paprika Chicken Bites will have your friends and family asking for more! They are delicious served all by themselves or over GF Pasta and my oven roasted veggies! And, the Lemon really comes out when served cold, making this recipe perfect for a picnic lunch. Enjoy 🙂

The Marinade:

  • 1/4 Cup olive oil (or Canola Oil)
  • 1 Large Juice of Lemon (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated or shredded (I use shredded, because that is all we have in our area)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper

The Chicken:

  • 3-4 Medium Chicken Breasts (rinsed, patted dry and cut into bite-size pieces)

The Coating:

  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I use King Arthur brand)
  • 4 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated or shredded
  • 1/2 Cup Salted Butter (I use Land O Lakes)
  1. In a medium bowl, combine all of the Marinade Ingredients until completely blended.
  2. Place the prepared, bite-size pieces of chicken into a large resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the Marinade into the bag with the chicken and close bag securely. Smoosh the chicken around in the marinade to evenly coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. While the chicken is marinating in the refrigerator, combine the GF Flour Blend, Paprika, Pepper and Parmesan Cheese in a Large bowl, mixing well.
  5. Once the chicken has finished marinating, melt the butter in a Large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken pieces from the marinade to the GF Flour mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss to evenly coat all of the chicken pieces.
  7. Once the chicken is ready to cook, transfer the pieces to the large skillet containing the melted butter. Do not move the chicken around for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pieces to turn golden and crispy. Gently flip the pieces over to cook all sides…you may have to reduce the temperature once things get going ;). Test a piece after about 5 minutes to see if it’s done (no longer pink inside). I usually cook mine for a total of 8-10 minutes.
  8. Serve with your favorite sides, over rice or pasta or just by themselves! They are FULL of flavor :). We serve ours over GF Pasta and my oven-roasted veggies…kind of a Chicken Alfredo Bowl!
Dinner, Main Dish




Pan Seared Salmon in a Blueberry-Orange Glaze

Pan Seared Salmon in a Blueberry-Orange Glaze

We received a version of this recipe years ago and I have been trying to replicate it ever since! I think this is as close as I’m going to get 😉 The savory flavor of the Pan-seared Salmon topped with the sweetness of the Blueberry Preserves and Orange juice and just a touch of heat from Cayenne Pepper make this dish unique and very flavorful! A 5-Star winner in our house 🙂

The Salmon:

  • 1 lb Salmon (cut into 4 fillets; skin removed, if desired)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Salted Butter
  • 1-2 pinches Salt
  • 1-2 pinches Ground Black Pepper

The Blueberry-Orange Glaze:

  • 3/4-1 Cup Blueberry Preserves (I use Bonne Maman)
  • 1/4-1/2 Cup Orange Juice (start with 1/4 and add more if needed)
  • 2 tsp Fresh Orange Zest
  • 1-2 pinches Cayenne Pepper (start with 1 and add more, if desired, after the glaze has cooked for a few minutes)

Pan-Searing the Salmon:

  1. Rinse Salmon under cold water and pat dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  2. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the Olive Oil and Butter over Medium heat until there is a sheen on the surface and the butter is completely melted.
  3. Place the Salmon fillets, skin side up, into the frying pan; do not move them around – this allows them to get that nice golden, crispy layer; cook for about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
  4. After the first side is done, carefully flip the fillets over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Reduce temperature to medium-low/low, if needed.
  5. Once the Salmon is done, carefully transfer the fillets to a warming dish, reserving any oil/butter in the pan; set fillets aside.

Making the Blueberry-Orange Glaze:

  1. Using the same skillet that you used to cook the Salmon, add the Blueberry Preserves, Orange Juice, Orange Zest and Cayenne Pepper, mixing well with a whisk. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a low boil. Taste to see of more Cayenne is needed. Reduce temperature and continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes, or until mixture begins to reduce and thicken.
  2. Add the Salmon back into the pan with the blueberry glaze for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Serve the Salmon with the Blueberry Glaze drizzled over the top. Yum!
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish