A Quick, Throw Together Meal

Today when I went to the grocery store, I had a completely different meal in mind than what I ended up serving my husband. When I came home with the ingredients for homemade gnocchi, I decided I was way to lazy and put that off until later in the week. This is not the first time this has happened to me! I tend to feel ambitious at the grocery and come home and take a "quick seat" on the couch and whoop there goes the meal I planned. I started digging in my pantry and freezer and came up with this dish. Hope you enjoy!

Chicken Spinach Pesto Casserole
Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients:

2 cups sliced small potatoes (I used honey gold)
2 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 box frozen spinach (9 oz)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
1 cup dairy free pesto (recipe here)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375°

Wash and slice potatoes in half.

Place in medium baking dish. Salt and pepper the potatoes.

Slice chicken in 1 inch pieces.

Place in casserole dish on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Cut a slit in the bag of your frozen spinach. Defrost in the microwave on a plate for 2 minutes or until completely defrosted.

Place in strainer to drain the extra water. Firmly press the spinach with you fingers to ensure all the moisture is removed.

Spread spinach on top of the chicken. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Top with the dairy free pesto.

Cook in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked and potatoes are fork tender

Enjoy!!

Thanks Y'all!
-Wise Wife

Easy Peasy Dinner!!

Because I am HOPING it will start to get a little cooler soon, today I bring you another fabulous meal from the crock pot. I just love a meal you can throw in a pot and let cook all day and you have nothing to do when you walk in the door from a super busy day. Even though this is a "casserole," it is healthy, gluten free, and dairy free!!! I used wild turkey because my husband is an avid hunter and our freezer is full. You can absolutely use store bought turkey breast just check for gluten! So here it is..

Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole

gluten free; dairy free

Ingredients: 

1 package Turkey breast or turkey breast tenderloins

1 cup chopped celery 

1 cup chopped carrots

1/2 sweet onion diced
1 cup uncooked gluten free wild rice 

2 1/2 cup gluten free chicken broth

1 t dried marjoram 

1 t salt

1 t pepper
1 cup dairy free sour cream

Go ahead and line your crock pot if you plan on using a crock pot liner.

Cut your carrots and celery (only the green part) in 1/4 inch pieces.

Dice your onion.

Cut your turkey breast into one inch pieces.

Add all your veggies, spices, and rice into the crockpot.

I chose Lundberg Country Wild Rice, Gluten free of course :)

Add in your turkey.

Pour in your chicken broth. Double check to make sure you are using gluten free chicken broth.  My favorite option is Imagine, Organic no-chicken broth low sodium. Stir to combine.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the liquid is completely absorbed.

Just before serving, stir in your dairy free sour cream.

And there is your deliciously healthy gluten free, dairy free one pot meal!

Thanks Y'all
- Wise Wife

Fall is upon us!!!

Living in lower Alabama, Fall weather isn't exactly upon us yet. It's still in the high 80's, but I am SO ready for sweater weather  I can't stand it. Today I have a special treat for you. A very good friend of mine has amazing style and can dress anyone for any occasion. She has worked for Saks Fifth Avenue and is truly my guide when it comes to picking out my clothes. When I am getting ready for special occasions, I ALWAYS send her a shot of what I plan to wear and she gives me a yeah or nay. 

She has so graciously provided me with some amazing fall tips that I am so excited to share with you!!!

Fall Fashion Tips from Courtney

Day to Night Look

By just changing your shoe choice from boot to pump and removing an outer sweater, you can transform an outfit from day to night!! Don't be afraid of a pop of color in your bag. Just because you are wearing black pants and black shoes doesn't mean your bag has to be black!

Fall Look Number Two

I am loving the dark nail polish and grey hues!

Here are your DO's to think about this fall season!!

Embrace all those classic prints we love but don't always know what to do with. Like the classic plaid!

If you don't own a good hat for fall you must invest! J Crew teamed up with Bailey for awesome hats under $100.00...they also have killer ball caps.

Bright hue lips such as orange are really big right now, so try it out! Pop of color always cheers you up!

Leopard (my favorite) don't put it up, keep it out!

The Met Gala set the pace for this fall with its punk theme...rock studs, chains, and spikes will be on all clothing. Embrace it.

Leather is still important!! But this time opt for a jewel hue leather jacket instead of traditional black. Emerald green is always gorgeous!

Winter white...stop listening to your grandmother...it's gorgeous and should be worn.

 Jeweled, feathered, appliquéd, oversized, and chunky should run through your head when your shopping!

Fall Boots for Every Occasion

Over the knee is huge...Phillip lim showcased a killer pair.

Knee length...that little graze of the knee is just the right fit. This is a great staple piece to own because they tend to be a good day to night shoe....the it pair: Givenchy Gaiter Leather Wedge Boots.

Mid length calf boots are very chic! Pair them with a fun girly skirt to really show you love for fashion. Valentino makes some gorg rock stud ones!

And the best for last... Can you guess??

The ankle boot...the ever wildly popular clodhoppers are still in and cuter than ever. Rag and bone has really defined the look with their Kinsey boot...but I must say I love the Loeffler Randall suede ankle boots!

Well, now you are ready to take the Fall season head on!! A special thanks to Courtney for her WONDERFUL advice!! You can follow her on Instagram to see more!!! 

Thanks Y'all!

-Wise Wife 

Cheesesteak can be healthy??

When I think of cheesesteak sandwiches, I don't think of a dairy free, gluten free diet and certainly not a healthy dinner option. I decided to try and change that. I love the flavors of a cheesesteak but obviously can't have the cheese or bread that a cheesesteak sandwich typically comes on. I did a little research on the nutritional value of steak because lets face it, I LOVE red meat. Everything in moderation right? At least that is what I believe. After my research, I decided sirloin was a good choice for red meat. You can click here for more nutritional data on sirloin steak. 

For this recipe, I use a bag of Pamela's Biscuit and Scone Mix. This company has LOTS of gluten free, dairy free products that I love to use. Check out their website for all of the products the make! 

I also used Lisanatti almond mozzarella style cheese. This was my first time using this cheese and I love it!! You can also use the Daiya cheese that I have used before. 

So here we go on our quest to a healthy cheesesteak casserole! 

Dairy Free, Gluten Free Cheesesteak Casserole

Ingredients:

6 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil (divided)

1 package Pamela's biscuit and scone mix
1 cup dairy free milk substitute

1 lb thin sirloin steak

2 small red bell peppers

1 yellow onion

1 t minced garlic

1 1/2 cup Mozzarella Style cheese shreds (I used almond "cheese")

 salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400°

Lets start with your biscuit topping. In a medium bowl, add the bag of pamela's biscuit mix. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut 4 1/2 tablespoons olive oil until into the mix until crumbly.

Add in your milk substitute. (I like to use almond milk)

Stir to combine and set aside.

Slice your bell peppers into thin strips. 

Half your onion and remove the stem. Slice into 8 even sized wedges.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in cast iron skillet.

Season top side of your meat with salt and pepper.

Place meat seasoned side down in hot skillet.

Sprinkle top side with salt and pepper.

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness of meat. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Using the same skillet, add in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in your peppers and onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until onions are slightly translucent 

While your veggies are cooking, slice your meat in thin strips.

Toss in your garlic and your meat strips. Stir to combine.

Place your meat and veggie mixture into a square baking dish.

Add in your cheese. I bought a block of cheese so I freshly grated it directly over the casserole. 

Now back to your biscuit mix. With your hands slightly damp, using a ice cream scoop, flatten out into round pieces and place on top of the shredded "cheese." Completely cover the mixture.

Pop in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top has slightly browned. 

Now take a big ole bite and enjoy!! I served ours with a side spinach salad. 

Thanks Y'all!

-Wise Wife