Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe

 

I get asked a lot of questions about being Gluten Free and why I eat that way. Being Gluten Free means you are not eating/drinking anything that contains wheat, malt, barley, rye or oats. You are not cutting carbs, you are just replacing the things like breads and cereals and noodles with things that are made with other grains and starches like potatoes, rice, quinoa ect. Now lets pause because this is my biggest question and pet peeve- it is not meant to be used as the latest weight loss diet! As I just mentioned you are still taking in carbs you are just substituting for different ones. In fact a serving of GF bread actually has more carbs then a serving of regular bread (see more GF bread info here).

 

Now why eat Gluten Free if it isn’t for weight loss? For some it is literally a fact of life or death. There is a serious disease called Celiac- which attacks the villa in your lower intestines and makes it so your body can not absorb the nutrients you need. You are literally starving yourself and 99% of those who have this disease do not even know it. There are over 300 symptoms which range from mal nutrition, to depression, to anemia, fatigue, and severe stomach pains. But you can also have something call Gluten Intolerance. This is just as bad as Celiac and should never be down played. Gluten Intolerance and Celiac have a lot of the same symptoms and if not taken care of can lead to other issues like Diabetes and thyroid issues among other things. You can find out more by going to this post. If you find this is something you may be dealing with please please please- go talk to your doctor and get tested for Celiac. Celiac is a genetic so if you have it, chances are others in your family have it and don’t know it!

 

Since going gluten free I have had fun trying to convert some of our favorite recipes into Gluten Free ones. But I have also experimented some. Today I wanted to share with you our new favorite bread. This is an Apple Cinnamon Bread that I tried out a few weeks ago and is a big hit! You can use regular flour but I listed what kind of flour I used.

 

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups of an all purpose flour (I used Gluten Free Pantry from Glutino)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup applesauce
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350

 

In a large mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients. Add in the egg, butter and applesauce and mix well. The dough should be about a pudding consistency.

 

Pour dough into a greased bread pan (it will be about half full). Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour (knife will come out clean). Move to a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving.

 

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does!

 

-Kandi
About Me: I am a stay at home mother of two and a wife of a Law Enforcement Officer. I started Gluten Free for Jen to share the adventures of my family and some of our favorite recipes since going Gluten Free. My daughter (Jen) and I were diagnosed with Gluten Intolerance in May 2011 (I have a sister with Celiac that was diagnosed Jan 2011). I wanted to be able to share how you can eat healthy, organic and gluten free while being on a budget. I also will share photos, and crafts and just a peek into the crazy life we live!

Birthday Planning & Free Diabetic Sweets Recipe Book

Alliance Health

 

I’ve been browsing Pinterest and blogs all day in search of party ideas for my little one’s upcoming first birthday.  I’ve had so much fun but I realize that I have so much to do!  In my searching for pink treats I ran across this free Diabetic Sweets & Treats Recipe Guide.  It’s full of yummy recipes that I plan to attempt.  I may even use one of their pies and add a little sugar-free strawberry Jello to it to make it pretty and pink for my daughter’s party.  I bet that my diabetic family members would appreciate a sugar-free treat just for them!  In case you’re curious, I’ll be posting lots of pictures of the party, party prep, and the birthday girl.  If you want to try these yummy-looking treats for yourself click the image above to request your free book!

 

Healthy Movie Theater Popcorn Recipe

Popcorn Recipe

 

Popcorn {and cheese} is one of our favorite snacks!  A friend of ours encouraged us to try out Alton Brown’s Perfect Popcorn Recipe.  We liked it and have been perfecting the recipe to fit our family.  We think that this Healthy Movie Theater Popcorn Recipe tastes even better than movie theater popcorn and I hope you’ll like it!

 

We bought a lot of microwaved popcorn before and this is stove top recipe is healthier and much cheaper.  Microwave popcorn is overly salty and is made with an unhealthy coating.  When you make your own popcorn you can choose the oil you want, the amount of salt you use, and  you can even use organic kernels if you want!

 

Making stove top popcorn was at first intimidating but let me tell you it is so easy!  After a little time you’ll learn to adjust your stove and the time just right so you’ll pop the kernels perfectly.  This is the recipe that we use but I would love to hear any different popcorn recipes or toppings that you have.  We love to eat it with a little block of sharp cheddar.  Is there anything you like to eat with popcorn?

 

Tip: Store your kernels in the freezer to keep them fresh!

Popcorn Recipe Ingredients

 

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil {or coconut, canola, etc}
  • 3 ounces popcorn kernels, approximately 1/2 cup {makes 2 large bowls}
  • 1/4 teaspoon popcorn salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

 

Place the popcorn, oil, and salt in a large metal mixing bowl, wok, or stock pot. Cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil and poke around 20 small slits in the top.  These slits need to be small so the kernels won’t pop out.

 

Place the bowl over medium to high heat and shake constantly.  Shake until the popcorn finishes popping.  It should take around a minute for the kernels to start popping and they’ll finish popping around 3 minutes.

 

Remove from heat and carefully remove the foil. Melt the butter in the microwave and slowly drizzle over the popcorn. Scrape any salt off the sides of the bowl and stir so the salt and butter get evenly distributed.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

McCormick’s Look Book + Spring Thyme Salmon Recipe

Hurry!  McCormick is having a Pinterest contest that is ending tonight!!!  There are some pretty neat baking prizes up for grabs!  Here’s how you can enter:

 

pinspiring contest

 

If you’re like me McCormick is no stranger to your home.  It’s a brand that makes food coloring dye, spices, and pre-measured spice mixtures with recipe cards (such a neat idea!).  McCormick products are a staple in our house.  We have an overflowing spice cabinet with spices for just about every meal imaginable.  Do you need meal inspiration?  If so, check out McCormick’s Look Book that is filled with yummy recipes with gorgeous pictures!

 

Here’s the recipe that I tried:

Spring Thyme Salmon

Makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Refrigerate Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

1/3 cup tangerine or orange juice (I used OJ)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon McCormick® Thyme Leaves
1 teaspoon McCormick® Mustard, Ground
1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground
1 pound salmon fillet

 

1. Mix tangerine juice, oil, thyme, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper in small bowl. Place salmon in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well.

2. Refrigerate 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove salmon from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.

3. Broil 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

 

McCormick Recipe

 

You may have noticed that I substituted salmon for chicken but let me tell you, it was yummy!  I’m anxious to try more of the simple recipe ideas from McCormick’s Look Book.  I’ve already saved a few of my favorites so they’ll be easy to access the next time I need a meal idea.  What are you waiting for?  Go check it out McCormick’s Look Book for yourself; I’m sure you’ll find more than a few recipes you’ll want to try.

 

Oh and if you want to follow us on Pinterest you can follow McCormick on Pinterest here and Embracing Beauty on Pinterest here!

 

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for McCormick. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for participating”

Chef Boyardee: Think Outside Of The Can

Chef Boyardee

As a kid I LOVED Chef Boyardee.  I loved their pizza (still do!) and occasionally I got their ravioli as a special treat for dinner.  Even though I now have kids of my own I still enjoy their food.  As a busy mom, who likes simple, healthy meals I was excited when when Mom Central asked me to be a part of their latest Chef Boyardee campaign.

 

They sent me a huge box full of items to help me prepare a Chef Boyardee party.  It included a a bunch of colorful nesting mixing bowls, a Curious Chef measure and prep kit, Le Creuset bakeware, Chef Boyardee coupons and some fun Chef Boyardee brand goodies (matching aprons, a chef’s hat, & notepads).  We had just about all we needed for a great dinner party!

 

 

 

Chef Boyardee Recipe

 In one dish we made the Ravioli Lasagna.

 

 

Chef Boyardee

In the other we made my own creation.  It was Chef Boyardee’s Beefaroni covered with my favorite baked macaroni and cheese recipe.  It was yummy!

 

I have to say that I love Chef Boyardee recipes because they are so simple to make!  Both recipes were a huge hit with everyone who was over that night and I know my family can’t wait to try some of the other Chef Boyardee recipes.

 

Enter to Win FREE Groceries for a Year!  Here’s how:

 

Enter the Make it Boyardeelicious Recipe Contest on the Chef Boyardee Facebook page for a chance to win a grand prize of free groceries for a year.

 

Now through March 11, 2012, submit an original recipe that uses Chef Boyardee as an ingredient (anything your mind can dream up!), upload a photo of your recipe, and about share why your family loves it.  Each week there will be a winner chosen based on creativity, all-family appeal, ease of preparation, and palatable appeal by an expert of panel judges.Those winners will get $500 as well $75 in Chef Boyardee coupons. If you don’t win one week,  you can re-enter again the next week.  At the end of the promotion one of the 10 weekly winners will win the GRAND prize – free groceries for a year! I don’t know about you, but I would LOVE to win free groceries for a year!!!!  The winner will be chosen based on taste points and votes.

 

The voting period lasts March 26-April 8, 2012. Don’t forget to check back to vote because voters get entered into a daily sweepstakes for the chance to win $100

 

For more information, visit www.chefboyardee.com. You can also find Chef Boyardee on Facebook. {Don’t forget to follow Embracing Beauty on Facebook too!}

 

“I wrote this review while participating in a In Home Party campaign by Mom Central Consulting  on behalf of Chef Boyardee and received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

The Venerable Turkey Sandwich: 5 Terrific Turkey Recipes

turkey

 

Aside from Thanksgiving, turkey doesn’t get a whole lot of media coverage. Most people look forward to filling their bellies with tender, moist turkey and stuffing (or dressing) on Turkey Day. But once the holiday is over, they are typically ‘turkeyed’ out. The thought of preparing another turkey months later or, worse, creating new twists on leftover turkey can seem almost unbearable. The trick, however, to eating turkey throughout the year is simple: transform it into irresistible turkey recipes.

 

If you’re looking for ways to turn ordinary turkey into something that makes your taste buds melt, check out the following turkey recipes. Whether you use leftover turkey or the deli cuts, you’ll be amazed what can be done to the traditional turkey sandwich. From avocado and cranberries, to artichoke hearts and green olives, to fresh basil and spinach, there are all sorts of creative ways to spruce up turkey.

 

1) Santa Fe Turkey Sandwich
Servings: 1

 

Ingredients
2 slices whole grain bread, toasted
1 Tbsp. Kraft chipotle-flavored reduced-fat mayonnaise
6 slices deli turkey breast
1 slice Colby Jack cheese
1/4 avocado, thinly sliced
1 lettuce leaf
1 thin red onion slice

 

Directions
Spread toast slices with mayonnaise.
Fill with remaining ingredients.

 

2) Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Servings: 4

 

Ingredients
1 round bread loaf (1 lb.)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 lb. leftover cooked turkey breast, sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced onions
2 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves

 

Directions
Heat oven to 400°F.
Cut 1/2-inch-thick slice off top of bread loaf; set aside. Remove center of loaf, leaving 1/2-inch-
thick shell. Reserve removed bread for making croutons or another use.
Spread inside of bread shell with mayo. Fill with layers of remaining ingredients; cover with top
of bread. Wrap in foil.
Bake 30 minutes or until sandwich is heated through and cheese is melted. Let stand 10
minutes before cutting to serve.

 

3) Tuscan Turkey Wrap
Servings: 2

 

Ingredients
2 whole wheat tortillas (8 inch)
2 Tbsp. cream cheese
12 slices deli turkey breast
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
1 carrot, shredded
2 Tbsp. Shredded Italian Cheese Blend
2 Tbsp. Kraft Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade

 

Directions
Spread tortillas with cream cheese.
Top with remaining ingredients; roll up.

 

4) Turkey and Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich
Servings: 8

 

Ingredients
1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, coarsely chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1/3 cup stuffed green olives, chopped
1/3 cup Kraft Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade
1 focaccia bread (10 inch), split
2 pkgs. Hillshire Farm Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast
5 mozzarella cheese slices

 

Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients.

Fill bread halves with layers of half the turkey, vegetable mixture, remaining turkey and cheese.

 

5) Turkey Bruschetta Panini
Servings: 1

 

Ingredients
2 slices Italian bread
4 slices deli turkey breast
1 slice mozzarella cheese slice
2 fresh basil leaves
2 thin tomato slices
1 Tbsp. mayonnaise

 

Directions
Heat panini grill.
Fill bread slices with turkey, cheese, basil and tomatoes.
Spread outside of sandwich with mayo.
Grill 3 minutes or until golden brown.

Salted Caramel-Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

salted caramel chocolate peanut butter pie

Check out this yummy Salted Caramel-Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie!  You will love this caramel mixture filled salted chocolate-peanut butter pie!  I found this recipe from Pillsbury and I loved it so much that I just had to share it with you.

Ingredients:

 

Crust
1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
Filling
1 bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups Spanish peanuts
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup peanut butter
8 oz miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies, unwrapped, chopped
Topping
1 bar (1.55 oz) milk chocolate candy, melted
1/4 cup Spanish peanuts
1/4 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt

Directions:

 

  1. Heat oven to 450°F. Bake pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell, using 10-inch glass pie plate. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in medium microwavable bowl, microwave caramels and milk uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes or until melted; stir until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons melted caramel. Stir 1 1/2 cups peanuts into remaining caramel. Pour caramel mixture into baked pie crust.
  3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. In large bowl, stir condensed milk, egg and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in chopped peanut butter cups. Pour in crust over caramel mixture. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until filling is set. Refrigerate 1 hour. Drizzle melted candy bar and reserved caramel over top of pie. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup peanuts. Lightly sprinkle with kosher salt. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

 

For this pie’s nutritional information {yea, right!} or for more yummy recipes, visit Pillsbury.com.

$0.99 Gooseberry Patch Dinners on a Dime

dinners on a dime

 

Snag this discounted Gooseberry Patch eCookbook download ($13.99 value) with over 200 recipes on a Kindle or Nook for a limited time.  This recipe book is on sale for a low $0.99 right now but I’m not sure how long it will stay at this price.  Double check that it’s only $0.99 before checking out!

Mini Brownie Cheesecake Tart Recipe

Brownie Cheesecake Tarts

I am drooling over this recipe for Mini Brownie Cheesecake Tarts!  This sweet recipe is courtesy of Simply This, That, & The Other.

In case you missed it, she also has a yummy Blueberry Lemon Scone recipe that I featured last week.

Cherry Covered Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes

Do you like chocolate and cherries?  If so, I think you will love this Cherry Covered Chocolate Cupcake recipe from Colletta’s Kitchen Sink.  They look so yummy – I can’t wait to give this recipe a try!