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



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



Salmon with Orange-Lime Glaze

Salmon with Orange-Lime Glaze

This quick and easy recipe for baked Salmon turns out tender and sweet, with just a touch of heat, every time. My family LOVES Salmon, so I am always trying out new ways to prepare it. Enjoy! 🙂

Salmon

  • 1 lb Fresh Salmon
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Kosher Salt (I do not measure this, but I just use a couple of pinches)
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Pepper (Again, I do not usually measure this, but I grate a light coat of the Pepper over the Salmon)

Glaze

  • 1/2 Cup Orange Marmalade
  • 1 Lime Lime Zest (2 teaspoons)
  • 1 Lime Juice of 1 Lime (2-3 teaspoons)
  • Pinch Red Cayenne Pepper, powdered (I use a generous pinch for a little extra heat.)
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Gather the ingredients.
  4. Rinse and pat dry the Salmon. Place, skin side down, onto the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle with the Salt and Pepper. Set aside while you prepare the glaze.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the Orange Marmalade, Lime Zest, Lime Juice and Cayenne Pepper. Mix until completely blended. Taste to see if any adjustments are needed (Note: the heat of the Red Cayenne Pepper comes through as it cooks, so be careful adding too much 😉 ). Reserve 1/2 of this glaze for serving with cooked Salmon.
  6. Spread half of the Glaze over the top and sides of the Salmon, coating evenly.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
  8. Serve with the reserved glaze and your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Note: I sometimes pan-sear the Salmon in a little bit of Olive Oil and Butter before adding the glaze and baking in the oven.

Dinner, Main Dish
American



Honey-Ginger Pork Tenderloin

Honey-Ginger Pork Tenderloin

This wonderful dish has quickly become one of our regular Favorite meals! It turns out tender and very flavorful every time 🙂 It’s SO easy to prepare and goes well with just about any side dish. I usually marinate two tenderloins at a time – one for that day’s meal and one to freeze for later (perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking). A HUGE “Thank You” to www.thechunkychef.com for sharing this incredible recipe 🙂

  • 1 Pork Tenderloin (trimmed, rinsed and patted dry with paper towels)
  • 1/2 Cup Honey
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (or bottled)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (I use the Low-sodium variety)
  • 2 tsp Garlic, minced (I use the all-ready minced Garlic in the jar)
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper
  • Kosher Salt (to taste)
  • Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
  • Fresh, Chopped Parsley (garnish)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Place the trimmed, rinsed and patted dry Pork Tenderloin into a large Ziploc baggie. Set aside.
  3. In a small/medium bowl, combine the Honey, Ginger, Lemon Juice, Soy Sauce, Garlic and spices. Whisk/mix until well combined.
  4. Pour half of the marinade into the baggie with the Pork and seal. Let marinate in refrigerator for 4-24 hours. Reserve the other half in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later.
  5. When ready to bake the pork, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  6. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
  7. Remove the reserved marinade from refrigerator and set aside.
  8. In a large skillet, heat the Olive Oil over Medium to Medium-High heat.
  9. Once the oil is heated, remove the Pork Tenderloin from the marinade and place into the heated oil/pan. Sear all sides of the tenderloin until a light golden brown.
  10. Place the seared Pork onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until inside temperature of Pork reaches 132-134 degrees.
  11. Evenly brush the Pork with the reserved marinade and continue baking for 5-7 more minutes, or until inside temperature reaches 140 degrees. Note: you may broil the Pork on High for a couple of minutes instead of continuing to bake, if desired.
  12. Remove the Pork from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for about 5 minutes – pork will continue to cook and should register 145 degrees with light pink insides (see photo).
  13. Brush the Pork with run-off marinade from baking sheet and sprinkle the top with the Fresh, Chopped Parsley. Slice into desired thickness and serve with your favorite sides and veggies. Enjoy!

Note: If you’re preparing 2 Tenderloins, simply double all ingredients.

Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
American, Asian



Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Chipotle’s Honey Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is my husband’s all-time FAVORITE dressing/dip! But, now that we no longer live near a Chipotle restaurant, I decided to make it myself 😉 My husband stated that he likes it even better than Chipotle’s, because he can really taste the Honey! He uses it as a salad dressing, dip, sauce, potato topping, etc. I hope you enjoy it as much as he does 🙂

  • 2-3 Small Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
  • 3/8 Cup Vinegar (I use White Wine Vinegar for its milder taste, but you can use Red, Apple Cider, Balsamic or Rice Wine Vinegar)
  • 3/4 Cup Canola Oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic (I use the Minced Garlic in a jar)
  • 3 heaping Tbsp Honey (I use 100% Pure Honey)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Using a blender or food processor, dump all of the ingredients into the blender/food processor and puree until smooth.
  3. Pour dressing into desired container and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers. Enjoy 🙂
Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Lunch, Main Dish, Salads
American, Mexican



Spicy Roasted Cauliflower (Gluten Free)

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower (Gluten Free)

I’m not a big fan of cauliflower, not because it tastes bad, but because it really doesn’t have much flavor at all. But, THIS recipe sold me on eating more cauliflower…it’s SO Spicy, Flavorful and Easy to make that I just can’t get enough!!! It’s even great cold the next day! Bon appetit! 🙂

  • 1 Head Cauliflower
  • 3/4 Cup Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour, sifted (I prefer King Arthur brand)
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Pepper
  • 3/4 Cup Skim Milk (You can substitute with Rice Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk or Soy Milk)

Spicy Sauce:

  • 1/4 Cup Hot Sauce or Buffalo Sauce (For a less-spicy version, use a mild Buffalo Sauce)
  • 2 Tbsps Canola Oil (You can substitute with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, etc.)
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray) and set aside.
  3. Cut up the Cauliflower into bite-size pieces and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the GF Flour, Spices and Milk together until thoroughly blended. Add the Cauliflower pieces and stir to completely coat.
  5. Dump the coated Cauliflower pieces onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them out into a single layer.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring the pieces at the halfway point.
  7. While the Cauliflower is baking, thoroughly combine the Hot Sauce, Oil and Honey.
  8. After the first 20 minutes, brush or spoon the Hot Sauce mixture evenly over the Cauliflower pieces. Continue baking for another 20 minutes.
  9. Serve while hot or warm. The Sauce mixture becomes like a crusty cheese coating…it is SO yummy!

Thank you to Pierce Abernathy @ Tasty for sharing the original recipe…I just made a few minor changes to make it GF, lower in sodium and fat 😉

Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish, Snacks



Baked Herb-Mayonnaise Chicken

Baked Herb-Mayonnaise Chicken

This recipe is SO quick and easy to make and I bet most of you already have these ingredients in your kitchen! Plus, you can easily swap the herbs with ones that you have on hand, as well as the mayo…you can use regular mayo, lite mayo or substitute sour cream for the mayo (I recently made it with half mayo and half sour cream, because we were running low on mayonnaise, and it was delicious!) The chicken comes out very moist and tender every time 🙂
A BIG “Thank You” to allrecipes for sharing the original recipe for Mayo Chicken…it is divine!!! 🙂

  • 4-6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise (I used Hellmann’s Regular Mayonnaise, but you can use Lite or substitute with Sour Cream*)
  • 1 tsp Crushed Garlic
  • 1/2 heaping tsp Dried Basil (or whatever you have on hand)
  • 1/2 heaping tsp Dried Oregano (or whatever you have on hand)
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • pinch Pepper
  • 1/2 – 3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated or shredded)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix together the Mayonnaise (or Sour Cream), Garlic, Herbs, Salt & Pepper until well-blended.
  4. Place Chicken Breasts in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each breast.
  5. Using a pastry brush or back-side of spoon, spread the Mayonnaise mixture onto both sides of the Chicken Breasts, coating evenly.
  6. Sprinkle desired amount of Parmesan Cheese onto the top of each Chicken Breast.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes, or until inside temperature of chicken registers 160 degrees.
  8. Serve with your favorite side. Enjoy!

*The original recipe called for 1 Cup regular mayonnaise and 1 Tbsp of fresh Rosemary. However, as I noted in the Ingredients section, you can use regular or lite mayonnaise or 1/2 mayo + 1/2 Sour Cream or all sour cream. As far as the herbs are concerned, have fun and try different herbs (dried and/or fresh)…the sky is the limits 😉

Dinner, Main Dish
American



Gluten Free Chicken Quesadillas

Gluten Free Chicken Quesadillas

I absolutely LOVE these Chicken Quesadillas! The crispy tortilla wraps paired with the spicy chicken, veggies and cheese really give these Quesadillas an authentic Mexican taste! And, they are surprisingly easy to prepare and oh so delicious 🙂

The Quesadilla:

  • 3-4 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2-3 Tbsp Gluten Free Taco Seasoning (I use McCormick Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Mix or make my own)
  • 1 Large Onion, diced
  • 3 Large Bell Peppers, seeded & diced (I use whatever peppers I have on hand)
  • 1-2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed over the top of Chicken and Veggies)
  • 1-2 pinches Freshly Ground Pepper
  • 3-4 Cups Shredded Cheese (Monterey Jack & Cheddar combination is wonderful)
  • 12 Gluten Free Tortilla Wraps (I use “Mission” brand)
  • 10-12 Tbsp Salted Butter (I usually use softened butter and spread desired amount on one side of each Tortilla Shell for frying)

Toppings:

  • Sour Cream (I use Lite)
  • Pico de Gallo (This is wonderful either by itself or mixed with Ranch Dressing for dipping)
  • Ranch Dressing (either store-bought or homemade (see recipe below in the Notes)
  • Shredded Cheese (any variety)
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped (or Parsley)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. In a large skillet, heat about 1-1 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the Chicken pieces, Taco Seasoning and Ground Pepper to the skillet, gently stirring/tossing until chicken is well-coated with the seasonings. Cook until chicken is done (about 5-8 minutes). Remove chicken from the skillet with a slotted spoon/spatula, placing it into a bowl to rest. Set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, lower the temperature to medium-low and add another 1 -1 1/2 Tbsp Olive OIl and the diced Onion and Peppers. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Once the veggies are done, reduce temperature to low and add the cooked chicken. Stir to mix well. Add the Fresh Lime Juice at this step.
  6. In a separate skillet, melt about 1/2 Tbsp Butter over medium-low heat and place one Tortilla Wrap/Shell in the skillet.
  7. Next, start building the Quesadillas by sprinkling some shredded cheese to cover the shell; then add some of the chicken & veggie mixture; then place more shredded cheese on top of the chicken/veggies; top with a second tortilla shell.
  8. Once the bottom tortilla is starting to get crispy and golden brown, lift the Quesadilla using a large spatula, and drop another 1/2 tbsp of butter into the pan. Now, carefully flip the Quesadilla onto the other side and cook until crispy and golden. Repeat these steps with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
  9. Cut each Quesadilla into quarters and serve with a fresh salad and an assortment of the toppings.
  10. Enjoy!

This recipe can easily be cut in half or doubled, depending on the desired amount.

Fresh Homemade Ranch Recipe: https://smallthymecook.com/recipe/homemade-ranch-dressing-dip/

Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
Mexican



Salmon with Chile-Lime Rub

Salmon with Chile-Lime Rub

This recipe is SO quick, easy and delicious…you’ll find yourself making it often 😉 You can bake it or grill it, serve it hot with your favorite sides or cold on a fresh bed of lettuce for lunch or dinner…the possibilities are endless! This recipe was inspired by Ina Garten’s “Salmon Tacos,” which you can find that recipe on my website. Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful recipe, Ina Garten 🙂

  • 1-2 lbs Fresh Salmon
  • 2-3 tsp Chile Powder
  • 2 tsp Freshly Grated Lime Zest (about 2 Limes)
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Salt
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice (about 2 Limes)
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Cover a cookie/baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Rinse and pat dry the Salmon fillets. Place them on the baking sheet, skin side down, and brush with the fresh Lime Juice, thoroughly coating the top and sides.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the Lime Zest, Chile Powder and Salt. MIx well and sprinkle onto the Salmon Fillets, covering them well.
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets.
  6. Top with fresh Lime Juice and grated Lime Zest. Serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish