Baked Rosemary Cashews {Gluten Free}

October 2, 2014November 3, 20141 Comment

Let’s talk about a simple, toasty snack – nuts! Not only are they high in Omega 3’s but they are very appetite crushing. This little recipe is simple and the perfect thing to set out for a dinner party or just out in your house during the upcoming holiday season.

The blend of rosemary and 21 Seasoning Salute (Trader Joe’s) is mouthwatering. Believe me. Love, love this blend!

You will need: 1 cup unsalted cashews, 1 tbsp. dried rosemary, 2 tbsp. olive oil or melted coconut oil and 1 tbsp. 21 Seasoning Salute.

First dump all your cashews in a bowl and coat with your olive oil. Make sure they are covered – this is what makes the herbs stick to the nut.

Pour in your spices and stir with a big wooden or plastic spoon. (Did I mention that I absolutely LOVE Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute. Please buy this little yummy spice. It can really add to any dish you cook up!)

Spray cooking spray on an oven pan and dump your spice nuts into the pan.

Make sure the oven is set to 400 – you want it pretty hot so your nuts can get nice and toasty. Place the nuts in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the cashews are nice and brown.

Set out and enjoy!

Avocado Radish Toast {Gluten Free}

June 23, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Okay – this combo may look a little kooky; but, believe me when I say – it is delicious. You will not want to stop eating this cute, dainty appetizer. Bring it to a party or just eat it as a healthy afternoon snack.

Its gluten free (used Udi’s gluten free bread) and gives you that little crunch you need. Simply toast the bread in the oven or toaster, spread the avocado on and add slices of yummy radishes.

It’s that easy. Really. AND – even more of a bonus: radishes are super good for you. It reduces pain and swelling, can aid in weight loss, helps hydration, eliminates mucus and clear the sinuses. You can read all the benefits here.

You will need: ½ avocado, 2 pieces of gluten free bread and 4 radishes.

After taking the bread out of the oven or toaster, simply cut the bread into little strips and place them on a pretty plate. In a bowl, mash up ½ an avocado with a fork and spread this goodness on to your bread strips. Slice radishes and arrange them on top of the mashed avocado.

Have fun with this dish. If you don’t like radishes, try another veggie on top. Maybe a diced red pepper! However, the radishes really give it a zesty, spicy taste.

It is melt in your mouth good. Don’t believe me, give it a try.

Kale Chips {Gluten Free}

May 16, 2014Leave a comment

Finished product. These got a little too crunchy for my taste. Try to take them out of the oven sooner rather than later.

Have you ever made kale chips? If you have not you are in for a big surprise. They are crunchy, tasty and just really melt in your mouth with exploding flavor.

I am obsessed with Trader Joe’s Kale Chips. Oh my goodness – they are good. But at $3.99 a bag, I can’t love them too much or my little wallet will pay big time. Ummm – here is a blog post written about them.

That is why you can and should make these scrumptious chips at home. They are so easy to make and taste very very good. You can make them have any flavor you like – cheesy, curry seasoned, salty, a burst of garlic – whatever you like.

You will need: 2 cups of kale (I used baby kale leaves), a pinch of salt, 2 tbsp. olive oil, a seasoning of your choice (for this batch I used a curry powder from Home Goods).

Kale Chip Preparation

Dump your leaves in a big bowl and douse in oil. I used my hands to mix up the goodness. Yes, my hands did get a little messy but you want all the chips coated with the olive oil.

Next sprinkle in your savory seasoning and fold it in using a large fork. You want your leaves to get coated in the spices as well. That way they will have loads more flavor.

Line a cookie tray with foil and dump your leaves on the tray. I sprinkled the leaves with salt (just a little bit). Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees. You want it nice and toasty in there.

Place your leaves in for about 20 minutes or maybe less. And, enjoy your yummy little crunchy snack. These are low-fat and gluten free. Much guilt free on these babies.