Coconutty Sweet Chex Mix

This was my favorite new treat of the past holiday season.  I seriously couldn't get enough of it!  Doubling the recipe is a must for me!

Ingredients

1 c butter
1 c white Karo (light corn syrup)
1 c sugar
3 c rice chex
3 c corn chex
1/2 c coconut
slivered almonds
Directions

In large bowl combine cereals, coconut and almonds In saucepan combine butter, sugar and Karo Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes Pour over cereal mixture Spread on wax paper till slightly dry to touch Separate into bite-sized clusters

Pacific Cream of Chicken soup

I make quite a few recipes that call for cream of chicken soup and have always used the Health Valley brand as my staple, but I tried this one and enjoyed it just as much.  The consistency was much thicker and made for some yummy enchilada's!  I found it at my local Smith's/Kroger store.  Still a bit pricey, but equal to the cost of Health Valley's soup. 

A New Treat!

I was thrilled to spot these boxes on the grocery store shelf.  I found them on the aisle with the granola bars and fruit snacks.  Brittany was happy to have something new and different in her lunches.  The box says gluten free right on the front and they are only 90 calories.  My Smiths (Kroger) store had them for 2.99 a box, but Walmart's price was only 2 bucks.  And there was a coupon for 1 dollar off 2 boxes in the paper recently.  I'm stocking up on this happy find!

Jason's Deli

We finally took Brittany to Jason's Deli tonight for dinner and I think we've found a new favorite place to eat.  I've been meaning to take her there to try out one of their gluten free sandwiches.  As far as I am aware they use Udi's bread and the staff is well aware of cross-contamination.  We asked about that one.  I was thrilled to see some great choices other than sandwiches on the menu for her.  Next time we are trying the baked potatoes.  HERE is the gluten free menu.

It was such a great deal to take the family there on a Saturday because kids eat free with a paying adult. We are a family of six so 3 of my kids ate for free.  And what kid or grown up can resist the soft serve ice cream that comes with the meal and is also gluten free.  I highly recommend eating at Jason's Deli.  We will definitely be going there again.

Cracker Jack Carmel Popcorn

8 cups freshly popped corn lightly salted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup corn syrup (light)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Put fresh popcorn in an extra large bowl.  Have a cookie sheet (with sides) ready to pour the final mixture onto.  Note; if desired 1 cup peanuts may be added to popcorn BEFORE adding caramel sauce.

In medium saucepan mix sugar, butter and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until boiling. Continue boiling 5 min without stirring. Remove from heat; add vanilla and baking soda. Use a spoon to drizzle over popcorn; stir to coat well. Pour onto a baking sheet.

Bake in preheated 250 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring several times. Pour onto waxed paper immediately to avoid sticking.  Once cooled, store in an air tight container.

Simply Asia

This is a great option for taking lunch to work.  These rice noodles are microwavable and come in their own bowl.  Very convenient and yummy!  And I love to see the 'gluten-free' label right on the box. 

Cheeseburger Chili Mac and Cheese

Here is another yummy recipe I found on Rachel Ray's website.  I had to modify the noodles to be gluten free, of course. 

2 tablespoons EVOO -Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin

1 large onion (It's a little too much onion.  I used half and it needs to be finely diced)

2 tablespoons chili powder

salt and pepper

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup yellow mustard

1 can beef stock

1 pd gluten free noodles

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp yellow cheddar (the sharper the better!)

Preheat broiler.  Bring large pot of water to a boil over high heat for the pasta.  In a separate pan brown the ground sirloin.  Then add onion and chili powder, season with salt and pepper and cook until onion is tender.  4-5 minutes.  Add the ketchup, mustard and beef stock to the pot, bring to a bubble and simmer until slightly thickened, 4-5 minutes.

While the chili is working, salt the boiling water and drop in the pasta.  Cook to al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and return it to the pot.  Add the chili to the pot with the pasta and give everything a good toss.  Transfer to a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.  Place casserole under broiler to melt and brown the cheese.  Serve with a simple salad.