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How to Feed Guests Who Can’t Eat Gluten

April 19, 2018 by Laura 8 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Gluten intolerance has become a big issue in America. I could go into all the reasons for this, but for now, let’s just thank Jesus for being our bread of life. :) Regarding this very serious gluten situation, when serving food to friends or family members who can’t eat gluten, it is very important that we know how to extend hospitality so we can prevent our guests and loved ones from becoming sick.

Sick?? Yes. While some simply experiment with eating gluten free to see if it is a diet that helps them feel better or lose weight, there are some who have a solid diagnosis of Celiac Disease or other gluten intolerance that mean that they must avoid all gluten, all the time, no matter what.

What is gluten?

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten can also be found in regular oats that have been processed in a facility that processes wheat, rye, or barley. (Oats that have been clearly labeled “Gluten Free Oats” are safe.)

How to Feed Guests Who Can’t Eat Gluten

Truth: A person with Celiac Disease can’t eat even one tiny morsel of something that contains gluten without getting sick. We’re talking about sauce that has been thickened with a tiny bit of wheat flour, chicken that has been breaded with crushed wheat crackers, or even a small nibble of communion bread at church. There’s no such thing as “don’t worry – this only has a little bit of wheat in it” when it comes to feeding someone who must eat gluten free. For these people, gluten free eating isn’t an option, it is a must.

Sooooo, be aware of this and be cautious! But don’t be afraid. I’ve learned over the past decade how to easily feed my friends who can’t eat gluten. I don’t even need to buy special food to do this! I simply cook regular food, making sure to read all labels and avoid wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

Easy Meals to Feed Gluten Free Friends

You’d be amazed at how many foods are naturally gluten free! When in doubt stick with meat, fruit, and veggies. For more ideas, check out this huge list of simple meal ideas! They are gluten free without even trying!

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Stew in the Crock Pot
  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
  • Simple Beanie Weanies
  • Simple Crock Pot BBQ Spareribs
  • Simple Pizza Chicken Bake
  • Simple Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
  • Simple Overnight Saucy Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple 15-Minute Meal
  • Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  • Simple Lentil Nachos
  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
  • Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests
  • Simple Veggie Fritters
  • Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs

Easy Snacks to Feed Gluten Free Guests

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
  • No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars (3 ingredients!)
  • Easy Cheesy Popcorn
  • Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip

What to Avoid When Cooking For People Who Can’t Eat Gluten

Again, the ingredients to stay away from when cooking gluten free are wheat, barley, rye, and regular oats. In addition, you need to avoid:

  • Previously opened ingredients: There might be wheat bread crumbs in your jar of peanut butter or on a used stick of butter. Start fresh to be sure your food isn’t contaminated with gluten!
  • Baking stones and cast iron: These can absorb gluten, so it’s best to use stainless steel or glass pans and bowls.
  • Wooden cutting boards and wooden spoons: Again, these can absorb gluten. Use stainless steel utensils and a plastic cutting board instead.

A Few More Gluten Free Cooking Tips

  • If you want to serve bread with your meal for guests who can eat gluten, place it away from the food that is gluten free.
  • It’s a good idea to cover a baking pan with parchment paper before putting food on it in an effort to protect it from gluten contamination.
  • If you use your blender or mixer, be sure to wash it thoroughly first.
  • If you’re planning to grill meat (a wonderful choice for cooking for GF friends!) be sure to clean the grill grates before cooking meat so you can keep the meat gluten free. (This is important if you ever use your grill to heat up bread or Texas toast.)
  • Don’t be offended if the person you’re feeding asks to see packages, ingredients lists, or if they ask specifics about how something is cooked! Their health depends on it and they must be assured that the food they are eating is safe for them!

Gluten Free Friends: What are your favorite meals? Are there any other tips you’d appreciate the rest of us knowing about?

Remember, cooking gluten free food truly isn’t difficult once you realize how many thousands of food options there are that are naturally gluten free. Again, be cautious and courteous, but don’t be afraid. You’ll find that making gluten free meals really is as easy as cooking meat, steaming veggies, and slicing fruit!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats

April 17, 2018 by Laura 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I’ll admit it. My family took one look at these Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats sitting in the fridge and asked, “Mom, what are those things that look like Poop Emojis?!”

What can I say? I whipped them up and plopped them down and this is what they turned out looking like. You don’t even want to make them now, do you?

I promise they taste delicious! I suppose if you took more time to make them pretty, you can avoid this conundrum at your house. But what’s the fun in that? Forever and always, these snacks will be called Poop Emojis at our house. I don’t even remember what the actual title of this recipe is. Chocolate Chip Cookie something or other?? Meh, the new name is much more fun.

I suppose I’ll find a little maturity here and tell you that these Poo Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats are naturally grain/gluten free, full of protein, are low in sugar, are full of healthy fats, and are a very filling and delicious snack. There you go. See, I can be a grown up when I want to.

{Giggles and pokes an elbow into your ribs while showing you this picture}

I am so sorry. I can’t even. Apparently today, I’m a nine-year old boy. Um, so uh, just whip the ingredients, fold in the chocolate chips, and then freeze the mixture into these funny looking globs and with that, I must stop writing words and just give you the recipe.

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats (Low Sugar, Grain Free, 5 Ingredients)
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 12 ounces almond butter (1½ cups)
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 30 drops liquid stevia, 3 Tablespoons real maple syrup, or a combination of both
  • 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine cream cheese, almond butter, butter, and sweetener in a high power blender or in a bowl with a hand mixer, whipping until smooth.
  2. Fold in chocolate chips.
  3. Scoop mixture onto a parchment paper-lined or silicone lined cookie sheet.
  4. Freeze for 30 minutes.
  5. Transfer treats to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
3.5.3229

What do I have to say for myself?

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em?

I’ll go read my Bible now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want more awesome recipes that only include 5 or fewer ingredients? We’re pretty excited about this gem!

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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes (Only 6 Ingredients!)

March 1, 2018 by Laura 9 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Whether or not you need to eat a gluten free diet, you will want to make and enjoy these fabulous and highly nutritious 6-Ingredient Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes! Wait until you hear how and why we came up with this recipe.

coconut flour cupcake22

My 18-year old son came home after a weekend away and shocked me by saying this, “Ok, Mom. For the next 30 days, Jacob and I are cutting out all junk food and empty carbs. We’re going to do 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups every day. At the end of the 30 days, we’re going to see how we feel, and then we’ll eat birthday cake.”

Birthday cake? Well yes. This was part of the plan because Justus happened to be turning 18 the day his eating challenge ended. Perfect timing, eh?

I was amazed during the 30 days that followed Justus’ proclamation. He was extremely disciplined, ate loads of fruits and veggies for snacks, and even packed big salads to eat in the bleachers between his basketball games. (By the way, his friend who joined him in this challenge is also on the basketball team. They cracked me up more than once as they sat side by side eating salad in the bleachers. Here are your team captains, ladies and gentlemen, showing leadership on and off the court.)

While I loved this challenge the boys had set their minds to, I was also very cautious. Justus has zero body fat and is extremely active, so I watched carefully to be sure he was getting plenty of good carbs, good fats, and good proteins along with his fruits and veggies. He realized only two days into the challenge that he needed to keep a big supply of easy and filling snacks around the house so he would stay full and energized throughout the day.

simple-chicken-cheeseballs1

He made himself Chicken Cheeseballs, Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips, Honey Sweetened Fat Bombs, and Low Sugar Crustless Cheesecakes.

easy-mini-crustless-baked-cheesecake

Throughout the day, Justus would randomly drop down to the floor and do a round of push-ups or sit-ups. I even caught the kid searching for high protein snacks on Pinterest, then heading to the kitchen to experiment. Is he my son or is he my son? It was too much fun. (I’m still debating whether I’m going to let him graduate high school and move out in a few months.)

Together we came up with this wonderful recipe for The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes. Call them muffins if you want as these are full of nourishment and very adaptable. Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes are very filling since they are so full of fiber and protein. Commonly I watched Justus eat three of them along with an entire pound of strawberries. Ha! No need to worry that this kid was still getting enough good carbs and calories while on his “diet.”

coconut flour cupcake11

I truly think eating treats like these Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes can be good for all of us! Coconut flour is a wonderful source of fiber, protein, and fat. It’s grain free so it gives our bodies a break from all the wheat or rice we often consume. I plan on serving these to my entire family for breakfast and snacks long after Justus’ special diet ends.

Where to Get Coconut Flour

I tend to shop around to find the best price for Coconut Flour and have even discovered that our local Wal-mart now carries it. A little Coconut Flour goes a long way, so keep that in mind as you shop for this gem.

  • Amazon has a variety of Coconut Flour options. Here’s a good one for a good price!
  • Healthy Traditions carries a top-knotch brand of Coconut Flour. I only purchase from them if they are offering a sale paired with free shipping.
  • iHerb is a great option. They offer a variety of quality brand names to choose from.

coconut_flour

You’ll notice that most Coconut Flour recipes call for a significant amount of eggs. This is because Coconut Flour is very dry. Eggs provide liquid needed, plus “stickability” in recipes. I love that combining Coconut Flour with so many eggs makes treats like this so high in protein and good fat!

Ready to enjoy these amazing Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes?

The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes

The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 6 eggs
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
Instructions
  1. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Scoop batter into 12 paper-lined muffin tins.
  3. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
3.4.3177

The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes

I personally love these cupcakes with a big scoop of Stevia-Sweetened Cream Cheese Frosting spread over the top or plopped onto the plate.

Stevia Sweetened Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces softened cream cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Liquid stevia to taste (I use about 30 drops)

Whip ingredients together in a blender or with a hand mixer until smooth.

If you don’t mind the added sugar, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of each cupcake before baking. Add nuts if you like.

Coconut_Flour_Muffin

Here a few other coconut flour recipes you’ll find here at Heavenly Homemakers:

  • Coconut Flour Muffins
  • Coconut Flour Banana Muffins
  • Coconut Flour Drop Cheddar Biscuits

What are your favorite ways to get plenty of good carbs, fats, and proteins?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Snack Recipe: Easy Cheesy Popcorn (made with real cheese!)

February 25, 2018 by Laura 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

It’s too easy. This Easy Cheesy Popcorn? Prepare to be amazed.

cheesy popcorn22

I’ve been meaning to share this Simple Snack Recipe idea with you for something like four or eighty years. Our friends often take this fun snack to share at get-togethers and it’s always a huge hit! Every time I think to myself, “I have GOT to learn their secret and share it with everyone at Heavenly Homemakers!”

And then I forget about it until the next get together that involves the Cheesy Popcorn and well, here we are four or eighty years later.

I finally did it though! Today, before every single one of us have become great-great grandparents, I finally thought of the popcorn. I finally remembered to ask and I finally learned all the tricks. Turns out, making Easy Cheesy Popcorn is as easy as adding butter, cheese, and salt to already popped corn. So you and I could have been enjoying this Cheesy Popcorn delightfulness long, long ago.

cheesy popcorn11

Be impressed that I got all these details from the 13-year old son of the Family of Easy Cheesy Popcorn Experts. He was at our house hanging out with my 13-year old son. (By the way, we can no longer say “the kid came over to play” because when you’re 13 that is not cool. They hang out. They do not play.) Anyway, I interrupted a game of soccer they were playing to ask a boring recipe question. God bless the teenage boys who come hang out with my kids. What can I say? I knew that if I didn’t ask about the popcorn right at that moment another eighty years will go by and we would never learn these secrets.

So here you go. Easy Cheesy Popcorn. It is a snack of champions because it is loaded with good, nourishing fat and it tastes incredible too.

 Easy Cheesy Popcorn

Simple Snack Recipe: Easy Cheesy Popcorn (made with real cheese!)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unpopped popcorn
  • Coconut oil
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (parmesan, Colby jack, or cheddar recommended)
  • Sea salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Pop 1 cup of popcorn in coconut oil or in an air popper.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and cheese together, stirring until well combined.
  3. Shake a liberal amount of sea salt into the butter/cheese mixture and stir.
  4. Pour butter/cheese mixture over the popped corn and stir.
  5. Serve right away.
3.4.3177

Easy Cheesy Popcorn

Looking for more Simple Snack Recipes?

We’re sharing new recipes all month! So far here’s what we’ve come up with:

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread (blends together fast!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
  • No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars (3 ingredients!)

Want a Simple Meal Plan sent to your inbox every single week? We’d love for you to join Simple Meals!

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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Snack Recipe: Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars

February 22, 2018 by Laura 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

This Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars recipe has been a family favorite for many years!

pb bars11

Though actually, I used to always make this recipe into cookies. And I used to use regular sugar. And I used to use 2 cups of that sugar! (Whoa.)

Now I use just 1/3 cup of honey and I simply mix up the three needed ingredients to make Honey Sweetened Peanut Butter Bars instead of cookies.

I love that even though I’ve drastically cut the sweetener, these cookie bars are sweet enough that my kids still enjoy them, but they aren’t so sweet that I can’t enjoy them too. But the best part, of course, is that they stir together super quickly and provide a wholesome snack for the family in just a few minutes!

The cookie version of this low sugar recipe is great too. You’ll find it here. I just like the ease of spreading the batter into a pan and baking. Shortcuts are our friend!

pb bars22

Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars

5.0 from 1 reviews
Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 18
Ingredients
  • 2 cups natural peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 egg
Instructions
  1. Mix the ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Spread mixture into an 9x13 inch baking dish
  3. Bake in a 350° oven for 15-20 minutes or until bars are lightly browned.
  4. Allow the pan to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
3.4.3177

I prefer making Homemade Peanut Butter, simply because it tastes amazing and I can be confident about the ingredients! Here are my two favorite Peanut Butter recipes/methods:

  • Peanut Butter (just peanuts!)
  • Peanut Butter (super creamy and spreadable – like Skippy or Jif – only healthy!)

Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars

Looking for more Simple Snack Recipes?

We’re sharing new recipes all month! So far here’s what we’ve come up with:

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread (blends together fast!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
  • No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Snack Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

February 21, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

These No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are full of fiber and protein, naturally gluten, dairy, and grain free, and sweetened with honey. Except for the chocolate chips. Those are sweetened with sugar. Meh, let’s live a little.

cookie dough bars11

I love these bars so much! They are a snack that fills the belly and satisfies the sweet tooth without being terribly sweet. They offer nourishment while still being fun. They are a perfect snack!

As you can probably see from the pictures, these No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars soften when out left out of the fridge too long. This problem is solved by grabbing a fork and right digging in. Or, you can still eat them with your hands. Simply lick your fingers after you enjoy a bar.

cookie dough bars22

This No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe was inspired by my No Bake Cookie Bites recipes.

  • No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Cookie Bites
  • No-Bake Snickerdoodle Bites
  • No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Bites

No-Bake Cookie Bites - Easy Recipes!

You can make this No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe into bites if you like. Simply roll the batter into balls and refrigerate. Or, take the simpler route and press the batter into a small pan. Refrigerate, cut into bars, and enjoy!

No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

4.0 from 1 reviews
Simple Snack Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 cup natural creamy almond butter
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Press mixture into an 8x8 inch dish.
  3. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
3.4.3177

No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Looking for more Simple Snack Recipes?

We’re sharing new recipes all month! So far here’s what we’ve come up with:

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread (blends together fast!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip

Can’t wait to share more!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Snack Recipe: No Bake Cookie Cups

February 4, 2018 by Laura 12 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

This is a recipe in which my beloved Fat Bomb treat teams up with my dearest Honey Sweetened No-Bake Cookies to create No Bake Cookie Cups in perfect harmony.

no bake cups11

Indeed, I’m talking about actual harmony as these No Bake Cookie Cups sing to me when I walk into the kitchen each morning. It’s like I have my very own Barber Shop Quartet sitting in my refrigerator. Just think of it! I open the fridge door at 6:30 am and these cookie cups take off their red and white striped hats to salute me. Then the singing begins.

I’ll spare you the song lyrics, but they are obviously all about how well I pull off the “just rolled out of bed” look with my mis-matched pajamas and fly-away hair.

Simple Snack Recipes Series

Why all the hoopla about this simple snack recipe? Because it truly is my very favorite. These No Bake Cookie Cups are a perfect mix of nourishment and deliciousness. They are super filling because they are loaded with good fat and protein. The oats make them seem more like a no-bake cookie, and well, oats are good. The fact that these are made in muffin cups makes them even easier to make and definitely easier to eat.

no bake cups12

So basically, these No Bake Cookie Cups are perfection, which is why we can all break out in to four part harmony together as we rejoice over this snack.

Here’s why they qualify as a Simple Snack Recipe: These come together in about five minutes. Scoop all ingredients into a saucepan and stir together until melted (five minutes, tops). Add the oats. Pour into muffin cups. Refrigerate. Eat. Sing. Be happy.

Such a Simple Snack Recipe!

No Bake Cookie Cups

Simple Snack Recipe: No Bake Cookie Cups
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ½ cup coconut oil (I use expeller pressed so the coconut flavor doesn't overpower.)
  • 1 heaping Tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter
  • Liquid stevia to taste (I use 1½ droppers full of NuNaturals Brand.) or 2-3 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup whole rolled oats
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, heat and stir together coconut oil, cocoa powder, butter, honey, and peanut butter. (If using stevia as sweetener, wait to add it until after ingredients are melted and you've removed the pan from the heat.)
  2. Stir until melted.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in oats.
  5. Pour into 12 lined muffin tins. (I prefer to use silicone liners for these.)
  6. Freeze for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours.
  7. Store in fridge and enjoy.
3.5.3229

Simple No Bake Cookie Cups

It’s worth noting that these taste best right out of the fridge and start to melt quickly if left out for longer than two minutes. Don’t ask me about the time I packed one to eat at a basketball game. Ok fine. I’ll tell you anyway. I once packed a No Bake Cookie Cup to eat at a basketball game, but by the time we arrived and I got it out to enjoy, it had turned to a baggie full of mush that required a spoon and five napkins. Good story, huh?

Stay tuned for more great (stories and also) Simple Snack Recipes you’ll love!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests (on a Simple Budget)

January 11, 2018 by Laura 7 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I first made these Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests on a Saturday morning in which we had no plans. No plans. None. I didn’t actually know what to do with myself.

hashbrown cups11

So I did something unwise and I drove myself to Wal-Mart. I know better. Going to Wal-Mart on a Saturday is a very bad idea. This is because everyone from the entire town and every surrounding town is there, making it one big party in which navigating through grocery aisles becomes an Olympic sport.

There are tight squeezes and dozens of “excuse me’s” and by the time I finally make it over to the frozen hashbrowns, the brand I’m hoping for is out of stock. Because, of course.

During this shopping endeavor while breaking into a sweat and attempting not to crash into fellow shoppers at Aisle 9, my biggest goal is to keep a smile on my face. “Shine for Jesus, Laura!” I tell myself. “What would Jesus do?” I ask myself.

Well, Jesus probably wouldn’t have gone to Wal-Mart on a Saturday, because of His ultimate wisdom.

When I finally got home from the store that day, I could think of nothing I would love more than to make a huge feast for my family because after all, my morning had been so laid back and relaxed so far. Thank goodness for the ease of recipes like this one for Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests. They made their way into the oven very quickly and I think it goes without saying that after my taxing morning, I was ready to sit down with my family and eat a second breakfast.

hashbrown cups22

These Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests are incredibly tasty and would make a wonderful dish to serve at dinnertime. That’s why I’m qualifying it for a Simple Meals on a Simple Budget recipe. Making these quickly in the evening and serving them with salad, veggies, and fruit will make a great dinner!

Oh. But don’t go to the store at 5:00 pm on a weeknight to get these ingredients for your dinner because in my experience, that time is worse than a Saturday morning at the store and I think we all know how I feel about that.

Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests

5.0 from 1 reviews
Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests (on a Simple Budget)
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 15-ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (we like Colby jack or pepper jack best, but any variety will work!)
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Mix ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Scoop mixture into prepared muffin tins (I find that it works best to melt a bit of oil in each tin so that the baked nests pop right out!)
  3. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
3.4.3177

Simple Hashbrown and Egg Cups

Catch the running list of Simple Meals on a Simple Budget here.

Simple Recipes on a Simple Budget

Want even more Simple Recipes?

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Simple Skillet Taco Pasta
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
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  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
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  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
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  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  • Simple Lentil Nachos
  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Banana Pancakes
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken

Enjoy all these recipes without effort when you become a Simple Meals member! Every week we’ll send you a great menu plan full of Simple Recipes like this one. We’ll equip you with a grocery list. We’ll break everything down so that your meal prep is as simple as possible. We’ll give you bonus tips and recipes and freebies. And this is all for just $1 each week. You’ll love it!

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Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken (on a Simple Budget)

January 9, 2018 by Laura 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

My favorite meals to make are the meals I can dump into the crock pot and forget about until dinner time. This Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken is one of those meals. It turns out juicy, flavorful chicken with no effort!

bbq applesauce chicken11

While I like cooking my chicken in the crock pot, I’ve started always cooking my rice in my Instant Pot. What did I ever do without my Instant Pot!?

bbq applesauce chicken12

Grab out some greens, steam a veggie, and this meal is perfection on a plate with very little effort!

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ⅔ cup natural applesauce
  • ⅔ cup BBQ sauce
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Chili powder to taste
Instructions
  1. Place chicken pieces at the bottom of a crock pot.
  2. Sprinkle salt and chili powder over chicken.
  3. Drizzle on applesauce and bbq sauce.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
  5. Serve over rice or potatoes.
3.4.3177

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken

Catch the running list of Simple Meals on a Simple Budget here.

Simple Recipes on a Simple Budget

Want even more Simple Recipes?

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  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
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  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
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  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
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  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
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  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
  • Simple Lasagna Casserole (For Instant Pot or Crock Pot)
  • Simple Chili Mac
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
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  • Super Simple Lasagna
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  • Simple Lentil Nachos
  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Banana Pancakes

Enjoy all these recipes without effort when you become a Simple Meals member! Every week we’ll send you a great menu plan full of Simple Recipes like this one. We’ll equip you with a grocery list. We’ll break everything down so that your meal prep is as simple as possible. We’ll give you bonus tips and recipes and freebies. And this is all for just $1 each week. You’ll love it!

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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Lentil Nachos (on a Simple Budget)

January 2, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Simple Lentil Nachos is a don’t plan ahead, don’t thaw meat, don’t worry about dinner recipe! If only all meals could be this easy. Oh, and it’s also a don’t spend much money recipe. High fives all around.

lentil nachos11

Welcome to the first recipe in our Simple Meals on a Simple Budget series! 
Watch for more recipes like this all month long. :)

Now you know me. I’m a meat-lovin’ girl, living in a household of meat-lovin’ men, all of whom are athletes who need large amounts of protein every day. So I always cringe just a little bit when discussing “meatless recipes” because while I love that this is a great way to save money, I don’t love how unsatisfied meatless meals leave my sons. They love carbs and can eat potatoes until the cows come home, but well, they definitely need the cows to come home. And then they need said cows to land on their plates in the form of a roast or a patty.

But this is what I’ve learned: While it doesn’t work well to go meatless for an entire day at my house, it certainly is possible to offer one or two meatless meal every couple of days. As long as I try to balance our meatless meals with plenty that are meaty, and as long as our meatless meals are still full of protein, we do okay.

Phew, kind of sounds like we’re high maintenance around here. Nope. Just hungry. Hungry, hungry, hungry.

So…Simple Lentil Nachos. This recipe is ridiculously easy so brace yourself for the simplicity. It’s also relatively boring if not dressed up with tasty toppings. But rest assured, once you’ve filled your bowl with all that you love, scooping this onto a chip is actually quite good!

Here’s how simple it is to make Lentil Nachos:

1) Cook lentils (which is, by the way, effortless).
2) Add salsa and salt.
3) Serve in a bowl with your favorite nacho fixins.
4) The end.

lentil nachos22

Don’t tell all the other beans, but lentils have become my favorite legume because of how effortless they are to prepare. No need to plan ahead or soak. Just boil and serve.

Simple Lentil Nachos

Simple Lentil Nachos (on a Simple Budget)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dry lentils
  • 2½ cups water
  • 16-ounces salsa
  • Your favorite nacho toppings like cheese, olives, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and onions
  • Your favorite tortilla chips
Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together lentils and water.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  4. Stir in salsa, heating for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Serve mixture with tortilla chips and your favorite nacho toppings
3.4.3177

Simple Lentil Nachos

Start your new year off right by becoming a Simple Meals member! Every week we’ll send you a great menu plan full of Simple Recipes like this one. We’ll equip you with a grocery list. We’ll break everything down so that your meal prep is as simple as possible. We’ll give you bonus tips and recipes and freebies. And this is all for just $1 each week. You’ll love it!

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Want more Simple Recipes?

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Simple Skillet Taco Pasta
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
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  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
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  • Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast
  • Simple 3-Cheese Crock Pot Pasta
  • Simple Oven Fried Chicken
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
  • Simple Lasagna Casserole (For Instant Pot or Crock Pot)
  • Simple Chili Mac
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • From Burrito Bar to Casserole (a 5-Minute Meal!)
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!
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