I think people hear the word "cookie" and instantly they start salivating and happy endorphins start going off in their body... Unless you say "raisin cookie" then it's like someone gave you a present and then punched you in the stomach. 

Before I introduce this next recipe let me ask you some important questions...

• Have a hard time getting your kids to eat a healthy breakfast? 
• Running out of gluten free breakfast ideas?
• On the go and need something healthy and delicious?
• Need a way to use up your old bananas?
• Want to be the cool parent by giving your kids cookies for breakfast? 

What if I told you I had the answer to all your problems... Ha ha. I wish! But I do have a fun recipe for you. Introducing Breakfast Cookies. They're some of my kiddos favorites and they've been eating them for years so, seriously, I apologize for not posting them earlier. 

I worry when other adults might hear my kids brag that they had cookies for breakfast, but little do they know I'm not a slacker parent but in fact I'm a nutritional deception genius! Ha! Would you believe there's no added sugar? The only sweetness is bananas and chocolate chips. And they're jam packed with health foods like flax seeds and chia seeds. You'll notice some of the ingredients are optional...Feel free to play around with this recipe. I've tried so many different variations and they have all turned out great. Enjoy!

Gluten Free, Can be Dairy Free
Created by Jalene
Makes about 18 cookies
For a family of 6 I double this recipe

Ingredients: 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a mixer. Then scoop with a cookie scooper onto your prepared pan. 
4. Bake for 20 minutes.  Serve hot or cold. Store any leftovers in the fridge. 

​

Gluten Free
Can be Dairy Free

Makes 12+ servings
Ingredients: 

• 1 & 3/4 cup sugar (I used organic evaporated cane juice sugar)
• 1 cup butter, melted (to make dairy free use extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil) 
• 4 large eggs
• 4 tsp vanilla
• 2 & 1/2 cups Bob's 1:1 Gluten Free flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk (I use unsweetened coconut milk in the carton)

I don't know about you but nothing feels more fulfilling than making something completely from scratch! The great thing is-I know it's safe from gluten and healthier than processed foods. This next soup I invented using a combination of some of my other recipes. It's yummy and makes plenty so that you can feed a huge group or freeze some for another meal later. ​

Another great quality of this soup is the cilantro. Did you know that cilantro is actually a natural detoxifier?! Its a super food full of healing properties and incredible phytonutrients. It actually chelates (or forms a chemistry bond) to heavy metals found in your body (which are bad) and gets rid of them! If that's not enough for you, cilantro also helps build healthy skin and hair and reduces the risk of heart disease AND diabetes! 

So if your children aren't too keen on the green things floating in their soup- educate them! It worked for my kids and now they actually ASK for cilantro! Amazing. ​Enjoy!

Sometimes you're in a pinch and can't drop everything to go to the store. Or you may not know which enchilada sauce you can trust to be gluten free. Or maybe...you're trying to be healthier and not eat so many processed foods. That is when this recipe is king. It's extremely easy to throw together. ​You may never go back!

Directions: 

1. In a saucepan over medium heat combine the oil and flour and stir for about 1 minute. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and oregano. 
2. Then slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Cook for about 5-10 minutes over medium low heat. Sauce will thicken and become more flavorful as it cooks. 

Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

When you add your baking soda, your water will fizz like this. 

How rude of me to post a picture and not give the recipe. Seriously. Sorry about that folks. So here's the secret recipe that's not so secret anymore ;) It's the yummy cornbread that was pictured with my taco soup in my last post. 

In this recipe, it features Bob's 1:1 baking flour. I included a picture so you can easily find it in your local grocery store. If you live in Utah-the Salt Lake City Costco sells this flour in BULK so I can score a ginormous bag for $36. That's pure gluten free happiness right there! Enjoy!

You can thank Costco... and my bad memory... for this next recipe. Ever forget you already bought something only to buy it again? ...And again? And how about one more time? Ha ha. That would be me. I am now the proud owner of 3 cases of diced tomatoes. lol! Oh well, you know what they say, "One woman's mistake is another woman's recipe for dinner."  K, I just made that up but you get the point. Here's what I created from my mishap. It's actually one of our favorites now. Serendipitous I'd say. Enjoy!

Serves about 6-8
Ingredients: 

• 1/2 or 1 lb ground beef (either amount works)
• 2-3 potatoes ( 2 cups of peeled, and cut into 1 cm cubes)
• 1-2 carrots ( 1 cup of peeled, and diced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp taco seasoning (I used my recipe)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 cans of diced tomatoes (14 oz each)
• 1 & 1/2 cups frozen corn (I recommend organic)

Holy cow folks. Where have I been? Where does the time go? Two more kids later and here I am! Busy mom but still gluten free and lovin' it. And do I have a great new recipe for you. It's an easy throw together when you need a quick side dish for soup or pasta. If you've never tried these before, the texture is different than a roll. They'r crisp like a puff shell or popover on the outside but the inside is airy, chewy, and cheesy goodness. 

Dairy Free? Don't worry, I figured out that out too. Simply see the note at the bottom. 

Makes 24 mini muffins

Don't worry, I figured out a way to leave out the cheese. So...that's Cheese-Free Brazilian Cheese Rolls, right? Lol. But it works. Simply omit the 1/2 cup cheese and 1 tsp salt and instead add in 1 and 1/2 tsps of garlic salt. ​Bake these for only 12-15 minutes- otherwise they'll turn hard. ;)

Oh man, Thanksgiving is only a week away! I can't even wait! Being Gluten Free (and even Dairy Free) doesn't mean you have to skip out on your holiday favorites! Here's a huge list of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes. So, before you gear up for what it feels like a marathon of cooking, check out some of our delicious delights. You won't even know you're missing anything!

Simply click on the picture or blue title link to view the recipes. Shall we start with dessert? ;)
​

And what is Thanksgiving without a perfect turkey... He's my favorite Turkey recipe from my #1 meat expert: my husband! 

Alright, good luck on all your prepping and have a wonderful Turkey Day! 
New recipes will be posting again starting Dec. 3rd.  Enjoy your holiday! 
loves ;)