Mozzarrella Sticks

I haven't made this recipe in over a year, but summer's here, and with that the desire to fit into my swim suit, since I will be living at the beach. This is one snack I don't feel guilty about indulging in.

It will amaze you. It's only 1/3 of the calories of fried Mozzarella Sticks (which are 500 calories!!!!), and just as delicious, in my opinion.

"Better-Than-Fried" Mozarella Sticks (gluten free)

Inspired by George Duran's cookbook, "Take This Dish and Twist It"

Makes 4-6 Servings

Ingredients:

12 sticks Mozzarella String Cheese
3 Tbsp. Tapioca Flour (or any GF flour of your choice)
2 Egg Whites, lightly beaten
1 Tbsp. Water
2 Cups GF Bread Crumbs (I used Glutino)
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Dried Oregano
1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper
1/8 tsp. Chili Powder
Non-stick Cooking Spray

1 Cup Marinara Sauce, warmed

Directions:

1. Remove String Cheese from individual packaging and freeze for one hour.
2. Set oven rack to lower third and preheat boiler on high.
3. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Beat egg whites and water and place in a shallow bowl.
4. Mix bread crumbs with the rest of the dry ingredients and place into a third shallow bowl.
5. Remove string cheese from freezer and coat with flour, then dip in egg whites, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture.
6. Carefully place them on a dish or cutting board and spray with the non-stick spray.
7. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until browned. Using tongs to flip each mozzarella stick carefully and broil for 1-2 minutes until browned.
8. Remove from oven onto a plate and allow the pan to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with warm marinara sauce.

GF Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies have become a staple in our house. Mainly because I haven't been able to eat a regular cookie in three years, but now my kids enjoy my gluten free cooking and baking, and they ask me to make these on a regular basis. They are simple, quick, and delicious. A perfect after school snack, or even a last minute dessert before company arrives. I have altered them a bit over the years, and here is my most recent version of this recipe.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 1cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Put all ingredients in bowl. Mix with fork, until all ingredients are combined.
3. Drop by teaspoon full on ungreased cookie sheet, 1" apart.
4. Press tops with the tines of a fork (spray fork with cooking spray first to prevent sticking). Bake in oven for approximately 10 minutes. Tops will be soft to touch so don't over bake.
5. Take off sheet and put on cookie rack to cool. Enjoy!!!