Scrumptious Biscuits & Gravy

12-10-12
  
   I didn't give much of an update with my last post, so here I go.  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving in the North with my husband's family. I lost some more weight :-/  but have been doing quite well otherwise. I'm on week 11 with the pregnancy and have had it quite easy, in my estimation.  My work schedule changed so now the guys are in charge of dinners on the 5 days that I work.  They have done a great job so far too!  My biggest craving during this pregnancy has been cheeseburgers :-D My husband makes some really good burgers, all I do is add some Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, SCD legal Yellow mustard, pickles, a slice of tomato and some lettuce...so yummy! Christmas is fast approaching and I have so much to do still. We got our tree up and decorated today and just have to put some ribbon up with the garland to finish the decorating. Presents are far from being finished!
  Today's recipe is two fold. I've always loved biscuits with gravy and was thrilled to find a delicious recipe that I could make and enjoy. So here it be:

Biscuits
Yield: 8 servings

2-1/2 Cups  Almond Flour
1/2   Tsp   Sea Salt
1/2   Tsp   Baking Soda
1/4   Cup   Butter
2           Eggs
1     Tbsp  Honey

1)  In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
2)  In a large bowl, blend together butter, eggs, and honey.
3)  Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a nice dough forms.
4)  Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper to 1-1/2 inches thick.
5)  Dust dough with almond flour if it is sticky and/or misbehaving. Cut the dough into biscuits using a mason jar with a 3-inch wide mouth.
6)  Using a spatula, transfer biscuits to a parchment lined baking sheet.
7)  Bake @ 350^F for 15 minutes, until the biscuits are browned on the bottom edges.

Original Recipe Link:http://www.elanaspantry.com/biscuits/

Herb Gravy
Yield: 8-10 Servings

1 Quart  Chicken Stock
2   Med  Onions, coarsely chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, sliced
1/2 Tsp  Sea Salt
1  Tbsp  Thyme, chopped (I use dried)
Pan Drippings (from roasted chicken or turkey)
2  Cups  Chicken, cooked & cubed or sliced

1)  In a medium saucepan, heat chicken stock, onions, and garlic to a boil.
2)  Reduce heat and simmer until onions and garlic are soft, about 30 minutes.
3)  Pour pan drippings, salt, and thyme into saucepan.
4)  Blend stock mixture in blender until smooth.
5)  Place mixture back in saucepan and reheat, then stir in cooked chicken pieces.

Original Recipe Link:http://www.elanaspantry.com/herb-gravy/

Santa Fe Chicken & White Bean Soup

12-10-12

Today's post is another recipe that I made for my client and then tweaked to work for my diet. I've only made it once thus far, but hope to make it again very soon, as the guys thought it was SOOO good! :-P The original recipe can be found in The Oregonian Cookbook (pg 47), and as usual the recipe below is how I made it. Enjoy!

Santa Fe Chicken & White Bean Soup
Yield: 10-12 Servings

2-1/2 Cups  Great Northern beans, soaked in water to cover overnight
11    Cups  Chicken Stock (divided)
1     Tbsp  Dried Oregano
1     Tbsp  Dried Parsley
3     Tsp   Sea Salt
4     Tsp   Ground Cumin
2     Tsp   Dehydrated Garlic
1-1/2 Tsp   Dehydrated Onion
1     Tsp   Paprika
1/2   Tsp   Chili Powder
1/8   Tsp   Ground White Pepper
1/8   Tsp   Ground Black Pepper
Pinch       Cayenne Pepper
Pinch       Red Pepper Flakes, crushed
6     Tbsp  Butter
3     Tbsp  Olive Oil
4     Cups  Onion, chopped
2     Cups  Green Bell Pepper, chopped
1     Cup   Celery, chopped
1-1/2 Tbsp  Garlic, minced (divided)
3     Tbsp  Almond Flour
1    Pound  Boneless, Skinless Chicken, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 
Garnish:   Shredded Cheese, salsa, sour cream(SCD Yogurt), and fresh Cilantro

1)  Drain soaked beans. Combine with 8 cups Chicken Stock in large pot. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until tender.
2)  In a small bowl, combine oregano, parsley, salt, cumin, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, paprika, chili powder, white and black peppers, cayenne, and red pepper flakes; set aside.
3)  In a stockpot, heat butter and olive oil; add onions, bell peppers, celery, 1/2 Tbsp (1-1/2 tsp) garlic, and 1/3 of the reserved seasoning mix. Saute over medium heat for about 5 mins. Add another 1/2 Tbsp garlic and another 1/3 seasoning mix; continue sauteing until celery is tender. Add remaining 1/2 Tbsp garlic, remaining seasoning mix, and 3 Tbsp Almond Flour. Cook 5-7 mins longer. Whisk in remaining 3 cups Chicken Stock, cooking until thickened. 
4)  Add cooked beans and their broth, and chicken; heat until chicken is just cooked, about 5-6 mins. Serve hot in bowls with cheese, salsa, "sour cream", and cilantro.

Note: The guys enjoyed some Tortilla chips with this, but a slice of toasted bread compliments it just as well.