I am working on the last details for our Fourth of July BBQ tomorrow. Here are a few of the ideas I am looking at trying...
This looks delicious!
And I would love to try these!
Do you guys have any fun plans or recipes for the Fourth?!
Want to try these too?! Here are the website links:
Berry Smoothie: http://www.inkatrinaskitchen.com/triple-berry-frozen-smoothies/
Snow Cone Cupcakes: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/07/snow-cone-cupcakes.html
It has been awhile since I posted a recipe, and after a facebook comment on the avocado post from last week, I thought it was a great time to share some avocado recipes! The first one is my favorites...guacamole! I LOVE guacamole and in the summer make this almost every week. This is one of my favorite ways to make it...
Guacamole
Ingredients
Method
Cup the avocados in half, remove the seed and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Mix in the lime juice, salt, garlic salt and garlic cloves. Use a masher to mix the ingredients while mashing the avocados. Once smooth add the chopped cilantro red onion, and sliced tomatoes and mix. Enjoy on top of tacos, sandwiches, or just as a dip with some tortilla chips!
With the Super Bowl around the corner, food ideas that are gluten and dairy free can be hard to find. A couple years ago my husband and I create what we fondly call street tacos. These came about after I longing walked down the frozen isle looking at the frozen Mexican taquitos and mini tacos I could no longer eat. These are simple, fun, and super tasty, and great dippers for the Super Bowl!
Chicken Street Tacos
Ingredients
Optional Toppings:
*We use Penzeys Taco Seasoning, but it does have a small amount of lactose in it. I have checked with the store, and even though dextrose can cross into non-gluten territory, they have said their products are all gluten free, with the exception of some of their soup bases. That being said, I have never had an issue with the mix either. Another option is the Penzeys Chicken Taco Seasoning, as well as Simply Organic Spicy Taco Seasoning. Regardless, do check the ingredients before using the seasoning, things do change. You can also make your own!
Method
Cut the chicken into small chunks. Next, whisk the taco seasoning and water with a fork. Place the chicken followed by the taco seasoning and water mix into the Ziploc bag. Mix well and let sit for a few minutes. You can also prepare this the night before, and let the chicken marinate overnight. Once marinated, dump the contents of the bag in a pan. Heat over medium heat on the stove. After the meat is cooked, heat a second pan with about a tablespoon of oil. We started to use a cast iron pan recently and really like the results! Once the oil is heated take a corn tortilla and place it in the pan. Spread the oil around using the tortilla. Place the cooked chicken on half the tortilla and fold the tortilla in half. Fry the tortilla until it is slightly brown, and then flip over. Brown the other side and remove from heat. Repeat until chicken and tortillas are gone. Top with Guacamole, salsa, sour cream or cheese! Refried beans are a great side as well.
If you would prefer to make these vegan or vegetarian you can simple substitute the chicken for tofu or beans!
Here in Denver we are really excited to have the Broncos in the Super Bowl! There are signs and orange EVERYWHERE! Even my Son's daycare had some fun with it...
Regardless of your team preference for Sunday, food is always the center piece of the game. Sadly, these items are rarely gluten free! In need of a good recipe to bring with you to a party? Hosting a party yourself? Stay tuned, I will post my favorite Super Bowl recipe later this week!
Every year my husband and I host a Halloween pumpkin carving party with our friends and family. It is a ton of fun and always includes lots of pumpkin guts, seeds and of course some apple cider.
We also have an annual photo of all the pumpkins lined up. As you can see we do have a few creative friends. The one in the middle is lighted by an actual light bulb, making it extra bright! And the second from the right is for our son...Mr. Potato Head as a ghost. My Dad did most of the work for him.
But for the fun part...the apple cider! We always have this as part of the party snacks, and it is always a hit! It is a very simple recipe with some good results.
Apple Cider
Ingredients / Equipment
Method
Mix the apple juice and cinnamons sticks together in a crock pot or pot and bring to boil. Once boiling, let simmer for about 30 minutes (can do more), and serve hot with caramel syrup, whipped cream, and a dash of cinnamon if desired! For parties we will often have the caramel, whipped cream and cinnamon next to the warm cider for people to add to their drinks. We usually have an assortment of mugs as well for people to enjoy.
*For a dairy alternative whipped cream I have used Soyatoo with decent results
Photo taken by Erik Melander of Pattern Draft Imaging
