GF Italian Seasoning Blend...Homemade!

A small and easy recipe that can help make your GF cooking much more safe and easy.


I needed a seasoning mix that was to be in a slow cooker recipe I was trying, Italian Slow Cooked Pork Loin.  Not ever trusting spice/seasoning blends, the ones the celiac folks worn us about, I set out to make the best tasting blend that could be used for whatever recipe might call for an Italian seasoning blend.  It works super in soups, stews, and with any meats.  The blend is easily stored, and since we start with GF spices, you KNOW it's GF!!


Italian Spice Blend
1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper


Directions
Mix all ingredients together.  Put in a mini food processor, spice grinder, or mortal and pestle.  Grind away!  
Store in a freezer bag or air-tight container.  I store in the freezer, although the literature says that this will be fine on a shelf, air-tight for up to 6 months. 

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Gluten free

Now this a recipe that can be called a 'Blast From The Past!'  I got this one from my Mom.   She tells me that she found this recipe on the back of a Skippy Peanut Butter jar before I was born! Every Christmas since I can remember, she made these scrumptuous peanut butter balls/cookies that are a no-bake bite of Christmas joy!  Growing up, we had so many wonderful baked goods to choose from at the holidays.  Image the utter glee that I had as a kid, finding that I was the only one of the three boys who actually sought out the Skippy Balls as a first choice dessert!  Eric and Jimmy were so busy with the other cookie options, that I found myself eating the entire batch...if allowed or not caught trying to do so.  Another reason I got most of them was they are kept in the refrigerator, and I had a way of hiding them that kept them off the radar as much as could be...I still do that!!  So, if you like peanut butter, and a dessert with no baking, and only a few minutes prep work, this is a winner!  Give it a try, and see if you don't keep this as a regular staple for your holiday AND everyday dessert menu.




Skippy Balls
1 1/4 cups GF graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I use Jif Natural)
1/3 cup light Karo corn syrup
Powdered sugar


Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  The mixture will be thick and sticky.  Roll in your hands to make 1/2 to 3/4 inch balls.  Roll the balls in powdered sugar, and store in a freezer-style Zip-lock plastic bag in the refrigerator.  (I just put a half cup of powdered sugar in a plastic bag and add the balls as I roll them.  Then gently shake them in the powdered sugar to make sure they are completely coated...then frig)




These are so easy AND so good!  If you try them, let me know what you think.  Easy and delicious...who wouldn't love that!


-Scott

Aunt Tricia's Guacamole Recipe...With a Twist

My thanks goes out to 'Aunt Tricia' (who could be my daughter!!) for the BEST Guacamole recipe I've ever had!  Tricia is my incredible sister-in-law who shared this recipe this past summer while our whole extended family vacationed at The Outer Banks.  When we go to the beach, our four families take turns preparing the evening's main meal.  Actually, each family is responsible for one night only...Grandma does all the other nights, which we truly appreciate.  Last summer, Tricia and Tom made absolutely delicious Chicken Fajitas for their special meal, and the Fajitas were accompanied by the tastiest Guacamole recipe I ever ate.  I have taken a few liberties with the recipe, but this one is all about Aunt Tricia!  



Aunt Tricia's Guacamole


3 ripened avocados, pitted and smashed with a fork, leaving chunks as desired (I LOVE it chunky)
2 medium shallots diced small
1 medium tomato, diced small but large enough to be seen  :  )
3 cloves of garlic, minced/pressed
splash of lime juice
1/2 tsp. lime zest
1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
Kosher salt to taste, I usually like about 1/4-1/2 tsp


Combine all the ingredients, except for the tomatoes, in a small bowl.  Mix thoroughly.  Add the tomatoes at the end, and stir gently to blend.  


Serve with chips of your choice, baked pita pieces, and/or use as a topping for your burgers or chicken! 


This works great for chicken dishes which might need a bit of a flavor boost.  I just love it the way it is, and, of course, it's gluten free!  Celiacs, careful to use only GF spices...I use McCormick's.


Thanks again, Tricia!  I think of you every time I make this...and that is quite often.  : - )  Love you!!

Wow! Has It Really Been THAT Long??!!

Howdy, All!

I am so very sorry that my posts were on a hiatus for so long.  I promise that I am back...and with more gluten free recipes and tips to share with anyone who is interested.  I want to thank all those who have inquired why I have not been posting, and when would I be posting again.  It makes my heart feel so good to know that so many of you folks are interested in this site.  Thanks, so much!


I am going to be adding a whole bunch of recipes in the near future.  A lot have built up in the passing months, and, boy, have I been experimenting.  Hopefully, one or two of these creations might find their way onto your table and into your recipe box.  Please feel free to post any questions, suggestions,  or answers you might have.  I am always looking for ways to improve my recipes/postings!


I want to personally thank Melissa for all the recipes she has been funnelling my way.  We do spend a lot of time together at our children's tennis classes, and exchanging ideas and thoughts, as well as recipes, is a great way to enjoy the tennis AND learn more about the ever changing world of FOOD!


Keep an eye out for my next additions, and please let me know what you think!  Thanks again.


peace
-Scott