monday funday

On Mondays, I frequently have a little cooxtravaganza. During the week, I'm constantly on the go. But when I get hungry, I release the Kraken. Unfortunately, Scott is usually on the receiving end.

To save sanity and our relationship, I try to keep ready-to-eat meals and snacks on hand. In my cooking efforts, I attempt to combine my dietary needs with my country upbringing while keeping in mind Scott's preferences (AKA pickiness). On the bright side, he doesn't suffer from selective eating disorder, and he's willing to try most items I prepare. (If you or someone you love suffers from this or any other eating disorder, Weighing the Facts and the Duke Center for Eating Disorders may be good resources for you.)

This being Columbus Day (and a day off work), I cooked a little more than usual Mondays. Today: Mim's Kitchen Chocolate Chip Cookies, Rice Krispie Treats, Gluten Free Cafe Pasta Primavera, Conte's Pasta Spinach & Cheese Ravioli, Dutch Country Soft Pretzels, and Easy Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan.

Mim's Kitchen Chocolate Chip Cookies 



These were found at Jungle Jim's International Market in the frozen gluten free food aisle.  Scott surprised me with them.

350 degrees for 12-15 minutes

This is how the cookies looked straight out of the freezer package. -->

Even uncooked, the dough is yummy.





The cookies actually turned out as pretty as the package! :)


Rice Krispie Treats

Kellogg's Rice Krispies Gluten Free are now found at most grocery stores, usually in the grocery area, as opposed to the natural foods or gluten free aisle.

I vary from the recommended recipe on the box.  I use a 1-to-1 ratio of marshmallows and Rice Krispies. Be sure to check your marshmallows to ensure they are gluten free!

My version:
3 tablespoons butter/margarine
6 cups marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's Rice Krispies Gluten Free

Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat.  Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  Remove from heat. 
Add Kellogg's Rice Krispies Gluten Free cereal and stir until well coated.
Press mixture evenly into a pan coated with cooking spray. 


Gluten Free Cafe Pasta Primavera
This was found in Jungle Jim's International Market in the frozen gluten free aisle, but I've previously seen the brand in area Kroger stores.  

Pierce plastic film and microwave for 3 minutes.  Remove film and stir.  Microwave for an additional 3 minutes and let sit for 1 minute.

Surprisingly, it has onion powder but no onion.  Yay!  And the rice noodles weren't gummy or otherwise unsatisfying.  It looks like I've found a new option for lunch at work!
 
 Conte's Pasta Spinach & Cheese Ravioli

Purchased at Jungle Jim's. 

The package says to boil frozen ravioli in 2 quarts of water for 6-8 minutes.  Mine were still cold in the center, so I'd suggest a little longer.  They weren't bad, but they're not Scotty-approved.  (In fact, I didn't ask if he wanted to try one.)

This is the first ravioli I've had in two years.   It's not meat ravioli, but it still gets a happy sigh.

Dutch Country Soft Pretzels

Available at Jungle Jim's...when they're not sold out.  They're tasty & quite popular.  I usually have to double-check that it is, indeed, a gluten free package.

Bake at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes.









It was so good, it couldn't wait for a picture.

Easy Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan

1 pound chicken breast tenders
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan chese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon olive oil

The recipe on Big Oven (an iPad app) calls for 2 chicken breasts that have been halved.  Instead I use chicken breast tenders.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
On a small dish, mix melted better and oil.
In a bowl, mix Parmesan and spices.
Line a shallow baking pan with aluminum foil, and I recommend using some butter/oil/cooking spray to keep the chicken from sticking.
Dip chicken in the oil/butter mixture and toss in the bowl to cover with cheese.
Place the chicken in the pan.
Pour the leftover oil then cheese over the chicken.
Bake for 30 minutes.  With 5 minutes left, I sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese.

My favorite pasta - Quinoa Ancient Harvest, available at Kroger in a variety of styles.

The chicken is shown here atop Quinoa Ancient Harvest spaghetti with Kroger Original Spaghetti Sauce and more grated Parmesan cheese.


SCORE!  This is the best I've done.  Addictive! :)

Thanks for reading, and have a great day!!