No-Hassle Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

January 15, 2018January 16, 2018 - The Country Wife 2 Comments

It is a new year and as you might have noticed, I ended my 2017 a bit on the frazzled side. So, today, I decided to share with you a no-hassle quick and easy breakfast recipe. One that you can throw together in minutes and enjoy shortly there after. Perfect for a light snack on this Monday morning!

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this recipe, though it is gluten-free, probably isn’t considered the healthiest option out there. It still comes from a baking mix, it still has sugar in it, and it is shelf-stable so there are likely preservatives that could be avoided as well. A better option would obviously be to make this recipe from scratch.

Real Food for Real Life + a Coffee Protein Shake

October 23, 2017November 18, 2017 - The Country Wife 2 Comments

It was actually a couple of years ago, I guess, that I borrowed the book 100 Days of Real Food from our local library. I was trying to get on a health kick and I was just…so tired of dieting. The restriction and regulations, the “on the wagon, off the wagon” again approach. I was just so done with it all.

This real food concept seemed manageable. Simple and easy to balance when life gets real, and it always does, with busy days and improvised schedules.

Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Rigatoni Casserole

October 16, 2017October 12, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

I love a good crowd-pleasing recipe. Whether its for a church covered dish, holiday gathering, or just dinner guests at home…give me something easy to prepare ahead of time and I’m a happy hostess.

As we are in the throws of fall and the holiday entertaining is right around the corner, I felt the timing was perfect to pull out this tried and true recipe for y’all.

How to Freeze Fresh Peaches (without sugar)

September 4, 2017September 5, 2017 - The Country Wife 2 Comments

Not so long ago, here on Country Wife Chronicles, I shared with you my journey to becoming a bit more self-sufficient. And one of the tips I shared with you was to “Learn to preserve.”

Today’s post is a prime example of doing just that. Preserving the yummy, juicy, summery goodness of fresh peaches to enjoy all year long.

And even better, preserving these gorgeous, plump, uber-ripe peaches without any added sugar. Simply natural fresh frozen peaches can’t be beat…

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

June 5, 2017June 4, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

Are you craving a little something warm and comforting? Because these warm, melt-in-your-mouth moist banana muffins will surely satisfy your craving!

I’m not sure if banana muffins technically qualify as a comfort food, but they sure do in my book! I love piping hot sweet bread taken straight from the oven and slathered with a copious amount of high quality salty butter. Mmmm… The immediately melting butter seeps into all the nooks and crannies and enhances the overall flavor with every single bite. It’s quite divine.

There is just something about the warm aroma that banana bread emits as it is baking. It brightens moods, eases anxiety, and just smells of happiness.

Gluten-Free Nectarine Galette

January 23, 2017February 10, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

Ellie over at Ellie Eats made her way into the Paleoshere a few years ago. She’s a bright young lady, one I’m privileged to say I’m related to, with a knack for coming up with healthy creations in the kitchen. So, when I decided I wanted to explore the Paleo world a bit, I searched her blog for recipes to incorporate into our weekly meal plan.

This is my take on her Pear Galette recipe, but I swapped out the pears for some fresh, in-season nectarines. And I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with this one—especially for a Paleo recipe.

Gluten-Free Flour Blends

January 16, 2017February 10, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

In an attempt to try out some gluten-free (GF) baking recipes, I’ve been exploring GF flour blends. Ok, if I’m being honest, after reading a bit about some digestive issues I was suffering from I decided that maybe gluten was having an impact on my intestinal tract. So, in a confident, “I’m going to get healthy” moment I splurged and bought a gigantic bag of coconut flour from Sam’s Club…thinking it would work for a straight up 1-to-1 switch out for all-purpose flour. No, nope, not really. Unless you are going for super-flat and sawdust grit in your recipes. Just sayin’.

Needless to say this massive fail on my part definitely got me thinking that maybe eating healthy sweets just isn’t meant to taste good. So I shoved the coconut flour to the back of my cabinet after a few disappointing recipe attempts and went back to my usual ingredients.

Indoor S’mores Casserole

December 26, 2016February 10, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

I heart s’mores. I mean really, truly, love the yummy combination of chocolate, mallow, and graham. My mouth is watering just thinking about the flavors (insert long, satisfying sigh here).

S’mores have been a summertime favorite for us on the fire pit, as I’m sure most of you might also agree. But what about the other seasons of the year? Why should we forget about these delectable treats in the cold and frosty days of winter?

The answer: we don’t have to. S’mores Casserole—made right in your oven. Now you can add some warmth to your kitchen with a hot oven and send the tantalizing smell of s’mores throughout the house! What a perfect pairing with hot cocoa on a cold afternoon! (Are you convinced to go try this recipe yet?)

Pecan Caramel Popcorn

December 19, 2016February 10, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

Those that know me well; know that I have a slight obsession with Christmas. I relish this season of hope, peace, and love. I love the warm and cozy smells of the holidays, the crackling fireplaces, the fresh-fallen blanket of snow…these things awaken my senses and nourish my soul.

I bust out all my favorite Christmas movies, put my Christmas playlists on a constant repeat cycle, and I spend a whole lotta time in the kitchen. I love to bake, and the holidays, for me, just equate baking love.

Mexi-Style Breakfast Hash

November 28, 2016February 10, 2017 - The Country Wife Leave a comment

When Wildland Man is away and my motivation is lacking in the kitchen, I find that a nice big-batch meal is ideal. I work my magic, or lack there of, in the kitchen once for a whole lot of pay out, and then I have leftovers on hand throughout the week to reach for when I’m not wanting to make anything new. Which happens a lot. I’ve mentioned my issues with this before, right?

This breakfast hash is the perfect big-batch dish—it is so savory and yummy that I can honestly eat it for any meal of the day—not just breakfast.