Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

I love stir fry.  I have a go to recipe that I really like in a few variations:

Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry (EF, DF, GF), 

Chicken Asparugus and Mushroom Stir Fry (EF, DF, GF) and 

Shrimp Green Bean Stir Fry (EF, DF, GF).

I have tried this recipe with broccoli but the broccoli absorbs too much of the soy sauce and it is actually too strong.  So, my recipe seems to work best on the waxier varieties of vegetables.

I wanted to try a broccoli stir fry, since my kids actually really like broccoli.  I found this one online.  I think having less soy sauce with broth is a good solution to give the broccoli a nice flavor without over powering the vegetable.

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry - click to link to recipe.

* For those on a gluten-free diet, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.  Also, double check the ingredient lists for your broth and chili sauce.

Strawberry Yogurt Muffins {Egg-free}

I did a little experimenting... and came up with these.  We really liked them and will for sure be having them again.  I may try them with other types of fruit, like raspberries or maybe peaches.  Enjoy!

Strawberry Yogurt Muffins

1 c flour

1 c whole wheat flour

¼ c oatmeal, blended (old fashion oats)

1½ c plain yogurt (I used Greek)

1 c sugar

1½ t baking powder

1 t baking soda

¾ c oil

1 t vanilla

1½ c fresh strawberries, diced

1-2 T flour

Preheat oven to 350^o. 

Wash the strawberries; pat dry using a towel.  Set aside.  Measure ¼ c oats and blend in a blender or food processor until a course powder and set aside.  Be sure to measure the oats before blending them.  Combine flours with blended oats to ensure even mixing.  Set aside.  With a wire whisk, mix yogurt and sugar in a large bowl.  Mix in the baking powder and baking soda and let it rest for 2 – 3 minutes.  Once the mixture becomes slightly frothy, mix in the oil and vanilla. Gradually, add the flour mixture, until well combined.  Dust the strawberries with 1 or 2 Tablespoons of flour, add to the batter and fold.  Line the muffin tin with liners and spoon in the batter.  Bake for about 22-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan and then cool completely on a wire rack.

Makes 18 muffins

April Fools' Day "Juice"

Tonight, I am making  jello in clear glasses with straws sticking out to serve to my kids tomorrow.  Hehehe.

Easter {Egg-free}

Easter is only a week away!  Because the date changes every year, it always sneaks up on me.  I am still trying to decide what we should have for Easter dinner.  I always serve ham for Easter, so that is decided.  I am thinking about maybe baked potatoes and green beans.  Some other things things that have been on menu in the past...

Resurrection Rolls (EF) - We make these with the kids Easter morning.

Lemon Cream Pie (EF,) - I made this for our Easter dinner last year.  It is one of my husband's favorites!

Easter Cupcakes (EF) - We made these fun cupcakes the past two years.  I think we may skip these this year and have only one dessert in an attempt to cut back our holiday indulgences.

Easy Banana Pudding (EF) - I think this creamy light pudding is a pretty color for Easter.  Plus, I really like it!  I may make this for our Easter dinner dessert this year.

Slow-cooker Ham and Beans (EF, DF, GF) - This is what I plan to do with my leftover ham.  Yummy!

Fettuccine Alfredo

This is a recipe my Mom's friend gave her years ago.  It is a great basic Alfredo sauce.  Because it uses milk rather than cream, I like to think I can feel a little less guilty eating it.

My friend loves Fettuccine Alfredo.  Recently, we had them over for dinner and I made this for her.  We served it with Easy Grilled Chicken (EF, DF, GF) and a tossed salad.  It was a big hit with the adults and kids.

Fettuccine Alfredo

1 stick butter

3 T flour

2 c whole milk

½ c Parmesan cheese

In a saucepan, melt butter.  Stir in flour with wire whisk, until fully incorporated and starting to bubble.  Gradually, add milk, stirring constantly.  Simmer until sauce starts to thicken.  Add cheese and stir until fully incorporated and thickened.

Cook 1 package of fettuccine, as directed.  Place pasta on a plate top with chicken and sauce.  Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. 

In the picture, I mixed the pasta into the sauce for easier serving, especially for the kids.

Cheeseburger Soup

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring and I am so ready!  I really am just fine with Winter, but this year seems to have been pretty rough for most of us and I am ready for some warmer days.  But I am sure there will still be some cool damp days this Spring and this delicious soup will warm you right up.  I made this for a crowd recently and everyone seemed to like it, even the kids.  Enjoy!

Cheeseburger Soup - Click to link to the recipe.  The recipe in the link is very much like the one originally posted by Taste of Home.  The Recipe Critic doubled the beef and cheese.  I also did this.

Gluten-free notes:  If making gluten-free, make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.  Some websites suggest that Velveeta is gluten-free but if doubt, try using the cheddar.