Just Being Real ...

I've found myself saying a lot lately, "I'm having a really hard time getting into the Spirit of Christmas" ... to a lot of people as they ask me if I'm excited for the holidays. I've even said the same thing to my own husband. I told him I didn't want any Christmas presents, that it just didn't feel right, and I wasn't into it. I even waited until a week before Christmas to shop for my own kids for their Christmas wishes. We were late in getting our tree up this year, and still only half of our Christmas lights are up on the exterior of our home. And I realized that what I've been doing, is making excuses for my own grief, pain, and frustration, and in turn cheating people around me from experiencing the joy of Christmas. I don't think we realize how much our words can affect people.

In truth, what is the "Spirit of Christmas" that everyone keeps talking about? It has nothing to do with circumstances, gifts, shopping, baking, eggnog, cookies, etc. Don't get me wrong, those things certainly add to it and make this time of year festive. But the REAL "Spirit of Christmas" is Jesus. He is the whole reason for this season. It's His birth that we are celebrating, whether you like it or not. Christmas means "God with us". It signifies the day God sent His son to earth to be born in our world, and to begin the process of salvation. Of redemption. Of death and resurrection. Of forgiveness.

And here I am allowing my present circumstances to keep my focus from Jesus. No wonder I have no joy! I'm not focused on the ONE who brings joy into this world! Instead I am mad that my dryer is taking 3 days to dry my clothes. And that I probably won't have clean laundry for Christmas because I don't have time to get a repair guy out here beforehand. I'm deeply affected and in tears daily by the tragedy in CT and the reality of how nasty our world has become, and burdened for every parent that has lost a child, whether by miscarriage, murder, natural disaster, accident, hunger, etc. 

I am mad at the police force for putting an $84 ticket on my car, while it was parked in front of my house. It's Christmas people, for crying out loud! I'm exhausted from cleaning up cat pee everywhere and taking my cat to and from the vet to find out he has a bladder infection and that it could take weeks to heal. I'm on edge because I barely have time to shower, and my kids are fighting all the time, and one child threw up all over me the same day I noticed two of my tires were completely bald and I had to get my car into the shop immediately, thus having to cancel a coffee date that I had planned with a dear friend. And then I realize we're out of milk and I don't have a white elephant gift for my Christmas Party, etc...etc...

And in all of these "circumstances" I find myself saying, "Gosh, I'm having a real hard time getting into the Spirit of Christmas this year". Well, hello? If I would just quit complaining and focusing on everything "going wrong", but spend more time reading the Bible and keeping my focus on Jesus, I think I would be full of joy and in the Spirit of Christmas. Do you agree? He promises in His Word that in HIM we can have peace. John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Despite the craziness that this holiday has brought for me so far, I take hope in my renewed focus on the reason for the season. Jesus Christ. If it weren't for God sending His son to die for me, I would have no hope. As it says in Micah 7:7-8, "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation, My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise. Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me."

And lastly, Psalm 16:7-11,

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.

For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

From now on, I will boldly take the Spirit of Christmas by storm and live it up, with true JOY. After all, Christmas only comes once a year, and I am not going to ruin it. I am going to give credit where credit is due, and be thankful to God for sending His precious son to be born and live (and die) among us crazy humans, all because of the vast love the Father has for us. Nothing is more important than that.

'Twas The Day Before Thanksgiving

'Twas the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house,
Not a creature was stressing, not even a mouse.

The husband was outside gardening with care,
In hopes that the guests would soon be there.

The children were at the neighbors
Making turkey hats and playing.
I was in the kitchen cleaning with a mop,
When suddenly I heard a loud pop.

I looked up as I heard such a clatter
And ran frantically around as I realized what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
As I watched the separating of window glass.

A little pebble rock ...
Had hit our sliding glass door so lively and quick.
The damage it caused was more than a nick.

More rapid than eagles, the cracks began to spread.
I whistled and shouted til my husband raised his head.
He put down the lawn mower and came closer to see.
As I pointed, we both watched in horror, not glee.

We spoke not a word, and went to work without a whine.
We had to work fast, there was a turkey to brine!

Suddenly it was time to get the kids
And feed them dinner and then off to bed.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving,
And we all have a big day ahead.

I shall return to my cleaning,
now that the house is calm and the glass is out of sight.
But first I must exclaim,
"Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night!" 

Mini Chicken and Broccoli Pies

This recipe was quick, delicious, and healthy. I altered it quite a bit to my liking and health preferences. You can do the same if you want. I used fresh broccoli instead of frozen; tofu in place of chicken; dairy free milk; and gluten free Bisquick. And because tofu has very little flavor on it's own, i sauteed it in a blend of spices before adding it to the mixture. 

Mini Chicken and Broccoli Pies

Chicken-Broccoli Mixture 

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 cup Green Giant® frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

Baking Mixture

1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs 

• Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray. 
• In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Add onion; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add broccoli, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through. Cool 5 minutes; stir in cheese.
• In medium bowl, stir baking mixture ingredients with whisk or fork until blended. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon baking mixture into each muffin cup. Top with about 1/4 cup chicken-broccoli mixture. Spoon 1 tablespoon baking mixture onto chicken-broccoli mixture in each muffin cup.
• Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and tops are golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. With thin knife, loosen sides of pies from pan; remove from pan and place top sides up on cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes longer, and serve.

 

A Mother's Thoughts

It's midnight. I'm scared to go to sleep. My eyes are heavy, my body is tired. And yet I fight it. I read, I clean, I relax. I do yoga, I breathe, I worship. I watch TV, I eat, I go on Facebook. I pray, I journal, I sing. I check on the kids. And then I start the list all over again until I just can't take it anymore. With lead in my feet, I drag myself upstairs to bed.

I read Psalm 3:24-17 and Isaiah 26:3. "When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes. For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you". I put on Fernando Ortega's hymns, with my water bottle and ice pack on my nightstand, ready and waiting. I drift off to sleep.

A few hours later, I awake gasping for air. It terrifies me. You would think that about THREE WEEKS into this, that I would be used to it by now. I kind of am, but then again, I'm not. So I do everything it takes to return to a normal breathing pattern. I almost always enlist my husband's help as I panic, "I need water, ice, prayer!". Eventually, I calm back down and go to sleep.

Until two little angelic faces appear by my bedside way too soon, "Mommy, it's morning time". I open one eye and see that it's still dark out. Yep. That is when my household of little persons awakes. Every morning. For 5+ years. You would think that I would have gotten used to it by now. I kind of am, but then again, I'm not.

I stumble down the stairs, with 2 kids in my arms. We then proceed to snuggle on the couch while watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Yes. You read that correctly. My kids love Mr. Rogers. And it's okay. Don't be jealous. Then, before I know it, I'm making coffee, building lego structures, playing dress up, jumping on the trampoline, whipping together a somewhat nutritious breakfast, answering questions from my always curious children, packing lunches, washing dishes, getting everyone dressed, reading bible stories, doing teeth inspections, potty time, feeding the pets, checking emails, and running out the door while putting on earrings and still wearing my slippers, praying that my car starts so that we can make it to school in time for the Pledge of Allegiance. Earrings are more important than shoes, apparently.

I buckle the kids in to their car seats, load the car with all the miscellaneous stuff kids need to get them through the day(good heavens, it's ridiculous!), grab my coffee as it spills all over me, so I run back inside to change, grab my car keys that I left inside of course and my wedding rings that I had taken off when I planned to hop in the shower, but realized there wasn't any time, so I put on a hat instead. Then I return to the car and we turn up the Boo Hoo Crew cd that is always on repeat in my car, and make the drive to school as we sing at the top of our lungs "We're on our way to school today!"

As I look at the clock while waiting in traffic on the freeway, I realize it is only 7:30am. That's right. The rest of the world is still sleeping. And here I am, already desiring a nap. I breathe in and out deeply, as I take a sip of my cold coffee, and glance back at my precious children smiling back at me. I thank God that I am alive and that I get to do this again tomorrow. I keep telling myself that I have the best job EVER. And that everyone wishes they had mornings like mine. Then I start laughing at myself, and that is what gets me through the day. Laughter is good medicine. Did you notice that I only described in detail what happens in the MORNING? And only TWO mornings a week, because I home school the rest of the time. I am sure you can use your imagination for what the afternoon/evening looks like. That is what I laugh a lot. It brings joy and eases the frustration of sleep deprivation.

Can anyone relate?

My Trip To The ER

Because my life is an open book, you all probably know that I've been having some health issues lately, resulting in a series of tests in hopes of a diagnosis. So far, I'm as healthy as a lark, according to all the test results, so the mystery symptoms continue ... but that is not what this blog post is about.

I want to share with you what I learned on Friday night, during my 4 hour stay at the Emergency Room.

As I drove myself there, I found myself giggling the whole way down, partially because I was listening to stand up comedians as I drove, and also because I just found the whole situation funny. Here I was, at age 30, on doctor's orders, on my way to get a CT scan. I was supposed to go the day before, but I just didn't have time. I had commitments, school to teach, swim lessons for my kids, a house to clean ... and the list goes on. I was in denial. When my doctor told me to go to the ER, I went shopping instead. That's how stubborn I am! Finally, I gave in, knowing that if I didn't go, I would never get any answers. So I went.

In between waiting in the waiting room, being poked and prodded, being wheeled to and from tests, I had a lot of time to think.

I watched people come and go. All at the ER for different reasons. Some critical, some just nonsense (my favorite was the girl that said to the front desk, "a nightstand fell on my knee, I think it's broken", lol). And yet, one by one, each person got admitted, given a room, and excellent care from the trained staff. And I thought, what brings a person to the ER? They go to the ER, if: 1) They're in critical condition, 2) It's after hours and no one else is available, 3) They can't figure out their problem on their own enough to treat it, so they need a professional's help.

And I thought, "Is this how we treat God? Like an Emergency Room? Do we only go to him when life puts us in critical condition, or if we've exercised all our options and our friends can't help, or only after we've tried to deal with the problem ourselves? And when we finally realize we can't do it, THEN we go to God for help?" How sad. I dreaded going to the ER. I didn't want to be in the same room with the bloody, contagious, germ filled strangers. And mostly, I didn't want them to take a look at my symptoms and turn me away without checking me out. Do some people dread facing God? Are we afraid of who God might put in our path if we trust Him? Are we afraid that if/when we do go to God for help, He turns us away?


When I was admitted into my "luxurious half room" (a Brian Regan phrase), I shared the space with an elderly gentlemen. Only a curtain between us, I heard everything that occurred on the other side. He was in there because his wife thought he'd had a stroke. The doctors and nurses began the procedure to determine if that was the case and how they could help him. He refused several of the tests they suggested, and kept wanting a detail description of each one before it was performed. It was clear he didn't trust them. And he had fears. He kept saying, "I'm a healthy man, I've never had anything wrong with me, I don't see why I need these tests". And the nurse responded with a list of things the patient had wrong with him from his records, one of them being that he had a pacemaker. The nurse reminded him that they were professionals, trained to treat the critical. To deal with urgent life threatening situations and that they were trained to determine the situation at hand in order to fix a person, even save a life. And that if that man did not take their advice, he could have another stroke, or worse, a heart attack, and then it would be too late.

And I thought, "Here this man is, afraid to admit that he isn't perfect. That something is wrong. And his strong will could be to his detriment, and even cost his life, if he doesn't trust the doctors to do what they're trained to do". And I realized that I am that way. I try too hard to be perfect. To have it all together. I have to look perfect before I walk out of the house. I have to keep my living room spotless, just in case someone stops by, because God forbid they think I'm messy. I have make the best meal for my family, because I wouldn't want them to think that I am a horrible cook and never eat my food again. I have to be the best homeschool teacher there is, and tell the world about it, so they don't think I'm just watching tv with my kids all day in my pajamas, eating candy. When people call and ask how I'm doing, I always say, "I'm doing great", even if I just had a argument with my husband, or I broke my favorite wine glass, or got hit in the face with a soccer ball while playing with my kids in the backyard. I have a hard time trusting people or even letting people help me, that I'd rather burn out doing it all myself, because I know I will do it right. Pretty prideful, eh?

All that to say, God can use ANY CIRCUMSTANCE to speak to us, reveal our hearts to us, and learn lessons we may not have learned if everything was perfect. I am so thankful for those 4 hours of emergency room awkwardness. In the silence and waiting, God spoke to me, encouraged me, and challenged me. And I hope He will be doing the same to you as you've been reading this.

Here is the summary of what I learned:
1). Don't let your relationship with God become like a trip the ER.
2). Seek Him Daily and Trust Him Always.
3). It's okay to let go and relax a bit ... everything does not have to be perfect.
4). God loves me just the way He created me and in His eyes, I am perfect.
5). In the silence, God speaks.

How often do you silence your heart and listen?

Sunsets and Jesus

To all my loyal fans out there, I apologize for the silence on my blog the past 2 months. It's been a whirlwind of summer activities, life changing decisions, and yard work (we finally planted vegetables in our garden, a long time dream of my 5 year old son). I have so many more recipes to post, but those will have to wait.

Tonight I am going to share a story. A true story. One that just occurred about an hour ago.

I've been struggling the past month or so, with my 5 year old son, at bedtime. Every night it is a battle. Every night, we part ways angry. I hate it. I've read books in search of tips and tricks and behavior modification. I've tried to change things up a bit, in hopes for a more successful bedtime, to no avail. Nothing I tried worked. Every night, I just wanted to throw in the towel of parenthood, and run away. But with my determination and stubbornness to see this through, (and my love for this adorable family God's given me!), I stayed and prayed and prayed and prayed. I prayed that tomorrow would be better. It very rarely was better. It usually got worse. I would have to give myself a Time-Out every night just to survive. I would put the kids to bed, and throw myself on the floor of my living room, face down, and just lay there. I wouldn't get up until I had vented out my frustrations in my head, and had returned to a normal breathing pattern. Then I would get up, feeling much better about life and all of it's nonsense, and go about my business. Which normally involved washing dishes, folding laundry, and hiding stray toys under the coffee table so I didn't have to deal with them that evening.

Tonight all that changed. Thanks to the sunset. After dealing with the same power struggle and feeling defeated and a failure as a parent, I walked back into my son's room, and said calmly, "Would you please come watch the sunset with me?" The look on my son's face was priceless. "Yes, I would", he said. Tears had been streaming down his face so we cleaned that up and made our way to the upstairs balcony. I pulled him up on to my lap and we discussed the color changes in the clouds and how beautiful the sunset was and how it looked like a big giant painting. I held him close, scratched his back, and kissed the back of his head, several times during the 45 minutes we sat out there. He asked me questions about the trees and bunny rabbits. I asked him questions about the sewage system and his matchbox cars. I told him stories about Jesus. I told him how God created the world and how now we get to enjoy the beauty of His creation. I told him that God created him and chose to give him to me and his daddy. I told him what a precious gift he was to us (caught by surprise only 6 months into our marriage we found out we were pregnant !!!), and that no matter what he said or did or did not say or did not do, that our love for him would always be the same.

Then he said to me, (and I almost cried!), "Tell me more about Jesus, mom. What is He like?". I told him who Jesus' parents were and that he was a carpenter (had to explain that in detail of course), and how He loved little children, and about His miracles of healing the sick and feeding the hungry. Then my son says, "Who is Jesus' son?" I said, "Jesus didn't have a son. We are all his sons and daughters because he died on the cross for us, so that we can spend forever with Him in Heaven. We are His kids, and He is our Heavenly Father". And he responded with (very matter-of-factually), "Mom. Jesus and God are the same thing. So if Jesus is God's son. But Jesus is also God, then Jesus is His own son." I was speechless. I love the way he thinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's still 5, right? Oh dear ...

Then we went on to discussing how fake grass sticks to the dirt and who made it, God or man, and how babies are born, and when should he get married, and where do bunny rabbits go when it gets dark, and who made trash cans, and how was God was able to pour so much salt in the ocean, and why there are so many beaches, but the same water connects them all, and why if God made plants and trees do they die if we don't water them, and who made the streets, and is the sky painted or did God just put it there every night, and how come the moon and sun are so different and where do they go when they aren't up in the sky, and how come the sky looks so close, but we can't reach it, etc, etc. etc.

Finally, it was so dark out, I said, "It's time to go to bed, Tristan.". He looks up at me and says, "Thank you, mom, this is just what I needed. Can we sit up here again tomorrow night before bed, and learn more about Jesus?"

I bet you all can guess what my answer was! Peace has been restored to my home, at least for tonight. I am thankful for the sunset. I am thankful for that 45 minutes I got just to "be" with my son, and listen to him talk. I got to answer his questions without interruptions. I got to enjoy, for the first time in months, putting my son to bed. I got through a song and prayer without hearing a peep of complaint, kissed my son goodnight, and walked out of his room, thanking God for this valuable moment!!!!

Could it be, that all kids need, is a few moments of their parent's UNDIVIDED attention? Just a few moments where the iPhone is turned off. The computer is out of reach. The television is downstairs. The younger siblings are asleep in their beds. The child is being held by loving arms and there is comfort and peace and love and COMMUNICATION. A relationship was formed tonight. And I can't wait to continue that relationship tomorrow night.

Thanks for listening. I finally have renewed hope that tomorrow will be a better day! For real this time!

"Better-Than-Fried" Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella 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.

Crock Pot Roast

* 3-5 lb. roast (beef)
* 1 onion, diced
* 5 or 6 large carrots, peeled (you can also buy frozen baby carrots and use that instead)
* 4 or 5 small potatoes
* 1/2 lb. fresh green beans - or a small can of green beans (optional)
* 1 pkg. McCormick pot roast or beef stew seasoning
* 1/2 cup Ketchup
* 1 cup water 

* Chipotle Tabasco(or any hot sauce), to taste
* Small can of diced tomatoes (optional)

 

1. Chop onion and place in bottom of crock pot. Sprinkle some flour on the onion.
2. Add some butter (1-2 tablespoons) and sauté until soft. Then place roast on top of onion.
3. Mix McCormick seasoning with water and pour over roast. Add ketchup and hot sauce. Stir.
4. Cover and leave on high. Cut up potatoes and carrots and add to pot.
5. Sprinkle more hot sauce on, to taste.
6. Turn on low and cook for 6 or more hours. The longer the better.
7. When done, pull meat out of crock pot and shred with knife.
8. Scoop veggies out of crock pot and pour on top of meat. Serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.

This recipe is very tasty, you will be surprised!!!!

Coconut Curry Chicken Recipe

Coconut Curry Chicken
(Serves 4, Prep Time: 25 min, Cook Time: 35 min)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white (jasmine) rice
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 13 1/2 ounce can  coconut milk
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into strips
• 2 teaspoons allspice powder
• Salt and Pepper

Directions:

 In a medium saucepan, bring 3 1/4 cups salted water to a boil. Add the rice, bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat, stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Add the coconut milk and cook until reduced by half, about 7 minutes. Toss together the chicken, five-spice powder and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In a large, heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry the chicken until just cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the coconut curry sauce. Serve over the rice.

Tuscan Italian Marinade (GF)

*1/2 Cup Annie's Natural Tuscany Italian Dressing
*1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
*3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
*1 Tbsp. Mustard
*1/2 tsp. Pepper
*1/2 tsp. Salt

Mix all ingredients until smooth and pour over salad or pasta, or use as a marinade with chicken or fish. It's so delectable, you'll be using it for everything!!!!

Crock Pot Chili

Chili

1 package ground beef
half an onion
2 garlic cloves
2-3 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can fresh cut zucchini
1 can kidney beans
1 can red beans (or chili beans)

1 can sweet corn

Brown beef, onion, garlic, and chili powder in skillet, then pour into crock pot, followed by each of the canned ingredients above. Stir well, and then cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve in tortilla bowls (use corn or rice tortillas if going gluten free) topped with sour cream and fresh grated cheese.

Cook Tortillas in greased tortilla molds in preheated 400 degree oven for 10 min or until crispy.

Shredded Chicken Tacos (GF)

Easiest Dinner EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Crock Pot
*Frozen Chicken Tenders
*1 can Black Beans
*1 can Corn Niblets
*1 can Rotel
*1 8 oz package Cream Cheese

1. Throw everything in the crock pot
2. Cook on low for 8 hours
3. Shred and serve in corn tortillas or over chips

Chicken Pasta Salad (Gluten Free)

Gluten Free Chicken Pasta Salad

1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. Annie's Natural Tuscany Italian salad dressing
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. mustard
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta (Garden Pagodas)
3 c. chopped, cooked chicken
1 c. zucchini, chopped
1/2 c. red bell peppers, chopped
3/4 c. black olives, sliced
1 med. onion, chopped fine

Cook pasta according to directions; drain and cool. Combine mayonnaise, salad dressing, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper and mix well, until blended. Add to pasta. Add chicken and remainder of ingredients. Chill at least 2 hours. Stir well then serve in lettuce lined bowl if desired. This recipe can also be made vegetarian. Leave out the chicken and add more vegetables like tomatoes or yellow squash or celery.

Gluten Free Pad Thai

Pad Thai

*1 Thai Kitchen "Pad Thai Noodle Kit" box (there is a peanut variation too), this packet includes RiceNnoodles (GF) and the Pad Thai Sauce (GF)
*3 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
*1 Egg
*4 oz cubed Chicken Breast or peeled and deveined Shrimp
*1/2 cup fresh Bean Sprouts
*1/4 cup crushed Peanuts
*Lime Wedges and Cilantro as a garnish

It's so easy that you simply follow the directions on the back of the Thai Kitchen box and you have a delicious meal in 15 minutes and it's totally gluten free! It's a great last minute meal if you've had a busy day. Kids love it too!

Blueberry Scones

7 ingredients, 25 minutes later, a bite into heaven ...

Gluten Free Blueberry Scones Recipe

*2 1/2 Cups Gluten Free Pantry's Muffin Scone Mix
*1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
*6 Tbsp. Butter or Dairy Free Buttery Spread, cut into small pieces (Earth Balance, non-dairy)
*1 large egg or egg substitute (4 Tbsp Applesauce + 1 tsp. Baking Powder)
*1/2 Cup Milk or Dairy Free Milk of choice (I used Sweetened Almond Milk)
*1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
*3/4 Cup Fresh Blueberries (fresh is best, but frozen is an option too)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven to 375 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper (or foil).
2. In large bowl, combine Scone/Muffin Mix with cinnamon. Mix until blended. Then scatter pieces of butter over dry mix and mix with fork until mostly blended (it will be a little chunky).
3. Combine the egg, milk, and apple cider vinegar in separate bowl. The add to flour mixture and blend well.
4. Fold in blueberries.
5. Scoop dough (about 3 Tbsp per scoop), onto cookie sheets, leaving room for scones to spread.
6. Place cookie sheets in preheated oven and bake 15-17 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.

A Little Tip:

To dress these up, drizzle baked (and still slightly warm!) scones with a glaze (mix together confectioner's sugar and sweetened almond milk (or regular milk if dairy isn't an issue) and lemon juice. Make the glaze sufficiently thick so it doesn't drip down the sides.

Gluten Free Orange Chicken Recipe

Chinese Orange Chicken in the Crock Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 – 2 pounds Chicken, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/2 cup allergy-friendly Biscuit or Pancake Mix (flour will work too if it’s all you have)
• Palm Shortening or Canola Oil
  
• 6 oz Frozen Pulp-Free Orange Juice Concentrate, thawed
• 4 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 Tbsp Ketchup
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ginger
• 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Toss the chicken with the pancake mix in a large bowl or ziplock. Shake off excess flour.
2. Heat the palm shortening in a large skillet and lightly brown the chicken on all sides. Don’t cook the chicken through, just seal in the juices.
3. Toss the browned chicken in the crockpot.
4. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and add more sugar if you wish.
5. Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high 3-4 hours.
6. Halfway through the cooking, if it looks like all the juices have ran out in the crock pot, add a few Tbsp of Sesame Oil, Gluten Free Soy Sauce, and water (mixed together) and stir in with the chicken.
   
7. Serve over jasmine rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions (optional).
   

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

GF Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (Substitute Sunbutter if you can't have peanuts)
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Put all in bowl. Beat by hand, or mixer, until completely 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 10-12 minutes. Tops will be soft to touch so don't over bake.
5. Take off sheet and put on cookie rack to cool. Enjoy!!!