Friday Freebies - Gluten Free Cooking Ebooks

     Are you looking for gluten free recipes?  Today's your lucky day! I just found some free ebooks with tons of easy to make dishes for breakfast, lunch, snacks and even desserts.

       I have downloaded all of them and it looks like my whole weekend will be spent in the kitchen.  Am I preparing for another snow day here in New Jersey? (Yup, my fingers are crossed for Monday.) Whether the kids will have a long weekend or not, one thing is certain, they will be my "guinea pigs" for these new recipes.

       Will you be cooking too?  Let's all have fun.

- Roz  

       

Friday Freebies: Clean Eating Ebooks

        It's Friday my friends. Before you shut down all your electronic devices (as if you do!), check out the free ebooks I found today. If you are into clean and organic eating, weight lost or into healthier lifestyle, these are filled with practical information and yes, recipes.  

       Get them now before the prices go up. 

      Have a great weekend!

- Roz



        

Today's Deal: Wheat Free Cookbooks

       It's not yet Friday but I can't help it.  I found these Gluten Free ebooks today and I'm pretty sure you will be happy to have a copy of them.  These cookbooks are filled countless wheat free recipes.  There is even one that is specifically meant for weight loss! 

        The best part, you can download all of them for free today.  Hurry up before the prices go up.

        Enjoy! 

- Roz

           

No Leftovers Moroccan Roasted Chicken

        The Moroccan culture has always intrigued me.  From the colorful fabrics, unique accessories and of course, spice laden food.  Though I haven't been in an authentic Moroccan restaurant here in NJ yet (any suggestions?), I have spent hours researching about the country's refined cuisine. 

        After going through numerous recipes,  I was surprised to find out that most of the ingredients used in Moroccan cooking are already in my pantry. Okay, I confess I have a long time obsession with herbs, spices, flours and even vinegars.  In fact, my kids has already nicknamed my kitchen, The Lab.  Do you get the picture?       

      Anyway, after gathering some confidence, I finally decided to experiment with the spices I have on hand. Since lamb is quite on the pricey side and I'm not sure if my family will be open to the new flavor profile just  I created, I sneaked my concoction in our weekly roasted chicken dish.  Chicken the kids' favorite so what else can go wrong right? 

       

        The result amazed not only me but the whole family.  Our usual roasted chicken turned out to be very moist and packed with flavor.  My Moroccan inspired Roasted Chicken became an instant hit!  Even Child #3 who's the pickiest of all, even called it his favorite chicken ever.  

      If you like to make soups out of leftovers, I'm giving you a warning. If you serve this to your family and guests, you will not have enough left!  

       Intrigued?  Give this a try. Then let me know what happens.  

       Have a great week my friends!

- Roz

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken cut into serving pieces
1 whole bulb of garlic

Moroccan Spice Mix
1 Tbs. ground coriander
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. ginger powder
2 tsp. fennel powder
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 Tbs. sea salt
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper (You can add more if you like it hot)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl combine the Moroccan spice mix.  Set aside.
3. Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with aluminum foil.  This makes clean up really easy.
4. Cut the garlic bulb in half horizontally.  Do not remove the skin because it will keep the individual cloves together.
5. Generously rub the chicken pieces with the spice mix.
6. Arrange the chicken pieces and garlic in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken pieces reach 180 degrees.
8. Once cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven.  With a fork, carefully, pick the roasted garlic pieces and mash it in a small bowl.
9. Top the chicken pieces with the mashed garlic and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
10. Serve hot or warm with steamed rice and mixed vegetables.  

Friday Freebies: Weight Loss thru a Gluten Free Diet Ebooks

      The first week of February has just passed.  Are you still on top of your New Year's weight loss goals and activities?  If you are someone like me who easily gets bored, I'm pretty sure you are now hunting for new recipes to add to your usual regimen.  

       For those who are currently using the gluten free diet as part of their weight loss program, I have a treat for you. I just found these Free ebooks are filled with information, recipes and guidelines to help you stay on track.  Download one or even all of them at no cost today. 

       Have a healthy and happy weekend!

- Roz

                

Are you a Costco Member?

       Hi everyone!  It's great to be back to writing. Miss me?

      If you are wondering what I have been up to, I'd say I've spent the first 6 weeks of this year developing recipes and trying to cope with the growing food demand of the kids.  Goodness! I can't believe how much food these little people can actually eat without gaining a single pound.  Frankly, I am getting quite jealous.

     Speaking of big amounts of food, I finally took the plunge and got my Costco Membership two weeks ago.  Yay! For those who are asking why only now.  Here's the deal.  One, I have been a member of Sam's Club for almost a decade. About 5 years ago, I stopped going because I find the branch nearest our new home too crowded and inconveniently far.  Just for the record, when I say inconveniently far, it means the location is beyond my 5 mile shopping radius.  Hey,  before some of you roll your eyes, let me remind you that I'm in New Jersey people.  Does the Shopping Mall State sounds a bell?  

       Then there's the issue of space. No matter how tempting it can be, I simple don't have any room in our small house to stockpile several items. With a limited monthly budget to feed my family, food variety is a must. Oh, did I mention that the kids have multiple food allergies too?  This means that most of our packaged grocery items are brand specific. Will a warehouse membership still be helpful?  I'm no longer sure.  Anyway, when a new Costco warehouse opened within 3 miles from where I live, I still got curious.  
       

        During my first visit,  I'm not really interested in becoming a member.  All I want is to look around for items and check whether the membership will actually give me some savings.  The complimentary one-day non-member pass enabled me to do that.

       Here's a quick tip.  Do your scouting child free as much as possible and bring a phone or tablet loaded with apps of your favorite stores. This is handy for price comparisons especially when buying in bulk.

      So, after an hour of label reading and price checks, I was able to load my cart with some basic pantry staples without spending a fortune.  Though most of the brands we use aren't available, I was surprised that Costco's organic selection is quite decent and of course, has better prices than the smaller packages I buy at health food stores.  Even if manufacturer coupons are not accepted, some items still come out cheaper and the savings can really justify the $55+ tax Gold membership fee.  The biggest bonus for me as a member is the price of gasoline. It is 20 - 30 cents cheaper than the stations in my area.

        As of the moment, I am quite pleased with my experience and decision to join Costco. How about you?  Are you already a member of Costco?  Does it help you save? Love to hear your thoughts.


- Roz