Gluten Free Chocolate Mint S'mores | Swirls and Spice

Chocolate Mint S’mores {Gluten Free Option}

Melted mint chocolate and gooey marshmallow gets squished between chocolate graham crackers to create a treat fit for royalty. I suspected my prince and princesses would love these super simple baked s’mores. I was right. They didn’t even notice that the chocolate decadence they were inhaling was gluten free. You don’t have to make your own chocolate graham crackers if you’re in a rush. However, I was pleasantly surprised by … Continue reading Chocolate Mint S’mores {Gluten Free Option}

aiming4simpleMarch 2016March 201618 Comments

gluten free, recipes

Kiwi Lime Pie

They will soon dye the river green for St. Patrick’s Day in nearby Chicago. But for this brilliant green pie, no artificial dye is needed, thanks to the vivid color of fresh kiwi fruit. I had in mind to bake a fresh pie for my daughter’s class, which is celebrating Pi Day on Monday. Unfortunately, the go-getter parents beat me to it and signed up for all … Continue reading Kiwi Lime Pie

aiming4simpleMarch 2016March 201636 Comments

gluten free, paleo, recipes

Slow Cooker Five Spice Beef Stew

Chinese five spice adds flare to this dish and elevates ordinary ingredients into a supper that you won’t soon forget. When you crave stick-to-your ribs goodness, serve an easy stew that will have everyone wanting seconds. Here’s a savory stew that got a huge thumbs up from all my kids. I’ve made it both on the stove top and in my slow cooker. I don’t always plan ahead far … Continue reading Slow Cooker Five Spice Beef Stew

aiming4simpleMarch 2016March 20169 Comments

paleo, recipes

Green Power Salad with Ham, Almonds, and Turmeric Vinaigrette

Tangy turmeric vinaigrette adds zest to fresh lettuce leaves sprinkled with smoked ham and crunchy almonds. Ready in minutes, this protein-loaded salad will power you through the day.What really makes this salad unforgettable is the vinaigrette dressing. Turmeric not only has anti-inflammatory benefits, it adds a mustard-like zing to the dressing which tastes exquisite with smoked meat. After a heavy duty workout, my body was craving protein, so I loaded my fresh … Continue reading Green Power Salad with Ham, Almonds, and Turmeric Vinaigrette

aiming4simpleMarch 2016March 20166 Comments

7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots and Za'atar | Swirls and Spice

recipes, vegan

7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots & Za’atar

Shallot-infused olive oil and Middle Eastern spices impart sophistication to this savory salad. The ingredients come together in under ten minutes for a healthy side dish or portable lunch entrée.One evening I discovered too late that we were out of lemons. But I was still set on having chickpea salad with supper. Enter za’atar, distinctive because of the lemony herb sumac, plus a tangy plum tomato. The result was a harmonious medley of taste … Continue reading 7-Minute Chickpea Salad with Shallots & Za’atar

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 20169 Comments

gluten free, recipes, sweet, vegan

Cherry Chocolate Chai Smoothie

Cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger whirl together with the cherries, cocoa and coconut to yield a deliciously satisfying smoothie that’s practically a meal on its own. Now I finally have a workout routine to go along with all the protein smoothies I’ve been enjoying! After reading about how to raise healthy daughters, I recognized that I need to do a better job of leading by example and … Continue reading Cherry Chocolate Chai Smoothie

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 20169 Comments