Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Mushrooms (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo)

Published on October 19, 2013 by Alissa9 Comments

I’m just going to say it. I really think pasta is SO over rated. Ya! I said it. There.

Is this just me?

When I gave up wheat and gluten over a year and a half ago, a lot of people said “but what about pasta? and bread?” Sure I miss bread, but pasta? Really? I just don’t get it. Unless you slather pasta in cheese or pesto or marinara sauce, it tastes like NOTHING. Think about it. What you really like is the sauce. Right? I’m a huuuuge sauce fan. The french were really onto something there. I could write a novel about my love for amazing sauces, dipping sauces, marinara sauces, cheesy goodness sauces, peanut sauces, mushroom sauces…mmmmmm. The list goes on! But there is no list of noodles. Bleh.

Basically, all I need is something to put my sauce on…besides just a spoon.

There are a few awesome and wholesome ways to get your sauciness on without relying on the bland noodle man. Break free from those noodle chains!

Today we are going to celebrate a little forgotten winter squash…Miss Spaghetti Squash. I don’t think she gets enough props. She works really hard and creates amazing vegetable noodle-like goodness that can be used sooooo many ways. Numero uno is that she is an amazing base for all your SAUCE love. I love that nature has created this amazing and beautiful vegetable that when cooked, the meat of the squash pulls away like noodles. But better. Because there are nutrients in them. NUTRIENTS. VITAMINS. Ya, these may not be the sexiest things, but they are real. And your body will love you for it and give you sexy thighs. Dudes and gals both. These nutrients are sexist. They benefit all.

There are a few ways to cook the spaghetti squash. First you can always cut it in half, deseed it, and place it in an oven (cut side down) in a pyrex pan with about an inch of water and let it roast for about 30 to 45 minutes. Another way (and my preferred quick method) is to place the WHOLE squash onto a plate and microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes (depending on the size of your squash). Remove carefully from the microwave and let it sit until you can handle it and cut it in half. Removing the seeds from method two is a bit more tedious because some of the cooked squash strands tend to hold on to the seeds and come out with it. But method two takes less than half the time of method one, so I prefer it. Do whichever floats your boat. The squash strands easily peel out with a fork and then can be added to whatever dish you choose. You can also put them directly into bowls with some salt and pepper and spoon your desired sauce over them.

Without further delay…drum roll please.

Let’s get SAUCY!

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Mushrooms - Big Eats Tiny Kitchen — Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Mushrooms – Big Eats Tiny Kitchen

The possibilities are endless now. I have used spaghetti squash as a base for pad thai and for marinara, but lately I have been craving something more comfy and creamy. I came up with this dairy-free pesto sauce that uses cashew cream as the base. The raw cashews should be soaked for at least 30 minutes in hot water. You will need either a high-speed blender or good food processor to puree the cashews and water into a creamy sauce. Fresh basil and garlic lend an amazing fresh flavor to the creamy base. I prefer to use either shredded leftover chicken or sautéed chicken sausage, but it can be left out for a vegetarian or vegan meal. Mushrooms add a great meaty texture to the dish too. I have also used sun dried tomatoes and roasted garlic.

This is a pretty quick one pot meal that has quickly been added to the favorites list in our house. I hope you and your thighs enjoy it. 🙂

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Mushrooms (Grain Free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo-Friendly)

Ingredients

1/2 cup raw cashews
1 cup hot water
1 medium spaghetti squash
2 garlic cloves
2 cups of fresh basil (additional basil for topping)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sliced baby bella mushrooms
2 chicken sausage links (sliced) or 1 chicken breast diced and cooked (I used trader joe’s pesto chicken and turkey sausage)

Instructions

Soak cashews in 1 cup of hot water for at least 30 minutes.
Place whole spaghetti squash on a dinner plate in the microwave. Microwave for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from microwave and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful, this puppy will be HOT. Cut in half and remove seeds carefully. After seeds have been discarded, use a fork to separate out the spaghetti-like strands.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and begin to brown (6 to 8 minutes). Add chicken sausage slices or cooked chicken and warm through. Add spaghetti squash and stir to combine. Lower heat and allow to cook, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile for the creamy pesto, in the bowl of a food processor (or high speed blender), add soaked cashews and half of soaking liquid. Process on high and blend everything together until mixture is smooth and creamy. Add basil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Blend everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more water or olive oil to thin to your desired consistency.
Add creamy cashew pesto sauce to the large skillet with the spaghetti squash mixture. Stir until the squash mixture is coated evenly. Serve with additional slivered basil on top.

Grain Free Pumpkin Apple Coffee Cake

Published on October 16, 2013October 16, 2013 by Alissa4 Comments

It’s fall and we all know what that means. It is comfy time.

It is sweater time!

It is jeans time!

It is WOOL SOCKS time!!!!!

It is pumpkin time!

But first, before I roll into pumpkin flavored everything….I have to tell you about my big accomplishment. This weekend I went on a fall cleaning and organizing mission. This is monumental, people. I peeled everything out of all of our closets and was ready for a massive PURGE. Usually when I do a “purge” I just sit around staring at old memorabilia and becoming even more attached to the T-shirts that I bought 15 years ago but haven’t worn in 10 years. But seriously, folks…how can you get rid of a shirt that says “Not everything is flat in Kansas“!!?!?! I know! Precious. My point exactly.

Man, you guys just get me.

So this weekend’s purge was different. I properly purged. (No, don’t worry I didn’t get rid of that awesome T-shirt.) But I DID manage to organize everything in our closets (a.k.a shove-crap-wherever-it-would-fit space) and get rid of:

Other not-so-cool shirts,
Expired medicine (goodbye Benedryl from 1990),
Stained things (note to self – QUIT buying white things…ketchup loves it too much),
Single socks that have permanently lost their partner (let’s have a moment of silence for all of the poor sock widows), and
A metric boat load of half-marathon race packets with sample bottles of weird things, etc.

As I stuffed and crammed these unwanted and unnecessary items into either goodwill sacks or the trash, I wondered why have I held on to this crap for so long? Holding onto stuff is an interesting thing. I put a big importance on odd things, but seriously not EVERYTHING has to be a gem, does it? At this rate I will need to get a separate storage unit just to store my “awe remember when…” items.

But now I feel fabulous and comfy. I’m wearing my comfy old T-shirt and a pair of wool socks that I lost. My closet is clean, stacked, organized, and comfy. Everything is just…comfy.

Comfy like the fall weather blowing around the leaves outside.

Comfy like old love letters from my husband that I found in a shoe box at the back of my closet.

Comfy like my favorite broken-in sweatshirt that I found crammed underneath a suitcase (okay, so I didn’t purge EVERYTHING…baby steps, people).

Comfy like nearly anything pumpkin flavored!

We all get bitten by the pumpkin bug every year! I have held off for quite a bit, but now it is on like a pumpkin thong. Hrmmm….wait. Bad idea. A pumpkin thong would NOT be comfy. Scratch that…

Just make this pumpkin apple coffee cake instead. I promise that the scent of it will make you swoon. You will want to wrap up with a comfy blanket, have a warm cup of coffee, and grab a big square of this warm coffee cake.

This coffee cake recipe is adapted from my Pumpkin and Apple Almond Flour Muffins and the Peach Streusel Topped Coffee Cake recipe featured in the fabulous Against All Grain Cookbook. It is moist and light with warm spices to fill your belly. I whipped this up for a football brunch watch party last weekend. My house smelled SO good while it baked and for days afterwards. I definitely think I will make this again for the holidays (or tomorrow).

Note – To make this recipe, I used Honeyville blanched almond flour. I prefer this brand because it makes baked goods lighter and flufflier than almond meal. I have not tried this recipe with other brands or with almond meal. If you try it with another brand or almond meal, please let me know how it turned out. This coffee cake takes nearly an hour to bake. If you need something that cooks in less time, try my delicious Pumpkin and Apple Almond Flour muffin recipe.

Pumpkin Apple Coffee Cake (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo-Friendly)

Coffee Cake Ingredients

2 cups blanched almond flour (I use Honeyville)
2 Tablespoons coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
3 eggs (room temperature)
1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 Tablespoon coconut oil (or grass-fed butter), melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium apples (dice one and thinly slice the other)
Streusel topping (recipe below)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a 9X9 inch square pan or 9-inch round springform cake pan with coconut oil. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients (flours, salt, baking soda, and spices) with a whisk. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or food processor, mix the eggs and the maple syrup on medium speed until eggs become frothy (about 2 minutes). Add remaining wet ingredients (pumpkin, applesauce, oil, vanilla). Mix until all ingredients are combined. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir in diced apples (about 1 cup). Spread mixture into the prepared pan. Place thin apple sliced on top. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top.
Place pan on middle rack of the preheated oven. Cook at 325 F for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Streusel Topping (adapted from Against All Grain Cookbook)

1/3 cup pecans or walnuts
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Combine all of the streusel ingredients into the bowl of a small food processor. Pulse a few times until the nuts are chopped finely and the streusel comes together.
Sprinkle ingredients onto the coffee cake or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1 day.

Thai Green Curry Burger Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Published on October 2, 2013October 2, 2013 by Alissa4 Comments

Are you sitting down? Because when you taste this burger, I swear you will fall over. It is a religious experience and will fill you with joy. And best of all…this burg is a tastebud-party that you can hold in your HAND! YOUR HAND! This will revolutionize your tailgating burger experience. For those of us that don’t get to partake in burger buns, here is your chance at handheld goodness.

Portable spicy burger snacks are the best….especially when they are topped with peanut sauce. Mmmmm.

This burger comes at you with green curry, spicy siracha sauce, tangy pickled slaw, herby freshness, and then the holy moly frijole PEANUT SAUCE. Seriously, this peanut sauce will change your life. Stick this recipe in your back pocket and USE IT. I am now an amazing fan of peanut butter on burgers. For a paleo friendly sauce, just replace the peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter.

Really. Just try it. Trust me. You won’t look back.

Your life will consist of BPS and APS…life Before Peanut Sauce (BPS) on burgs and life After Peanut Sauce (APS) on burgs.

Now the ingredient list below is a bit lengthy. But don’t let that scare you. These burgs come together pretty quickly once you get everything prepped. I promise it is worth it and it will blow the mind of anyone that you serve it to. These also are great sliders to prepare for a crowd for football watch parties. But if you make them, just invite me. Because I can’t get enough of them.

Thai Burger Wraps with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Green Curry Burger Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 Tablespoon fish sauce
1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon green curry paste
1/4 cup green onions, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 Tablespoon siracha
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Burger Fixins’

Asian pickled slaw
¼ Cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
¼ Cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
¼ Cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
4 leaves of green cabbage
Siracha
1 lime, sliced into 4 slices

Thai Spicy Peanut Sauce

1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup unsalted creamy peanut butter (or almond butter or sunbutter)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon lime juice
1 Tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Siracha
¼ Cup water

Instructions

Making Patties: Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix with hands until ingredients are distributed throughout meat. Try to handle as lightly and as little as possible so that the meat does not become compact and tough when cooking. Marinate meat for 15 minutes before making patties. After 15 minutes, lightly form the meat into 4 equal-portioned patties, about ¾-inch thick. Make a dimple in the middle of the patty, pressing down with thumb or fingers. This will keep the burger from bulging and maintains juiciness.
Peanut Sauce: Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
Cooking Patties: Heat a gas grill to medium-high. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with the vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
Wrap Fixins and Toppings: Mix herbs in a bowl and set aside. Wash cabbage leaves and allow to dry.
Assembling Burger Wraps: Lay out washed and dried cabbage leaves. Spread 1 teaspoon of siracha in the bottom of each cabbage leaf. Then on top of the cabbage leaf, place one grilled patty, then one heaping tablespoon of peanut sauce, then add 1/3 C of pickled slaw, and then top with one heaping tablespoon of herb mixture. Spread additional siracha and fresh lime juice on top of your burger wrap.

Kale Salad with Roasted Corn and Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

Published on September 26, 2013 by Alissa2 Comments

Fall is rolling in so wonderfully. But I still have some end of summer garden goodies to go through. This salad is a culmination of everything that the end of summer has to offer….corn, cucumber, tomatoes, kale, cilantro! It’s all here and ready to punch your taste buds and use up any great garden overflow.

This your last chance. Get it in before pumpkins take us all over! I may be a little late for some of you. Ya, I see your Pinterest pages devoted to pumpkin everything…. yes, I too am salivating. But I have to slip this one last salad in here before we all turn orange and spiced and everything nice.

If you are a part of the lucky few to still have sweet corn, I have a super easy peasy way to roast it…do it on your gas burner on your stove. Have electric oven? Never fear…stick those shucked ears into the oven under a broiler. Ooooh! But keep an eye on them or else you’ll end up with popcorn in your oven.

This salad is also brightened up with one of my favorite herbs, cilantro. The Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is based on this amazing recipe from Closet Cooking. You can use this vinaigrette on anything…shrimp, delicate squash, kale, maybe even pumpkin, but also your finger…anything. So give all of those lingering veggies a home and place them in a bountiful bowlful of love. And please, resist the urge to dump pumpkin in here…for just a few more days!

Kale Salad with Roasted Corn and Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

Kale Salad Ingredients

1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves cut into 1-inch strips
1 medium tomato, or 2 small heirloom tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
2 ears of sweet corn, shucked
1/2 red onion, cut into thin slivers
1/2 cup of cilantro leaves

Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves and stems
juice of 2 large limes (about 1/4 cup)
zest of 1 lime
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove
pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and remove the stems from the kale. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Place into a bowl and gently massage the kale (yes, massage it), until the bright green leaves start to turn dark green. I promise, it will taste better. Sprinkle with a little bit of salt and set aside.
Place shucked ears of corn either directly onto a gas burner on your stove (as shown on the picture), or onto a hot grill, or under a broiler. Watch carefully, and turn every few minutes until all sides are sufficiently charred and roasted to your liking. Cut kernels from the cob. To do this, rest the ear firmly in a bowl or on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut from stem to tip. Make sure to not cut into the cob.
Toss the roasted corn kernels, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion into the bowl of kale.
Place all ingredients for the dressing into a bowl of a food processor and blend well. Drizzle the dressing on top of the kale salad. You will likely only need part of the dressing. Toss until all of the salad is covered. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Mix the salad again just before serving. You may need to top it off with reserved dressing. Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator and use within 3 days.

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Banana Muffins

Published on September 17, 2013 by Alissa6 Comments

Eight years ago, I walked barefoot down the aisle to a crazy man. A crazy man who was in love with me. For the past 8 years, he has been my strength through some very difficult times. He has kept me sane (sort of), been my cheerleader, held my hand through illness, hugged me through tears, and made me laugh even when I’d rather be mad.

I’m an amazingly lucky woman. This year we celebrated early with a trip to Paris. So this week we are playing it low key with gluten-free jalapeno-bacon pizza from our fave pizza joint and a few beers. Cheers to my man.

Speaking of amazing, I also made these Chocolate Zucchini Banana Muffins for quick treats and snacks. They taste fabulous with a dollop of almond butter. If you do not have almond flour, these muffins can be made by replacing the almond flour with 2 cups of almond butter.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with these muffins. The recipe is very versatile. I created a double dose of chocolate (cacao powder AND chocolate chips). However, you could leave out the cacao powder and just make Zucchini Chocolate Chip Banana muffins. I also delivered these muffins to several of our friends that are new parents. Huge thumbs up by all…and no one knew they were grain free. Muahahha.

Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Banana Muffin

Adapted from Against All Grain

Makes 24 muffins (Note – This recipe can easily be cut in half to make 12 muffins…or freeze the extras for quick breakfasts and snacks.)

Ingredients

3 cups almond flour (or 2 cups of creamy natural almond butter)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 cup cacao powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 Tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
4 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for dairy free, use Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Place 24 muffin liners in two 12-cup muffin tins. Set aside.
Combine dry ingredients (almond flour, baking soda, cacao powder, powder, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger) in a large bowl. Stir with a whisk and set aside.
In either a large food processor or a stand mixer, beat eggs, bananas, vanilla, and honey together for 1 to 2 minutes, until egg mixture becomes slightly frothy. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stirring until just combined. Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips.
Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into lined muffin tins. Place in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and centers are cooked through. Ovens are variable, so this time may need to be adjusted based on your location (altitude) and oven.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in muffin tins. Remove from muffin tins and place on cooling racks.

Paleo Roasted Banana Creamsicles

Published on September 10, 2013 by AlissaLeave a comment

In April, winter would not let go. We had two massive snow storms that dumped over 15 inches of snow each. And now, it is nearing mid September and summer is being just as pesky and stubborn as winter. We have had the hottest days ALL summer this week with temps breaking triple digits. Really? Why can’t spring or fall be stubborn? Get feisty, fall! Take over…strong arm summer! Who’s the Boss? Not Tony Danza…It’s you, fall. Come ON!

*Stomp* *Stomp* I want to wear sweaters, eat chili, watch football!

But alas…the heat persists. No rain. Just muggy and sweaty and sticky and mosquito heaven. Fine. SO instead of chili, I will settle for POPSICLES! And I suggest you do the same. Popsicles are really the best sweet treat there is because they are cheap, portable, kid-friendly, and healthy. The other thing I dig about popsicles is that they have built-in portion control.

These popsicles are really swoon-worthy. I highly recommend roasting your bananas. It offers a whole new level and depth of bananananana-ness. Roasting bananas also is a great way to get under ripe bananas über sweet. They can either be roasted in an oven for 15 minutes or can be placed directly over an open gas flame (as shown above). There is no added sweetener in the popsicles because the roasted bananas take on a luscious caramelized flavor. If you want much sweeter popsicles, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey. For the “cream” part of the creamsicles, I used light coconut milk to make it dairy free. You could also sub any dairy or nondairy milk instead.

So cheers to the (hopefully) last days of summer. Tip your cups and popsicles and remember this sweaty weather when winter hits in a few months.

Note – I purchased my popsicle molds from World Market, but there are several BPA-free brands offered on amazon as well. Here is a great article on the Kitchn about top popsicle molds. If you do not have molds, have no fear. You can easily make popsicles with plastic cups and wooden popsicle sticks, as shown here.

Paleo Roasted Banana Creamsicles

Ingredients

3 bananas
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt

Instructions

There are a few ways to roast bananas. (1) Place whole and unpeeled bananas on a foil lined roasting pan. Roast in a 350 F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. OR (2) Place whole and unpeeled banana directly on a gas flame of your oven. Use tongs to turn and blacken the banana evenly. This will take about 5 minutes per banana.
Peel bananas and place them in a medium bowl. Mash bananas thoroughly with a potato masher or place in a blender and puree. Stir in coconut milk, salt, and vanilla.
Pour banana mixture into popsicle molds leaving 1/4-inch before the top to leave room for expansion. For popsicle molds that contain bases with sticks or hold wooden sticks in place, snap on popsicle base and freeze until solid, about 4 to 5 hours. If you do not have popsicle mods, glasses or open paper cups can be used. For these types, pour popsicle mixture into the glasses or open cups and freeze until the popsicle is beginning to set (about 1 1/2 to 2 hours). Then insert wooden sticks and freeze until fully solid (another 3 to 4 hours).

Asian Pickled Vegetable Slaw

Published on September 6, 2013 by Alissa4 Comments

My garden is BOOOOOMING. It’s September and temps are nearing 100F. UGH. But hey, like grandma always said, when life hands you a crap ton of vegetables, make pickles…and slaw…and pickled slaw…oh and salads…and pickled slaw for your salads. Right?

I am presenting you with a healthy and quick snacking tool to stash in your fridge. You can whip these out to snack on, to amp up a burger, boost a salad, or pizzazz a sandwich wrap. Trust me, once you pop, you just can’t stop! Oh, and these are super kid friendly too.

And…AND…did I mention that you do NOT need a canner. Quick fridge pickled slaw will be your BFF in no time. They are pickled within an hour, but taste best if you wait about 24 hours. These fridge pickled veggies will keep for a month (if they last that long without being devoured).

When making a batch..or two, just make sure you have about 3 to 4 clean pint jars with lids. Mix up the brine in a saucepan and allow to boil and then let it cool. Stuff all of your delicious julienned veggies into the jars. Then, pour the brine over your veg mix, leaving about 1/4-inch head space. Seal up with your lid. Place in fridge. Wait. Shake. Wait. Wait. Shake. Eat. Eat. Be happy.

Note – The asian flare is primarily from the rice vinegar. I recommend buying an organic rice vinegar or at least one without added sugar, such as Eden Organics Brown Rice Vinegar. This recipe can easily be doubled and tripled if you want to make extra for giving the gift of pickled slaw to others. People will love you. This recipe can easily be made with 100% rice wine vinegar or 100% apple cider vinegar…actually, any vinegar would work. It will just change the flavor.

Asian Pickled Vegetable Slaw (adapted from Smitten Kitchen)

Ingredients

Brine:

1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar
1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons Honey
2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard Seeds
1 Cup distilled water

Vegetable Mixture Options (requires about 4 cups at least of shredded or julienned veggies):

Carrots
Cucumbers
Bell Peppers
Jalapeños
Onions
Garlic
Ginger
Radishes

Instructions

First, cut up about 4 to 5 cups of fresh and colorful vegetables (see suggestions above). The vegetables can be slivered or julienned.
Have at least 4 pint jars with lids cleaned and set aside.
To make the brine, heat the vinegars, honey, salt, and mustard seeds in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Make sure the saucepan is non-reactive. Once the salt and honey is dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the distilled water. Allow the brine to cool to a lukewarm temperature.
Next, divide your vegetable slaw mixture evenly between your jars. Pour the brine over the vegetables. Seal with lids. Place in refrigerator for at least 24 hours and up to a month. The vegetables will taste pickled within an hour, but taste even better the next day or two. Make sure your vegetables are submerged in the brine for the maximum shelf life.

Lemony Apricot and Cherry Clafoutis (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo)

Published on August 25, 2013 by Alissa1 Comment

I’m jumping straight into this dessert.

Number one: it’s pronounced cla-foooooo-teeeee.

Number two: it’s good.

Number three: it’s easy.

Number four: We jumped straight into this dessert before I could properly photograph it. Doh!

This french-based dessert is a mix between custard, flan, heaven. Traditionally, clafoutis contain a little bit of all purpose flour, whole milk, eggs, sugar, and whole cherries that have not been pitted. The pits give off an amazing almondy flavor. But who wants to be enjoying a creamy amazing dessert and then break a tooth when you bite into a surprise pit. And then have to spit. Mmmm. Fancy.

So when coming up with a grain free clafoutis recipe, using almond flour seemed like it would work wonderfully and provide that almond flavor naturally. I scoured through several different recipes and finally landed on this one from Gourmande in the Kitchen. I slightly adapted it, by adding the zest and juice of one lemon, a tablespoon of coconut flour to thicken the mixture (making it more sturdy and creamy), and honey instead of sugar.

A friend brought me some fresh Michigan sweet cherries and apricots that she brought back from her vacation. We ate most of the cherries, but I managed to squirrel away a batch for this clafoutis. Halve and pit the cherries and apricots and then place them into the bottom of a cast iron skillet. You could also use a 9-inch pie pan, cake pan, or a shallow tart dish. Simply place all of the remaining ingredients into a blender or food processor and whirl together for one minute. Then bam! Pour the custard filling on top of the prepared fruit. Then pop this baby into the oven and 45 minutes later, you have a light, creamy, and amazing dessert. The best thing about this dessert is that you can prepare a stunning dessert for company without having to worry about it. You can focus on the main course, or a side dish…or your drink and company!

If you don’t have cherries, no worries, I also have prepared this clafoutis with blueberries. It would be awesome with any fruit that is in season…pears, apples, peaches, raspberries, blackberries…plums!

Lemony Apricot and Cherry Clafoutis (adapted from Gourmande in the Kitchen)

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

butter or coconut oil for baking dish
1/2 cup pitted cherries
4 apricots, pitted and sliced in half
1 cup coconut milk
3 eggs
1/2 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
juice and zest of 1/2 large organic lemon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter or grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet or 8X8 inch pyrex dish or even a 9-inch round pie pan or cake pan will work.
Place prepared and pitted cherries and apricots in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange in a single layer and evenly disperse the fruit.
Meanwhile, place all of the remaining ingredients (coconut milk through salt) into either a blender, food processor, or bowl of a mixer. Blend or mix on high for 1 minute. Gently pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish on top of the fruit, being careful to not disturb or dislodge the fruit.
Place into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Heirloom Tomato Quiche with Rosemary Almond Flour Crust

Published on August 17, 2013August 17, 2013 by Alissa2 Comments

People! We have a lot to celebrate around here. The weather in Kansas City has been ridiculously amazing. Highs in the 70s…in AUGUST! I’m in heaven. My windows are wide open! I’m sitting on my back patio. I’m wearing long sleeves in the mornings! Could it get any better? Oh yes it can…

We got our Google Fiber hooked up this week! My internet is Speeeeeeeedy McSpeederson!

AND my family sent me some fresh honey from the farm!!!!! YUM!

AND my husband started back as a teacher! High five hard working teachers!

AND my middle sister went off to college! High five college students!

AND I went and saw my first NFL game…GO CHIEFS (even though you lost…:( )

AND the Royals are dominating… wild card spot here we come!

AND my tomatoes are FINALLY turning red…after sitting green for eveeeeer…

AND one of my best friends is having her baby!!!!! Right. Now.

Well…*looks at watch* maybe in a few hours. *checks phone*

I’m anxiously waiting for this beautiful baby girl. She is 13 days past her due date. COME ON lil’ lady!!!! So, I’m cleaning my house, scrubbing my floors….*checks phone*

Mowing my lawn, pulling weeds…. *checks phone*

Pulling more weeds….*checks phone*

Tweezing my eyebrows…. *checks phone*

You get the picture. The arrival of this beautiful baby girl is more exciting than the onset of my amazing juicy heirloom tomatoes. Ya…Mirabel, you are that special and your KC family can NOT wait to meet you.

*check phone* Still no word.

Ok, so, since Mira still hasn’t come, let’s talk about this heirloom tomato Quiche. I used my basic almond flour tart crust and filled it with a thinly sliced Cherokee purple tomato, fresh herbs, and fresh farm eggs. I have made this for the past several weekends. The rosemary crust and fresh heirloom tomatoes are splendid together. This is definitely a winning brunch recipe that is perfect whip up when you have company. And don’t think quiche is just for breakfast, I ate this puppy for lunch and dinner!

*checks phone*

Heirloom Tomato Quiche with Rosemary Almond Flour Crust (Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo Friendly)

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 9-inch savory rosemary almond flour tart shell
1 large heirloom tomato (I used cherokee purple)
1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as basil, chives, parsley), chopped
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prebake rosemary almond flour tart shell (or crust of your choice) for 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow the tart crust to cool on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
Slice one large heirloom tomato in half. Then slice in very thin slices, perpendicular to the first cut so that you have thin half moons (as shown in the pictures above). Place a few layers of paper towels onto a large plate. Lay out the tomato slices in a single layer on top of the paper towels to drain some of the extra juice. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, herbs, salt, dijon mustard, and pepper.
Place the tart crust on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any flow over of the quiche filling). In the slightly cooled tart crust, place the tomatoes in a single layer in a circular fan patter on the bottom of the tart crust. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Using the rimmed baking sheet with the filled quiche into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, keeping an eye on it. It will be done with the center of the quiche is set. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Rosemary Almond Flour Tart Crust

Published on August 11, 2013August 13, 2013 by Alissa5 Comments

I’m on a mission to take life slower. Sometimes things move so quickly that I get caught up in trying to get everything done perfectly and on time and I miss the important things that are going on around me. I forget to breathe. I forget the basics. I focus on the wrong things.

This weekend I decided to slow down, to be present, to breathe.

Hang my clothes out on the line.

Read a book.

Spend meaningful time with dear friends.

Eat butter pecan ice cream and remember my father.

Remember the basics.

Hold my husband’s hand.

Eat simply. And simply eat.

Bake something wholesome…. like a savory tart, which is where this basic tart crust came into my life this weekend. Everyone should have a basic pie crust and tart crust recipe up their sleeves. And bonus for the gluten and grain free gang, almond flour makes a wonderful flaky and light crust.

This basic tart crust is based on a fabulous recipe from the Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam. (Which is a great book for those who are breaking into the world of almond flour baking.) This basic tart crust recipes is easily adaptable to go to the savory side or the sweet side. Currently my fave way to serve this tart crust is by adding fresh herbs from the garden and filling it with eggs and heirloom tomatoes. Simple. Done. And leftovers will be breakfast for the upcoming week! Man, I’m liking this simple life.

For other savory fillings, you could use this crust for a quiche crust or as an open pot pie crust! However, if going sweet, eliminate the black pepper and rosemary and add a tablespoon of honey. This would be simply great filled with lemon curd. Mmmm.

Rosemary Almond Flour Tart Crust (Adapted from Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook)

Makes 1 9-inch tart crust

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups almond flour (I use Honeyville)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
1/3 cup coconut oil (or butter), softened
1 to 2 Tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly butter or oil a 9-inch tart pan and set aside.
Place the dry ingredients into a medium bowl and combine with a wire whisk. Add softened coconut oil and mix with a spoon until combined. Add in the ice water, starting with just 1 tablespoon. Combine with your hands until the mixture begins to hold together. If the dough is not holding together, add a second tablespoon of cold water. Press into a ball. If making ahead, you can cover the ball of dough in plastic wrap at this stage and place in the fridge for a few hours until you are ready to bake it.
Place the dough ball into the prepared tart pan. Starting from the center of the dough, press into the tart pan evenly working your way out to the sides. Press the dough up the sides evenly. Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork a few times.
If making a tart crust that will be cooked after it is filled, then you will want to partially bake the crust. However, if you are filling the tart with something that will not bake after it is filled, then you will need to fully bake this crust. Place the tart crust in a preheated 350 F oven and either partially bake for 15 minutes or fully bake for 30 minutes or until the tart is lightly golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes before filling.