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Apple Gruyere Cheese Salad

April 4, 2018

Apple Gruyer Salad

This salad is one of my newest creations.  It’s really yummy and is great if you are trying to be low-carb or gluten-free!  You can also switch up the ingredients to make it your own.

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 Apple Gruyere Salad
This is a great spring and summer salad that will wow guests and is great if you are trying to eat low-carb or gluten-free!
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sides
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sides
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and zest of lemon, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon minced shallots, 1 garlic clove minced. Whisk together and refrigerate.
  2. Chop the apples and put lemon juice over them so they do not turn brown.
  3. Mix all the other ingredients into the bowl with the apples, and then mix the lemon vinaigrette in and serve.
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Dinner, Entrees, Lunch, Soup

Spicy Corn & Potato Chowder

November 1, 2017

Corn & Potato Chowder

It’s that time of year to start experimenting with new soup recipes, and I thought I would try to merry corn and potato chowder because I couldn’t decide which one I wanted to make.  And of course if you follow my food blog, you will see I like to spice things up a bit on occasion!

Corn & Potato Chowder

If you are not into spicy food, I would recommend only using 1 red fresno pepper, or none at all.  This soup will still have tons of flavor without the peppers.

 

Print Recipe
 Spicy Corn & Potato Chowder Recipe
Spicy corn and potato chowder with bacon and chives.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30-40 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30-40 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. If you want to speed up the process for the soup, cook the diced potatoes in the microwave for about 5 to 8 minutes, or put in the oven for about 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees.
  2. Cook the bacon in the over or in skillet and place on paper towels to get all the grease out and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, cook the chopped onions with a bit of olive oil on medium heat and cook until onions are translucent.
  4. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and chopped potatoes; bring to a boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes. If you did not pre-cook the potatoes, you will want the potatoes to simmer another 10 minutes or so.
  5. In a cup whisk the milk and flour together and pour into the potato mixture.
  6. Add the corn, red fresno peppers, pepper jack cheese, heavy cream, bacon, salt and pepper and stir. Then let simmer for another 10 to 20 minutes before serving. You can add some of the chives into the soup while simmering and use the rest as garnish.
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Brunch, Desserts

Pineapple Ricotta Upside Down Cake

September 28, 2017

Pinapple Ricotta Upside Down Cake

Before I could no longer find pineapple in the store anymore, I decided I wanted to experiment and make my traditional ricotta cake and turn it into a pineapple ricotta upside down cake.

Pinapple Ricotta Upside Down Cake

Pinapple Ricotta Upside Down Cake

I was not sure the cake would get to mushy because of the gooiness of the pineapple mixture, but the ricotta cake stood up well and had a great flavor!  Ricotta cakes are more moist than traditional cakes, so this experiment worked out well.  I also added blueberries, but it’s not necessary.  It did add a nice extra flavor to the cake, but it will still be just as fabulous without it.

I baked the cake in my iron skillet, which made it really easy to cook the butter and brown sugar mixture first and then throw every else in and put into the oven.

Pinapple Ricotta Upside Down Cake

The cake was super easy to get out of the skillet and toss on a platter as well.

Print Recipe
 Pineapple Ricotta Upside Down Cake
This pineapple ricotta upside down cake is so yummy and moist and really easy to make!
Course Brunch, Desserts
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Brunch, Desserts
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour baking powder, sugar and salt and mix together.
  2. In another large bowl whisk eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract and 1 stick of melted butter. Make sure the melted butter is at room temperature.
  3. Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the liquid mixture and set aside when done.
  4. In an iron skillet on medium heat mix the 1/2 stick of butter with the brown sugar. Once melted turn heat off.
  5. Make sure the brown sugar mixture is even on the bottom of the skillet.
  6. If you bought the canned pineapple rings, make sure you drain. If you bought a fresh pineapple, cut the sides and ends and then use a pineapple corer to cut out the middle. Then cut into thin slices. I also added blueberries on the bottom of the pan, but it's not necessary.
  7. Place the pineapple rings evenly on the bottom of the skillet, and then pour the cake mixture over top.
  8. Bake at 350 for approximately 45 minutes and look cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before turning it over on a platter. You want the cake to still be a bit warm so that it comes out of the skillet better.
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Breakfast, Brunch

Dutch Crunch French Toast

September 21, 2017

dutch crunch french toast

One thing I hate about fresh bread is that it doesn’t stay fresh for very long.  I had some left over Dutch Crunch bread that wasn’t fresh enough to eat, and I decided to use it to make Dutch Crunch French Toast.  It was really yummy!  I was going to add some Bailey’s to the batter, but I realized I did not have any.  I had some Grand Marnier which is just as good to use.

dutch crunch french toast 3

I don’t make french toast very often even though I love it because I am trying to be healthier and stay away from gluten.  However, it’s really tough because I love bread.  I just try to limit how much I eat these days.  It was a treat for me this morning.

 

 

Print Recipe
 Dutch Crunch French Toast
Dutch Crunch French Toast with Grand Marnier
Course Breakfast, Breakfast Recipes, Brunch, Brunch Recipes
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Breakfast, Breakfast Recipes, Brunch, Brunch Recipes
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Cut the Dutch Crunch bread into medium size slices. If you make them to wide, they will be soggy.
  2. Whisk the eggs and all the other ingredients together.
  3. Dip bread into egg mixture and coat well before placing in skillet.
  4. Cook on both sides for approximately 5 minutes or until they appear done.
  5. Sprinkle powdered sugar over top before serving with fresh fruit and your favorite syrup or jam.
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Brunch, Dinner, Entrees, Gluten Free, Healthy Cooking, Lunch, Salads, Side Dishes

Quinoa Curry Salad

September 6, 2017

Quinoa Curry Salad

This Quinoa Curry Salad is one of my newest recipes I created.  The curry flavor mixed with the sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the lemon juice and zest all blend in together very nicely.

Quinoa is one of my favorite go to’s because of the health benefits.  Botanically Quinoa is not classified as a grain, although nutritionally it is considered a whole grain.  Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, and fiber. It is one of only a few plant foods that are considered a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

Quinoa

Most of the time I buy the organic quinoa in the frozen section at Trader Joe’s.  However, you can buy the kind you cook over the stove as well.

 

 

Print Recipe
 Quinoa Curry Salad
Quinoa Curry Salad with cranberries, sliced almonds, scallions, lemon juice, lemon zest, curry powder and olive oil. This salad goes great with any type of meat due to the complex flavors.
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sides
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 15 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sides
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 15 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Heat up the Trader Joe's quinoa per package instructions, or cook other brand of quinoa per package instructions.
  2. Place quinoa in large bowl and let cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Add the juice and zest of both lemons as well as the curry and olive oil and stir.
  4. Then add the chopped scallions, dried cranberries and sliced almonds and mix well.
  5. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch

Quinoa Jalapeno Popper Tartlets

August 5, 2017

Quinoa Jalapeno Popper Tarlettes

I have been experimenting a bit with different Quinoa recipes, and made Quinoa Jalapeno Popper Tartlets.   Quinoa is gluten-free and it much healthier than other options.

Quinoa

I like the Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa that you get in the frozen section.   However, you can find organic quinoa in other brands as well that require cooking it on the stove.

Quinoa Jalapeno Popper Tarlettes

You need a mini tart pan which you can find almost any where these days.

Print Recipe
 Quinoa Jalapeno Popper Tartlets
Quinoa Jalapeno Popper Tartlets have just the right amount of spice.
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. If you buy the quinoa that needs to be cooked, follow the package instructions. Usually it takes about 15 minutes to cook. If you buy the organic quinoa that is already cooked from Trader Joes, just heat up according to box instructions.
  2. Once the quinoa has been cooked or heated up, place in a large bowl and immediately add the cream cheese so it melts and mixes easier.
  3. Add all the other ingredients except the eggs and mix together.
  4. Beat eggs together and then pour into quinoa mixture and mix well. The eggs help bind the mixture together so that it does not fall apart.
  5. Spray your mini tart pan with cooking spray and then fill with the quinoa mixture.
  6. Cook at 350 in the over for 20 minutes and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  7. Use a knife around the edges to help get the tartlets out without breaking them and serve on a platter.
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Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Gift Ideas

Fig Jam

August 3, 2017

Gourmet Girl Does Real Estate

Fresh figs can be found this time of year in the produce section at some gourmet groceries stores or farmers markets.  Believe it or not there are about 6 different types of figs:  Black Mission Figs, Brown Turkey Figs, Adriatic Figs (also called white figs), Calimyrna Figs, and Kodota Figs which are less sweet than the other figs.

Figs in basket

I found the Brown Turkey Figs, and they are very sweet.  Figs are one of those fruits that can be used for so many things.  You use them in a salad, on a cheese platter freshly cut or in jam form like this recipe.  you can also use it to baste on a pork tenderloin or chop.  It would also be really great with lamb.  And of course my original intent when I bought the figs was to braise them in a port and serve over ice cream, but I decided I would make this jam instead.

Figs with Sugar for Jam

I hope you enjoy this recipe!  If you like it, I would love to have you comment on my blog post for this recipe.

 

Print Recipe
 Fig Jam
Fig Jam
Gourmet Girl Does Real Estate
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings
cips
Ingredients
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings
cips
Ingredients
Gourmet Girl Does Real Estate
Instructions
  1. Cut the top part of the stem off of the figs and dice.
  2. Place the figs in a large bowl with the sugar and mix. Set in the refrigerator for one hour.
  3. Place the fix and sugar mixture in a sauce pan and turn on medium to medium low heat.
  4. Add the zest of the 2 lemons along with their juice.
  5. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for approximately 30 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Frequent stir until done.
  6. I personally like to keep the jam chunky, but if you wanted it more smooth you could put the jam in a food processor to puree if you wanted.
  7. Once done, you can store in mason jars and refrigerate. The jam should last like most other jams because of the acidity of the lemons and balsamic vinegar.
Recipe Notes

Ways to use my fig jam:

  • Serve with a cheese platter
  • Serve over ice cream
  • Serve on toast
  • Make PBJs
  • Baste over pork or lamb
  • Great gift idea in mason jars
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Gluten Free, Salads, Side Dishes

Lime and Jalapeno Corn Salad

July 23, 2017

Lime & Jalapeno Corn Salad with Watermelon

I was craving watermelon this weekend and decided to try out a new recipe. This Lime and Jalapeno Corn Salad with Watermelon tasted great with feta cheese.  The sweetness of the watermelon and corn balanced with the spiciness of the jalapenos were a great combination.  Adding the Feta cheese balanced it all out along with freshly squeezed lime juice.

Lime & Jalapeno Corn Salad with Watermelon

I boiled the corn because I was in a hurry to pull dinner together quickly.  However, grilling the corn would have made this salad taste even better!

Watermelon

Summertime is the best because I absolutely love watermelon.  It’s so refreshing especially when it’s over 100 degrees outside.

Print Recipe
 Lime and Jalapeno Corn Salad
Lime and Jalapeno Corn Salad with Watermelon
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 10 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 10 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Clean the corn and rinse, and then place water in a large pan and boil for approximately 10 minutes. Note: Grilling the corn would make this salad even better if you have the time!
  2. Take the corn out of the pan of water and let cool, then cut the corn from the cob and place in a large bowl.
  3. Add the finely chopped jalapenos, diced watermelon and feta cheese and mix well.
  4. Add the juice of 3 limes and mix.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Recipe Notes

You can add cilantro to this recipe as well.

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Breakfast, Brunch

Gluten Free Cornmeal Pancakes

July 19, 2017

Cornmeal Pancakes Gluten Free

I absolutely love anything with cornmeal, so I thought I would experiment with making healthy gluten free cornmeal pancakes.  I wanted to leave out the gluten and the unhealthy sugar, so I used a bit of gluten free flour with the cornmeal.  I also added some of my favorite protein powder because I need to have protein with my breakfast.

Cornmeal Pancakes Batter

This is a really easy recipe that you can improvise without fail.  This recipe made 6 pancakes, so you will need to double or triple the recipe if you want to make it for more people.

Cornmeal Pancakes Gluten Free 3

I used my favorite cast iron skillet, but you can use any skillet you want.

Compote for Cornmeal Pancakes

I made this quick and yummy compote with the pancakes using fresh berries since I had fresh rasberries and blackberries in the refrigerator. I got my protein and antioxidants in for breakfast!  If you don’t want to use fresh berries, you can just use a low sugar syrup or the stevia syrup which you can find at Whole Foods.

Print Recipe
 Gluten Free Cornmeal Pancakes
Try these really yummy gluten free pancakes with protein powder.
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 10 Minutes
Cook Time 5-8 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 10 Minutes
Cook Time 5-8 Minutes
Servings
People
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Add the cornmeal, gluten free four and protein powder in a large bowl.
  2. Add the grapeseed oil and half to a third of the almond milk and stir. Continue to add the almond milk to get it to the right consistency. If you did not add any protein powder, a scant cup of almond milk works. However, when you add the protein powder, the mixture will be too thick. Slowly add more of the almond milk to get the thickness just right. You may or may not have to use all of the milk depending on how big of scoops you use of your protein powder.
  3. In a separate skillet add about 1/4 cup of the stevia maple syrup with the berries and cook on medium heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes stirring frequently until the mixture thickens. Once done, turn heat off and let sit until the pancakes are done.
  4. Use a large spoon or measuring cup to scoop batter out to make it easy when putting it into the skillet. Cook on medium heat for approximately 3 to 4 minutes each side.
  5. Serve with the fruit compote and/or the stevia maple syrup. You can also use a low sugar and low cal maple syrup or no syrup at all.
Recipe Notes

Here are some substitutes that will work if needed:

  • If you don't have gluten free flour, you can use oat flour
  • You can mix OJ in with the cooked berries instead of the stevia maple syrup
  • You can use a low sugar and/or low cal syrup if you cannot find the stevia maple syrup
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Comfort Food, Dinner, Entrees

Slow Cooked Ribs

July 12, 2017

Slow Cooked Ribs

What do you do when it’s 100 degrees outside and you don’t want to use the grill?  Stay in doors of course!  Cooking at 200 degrees keeps the heat out of your house, and then you get ribs that just fall off the bone.  And what goes better with ribs than potatoes.  I made rosemary sweet potatoes with my ribs last night.

Sweet Potatoes seved with ribs

Sweet potatoes are my favorite because they are not as sweet at yams.  And sweet potatoes stand up well in the over for a longer period of time because they are harder than yams or regular potatoes.  I added a little chili olive oil in addition to the fresh rosemary just to experiment, and it tasted really good.  Usually I will add cayenne pepper to my dry rub, but I skipped it this time since I added some chili olive oil.  I didn’t want the potatoes to be overpowered by the heat.

Slow Cooked Ribs with Sweet Potatoes

My husband was pleasantly surprised when he got home from work and ribs were waiting for him.  Ribs are definitely one of his favorites.  The best thing about slow cooked ribs is that the meat just falls off the bone.  And as ribs go, pork ribs are the best!

 

Print Recipe
 Slowed Cooked Ribs
These slow cooked ribs are so easy to make, and they taste so good!
Course Dinner, Main Dish, Sides
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 4 Hourse
Servings
People
Ingredients
Course Dinner, Main Dish, Sides
Cuisine American Food
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 4 Hourse
Servings
People
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 200.
  2. Take the ribs out of the packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Place ribs on a cooking sheet.
  4. Mix the sea salt, black pepper, chitpotle pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Lowery's salt, and brown sugar in a bowl and mix well.
  5. Rub the mixed spices on both sides and then make sure the bone side is face down when you cook the ribs.
  6. Cut the sweet potatoes in cubes and place in a bowl.
  7. Mix the olive oils, freshly chopped rosemary and salt and pepper.
  8. Place the potatoes on the cooking sheet with the ribs and place in oven. The ribs should take approximately 4 hours. The last hour baste some BBQ sauce on the ribs. Note that the potatoes may be done sooner than the ribs, so make sure you are checking in on the ribs and potatoes every hour.
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