Archives for March 2013

Gooey Cornflake Bars {Gluten-Free}

March 26, 2013 · by · 3 Comments

These cereal bars are not just delicious…they’re also SO simple to make {4 ingredients!} and naturally gluten-free! My entire family loves when I make these! You’ll make them over and over again, I know I sure do….

*Being on a gluten-free diet has had some challenges, these cereal bars have helped satisfy my sweet tooth!

 

In a large microwaveable bowl, melt honey and peanut butter together for appx 1 1/2 mins.  {you may melt in a saucepan on your stovetop}.

Add vanilla and stir all together.

Add cornflakes and coat well.

Butter an 11×7 {or 8×8} pan. With wet hands {run your hands under water} press cornflake mixture into pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

These were “set” just in time for my son for an “after football practice” snack. Ohhhh, I love those moments when just he and I sit down and talk about his day…he’s growing up so quickly, but is still my little boy 🙂

Did I mention he’s also a ham for the camera? Hehe…..{he’s expressing his love for the bite of cereal bar he just took}. I’m so blessed to be his mom-I bet you can see how much laughter he gives me just in this photo.

I eat these on morning when I’m super rushed. Keep them refrigerated and they will stay in tact. MUCH better for you than a Nutri -grain Bar and naturally allergy friendly!  Enjoy!

Gooey Cornflake Bars {Gluten-Free}
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 2 mins
Total time: 7 mins
Serves: 12-15
Ingredients
  • 6 cups cornflakes {you can use regular- I use gluten-free}
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
  1. Melt peanut butter and honey in microwave for 1 1/2 mins.
  2. Add vanilla.
  3. Pour cornflakes into bowl and coat with mixture.
  4. Butter an 11×7 pan {you may also use 8×8}
  5. Wet hands with water and press firmly into pan.
  6. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hour before cutting.
  7. Keep refrigerated.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Comfy In My Jeans, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

Cucumber Salad

March 25, 2013 · by · 4 Comments

 
{Cucumber Salad shown with shrimp scampi and creamy parmesan rice; a gluten-free meal}

I make this simple Cucumber Salad as a side all the time. It’s easy, refreshing, delicious and my entire family loves it! This makes a great dish for picnics…multiply the recipe as needed! 


Peel an English Cucumber like so; Why? Because it’s pretty.


Slice in thin slices.


Slice a sweet Vidalia onion into thin slices.

Mix water, white vinegar and sugar together. 

Pour over cucumbers and onions and let marinate for at least 2 hours {you may make ahead of time in the morning}. 

Delicious!

 

Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 5 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 English Cucumber
  • 1 Vidalia Onion
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup white vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • salt, pepper, and/or dill weed optional}
Instructions
  1. Peel cucumber leaving some decorative peel in tact.
  2. Thinly slice cucumber and onion.
  3. Whisk water, vinegar and sugar together and poor over cucumber and onion.
  4. Let marinate for at least 2 hours or make ahead of time in morning.
  5. Add seasonings to your liking.
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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Food Allergy Friendly, Salads, Uncategorized ·

Ladies Home Journal- Watergate Salad {Perfect for Easter!}

March 21, 2013 · by · 6 Comments

Watergate salad

{Watergate Salad aka Pistachio Delight} 

 

Ladies Home Journal March 2013

Hi Ladies! Just wanted to let you know that Comfy in the Kitchen’s Watergate Salad is being featured over at Ladies Home Journal! This is a perfect side dish for an Easter gathering! Just love those pastel marshmallows- such a pretty little dish, don’t you think? Oh…and its so easy to make {gotta love that}. 

While you’re there, make sure to check out all the rest of the amazing recipes they have listed under Reader Favorites: “Recipes from Across the U.S.” My personal favs? Frito Pie  , Gooey Butter Cake , and Ree Drummond’s Mac n Cheese.

What an honor to be among those fabulous cooks. Thanks for thinking of Comfy in the Kitchen, Ladies Home Journal Magazine! 

Make sure to “like” LHJMagazine on FB for updates!

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Salads, Sides ·

Whole-Wheat Blueberry Scones w/ Vanilla Lemon Glaze {Easter Brunch Ideas! GF options if needed}

March 21, 2013 · by · 1 Comment

If you’re looking for recipes for Easter Brunch, you simply must add this one to your list. This recipe starts out similar to the base of my Cinnamon Chip Scones, but takes kicks it up a notch. The mix of whole-wheat and white flour give these scones a hearty yet “still moist” texture. Adding fresh blueberries and a lemon glaze …well, I can’t explain just how good it tastes {my dear friends who I made these for closed their eyes and “mmmmed” after their first bite, lol.}

For step-by-step picture directions visit my Cinnamon Chip Scone recipe, but make sure to note the differences below in the recipe.

To make the glaze: Combine Confectioner’s sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk, vanilla. Whisk together. If you think it’s too thin, add more sugar. Too thick? Add more milk.

Wondering what lemon zest is? It’s the outside of the lemon {rind}. I simply use the small holes on my cheese grater to zest my lemon. This gives it a bit of a kick!

MMMmmmm….warm, rich, hearty and delicious! A “must make” for your Easter Brunch! 

For gluten-free use Silvana’s GF flour blend {cup per cup}. A SHOUT OUT to my sweet friend {and amazing baker} Danielle who made these GF and added candied ginger! Mmmm!!! Check out how good hers look! 

Photo: Janelle Nehrenz<br /><br /> Here they are! The dough was beautiful- baked even, didn't brown really, but I was expecting that. They're moist and tender- which are the two things (besides flavor) I care most about in a scone- that flours no one trick pony! You found a keeper! Thanks for sharing.<br /><br /> (I was going to say it was a tad salty- but then... I realized I didn't put any sugar in them- ! With the glaze, though it was perfect- I don't like scones to be as sweet a cookies anyway. And was shocked again at how tender they were without the sugar.)

What else to make for Easter Brunch???  

Easy Ham and Cheesy Quiche

{For gluten-free, make without a crust! Simply pour egg mixture in a buttered 9″ round pie pan}

Easy Fruit Salsa

Cheesy Potatoes

{for gluten-free sub 1/2 heavy cream and 1/2 chicken stock for cream of chicken soup. Sub cornflakes on top. Simply Potatoes are GF.}

Freshly Squeezed OJ

Whole-Wheat Blueberry Scones w/ Vanilla Lemon Glaze {Easter Brunch Ideas! GF options if needed}

Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup white flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 4 T butter
  • 2 T shortening
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg
  • Handful of cinnamon chips
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Glaze: Juice from 1 lemon, 2 cups confectioners sugar, 1 tsp of lemon zest, 1 tsp vanilla, 1-2 T of milk {to desired constancy}.
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 375
  2. Sift together dry ingredients
  3. Cut in the butter and shortening
  4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and heavy cream
  5. Add to dry ingredients
  6. Stir in cinnamon chips
  7. Fold in fresh blueberries with delicate hands
  8. With floured hands, shape dough into a ball and lay out onto a floured surface
  9. Flatten into a disk {not too thin, not too thick}
  10. Using a pizza cutter, cut in half, then in half again 2 more times diagonally.
  11. Place individual scones onto a baking sheet covered with foil {easy clean-up}
  12. Bake 375 for appx 18 mins until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
  13. Drizzle glaze on slightly cooled but still warm scones.
  14. To make glaze: Zest lemon, then squeeze juice into a bowl, add Confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk to desired constancy.

 

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Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Cooking For A Crowd, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Uncategorized ·

Easter Egg Recipes!

March 20, 2013 · by · Leave a Comment

 

{Easter Egg Toast- My hubby’s absolute favorite breakfast from childhood}

Hi Ladies! Come join me over at Women Living Well where Courtney and I are whipping up some “Eggcelent” recipes to help use up those Easter Eggs!

Don’t even think about throwing them out!!!! Enjoy! 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Entrees, Kiddos, Seasonal ·

No God, No Change. Know God, Know Change.

March 18, 2013 · by · 13 Comments


{Photo Credit}

“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old things passed away; behold new things have come.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

It’s The Truth.

The Lord meets us, greets us and even loves us right where we’re at. In the depths of our sins, he knows where we are and offers His rescuing over and over again. We either accept His great mercy and clothe ourselves in Him… or turn away and remain where we are-hopeless, helpless and feasting on an artificial love for the world.

Throughout our lives, He knocks on our doors over and over again…

Do you remember some of the times He’s knocked?

I bet you do.

I know I do.

He loves you no less than He loves me, and He’s knocked on my door plenty.

Who would turn away this offer? Why would someone say no to Him?

Most….and because…

With Him, comes sacrifice. Indeed, Jesus freely gave his life for us on the cross…No “good works” could ever come close to pay for what he did for us. But, there is still a trade-off.

It’s our junk.

Oh, how embarrassing to have to hand over junk to a Holy God who is perfect in every way. Couldn’t there be a way to hide the junk? Maybe stick it over there in the corner or under the rug? What about making it look prettier so it doesn’t seem so bad?

Nope.

” He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” ~John 15:2

No God. No change…Know God. Know change.

Nothing this world has to offer compares to the freedom God gives us when we are obedient to Him. Don’t think you can do it?

“Jesus looked at them and said ‘With man this is impossible, with God all things are possible.'” ~Matthew 19:26

What would it feel like to be free? Can you even imagine? Yeah…it may hurt at first, but in the end? Obedience is freedom. 

I’m speaking to both believers and non-believers when I’m writing this…and don’t you think for one minute that because you are a believer there isn’t more junk to hand over or more branches to prune. My hand is RAISED and these thoughts are being typed out more for my use than yours. 

But, dear friends know this….

The bible wasn’t written to condemn us…it was written to save us.

Don’t know what your “junk” is? Ask Him…

And guess what? Junk is junk. Here on Earth we tend to “rate” sin, but God doesn’t. It is what it is and no one person has “better junk” than the other…it all stinks.

So I pray this for you and for me again…

No God…no change. Know God…Know change.

Love you all so much, Janelle

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Uncategorized ·

Homemade Veggie Soup

March 18, 2013 · by · 12 Comments

This is my grandma’s delicious recipe for hearty vegetable soup. The only difference is that I simmer mine in the crockpot and she made her’s on the stove. I make this soup on Sundays and keep it in my refrigerator for a gluten-free lunch throughout the week! Mmmm….enjoy!

Crockpot cooking is so simple and convenient! By the end of the day you’ll have a delicious, simmering and homemade vegetable soup!

 

 

Homemade Veggie Soup
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours 5 mins
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 32 oz box of chicken broth
  • 1 small jar of tomato puree
  • 1 14 1/2 oz Stewed Tomatoes
  • 1/2 head of cabbage cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups frozen veggies {carrots, edamame, peas, green beans}
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1/2 stalk of cauliflower
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients into a crockpot and simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
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Filed Under: Soups, Uncategorized ·

How Dining Room Colors Make Us Feel…

March 15, 2013 · by · 18 Comments

You might not have ever given thought to this…but, did you know that the color of your dining room set’s a stage for how people will feel in it? Many of us choose paint colors and accents that appeal to us, never thinking of the mood they will set in our home! Here are some examples of dining room colors and the psychology behind them….very interesting.

* Information about colors was gathered from Fresh Home.

RED

{Photo Credit}

The color red raises a room’s energy level, draws people together and stimulates conversation. Red has been shown to raise blood pressure and the heart rate. Red also is known to *increase our eating habits and promote hunger {which is why many restaurants paint their dining rooms red!}. 

YELLOW

Pastel Color Scheme 

{Photo Credit}

The color yellow {when used in moderation} is uplifting, welcoming and cheery. But be careful…too much yellow has been shown to do the opposite effect! Studies show that babies cry more and people are more likely to loose their temper in a yellow room.

BLUE

blue by PIWOW1 

{Photo Credit}

The color blue is relaxing, calming and serene…it brings down blood pressure and the heart rate. However, dark blue does the opposite effect giving a feeling of sadness. Stay with lighter shades to bring out the best mood in your guests! Blue may result in slower eating and give fewer feelings of fullness. 

GREEN 

 

{My dining room!} 

Green in the most restful color for the eye, encourages unwinding, promotes comfort and togetherness. I had no idea when I was choosing paint colors that green had this effect…but it sure is good to know.

PURPLE 

Purple dining room. Would be very pretty with only the one wall dark purple and the rest a kind a pale silvery grey or palest shade in the dark's family.

{Photo Credit}

The shade of purple above is rich, dramatic and sophisticated ….it sends off a restful message.

ORANGE

dining room  

{Photo Credit}

Orange brings out excitement and enthusiasm! This color also may stimulate appetites making over-eating more likely. This is similar to the color I first had in my dining room.

What color is your dining room???

 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Uncategorized ·

Bless Them Best {TTAM}

March 13, 2013 · by · 6 Comments

Take Them A Meal Blog

I’ve become very empathetic to other’s needs over the years that I’ve served in meal ministry . I didn’t always have this empathy-it’s definately been a learned experience. Even through bringing a meal to someone in need is a blessing…. there are ways we can “bless them best”. For example,  nursing moms, mourning families, those with food allergies, etc…all have different needs. How can we, as servants, tune into what would be of most help to our neighbors? 

Please take a moment to visit me over at my favorite meal ministry blog, Take Them a Meal, where I am sharing ideas on how to “Bless them best”. I hope this helps you to help others! Keep serving, my friends! 

Love to you, Janelle

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Filed Under: Meal Ministry, Uncategorized ·

How to make homemade Frappuccinos

March 12, 2013 · by · 107 Comments

Hi Ladies!

This weekend we were all smiles in Ohio….there was a heat wave! Yep, you heard it..the sun made an appearance and it went up to {a whopping} 60 degrees! My neighbors were walking their dogs, we had our windows open for fresh air, friends posted pictures of their families at the park. It’s been a long winter, haha.

One Facebook update that made me smile was from my sweet friend Megan who works at Starbucks. She quoted “I just can’t make any more Frappuccinos. I just can’t.” Bless her heart- with the beautiful weather came thirsty customers in the mood for an ice cold Summery treat.

I remember my dear friend Courtney, from Women Living Well having posted a “copy cat” recipe for this delightful drink. What a timely treat for the turning of the season! YUMMMmmmm!!!!

* I have known people to be very judgmental towards certain establishments. Thank you so much for choosing to fault on the side of righteousness and sharing God’s love rather than judging. Loving is the greatest power we have through Jesus Christ- Matt 22:36-40.

Courtney shares:

This is my FAVORITE Starbucks drink! There can be 10 inches of snow on the ground and I still crave this icy drink! But we all know that these little Starbucks drinks are $4 a pop! So I was DELIGHTED to find that my oldest sister, Kristen, has discovered how to make these at home – bless her heart! This is what older sisters are for right? lol!

 

Last week, while the kids swam at her house – she whipped one up (actually two and she offered me thirds but who’s counting right?) and it was delicious!!! Here’s the recipe:

Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino

3/4 cup double-strength coffee

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup low-fat milk

2 cups ice

3 Tbls. Hershey’s Chocolate

Optional:

3 Tbs whipped cream

Trade chocolate syrup for caramel copping to make a Caramel Frappuccino

Directions:

Make double-strength coffee by brewing with twice the coffee required by your coffee maker (that should be 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per each cup of coffee). Chill before using.

Then combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until ice is crushed and drink is smooth. Pour into two 16-ounce glasses, and serve with a straw.

MOCHA Version:

For this version, add 3 tablespoons Hershey’s chocolate syrup to the original recipe and prepare as described. Top each glass with whipped cream, if desired.

CARAMEL Version:

For this version, add 3 tablespoons of caramel topping to the original recipe and prepare as described. Top each glass with whipped cream and drizzle additional caramel over the whipped cream.

If you have one of these going in the blender you must invite me over – cause there’s enough for two you know? Enjoy!

Thank you Courtney!!!! 


How to make homemade Frappuccinos

Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup double-strength coffee
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 2 cups ice
  • 3 Tbls. Hershey’s Chocolate
  • Optional:
  • 3 Tbs whipped cream
  • *Caramel topping for caramel version
Instructions
  1. Make double-strength coffee by brewing with twice the coffee required by your coffee maker(that should be 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per each cup of coffee). Chill before using.
  2. Then combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until ice is crushed and drink is smooth.
  3. Pour into two 16-ounce glasses, and serve with a straw.
  4. For Caramel version add 3 tablespoons of caramel topping to the original recipe and prepare as described.
  5. Top each glass with whipped cream and drizzle additional caramel over the whipped cream
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Filed Under: Beverages, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Uncategorized · Tagged: , ,

Gettin “Comfy” with the Waffle Iron!!!

March 7, 2013 · by · 2 Comments

 

Waffle iron’s are just for making waffles anymore, Ladies!!! Here are some delicious recipes shared by my beloved fellow food bloggers. What great ideas they have! You must check these out….who would have thunk?

Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze

 Mmmm…These Cinnamon Roll Waffle’s with Cream Cheese are SO EASY to make! Simply place a Pillsbury Grand Cinnamon Roll  in each square of the waffle iron, shut and let bake! Don’t forget to pour on the frosting…ahhh!

Love this idea for Waffle Hashbrowns with cheese from “My Favorite Things“! Again…so simple, so clever.

  

Amy from Amy’s Cooking Adventures has got the right idea…”Waffle Iron Eggs n Biscuits“- The egg is IN the waffle! I can totally see my kidos running out the door for school with one of these in their hands- Genius! A meal in itself! 

Cinnamon Waffle Iron Cookies - might try with my new waffle maker!

For a yummy change, swap those regular oven- baked cookies out for these delicious Cinnamon Waffle Cookies! What a great conversation piece over coffee with the Ladies…These look awesome, Jen! 

Laura, from Come Together Kids has such a fun idea here…Ice Cream Sandwiches made with cake mix and ice-cream! I honestly want to take a bite through this computer screen!

 

Have you been getting “Comfy” with your waffle iron? If so, what are some things you’ve been cooking/baking up?! Would love to see more recipes!   

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Filed Under: Breads, Breakfast, Dessert, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

Featured Post on WWL- The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie!

March 6, 2013 · by · 2 Comments

Who doesn’t love a good ole fashioned chocolate chip cookie warm out of the oven??? Mmmmm….I can’t name a single soul 🙂

Years ago, I was on a mission to find “The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie” recipe …after many mediocre tries….this one one the prize!

Please join me over at Women Living Well, where my friend Courtney and her sweet little one’s are whipping up a delicious batch- they look SO good!!!!

***Need a Gluten-Free alternative?? Make as directed but use Silvana’s Flour Blend cup per cup- They will turn out beautifully!

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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly ·

Rainbow Rice Krispies

March 5, 2013 · by · 6 Comments


We sure are a rainbow lovin family. So, of course, when I saw Rainbow Rice Krispies on Pinterest- I just HAD to make them for the kidos!

Ladies, SAVE this recipe for St.Patty’s Day in a couple of weeks for a fun {gluten-free} and festive treat!

*Make sure to check out more festive ways to make Rice Krispies HERE!  

Melt butter and marshmallows -add food coloring.

Take off heat and add Rice Krispie cereal {I use GF}. Spread this color in a glass 9×13 buttered pan.

Repeat this process with all the colors of the rainbow!

Keep on layering! I actually just wet my {clean} hands with water and spread…so easy that way.

Hey you! 😉

The top layer is not colored, but I did add some rainbow sprinkles for a “preview” of all the fun to come when you cut in! Warning: this dessert attracts children {he,he}

How adorable are these!? Ohhhh….I don’t know what child wouldn’t smile 🙂

Off to school!

Rainbow Rice Krispies

Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24-36
Ingredients
  • 10 cups marshmallows
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 10 cups Rice Krispies
  • Food coloring {I used coloring gel}
Instructions
  1. Butter a 9×13 pan.
  2. Melt 1 1/2 Tbsp of butter in a medium sauce pan on med-high heat.
  3. Add 1 1/2 cups marshmallows -stir until melted.
  4. Add food coloring {the first one will be purple}.
  5. Take off burner and stir in 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies.
  6. Pour mixture into 9×13 pan. Wet hands with water and spread evenly.
  7. Repeat this step with all the colors of the rainbow with a top layer of no coloring. This will be as follows:Purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, no color.
  8. Add rainbow sprinkles.
  9. Cover and let cool before cutting.
Notes

These are very THICK! Cut them as desired! Enjoy!

 

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·