All posts filed under: gluten free

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken Soup and Here’s Why

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I normally do an inventory of what’s in my refrigerator the night before to see what dinner I can create from the ingredients  within.   Simply put, I don’t like when fresh food items go bad or expire. So, I make do with what I have – even if it means altering ingredients suggested in a recipe. Plus the fact, I do not have a slow cooker – so stove top it is  for this recipe INGREDIENTS 6 cups low sodium chicken stock 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 onions, chopped 4 carrots, chopped    {Since I only have zucchini at home, and not carrots, I will substitute)  2 parsnips, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped  {Broccolini will have to do based on my inventory}  2 leeks, chopped 8 peppercorns 1 bay leaf 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2-3 pounds bone-in chicken breasts or thighs kosher salt and black pepper juice + zest of 1 lemon 3/4 cup dry farro 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and or mixed herbs  – in my case parsley it is    {follow along here}  {Photo and recipe source here} Soup to be eaten with fresh baked …

Food: Dinner Tonight – White or Cannellini Bean Stew

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In Rome, for a mid day fuel, I searched for restaurants which served Cannellini bean stew and if they didn’t offer it, I kept on walking until I found the one place that did. Cannellini bean stew drizzled with olive oil and dusted with fresh Parmesan cheese – is probably the best meal I’ve had in Italy. Anyway, tonight, we are having cannellini bean stew in my household, and this recipe is one that sparked an interest because…1 tablespoon of tomato paste added to the beans. Which is something my mother used to do with the white bean stew she made centuries ago in her Mediterranean kitchen.   The other part I plan to do is instead of the meatballs, I will saute Italian sausage without the case in a touch of olive oil and garlic, and then add it to the bean stew. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of finally chopped Italian parsley and serve. This cuts down on time and tastes equally good.  Ingredients For meatballs 200 g (7 oz) of ground beef 100 g (3,5 oz) of fresh …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Fall Salad, You Bring The Squash

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I found this recipe a few days ago, and immediately thought, why settle for roasted pumpkin as suggested in the ingredients? Instead, I prefer butternut squash or Acorn? I prefer the taste of roasted Acorn over pumpkin any day. But you are more than welcome to try any squash your heart desires.  You know, in case, like me, you are craving a light dinner tonight: Ingredients For the baked pumpkin 800 g (1.7 lb) of Mantua pumpkin or butternut squash 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon of salt Nutmeg Black pepper For the salad 100 g (3.5 oz) of rocket ⅓ cup of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tablespoons of black olives pitted 2 tablespoons of pine nuts toasted For the vinaigrette 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon of aceto balsamico 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar Zest of ½ an organic lemon grated Salt Black pepper  {more} For your reference

Food: Dinner Tonight – Spaghetti Squash Loaded with Cheese

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Cheesy gooey comes to mind, while taking my early morning walk today and a taste of melted cheese. So guess what we are having for dinner tonight? And the best part is – I am not switching up anything. In fact, I am adding Italian sausage or the sweet-spicy chicken sausage 🙂 INGREDIENTS 2 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought 1 teaspoon dried oregano 8 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dried 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese 1 cup shredded provolone cheese 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt and pepper fresh oregano, for serving  {more}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Coconut, Sweet Potato Soup

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Who says Keto diet is boring? All of the folks that I have introduced the option to over the past year. But that’s because they complicate the meal prep and then find it frustrating. Cooking is an art, and creating meal plans is a challenge that I welcome in my otherwise very hectic life. Believe it or not, cooking is therapeutic for me, and finding recipes such as this one to switch-up a bit to fit my dietary need is worth every effort once the soup hits the taste pallete. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed  {Omit for Keto} 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water  {No water if you plan to omit a few ingredients for a Keto friendly meal}  3/4 cup red lentils  {you can keep if  you can stomach lentils} kosher salt 1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk 2 cups baby spinach 2 cups cooked basmati rice  {use shredded chicken instead} 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving fresh Naan, …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Skillet Chicken and Peaches

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Growing up in a Mediterranean home meant, fresh seasonal fruits were used to create the most interesting of meals and the tastiest fruit salads to indulge. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found this recipe – which in addition to reminding me of my childhood – is going to be the most talked about dish in our household. In a good way, I can assure you.  Also, pretty Keto friendly if you leave out the rice pilaf I’d consider pairing up with this meal. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons smoked paprika zest and juice of 1 lemon kosher salt and pepper 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth 2 peaches, sliced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {more}

Food: Chocolate Panna Cotta for Breakfast?

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This morning I craved pudding of sorts. Don’t ask, and no I’m not expecting. I simply and utterly craved pudding+chocolate, but had to be careful of the ingredients when searching for a recipe, which as you know, I am always adjusting to make it Keto-friendly.  The one I found here is filed under gluten-free, which sometimes can cross over to Keto and it sounded delicious enough to make and have for breakfast. Okay, okay – I had my usual cup of coffee, two boiled eggs very early in the morning, and for a mid-morning snack while working on my next novel, I craved this wonderful pick-me-up. {Take note, I love recipes from international bloggers} ORIGINAL Ingredients For the chocolate panna cotta 500 ml 16,89 fl oz – 2 cups + 1 3/4 tablespoons of fresh cream 100 ml 3,38 fl oz – 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons of fresh whole milk 1 to nka bean 50 g of sugar 1,76 oz – 4 tablespoons 15 g of gelatin sheets 0,53 oz 150 g of dark chocolate 5,29 oz – 1 1/3 bar   *** I use organice 70pct to 90pct  …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Spinach and Artichoke Melt – Two Ways

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Sorry to keep opening most of my food posts with this – but in my household there is me following Keto, and others who don’t really want to (yet), so I have to be mindful when announcing our dinner menu. Although really, I seldom announce it, I just make it – one meal, two ways so no one feels left out. This morning I searched for a cheesy, gooey recipe since the crazy cold weather in San Francisco is making me crave comfort foods – and this is what I came across to tweak a portion for my dietary needs: INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon butter 1 clove garlic minced or grated 1 tablespoon flour  * I usually omit the flour – no need for it really, the cheese is enough thickening ingredient.  1/2 cup milk (I used 2% but whatever you have will be fine)   * I replaced with almond milk or coconut milk for entire meal 1 ounce cream cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/2 cup greek yogurt I used 0% 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach thawed, about 5 ounces 1 (8 ounce) jar grilled artichoke hearts or …

Food: Not Your Traditional Cinnamon Rolls

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Last night as I sprinkled cinnamon on a dish I was preparing for dinner, I realized I don’t use the ingredient as often as I used to. Meaning that since I stopped baking and making oatmeal – as I Keto my way through life, I placed this sweet smelling ingredient in the back of my spice rack….until this morning, when I woke up craving cinnamon rolls.  Guess what we are having for breakfast tomorrow morning? {photo and recipe source}  

Food: Dinner Tonight- Korean Beef

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A simple meal is always welcomed in my household. Meaning where I don’t spend hours standing over the stove cooking on a weekday after a long day at work. But the fact, I enjoy fresh ingredients and home-made meals, inspires me to look for the easy in all recipes I find online that the family can enjoy and I can tweak it for my dietary needs. Like this one: INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (remove for Strict Keto – I normally use Gluten free soy sauce for the taste) 1/4 cup honey (remove for strict Keto followers) 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, grated 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, plus more for serving 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, or peanut oil 3 bell peppers, sliced 1 zucchini, chopped 1 1/2 pounds skirt or flank steak, thinly slice against the grain 4 green onions, chopped 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped {more} No rice for me – or if I absolutely am craving …