Chicken with Pepper Sauce

My parents are great cooks and I love to remember childhood favorites. My mom’s spaghetti was so smooth and herb-filled. Haha, that reminds me of something funny. Speaking of spaghetti, I used to order spaghetti at every restaurant we went to when I was younger. It was always my favorite thing to try everywhere.

Anyhow, I love to remake and put my own spin on family recipes and this is one of them. Dad’s Chicken Dinner has been a favorite since I can remember and my recipe is very close and the taste is dead on. It’s also Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free. So good!

Chicken with Pepper Sauce

Chicken:Chicken with Pepper Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half to thin them out and in half again for portions the size of your palm
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup Gluten-Free Italian breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper

Add oil to a medium-sized skillet pan on medium heat. Add the eggs to one bowl and scramble them. Add the breadcrumbs to the other bowl and a dash of salt and pepper. Dip both sides of each piece of chicken into the egg and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside. Use the same pan to prepare the sauce.

Pepper Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (I use this for everything (to thicken.) It’s well worth the buy=)
  • This is a link so you can use what I do!

    2 cups Almond Milk

  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 3-4 tablespoons Gluten-Free Italian breadcrumbs (I use the rest of the breadcrumbs leftover from breading the chicken.)

In the same pan you cooked the chicken, add the oil and sprinkle the tapioca starch in. Use a whisk and stir. Add the breadcrumbs, pepper and stir. Finish by adding in the Almond Milk and whisking to combine. Carefully simmer and warm the sauce to thicken.

Noodles:

  • prepare gluten-free, soy-free noodles to preference

(I used spaghetti noodles and broke them three times. They were the only noodles I had.)

Traditionally my Dad made it with egg noodles and while I don’t eat those anymore, I do still like this chicken dinner with noodles. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! What is your favorite way to have chicken?

Did you know I have many cookbooks? If you subscribe to my site, you could win them! Click below to purchase and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

Crunchy Italian Garlic-Roasted Broccoli

Growing up, my mom made dinners from scratch and she was always trying new things in the kitchen. She even catered for a while and her food is still some of the best I’ve ever eaten.

I’m so thankful to have been grown and fed fruits, vegetables, bean soups and lean meats, and all kinds of delicious, healthy food. And my mom’s food is so full of flavor, everything tastes great, especially the healthy stuff.

I always aim to please at my dinner table and when recipes turn out amazing, I can never wait to share them. So, here it is. My newest broccoli creation. The topping is crunchy and yummy and the broccoli is full of garlic flavor and has a nutty, browned coating because it’s baked. Yum.

Crunchy Italian Garlic-Roasted Broccoli

  • 2 1/2 cups broccoli, cut into small bite-sized piecesCrunchy Italian Garlic-Roasted Broccoli
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs
  • salt and pepper

Mix the broccoli, garlic and 2 tablespoons avocado oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper and bake in the oven at 400 for 15 minutes.

In a separate bowl, add the rest of the almond oil and the bread crumbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix again. Remove the broccoli from the oven and pour the bread crumb mixture over top. Bake another 5 minutes and serve.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

Give the people what they want! This phrase rings true from business to family dinners, alike. My hubby loves these cookies, and so do my Facebook friends, and you will, too!

My breakfast cookies are easy to mix together and quick to bake. They’re also sugar-free, delicious, and such a healthy start (or snack!) Enjoy!

Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies

  • 2 cups oatmealoatmeal raisin breakfast cookies
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or Vegan preference)
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons water

Mix everything together in a bowl and heat the oven to 350 degrees. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the cookies and bake for 20 minutes. So good and so easy.

Recipe makes 12 cookies.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one

What Happened to all the Resolutions?

I know, it seems I’m late to the game..but it’s not true! I’ve been thinking about and working towards my “resolutions” and goals already this year. But I have a question..

dodo-model-news-two-column.jpgDid anyone see resolutions made publicly this year? It’s almost as if resolutions are going the way of the dodo.

I mean, I know statistically we “give up” on the years goals before January is even over. Or we don’t want to make them because we don’t want to fail..but this is the thing. If you aren’t trying to better yourself, you’re getting worse.

I know it’s hard (and scary sometimes!) to make and set goals and keep them, it is for me. But I’m going to try anyhow!

Because resolutions don’t have to be life or death. Or if you don’t do it, you fail. Or if you miss one day, one time, one extra, then you didn’t do it right. No, that’s not the point of it.

~The definition of a resolution is the firm decision to do or not to do something.

~And the definition of resolve is to find a solution or to decide firmly on a course of action.

I like resolve better, instead of a set in stone, unmovable decision you can make a plan that remains flexible but with an equally great end goal.

So for me, resolutions are out and resolving to do things in my life, is in. Is it the same thing? Maybe. But I don’t mind a good plan of action.

I’m excited for 2018. A year better than the last and a year of moving forward. And I’m excited about the things I have chosen to resolve to do more, too.

This year, I resolve to:

pray more.Cross-Image

First, I want to pray more. My faith has grown stronger with each passing day and I want more. I’ve been reading my daily prayer book with quick devotionals, I downloaded a Bible app that sends me short devotionals each day and I’m getting caught up with my Cindee devotionals, too, and it feels good.

stretch more.

I want to do more yoga, too, but my stretching is so essential! Working and sitting a lot is so terrible for you. I love to stretch during shows or during an at-home movie. It feels so good to stretch after a workout, too. I’m aiming for 3 times a week.

eat better, more.

I love to eat healthy, so I guess I’m blessed with that. But I also love snacks, drinks, wine, cheese, and coffee…all things I should cut back on more. I did have a coffee this morning, but no wine last night. Getting better already, LOL.

skip caffeine, more.66e40ec49ba9ca439d205f9018a2ac02.jpg

So, I recently tested for allergies and intolerances and it turns out, I’m highly sensitive to caffeine. I like tea and have drank coffee for years and like dark chocolate more then milk chocolate, too (dark has more caffeine.) Anyhow, I got this result less than a month ago and I remember feeling sad!

The first reason, I love coffee! And as a writer I feel it a right of passage, to brew and consume my morning cup. Plus, anyone who has had a caffeine headache (me,) never wants one again. But it turns out, I don’t miss it too much.  I had a tea a couple of days, a coffee a couple of days, and have had nothing some days. Yay! And knowing I shouldn’t have it motivates me not to, so it’s working out already.

read with my hubby, more.download (1).jpg

Nick really loves to read and while I do, too, it isn’t something I want to do for hours everyday. But the thing is, he does. I want to indulge him more in reading this year. I can read more and he loves to read together (but separate,) so I want to do that more with him.

So there you have it. There are lots of other things I want to do this year, more butt workouts, being one of them. (Did one today, yay!) And to be the best wife and friend that I can be, of course.

The thing is, there is plenty of time in the day, you just have to do it right. You just have to make it happen and fit in things when you can. And remember, small changes along the way make such a difference=) So, with that being said, go out and do it!

Hope 2018 is treating you well so far, and that you have resolved to do some awesome things with yourself this year, too. Please share and have a great day XOXO

Do you want more wellness this year? Subscribe to my site (this is different than following!) You will get a free gluten-free meal plan, more freebies and weekly wellness emails, too! Got to iwantwellness.co and wait for the bright green popup and enter your email=) Leave comments with questions!

Do you want to cook more this year? You just have to check out my books! Whether you want more vegetables, healthier sweets, or more dinner ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

For more wellness this year, check out my wellness book with healthy tips for everyone. Busy at home or on the go, the tips work for us all=)

Oven-Roasted Diced Potatoes

I like potatoes and I’ve been wanting a new roasted potato recipe for a while. I tried this recipe tonight and it was so yummy and came together in no time.

Use parchment paper for clean-up that’s easy and quick. With only six ingredients, most of which are likely in your pantry, you’re gonna love this dish.

Oven-Roasted Diced PotatoesOven-Roasted Diced Potatoes (2)

  • 3 small baking potatoes, cut into diced-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1/4 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 tablespoon pepper
  • 1/4 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/4 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 tablespoon dried parsley

Grease a baking sheet with one tablespoon avocado oil and preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a separate bowl, combine one tablespoon almond oil, seasonings, and potatoes. Mix well to incorporate and pour the potatoes onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes begin to turn brown. Yum!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one

White Wine Lemon Pepper Fish

I love a good white fish. And along with being healthful, it’s so quick and easy to cook up!

Lemon and garlic keep this fish light but flavorful. Then the white wine adds a richness you weren’t expecting. You’ll want to cook this dish once a week!

White Wine Lemon Pepper Fishfish

  • 1 tablespoon butter (or oil)
  • 3 small white fish fillets
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons white wine
  • salt to taste

Spoon butter into a medium-sized skillet pan on medium heat. Dry the fillets with paper towels and sprinkle with the lemon pepper seasoning and salt.

Cook fillets about 3 minutes on each side, flipping only once. Serve immediately along side a fresh salad.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

 

To All My Followers- Subscribe to Enjoy All That iwantwellness.co has to Offer!

You already know and love the great stuff iwantwellness.co shares as a follower, but as a subscriber, you will get so much more!

As a subscriber, you’ll receive:

  • a free gluten-free meal plan (with bonus breakfast and dessert recipe) just for signing up
  • an additional freebie (for signing up)
  • weekly wellness in your inbox on Wednesdays (variety of tips, topics and some recipes)
  • and you’ll know about everything that’s coming at iwantwellness.co!

To subscribe:

  • go to iwantwellness.co
  • watch for the bright green pop-up box
  • and fill in your email

That’s it! If you have any trouble, comment or email me at emily.rokke@gmail.com and I will be sure to get you set up and subscribed.

Thanks for reading and for your support! I can’t wait to see what this next year brings, but whatever it is, I will be sharing it all with you!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Years to you all! XOXO

BBQ Rub Baby Potatoes

I love to have lots of vegetable sides with my lunches and dinners (well, breakfast too!) I’m always testing new things and coming up with and mixing different flavors together. I have really been loving a BBQ dry rub with things like potatoes, on chicken and even in  homemade BBQ sauce.

When this turned out to be delicious, I was excited but not surprised. The flavor reminds me of summer and is easy and quick to prep, and cook.

BBQ Rub Baby Potatoes

  • 2 1/2 cups baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 teaspoons dry BBQ rub
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mix everything together in a bowl and transfer to a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes and enjoy!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Zucchini Boats

I hope your Thanksgiving was as delicious as mine was! Turkey, homemade stuffing, cranberries, pie, green beans, and so much more.

Yum, I love turkey dinner. So, do you miss it yet? Want it again? Or did you indulge enough and now you still want the flavors sans all the calories?

While this recipe isn’t calorie-free, each bite is like a flashback to turkey dinner, with a much healthier twist.

Thanksgiving Dinner Zucchini Boats

  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 zucchinis, cut in half the long way and insides scraped out to form “boats”
  • 1 pound ground turkeyIMG_20171116_135910.jpg
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup original almond milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and copped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemaryIMG_20171116_143646
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon powdered sage
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Topping 

  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

With your sliced and gutted zucchinis, add 1 tablespoon oil to coat and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes in the oven. Take out and set aside.

Start with a large skillet pan on medium heat. Add the oil to the pan with the onion, celery,  and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes. Push the vegetables to the outside of the pan and add the ground turkey to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through.

Add the garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Lastly, mix in the seasonings, stock, and almond milk. Let cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens.

Combine the almond flour, salt and pepper for topping.IMG_20171116_150454 (1).jpg

Spoon the turkey dinner mixture into the boats and sprinkle the topping on. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping begins to brown.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

 

Gluten-Free Honey Maple BBQ Sauce

My favorite burger is topped with bacon, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. Yum, my mouth is nearly watering just thinking about it.

But you know what I don’t love? All the preservatives, chemicals, and additive extras found in conventional condiments these days. Sigh.

So, being me, I make my own! Not only do homemade condiments taste better because they’re fresh, but they are also full of goodness and nutrition!

This recipe for my Honey Maple BBQ Sauce can be made and eaten in the same day. And better yet, if you store it in a large mason jar, it will be ready to grab from the fridge for use any day!

Honey Maple BBQ Sauce

  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
  • 1/2 can tomato paste (3 ounces)garlic
  • 1/8 cup molasses
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Combine in a sauce pan over medium low heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

This sauce is a hit with a little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet! Let me know what you think and enjoy!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!