Tuna Burgers

I recently picked up a package of Udi's gluten free hamburger buns on sale.  When I got home, I realized they'd be perfect for making an old favorite that I haven't had in years.  Hot, gooey and fairly healthy, these have been a hit in my family since I was a kid.

Tuna Burgers

2 cans tuna packed in water
1/2 cups chopped black olives
5 green onions, sliced thin
2 stalks celery, sliced small
6 slices cheddar (or any cheese you like), diced
1/4 cup mayonaise (or greek yogurt)
dash salt and pepper
6 hamburger buns

In large bowl, mix all ingredients (except buns).  Open buns and scoop tuna filling inside.  Close buns and wrap in foil.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Veggie Macaroni And Cheese

A quick and easy way to slip some extra veggies into a creamy mac'n'cheese.  Our kids ate it up and didn't even notice the cauliflower. 

Veggie Macaroni and Cheese

8-10 oz elbow macaroni or small shells
1/2 head cauliflower
3 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup onion, finely diced (optional)
4 Tbsp flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
dash pepper
dash nutmeg
dash ground mustard
dash cayenne
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cup romano cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (reserved)

In large pan, boil macaroni according to package directions until al-dente.
Steam cauliflower until just soft.
In medium saucepan, melt butter.  Add onion (if using) and sautee until clear.  Stir in flour then slowly whisk in milk.  Cook over medium high heat until bubbly and slightly thickened.  Stir in garlic powder, pepper, nutmeg, mustard and cayenne.
Stir in cheeses and mix until just melted.
In 2 qt casserole dish, mix macaroni and cauliflower.  Pour cheese sauce over macaroni mixture.  Top with reserved cheese.
Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until slightly browned and bubbly.

Salmon in White Wine Butter Sauce

I hate salmon.  I hate all fish.  But this actually turned out to be really tasty.  And my kids gobbled up every bit of their fish.  I'd call that a success!

Salmon in White Wine Butter Sauce

3 large salmon fillets
3 large cloves garlic, grated
1 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 cup white wine
4 tbsp butter

In large baking dish, lay salmon flat.
Top with grated garlic and lemon pepper.
Pour wine over the fish.
Cut butter into thin slices and distribute evenly across pan.
Cover pan with foil.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and turn fish, basting with wine/butter sauce.
Top with more lemon pepper if desired.

Bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until fish is flaky.

Chicken Noodle Stew

Chicken Noodle Stew

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 large carrots, diced
3 stalks celery (with tops), diced
4 cups chicken broth*
2 cups water
pinch salt
dash pepper
dash thyme
2 oz fettuccine noodles, broken into 3rds

In a stock pot, sautee onion and garlic in olive oil until soft but not brown.  Add carrots and celery and sautee 2 minutes more. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.  Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente.  Drain and rinse.  Before serving, stir pasta into soup.  Serve with garlic bread or biscuits of desired.

* To make home-made chicken broth, boil 8 cups of water with 1 chicken carcass (cleaned of meat) for 3 hours.  Remove carcass and allow to cool.  Skim fat from top and strain.

NOTE: This soup is great for 'cleaning out the fridge' - in addition to the carrots and celery, I also added fresh green beans, zucchini and broccoli to make the soup extra healthy and extra hearty.  Yum!

Gluten Free Cheddar Biscuits

Great served warm with soup or salad. Very light and fluffy. Would also work with a regular biscuit recipe.


Gluten Free Cheddar Biscuits

1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup potato starch
3/4 cup corn starch
2 tsp xanthan gum
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup milk
1-2 tsp garlic powder (depending on taste)
1 cup cheddar, shredded

Combine all ingredients and mix well to remove lumps. Spoon onto well greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes, until lightly browned. Makes about 1 dozen biscuits.