Rhubarb Jello Salad

My rhubarb abundance isn't going away, it's not a bad thing I just feel a bit guilty that I can't use it all up. Don't feel sorry for me, I'm doing my best to focus on the positive that I can just keep enjoying my rhubarb and I still need to freeze some to hold me over through this winter. I was a bit apprehensive about trying this recipe but it was easy and the family loved it, much more so than I expected. I think it's the big chunks of strawberry that really sold them on this recipe.

Rhubarb Jello Salad

From Allrecipes

4 C rhubarb, cut in 1/4" slices

1 1/2 C water

1/2 granulated sugar

1 6oz package jello (strawberry, cherry, and raspberry are all very good)

1 C orange juice

1 C strawberries, sliced

Put the rhubarb, water, and sugar in a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the rhubarb is tender. Remove from the heat and add the jello stirring until dissolved. Add the orange juice then allow to sit and cool until it's a bit syrupy. Add the strawberries then pour into a bowl or mould and place in the refrigerator until set.

Balsamic Glazed Strawberries

My summer has been whizzing by with birthday parties and BBQ's and of course lots of delicious food. This dish is quick to whip together and a crowd pleaser. I know it sounds like a strange combination but it's worth a try and you won't be disappointed.

Balsamic Glazed Strawberries

Fresh strawberries, cut in half (about 16oz)

2 T balsamic glaze

2 T granulated sugar
Black pepper, freshly ground to taste

Place the strawberries in a bowl and drizzle with the balsamic glaze and sugar. Stir to coat the strawberries evenly and allow to sit for about an hour. Grind black pepper over the strawberries before serving. I don't put a lot of pepper on them but about 10 grinds makes me happy.

The balsamic glaze I use is from Olivelle. It's great on steak and with my grilled polenta w/ bruschetta recipe.

Bacon Wrapped Dates - Naturally Gluten Free

Need a quick appetizer that is a big hit? Bacon wrapped dates are a delicious answer. They don't take much time to whip together and they bring a fanatstic sweet and salty combination to your tongue. I never knew this sweet treat existed until we went to Over The Tapas and after falling in love with them there I had to give it a try. I love that most people have never had these before but once they try them it's hard to stop.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

1 package pitted dates

1.5 packages bacon, thinner is better here

Toothpicks (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut the bacon in thirds and wrap one piece around each date. You can either spear it with a toothpick or just place it seam down on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is cooked.

You can find dates in the grocery aisle that has raisins and other dried fruit. This brand was tasty.

This is the bacon I use, it's thin so it's perfect for these. I get this at Lee & Dad's in the frozen section near the other GF and natural products.

Cholesterol Fighting Green Monster Smoothie - Gluten Free & Dairy Free

I know Green Monster smoothies are all over the internet but this has been our breakfast for the past few weeks and I love it, so I decided to share it. This Green Monster specifically fights cholesterol with the spinach, flax seed meal, blueberries, kefir, and avocado. I based it for my Hubby but I can always use help keeping my cholesterol down too. Hubby is not a big vegetable fan but this is an easy and delicious way for him to get the benefits of the veggies without having to eat them in the traditional manner, and you don't taste the spinach. You can add any fruit or leafy vegetables you like and I do mix it up now and then but this is our standard.

Cholesterol Fighting Green Monster Smoothie

2 C spinach leaves

1 T flax seed meal

1 C fresh or frozen blueberries

1 medium banana, sliced

1/4 medium avocado

1 C Vanilla Coconut Milk Kefir (DF milk and regular milk work also)

Ice, I use two handfuls

This is the DF Kefir I get, they also have strawberry and plain. It adds a creaminess to the smoothie.

Put the ingredients in a blender in the order above. Blend well until smooth, drink, and enjoy! This makes two servings and is about 210 calories per serving.

Even my boy loves a Green Monster in the morning.

Fruit Salad

I stumbled upon this recipe last summer and fell in love. It’s quick, tastes great, and kids love it! What more could you ask for? It’s a nice recipe to adjust to what is in season, what you have on hand, or what your taste buds prefer. My kids will happily eat this morning, noon, and night. It's not surprising since it's filled with their favorite things.

Fruit Salad in Seconds
Adapted from Allrecipes

2 apples, peeled and chopped into bite size pieces*
1 pound seedless grapes
3 bananas, sliced
8 oz French vanilla yogurt

In a large bowl mix together the fruit and yogurt. Serve immediately.

*I peel my apples because my girl doesn’t like the skins, you can leave it on if you prefer

If you make this a couple hours ahead of time do everything but the bananas, they get too mushy if they sit too long.

Add any fruits or flavored yogurt you prefer, it’s nice to play around with the flavors and mixes. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and pears would all be delicious.