At the start of a new year, most people want to change the things they did the year before in hopes of becoming happier and healthier. What better way to start off 2023 than with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods? In celebration of the new year and their brand-new cookbook, The Gluten Free Spoonie, Becky and Logan Pickels of Midlothian share their freshest, most delicious recipes with Midlothian Lifestyle.
Vegetable Frittata
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms (sliced; 4 oz)
- 1 cup bell peppers (cut into thin 1-inch strips; 4 oz)
- 2 cups spinach
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). Heat the oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetables. Sauté for 6-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until vegetables are browned and soft, and any extra moisture has sizzled away. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan and add the cheese. Stir together gently. Transfer the pan into the preheated oven immediately. Bake the frittata for 15-20 minutes, until the top is puffy but just set in the center.
Sweet Potato Chickpea Bake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- On a sheet pan, scatter the sweet potato, onion, bell peppers, and chickpeas. Drizzle with olive oil and some of the liquid from the chickpeas.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir everything with a spoon until the vegetables are well coated in olive oil and seasoning.
- Roast in the oven for approx. 40 minutes at 395*F, flipping approx. every 15-20 min. Cook until the chickpeas are crispy and sweet potatoes are soft and golden.
- Serve in bowls, top with tahini lemon dressing, sliced avocado, egg, or enjoy as is.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
- In a large sauce pot, melt the butter and add the oats. Stir for 2 minutes to toast. Add the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep at a low simmer for 25 minutes without stirring.
- Combine the milk and half of the buttermilk with the oatmeal. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Spoon into a serving bowl and top with remaining buttermilk, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Optional: add some flaxseed, blueberries, or your favorite fruit!
Parmesan Basil Orzo
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Choose your protein – shrimp, chicken, or pork
DIRECTIONS
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and sauté until lightly browned.
- Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup basil. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in protein of choice. Transfer to a shallow bowl. Garnish with remaining basil.
Wellness Warriors
MEET THE PICKELS
A family confronted with autoimmune diseases, Becky and Logan Pickels knew they had to change their lifestyle completely. After researching and testing foods while considering environmental factors, and physical and emotional needs, the Pickels landed on a gluten-free diet for their family. Wanting to share their knowledge with others, they developed an online, app-driven health and wellness program called Wellness Warriors. Inspired by their success with Wellness Warriors and their love of spending time in the kitchen with their children, the Pickels crafted a family-friendly cookbook, The Gluten Free Spoonie. Purchase The Gluten Free Spoonie in print or digital, on Amazon, iTunes, or Barnes & Noble. Learn more at: wellnesswarriorslife.com