Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider | Swirls and Spice

Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider: A Side Dish for All Seasons

Cubes of butternut squash braised in apple cider and one simple spice make a very fine side dish. It’s an easy enough side to accompany roast chicken on a weeknight or weekend. And with so much flavor and minmal oven time, this variation of squash can easily earn a place on your holiday table as well. Instead of potatoes or rice, why not try butternut squash as a … Continue reading Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider: A Side Dish for All Seasons

aiming4simpleNovember 2016November 20168 Comments

Mason Jar Greek Salad | Swirls and Spice | #grainfree

gluten free, recipes

Jane’s Mason Jar Greek Salad

Brace yourself for the most satisfying salad ever, featuring chickpeas and Greek-seasoned chicken. Feta and Kalamata olives add a punch of flavor that ascends to Mount Olympus and back. When all ten layers meet in your entree-sized bowl, the result is no less than extraordinary. I never knew how beloved a Mason jar salad could be until my friend Jane sent me this recipe out of the blue. After making and devouring it, … Continue reading Jane’s Mason Jar Greek Salad

aiming4simpleAugust 2016September 201616 Comments

Caramel Peach S'mores | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, recipes, sweet

Caramel Peach S’mores {Gluten Free Option}

As long as I have a s’more in my hand, summer simply isn’t over. It doesn’t matter how ridiculously early school starts. These past months we’ve enjoyed s’mores of various kinds, along with many, many popsicles (only a few of which were homemade). It’s nice to have options. Chocolate Mint S’mores are for when I need a rich chocolate fix. When I want an experience … Continue reading Caramel Peach S’mores {Gluten Free Option}

aiming4simpleAugust 2016August 201622 Comments

Gluten Free Chocolate Mint S'mores | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, recipes, sweet

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