JAMSGems4U

Basic Bar Be Cue (BBQ, Bar-B-Que) Sauce and HOT Wings Sauce

2012-01-31T18:16:00.000-08:00

Bar-be-Que Sauce

This is a very basic sauce recipe I found on the internet. It is not sugar-free, but it is gluten free and soy free. It would be more allergy friendly if organic ketchup were used.

2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons dried onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Combine all of the ingredients in a small sauce pan. Mix them well and heat over medium heat until just boiling. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Excellent when used as a sauce for baked chicken wings -- just use this recipe and substitute this sauce for the one listed.

HOT Wings Sauce

Combine in a medium sauce pan

1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (spicy brown would also work well)
3 tablespoons hot chili sauce (Asian style)
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1/2 cup butter

Over medium heat, whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Excellent used as a sauce for chicken wings as in this recipe.

Chicken Potato Casserole -- Easy and Gluten free!

2012-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

I threw this casserole together the other night. It is really tasty and easy meal to do with pre-cooked shredded or diced chicken.

Easy Chicken and Potato Casserole

Pre-heat the oven to 375F.

With a food processor slicing blade, or by hand, slice very thinly about

2 pounds of potatoes

Layer one-half of the potatoes in the bottom of a 9"x13"x2" baking dish. Sprinkle the potatoes with

Sea salt
Adobo seasoning

Top the potatoes with about

2 cups cooked, cubed or shredded chicken

Repeat the process.

Prepare the sauce by heating to nearly boiling

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups "milk" (goat milk, rice milk, whatever you tolerate)

Add, stirring briskly until thickened

6 tablespoons cornstarch

Season to taste with sea salt and Adobo seasoning.

Pour the sauce over the casserole evenly.

Process in the food processor with the chopping blade until crumbs

4 corn tortillas

Add

1/2 cup Romano (sheep milk) cheese (or Parmesan if you can have dairy)
1/2 tablespoon parsley flakes

Process the cheese and tortilla crumbs until they are uniformly blended. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the top of the casserole. Bake the casserole for about 40 minutes at 375F. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 6.

Excellent Pumpkin Muffins with Crumble Topping

2011-12-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

These pumpkin muffins are fantastic. They are wheat (gluten), egg and sugar-free.

Combine:

2 1/2 cups wheat free flour mix (using the tapioca blend)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/2 cup dextrose
3 packets Truvia

Combine in another bowl:

1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water
1/4 cup liquid oil
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
~2/3 cup warm water

Combine the wet ingredients with the dry. Pour into prepared muffin cups.

Topping:
Combine 1/2 cup dextrose, 1/2 cup sorghum flour, 3 tablespoons butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over muffin batter in pan.

Bake muffins for about 15 minutes at 400F. Serve warm with honey, if desired.

Interstitial Cystitis

2011-11-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

I just recently discovered that I have a condition called Interstitial Cystitis. It seems to be associated with foods that I'm allergic to, as well as, foods that are acidic. So, how that bears out is, not only do I have to avoid foods that I'm actually allergic to, but anything else that causes the symptoms. This has made my already rather restricted diet, even more restricted! Many of the foods that I used to give my recipes flavor are now off my menu. This includes things like:

Lemons

Limes

Any citrus

Pineapple

Any tart or tangy fruits

Tomatoes

Processed meats (lunch meat, sausage, bacon, etc.)

Peppers of any kind

Pickles of any kind

Vinegar

Most salad dressings

Most condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc.)

Spices like paprika, pepper

Anything “hot or spicy”

Any tart or tangy dairy, like buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream

Hard, aged cheeses, like aged Cheddar and Parmesan

Chocolate

Tea

Coffee

Soda (pop)

Of the many sites I've read on the Interstitial Cystitis Diet, most agree that avocados, apples (sweet ones), pears and blueberries are safe. Peppermint tea is safe and actually helps with symptoms. I found I can drink nearly flat Diet Dr. Pepper on occasion without symptoms. Sites say Root Beer with a lot of ice is okay. I've not experimented with that yet.

So, in addition to my recipes being gluten free, etc., they will also be friendly for the IC Diet from here on out.

There is going to be a lot of trial and error with this, and some things that might work fine for me might not work at all well for others.

Gluten Free Waffles

2011-10-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

These light and crispy waffles are gluten, egg, wheat and sugar free. They made a delicious dessert, and I am going to try to use the leftovers as a basis for some sandwiches. I'll update when I do!

Gluten Free Waffles
Makes about 6 - 8" waffles

In a mixing bowl combine

1 1/2 cups flour mix
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1 packet Knox gelatin
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 packets Truvia sweetener

Combine then add all at once to the dry ingredients

1 cup milk (if dairy free use goat milk or rice milk or whatever "milk" is tolerated)
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup oil (or equal parts of applesauce and oil)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until the lumps are smaller than peas. Allow the batter to rest while the waffle iron heats up. Pour the desired amount of batter into a well-greased waffle iron -- I find cooking oil spray works best. Bake the waffle until there is no longer any steam coming from the waffle iron and the waffle is crispy. Carefully remove the waffle using a fork and spatula. Repeat with remaining batches.

Pear Upside Down Cake, Gluten, Egg and Sugar Free

2011-10-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

I needed something to take to a potluck today, and I'd seen some pear upside down cakes around the 'Net. I love pineapple upside down cake, and I love pears; so I thought this seemed like a reasonable solution. It really is delicious. The spices from the caramel bubble up into the cake yet still leave a wonderful caramel topping for the cake, and the smell is just delightful.

Pear Upside Down Cake, Gluten, Egg and Sugar Free
Makes 8 servings

Pre-heat the oven to 325F. Stir together in a bowl

1/2 cup melted butter (or lard, coconut oil, etc.)
1/2 cup dextrose
2 tablespoons sorghum molasses (or honey)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup (or honey))
2 packets Truvia sweetener
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves

Pour the mixture into a 10" pie pan, working the sauce up the sides as much as possible. Arrange on the surface of the caramel mixture in an attractive manner

1 - 14 ounce can of pears, drained and cut into wedges
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans

In a mixing bowl combine

1 cup flour mix
1/2 cup tapioca flour
3/4 cup dextrose
4 packets Truvia
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

In another bowl combine

1/2 cup sour cream (or goat's milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar added to it0
3 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 2/3 cup warm water
2/3 cup canola oil (or melted butter, etc.)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (or honey)

Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture all at once and stir lightly until there are no more dry lumps in the batter. Carefully, pour the batter over the pears, etc., in the pie pan. Smooth the batter to the edges of the pan. Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. CAREFULLY remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. This is delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped topping, as tolerated. It is, also, lovely served at room temperature. Enjoy!

Wonderful Southern-style Pork Chops and Potatoes

2011-10-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's been years since I've had it, but I will never forget a meal I had with my neighbor, Mary. We were living in Dallas, TX, at the time. Mary lived across the street from us with her daughter and grand-daughter. Mary was widowed when she was young, so she raised her five children on her own. She was the sweetest Christian lady one would ever want to meet, and, oh! She could cook!

One afternoon she invited me and my two year old daughter to come over for lunch. She served us pan-fried potatoes and pork chops. I remember coming into the house and smelling the most welcoming smell. I asked Mary what she was fixing. She replied, "fried taters and pork chops." I went into the kitchen and saw a big cast iron skillet. On one side of the pan were the most delicious looking chunks of fried potato I've ever seen, and, next to those wonderful looking potatoes were cooking some pretty terrific looking pork chops. I tell you what, those were the best pork chops, (and potatoes!), I've ever eaten! Mary has since passed on, and I was never able to learn the secret of that wonderful meal.

Recently, I've been doing some reading on some Southern cooking sites, and I've figured out what it was that made that meal taste so good. I was going to say "made it so special," but our friendship was what made it special. However, it was the seasonings, (and they are so simple!), that made it taste so good. Really, it is very simple -- just salt, pepper and paprika. Also, I believe that she was very frugal and was using "saved" cooking fat -- like the fat* that raises to the top when the juices are poured off a chicken or a roast. That saved fat gives a wonderful flavor to food it is used in.

What I'm going to be sharing is more of a method than a recipe. I did some fried potatoes the other day and added cooked, caramelized onion, chicken and fresh spinach to make them a main dish. That was good. It is so easy to adapt this method for many other purposes...

Here goes:

Wonderful Southern-style Pork Chops and Potatoes
Serves 2

First, wash and cut up

2 good-sized russet potatoes

Put them on a plate and season them well with

Sea salt, pepper and paprika

Place them in a large skillet, preferably a cast iron one, with about 1/2" reserved cooking fat* or cooking oil. Cover them and cook them over medium heat for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, season on both sides

2 meaty pork chops

with sea salt, pepper and paprika

Dredge in a combination of

corn flour (like corn meal, only finely ground)
cornstarch

When it is time to uncover the potatoes, stir the potatoes. Add the pork to the pan. Allow the pork and potatoes to cook about 10 minutes uncovered then flip the chops and stir the potatoes again. Cook them uncovered another 5 minutes, or so, until they are cooked through, (about 170F internal with a meat thermometer.) The potatoes and chops are done when they are both crispy brown on the outside and tender in the middle. Enjoy!

Cheesy Apple Tostadas

2011-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've been perusing a cooking site looking for ideas. I had seen several apple pie and tart recipes -- none like this -- but that is where the inspiration came from. Boy, are these good AND easy!

Cheesy Apple Tostadas
Makes 3

Pre-heat the oven to 350F, then dip a spoon into some liquid

coconut oil

and rub it onto the back of

3 corn tortilla

Place the tortillas, oil side down, onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle them each with

~2 tablespoons of grated cheddar and jack cheese*

*or if you are dairy free, use goat milk cheese. It would just be awesome anyway with this recipe!

Slice into very thin slices and arrange atop the cheese

1 medium sized apple

Sprinkle with

1 packet Truvia sweetener
Cinnamon

At this point, I had some leftover cookie crumbs** and sprinkled the top of each tostada with some of those, then I drizzled the top with about

1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

**If there aren't cookie crumbs available, they can just be omitted or sprinkle the top with chopped nuts and coconut, then drizzle with the coconut oil.

Bake the tostadas for about 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the apples are becoming soft. Cut them into triangles with kitchen scissors and enjoy!

Southern-style Fried Chicken Gizzards and Hearts

2011-10-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

I've made chicken gizzards and hearts for years now, but they seem to be getting tougher or I'm just getting older. Not sure which! Anyway, I figured if there was a way to make liver tender (see my Liver and Onions recipe in Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine), then surely there's a way to make gizzard that way, too. Here's my version of a Southern favorite.

Of course, it is gluten, wheat, egg, dairy and soy free...

Southern-style Fried Chicken Gizzards
Serves 4 as appetizers

In a large skillet with a lid, cover and cook over medium heat (simmer) for about 2 1/2 hours, adding more water if necessary

1 1/4 pounds chicken gizzards and hearts
1 large stalk celery, cut into chunks
1/2 medium sized sweet onion, sliced
1 teaspoon sea salt
Water to cover

As the water boils, foam and other impurities will come to the surface. Skim those off and discard them. Reserve broth for later use in this recipe and other uses, as well.

When the gizzards are tender, remove them to a bowl. Add 1/3 cup of the cooking broth and season them with

1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings (herb blend)
1 teaspoon garlic granules

Allow them to cool, stirring occasionally. In a frying pan pour about 1" of cooking oil or lard. Heat it to 375F (hot oil). Meanwhile, stir into the gizzards and broth

1 cup cornstarch

Fry the gizzards until crispy, about 3 or 4 minutes and drain them on paper towels. Enjoy!

Perfect Home Made French Fries

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

These are French Fries -- of course they are gluten free :)

I've tried so many different ways over the years to make perfect fries. This recipe came about almost by accident, but it makes the best homemade fries I think I've ever had. Best part, they are consistent and easy!

Perfect Home Made French Fries
Serves 4

Cut 8 medium sized Russet potatoes into strips 4 down and 4 across to make 16 - 1/4" to 1/2" wide by however long the potatoes are, about 3" to 5" long.

Put the potato strips (fries) into a 3 to 5 quart pot with a lid.

The pot needs to be fairly heavy -- don't use cheap aluminum for this job. I have a pot that is coated in ceramic -- the type many folks use for camping that is either blue or black with little white speckles all over it -- that I use for all my deep frying.

Cover the potatoes with your favorite cooking oil or lard. The oil needs to just cover the fries. Cover the pot with the lid and cook them, undisturbed over medium-high heat, for about 20 minutes.

At that point, uncover the fries, and carefully stir them, bringing them up from the bottom with a spatula. Cook, uncovered for another 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Drain them on paper towels, season them with sea salt and Adobo, if desired, and serve hot.

Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops

2011-10-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

The smell of these cooking is so warm and inviting, and the taste is delicious! Who'd've thought it was food for a "special diet?" We served the gravy over gluten free pasta. It could easily be served over rice, mashed sweet potatoes, etc.

Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops
Serves 6

In a Roaster Oven or in a large baking pan place

6 pork chops
1/2 cup water

Sprinkle the tops with

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 packets Truvia sweetener
Sea Salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Slice and place atop the chops

1 large sweet onion
2 medium sized apples
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Sea salt

Bake at 250F for about 2 hours. Remove the chops and veggies to a serving dish. Pour the cooking juices into a small pot. Add enough chicken broth to the cooking juices to make the desired amount of gravy. Thicken with cornstarch: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for each cup of broth.

Cornbread Topped Beef Casserole, Gluten Free

2011-10-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Cornbread Topped Beef Casserole, Gluten Free
This would be good with cheese, sour cream and salsa, if those are on your food plan.
Serves 6

Cook covered over medium heat in a medium to large frying pan

1 medium sized sweet onion, cut up
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/4 pounds ground beef

Add, stirring in well

1/2 - 16 ounce package of frozen corn or 1 - 15 ounce can corn drained
1 cup pinto beans, drained
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Adobo seasoning

Put beef mixture into the bottom of a 9"x13"x2" baking pan. Pre-heat oven to 350F

In a mixing bowl, combine

2 cups cornmeal
1 cup flour mix
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 packets Truvia sweetener

Add all at once and mix until combined

3 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 1/3 cup warm water
1 cup water
1/2 cup goat milk* (or whatever milk you tolerate) plus 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1/4 cup oil (coconut, olive, etc.)

*This recipe can be made with just water or apple juice instead of the milk, as well.

Drop the cornbread topping by spoonfuls over the top of the beef mixture so that it is evenly distributed across the top of the casserole. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the top.

Sprinkle the top with

1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Bake at 425F for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest about 5 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies Gluten Free

2011-09-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, they are gluten, wheat, egg, sugar and soy free, too. Everyone in the family snarfed these down!

Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies Gluten Free
Makes about 16 cookies

In a large bowl combine then set aside

2 1/8 cups flour mix
1/2 cup tapioca flour
(1 packet Knox gelatin) -- I omitted this, but they were pretty fally-aparty!
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

In another mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat until light

3/4 cup lard or butter

Carefully add while mixing

2/3 cup Stevia in the Raw Measurable
1/2 cup agave nectar or honey
2 tablespoons sorghum molasses

Add while continuing to mix

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 1/3 cup warm water
1/2 tablespoon vanilla

Add the flour mixture from above quickly while mixing, then add and mix until just combined

1 cup sugar free chocolate chips
1 cup broken walnuts

Pour the batter into a 9"x13"x2" baking pan. Bake the cookies at 350F for about 25 minutes. The top should be golden but the inside soft -- but not so soft that it is like melted butter and sugar!

A decent use of instant mashed potatoes

2011-09-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

We were given a bunch of instant mashed potatoes, so I'm working on ways to eat them up. This casserole is pretty good, and gluten free, too.

Cheesy, Corn and Mashed Potato Bake
Makes about 6 servings

In a mixing bowl combine

4 1/2 cups instant mashed potato flakes
4 3/4 cups chicken broth (unsalted)
1/2 cup sour cream (or goat's milk yogurt if dairy free)
1 - 14 ounce can of corn, drained
1 cup shredded Italian style cheese or 2/3 cup Pecorocino Romano (made from sheep milk)
1 tablespoon roasted garlic or fresh garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic granules
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (if everything is unsalted)
3/4 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
2 tablespoons dried minced onion

Put the potato mixture into a 9"x13"x2" baking dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the top with

1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Bake at 350F for about 35 minutes.

Natural, Homemade hair conditioner and hair wash (Shampoo)

2011-09-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've actually posted this before, but it is buried deep in this blog amidst a bunch of general chatter. I thought it would be better to pull it out as a separate recipe to share.

Natural, Homemade hair conditioner and hair wash (shampoo)

These are soooo simple. I've seen "recipes" all over the internet. Usually they are complaining about using baking soda on the hair making it gummy, and vinegar leaving it slimy. The problem is, they just have it wrong and backwards! This makes my hair soft, shiny and bouncy.

Homemade Hair conditioner

Yes, I put it first on purpose. With this method, the "conditioner" goes on first. The vinegar helps take any chemicals and product residue out of the hair. Use about once a week.

In a 2 cup measure or something of similar size, combine

1/4 cup cider vinegar or red wine vinegar (the cheap kind is just fine)
1 to 1 3/4 cup warm water, depending on how long the hair is. Shorter, less; longer, more.

At the beginning of the shower, wet the hair, then pour the vinegar and water mixture over the head and let it rest there for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse it well and follow with hair wash.

Homemade Hair Wash (Shampoo)

The ratio I have is for normal to oily hair. Use less borax if the hair is dry, more if very oily.

Combine equal parts of baking soda and borax in a container with a lid.

To use: Scoop out 1 to 2 tablespoons of product into a 2 cup measure. Depending on how long the hair is -- shorter, less; longer, more. Add about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of warm water to the dry mixture, and mix it well. Pour the emulsion over hair, working it in at the roots all over the scalp. Rinse well with warm water.

Natural, homemade body wash and deodorant

2011-09-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

I've actually posted this before, but it is buried deep in this blog amidst a bunch of general chatter. I thought it would be better to pull it out as a separate recipe to share.

Natural, homemade body wash and deodorant

Homemade Body Wash

This one is sooooo easy! All that is needed is plain baking soda and water. Make an emulsion by combining in a 2 cup measure or something similar

1 to 2 tablespoons baking soda
1 1/2 to 2 cups warm water

Scoop out and pour the emulsion all over the body. Rinse well. So easy, and cheap, too!

Natural deodorant

I've tried a number of things. Some folks like putting plain baking soda powder under their arms. That didn't work very well for me. The best of the easy remedies from items around the house I've found is coconut oil. Just dip the fingertips into the coconut oil and apply to the underarms. Reapply as needed.

Homemade laundry soap, dish soap and fabric softener

2011-09-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've tried some of the recipes floating around the internet for homemade laundry soap, dish soap and fabric softener. I will report on the success I've found and share the recipes I've used.

First, the homemade laundry soap seems to be a success.

I used one whole bar of soap -- Yardley's Lavender Bar Soap. I got it at Wal-Mart for 97 cents. I purchased a 5 gallon bucket with a lid for about $3. The Borax, (not boric acid), and washing soda, (not baking soda), are found on the aisle with the laundry products and are both less than $3 for a good sized box.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Shave, grate or otherwise break up 1 bar of soap into 4 cups of water. Heat it over medium heat or so until the soap melts. Make sure it is all the way melted. I tried to rush things and ended up with lumps of soap I had to pick out of my bucket.

Add, stirring till dissolved

1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax

Remove the soap mixture from the heat. Pour and 3 gallons of warm water into the bucket. Add the soap mixture and stir it with a long spoon. Let it rest overnight, then stir it to mix it uniformly.

To use: Add 2/3 cup of the jelly-like soap to a regular washer for a normal sized load.

UPDATE 1-18-12: My friend uses 1 bar Fels Naptha soap and 1 bar normal soap and 3 cups each of borax and washing soda. It makes a nearly solid gel. I've done this variation with 2 cups of the borax and washing soda and it is still quite stiff. I'm still experimenting, but it appears that anything between these two extremes will work.

Also, no laundry booster is needed with these, just add 1/2 cup more of the finished soap!

Homemade Fabric Softener

This product works in a pinch, but I wouldn't recommend it for continuous use. After about 1 1/2 months of using it, my clothes aren't in as nice condition as they were before I started using it. However, when money is super tight, this only cost a little over a dollar for a gallon. I go through a little less than a gallon a week.

I used Suave Naturals Conditioner, which I purchased at Wal-Mart for 97 cents, and plain white vinegar, which was only a couple of dollars for a gallon bottle. I used a well-rinsed used milk jug to keep it in.

In a gallon bottle combine

16 to 18 ounces hair conditioner
3 cups vinegar
6 cups water

I usually add the conditioner and the vinegar together and mix them well by shaking the bottle vigorously. Then I add the rest of the water. Be sure and give the bottle a good shake before each use. Use as any non-concentrated laundry sofener.

UPDATE 12-12-11
My friend has been using this formula for quite a while and had different results than I did. She is using Herbal Essence conditioner and has had great results. I wanted to report that.

UPDATE 1-18-12
I've been using a different brand of conditioner and this works quite nicely! Just experiment till you find one that suits you.

Homemade Automatic Dish Soap

Again, this was less than satisfactory, but when in a pinch and the ingredients are around, it will work.

Combine equal parts baking soda and borax. Fill both cups of an automatic dishwasher, and wash as normal.

UPDATE 12-12-11
I have another friend who has been doing this. Her recipe is slightly different and she reports great results. She's been using equal parts of washing soda (NOT baking soda!) and borax. For the rinse agent, she's been using white vinegar and having very good results.

I, also, use white vinegar for the rinse agent with good results.

UPDATE 1-18-12
The variation with the washing soda is better than the baking soda one, but it still leaves a film on glasses. If you're not washing glasses, then this would be a good mix. However, we have glass-glasses at our house now, and it isn't satisfactory!

Gluten Free Cheesy Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole

2011-09-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

We had this for dinner tonight and it is very yummy. It has dairy in it because we have added dairy back into our diet. However, I will give suggestions on making this dairy free if it is necessary. This could also be called Chicken Shepherds' Pie.

Gluten Free Cheesy Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole
Serves 6

In a medium sized frying pan over medium-high heat, cook about 5 minutes or till translucent

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium sized onion, 1/2" dice
4 medium sized mushrooms, halved and sliced thin
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper

Set this mixture aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl combine

1 cup sour cream (or goat's milk yogurt)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 cup chicken broth (watch out for commercial broths -- be sure and read labels)
1/2 teaspoon thyme flakes
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 cups chicken, cut up into bite sized pieces

Add the reserved mushrooms and onions with their juices. Pour this mixture into an 8"x13"x2" baking pan and smooth it out. Cover it with

4 slices Swiss cheese, broken up OR about 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Combine

6 cups mashed potatoes, well seasoned
1/2 cup sour cream (or goat's milk yogurt)

Use this mixture to top the casserole. Drop dollops of potatoes across the top of the chicken and cheese filling. Use about 2/3 of it before beginning to spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Continue adding the potatoes until the top is evenly covered and smooth. Sprinkle the top with

1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Bake the casserole at 350F for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Really Good Gluten, Egg and Yeast Free Pizza Crust

2011-09-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Honest! It is Really Good Gluten, Egg and Yeast Free Pizza Crust. My previous version of crust is acceptable, but this one is much better. I fixed it in a 9" pie pan and made Deep Dish Pizza. It was way too much for just me. If I do that again, I'll 1/2 the recipe. I think it would be good pressed out thin and baked on a pizza pan, too, but I only needed the special crust for one person this time.

Really Good Gluten, Egg and Yeast Free Pizza Crust

In a mixing bowl combine

1 cup flour mix
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup tapioca flour (available inexpensively at Asian Markets)
1/2 cup dried milk powder (I used dried goat's milk. I think you could omit this and just use whatever "milk" you tolerate, but it did make the dough nice)
1 tablespoon ground flax
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme flakes (or oregano or Italian seasonings or all of them!)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Add and mix well

2 tablespoons olive oil

Finally, add little by little until the dough clings together enough to form a ball

1/2 to 3/4 cup very warm water

Form the dough into a ball and let it rest, covered, for 10 to 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 375F for pan pizza or 425F for thin crust pizza.

Pan Pizza
Serves 2

When ready to bake the pizza, grease a 9" pie pan well, then press the dough out evenly on the bottom and up the sides. Pre-bake the crust for about 8 minutes at 375F. Top it with desired sauce and toppings.

Note: Watch out for processed meats, they very often have hidden gluten in them -- if they say "natural flavorings," just figure it is gluten!

Bake the pizza at 375F for about 20 minutes or it is becoming golden brown on top.

Thin Crust Pizza
Serves 2

Sprinkle a round pizza pan with cornmeal and press the dough out into a 12" circle. Pre-bake the pizza crust for about 6 minutes at 425F. Top it with desired sauce and toppings.

Note: Watch out for processed meats, they very often have hidden gluten in them -- if they say "natural flavorings," just figure it is gluten!

Bake the pizza at 425F for about 9 minutes or it is becoming golden brown on top.

Turkey Bean and Bacon Soup -- gluten free

2011-09-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty straight-forward recipe, and it's a good use for some of that leftover turkey. The reason I don't use ham in my soup is because, I can't find, (or afford!), ham that is simply smoked. Otherwise, it probably has gluten in it. Those "natural flavorings" are usually gluten in processed meat. There are several bacon brands out there that are free of "natural flavorings," thankfully. However, when I can't find a safe bacon, I can usually find a safe sausage to use in it's place. My family loves it, especially with a side of Corny Cornbread. Yum!

Turkey Bean and Bacon Soup
Makes about 12 servings

In a large soup pot, (approximately 5 quarts), soak over night*

2 pounds small white or navy beans
16 cups (one gallon) water

*Alternate method: Put the beans into the water and bring them to a boil over high heat for 2 minutes. Turn off the burner and allow the beans and water to rest for one hour. Continue as described.

Pick off any beans that are floating, then drain off the water.

Add to the drained beans

1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 to 6 carrots, chopped
The tops and ends of 1 bunch of celery (about 2 cups, chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley

Cover the beans and veggies with water or turkey broth, and simmer them for about 2 to 3 hours on medium-low heat. Skim off any foam that appears on the surface and discard it.

About 45 minutes before serving, cook and cut into bite sized pieces

1 pound gluten-free bacon (or sausage)

Just before serving, add the bacon and

2 to 3 cups cut up cooked turkey

Season to taste with

Sea salt
Adobo
Lemon Pepper
This is a great make-ahead meal. Eat part of it immediately, then save the rest for leftovers, or freeze it for meals at a later date.

Save our Supplements!

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

There is a link at the bottom of the article that will take you to another site. On that site you can either get information to call the powers-that-be or another link at the bottom of that page to send an email. Please, at least send the email. Supplements are important!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/13/fda-to-ban-new-supplements-and-classify-them-like-food-preservatives.aspx?e_cid=20110913_DNL_art_1

Obama is an illegal alien?!?

2011-09-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

I just sent the following letter to my Senators and Represenative. Will you join me? Maybe a citizens revolt is what we need???:
Dear ***,

It is apparent that hearings need to be held to determine whether or not Pres. Obama is truly a US citizen. His birth certificate is a forgery. (Seehttp://www.wnd.com/?pageId=342937) Also, his SSN appears to be invalid as well. (See http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=344461)

I urge you to begin an investigation immediately.

Sincerely,
Sharron Long

Pecan Pie Bars -- Gluten, sugar and egg free

2011-09-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

I made these about a year ago*, and they were sooooo good. We took them to a volleyball game, and everyone with us gobbled them down. No one even knew they were "special" -- free of wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and sugar!

*This is not the exact recipe I used at that time. I just typed this out, so I can try it again soon. I'll update (probably remove this note) after I do them again.

Pecan Pie Bars
Makes about 20 bars

In a large bowl with a pastry blender or with a fork, mix until crumbly

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup lard
2/3 cup fructose
2 cups flour mix
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Press the dough into the bottom of a 9"x13"x2" baking pan. Bake the crust at 350F for about 10 minutes or until the surface is somewhat dry. Allow it to cool while mixing the remaining ingredients.

In another bowl combine

3 tablespoons ground flax seeds mixed with 2/3 cup warm water
2/3 cup fructose
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup corn syrup (or agave or honey)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Mix the ingredients until they are combined. Add and stir until they are combined

1 1/2 cup pecans (or walnuts)

Carefully pour the mixture over the baked crust. Spread the gooey filling over the crust, arranging the nuts as necessary. Bake it at 350F for about 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 275F and continue to bake for about another 20 minutes. It should be soft-set in the middle when it is done. Cool it and cut it into bars when finished. Enjoy!

Update 9-13-11:
I made these last night. For the flour I used equal amounts of cornmeal, cornstarch and shredded coconut. I didn't have any butter so I used coconut oil. I don't think I would recommend coconut oil unless your climate is below 72F because that is when coconut oil becomes liquid. Right now, here in Oklahoma, it is always above 72F, so my bars came out a bit greasy. Also, we served them right out of the oven, and they were a bit gooey because the crust had not set up yet. Later, I checked and they were set up. I think next time I do this I'll add Knox to both the crust and the filling. It is definitely yummy with the coconut!

Easy Gluten (Wheat) Free Hamburger "Buns" and the easiest way to cook burgers

2011-09-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Here are a couple of really easy ways to have burgers, that my kids and I like. They certainly aren't buns in the traditional sense, but they do give ways to enclose a burger, pick it up and eat it. There's just something about sticking a big, juicy burger in your face that just doesn't get it with a knife and a fork!

Let's start with my preferred method for cooking burgers. If I have frozen patties, I like to use my grill, however the taste of a burger made with fresh beef is definitely preferable to frozen. These burgers are tender, juicy and flavorful.

Basic Burgers
Serves 4

1 1/3 pound ground beef
Sea salt

Lemon pepper
Divide the meat into four equal portions. On a baking sheet, flatten out the patties into the desired size -- adding approximately 1/2" all the way around to the size that is desired in the end. If a 4" patty is wanted, then flatten the meat to 5". Also, when making the patties, make the edges a bit thicker than the center of the patty. This will keep the burgers from shrinking into balls when cooked. Season as desired with sea salt and lemon pepper. Bake the burgers for about 10 minutes at 400F, (or 15 to 18 minutes at 350F.) They will not get all brown and crunchy like they do on the stove top. Instead, they will just look a medium brown. Test them with a meat thermometer and ensure they have reached 180F before serving. Pour off the cooking fat and reserve for later use or discard as desired.

Wheat and Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

Below are two different methods for getting that burger into that mouth. Yum!

Method 1:
Makes 1 serving

Cook 2 corn tortillas in about 1/2" cooking oil over medium heat until they are just getting crisp, about 4 minutes. I like mine at the "medium" stage where they are still tender in the center, but crispy all around the edges.

Put a paper towel or sturdy napkin on a plate. Place one of the tortillas onto the towel. Then, load it up as any burger -- meat patty, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. Finish it off with the other tortilla. Wrap it up around the bottom with the paper towel, and enjoy a burger!

Method 2:
Makes 1 serving

I don't prefer this method because it just seems like too much lettuce to me. However, that being said, it is a very viable option.

Wash, dry then place 2 large lettuce leaves on a plate. Load on the burger and toppings. Wrap up the burger with the lettuce and enjoy.

Quick Sweet Fiber Treat

2011-09-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Quick Sweet Fiber Treat
Serves 1
This recipe is a snack to take care of a servious SWEET craving with out doing yourself harm and giving the body plenty of good, healthful Omega 3 fats that the Western diet is usually lacking, and fiber, too. It is suitable for allergy diets and free of soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs and sugar.

In a small bowl combine

2 tablespoons nuts (walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, etc. I usually use walnuts)
1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tablespoon roasted flax seed
1 to 2 tablespons minimally processed honey

Stir the ingredients together and eat with a spoon. Enjoy!