Monthly Archives: September 2009

I’ll be back in a bit…

My family lost a dear friend this week.  We are working through things right now and will be back as soon as I can…  Thanks for understanding.

Cari, I miss you…

Menu Plan Monday – September 21, 2009

My laptop is in the shop (sob!) so I had to plan my menu on PAPER this weekend!  gasp!  Thank goodness we can use my parent’s computer, but, oh do I miss my laptop!  It will be home in a week (waaaaay too long).

Head over to Laura’s for Menu Plan Monday.  She has a link to cinnamon-apple pork chops that sound like something I need to make (use oil instead of butter to make dairy free).  Yum!  This week the Gluten Free Menu Swap is being hosted by Celiacs in the House.  She has picked pumpkins for this week’s ingredient.  I love pumpkin and all the winter squashes.  Good thing I am planning on baking pumpkin cookies today, huh?

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Gluten Free Menu Swap Monday

This week I am doing a bit of stocking up for the freezer.  If I find any tweeking that needs to happen on the freezer recipes, I will alter them as I go along.

Monday: Grocery shop/soccer game (bring a portable dinner)/boy scouts/bake pumpkin cookies/assemble Pineapple Pork Chops/start cornbread for tomorrow freezer meal assembly

Spinach, Pepperoni & Tomato Stromboli (recipe will be posted for Gluten Free-zer Friday this week), carrots and pea pods, apple sauce cups

Tuesday: Roast 3 chickens (dinner/some for chicken broccoli casserole/freeze the rest) and start stock to freeze/Mommy volunteer in school library/Piano lessons (bring a portable dinner), assemble Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Roast chicken, salad, roasted potato wedges


Wednesday: Picture day for elementary school/dr apts for oldest daughter/little girl dance/youth group

Crock Pot Black Bean and Beef Chili, salad, tortilla chips and quacamole (eat dinner, freeze half of chili for another meal)

Thursday: Daisy girl scout meeting/bake GF bread (2 reg and 1 cinnamon swirl)

Chicken and broccoli casserole (one 9×13 for dinner, freezer one), salad


Friday: mom lunch with friends/IEP meeting/middle school back to school blast party

Pineapple Pork Chops, quinoa pilaf, sesame sauteed bok choy

Gluten Free-zer Friday – September 2009 OAM Mom Dinners

Head over to MJ’s for Freezer Food Friday, then stop on back if you have a gluten free freezer recipe.  We would love to have you join in the fun!

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Participating in Gluten Free-zer Friday:

1. If you would like to participate in Gluten Free-zer Friday, simply email your post link to your gluten free freezer recipe (angelas_kitchenATcomcastDOTnet) or leave a comment below and I will add you to the roundup.

2. Link back to this post on the post with the recipe you have linked.


Last week I adapted Once a Month Mom’s September 2009 Breakfasts and Lunches.  Now it’s dinner time!  Below is the September 2009 Dinner menu with links to the original recipe.  I did a bit of tweeking due to the heavy dairy use, so a couple of the recipes I have are different than the original plan, but still delicious.  Be sure to check out Once a Month Mom and her great site!

The original plan’s Dinners:

The Plan:

Please note that all recipes have been altered (increased quantities) to meet the needs of TWO people participating in a OAM Cooking Day. It is indicated on each recipe whether it has been doubled or quadrupled for your convenience. If you are just one person or would like to make less of a particular recipe, you will need to make the adjustments on your own to the recipe and to the grocery shopping list.  (Angela’s note:  I will just cook this all as one person as my family is so big and hungry!  The assignments helps me break the tasks up to have the kids help and to help me remember what to do next, so that will be how I use them.)

Helpful Hint:   Assign one person to be Person A and one Person to be Person B

Read through the instructions and be familiar with the tasks that you are responsible for during the day.

Washing dishes as you go will likely be necessary, it is not written into the instructions as everyone has different needs and equipment. It is best to have whoever finished a task wash the dishes they just used before proceeding onto further tasks.

Instructions:

8 pounds of chicken will be cooked in the crock pot (it does not need to be thawed before cooking (Chicken and Broccoli Casserole and Chicken & Chilies Casserole).

Thaw

16 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Night Before:

Make the “cheese” sauce you have chosen, either the Cashew Cheesy Sauce or the Mild “Cheese” Sauce.  Put in fridge.

Start the presoaking stage of the corn bread for Mexican Cornbread Casserole.

Put 8 pounds of chicken into a crock pot, add 3/4 cup of water and cook for approximately 8 hours on low or until chicken is done.

Optional (but HIGHLY recommended) – chop up all vegetables, cook 2 pounds of hamburger, cook/steam 2 2/3 cups of brown rice (you will need 8 cups cooked rice).

Day of:

Person What to Do
A Ingredients that need CHOPPED (**indicates usually okay for food processor)

In the indicated order for most efficiency

Yellow Onions, diced = 3 lbs~9 med (4 1/2 cups)**

Yellow Onions, sliced = 2 medium

Carrots, sliced = 4lb (8 cups)**

Garlic, minced (if not purchased that way) = 18 cloves**

Green Onions, sliced = 2

Potatoes, Red cubed = 4 lbs (4 cups)**

Chicken, chopped/diced = 8lbs (8 cups)**

Basil, chopped = 2 tablespoons**

Green Beans, ends removed = 1.5 lbs

Mushrooms, sliced = 6 lbs**

B Start a stock pot of water boiling. When ready, cook  2 pounds of gluten free penne noodles until slightly under done. (Baked Penne and Broccoli).  Prepare and assemble Baked Penne and Broccoli- 4 deep dish 8×8 pans.
A If not cooked the day before – Cook 2 pounds Ground Beef.  Assemble Mexican Cornbread Casserole.
B Cook chicken and assemble Chicken Marsala – 4 quart & 4 deep dish 8×8 pans.
A Prepare and assemble:

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – 4 DD 8×8 pans

Chicken & Chilies Casserole – 4 DD 8×8 pans

B Assemble: Pineapple Pork Chops -4  quart and 4 gallon freezer bags.
A Assemble:

Freezer Beef Stew – 4 gallon freezer bags

Ultimate Beef Stroganoff – 4 quart & 4 gallon freezer bags

BOTH Kitchen Cleanup!
BOTH Congratulations you are DONE!!!!!

Grocery List:

If using Cashew Cheesy Sauce:  1 cup raw cashews,  2 or 4 oz. jar pimentos, 1 cup nutritional yeast flakes, 2 T cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

If using Mild “Cheese” Sauce:  ½ cup nutritional yeast flakes, ¼ cup corn starch, ¼ cup gluten and dairy free margarine (such as Earth Balance), and 1 teaspoon gluten free mustard.

Packaging:

Aluminum foil

12 deep dish 8×8 pans

16 gallon freezer bags

12 quart freezer bags

Produce:

Fresh basil, 2 Tablespoons

Carrots, 8 cups

Garlic, 18 cloves

Green beans, 4 cups

Green onions, 2

Mushrooms, 16 ounces + 8 cups

Onion, 11

Red potatoes, 4 cups

Meat:

Beef stew meat, 12 pounds

Ground beef, 2 pounds

Chicken, boneless skinless (breasts or thighs or mix), 8 lbs

Chicken, boneless skinless breast, 16

Dairy Replacements/Eggs:

Eggs, 3

Gluten and dairy free margarine (such as Earth Balance), 1 3/4 cup

Gluten and dairy free unsweetened milk substitute of choice, 9 1/2 cups

Frozen:

4 -14 ounce bags chopped broccoli

20 ounces corn

14 ounce bag pepper mix (red, green and yellow bell pepper mix)

4 pounds southern style hashbrowns (Ore-Ida is currently gluten and dairy free)

Canned or bottled goods:

Apple juice, 2/3 cups

Balsamic vinegar, 1 cup

Gluten free beef broth, 15 cups

Gluten free chicken broth, 12 cups

14 ounces green chilles

Gluten free ketchup, 2 Tablespoons

Marsala wine, 3 cups

Gluten and dairy free mayonnaise, 4 cups

Diced tomatoes, 56 ounces

Tomato paste, 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons

Pineapple crushed, 4 – 16 ounce cans in juice

Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes and chilies), 20 ounces

Gluten and dairy free soy sauce, 1 cup

Gluten free Worcestershire sauce, about 5 Tablespoons

Grains:

8 cups cooked brown rice

Brown rice penne pasta, 2 pounds (I prefer Tinkyada brand)

Herbs/Spices:

Gluten free chili powder, 2 teaspoons

Ground cumin, 2 teaspoons

Garlic, dry minced, 1 teaspoon

Garlic powder 1 teaspoon

Dried minced onion, 4 teaspoons

Onion powder, ½ teaspoon

Dried oregano, 4 ½ teaspoon

Dried Parsley, 1 Tablespoon

Pepper

Red pepper flakes, 3 teaspoons

Salt

Sesame seeds, 4 Tablespoons

Dried Thyme, 2 teaspoon

Baking Supplies:

Baking powder, 2 ½ teaspoons

Baking soda, ¾ teaspoons

Brown sugar, ½ cup

Corn starch, 1 ½ cup + 1 t

Corn polenta or coarse ground corn meal, 3 cups

Maple syrup, 2 ¼ cup

Olive oil, 2 ¼ cups

Finely ground rice flour, 1 cup

Sesame Oil, 4 Tablespoons

Sweet rice flour, 1 ½ cup

Other:

Tortilla chips, 2 cups crushed

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You will need to pick the “cheese” sauce you could like to use.  One is nut free, which is a great option for those with tree nut allergies.  Our family likes them both.

Both “cheese” sauces can be found here.

Cashew Cheesy Sauce (makes 3 cups)

1 cup raw cashews

2 cups water

2 oz. or 4 oz. jar pimentos, drained (depending on color desired)

1 cup nutritional yeast flakes

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

In a blender, blend cashews to a fine power. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until completely smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan and whisk constantly over medium heat until thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Serve hot.

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Mild “Cheese” Sauce or Spread

After it cools this sauce thickens up enough to use this to spread on bread for grilled “cheese” sandwiches.

1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes (or 1/4 cup nutritional yeast powder)

1/4 cup corn starch

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups water

1/4 cup GFCF margarine (such as Earth Balance Buttery Spread)

1 tsp. prepared GFCF mustard

Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan.  Whisk in water.  Cook over medium heat, whisking, until it thickens and bubbles.  Cook 30 seconds, then remove from heat.  Whip in margarine and mustard.  It will thicken as it cools but will thin when heated.

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Freezer Beef Stew                        (QUAD of original recipe)           

Servings: 16

Author/Source: adapted from Laura @ realmomkitchen.blogspot.com

4            cups            onion, diced

12            cups            gluten free beef broth

8            cups            carrot, diced

1/2            cup            brown sugar

4            cups            red potatoes, cubed

4            teaspoons            salt

4            cups            green beans

2 T plus 2 teaspoons gluten free Worcestershire sauce

6            pounds            beef stew meat

2            teaspoons            pepper

1            teaspoons            thyme, dried

6            Tablespoons            cornstarch

4            cloves            garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons tomato paste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Divide mixture evenly into 4 gallon zip lock freezer bag removing all excess air and freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Cook in crock pot on low for 6-8 hours (longer if partially frozen). If you want your stew thicker, use the 2 Tbsp cornstarch and mix it with 2 Tbsp cold water and add it to the cooked stew, turn it on high and cook for 30 more minutes.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon freezer bags

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Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (1 ½ times the original recipe)

Servings: 16-20            Author/source: theglutigirls, adapted by Angela of angelaskitchen.com

8 cups cooked brown rice

4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cooked and diced

3 – 14 ounce bags of chopped broccoli (thawed)

½ cup gluten and dairy free margarine

½ cups olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups sweet rice flour

8 cups gluten and dairy free unsweetened milk substitute of choice (I like almond milk)

4 cups gluten and dairy free chicken broth

1 Tablespoon dried parsley

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups gluten and dairy free mayonnaise

Divide rice between the 4 oiled pans.  Lightly press so the rice is an even layer.  Season chicken with salt and pepper.  Cook in lightly oiled skillet until cooked through.  Place in top of rice. Top chicken with broccoli.

In a saucepan, melt margarine and oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.  Stir in sweet rice flour and cook for 2 minutes.  While continually whisking, add milk substitute a cup at a time.  When all milk substitute is added chicken broth the same way.  After all milk and broth is added stir in parsley and salt and pepper (to taste) and bring to a boil until thickened.   Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups mayonnaise. Pour sauce over chicken.  Cover with foil and freeze.

To serve: Bake covered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes.

Containers Needed:            4 Deep Dish 8×8 pans

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Ultimate Beef Stroganoff (DOUBLE of original recipe)

Servings: 16

Author/Source: adapted from Melanie @ mykitchencafe.blogspot.com  adapted by Angela of angelaskitchen.com

Quantity            Measurement            Ingredient

6            pounds            beef stew meat

2            teaspoons            salt

2            each            onion, sliced

1/2            teaspoons            garlic powder

2            Tablespoons            gluten free Worcestershire sauce

3            cups            gluten free beef broth

2            Tablespoons            gluten free ketchup

to taste                        pepper

Thickening Agent:

1/3            cups            corn starch

2/3            cups            apple juice

16            ounces            mushrooms, sliced

On Serving Day:

1/2            cups            gluten and dairy free tofu “sour cream”            (such as Tofutti brand) or gluten and dairy free plain yogurt (soy, rice or coconut based)

Directions:

Divide all ingredients among 4 gallon freezer bags. Freeze. In a bowl mix thickening agent (corn starch and apple juice). Divide thickening agent among 4 quart size freezer bags. Add 4 oz of mushrooms to each of the quart bags of thickening agent. Place near or with the gallon freezer bags. (Angela’s note:  when I have separate bags for one meal, I put the small and large bag both into another gallon sized bag to keep them together.  OR after the bags are frozen flat, I use freezer tape or rubber bands to keep them together.) Freeze all ingredients.

To serve: Thaw. Place in crock pot on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours (high for 7-8 if fully frozen). Leave quart bags to defrost. When cooked contents of quart bag to crock pot. Cook on high for 15-30 min. Add 1/2 cup of tofu “sour cream” or gluten and dairy free yogurt of choice and serve over gluten free pasta, rice or potatoes.

Containers Needed:            4 quart & 4 gallon freezer bags

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Baked Penne and Broccoli            (DOUBLE of original recipe)

Servings: 16            Author/Source: adapted from Rachel @ coconutlime.blogspot.com; adapted by Angela of angelaskitchen.com

Quantity            Measurement            Ingredient

4            Tablespoons            olive oil

2            teaspoons            red pepper flakes

1/4            cup            onion, diced

6            cloves            garlic, minced

56            ounces            diced canned tomatoes

2            each            green onions, chopped

2            Tablespoons            basil, fresh

To Taste                        salt

To Taste                        pepper

2            pounds            gluten free penne pasta noodles

4            cups frozen chopped broccoli

One recipe of “cheese sauce” of choice

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, except slightly undercook (If using Tinkyada pasta, I use the “eco friendly” directions and allow to soak in the boiling water for about 16 minutes instead of 20).  Rinse with cold water to cool and stop cooking, drain well, toss with a bit of olive oil.  Set aside.

For the tomato sauce: In a stock pot, heat oil. Add garlic, onion and shallot and sauté for about 3 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Add the tomatoes crushed red pepper flakes, and green onions and bring to a low boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add basil. Stir to combine and add salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked pasta, frozen broccoli (do not thaw broccoli – it will help cool down the dish) and 1 cup of “cheese sauce”. Mix. Add salt and pepper if needed. Divide mixture into 4 greased deep dish 8×8 baking dishes. Evenly dividing between the pans, drizzle with the remaining “cheese sauce”. Cover with foil and freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Uncover and bake at 350 until just browned and bubbly hot, about 30 minutes.   If frozen bake covered for 350 minutes with foil still on, then uncover and bake about 30 more minutes.

Containers Needed:            4 deep dish 8×8 pans

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Mexican Cornbread Casserole (DOUBLE of original recipe)

Servings: 16-20

Author/Source: adapted from Melanie @ copykat.com; adapted by Angela at angelaskitchen.com            (Corn bread is based on making 1 ½ times the Blender Corn Bread from Sue Gregg using gluten free dairy substitute of choice (rice, almond, etc):

The night before your cooking day:

1 1/2 cup rice milk with 2 teaspoon lemon juice or cider vinegar

6 Tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons maple syrup

3 cups corn
dry polenta or coarse ground corn meal

Place above ingredients into blender; blend at high speed 3-5 minutes (the blender will “grind” the grain into a batter in the liquid medium.  Let sit covered on counter overnight.

On your cooking day:

Brown 2 pounds of ground beef; drain grease.  To meat add 4 teaspoons dried minced onion, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon dry minced garlic, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried oregano; add 14 ounces drained chopped green chilies and ¾ cup water.  Allow to simmer until thickened; turn off heat and set aside.

On your cooking day, after browning the meat, add to cornbread batter:

3 eggs

2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

20 ounces frozen corn, thawed

14 ounces bag frozen pepper mix, thawed

Mix in baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly, but briefly, using blender and/or rubber spatula as needed.  Mix in thawed frozen corn.  Divide batter in half.  Pour half of cornbread mixture in bottom of 4 deep dish 8×8 pans. On top of cornbread carefully add meat mixture; on top of meat sprinkle pepper mix; top with remaining cornbread mixture. Cover and freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 min until cornbread is baked through.  Let set 5 min or so and cut into squares. (Double bake time if frozen).

Containers Needed:            4 deep dish 8×8 pans

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Chicken Marsala (Quad of original recipe)           

Servings: 16

1 cup finely ground rice flour

½ cup corn starch

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 teaspoon dried oregano

16 boneless chicken breast halves pounded ¼ inch thick

3/4 cup gluten and dairy free margarine (such as Earth Balance)
, divided

3/4 cup olive oil
, divided

8 cups sliced mushrooms

8 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups marsala wine

2 cups gluten free chicken broth

Using a meat hammer, pound your chicken to ¼ inch thickness

In a shallow dish, combine rice flour, corn starch, salt, pepper and mix together

Heat skillet to medium and place 2 Tablespoons margarine and 2 Tablespoons olive oil in skillet together (add more with each addition of chicken if needed).

Working with 2 chicken breasts at a time, coat chicken in the flour mixture and place in the skillet to lightly brown, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. As each one is done place it in 4 deep dish 8×8 baking dishes.  Repeat until all chicken is browned.  Adding more margarine and oil if needed, saute mushrooms and garlic in the same skillet. When the mushrooms are done use a slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms and place them on top of the chicken. Use the marsala to deglaze the pan then stir in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce the temperature. Spoon 1/2 of the sauce over the chicken.  Cover with foil and freeze. Divide remaining sauce among 4 quart freezer bags. Place near pans and freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Heat up additional bag of frozen sauce and toss with pasta. Serve chicken over pasta.

Containers Needed:            4 quart freezer bags & 4 deep dish 8×8 pans

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Chicken & Chilies Casserole (QUAD of original recipe)           

Servings: 16            Author/Source: adapted from Jessica @ jessicasfoodspot.blogspot.com; adapted by Angela of angelaskitchen.com

½ cup gluten and dairy free margarine (such as Earth Balance)

½ cup olive oil

8 Tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

6 cups gluten free chicken stock/broth

2 cups gluten and dairy free mayonnaise

20 ounces Rotel (diced tomatoes & chilies), drained

4 pounds frozen southern style hashbrowns (at this time Ore-Ida are gluten and dairy free)

6 cups chicken, cooked and diced

2 cups gluten free tortilla chips, crushed

In a sauce pan heat margarine and olive oil.  Whisk in cornstarch, thyme onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.  While whisking constantly, slowly add chicken stock cooking until thickened.  Whisk in mayonnaise.  Stir in potatoes and drained Rotel tomatoes and chilies.  Divide between 4 8×8 baking pans.  Top with crushed tortilla chips.  Cover with foil and freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Uncover and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown. (Double cook time if frozen).

Containers Needed:            4 deep dish 8×8 baking pans

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Pineapple Pork Chops (QUAD of original recipe)

Serves: 16

Author/Source:  lazydaygourmet

16 pork chops

1 Cup gluten free soy sauce

1 Cup maple syrup

4 Tablespoon sesame seeds

4 Tablespoon sesame oil

Coarse sea salt and pepper to taste

For Pineapple Sauce:

1 Cup maple syrup

1 Cup balsamic vinegar

4 – 16 ounce cans pineapple crushed in juice

Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame seeds, and sesame oil.  Divide between 4 gallon sized freezer bags.  Salt and pepper the pork chops. Add the pork chops to the bag, and turn to coat.  Seal bags.

Mix pineapple sauce ingredients and divide between 4 quart sized freezer bags.  Place quart bags and gallon bags together.  Freeze.

Cooking Instructions: Thaw. Heat grill to Medium Hot. Place the marinated pork chops on the grill once it has preheated.  Discard the rest of the marinade. Grill the pork chops until  done, around 6 minutes per side.  (You can also pan fry or bake in a 350 degree oven until cooked through.)  While the pork chops are grilling, pour thawed pineapple mixture to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until pineapple starts to break down and create its own syrup goodness! Serve the pork chops hot with pineapple on top.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon sized freezer bags and 4 quart sized freezer bags

Gluten & Dairy Free Lunch Box Ideas

This past week was the first week of school for my little sweeties.  Okay, maybe not so little (my oldest is over 6 foot tall!).

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Here is what we packed for lunch this first week, just some ideas for your lunches if you are stuck on what to pack.  I sent some extra treat-type things as it was the first week of school.

Everyone wanted a juice pouch, ham and turkey on mommy’s gluten free bread (the big kids had fresh spinach and tomato slices on theirs), pea pods, apple bunnies (apple slices for the big kids), and a big chocolate chip cookie.  A zucchini muffin is for snack time.

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I made a bit of extra pizza dough at dinner time on Tuesday so I could make calzones with leftover pizza toppings.  Yum!  Pizza calzone with water, pineapple and pea pods and lunch box sized chocolate chip cookies.  (My little one only took half of a calzone and saved the rest for another day.)

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I had almond butter or sunbutter sandwiches with banana slices planned until we got the allergy note home from first grade.  I generally try not to send peanut butter to the younger grades as peanut allergies are so common now, but the note says “no tomato, peanuts or tree nuts.”  I want to check with the school nurse to be sure if this may also include sunbutter before sending it, so back to the ham and turkey for us.  (It turns out our class got the wrong note – our class is no peanuts and eggs – but we can have eggs in our lunches if we wash hands after lunch.  Sunbutter, tree nut butters, and sesame is okay to bring.  Thank goodness!).   Ham and turkey, baby dill pickles, baby carrot/garden tomatoes, red grapes/blue berries/pineapple, mini zucchini muffin, and chocolate “milk.”

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Water, curried chicken salad sandwiches, watermelon, baby carrots, lunchbox sized chocolate chip cookies.  My littlest one (the pickiest eater EVER!) had the other half of her pizza calzone because chicken salad is “slimy”.  (sigh…)

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Menu Plan Monday – September 14, 2009

Head over to Laura’s for Menu Plan Monday.  M-elle of La Cocina de Michelle is hosting the Gluten Free Menu Swap this week.  She has picked quinoa for the theme ingredient.  Quinoa (besides being a nutrition powerhouse) is a life saver for the busy family.  It cooks up quickly for those busy school nights, make a fabulous tabouli, and I love it in any pilaf.

Wednesday I will be posting photos of what my kids brought for their school lunches last week.  Hopefully it will give some ideas on what to pack for a gluten and dairy free lunch if you are stuck for ideas.  I may continue to post lunches periodically if there is an interest in it, such as a monthly “lunch round up” of any that were particularly yummy and well received by the kiddos…

Last Friday for Gluten Free-zer Friday I adapted the September 2009 breakfast and lunch portion of Once a Month Mom’s menu to gluten and dairy free.  This Friday the dinner recipes will be posted.  It may be something I continue each month if there is a need for it.  Please let me know if it is helpful in the comments so I know if it is something I should continue.  Thank you!

Gluten Free Menu Swap Mondayorgjunkiempm1

Monday: orthodontist apt./prep for upcoming class/make dinner for tomorrow

Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes, salad, apple wedges

Tuesday:  Piano lessons (bring a portable dinner)/Mom volunteer in school library/teach gluten and dairy free bread class

crunchy chicken bites, grapes,carrot sticks


Wednesday: bake banana muffins (double recipe – freeze most for breakfasts) dance class/youth group/mom drama meeting

spaghetti with garden veggies and meatballs, salad and French bread (all gluten free)   

Thursday: possible harvest potatoes (may to Wednesday)/soccer practice/back to school night at the middle school/bake gluten free roll up bread for lunches

hamburgers, salad, sliced tomatoes from the garden

Friday: clean one garden bed (top dress with compost, etc) plant more hardy greens/big guy leaves for Order of the Arrow weekend

Stir fry (the kind will be determined by my garden and what needs to be cooked up in the freezer) over quinoa

Gluten Free-zer Friday – Breakfast & Lunch Plan September 2009

While checking out some other blogs that do freezer cooking, I came across Tricia at Once a Month Mom. She has a great offering where every month she makes a freezer plan, makes the grocery list and freezer labels, and writes up instructions so you and a friend can successfully complete your freezer cooking day all done up on lovely excel spread sheets.  All for free.  Be still my heart!  Trust me, I know this takes a lot of time and planning, and I love what she has put into her plans to make a Once a Month cooking day work.  Tricia also has a section with freezer plans for those of you feeding babies so you can make some food for your sweet babe and have all that homemade goodness on hand.  She was gracious enough to let me adapt the September 2009 menu to gluten and dairy free and post it here.  Thanks Tricia!

Due to my schedule and all my “helpers” I don’t usually do such a big cooking day.  So, I have divided the September plan into 2 parts for this week (Breakfasts and Lunches) and next week (Dinners).  I did switch the White Chicken Chili to the one on my blog, because it is a family fav, but the rest is adapted from Tricia’s plan and instructions.  As most of my family is out of the house during this time of year during lunchtime, most of the lunches will most likely be used as suppers – except the corn dog muffins (which should be great in the lunch box).  Happy cooking!

Head over to MJ’s for Freezer Food Friday, then stop on back if you have a gluten free freezer recipe.  We would love to have you join in the fun!  MJ has a Sweet and Tangy Brisket for the slow cooker this week that sounds great and it is naturally gluten and dairy free (just use GF ingredients).

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Participating in Gluten Free-zer Friday:

1. If you would like to participate in Gluten Free-zer Friday, simply email your post link to your gluten free freezer recipe (angelas_kitchenATcomcastDOTnet) or leave a comment below and I will add you to the roundup.

2. Link back to this post on the post with the recipe you have linked.

So, what’s on the menu for September?  Below is the September breakfast and lunch menu with links to the original recipe.  Be sure to check out Once a Month Mom and her great site!

The Plan:

Please note that all recipes have been altered (increased quantities) to meet the needs of TWO people participating in a OAM Cooking Day. It is indicated on each recipe whether it has been doubled or quadrupled for your convenience. If you are just one person or would like to make less of a particular recipe, you will need to make the adjustments on your own to the recipe and to the grocery shopping list.  (Angela’s note:  I will just cook this all as one person as my family is so big and hungry!  The assignments helps me break the tasks up to have the kids help and to help me remember what to do next, so that will be how I use them.)

Helpful Hint:   Assign one person to be Person A and one Person to be Person B

Read through the instructions and be familiar with the tasks that you are responsible for during the day.

Washing dishes as you go will likely be necessary, it is not written into the instructions as everyone has different needs and equipment. It is best to have whoever finished a task wash the dishes they just used before proceeding onto further tasks.

Instructions:

Thaw

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken.

Night Before:

Bake the gluten free English muffins.

Make the “cheese” sauce you have chosen, either the Cashew Cheesy Sauce or the Mild “Cheese” Sauce.  Divide out one cup for the Eggwiches and 2 cups for the Black Beans & Brown Rice.  Put in fridge.

Start the presoaking stage of the corn bread or Corn Dog Muffins.

Optional (but HIGHLY recommended) – chop up all vegetables, cook 4 pounds of hamburger, cook/steam the 4 cups of dry brown rice.  Do not cut pears or apples until needed as they will discolor.

Day of:

Person What to Do
A Ingredients that need CHOPPED (**indicates usually okay for food processor)

In the indicated order for most efficiency:

Yellow Onions, diced = 1 2/3 lbs ~5 med (~2 1/2 cups)**

Garlic, minced (if not purchased that way) = 20 cloves**

Chicken, chopped/diced = 4 lbs (4 cups)**

Cilantro, chopped = 2 bunches**

B Make “cheese” sauce.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

B Prepare Corn Dog Muffins for oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
A Start 2 Crock pots cooking:

White Chicken Chili

B While Corn Dog Muffins are cooking, dice 3 med apples (2 c**), mix and ready for oven the Apple Streusel Muffins.
B When Corn Dog Muffins are done, place them on wire rack for cooling or transfer to a cool cookie sheet for flash freezing.
B Bake Apple Streusel Muffins for 15-18 minutes.
A Cook 4 lbs ground beef.
B While Apple Streusel Muffins are baking, core and slice pears (into rounds =4 pears), prepare Silver Dollar Pear Pancake batter and ready griddle.
B When Apple Streusel Muffins are done, set on cooling rack.
B Cook Silver Dollar Pear Pancake. Set on cooling rack or place on cooled cookie sheet for flash freezing when finished.
A Prepare and assemble Carole’s Chili – 4 gallon freezer bags.
B Once cooled package:

Corn Dog Muffins – 4 gallon freezer bags

Apple Streusel Muffins – 4 gallon freezer bags

Silver Dollar Pear Pancakes – 4 gallon freezer bags

B Cook eggs and prepare Eggwiches.
B Wrap and freeze Eggwiches – 4 gallon freezer bags
A Turn off crock pots and allow contents to cool a bit.
A Assemble:

Black Beans & Brown Rice – 4 8×8 pans.

B Assemble:

Freezer Beef Stew – 4 gallon freezer bags

A Portion:

Easy White Chicken Chili – 4 gallon freezer bags

BOTH Kitchen Cleanup!
BOTH Congratulations you are DONE!!!!!

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Grocery List:

If using Cashew Cheesy Sauce:  1 cup raw cashews,  2 or 4 oz. jar pimentos, 1 cup nutritional yeast flakes, 2 T cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

If using Mild “Cheese” Sauce:  ½ cup nutritional yeast flakes, ¼ cup corn starch, ¼ cup gluten and dairy free margarine (such as Earth Balance), and 1 teaspoon gluten free mustard.

Packaging:

4 8×8 baking dishes

Muffin liners (about 4 dozen)

Plastic wrap

24 Gallon zip close freezer bags

Produce:

3 medium apples

4 Bosc or Bartlett pears

2 bunches cilantro

20 cloves garlic

5 onions

Meat:

4 pounds ground beef

16 slices gluten free ham

8 gluten & dairy free hotdogs

Canned goods:

8 (14.5 oz) cans black beans

8 cups gluten & dairy free chicken broth

4 (7 oz) cans diced green chilies

4 (15 oz) cans kidney beans

16 oz. gluten free salsa

4 (18.75 oz) cans tomatillos

8 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes

4 (12 oz) cans tomato paste

8 (15 oz) cans white beans

Dairy Replacements/Eggs:

31 large eggs

½ cup + 2 T gluten & dairy free margarine (such as Earth Balance)

7 1/3 cup gluten & dairy free milk substitute of choice (rice, almond, etc.)

Frozen:

20 oz. frozen corn

Grains:

4 cups brown rice

Herbs/Spices:

Chili powder 2 T + 2 t

Ground Cinnamon 1 ¾ t

Ground coriander 2 t

Ground Cumin 2 t

Garlic powder 2 T + 2 ¼ t

Onion powder 1.2 t

Dried Oregano 2 t

Red Chili Pepper Flakes 4 teaspoons

Salt 7 1/4 t

Baking Supplies:

12 ½ t gluten free baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 cups GF bean based flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Flour Blend

1 cup brown sugar

4 cups corn polenta or coarse corn meal

4 T honey ro gave nectar

13 T maple syrup

1 cup millet flour

1 ¾ cups oil (I use olive)

2 ¼ cup + 2 T potato starch

1 cup + 2 T finely ground rice flour

2 cups sorghum flour

¼ cup + 2 T tapioca starch

1/3 cup turbinado sugar

1 ½  t gluten free vanilla

5 t dry active yeast

6 t xanthan gum

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Breakfast and Lunch Recipes for September 2009:

You will need to pick the “cheese” sauce you could like to use.  One is nut free, which is a great option for those with tree nut allergies.  Our family likes them both.

Both “cheese” sauces can be found here.

Cashew Cheesy Sauce (makes 3 cups)

1 cup raw cashews

2 cups water

2 oz. or 4 oz. jar pimentos, drained (depending on color desired)

1 cup nutritional yeast flakes

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

In a blender, blend cashews to a fine power. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until completely smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan and whisk constantly over medium heat until thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Serve hot.

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Mild “Cheese” Sauce or Spread

After it cools this sauce thickens up enough to use this to spread on bread for grilled “cheese” sandwiches.

1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes (or 1/4 cup nutritional yeast powder)

1/4 cup corn starch

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups water

1/4 cup GFCF margarine (such as Earth Balance Buttery Spread)

1 tsp. prepared GFCF mustard

Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan.  Whisk in water.  Cook over medium heat, whisking, until it thickens and bubbles.  Cook 30 seconds, then remove from heat.  Whip in margarine and mustard.  It will thicken as it cools but will thin when heated.

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Gluten and Dairy Free Apple Strussel Muffins

By Angela Litzinger of angelaskitchen.com  (adapted from GFCF Rhubarb Strussel Muffins).

1/2 cup GFCF margarine (such as Earth Balance)

1 cup packed brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp GFCF vanilla

1 cup finely ground rice flour

1/4 cup potato starch

1/4 cup tapioca starch

1 tsp xanthan gum

1 1/2 tsp GFCF baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup GFCF milk substitute mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 cups chopped apples

Makes 18-20 muffins

Strussel topping:  1/3 c turbinado sugar, 1 t cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, 2 T rice flour, 2 T potato starch, and 2 T tapioca starch mixed well.  Add 2 T soft GFCF margarine and blend with a fork until crumbly.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Beat margarine and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.

Combine rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl.  Mix well.

Add dry ingredients to egg mixture and mix just until smooth.   Add milk mixture, scrape bottom and sides of bowl and mix again just until smooth.

Add apples.  Stir just until combined.

Fill muffin liners 2/3 full.  Divide strussel topping over muffins (about ½ T for each muffin).  Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool on a wire rack before serving. Place in gallon freezer bags and freeze. To serve: Reheat in microwave 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon freezer bags

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Gluten and Dairy Free Sliver Dollar Pear Pancakes

Adapted from perfectpancake.net - pancake recipe by Angela Litzinger of angelaskitchen.com

4 cups gluten free bean based flour blend

8 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

4 cups GFCF milk substitute (ie: almond, rice, etc.)

4 eggs

8 Tablespoons oil

4 Tablespoons maple syrup

4 Bosc or Bartlett pears

3 Tablespoons maple syrup

¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl.  Mix the wet ingredients together until blended then add to the dry ingredients.  Stir until blended together.  Set aside.

Core pears with an apple corer. Starting at the bottom, slice pears crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick rings, and toss in a small bowl with maple syrup and cinnamon.

Heat an electric griddle to 375° or a heavy skillet until very hot. Brush with oil; wipe off excess with a folded paper towel. Place a few pear slices on the griddle, 2 1/2 inches apart. Let cook 1 minute. Ladle about 3-4 Tablespoons of the batter into center of each pear ring. Using the bottom of a ladle, gently push batter over edges of pears. Let cook until pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around the edges, about 2 1/2 minutes.

Using a spatula, turn pancakes over; cook until golden on bottom, about 1 minute. Repeat with remaining pears and batter. Allow to cool or flash freeze. Place in gallon freezer bags and freeze. To serve: Reheat for 1-2 minutes in microwave.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon freezer bags

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Eggwiches - Serves 16

Adapted from Marianne @Writermommy.com by Angela Litzinger of angelaskitchen.com

You will need to bake a double batch of the gluten and dairy free muffins from karina’s kitchen.

(Ingredients for the muffins are on the shopping list)

16 gluten free muffins (see karina’s kitchen recipe above)

16 eggs

1 cup cashew or mild “cheese” sauce

16 slices gluten and dairy free ham

Split and toast the English muffins.  Scramble 16 eggs. Place scrambled egg (approx. 1/4 cup) on bottom of English muffin. Place one slice of ham on top.  Spread 1 Tablespoon of “cheese” sauce of choice on top half of muffin then place on top of ham.  Wrap with plastic wrap and place in gallon freezer bags.

To serve: Unwrap. Microwave for 35-45 seconds or until heated through.

Containers Needed:            Plastic Wrap & 4 gallon freezer bags

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Corn Dog Muffins – makes about 28

Based on doubling the Blender Corn Bread from Sue Gregg using gluten free dairy substitute of choice (rice, almond, etc):

Corn bread recipe from Sue Gregg; Corn Dog Muffins from Tricia @ Onceamonthmom.com; adapted by Angela at angelaskitchen.com

The night before your cooking day:

2 cup rice milk with 2 teaspoon lemon juice or cider vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

6 tablespoons maple syrup

4 cups corn
polenta or coarse ground corn meal

Place above ingredients into blender; blend at high speed 3-5 minutes (the blender will “grind” the grain into a batter in the liquid medium.  Let sit covered on counter overnight.

On your cooking day, add:

4 eggs

1 Tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon salt

8 gluten and dairy free hotdogs diced

2. Mix in baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly, but briefly, using blender and/or rubber spatula as needed.

3.  Stir in diced hotdogs.  Pour batter immediately into greased muffin pan or use paper liners for the muffins. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) 15-20 minutes or until knife or toothpick comes clean out of center.

Allow to cool. Once cool place in gallon freezer bag and freeze. To serve: reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon freezer bags

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White Bean Chicken Chili adapted (just a tiny bit) from allrecipes.com (posted on angelaskitchen.com here.)

Note:  You will be making two batches of chili, for a total of 4 gallon sized freezer bags.  I left the recipe alone as it will be easier to keep the amounts divided, especially if you only have one crock.  If you have 2 6 quart crock pots, go ahead and mix each chili amount at the same time to cook.  If you have one crock, mix, cook, and cool as directed earlier in the morning, then put the second batch into the crock to cook so it will be finished in the evening.  The ingredients for both batches are on the shopping list.

3 T olive oil

2 pounds diced chicken meat (or same amount uncooked, chopped)

2 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced (or 6 cloves of ROASTED garlic.  Yum!)

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth (I dump in a frozen 4 cup container of frozen stock instead)

2 (18.75 ounce) cans tomatillos, drained and chopped

2 (16 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

2 (7 ounce) cans diced green chiles

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

4 (15 ounce) cans white beans (drained)

10 oz. frozen corn

salt to taste

ground black pepper to taste

Heat oil.  Sauté onion until softened.  Put every thing into 6 quart crockpot.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  If using uncooked chicken, check the chicken is cooked through.  Stir before serving.

Allow to cool and divide between 2 gallon freezer bags.  Freeze.  Mix second batch following above recipe, cook, cool, package and freeze as above.

To serve:  Thaw.  Reheat in microwave, crockpot or stovetop until heated through.  Serve with these toppings for people to choose from: limes, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon freezer bags

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Black Beans & Brown Rice

adapted from Jessie @ vanderbiltwife.blogspot.com, adapted to be GFCF by Angela at angelaskitchen.com

4            cups brown rice, uncooked

120 ounces canned black beans  (8 14.5 oz cans – drain 4 cans, but keep the liquid from the other 4 cans)

1/2            cup            onion, diced

12            each            garlic, cloves

2            bunches cilantro, chopped

16            ounces gluten free salsa

2        cups “cheese” sauce of choice, warmed enough to pour

Steam or cook brown rice according to package directions.

Heat black beans (including liquid from four cans) in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Chop onion and cilantro, mince garlic, and place all in a saucepan and sauté. After beans have heated for 20 minutes, add sautéed ingredients and salsa and stir into black beans. Divide cooked rice among 4 8×8 baking pans. Pour black bean concoction over rice and drizzle “cheese” sauce  on top.

Cover with foil and freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Bake covered for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Double baking time if not thawed.

Containers Needed:            4 8×8 baking dishes

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Carole’s Chili – be sure your seasonings are gluten free!

Author/Source: adapted from Carole @ commonsenseliving.com

Quantity            Measurement            Ingredient

4                        pounds                        ground beef, browned and drained

58                        ounces                        diced tomatoes

48                        ounces                        tomato paste

60                        ounces                        kidney beans

2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons            garlic powder

2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons            gluten free chili powder

4                        teaspoons                        red pepper flakes

1                        teaspoons                        cumin

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and divide among 4 gallon freezer bags. Freeze. Freeze. To serve: Thaw. Reheat in microwave or in crock pot 2-4 hours or until heated through.

Containers Needed:            4 gallon freezer bags

Menu Plan Monday – September 7, 2009

Welcome back to school clip art

School starts here on Tuesday for the girls, on Wednesday for my big boy.  The kids are pretty excited to see their friends on a daily basis, but I still can’t believe my baby will be in 1st grade and my two big kids are BOTH going to be in middle school.  Yikes!

Go to Laura’s for Menu Plan Monday to see what is on everyone else’s plate this week.  she has some great links to menu planning printables this week.  If you are looking for some menu planning tools, check them out.  The Gluten Free Menu Swap is being hosted this week by Asparagus Thin.  She has picked tapioca (or cassava or yucca) as the theme ingredient.  I use tapioca in my baking and dairy free tapioca pudding with chai spices, but have never used the cooked root.  Maybe I saw too many National Geographic specials when I was little showing the root being cooked and mashed in the rainforest, warning of the toxic dangers on the raw root…  well, that, and not having it available around my area.  I will be interested to see what the rest of the Swap participants do with it.

Come back Friday for Gluten free-zer Friday.  I have a surprise for ya!

Gluten Free Menu Swap Monday

mpm121

Monday: Labor Day/My mom’s birthday/bake cookies and freeze

Herbed Broiled Fish, stir-fried garden veggies

Tuesday: First day of school for both girls/son one of the 8th grade helpers/drop off dance applications

Deep Dish Pizza, salad

Wednesday: First day of school for my son/Youth Group/start corn bread for overnight soak

Curried Chicken Cashew Salad Sandwiches, salad, fruit

Thursday: son’s soccer practice/PAC meeting at middle school

Calico Beans, Blender Cornbread and salad

Friday:

General Tso’s Chicken with Cashews and Bok Choy, Rice

Gluten Free-zer Friday – Pumpkin or Squash Puree

Head over to MJ’s for Freezer Food Friday, then come on back with your gluten free freezer recipe.  I’ld love to have to join in!

freezer-food-friday

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Participating in Gluten Free-zer Friday:

1. If you would like to participate in Gluten Free-zer Friday, simply email your post link to your gluten free freezer recipe (angelas_kitchenATcomcastDOTnet) or leave a comment below and I will add you to the roundup.

2. Link back to this post on the post with the recipe you have linked.


Yep, you can just open a can of pumpkin for your recipes, but this tastes so much better, much more fresh.  Also, you can use different varieties of winter squash, such as butternut (we like butternut pie even more than pumpkin), hubbard, etc.  If you are freezing pumpkin puree be sure to use the smaller cooking pumpkins (often sold as “pie pumpkins”) as the ones sold for Jack O’Lanterns are very watery and not as flavorful.

I do not can pumpkin puree as currently the USDA  does not recommend it anymore due to the low acid of the product, the variations of thickness of pureed squashes, etc.  I would rather be safe than sorry, and I have the freezer space, so there you go…  This is more of a technique than a recipe.

Pumpkin or Winter Squash Puree

I bake 5-8 pound squashes.  Cut squash in half lengthwise (through the stem area) and remove all seeds and the stringy fibbers in the center with a spoon.  Place cut side down on an oiled rimmed baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours depending on the size of the squash, until the squash flesh can be easily pierced with a fork.

Cool squash just until you can easily handle it.  Scoop the cooked squash into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  Pour squash pulp in a colander lined with cheesecloth.  Place colander over a bowl to catch the pumpkin liquid.  Allow the squash puree to drain until completely cooled.

Dispose of squash liquid (or save to add to smoothies or soup).  I package the puree in 2 cup amounts as that is what I use most of the time.  Pack the puree into a quart sized freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, label and freeze.

Menu Plan Tuesday – September 1, 2009

For Menu Plan Monday, see Laura of Organizing Junkie fame.  Book of Yum is the host of the Gluten Free Menu Swap this week.  She has picked eggplant for the theme this week and has one of my favorite dips, Baba Ghanoush.  They all actually planned menus on Monday this week, so you might want to check it out!  ;o)

For lunches this last week of summer, my kids get their favorite thing:  breakfast!  As I am stocking my freezer with hot-before-school breakfast items, they get them for lunch that day also with veggies and fruit.  That way I am only making a few extra for lunch while stocking the freezer at the same time.  Nice!

On Friday I will be back with Gluten Free-zer Friday, so hope to see you then!

Monday: Make pumpkin waffles to freeze for school breakfasts/back to school night for my 8th grader

Ham and garden veggie frittata, grapes, salad

Tuesday:  go to the library/Make zucchini and apple streusel muffins and freeze for school breakfasts/Make mini corn dogs for the fair tomorrow (I don’t really need to, but it’s something fun for the girls and I’ll freeze the extras as a lunchbox treat)/back to school night for my 6th grader

Hamburgers, salad, mellon

Wednesday: Go to the State Fair (woo!) or maybe Valley Fair (either way – woo!)

Mini Corn Dogs (made Tuesday for those of us who are GF and brought in a soft sided mini cooler in the backpack- everybody else can buy one at the Fair), and other gluten free things from the fair – we usually get fries (there are GF fries at the Fair – woo!), giant strawberries (without the whipped cream for us), apple cider popsicles, etc.

Thursday: Make pear pancakes and regular pancakes to freeze for breakfasts/back to school night for my 1st grader

Chicken and Garden Veggie Stir-fry, rice

Friday:  Make English muffins to freeze for breakfasts/Make “eggwiches” to freeze for breakfasts

Tacos and Salad or Taco Salad – I’ll decide later…