Monday, March 19, 2012

Perfectly Simple by Zone Perfect


I am a huge fan of Zone Perfect Bars, but they are NOT certified gluten free, even though several flavors do not contain gluten ingredients.  You can decide for yourself on those products.  I did read on their website that several of the flavors with non-gluten containing ingredients are run on the same machines as gluten containing products.  They do emphasize that their machines are cleaned and that they are aware of allergen issues.  So you can make the call as to whether or not you will try those products for yourself.  They list the products HERE on their faq page. 


However, the new Perfectly Simple Zone Bars are certified gluten free.  WAHOO!!!  I saw a coupon pop up on Targets website last month and spotted the product in the store for the first time today.  It is clearly labeled gluten free on the box.  It is available in three different flavors;  Toasted Coconut, Peanut Crunch, and Cranberry Almond.  Each bar contains 10 grams of protein.  The boxes were on sale for $4.49.  I had printed the target coupon found HERE (look under healthcare) for $1.00 off 2 boxes, plus you can stack a manufacturers coupon for another $1.00 off 2 boxes.  (There was a coupon on the box of Zone Perfect bars I had in my pantry).  So I paid $3.49 a box.  I love finding a new gluten free product and getting a great deal.  

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies


I used the recipe on the back of the Betty Crocker Gluten free Cookie Mix with the following changes:
Substitute 1 tsp mint extract for the vanilla and add 8 drops of green food coloring.  I added both of these ingredients to the egg and whisked them together.  Then add cookie mix and butter.  Next, add 1 cup Andes Creme de Mentes.  Mmmm!  Cook according to the directions on the box.  I used the high altitude option and decreased the temp to 325 and baked large cookies for 13 minutes. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Egg Muffins

I've seen several recipes for this kind of egg muffin that varies in the ingredients you add to it.  This is how I made them for the first time and they were quite good.  I froze most of them to save for a quick and easy hot breakfast in the morning without all the work. 


8 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 Tbsp canola oil
salt and pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 lb browned sausage (or ham)
1 cup cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Prepare a muffin pan by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.  Brown sausage in a skillet.  Drain and put even amounts into each muffin tin.  In a mixing bowl whisk eggs, milk, baking powder, oil and salt and pepper.  Pour egg mixture on top of sausage, filling each cup.  Sprinkle with green onion and cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

I am loving all the new recipes I find on Pinterest.  This one really is AMAZING!  My family loved it and I will definitely be making it again soon.  The ingredients were all things that I had in my pantry already.  You've got to try this one.  It's a winner!  I always thought this chicken was breaded, but it is actually just coated in cornstarch and egg.  You won't believe how good it is.  We ate it with ham fried rice and steamed broccoli.



The chicken coating:
3-4 boneless chicken breasts
salt + pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

The sweet and sour sauce:
3/4 cup sugar
4 tbs ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp garlic salt


Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. Rinse your chicken breasts in water and then cut into cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken into the cornstarch to coat then dip into the eggs. Heat your 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet and cook your chicken until browned but not cooked through. Place the chicken in a 9x13 greased baking dish. Mix all of your sweet and sour sauce ingredients in a bowl with a whisk and then pour evenly over the chicken. Bake for one hour and during the baking process you will need to turn the chicken every 15 minutes.

The original recipe was posted on www.life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com