Taco Casserole

This is a super easy and quick way to jazz up your hamburger meat :)

Ingredients:
corn tortillas (or if you dont want to make your own homemade chips you can just buy corn chips)
1/2 tsp olive oil
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1-1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
can tomato sauce
1 can favorite beans
1 cup salsa
black olives (if you like them... I didnt have any today but they are good in this too)
2 cups shredded cheese (your choice)
optional toppings: tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, lettus

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees and you'll bake it for about 15-20 minutes

Directions:
In a skillet or sauce pan heat oil and saute finely chopped onions and garlic. They will start to look translucent when they are done
Add ground beef and add salt and pepper for taste... once almost done add half of a 14oz can of tomato sauce, add beans and salsa. Mix well.
In an 8x8 casserole dish line the bottom with a good amount of chips and put meat mixture on top. Spread it out nicely and then top with cheese. (Id put the olives under the cheeses if you want them warm and mixed in)
Then cook for 15-20 minutes when done add choice toppings.

YUM!
see how easy :) 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

 
    Awesome on a nice cold day... with a little spice :)

We are having this for lunch TODAY!!

Ingredient:
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Chicken Breasts, cubes
2 Boxes of Chicken Broth
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup Cooked rice
1 can corn
half red bell pepper, sliced
half green bell pepper, sliced
1 bottle La Victoria Green Taco Sauce- mild
finely shopped cilantro
1 green onion chopped or half a white onion
1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
1/2 cup cheese (Fiesta or M Jack)
Add tostadas and Avocados on top with maybe a little soup cream :)

Directions:
Cube chicken and brown with oil. I just do it in the pot I will be making the soup in. Once chicken is done add the chicken broth, water, rice, and stir in corn.
Add Taco Sauce, cilantro, lime or lemon juice and cheese.
Once everything is nicely blended add the bell peppers and onions.
I add salt and pepper to the chicken when cooking but if you didnt you can add a little salt and pepper for taste :)
Then let it simmer together for a half hour and top it with avocado, tostada chips and sour cream if you like. Enjoy!!

If it is a little too spicy you can always add a little milk to blend it out :)

Flour

I have three new Gluten Free Flours that I have come to love!

Coconut Flour
Almond Flour
Oat Flour

All taste really good in cookies and crusts.

I made the biscuits and gravy recipe on here last night. The biscuits were made out of the coconut flour and they were really good... only problem they didnt rise like at all. So I made the dough thicker for the next batch :)

I also made an icecream pie and I made the crust out of Oat Flour and Sorghum and it almost tasted like graham crackers... yum!

Just a short note so I dont forget to tell you about these other pre-made options if you dont want to make my first posts recipe for GF flour :) 

Cucumber Cold Salad

Don't knock it til you try it!
I made this for my husband a while back and when he saw it he was hesitant... and now he requests that I make it. It works well as a side dish or as a quick health snack :)

Ingredients (and you can make less with the same amount of sauce extra... just cut less cucumbers)

4 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dry dill or if you dont have it you can use sage

Directions

Cut Cucumber and Onion and place in large bowl
Boil liquids together... vinegar, water and sugar. Once boiling pour over cucumber onion mixture. Stir together well making sure everything has been coated. Sprinkle dill or sage on top and then cover with plastic wrap and chill. Best results about an hour. Id stir it one more time before serving :)
Enjoy

I made some last night so I will post a picture ASAP

Beef n' Noodle Casserol

WARNING!! MUST BE A CHEESE LOVER  :)

I got this recipe from sixsistersstuff.com and made it Gluten Free and Soy Free

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or more if you like your meat)
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
salt and pepper for taste
15 oz can tomato sauce
8oz package noodles (if you are going gluten free you can find rice or corn noodles... I prefer the rice. You may not have as many options as normal pasta as far as style... I used spirals for this recipe)
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup green onion, diced
1 cup cheddar cheese- shredded

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350
Cook noodles as directed on package :) its different for rice vs corn noodles vs normal pasta
Brown the hamburger (using a little butter will add an extra richness to the dish but it is already RICH) add spices and mix together
Drain the noodles
mix in tomato sauce on the cooked meat
In a separate bowl mix together remaining ingredients: sour cream, cottage cheese, and green onion.
In a casserole dish add pasta and cheese mixture and meat. Blend well and then top with cheddar cheese.
Bake 20-25 minutes and enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

This was an experimental dinner as well but it was really good.
So I would normally make my own dough but I didnt have flour that particular night... I used a Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Dough Mix...

Gluten Free, Soy Free











Ingredients:
I package Bob Red Mill GF Pizza Dough Mix. Follow directions for the yeast and dough- add some italian seasoning, parmesan cheese and garlic salt into dough while mixing it... other wise it is a little bland.
garlic salt
italian seasoning
1 package pepperoni
2 cup shredded mozzarella
marinara sauce

Directions:
Preheat Oven 425 degrees Bake 10-12 minutes
I dont have a package of Bobs GF Dough but it does require oil and maybe an egg... water.. Im not sure what else but nothing serious.
Once dough is made... I like to add a little extra GF flour to keep it from sticking to my hands. Put some parchment paper on the table and toss some flour across it. Roll out pizza crust to 1/4in thickness. Spread a really light layer of marinara onto dough then season with garlic salt and italian seasoning. Sprinkle cheese onto crust and top with pepperoni. Now for the slightly tricky part. Your are going to act like your making cinnamon rolls... roll dough tightly, folding in pepperonis that fall out until in a complete roll. Trick- fold each time with parchment, then peel it off, fold with parchment, then peel off.  If dough sticks to parchment and starts to tare... add some flour and pat it closed.  Once in a roll slice into sections. Place on greased cookie sheet the same way you would with cinnamon rolls. I like to add extra cheese right on top.  When they are done 10-12 minutes the top will start to brown. They will puff up too from the yeast to leave enough room between each one.  Heat up remaining marinara and then dip or spread onto pizza rolls.

Sweet n Tangy Meatloaf

So sad I dont have a picture. So I made this on a whim.... I forgot the missionaries were coming over for dinner and when Bryan reminded me I was like uh... food!? So I made this and it was way awesome.

Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients:
1-2 pounds ground beef
1 cup plain bread crumbs ( I made bread earlier and made it into crumbs but you can buy GF bread crumbs too)
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup apricot preserve :) yum

Glaze:
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apricot preserve

Directions:
Preheat 350 degrees
Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, worcestershire sauce, ketchup, sugar and apricot. Mix well, I like using my hands. Place into greased 9x5 loaf pan and cook 40-50 minutes. I tend to scoop extra oil/fat off during the cooking.

While cooking mix ketchup, brown sugar and apricot to make glaze. Remove meatloaf after cooked and glaze. Then cook additional 20 minutes.

Tastes wonderful with mash potatoes and onion rings. (especially homemade onion rings... yum!)

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

I am not one who can eat tomatoes like apples but after playing around a little... I LOVE THESE!

4 tomatoes, halved horizontally... you'll need some thickness to hold toppings
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
ground pepper for taste
4 teaspoons oil

Directions
Preheat oven 450 degrees
Sprinkle oil over baking sheet
Place sliced tomatoes on top. 
Top with cheese then oregano then salt and pepper
drizzle oil over finished tomatoes and bake until tender and cheese looks set. About 15 minutes

Carrot Cake

I made my husband a carrot cake for his birthday... its his favorite. It was my first time and it was SO good.

Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free



Ingredients:
6 cups grated Carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raisins (we prefer the white ones :)
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups flour (remember the gluten free flour entry)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
the gummy bears in my pictures said happy B-day... you dont need them

Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine carrots and brown sugar then set it aside for about 60 minutes. Its a long time but it makes such a difference. Then add raisins.
Preheat Oven 350 degrees
Grease and flour 2 10inch cake pans

In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually, beat in white sugar, oil, and vanilla. Stir in drained pineapple.
Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Then stir into wet mixture until absorbed.

Last. Stir in carrot mixture and pour evenly into 2 pans.

Bake 45-50 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing.

I got store made frosting... but if you want to make your own do it.  If you want it to be layered frosting... once cakes are cooled... place first cake onto serving plate and frost top and sides. Place second cake on top and do the same. Use a knife to smooth out any of the lumps. I like to chill it for an hour before serving.

Strain Killer Turkey

Last year was Bryan and my first Thanksgiving together at home and we came up with the yummiest and moist turkey.

(12-15lbs)

Ingredients:
Turkey defrosted and at room temperature
Preheat Oven 400 degrees
2 Oranges
Pink Salt
1/2 onion chopped
Parsely
2 Carrots
Tops and bottoms of Celery
Oil
Pepper
Thyme
Rosemary

Directions:
Rinse Turkey
Lather inside with 2 oranges juice
Rub Pink Salt over inside generously

Chop and stuff inside turkey for flavor:
Onion, bunk of parsley (it can be dry) carrots and celery

Rub outside with oil and then generously add salt and rub. Then add pepper.

THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!!! ITS THE KEY TO MOIST TURKEY MEAT

Place turkey breast DOWN in pot, tray or whatever you normally cook your turkey in.
Then add some thyme and rosemary on top of the turkey.

Cooking times:
400 degress----1/2 hour
reduce to 350 degrees---- 2 hours
reduce again to 225 degrees--- 1 1/2 hours and flip turkey :) its a little tricky but do it.

Then its done :) 

If you want to make homemade gravy... keep the drippings and add cornstarch until desired thickness

Favorite Ham Glaze

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix together into a bowl and pour over ham before putting it into the oven... or mix in a pot and heat and then add to ham after cooked.

Biscuts and Gravy

When I made this for my husband he wasnt sure about it because he remembered his mom's homemade version as a kid and hadnt had any since he became gluten free...well he LOVED it :)

Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free... unless you dont use almond milk :) oh poo I forgot there is margarine in it too!! sorry

Ingredients:
Gravy-->
12 oz bulk pork sausage ( I think a spicy one tastes the best!)
1/3 cup all purpose flour or remember my first post about Gluten Free Flour?!?!?! use that!!! Scoop out 1/3 cup and use it just like normal flour :)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups milk (use Almond or you choice of non-dairy if needed) If not I prefer Whole milk :)

Biscuits-->
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup G.F flour
1 1/2 teaspoon xanthum gum
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup applesauce
2/3 cup milk

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 450
Biscuits--> Add all ingredients together. Roll dough into balls, press into circle about 1/2 inch thick cut with a cup or biscuit cutter. Cook for about 8 minutes.

Sausage--> Cook sausage like you would with ground beef

Gravy--> add all ingredients into a sauce pan on medium heat. Once all blended add cooked sausage into and stir.

Once biscuits are dont cut in half add gravy and sausage... add extra pepper if needed :)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I dont know about you but I love soup when its cold!!! and today was our first fairly cold day. We even enjoyed some hail. So he is a nice slightly spicy soup to warm you up. I got the recipe form Sixsistersstuff.com

And it is Gluten Free and Soy Free

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Chicken Breasts, Cubed
2 Boxes of Chicken Broth
3/4 Cup cooked brown rice
1 can corn
half red bell pepper, sliced
half green bell pepper, sliced
1 bottle La Victoria Green Taco Sauce Mild
Finely chopped cilantro
1 green onion finely chopped
1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1/2 Cup cheese (fiesta or M. Jack)
Little splash of milk ( or almond milk or your choice of milk)
Add crushed tostadas and avocado when serving.

Directions:
Cube Chicken and brown over the stove with oil
Add broth, rice and sire in corn, taco sauce, cilantro, lime juice and cheese into large pot. Stir until blended on medium high. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer. Since everything is already cooked you dont need to leave it on heat for very long, just until it starts to boil or until the temperature is good for you.
Add avocados and tostadas as desired.

Home made tostadas are really easy. Heat up some oil in a skillet and put corn tortillas into hot oil flip occasionally until dark spots form. Set on plate with paper towel and let oil drip off.. when it cools it will become hard. Break into peaces or you can pre slice the non cooked tortilla into strips and then fry the strips.

Salad Dressings

Lemon Garlic:

Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients:
2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Small Garlic clove, minced
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/4 Teaspoon pepper
1/4 Teaspoon dry mustard

Directions:
Mix everything together in a blender or ninja, put on salad :)


Catalina Dressing

Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Ketchup
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Vinegar (white)
1/2 Teaspoon onion powder
1/2 Teaspoon paprika
1/4 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Cup Oil
Salt and Pepper for taste

Directions:
Mix Ketchup, Sugar and Vinegar first and then once blended add everything else. Mix well and add to salad. 

Pesto Bake

Gluten Free, Soy Free (it is not dairy free because of the cheese in the pesto)

I cant believe I dont have a picture of this... we eat it all the time!!! So I will get one on here ASAP
I got this recipe from a friend when I was in England and it is amazing!!! I now make my own Basil Pesto because most of them have soy and my husband can eat it. Feel free to buy a premade one if you want.

Ingredients:
(Quantity of vegetable depends on how much you want made... I always make way too much, but we LOVE veggies so I guess you can have too much :)

Potatoes
Carrots
Parnips
Bell Peppers
Onion
Cherry Tomatoes
Broccoli
Oil
Mustard
Basil Pesto (Or if you are making it: Basil, oil, garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese)
(pretty much any vegetable you enjoy but the ones above definitely taste good in this dish)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400
Start off by boiling any of the hard vegetables... potatoes, carrots, parsnips... cube and put in boiling water. You dont have to wait until they are completely soft because they will be going into the oven. Just make sure they arent still hard... or the oven cooking will take even longer. ;)

Take either a cookie sheet and put foil over it to help with cleaning or use a casserole dish.
Drizzel some oil over the bottom. Finely chop the onion and half the cherry tomatoes. ( The cherry tomatoes really make a difference because the oven crisps them differently then other tomatoes) Add enough tomato halves and onions to gently cover the bottom of the dish.  While waiting for veggies to soften start chopping the remaining vegetables. I like to cut them into different shapes.. makes it looks more creative to me. But honestly you can cube everything if you want.
Once everything is slightly soften, drain and add all vegetables into a large bowel. Toss a little. Add a few Tablespoons of oil... enough to coat all veggies so the can crisp in the oven.  Add a few squirts of mustard... the more mustard the tangy-er it will taste. Then add the pesto. I think the more pesto the better but it depends on your taste pallet. I would use the whole jar if it is one of the small ones from like Walmart. If you are making your own you can eye ball as much as needed. Mix really well, taste and see if more salt and pepper is needed and then pour over the onion/tomato mixture on either casserole dish or foiled cookie dish. Put in oven and cook 30 minutes or until veggies start to brown.

If you are making your own basil pesto:
I have a ninja but whatever mixing/blender you have should work just fine.
Add oil first... this will determine the quantity of the pesto when finished... I might recommend not adding the extra oil when making you own pesto... might be to oily at the end.
In the oil add a good few shakes of parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. I've never made it with fresh garlic, I normally use the squeeze bottle. I add a few squeezes but if you are using fresh I'd say 1-2 cloves. When it comes to the basil... if you are using fresh I would say blend and add more as needed. If you are using dry I normally add give or take 4 Tablespoons. Im not going to lie... after I mix all the ingredients I taste it and see what is missing. :) I do a lot of eyeballing....

Enjoy!

Calabacitas

This is without Corn and without Parmesan cheese only because I didnt have them on hand.  I also used cherry tomatoes instead of Roma but I prefer Roma.

Ingredients:
4-6 Squash (I prefer the green ones I always called them the Mexican green squash...)
3-4Roma tomatoes
1 can Corn
1 Onion
1-2 Cloves Garlic
Salt/Pepper for taste
Oil
Parmesan Cheese or other dry cheese





Directions:
In a Saute Pan add a little oil and chop finely 1-2 cloves of garlic as well as 1/2-1 diced Onions. Saute until onion is translucent. Add salt and pepper for taste. Chop Squash into desired thickness in circular slices and put into saute pan. Add drained corn. Dice roma tomatoes (desired size, I enjoy them a little larger) add more salt and pepper as needed. Cover and let soften about 10 minutes.  Once squash are soft or to desired texture add a little cheese and more seasoning if needed. Eat as a side dish.

Mexican Lasagna

So this recipe is made for one of those large aluminum cooking trays (The really big ones)

But I made it in a casserole dish. Which leaves you extra rice and a slight heart attack thinking everything else wont fit... hahaha but the cheese on the top holds everything in just nicely :)

I thought you'd like to see what is looked like under the cheese :)

( Gluten Free, Soy Free ) Special Thanks to Thepioneerwoman.com

Ingredients:
4 cups Uncooked Rice
6 cups Chicken Broth
4 Tomatoes
2 Onions
8 Cloves of Garlic (I know it sounds like a lot but I promise its good)
Butter
Sour Cream
Taco Seasoning (You can either use some premade or make it with 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder, 1 1/2 Tablespoons Paprika, 1 1/2 Tablespoons Cumin and salt and pepper for taste with 4-6 ounces of water)
1 Can Pinto Beans NOT drained (or your favorite kind of beans, I used 2 cans)
Ground Beef about 2lbs
16 oz Salsa Verde ( if you use flour tortillas this is fine... corn tortillas come out more dry I would get 2 16oz)
2 16 oz Mexican mix cheese
Flour/Corn Tortillas
16 oz Enchilada Sauce
2 cans corn
Cilantro (some people don't like it so if you do add it to the rice mixture)

Directions
Preheat your oven to 375
Prepare rice with 6 cups of Chicken Broth add salt if needed.
Chop up Tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Saute in pan with a tablespoon or 2 of butter. ( I like 2T)
Add Taco Seasoning (Or if you are making it add chili powder, paprika, cumin and salt and pepper and 4-6 oz water) To meat and brown.
Once Onion mixture is ready add cans of undrained beans into it. Mix and remove from heat. When Rice is finished add mixture into rice and stir.
In a casserole dish or in a large aluminum dish spread salsa verde (if you are using flour tortillas add half of the bottle to bottom of dish if you are using corn tortillas add the whole bottle)
Then lay down a layer of tortillas to cover bottom. Overlapping is just fine.
Add a layer of rice on top and then half of the cheese on top of that.
Add another layer of tortillas on top of cheese and pour the Enchilada sauce on top of it.
Add a ground beef, and then the corn. Put another layer of rice and then tortillas. Put either the remainder of the salsa verde or the other jar on top and then top off with the rest of the cheese. It looks like it will be a mess but the cheese will hold it together. I put the Casserole dish on top of a dray and then placed it into the oven. Cook 375 for about 25-35 minutes or until the cheese is hardened and beginning to brown.

 Let cool a little and serve with sour cream :)

Pumpkin Cheesecake w/ Brownie Crust

This is a famous Autumn Dessert in our house... I've made it a few times already and it isn't even November.

[Gluten Free and Soy Free]

Ingredients:
2 8oz Cream Cheese- room temperature
1 cup sugar
1-1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin depending on how much you love pumpkin (I LOVE IT)
3 eggs- room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons Flour- I use Coconut Flour and its really good
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Crust ingredients:
10 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour - I use Almond flour for the brownies... adds a nice nutty flavor and texture

Directions: Preheat over 350
Brownies-- Small bowl mix together butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, eggs, and flour. Mix well and scoop into a 9x9 greased cooking pan (I use glass... I just prefer it)

Cheesecake-- beat creamcheese and sugar until smooth about 2 minutes
                       beat in pumpkin, eggs ( 1 at a time) vanilla, flour, spice, and salt.
                       Once well combined pour into pan on top of brownies
                       Place pan onto a cookie sheet and put 2 cups hot water on cookie sheet (this is so the
                        middle of the cheesecake cooks nicely)
                       Bake until cheese cake is set around edges and jiggly slightly... about 45-50 minutes
                       Crack oven and let cheesecake cool. Once touchable cover with plastic wrap and chill
                        in fridge a least 3 hours but I promise you if you chill it 24 or over night it is WAY
                        better.
Enjoy!

Hawaiian Meatballs & Coconut Rice

Bryan and I had this over the weekend for the first time and it was so good. Part of the recipe comes from sixsistersstuff.com

CROCK POT

Ingredients:
Ground Beef
13.5 oz Pineapple chunks with pure pineapple juice ( I love pineapple so I get a bigger size)
1 Large Green Bell Pepper
1/2 Onion
1 Cup Brown Sugar (tightly packed)
2 Tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with water... takes the lumps out) (I ended up added probably 6-8 Tablespoons because we like our sauce thick...so I'd play with it until you like the consistency)
2/3 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons soy sauce... but we dont eat soy so I used Worcestershire Sauce

I made Meatballs... Just regular seasonings (Salt, Pepper) Boiled them
Put Meatballs in the bottom of the crock pot and then add sliced green bell peppers and diced onions. Drain the Pineapple chunks from the juice but save the juice! Then put the Pineapple chunks on top of the onions.
Make the sauce:
Mix together the pineapple juice with brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix your cornstarch and water together and add to mixture until desired thickness.  Mix well and pour pineapple mixture over ingredients in crock pot.
Since everything is already cooked I put it on low for an hour. I think once or twice I stirred it carefully.

Coconut Rice
This is so good with the hawaiian theme :) yum

Ingredients:
2 Cups Jasmine Rice (This is what we eat... so I've only made it with this type of rice)
1 1/2 Cups Water
1 Cup Coconut Milk (canned)
1 Teaspoon Salt

Directions:
Add all ingredients into a stove top pan and bring to boil. Once boiling reduce heat to lowest possible and cover with a lid. Cook 15 minutes. Once done move from heat and fluff with a fork and then serve.

Enjoy!

Albondegas Soup

I just love Soups during the fall/winter time. My husband served a Spanish Speaking Mission in Arizona and fell in love with different Mexican foods. I learned to make a Mexican Soup from my step mother so it was kind of a perfect fit.

Ingredients:
1-2 lbs Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey, though I find that Meatball don't stick together as well with the lack of grease in the Turkey)
Cilantro (enough for your taste pallet)
2-4 Green onions
salt and pepper for taste
1-2 cups rice (not cooked)
2 eggs

Small can of tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
water

Filler:
Zuchini
Carrots
Potatoes
Onion
Celery
Salt and Pepper
Cilantro

Directions:
In a large cooking pot fill with water a little over half way. Add the tomato sauce, salt and pepper and bay leaf. Bring to boil.
In a large mixing bowl add ground beef, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, rice and 2 eggs. Mix well. I like to use my hands. Once everything is well combined I take about a golf ball amount and roll into a ball. Add Meatballs to boiling water as you make them. 
Add vegetables and Boil and cook 45 minutes. Check for needed salt and scoop off any foamy fat on top while cooking that forms.

Meatballs

I know there are a ton of recipes for meatballs, but this one is my favorite with the Sweet n' Sour post I put up.

I got this Meatball recipe from my step mother. These Meatballs are used in a Mexican Soup called Albondegas. Which I will post later as well.

Ingredients:
1-2 lbs Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey, though I find that Meatball don't stick together as well with the lack of grease in the Turkey)
Cilantro (enough for your taste pallet)
2-4 Green onions
salt and pepper for taste
1-2 cups rice (not cooked)
2 eggs

Small can of tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
water

Directions:
In a large cooking pot fill with water a little over half way. Add the tomato sauce, salt and pepper and bay leaf. Bring to boil.
In a large mixing bowl add ground beef, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, rice and 2 eggs. Mix well. I like to use my hands. Once everything is well combined I take about a golf ball amount and roll into a ball. Add Meatballs to boiling water as you make them. 
Once they are cooked they will float to the top. I would say about 20 minutes or less... you will want the rice to cook all the way inside. 
Drain and add to desired meal.  

Sweet n' Sour

I like to call this my German Sweet n' Sour because when I was serving a mission in the South of London I had a companion from Germany and she taught me how to make this. It is a really delicious sauce you can put on Chicken or Meatballs. I'm sure you can get creative and put it on other things too :) 

Its not the best picture but I found it on my phone :)







Sauce:

1 Cup Water
8 Tablespoon Ketchup
6 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar (It really makes a difference if you use something else)
6 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Teaspoons Corn Starch mixed with 4 tsp water
1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger (you can add more if you like a little extra kick)

Filler:

Carrots
Celery
Onion
Bell Peppers (assorted colors)
Broccoli
Parsnips
any other vegetable you enjoy
(The amount of vegetables you add is depending on you... my husband and I love to put tons and very little meat)

Optional meat:
Chicken
Meat Balls
Your choice

Directions:

Start off by boiling any of the hard vegetable you will be using. You can make them as tender as you wish. They will soften a little more when the whole mixture comes together. 
While Vegetables are softening, you'll need a Medium/Large cooking pot put a half a cup of water. Add Vinegar, Brown Sugar and Ketchup together. (Make sure the brown sugar is firmly packed) Mix well. This will be the liquid quantity so if you want more sauce Id double the recipe. Bring to boil. Once everything is well combined mix in cornstarch (already mixed with the water... this way it wont clump up in your sauce) and a few shots of Ginger.   
Once Bubbling you can add vegetables and let simmer for about 15minutes. 
I like to taste the sauce before adding the vegetable in just in case I want it to be a little more sweet (add sugar or ketchup) or a little more tangy (add ginger).

If you are eating it with Chicken precook the chicken and cube. Add to sauce and vegetables. 

If you are eating it with Meat Balls I have a really great recipe for that under "meatballs".

Serve over Rice.

Homemade Gluten Free Flour

Hello!
     I get a lot of request on Gluten Free recipes as well as other allergies like Soy Free and Dairy Free, so I thought I would start a blog to share with you all what I am making and how I make them. I hope you enjoy it and find out that cooking/baking with out these ingredients is quite easy. 

First things first.....

I prefer making my own homemade flour instead of using pre-made flour mixes ( I find that they taste really gluten free like and sometimes rubbery and cardboard like...yuck!) So here is what I do....

You will need: 
A large air tight jar of some kind. I have a Ball Mason which works really well. 

*Rice Flour (There is white and brown rice flour but I very much prefer the white because the brown is really grainy)
*Potato Starch (Flour)                        
*Sorghum Flour                       
*Tapioca Flour

You can find most of these items at any whole food store and maybe even Walmart. Bob's Red Mill is a good brand but Im sure there are different ones that come in larger bulks. 

How to make it:
Sift together 6 cups rice flour, 2 cups potato starch, 1 cup tapioca and 1 cup sorghum. Once all combined I put it into my Ball Mason and scoop out of it as if it were normal flour.