Delicious Dishes: Gluten Free Quinoa Crust Pizza

I came across this recipe on The Wholesome Dish for a gluten free quinoa crust/bread. I modified it to my taste and the ingredients I had on hand and it was utterly delicious!

Below is the recipe with my adaptions.

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa (cooked)
3 tsp. olive oil, divided
1 cup water
2 large eggs
1 ½ tsp. garlic salt
½ tsp. dried rosemary
½ tsp. dried basil leaves
½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, add the eggs, 1 tsp. olive oil, garlic salt, rosemary, basil, and baking powder. Whisk until well combined.
Add the cheese to the quinoa. Stir to combine. Add the egg mixture to the quinoa. Stir until well combined.
Spread the quinoa dough into a ¼ inch, even layer on the parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, edges should begin to brown.
Top with the pizza, or garlic bread, toppings and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Let the pizza, or garlic bread, cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

I topped my pizza crust with cheese, yellow tomatoes and more parmesan cheese.  

Delicious Dishes, Microwave Edition: Salt and Pepper Parmesan Popcorn

 

Over the past decade there have been reports about the PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in pre-packaged popcorn bags.  PFOA has been identified by The Environmental Protection Agency as a “likely carcinogen.” In addition, the chemical used to give popcorn its tasty butter flavor, called diacetyl, produces fumes that could be harmful to your respiratory system, but is deemed "safe" by the FDA (yeah right).  Why bother with all those potential side effects when you can make your own microwave popcorn in about the same time it takes to make the pre-packaged stuff?  Besides being a healthier alternative, you are not limited to the flavors available on the shelf.  There are limitless flavoring options when you make it yourself. 

 

 

1.  Pour 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag.  

2.  Fold the bag and place it in the microwave.

3.  Set the microwave for 5 minutes.

4.  Once kernels have begun to pop listen for popping to slow down to one second between pops.

5.  Pour popcorn in a large bowl, Toss with olive oil to lightly coat the majority of the popcorn.

6.  Sprinkle salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to taste.

You may want to toss the popcorn after the first round of seasoning and repeat the process depending on how much flavor you want.

 

 ENTERTAINING TIP:  For your next party, set up a poporn bar with various seasonings for your guests to add to a preportioned bag, box, or bowl, of unseasoned popcorn.

 

 

Sources: http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/respiratory/popcorn-lung.htm

 http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dangers-of-microwave-popcorn.html#ixzz2Pl0r9hnx

 

Delicious Dishes: Coconut Banana Protein Latte

As a coffee addict lover and health and fitness nut enthusiast, I've been on the lookout for a product that combines protein and coffee.  There are a few on the market but they either lack an authentic coffee flavor or are laden with sugar.  What's a girl to do?  Make her own!  The recipe was inspired by my trainer. He often drinks a gross unique combination of raw oats, coffee, protein powder and water, as a snack.  Since I was already looking for a coffee/protein combo, I took his idea and made it more suitable for human consumption (just kidding C, (not really)). 

 

I made my own coconut milk by blending fresh coconut with water, and then straining it, but you can just use store bought coconut milk, no biggie! Add a scoop of Smooth Banana Dymatize Elite protein powder in a blender with eight ounces of cold black coffee and blend until smooth. Pour in a large glass filled with ice. Add coconut milk to desired taste. Shake the coconut milk before pouring it in the glass for a mock foam/crema.  This is a delicious, non-dairy, gluten free, low sugar, low calorie alternative to any ready-made protein coffee drink on the market.  Enjoy!