Firehouse Salad

I was introduced to this yummy salad by one of our neighbors. My friend Heather shares some amazing recipes and here is another. Her husband actually made this one night while we were over grilling steaks and as I watched him make it, I was like....what the heck are you making?!?! It was not overly appealing and the ingredients were something I probably would not have put together...ever. He explained to me that what he was making is called a Firehouse Salad. One night, a group of firemen at the fire station ran out of meal ideas and didn't feel like going to the store, so they grabbed what food was in the firehouse and started putting them together...and that is how the Firehouse Salad came into existence. So don't be turned away but the ingredients...my friend told me to try a bite once he finished making it. Oh WOW is all I have to say! It was SO good and so different. I was very shocked!

Now, this salad is not an overly healthy one nor would I ever eat it with my lunch. This type of salad pairs really well with burgers or steak or BBQ. It is a Gluten free salad, though. If I didn't share this, I feel I would be withholding a recipe worth repeating and I can't do that. It's definitely worth repeating.

We make this salad on holidays and everyone we have introduced it to loves it. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 head Iceberg Lettuce
• 1/2 block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 can of Ranch Style Beans
• 1/4 cup Catalina Dressing
• 1 bag Fritos Lays Corn Chips

Directions

• Cut the head of iceberg lettuce into bite size pieces and thoroughly wash. I use a salad spinner to ensure the lettuce is dry. Move washed lettuce to a big mixing bow.
• Take 1/2 block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese and shred it with a cheese grater or a food processer. Add to the mixing bowl with the lettuce.
• Take the can of Ranch Style Beans and pour on top of the cheese and lettuce. Do not drain the beans...you want the juice in the salad.
• Take about 1/4 cup of Catalina dressing and pour into the mixing bowl and start to toss the salad. Feel free to add more Catalina Dressing if you like more dressing in your salad.
• Take the bag of Frito Lays Corn Chips and add to the salad.

• Mix well and serve.

Recipe source: inspired by: Heather

Chicken Capri

This is an old recipe I forgot I had!  This one is really easy to make and tasty!  I was a huge fan of The South Beach Diet when it came out back in 2004.  I have all 3 of their cookbooks and they focus on "good" carbs that are high protein food items.  This one goes really well with a crisp garden salad.  And yes, it is Gluten Free!  It is high in protein and low in carbs!  You'll really enjoy this one!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 4 slices reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

Directions:

• With a mixer, combine the ricotta cheese with oregano, salt and pepper.
• Rub the chicken with the garlic powder
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the chicken and cook for 12 minutes per side. NOTE: Your chicken will not be done!
• Place the chicken breasts side by side in a large baking dish and allow to cool.
• Preheat over to 350F
• Spoon 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture and 1/4 cup of the tomatoes onto each chicken breast.
• Top each chicken breast with 1 slice of mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 20 minute, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of a breast registers 170F and juices run clear.

Makes 4 Servings

Nutrition Per Serving

340 calories, 15g fat, 5g saturated fat, 44g protein, 6g carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 115mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium

Quick Peppery Cheese Bread

My friend at work shared this recipe with me, so I decided to try it this weekend!   This goes wonderfully with soups, but especially my potato cheese soup.  My friend sent me this recipe from "The Southern Lady Cooks!"  Their website is http://thesouthernladycooks.com/.  Being from the south, this site is right up my ally!  I love southern recipes!  Makes me feel like I'm home :)

You can make this bread gluten free if you use a gluten free flour.  The recipe is so easy my kids loved it!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten free flour if you are gluten free!)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or use your favorite cheese)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine or 8 tablespoons or 1 stick, melted
• 2 eggs

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, cheese, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper.
• In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter and buttermilk together with a whisk.
• Add to flour mixture and mix with a spoon just enough to wet all the ingredients.
• Pour mixture in 9x5 inch loaf pan that has just the bottom sprayed or greased.
• Bake in a pre-heated over at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.
• Allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
• Makes one loaf.  Store in refrigerator.

Sausage Balls - Southern Style

I was born and raised in the South.  There are many things I love about the South, but Southern food has to be in my top 5 list of favorite things.  I am a health fanatic.  I am huge on eating healthy and working out - BUT sometimes I just cant deny myself some of the best recipes I have encountered!

Anyone who is from the south knows about sausage balls.  They are ridiculously delicious and addicting!  You just cant eat only 1!  It's my turn to bring snack to church tomorrow and I'm about to introduce my west coast people to some southern yumminess!!

Now - you CAN make these Gluten Free because Bisquick makes a Gluten Free version!  YEAH! Thank you Betty Crocker!  You can order it here on this site: http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/bisquick/products/bisquick_gluten_free

Ok - these are super simple and great for baby showers, bridal showers, appetizers or a church get together.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 (1-pound) package ground sausage
• 3 cups of Bisquick (use the Gluten Free version if you are Gluten Free!)
• 4 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/8 tablespoon pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Spray baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray (I lay down aluminum foil so it keeps my cookie sheets looking new).
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Mix well with your fingers.  The mixture will be very crumbly.
• Form into 1 inch balls, squeezing the mixture so it holds together, then rolling it between palms of your hands to form balls.
• Place the balls on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• To prevent sticking, move the balls with a spatula halfway through cooking.

Marinated Cheese

This has to be one of my ALL time favorite appetizers!  I hardly ever eat cheese anymore but this one is so good.  My mom shared this recipe with me about 3 years ago and it goes great as an appetizer at a Holiday party or even a spring/summer event!  It's really pretty too - so people will flock to it!  This one is Gluten Free.  You can serve this one with celery or crackers.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 Tablespoons minced green onions
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (2oz) jar diced pimiento, drained
1 5 1/2 x 2 x 1 block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 oz)
1 8 oz package pf cream cheese

Directions:

Combine first 9 ingredients in a jar, cover tightly, and share vigorously.  Set aside.

Cut cheddar cheese in half-length wise, the cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices - then set aside.  Repeat with cream cheese.  Arrange cheese slices alternating in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edges.  Pour marinade over cheese slices, cover and marinate in fridge at least 8 hours.

Serve with your favorite crackers or celery!