Thai Turkey Rolls and a Bonus DIY

 Love me some Friday!  Even when I have to work this weekend, there's just something so lovely about the end of another week.

To celebrate, how about a delicious meal AND a DIY?

Forgive me, I don't have an actual recipe for this one.  I really made it up on the spot.  But I promise it's simple!

I started by sauteeing onion, carrot, red bell pepper, and garlic in some olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.

 Next, I added lean ground turkey and allowed it to cook through.

I then added some of my most favorite flavors in the world.  

For added freshness, color, and nutrients, I then added a bunch of chopped kale and allowed it to wilt slightly

 

 After allowing the mixture to cool, I filled store bought egg roll wrappers with some of the turkey mixture.

Using some water to seal the edges, I rolled them up like a burrito.

 

Next, I heated a skillet with canola oil and, once it was hot, fried the rolls until all sides were golden and crisp.

 

 Finally, I allowed the excess oil to drain on a paper towel.

  Slice and serve just like this, or add your favorite Asain sauce (I had some soy and siracha with mine).

And for the bonus: I rehupolstered my dining room chairs yesterday.  I've been meaning to get around to this project for approximately 3 years, so it was about time!  

I am absolutely thrilled with how they turned out! Have a happy weekend,

Way too good to be true. Or is it?

Well, it's been awhile.  I have to be honest, I've been lacking in the blog motivation lately.  I just haven't felt very inspired with topics!  I'd rather not post then to post pointless things.

Good news, though--this recipe is worth it!

The last changes I've made to my diet include a LOT less gluten, less sugar, and less dairy.

I've found it to be kind of a fun challenge to see what kind of recipes I can re-create.

Mind you, these cookies were 100% experimental, but I actually was really happy with how they turned out.

 They're gluten free, dairy free, low-sugar, low-fat, and packed with nutrients.

Gluten & Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 Cup Gluten Free Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 cup Applesauce

1/2 cup Soy Milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup Truvia

1 tsp Vanilla

6 oz Gluten and Dairy Free Chocolate Chips/Chunks

Optional: 2 Tbsp Flax seed and 1/2 cup Toasted Coconut

1. Cream together the Truvia, soy milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, flax, and coconut.

3. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips at the very end.

 

 Scoop 2 tbsp sized cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  One thing I will do differently next time I make these is to slightly flatten the dough.  

*They tend to keep their shape when they bake, so if you flatten them they'll cook through more evenly*

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

 These turned out so tasty!  They're really soft and chewy.  Delicious.

Enjoy :)  

Grilled

When I say pizza is my favorite food, I'm not talking the Americanized version.  Don't get me wrong, I do love a good Pizza Hut every so often.   I'm talking good, authentic, Italian pizza. The other night, I made a fresh dough, grilled it, and topped it with herbs and cheese. So easy and delicious!  

I started by making a classic pizza dough with yeast, flour, salt, olive oil, and water. (Pick your favorite dough and follow the directions).  It may be time consuming, but it's simple and so worth it!

Next, I made an herb oil, grated some mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and sauteed some of my favorite veggies.

 

When the dough was properly risen and rested, I stretched the dough (I like an artisan look to my crust so I don't get too concerned about the shape) and dusted it with cornmeal.

Next, light your grill-propane or charcoal will work.  Just make sure it's very hot before adding the crush.

Adding the crust to the grill is kind of stressful...it's very difficult to work with.

I had to ask my husband come out and help me :/

 

Allow the crust to cook until there are grill marks on one side.  Use a pair of tongs to flip the crust (if you used enough cornmeal and allowed it to cook fully, it should be very easy to flip.)

Quickly brush it with the oil and top with cheese and toppings.

Next, close the lid and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.

 When it's finished, transfer the pizza to a board and chop it into pieces.

 

The trick here is to not add too many toppings.  If you do, the crust will be weighed down and soggy.  The crunch of this crust is the best part.  Seriously.  Make it now.

 

  Success!