Butternut Squash Risotto-30 minute meals :)

I was going out to dinner with a friend, so I needeed something quick to throw together for my dear husband (mmmmm....Chang's Spicy Chicken at PF Changs).

Butternut Squash Risotto
* EVOO
* 1/2 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic
* 1 cup arborio rice
* 3 cups liquid (I used 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup water, but you could use all water or chicken/veg broth)
* 1.5 cups pureed butternut squash (I had some left over)
* 1/3- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Saute onions in olive oil on medium heat. When tender, add garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir continuously. Add in 1 cup rice and stir for 1 minute. Add in 1 cup of liquid at a time, stirring every 3-5 minutes. Allow liquid to be absorbed before adding any more. After 2nd cup of liquid, add cooked squash. Continuing to stir, add 3rd cup, and when most of the liquid is absorbed add the parmesan cheese. Parmesan is very salty, so add according to your taste buds. Continue to stir until desired texture. Takes about 20-25 minutes.

In a hurry to get out the door, I forgot to take pictures. I thought this dish was much better the 1st night then reheated for lunch, but hubs said that he thought it was good both times. He's so nice.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

I'm sure everyone knows how to make these, but sometimes we need a reminder of all the simple gluten free items out there.



Peanut Butter Blossoms (made 15 cookies)
* 1 cup natural peanut butter
* 1 cup sugar (1/2 sugar, 1/2 brown sugar)
* 1 egg
* 1/2-1 tsp baking soda

While cookies are baking, unwrap enough hershey kisses to put one on each cookie and of course, one for you to taste test.

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Roll into balls, place on cookie sheet, bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes. When out of the oven, immediately press a hershey kiss into the center of the cookie. Allow to cool and devour. :)

I tricked the meat loving baby!!

17 weeks pregnant and for weeks now I have not been able to stomach any vegetables. All the baby wants is meat, dairy, and more meat and dairy with a side of carbs. However, tonight, I tricked the baby....with Veggie Pizza. Bread and dairy for the baby and I got to enjoy a handful of veggies.

I'd also like to mention that I have recently decided that Whole Foods makes the BEST gluten free pizza crust. Yes, I know...thats a large statement especially for a pizza lover like myself, but I've made my own, I've made mixes, I've tried restaurants and Whole Foods has them beat. Their products are so hit or miss but this one is right on the money....no gluten free taste, crispy crust, thick, holds up well. Mmmmmm....They're expensive, but no more than eating out or buying other premade items and well worth the money. I'm trading in my other pizza mixes for awhile.
Veggie Pizza (serves 2-3)
*Whole Foods Pizza Crust
Thaw and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375 ( I like mine crispy). Take out and top with the following toppings, in order (or use your own)
*2-3 roasted roma tomatoes
*2-3 handfuls of spinach leaves, torn
*1-2 cups shredded mozzarella
OPTIONAL:
*sprinkle with crumbled feta, sliced olives, and crushed red pepper flakes and serve with a side of pasta sauce for dipping

Bake for another 10 minutes and enjoy :)

Ugly pictures, Delicious breakfast

On the weekends, I try to make a big breakfast to make the most of my time with hubby. This morning while hubby was out picking lettuce in the garden, baby started acting up and was showing no signs of having patience in waiting for him to finish his morning routine. So, I decided to whip up a smoothie while we waited, but no no...this baby wanted dairy. I'm still adjusting to these strong cravings for meat and dairy, so cooking feels like a new adventure. (and I'm usually so hungry, I get half way through eating before I remember to take a picture. Note: the crappy pictures on today's blog)
Blueberry smoothies (with dairy)
*1 frozen banana
* 1 small handful of blueberries
* 6 oz Stoneyfield Plain yogurt (keeping the sugar down so I could enjoy the maple syrup with my waffles-yum)
* splash of OJ
Toss everything in Blendtec (or other blender) and blend. Made about 12 oz and baby and I were charged for the morning....that is until an hour later when it was waffle time :)

Pamela's Banana and Pecan Waffles
* 1 1/2 cup Pamela's baking mix
* 3/4 cup water
* 2 eggs
* 2 Tbsp oil
* 1 tsp vanillaMix ingredients, pour in waffle maker, top with pecans, banana slices, and pure maple syrup and ENJOY! (I tried mixing the banana into the waffle batter this morning, but it messed up the texture. The waffles weren't crisp on the outside, like they should be. I recommend just tossing the banana slices on top of the waffles)

Betty Crocker Dessert and Snacks

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For my birthday, my dad and 12 year old sister lovingly joined forces and made, for the first time ever, a gluten free birthday cake. Luckily for them, Betty Crocker came to the rescue with her simple easy chocolate cake mix. This cake was delicious with its chocolate cream cheese icing and although my brother turned his nose at the idea of a gluten free cake, his plate was clean and there were no complaints. The following days the cake dried out, but luckily for my big family, we devoured all but 2 pieces the 1st day.
I tested out Betty's brownies again last weekend when some friends were in town and I must give mixed reviews. I have made these brownies 2 times and eaten them when they were made by 2 other people. Every single time they taste different. The first time I made them and one other time from a friend, they were moist, rich, and everything you want from a chocolate brownie. The 2nd time I made them and when another friend made them, they were hard and drier that expected. Maybe it was the butter or it cooked faster the 2nd go around. Who knows? For now, I'll stick to my personal brownie recipe, which are always moist, rich, and nothing shy of amazing.

MORE FROM BETTY CROCKER and her magically gluten free ways....
After seeing a favorite childhood snack of mine, Gushers, gone gluten free, I couldn't help but register for the giveaway held by the Gluten Free Gidget. Luckily for me, I WON!! I am generally a very healthy eater with a big appetite for dessert. So, after my excitement wore off from winning, I questioned whether or not I would really want to eat and if I would enjoy the combination of Gushers, Fruit Roll ups, Fruit by the Foot, and Create a bug. I brought the box to school to add to my "I'm pregnant and need frequent snacks" bin and figured what I didn't eat I'd share with my students. I will admit, the gushers are just as yummy as I remember and the create a bug are pretty delightful as well. Because of health reasons they won't go on my daily snacks list, but they are a yummy little treat when you want something sweet to eat. Thank you again Gluten Free Gidget and Betty Crocker!

Mmmm....Donuts

A friend of mine recently had a baby, so I decided to celebrate her new bundle of joy with a box of Kinnickinick glazed donuts. Because after giving birth, seriously, what would any woman want more than something delicious to eat. Plus, while still in the hospital the need to get back in shape is still being overshadowed by the joy of the new baby.


While grabbing the box, I realized it would be unfair to my baby if I didn't also get a box for myself and boy, oh boy was that a good decision. These donuts at $5.99 (for 6 donuts) are a tad expensive, but well worth the money. They are heavier than gluten filled donuts, but DELICIOUS! Go ahead and splurge, pick up a box for yourself and a friend :) Available at Whole Foods, Native Sun, and even some small chain health food stores, such as Grassroots.

Bagels

I recently tried Glutino's GF bagels and they are delicious. They are guilty of having a mild gluten free taste, but its nothing peanut butter or cream cheese can't cover up. The downside is that they must be really well toasted (I toast twice) or the texture is rather undesirable. When extra toasted and topped with cream cheese they are delightful. Nice to have a quick, non sugary breakfast.
I found these at Whole Foods ($6.50 for a bag of 5 frozen bagels).