Easy Creamy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup ~ Gluten Free

This quick & easy recipe reminds me of my favorite Broccoli-Cheddar Soup from Panera Bread, but without the Gluten 🙂 It’s so fresh and flavorful that I can’t stop at just one bowl! I owe a HUGE “Thank You” to Holly Nilsson @ spendwithpennies.com for sharing the original version of this yummy soup!! I made a few adjustments in order to make it Gluten-Free and allergy-friendly for my family.

Easy Creamy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup ~ Gluten Free

  • 1 Tbsp Butter (unsalted)
  • 1 Small Onion (Chopped)
  • 1/2 Cup Carrots (Diced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Large Head Broccoli (Chopped (about 3 Cups))
  • 2 Cups Chicken Broth (Low Sodium or Regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF Flour)
  • 3/4 Cup Whole Milk
  • 3/4 Cup Skim Milk
  • 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the Butter over medium-low heat. Once Butter is melted, add the Onions, Carrots and Garlic; cook until the Onions are translucent and soft (about 3-5 minutes).
  2. Add the Broccoli, Chicken Broth and Seasonings to the Onion mixture and cook over low heat until the Broccoli has softened ~ about 15 minutes.
  3. Next, using either an Immersion Blender, Regular Blender or Food Processor, thoroughly blend the cooked Vegetable/Broth mixture; set aside in the large saucepan over Low heat.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small/medium bowl, combine the GF Flour blend and Milks using a whisk to thoroughly blend; Add this mixture to the Vegetable/Broth mixture in the large saucepan.
  5. Increase the temperature to Medium/Medium-Low and bring to a boil, while whisking continuously; once the mixture has thickened (about 5 minutes), remove from heat and add the Shredded Cheddar.
  6. Serve with your favorite GF Bread and Enjoy!
Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Lunch, Main Dish, Snacks, Soup
American




Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach & Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach & Bacon

If you’re searching for a tasty Chicken dish for these cold Winter nights that will satisfy just about any palate, look no further! This creamy recipe is not only savory and rich, but hearty and filling! And, if you’re not in the mood for Bacon (who in the world would NOT be?!), just substitute Sundried Tomatoes. This dish is quick and easy to make 🙂
Many thanks to eatwell101 for sharing this delicious recipe!!!

  • 6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Rinsed and patted dry with paper towels)
  • 2 tsp Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 3 tsp Garlic (chopped (I use the already chopped garlic in a jar from the produce section))
  • 1/3 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 5-6 Crispy Bacon Strips (If you’re substituting Sundried Tomatoes, use as much or as little as you want (I usually add about 5 Tablespoons))
  • 1 3/4 Cup Half & Half (You may also use Heavy Cream or Skim Milk)
  • 3 Cups Spinach Leaves (Fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese (Shredded)
  • Crushed Chili Pepper Flakes (Optional)
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with 1 Tablespoon water if you need/want a thicker sauce)
  1. Gather your ingredients.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the Olive Oil over low to medium heat (our cooktop runs quite hot, so I cook this between Low and Medium heat).
  3. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the skillet, adjusting the temperature to brown both sides. Cook about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet, once they’re cooked and set aside (you may place them in a warm oven).
  4. Next, add the butter to the skillet, mixing with the leftover chicken juices. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute.
  5. Add the Chicken Broth to the butter and garlic mixture in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to reduce down slightly. Add the Bacon (or the Sundried Tomatoes) and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add the Half & Half (or Heavy Cream or Skim Milk) to the skillet and continue cooking over Low Heat until mixture starts to bubble, stirring frequently. Add the Basil and Oregano (and salt & pepper to taste, optional).
  7. Add the Spinach and Parmesan Cheese and simmer until Spinach has wilted and cheese has melted. At this stage, if you want a thicker sauce, add the Cornstarch & Water mixture, mixing well. Continue simmering and stirring often.
  8. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating well with the sauce. Add the chili pepper flakes, if using.
  9. Heat for a few minutes to warm the chicken. Top each breast with the savory garlic sauce and extra Bacon, if desired. Serve over steamed rice and your favorite veggie. Enjoy!
Main Dish




Paprika Chicken ~ Gluten Free

Juicy & Tender Paprika Chicken ~ Gluten-Free

This is one of my all-time favorites for dinner guests, since it’s a tried and true no-fail recipe for Savory Chicken at its BEST! Butter, lemon, cheese and spices combined with a unique way of baking the chicken breasts ensures tender, delicious chicken every time! Your guests will beg for the recipe :).

  • 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Marinade

  • 1/4 Cup Canola Oil
  • 1/4 Cup lemon juice (Fresh or Bottled)
  • 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Flour Mixture

  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF Flour; You can substitute regular Multi-Purpose Flour)
  • 4 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (For browning the chicken)
  • 4-8 Sheets Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil (If using regular foil, use 2 sheets per breast (insulates and keeps from burning))
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray (I use Pam Coconut Spray)
  1. Gather the Ingredients

Making the Marinade

  1. In a medium-size bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, the 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, Oregano and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix well.
  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Poke the chicken with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate. Flip the chicken over a couple of times in the marinade to thoroughly coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Making the Flour Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 2 teaspoons Grated Parmesan Cheese. Mix well.

Browning the Chicken

  1. When ready to cook, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  3. Roll each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating well.
  4. Place each chicken breast in the melted butter and cook over medium-low heat for about 2 1/2-3 minutes per side – enough to lightly brown.

Making the Cooking Packets

  1. I set up a work station for this step:
    a. Tear off 8 sheets of aluminum foil (enough for 2 per breast – double thickness), making them long enough to fold around the chicken breasts (about 18″). Place this stack beside the skillet.
    b. Place a baking sheet on the other side of the stack of aluminum foil sheets.
  2. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray, then transfer a chicken breast to the center of the foil. Join the long ends of the foil together and roll down (*but not all the way) to seal. Crimp the short ends up to ensure a tight seal.
    *Note: You don’t want to wrap the breasts up really tight, instead you want to leave a little space/pocket above the chicken for steaming
  3. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. Place all four on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake on the middle rack for 28-35 minutes.

  5. Scrape any leftovers from the sides of the packets onto the top of each chicken breast…oh so yummy! Enjoy with a nice fresh salad 🙂

Main Dish




Easy Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

Graham Cracker Crust

This buttery Graham Cracker Crust is SO delicious and easy to make! It’s an excellent partner to just about any filling…just in time for the upcoming holiday season :).

  • 5 Tablespoons Butter (Melted)
  • 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Sleeve Graham Crackers (Or 1 1/4 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Gather ingredients.
  3. Lightly spray a 9″ pie dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside (I use “Pam Coconut Cooking Spray” since its flavor does not compete with the other ingredients.
  4. In a food processor (or a medium-sized bowl), mix the Graham Crackers, Sugar and Butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  5. Press mixture into the bottom and sides of the prepared 9″ pie dish (I use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to do this, as it helps achieve a more even thickness of the crust.
  6. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes for a golden, delicious crust every time!
  7. Fill with your desired fillings and enjoy :).

If you’re not using a Food Processor, use a large Ziploc baggie to crumble the Graham Crackers using your hands to “squish” the crackers until finely crumbled. Then, add this to the sugar and butter in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.

Desserts, Snacks




Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Homemade Soft & Buttery Oatmeal Lace Cookies ~ Gluten-Free

Oh my! These Oatmeal Lace Cookies are so soft, buttery and chewy that they just melt in your mouth! For a little bit of extra yumminess, add some Hersheys Milk Chocolate morsels. These make perfect after school treats :).

  • 1 Cup Butter (2 Sticks, softened)
  • 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar (Firmly packed)
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 Cups GF All-Purpose Flour (I used Krusteaz All-Purpose GF Flour)
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 3 Cups GF Oatmeal
  • 1 Cup Milk Chocolate Morsels ((optional) I use Hersheys Brand)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line two cookie sheets with Parchment Paper or Baking Mats and set aside.
  3. Gather Ingredients.

Butter Mixture

  1. Using a handheld or stand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugars until very well blended.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla to butter mixture, mixing well.

Flour Mixture

  1. In a Medium-sized bowl, combine the GF Flour, Salt and Baking Soda. Blend well.

Putting it All Together

  1. Slowly add the Flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to the Butter Mixture, blending well.
  2. Lastly, add the oats, one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly.
  3. If adding chocolate chips, do so now.
  4. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (which makes about 2″ balls), drop the dough onto the prepared baking pans, leaving PLENTY of space between each one…the dough spreads A LOT!
  5. Bake for 9-12 minutes (baking time will vary between ovens), checking often, until cookies are a rich golden brown color. Note: the longer they bake, the crispier they will become after they cool.
  6. After a couple of minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.
  7. Serve with a tall glass of cold milk and enjoy :).
Desserts, Snacks
Gluten Free
butter, chewy, cookies, gluten-free, oatmeal, oats, snacks, soft, sweets




Broccoli Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Noodle Casserole

This delicious casserole is perfect as an Entree or as a Side Dish. It also gets tastier the longer it sits, making it great for leftovers! The combination of Broccoli, Mushrooms, Cheeses and Noodles makes it a winner for any crowd, young and old! Perfect for Back To School Meals served with crispy French Bread and a fruit salad…Enjoy 🙂

  • 3 Cups Mushrooms, roughly chopped (8 Oz. Container)
  • 1 Medium Onion, chopped
  • 4 Cups Chopped Broccoli (1 Bunch (2-3 Stalks))
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Butter (I use unsalted)
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 3 Cups Cottage Cheese (I use Lite, Small Curd)
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream (I use Lite)
  • 3 Cups Raw Egg Noodles (Medium or wide)
  • 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs (Divided)
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar (Use 2 Cups if your gang loves cheese)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Gather ingredients.

Sauteed Vegetables

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet.
  2. Add the chopped veggies and saute over Medium to Medium Low heat until tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Cheese Mixture

  1. While veggies are cooking…whisk the eggs, cottage cheese and sour cream in a large bowl until well combined.

Egg Noodles

  1. Also, while the veggies are cooking, prepare the Egg Noodles as indicated on the packaging. Drain and add a little butter (about 1 Tablespoon).

Putting it All Together

  1. Using a slotted spoon, add the veggies to the cheese mixture. Mix well.
  2. Next, add the cooked, buttered noodles and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs to the veggie and cheese mixture. Mix well.
  3. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 Breadcrumbs and 1-2 Cups Shredded Cheddar.
  4. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  6. Serve warm as an Entree with some Crusty French Bread and a fresh Fruit Salad. Or serve as a side dish. Either way, it’s delicious! Enjoy!
Main Dish, Side Dish




Taco Pie

Taco Pie

My Mother-in-Law gave us this recipe when my husband and I were first married and it quickly proved to be one of our favorite comfort foods. With just a few ingredients, it’s VERY easy to prepare, inexpensive and everyone loves it! Who doesn’t like meat, potatoes and cheese with a little twist? Enjoy 🙂

  • 8-10 Medium Potatoes (Mashed (You can use Instant Potatoes if you’re in a hurry))
  • 2-3 Pounds Ground Chicken (Ground Turkey or Beef can be substituted)
  • 2-3 Packets Taco Seasoning
  • 2-3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (I used the “Mexican Blend”)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter
  • 1/4-1/2 Cup Milk (Whole, 2%, 1% or Skim)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (Optional (I do not add the salt since the Taco Seasoning has enough Sodium))
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper (Optional )
  1. Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.

Prepare the Ground Meat

  1. Brown 2-3 pounds of Ground Meat and drain.
  2. Add 2-3 packages of the Taco Seasoning to the cooked meat + HALF the water called for.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Cut up and Boil the 8-10 medium-sized potatoes until tender (about 20 minutes), drain and mash.
  2. Add Butter, Milk, Salt & Pepper to taste and mix thoroughly.
  3. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the baking dish (like a pie crust, but thicker). Make thicker if your family loves potatoes!

Assembling the Dish

  1. Add the Taco meat mixture to the top of the mashed potatoes.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the entire dish.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Recipe is for a 13″ x 9″ x 2″ baking dish, but can be easily adjusted for a smaller (or larger) sized dish.

This recipe can also be adjusted according to your family’s taste. My family LOVES mashed potatoes, so I always use a thicker layer of potatoes. Feel free to prepare Instant Mashed Potatoes, if you’re in a rush. I use 2 pounds of ground chicken or turkey when making this dish and 2 packages of Taco Seasoning, but if your family likes more meat, simply add another pound of ground meat. Same goes for the shredded cheese – I use 2 cups, but add more if desired.

In addition, ketchup is really yummy served with this dish ;).

Main Dish
Mexican




Durango Chicken

Durango Chicken

I have been cooking this chicken dish for years and have yet to tire of it. It’s always juicy and tender…and oh, SO easy to make! Perfect for ANY night of the week! It pairs well with just about any side dish (rice, potatoes, pasta, etc.) and your favorite vegetable (salads, broccoli, asparagus, squash, etc.). Enjoy!

  • 4 Chicken Breasts (Trimmed, rinsed and dried)
  • 2 Lemons (Juice of 2 Lemons)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (Melted)
  • 1 Tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Pepper

Preparation

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Trim, rinse and dry chicken breasts. Place them in a large ziploc baggie and set aside while you prepare the marinade.

Making the marinade

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Melted Butter, Lemon Juice and Spices. Mix well.
  2. Pour the marinade into the baggie with the chicken and seal well. Gently turn bag over several times to completely coat the chicken breasts with the marinade. Place the baggie in a large baking dish (the one you will be using to bake the chicken) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight/the morning of, if you’re making it ahead of time).

Baking the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. While the oven is preheating, pull the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and dump the entire contents into the large baking dish ~ Note: the butter in the marinade will have solidified…I just place these “chunks” of solidified butter onto the chicken breasts, so they will melt into the chicken while baking.
  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, uncovered.



Chicken Bulgogi Bowls

Chicken Bulgogi Bowls

This tasty Korean recipe is easy to make and has quickly become one of my family’s favorites! Even though the classic Bulgogi sauce is meant to be a marinade for beef, I use it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter fare. The pickled cucumbers and lightly cooked carrots add a wonderful mix of flavors to this already yummy dish. Drizzle a bit of spiciness with a little Sriracha Crema sauce over the top and you’ve satisfied all of your taste buds! Enjoy!

  • 2 cups Rice (I usually use Jasmine Rice)
  • 2.5-3 lbs Ground Chicken
  • 1-2 Cucumbers (I use English Cucumbers )
  • 2 cups Shredded Carrots (I shred my own in a food processor, because we like finer shredded carrots, but store-bought shredded carrots are fine.)
  • 3-4 Scallions (Thinly sliced and separated into white and green parts)
  • 10 teaspoons White Wine Vinegar (Divided in half (I prefer “Pompeian” brand for its light taste))
  • 17.6 oz. Bulgogi Sauce (aka: “Korean BBQ” (I use “Chung Jung One,” since it’s the only brand available in our area))
  • 1 cup Lite Sour Cream (I use “Daisy” brand)
  • 1-3 teaspoons Sriracha (I usually use 2 tsps per cup of sour cream, but if you want it spicier add 1 tsp at a time)
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Butter (Salted or unsalted)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1-2 Tablespoon olive oil (or Canola oil)
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper
  1. Cook Rice according to package directions. Add butter, salt and pepper once the rice is finished cooking and stir well.
  2. Heat 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced white parts of the scallions and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the ground chicken to the cooked scallions and cook thoroughly. Stir in 5 tsp of the White Wine Vinegar and pour the Bulgogi sauce over the top, mixing well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, wash the cucumbers and carrots (if you’re shredding your own carrots) and dry. Remove the ends from both the carrots and the cucumbers. With a vegetable peeler, shave the cucumber lengthwise into thin ribbons (continue peeling until you reach the core where the seeds begin).
  5. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 5 teaspoons of the White Wine Vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar; mix well. Add the cucumber ribbons to this mixture and place in the refrigerator.
  6. To make the Sriracha Crema, combine the sour cream and 2 teaspoons Sriracha (more if you like it really spicy). Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you get the desired consistency for drizzling. Place in refrigerator until ready to eat.
  7. I cook the carrots just before I’m ready to serve, so that they are nice and warm. Drizzle oil in saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 2 minutes…you want them still a little crispy and tender.

Assembling the Bowls

  1. Spread about 1/2 cup of rice in the bottom of a bowl. On top of the rice arrange the chicken, carrots and cucumbers (amounts of each topping depend on the person, but I usually serve about 1/4 cup of each topping). Add green scallions and drizzle some of the Sriracha Crema sauce over the top. Enjoy!

You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken. Also, you can add sesame seeds to the top and to the chicken mixture (I omit due to food allergies).

Main Dish
Korean