salted mini chocolate chip cookie pies

I am a little excited about this pie.  Not going to lie. But first a tinsy confessional...

Well, the horrid truth is that, after being on an elimination diet for 5 weeks and trying to get reacquainted with wheat thrice (yes, thrice), I have a gluten allergy.  I feel so much better; no headaches, stomach aches, or back spasms. 

But this has lead to a series of "fits". 

These fits are usually triggered by some gorgeous picture of some decadent dessert or breakfast food and they go something like this... "Jason! I want real cake, waffles, bread, cupcakes, cookies, biscuits. I don't want to bake cookies out of chick peas or almonds. I DON'T care about oat pancakes."  Then, I stomp around our apartment and try to get Jason to take me to Cracker Barrel as I can "just eat myself to death!" (CB serves breakfast and pie all day.  That's right, pie. all. day. with. pancakes.)  Thankfully, my wise husband rarely listens to anything I say during a fit and my body has been spared the reaction that would follow an onslught of pie, french toast, and waffles.

Well, a fit followed seeing this post for deep dish salted chocolate chip cookie pie on ELR and I knew that this pie was something I needed. Not wanted, NEEDED. So instead of making a mad dash for Cracker Barrel, I started researching how to make it allergy friendly.

This pie is outrageous. Like a super gooey, super cute slice of chocolate-chip cookie heaven. And no gluten. That's right!!! Zero gluten!!! My apartment even smelled like vanilla and butter while it was baking.  Glory!

Ladies and gents, please give a a warm welcome to salted mini chocolate chip pies. (Also known as sanity/allergy acceptance in pie form.)

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pomegranate granita

Drool much?

Crave much?

Diet much?

This elegant granita allows all three. Shaved ice topped with chilled pomegranate seeds creates a refreshing, light treat.   Sweetened with just a touch of agave nectar, it is also gulit-free.  So drool, crave, and diet to your heart's content!  

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Orange Ginger Chicken

One of the biggest challenges of working is creating healthy, fast weeknight meals. Sometimes, it's just easier to order take-out or pick something up on the way home. Even freezer meals start to look appealing after a long day.  However, this spunky meal defies exhaustion.  With simple ingredients and quick prep, orange ginger chicken is one of my go-to meals.  A few nights a month, I'll whip this up after work and Jason and i never seem to grow weary of it.

Soy sauce, grated ginger, orange marmalade, and honey blend to create a light, zesty marinade. The seared chicken is tender and packed with flavor.  Steamed broccoli, snow peas, and peppers add the finishing touch. 

If you are gluten-free, be sure to use La Choy Soy Sauce or San-J Organic Tamari Soy Sauce.  I like La Choy cause it is cheap and tastes a little on the salty side... Plus, it's fun to say, La CHOY. But, I think the San-J is better for you. :)

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