Viet-Thai Sweet and Sour Meatballs {Gluten Free}

These are no ordinary meatballs. Glazed in a zingy sauce made from Thai sweet chili sauce and lemongrass, the intermingling of Asian flavors is lively and intense.I appreciate the expert way the Vietnamese use lemongrass to season meats and seafood. Since leaving Viêtnam a decade ago, I’ve missed tasting those dishes on a regular basis. Sweet and spicy flavors dominate southern Vietnamese cuisine, which has quite a bit of … Continue reading Viet-Thai Sweet and Sour Meatballs {Gluten Free}

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 20167 Comments

gluten free, recipes, vegan

Jap Chae Noodles with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

Ready to move beyond ho-hum Asian fare? Jap chae is one of the simplest, most authentic ways to enlighten your palate. Transparent noodles meld with sesame oil and soy sauce for a perfect flavor balance in each chewy bite. Bonus points if you know the country of origin for this noodle dish. Any guesses? It’s a place that will soon be celebrating the Lunar New Year. And sesame oil … Continue reading Jap Chae Noodles with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

aiming4simpleFebruary 2016February 201615 Comments

Apricot Oatmeal Cookies {Gluten Free} | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, recipes, sweet

Apricot Almond Oatmeal Cookies {Gluten-Free}

As a lifelong chewy oatmeal cookie fan, these new cookies have me convinced that apricots are amazing in a cookie. And when you toss crunchy almonds into the mix? Triple win. If offered a choice between a chocolate chip cookie and an oatmeal cookie, I will pick the oatmeal every time. Unless it’s a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. That just doesn’t sit right with me. I’ll take fruit with my … Continue reading Apricot Almond Oatmeal Cookies {Gluten-Free}

aiming4simpleJanuary 2016January 201611 Comments

Grapefruit Gelatin Panna Cotta Cups | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, paleo, recipes, sweet

Grapefruit Coconut Panna Cotta

Grapefruit season is in full swing; the latest fruit I sampled was at its prime, practically bursting with juicy sweetness! The tangy citrus flavors pair perfectly with coconut panna cotta in this healthy gelatin dessert. For a middle of winter pick-me-up, fresh citrus fruit is an optimum choice. The scent of citrus may improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. So save the rind and inhale deeply as you make … Continue reading Grapefruit Coconut Panna Cotta

aiming4simpleJanuary 2016January 201641 Comments

Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole with Grits and Split Peas | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, recipes

Vegetarian Egg Casserole with Grits and Split Peas

Sage-accented eggs blend together with grits, mushrooms, celery, onions, and mild yellow or green split peas in this breakfast casserole fit for a vegetarian feast. I love being challenged to include a certain ingredient in new recipes I develop. So far this month I’ve been working to create dishes with split peas. The arancini and the peanut butter smoothie were definite winners, so I continued to experiment … Continue reading Vegetarian Egg Casserole with Grits and Split Peas

aiming4simpleJanuary 2016January 20168 Comments

gluten free, recipes, sweet, vegan

Peanut Butter Pulse Protein Smoothie

I’ve found the perfect breakfast and post-workout smoothie! No expensive whey protein or other powder is required, thanks to the yellow split peas contained within. Yellow split peas are a mild-tasting type of pulse that helps boost the protein and fiber in a super healthy way. This week’s Pulse Pledge challenge is to include pulses for breakfast. And this smoothie is such an easy, delicious way to … Continue reading Peanut Butter Pulse Protein Smoothie

aiming4simpleJanuary 2016January 201611 Comments