Category Archives: Lunch

Peanut Butter & Company

Peanut Butter is clearly one of my go-to snacks and ingredients. Low in carb and high in protein it’s hard to go wrong. I often find my self substituting Peanut Butter when butter is required in recipes both sweet and savory.

Peanut Butter & Company is a great company that makes tons of fantastic flavors and all gluten free. They sent me a whole bunch of diffrent flavors to play with and I have come up with some great stuff. Give one of the flavors a try and keep a look out for some great recipes soon to come.

Some of natural peanut butter’s health benefits are:

– Vegetarian source of protein
– Provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, Niacin, Phosphorous & Magnesium
– Cholesterol Free
– No trans fat
– Good source of natural folic acid, an essential nutrient during pregnancy and in the prevention of heart disease
– Good source of antioxidant, offering as much as grapes, tomatoes, or blueberries

At Peanut Butter & Co. they pride themselves on providing great-tasting, all-natural, healthful products. The complete ingredients list and nutritional information for all of thier peanut butter products are available on the web site.

Check them out!!!

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Cucumber Lemonade

One day last week, I got a text from my boyfriend while he was traveling on business. He was in a cafe and on the menu they had a cucumber lemonade. At the time he did not want to pay the $4 to buy one but texted me to see if it something I could make. I gave it a try and it turned out great.

With this hot summer I find myself always looking in the fridge for something to cool down with. I get sick of water and I am not a huge fan of things that are sugary like soda and juice. Cucumber and lemon are the best solution to making hot days a little more easy to handle.

Ingredients:

1L soda water
2 Cups ice
1/2 large cucumber peeled and chopped
Juice of two large lemons (and/or lime if you prefer)
3 Tbsp sweeter (sugar, splenda or agave honey)

In a large pitcher place the cucumbers and lemon juice. Mix them very well with a big spoon and let it stand for a few minutes. The lemon will help release the flavor from the cucumber and keep it from changing colors. Pour in the soda water and stir. Then add you sweeter if you choose to. Last, add the ice and place in fridge to cool. I purposely use a large amount of ice to decrease the carbonation a bit and to also cool it down fast. Enjoy.

* Note – If using artificial sweeter It’s important to add it at the end because the carbonated liquid and the acid from the fruit will react with the sugar in the pitcher and create a big mess.

Berry Blast Salad

You may have seen the Wendy’s commercial for the new berry blast salad. Every time I see it I want to run out and try it. Since not all dressing is gluten free I decided to make my own version.

Ingredients: 4 servings

2 Full Chicken Breast
1/4 cup red wine
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 balsamic vinegarate ( use any kind you like or your own by whisking lime juice, balsamic vinegar and a touch of olive oil)
1 head of red leaf, spring mix or Romain lettuce
1 cup raspberry
1 cup blueberry
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 feta cheese crumbled

Salt and pepper chicken breast and let it marinade for at least one hour in red wine and 1 Tbsp of the balsamic vinegar. When ready, place in oven at 450 degrease for 15-20 minutes until cooked completely turning half way. While chicken cooks, cut and clean lettuce. Place lettuce into large bowl and toss with a little salt and pepper (restaurant trick) . In a separate bowl, combine berries with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and toss. When your ready to serve, mix lettuce with vinaigrette (homemade or store-bought) and portion into bowls. Top each salad with a big handful of berry mix and sliced chicken. You should be able to get a nice four portions from this recipe. Sprinkle the final product with feta cheese and enjoy.

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Vietnamese “Bánh mì” Sandwich

Vietnamese “bun” is a cold sandwich prepared with various proteins like chicken, pork and tofu. They are all served on a French bread with fresh herbs, peppers, carrots and cucumbers. It’s light, flavorful and very different then the tradition hoagie we are use to. In Philly we have many “bun” shops. They make for a quick and easy on the go lunch. The best part is that they usually cost under $5. Unfortunately, being gluten free makes it impossible to grab one when I want it but this recipe definitely satisfies the craving.

Sandwich:

Gluten free baguette (best you can find!! Buy my favorite at http://www.sweetchristinesglutenfree.com)
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 cup mint
1/2 cup basil
1 Tbsp. sirarcha
2 Tbsp. Korea BBQ sauce
1 medium carrot julienned
1 small cucumber julienned
¼ cup Vietnamese express fish sauce (it’s normal fish sauce with add garlic, ginger, vinegar. )
Salt and Pepper
2 tsp. Chinese five spice
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 hot pepper

1 chicken breast

First marinade chicken breast with Chinese five spine, salt, pepper, garlic and 1 Tbsp of Korean BBQ sauce. Roast chicken at 500 degrees for 10 min and flip half way. While chicken is cooking give the carrots, pepper and cucumbers a quick pickle by mixing them both in a bowl with the fish sauce and some salt and let it sit for a few minutes. Once chicken is done and cool to the touch, slice thin. The last step is to build the sandwich. Layer the chicken on the bottom, then add the chopped herbs on top and then the pickles veggies. Top it off with the remaining BBQ sauce and sirarcha. Sandwich is large, cut it in half and it makes a great lunch for two.

  • Christine’s Sweets is a great bakery in PA. Christine has developed some great recipes for different breads, pizzas and many sweets. Most of her stuff can be ordered online at htttp://www.sweetchristinesglutenfree.com
    Check it out!

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