Quick and easy recipe~Pasta with peas

Quick and easy recipe~Pasta with peas Ingredients: ~1 Tablespoon unsalted butter ~2 Tablespoons gf flour ~1 cups 1% milk ~3/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated ~1/2 pound gf spiral pasta ~1 cup frozen peas Directions: 1.Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain. 2.In a medium saucepam melt butter over medium-low heat. Add gf flour and stir until blended. Gradually add milk; whisking until blended. 3.Place over medium heat and cook until thick; whisking constantly 4.Remove from heat and add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and combined. 5.In micro-wave heat peas, in lightly salted water, until heated through 6.In a large bowl, toss pasta with cheese- sauce and peas. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately. *Makes 2 serving*

~Watermelon Ice~ *Recipe of the day*

~Watermelon Ice~ *Recipe of the day* Ingredients: *1/3 cup water *1/3 cup sugar *1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger *3-1/2 lbs. cubed seeded watermelon *1 Tablespoon lemon juice Directions: 1.In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes 2.Transfer the syrup to a bowl, and set it in a larger bowl filled with ice. Stir syrup until cool. 3.In a blender, working in batches, puree the watermelon and sugar syrup. Pour puree into a bowl. Repeat with remaining watermelon and sugar syrup. Stir in the lemon juice 4.Transfer the mixture to a ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturers directions. 5.Once the mixture is very slushy, transfer to the freezer. Serve using an ice cream scooper. 6.Enjoy! ***Makes about 4-6 servings.***

*How hot is it where you live? Here in Indiana it is suppose to be 110 with the heat index!*

~The weekend is almost here!~

~*Gluten-Free Taquitos*~ Kids Will Love these~ Recipe Of The Day!!

Gluten-Free Taquitos Ingredients: ~Shredded beef or chicken ~6 gluten-free corn tortillas ~Vegetable oil for frying ~Salt ~Toothpicks ~Gluten-free salsa, or condiments of your choice Directions: 1.In a heavy skillet cook tortillas, one at a time, in hot oil. Cook just until softened on both sides. Remove to paper towels and drain. 2.When all tortillas have been cooked, fill with shredded beef and salt lightly. Roll tortillas into small cylinders, they should be about the size of a cigar. Insert two toothpicks to hold them in a tube shape. 3.Heat oil again and cook taquitos, turning once until lightly browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with salsa, or condiments of your choice. **You can easily double or triple this recipe, and maybe freeze some for a quick lucnh! Enjoy!

~Hope Everyone Has A Great Sunday!!~

**Printable Coupons**

***Yay For The Weekend***

*~The Best Blueberry Muffins~* **Recipe Of The Day**

The Best Blueberry Muffins Ingredients: ~Nonstick cooking spray ~1 1/2 cups gluten-fre flour (I used rice flour) ~1/2 cup of sugar (I used splenda) ~2 tsp. baking powder ~1 cup buttermilk or whole milk ~1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil ~2 eggs ~1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Directions: 1.Preheat oven to 425. Line 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners or use the nonstick spray. 2.In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and eggs. pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture, and add the blueberries while continually mixing with a fork. 3. Use an ice-cream scoop to fill each cup 3/4 full. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until muffins are golden and springy to the touch. *Makes 12 muffins*

~It's Suppose to be almost 100 with the heat index~ Everyone stay cool, and drink lots of fluids!!!

***Have A Great Wednesday***

***Contest Information*** ~Please tell me your favorite gluten-free food, and I will pick one winner~ Contest starts now, and will end on Sunday June 17, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. I will choose the winner on Monday morning! Good luck!

~*Have A Great Weekend*~

~*Father's Day Menu*~ *Dessert*

~*Father's Day Menu*~ *Dessert* Banana Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting Ingredients: For the cupcakes: *3/4 cup sugar, divided *1/2 cup mashed ripe banana *1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened *1 teaspoon vanilla extract *2 large eggs *1 cup gf flour *3/4 teaspoon baking soda *1/4 teaspoon salt *1/8 teaspoon cinnamon *Dash of freshly ground nutmeg *1/3 cup plain yogurt For the frosting: *1-3/4 cup powdered sugar *4 ounces cream cheese, chilled *1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract *3 Tablespoons toasted walnuts, chopped Directions: Cupcakes 1.Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 12 standard muffin cups with paper liners. Set aside. 2.In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar with mashed banana; set aside. 3.In a medium bowl, beat the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with butter and vanilla extract until well blended, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the banana mixture to the sugar mixture, beating well. 4.In a separate bowl, whisk together the gf flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients; mix after each addition. 5.Spoon the batter int the lined muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, chilled cream cheese and vanilla at medium speed just until blended. Spread frosting over the tops of each cupcake. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts. *Makes 1 dozen cupcakes

~*Father's Day Menu*~ *Main Course*

~*Father's Day Menu*~ *Main Course* *Makes about 15* Main Course: Beef Tenderloin with mushroom sauce & Mashed Potatoes Ingredients: *4 beef tenderloins *Freshly crushed peppercorns *Salt *1 Tablespoon olive oil *6 Tablespoons unsalted butter *1 shallot, minced *1/4 cup red wine *1/2 cup beef broth *1 cup mushrooms, sliced Directions: 1.Press crushed peppercorns onto both sides of tenderloins. 2.Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add steaks and cook 3-4 minutes per side. 3.Remove from pan and tent with foil. Deglaze the skillet with wine. Add 1 Tablespoon butter and shallots; saute until tender; remove from pan. 4.Add 1 Tablespoon butter and mushrooms and cook until tender; remove from pan. 5.Add beef broth and cook until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup. Return shallots and mushrooms to pan sauce and salt to taste. 6.Place steaks on plates and spoon sauce on top. *Makes 4 servings* ~You can you whatever potatoes you wish to use~

~*Father's Day Menu*~ *Appetizer*

~*Father's Day Menu*~ Appetizer: Marinated shrimp wrapped in bacon Ingredients: *1/2 cup olive oil *2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice *3 Tablespoons fresh dill *2 garlic cloves, minced *1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined *Thin, lean, sliced bacon Directions: 1.In a medium bowl, mix together oil, lemon juice, dill and garlic. Add shrimp and marinate over night. 2.Cut each slice of bacon into 3 pieces and wrap one piece around each shrimp, fastening with a round toothpick. 3.Place on a baking sheet & cook under broiler for 2-4 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

*Pizza Chicken Pasta* Super Easy! Kids Will Love This! ~Recipe Of The Day~

*Pizza Chicken Pasta* Super Easy! Kids Will Love This! ~Recipe Of The Day~ Ingredients: *1 can gluten-free organic pizza sauce *1 cooked chicken breast, sliced into pieces *6 ounces gluten-free pasta *1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated Directions: 1.Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain. 2.Toss cooked pasta with gf pizza sauce, chicken and parmesan cheese. 3.Enjoy! **You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed the whole family. Pait it with some veggies, and maybe an applesause cup!**

Tips to avoid cross-contamination

~ Always wash your hands, counter, and workspace before preparing anything gluten-free. ~ Prepare gluten-free foods first. ~ Use separate utensils when serving and preparing gluten-free foods. ~ Use a separate toaster, colander, and cutting board for gluten-free items. ~ Color code utensils, cutting boards and containers to make identifying gluten-free easy for the whole family. ~ Use squeeze bottle for condiments to avoid double dipping.

~Have A Great Tuesday~

***Monday again*** Try to make the best of your day!!

~Easy Sweet Potato Fries~ Kids will love them!! *Recipe of the day*

~Easy Sweet Potato Fries~ Kids will love them!! *Recipe of the day* Ingredients: ~2 pounds sweet potatoes, about 3 large ones ~1/4 cup olive or other vegetable oil ~1-2 Tbsp sugar ~1 Tbsp salt ~1-2 Tbsp spice or spice combination of your choice Directions: 1.Preheat oven to 450°F ( If you want really crispy fries, preheat to 500°) 2.Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the ends. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and then, if they are very long, in half crosswise. Cut each piece into wedges. Alternately, you can slice the peeled sweet potato into disks either with a mandoline or a sharp knife. 3.Put the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and add the oil. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle with salt, sugar and spices of your choice. Use your hands to mix well, so all pieces are coated with oil and spices. 4.Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet; the oil they are coated with should keep them from sticking to the pan. If you are trying to cut fat, reduce the oil to 2 Tbsp and use a non-stick coating on the baking sheet. (Note: a commenter has recommended putting them on a wire cooling rack on top of a baking sheet, so that the oven air circulates around the sweet potato pieces and you don't have to turn them in the next step. Another commenter recommends preheating the baking sheet, to help the fries get crisp.) 5.Bake for a total of 25 to 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn over all of the sweet potato pieces. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are well browned. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. *Makes 3-4 servings*

***Have A Great Sunday***

~ A basic gluten-free grocery list~

Shopping List of Gluten-Free Food PRODUCE All fresh fruit, All fresh vegetables, Fresh herbs and spices FATS AND OILS Vegetable, canola and olive oils, Shortenings, Mayonnaise, Salad dressings FROZEN FOODS Plain frozen fruits and vegetables, Ice creams, sherbets, ices, Gluten-free frozen waffles REFRIGERATOR SECTION Milk, half-and-half, cream, whipping cream, Aged cheeses, Butter, Margarine, Yogurts, Cottage cheese, Sour cream, Cream cheese, Eggs,Tofu, Jello, Rice pudding, Tapioca pudding, 100% fruit juices PACKAGES, CANS, JARS Plain canned fruits and vegetables, Applesauce, Cranberry sauce, Canned beans and lentils, Spaghetti sauces, Canned fish (e.g., tuna, salmon, sardines), Organic packaged soups, Gluten-free pastas, Corn tortillas SNACKS Rice cakes, rice crackers, Soy crisps, Popcorn, Cheese puffs, Potato and corn chips, Jello, Candies, Chocolates, Dried fruits MEAT AND FISH All fresh beef and poultry, All fish and shellfish, Hot dogs and luncheon meats (For anything prepackaged or prewrapped, check labels for additives) GRAINS, SEEDS, AND STARCHES Quinoa, Rice, Buckwheat, Chickpeas, Flax, Sunflower seeds, Cornstarch, Potato starch CONDIMENTS Vinegars (but not malt vinegar), Mustard, Ketchup, Horseradish, Jams and jellies, Honey, Maple syrup, Relish, pickles, olives BREAKFAST FOODS Cream of Rice cereal, Puffed rice, puffed corn, Gluten-free cereals, Gluten-free frozen waffles BAKING SUPPLIES Sugar, Salt and pepper, Herbs and spices, Evaporated or condensed milk, Corn meal, Tapioca, Baking soda, Baking powder, Gluten-free flours, Baking chocolate, Cocoa BEVERAGES Coffee and Tea (but check the gluten-free status of flavored coffees and teas), Soft drinks, Fruit juice NUTS AND BEANS Dried beans and peas, Plain nuts, Peanut butter, Almond butter, Cashew butter

**List of gluten-free products from Heinz**

Gluten Free Kids: ***List of Gluten-Free products from Heinz***: ***List of Gluten-Free products from Heinz*** http://www.heinz.com/glutenfree/products.html

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday so far! :) A little story about my family. I am married with 3 boys. Logan is 10, Hunter is 7, and Mason is 2. Mason is the only person that is Gluten Free. He has his own personal cabinet with his favorite snacks in it. I have found it to be easier to cook and freeze individual meals for him, so I need to do is warm them up in the microwave. Every now and then, he gets frustrated because he can not have the same things as his brothers. The hardest part is planning in advance if we will be out. If you have any suggestions or ideas as to what you would like to see on here, please inbox me, or send me an email at glutenfreekidsbrandi@gmail.com

~ Healthy Gluten-Free Snack Ideas~

~ Healthy Gluten-Free Snack Ideas~ 1.Frozen Grapes or Frozen Blueberries 2.Popcorn 3.Kale Chips 4.Fruit dipped in Strawberry Yogurt 5.Rice Cake w/Nut or Soy Butters 6.Sweet Potato Chips 7.Cottage Cheese & Fruit 8.Greek Yogurt & Honey 9.Smmothie 10.Veggies with Greek Yogurt Dip or Guacamole 11.Frozen greek Yogurt 12. Edamame 13.Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 14.Fruit Skewers or Fruit Salsa or Fruit Salad 15.Trail Mix 16.Cheese 17.Hard Boiled Egg 18.Lettuce Roll-Ups: Lunch Meat + Cheese, rolled in bibb lettuce 19.Rice Cakes 20.Pretzels

The weekend is finally here!!

**Grilled Banana Split** ~Recipe Of The Day~ Would Be Great To Make Tonight For Dessert!!!

**Grilled Banana Split** ~Recipe Of The Day~ Would Be Great To Make Tonight For Dessert!!! Ingredients: * 1/4 cup gluten-free brown sugar * 3 Tablesppons butter, melted * 4 slightly unripe bananas, peeled and cut lengthwise * 4 ounces Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips * 2 Tablespoons milk * 1 Tablespoon butter * 1 cup whipping cream * 1 Tablespoon sugar * Gluten-free vanilla ice cream * Chopped nuts Directions: 1. Prepare a fire for grilling. Make sure grill is clean and spray or rub with vegetable oil 2. Combine brown sugar and 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Carefully toss bananas in sugar mixture. 3. Grill bananas, cut side down until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Turn, and grill other side until lightly browned. Remove from grill. 4. Combine chocolate, milk and 1 tablespoon butter in top of a double boiler over a pan of simmering water. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. 5. Whip cream with an electric mixer, gradually adding in sugar. Beat until soft peaks form. 6. To serve: place two banana halves in a serving dish, top with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and nuts. 7. Enjoy!! *** Makes 4 servings***

~TGIF~

~Super Easy Chili Mac Recipe~ Only 3 Ingredients!!

Gluten-Free Chili Mac Ingredients: * 15 ounce can of gluten-free chili * 1 cup gluten-free elbow pasta * 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated Directions: 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. 2. Heat chili in a sauce pan and add drained pasta. 3. Stir and cook over low heat until heated through. Spoon into bowls and top with grated cheese. 4. Enjoy! *This recipe only makes 2 serving, so you can easily double or triple the ingredients*

**Hope Everyone Is Having A Great Thursday**

~I Have Some Great Companies Sending Products to Review, So Be On The Look-Out For Those In The Next Few Weeks~

~*Gluten-Free Corn Dogs*~ **Recipe Of The Day**

~*Gluten-Free Corn Dogs*~ **Recipe Of The Day** Ingredients: * 8 hot dogs * 1 cup gluten-free flour * 2/3 cup cornmeal * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 3 tablespoons sugar * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 2 eggs, lightly beaten * 2/3 + 1/4 cup milk * 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil * 1/4 cup cornstarch * peanut oil for frying * popsicle sticks Directions: 1. Insert sticks into 1 end of each hot dog. Hold the dog firmly to make sure that the stick goes into the center of the dog. 2. Dry the hot dogs thoroughly with a paper towel. This step is very important! The hot dogs must be dry in order for the batter to stick. 3. In a small bowl mix together the gf flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and canola oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Transfer batter to a baking dish. 4. Heat peanut oil in a deep fat fryer or if you don’t have one, heat about 1 inch of peanut oil in a large deep skillet. When oil is hot 375°F reduce the heat to maintain a temperature of about 350°F. 5. Place the cornstarch on a plate and roll the hot dogs in the cornstarch. Dust of excess cornstarch. Roll the hot dogs in the batter. This part is a little tricky…you may need to use a spoon or knife to smooth the batter on and even it out over the hot dog. Carefully place the battered hot dog into the hot oil. Fry the corn dogs in the hot oil until lightly browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove the corn dogs from the oil and drain on paper towels. *Makes 8 Corn Dogs

***Have A Great Wednesday***

~Feel Free To Recommend My Page To Others~

~Recipe Of The Day~ **Yummy Carrot Cake**

Carrot Cake Ingredients: ~1 teaspoon grated orange rind ~2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ~1/2 cup vegetable oil ~2/3 cup fresh orange juice ~ large eggs ~1(15-ounce) package gluten-free yellow cake mix(such as Betty Crocker) ~3/4 cup chopped walnuts ~1(3.4 ounce)package gluten-free vamilla instant pudding mix ~3 1/3 cups grated carrots (about 1 pound) ~cooking spray Frosting: ~4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted ~1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract ~2 tablespoons 1% low-fat milk ~6 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350° 2. To prepare cake, combine first 7 ingredients in a bowl; beat with a mixer at low speed for 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl; beat at medium-high speed for 2 minutes or until batter is smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. (Batter will be thick.) Fold in carrot, raisins, and walnuts. Spoon batter evenly into 2 (9-inch) round cake pans coated with cooking spray. 3. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely on a wire rack. 4. To prepare frosting, place cream cheese, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat at low speed just until blended. 5. Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.

Have An Awesome Tuesday!

~Gluten-Free Brownie Mix~ A Little Over $3.00 A Box!

*Remember, Amazon changes their prices throughout the day*

Sorry i have been MIA, but I had surgery on Tuesday, and ended up developing pneumonia during my stay there. I just got released last night

~Have A Wonderful Weekend~