Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes & Capers

Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes & Capers

This dish is so Fresh and easy to make with vegetables right out of your garden or kitchen! If I do not have any Spaghetti Squash ready in my garden, I substitute Summer Squash, Zucchini, Acorn Squash, Baking Potato or a mild Fish, such as Flounder. I love this recipe, because it’s so versatile and delicious no matter what you pair with the sauteed Capers and Tomatoes! I hope you enjoy this dish as much as we do 🙂

  • 1 Large Spaghetti Squash
  • 2 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp Capers
  • 1 1/2 Cups Tomatoes, chopped (with juices)
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano (or 2 Tbsp Fresh Oregano, chopped)
  • Table Salt (to taste)
  • Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

Baking the Spaghetti Squash:

  1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees. Place rack in center position.
  2. Cut the Spaghetti Squash in half, lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and loose stringy innards and place facedown in a deep baking dish.
  3. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the dish by about 1/2 inch.
  4. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is soft (depends on the size of the squash).
  5. Remove the squash from the oven and set aside to cool enough to handle.
  6. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees.
  7. When the squash is cool enough to handle, hold it over a large, ovenproof bowl/dish and scrape out the flesh from the top to the bottom using the tines of a fork. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven to keep hot while you prepare the topping.

Making the Caper & Tomato Topping:

  1. In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the Olive Oil and Garlic over Medium Heat for about 2 minutes.
  2. Next, add the Capers, Tomatoes and Oregano and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add a few pinches of Salt and Pepper to taste.
  4. Spoon desired amount over the prepared Spaghetti Squash and watch it disappear!
Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Main Dish, Salads, Side Dish




Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is our middle daughter’s favorite food…I seriously think she would eat it for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner EVERY day of her life if others didn’t step in and insist on some variety in her diet 😉
It really IS delicious, though! Our family doesn’t just eat it as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvres, but as a meal with fresh bread/rolls and a big salad 🙂 A definite 5-Stars in this household!

  • 4-6 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 3 lbs.; boiled and shredded)
  • 1 1/4 Cup Hot Sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Wing Sauce because it’s Gluten Free and SO yummy!)
  • 2 Cups Ranch Dressing (I make my own using Hidden Valley Ranch Powder, but store-bought in the bottle is just fine ;))
  • 2 Blocks Cream Cheese ((16 oz) I use full fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
  • 3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (You can also use half Cheddar and half Monterey Jack)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a 9″ x 13″ (or 4 quart) baking dish dish, mix together the Chicken, the Hot Sauce and 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheese until thoroughly blended; Spread out evenly in the pan and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat the Ranch Dressing and the Cream Cheese over Low heat until the Cream Cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the Chicken mixture in the baking dish.
  4. Top with the remaining Shredded Cheese.
  5. Bake uncovered for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until edges are bubbly and the top is lightly brown.
  6. Serve with your favorite chips, pita chips, bread, etc. Enjoy 🙂
Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish, Snacks
American




Oven-Roasted Vegetables

Oven-Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is my Go-To for an easy and healthy dish that my entire family loves! I often serve it over Rice, Quinoa or a Baked Potato (Sweet or White) for a warm and hearty meal. This medley of vegetables is very versatile and pairs well with Seafood, Chicken, Turkey, Pork, Beef…just about anything 😉 I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Note: This recipe was adapted from the South Beach Diet and has been thoroughly enjoyed by my family for almost 20 years 🙂

  • 1 Bunch Asparagus (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 Medium Yellow Squash (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 Medium Zucchini (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 Medium Bell Pepper (I usually use a Red and Orange for the milder taste and the beautiful color; cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 Large Vidalia Onion (chopped into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 tsp Garlic, chopped ((optional))
  • 3-4 Tbsp olive oil
  • Several Pinches Kosher Salt
  • Several Pinches Ground Black Pepper
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. In a very large bowl, combine all of the cut Vegetables and Olive Oil; Toss until thoroughly mixed and coated with the Oil.
    Note: add the garlic now if adding
  3. Evenly spread the Vegetable mixture onto a large baking sheet and sprinkle with the Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste.
  4. Bake for 30-45 minutes on the center rack until tender, stirring several times during the roasting process to cook evenly.
  5. Serve over Rice, Quinoa, Couscous, Pasta, Baked Potato…or as a Side Dish for your favorite protein. We often pair with Salmon and it’s delicious!!!
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish, Salads, Side Dish




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




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




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




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




Sour Cream Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

Sour Cream Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

These baked Chicken Tenders turn out tender and juicy inside with a light and crispy outside every time. I bake these quite often for my family and always make a double batch to ensure there are plenty of leftovers for the next day 🙂 This dish is one of our son’s most-requested meals! Enjoy 🙂

The Sour Cream Marinade:

  • 2 Cups Daisy Lite Sour Cream (You may use Regular Sour Cream, if desired)
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 4-5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Packages (9-10 per pack) Chicken Tenders (rinsed and lightly dried with paper towels)

The Crispy Outer Crust:

  • 1 1/2-2 Cups Gluten Free Italian Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 Cup Salted Butter, melted

Making the Sour Cream Marinade:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
  2. Place the prepared Chicken Tenders into a large resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the Sour Cream marinade into the bag with the Chicken, close the bag securely, and then “smoosh” the chicken around to evenly coat with the marinade. Place flat in the refrigerator overnight (12-24 hours).

Breading the Chicken:

  1. When the chicken is ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil (if using foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray); set aside.
  3. Pour the Bread Crumbs into a shallow bowl or dish and place beside the prepared cookie sheet.
  4. Remove the marinating Chicken from the refrigerator and place next to the dish containing the bread crumbs (I place mine in a large bowl to keep the bag from tipping over).
  5. Once your “station” is set up, remove a few (3-4) Chicken tenders from the bag and dredge them through the bread crumbs to evenly coat them. Then place onto the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat these steps with the remaining chicken.
  6. Once all of the chicken is prepared and lined up on the cookie sheet, drizzle them with the melted butter.
  7. Bake uncovered for approximately 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven, turning them over halfway through.
  8. Serve with your favorite sides and watch them disappear…I serve ours with my Homemade Ranch Dressing/Dip or my Honey Mustard Sauce/Dip 😉
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish