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Favorite Things January 14, 2022

some of my favorite things are vintage white stoneware. I love the pitcher and bowls!

This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.

My mind has been on all things cozy lately. We are supposed to have our new fireplace insert installed tomorrow and after a month with electric heat I'm ready. I have a new understanding for anyone without wood heat. It's just a completely different type of warmth.

I share below some of my gluten free pantry staples. These aren't things we eat every day, but it's so nice to have some gluten free pasta or instant potatoes to serve as a quick side dish. I also share a few of my favorite snacks to have on hand.

New Home Favorites

There are lots of new home, kitchen and dining showing up in stores. I'm not quite ready for all the patio furniture yet, but I found some pieces that are perfect for the last months of winter to bring some coziness to your home.

Recipe Ideas for the Week

Gluten Free Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Gluten Free Millet Drop Biscuits

Gluten Free Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup

Stuff I Love

What I'm Watching - I just finished School of Chocolate on Netflix. I've watched Amaury Guichon's videos of his amazing chocolate creations and I loved learning how he does some of his techniques.

What I'm Reading - I had some unexpected down time and was able to read over half of The Accomplice by Lisa Lutz. So far I am loving this book! Lisa Lutz's Spellman series is one of my favorites. She is so great at building likable characters and stories with many layers.

What I'm Listening To - It's on my list to listen to the The Art of Being Well with Dr. Will Cole episode with Dr. Josh Axe. These are two of my favorite naturopathic doctors to learn from and I'm excited to hear their conversation.

What I'm Loving - I've been drinking more smoothies lately and I've been loving Barney Butter Unsweetened Almond Butter Powder. There's no dealing with the oil separating or trying to stir it!

What I Want - I want to try Native's new line of face wash, facial moisturizer and facial serum in brightening citrus and bergamot. We love their deodorant and bar soaps.

Favorite Gluten Free Pantry Items

My Favorite Things From Around The Web

It's cold here so all the cozy clothes have been what is standing out right now. This waffle sweater looks really comfy.

These women's water resistant boots are on sale right now for under $50. They are lined and look so warm and cozy!

Are you ready to think about Valentine's Day yet? This heart shaped waffle maker is so cute! (I will have more Valentine's Day ideas in the next couple of weeks)

I got the new Crockpot 7-quart slow cooker with sealable lid. I love easy crockpot meals!

I have a couple of pieces from the Free Assembly line at Walmart in my cart right now. This long puffer coat, this belted cardigan and these straight leg jeans are all perfect for winter and into spring.

This Week's Sales

Athleta - up to 50% off cold weather staples
Carter's - up to 40% off the Valentine's Day shop
DSW - up to 40% off select athleticwear
Express - up to 50% off everything
Gap - up to 70% off everything & 50% off clearance with code GFQUICK
H&M - up to 60% off select winter styles
Kohl's - extra 15% off with code SHOP15
Loft - up to 50% off full price styles with code GOBIG
OshKosh B'Gosh - up to 40% off the Valentine's Day shop
Rack Room Shoes - $15 off $99 with code SAVE15

Gluten Free Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

This easy recipe for gluten free slow cooker barbecue meatballs are perfect for an appetizer or a meal. These homemade meatballs are made with ground beef and a brown sugar bbq sauce. It's so simple to use your crockpot to slow cook the best gluten-free meatballs recipe.

two white plates of gluten free slow cooker barbecue meatballs next to a white crockpot of meatballs and a cheese grater with parmesan cheese

These Gluten Free Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal, perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free option. Made with homemade meatballs, this recipe uses gluten-free breadcrumbs to ensure it's suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

The meatballs cook to tender perfection in a slow cooker, absorbing the tangy, zesty barbecue sauce that's both sweet and savory.

It's a great family-friendly recipe that's both flavorful and juicy, making it a favorite comfort food for gatherings or casual dinners.

If you are looking for more easy slow cooker recipes you might also enjoy my Gluten Free Slow Cooker Meatloaf, my Gluten Free Slow Cooker Hawaiin Meatballs, my Slow Cooker Steak and Mushrooms, or my Cheesy Slow Cooker Creamed Corn.

You can also find more easy beef recipes here: 10 Easy Gluten Free Beef Recipes

two white plates of gluten free slow cooker barbecue meatballs next to a white crockpot of meatballs and a cheese grater with parmesan cheese
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Ingredients

Instructions

In a four cup measuring cup or small bowl mix together the barbecue sauce ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, finely chopped yellow onion, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, sea salt, coarse ground black pepper, ground paprika, ground cumin and worcestershire sauce.

Pour enough of the barbecue sauce into the bowl of your slow cooker to cover the bottom. Set the rest aside.

In a mixing bowl blend together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, sea salt, coarse ground black pepper and chili powder with your hands or a spoon.

Form the meatball mixture into golf ball sized balls and place them in your slow cooker. Do not stack any of them on top of each other. Make sure you have them on the bottom of the slow cooker bowl.

Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the meatballs.

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Meatballs should be browned and a minimum of 160 degrees on the inside when tested with a thermometer.

Serve hot as an appetizer or over buttered pasta or with mashed potatoes for dinner.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gluten free meatballs from scratch?

The key is gluten free breadcrumbs. There are several brands that have certified gluten free breadcrumbs. You can also use rice crumbs. I've used both and been happy with both options.

The gluten free bread or rice crumbs along with the egg will help the meatballs to hold their shape. Once the meatballs are in the crockpot I don't stir them until they are fully cooked so they don't fall apart.

What do you serve barbecue meatballs with?

I like to use these meatballs as an appetizer and I serve them on their own with toothpicks. They are also delicious served with mashed potatoes or buttered pasta for a meal.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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Gluten Free Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

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  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This easy recipe for gluten free slow cooker barbecue meatballs are perfect for an appetizer or a meal. These homemade meatballs are made with ground beef and a brown sugar bbq sauce. It's so simple to use your crockpot to slow cook the best gluten-free meatballs recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

Barbecue Sauce:

Instructions

In a four cup measuring cup or small bowl mix together the barbecue sauce ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, finely chopped yellow onion, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, sea salt, coarse ground black pepper, ground paprika, ground cumin and worcestershire sauce.

Pour enough of the barbecue sauce into the bowl of your slow cooker to cover the bottom. Set the rest aside.

In a mixing bowl blend together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, sea salt, coarse ground black pepper and chili powder with your hands or a spoon.

Form the meatball mixture into golf ball sized balls and place them in your slow cooker. Do not stack any of them on top of each other. Make sure you have them on the bottom of the slow cooker bowl.

Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the meatballs.

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Meatballs should be browned and a minimum of 160 degrees on the inside when tested with a thermometer.

Serve hot as an appetizer or over buttered pasta or with mashed potatoes for dinner.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Meals
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

10 Gluten Free Game Day Snacks & Sweets

These 10 gluten free game day snacks and sweets recipes are the perfect party appetizers for your super bowl party. They range from healthy to sweet ideas that are all simple. These are the best gluten free recipes with some even being dairy free. 

Hosting a game day party just got easier with these gluten free football finger foods and crowd pleasing snacks that everyone will love. These Game Day Snacks are perfect whether you're watching football, hosting a game night, or cheering for your kids at soccer.

With a mix of easy appetizers and sweet treats, this roundup makes creating a winning game day spread simple and stress-free.

a baking sheet of air fryer gluten free chex mix

Whether you are doing all gluten free or just providing some gluten free game day snacks for your gluten free family and friends these recipes will work perfectly. I love going to events where I have options to eat. It always makes me feel so included!

If you are looking for more drink recipes to serve try my Classic Margarita Mocktail, my Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktails, my Homemade Blueberry Lemonade made with Frozen Blueberries or my Lemon Lime Homemade Sports Drink.

You can find all of my snack recipes here: Gluten Free Snack Recipes

Gluten Free Snack Recipes

Gluten Free Air Fryer Chex Mix

This gluten free air fryer chex mix recipe is a quick and easy way to have a savory snack in under 10 minutes. You can have a healthy, homemade fall snack with little effort. This recipe is similar to the traditional chex mix with worcestershire sauce, but I've removed anything with gluten.

Get The Recipe

Gluten Free Jalapeno Poppers

This easy recipe for baked gluten free jalapeno poppers is keto and low carb friendly. The jalapeno peppers are stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon and chicken. This is a perfect party appetizer or snack!

Get The Recipe

Gluten Free Triple Chocolate Brownies

These simple gluten free triple chocolate brownies are made from scratch and make a perfect dessert. These chocolate chip brownies are so easy and moist! I think you will love this homemade recipe.

Get The Recipe

Gluten Free Cheesy Pinto Beans

This easy recipe for gluten free cheesy pinto beans is delicious as a dip with tortilla chips or in your bean burritos. This bean dip recipe is baked with cheesy on top and served hot. It is a Mexican style bean dish full of flavor and spices.

Get The Recipe

Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Dip

This easy recipe for gluten free caramelized onion dip is the best appetizer or potato chip dip. It's a cold dip that's great for Keto or low carb diets. This homemade dip combines fried, golden onions and sour cream for a creamy treat.

Get The Recipe

Creamy Sausage Bean Dip

This easy recipe for creamy sausage bean dip is perfect to serve warm at parties. It is made with cream cheese, sausage and pinto beans. This cheesy dip is easy to make ahead and then put in the oven right before serving with tortilla chips.

Get The Recipe

Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Roasted Cashews

This air fried salt and pepper cashew recipe makes a healthy version of the nuts you would buy in the store. It's quick and easy to make a batch in the air fryer to have a homemade snack.

Get The Recipe

Gluten Free Air Fryer Apple Fritters

This easy recipe for gluten free air fryer apple fritters is the perfect dessert or breakfas for fall. These are made from scratch and then air fried for a healthier version of this fall classic dessert. These donuts are made in under 30 minutes with cinnamon, fresh fruit and a yummy glaze.

Get The Recipe

Air Fryer Spicy Roasted Peanuts

This easy recipe for air fryer spicy roasted peanuts is the perfect snack! These air fried peanuts are a healthy snack idea that is crunchy and salty. They are great for a low carb or keto diet. I love making homemade roasted nuts in the air fryer for a delicious snack option.

Get The Recipe

Gluten Free Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe makes the best chewy gluten free double chocolate cookies! These easy and soft cookies are made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

Get The Recipe

Looking for a great place to get gluten free ingredients?

I love to get my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free because they have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores!

What is gluten cross contamination?

If you aren't used to cooking gluten free you may not know that you can cross contaminate. You may have the best intentions to serve gluten free food for you family and friends, but still make them sick.

You need to remember to make the gluten free food separately. Don't use the same bowls, spoons, mixer blade, etc. until they have been washed thoroughly with soap and water.

I would start with making the gluten free snacks and then store them separately from the other snacks you make. By making the gluten free treats first you won't have to worry about cross contamination with the other yummy things you are making to serve.

Gluten Free Millet Drop Biscuits

This easy recipe for gluten free millet drop biscuits is a quick way to make homemade biscuits. They are great with jam, butter or gravy. This recipe tells you how to make the best gluten free biscuits!

a cream plate with a gluten free millet drop biscuit cut in half with butter and strawberry jam on top next to a wood cutting board of biscuits and a small white bowl of strawberry jam

I love to serve these gluten free millet drop biscuits for breakfast with jam and butter or for dinner with sausage gravy. I make six really large biscuits when I'm serving them as a meal, but they can easily be made into a dozen biscuits to serve along side a meal.

These biscuits have a dense texture. I like to eat them warm right out of the oven. They also reheat nicely to be served the next day. It's easy to make a batch to have for dinner and then have them for breakfast the next morning too.

a cream plate with a gluten free millet drop biscuit cut in half with butter and strawberry jam on top next to a wood cutting board of biscuits and a small white bowl of strawberry jam
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Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl stir together the millet flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthum gum and sea salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer blend together the butter, buttermilk, eggs and honey. When these ingredients are combined add the dry ingredients. Mix until a wet dough forms.

The dough is going to be sticky. To work with the dough wet your hands first. You will want either a bowl of water to dip your hands in or to be near running water. 

Form 6 large or 12 regular sized biscuits and drop onto the lined baking sheet. The biscuits will spread some, so leave a bit of room around each.

Bake for 10-18 minutes. The biscuits will be golden brown when done.

Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is millet flour healthy?

Millet flour has many healthy benefits. It is a great source of calcium, iron and zinc. It is a gluten free grain that is a good source of fiber and protein.

Be sure when you purchase your millet flour that it has the gluten free label. Although millet itself is gluten free you need to be sure it was processed in a gluten free facility.

Can millet flour be used for baking?

Yes! It's fantastic for sweet or savory baking. Millet flour has a mild, nutty flavor. I prefer the Arrowhead Millet Flour that is organic and certified gluten free. I've found the best price for the Arrowhead Millet Flour is through Thrive Market.

What is millet flour made from?

Millet flour is made from grinding millet seeds into a powder. It is important to note that millet flour is gluten free, but it is a grain. If you are on a grain-free diet millet flour won't work for you. But, if you are simply gluten free, then this flour is a great alternative.

Is millet gluten free?

Yes! Millet is a seed that is naturally gluten free. However, it is always important with grains to make sure the package is marked gluten free. The millet you are using could be processed with wheat, barley or other gluten grains and be contaminated.

If you like this recipe you might also enjoy:

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Biscuits
Gluten Free Bagels
Gluten Free Italian Keto Bread
Gluten Free Sourdough Bread
Gluten Free Cornbread

I get some of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 25% off your first order!

Print
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Gluten Free Millet Drop Biscuits

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Elaine VanVleck
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This easy recipe for gluten free millet drop biscuits is a quick way to make homemade biscuits. They are great with jam, butter or gravy. This recipe tells you how to make the best gluten free biscuits! 

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups Millet Flour
3 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Xanthan Gum
½ tsp. Sea Salt
6 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
½ cup Buttermilk, at room temperature
3 large Eggs, at room temperature
2 Tbsp. Honey

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl stir together the millet flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthum gum and sea salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer blend together the butter, buttermilk, eggs and honey. When these ingredients are combined add the dry ingredients. Mix until a wet dough forms.

The dough is going to be sticky. To work with the dough wet your hands first. You will want either a bowl of water to dip your hands in or to be near running water. 

Form 6 large or 12 regular sized biscuits and drop onto the lined baking sheet. The biscuits will spread some, so leave a bit of room around each.

Bake for 10-18 minutes. The biscuits will be golden brown when done.

I like to serve the biscuits immediately while they are still warm.

Notes

To get your buttermilk to room temp place it in a glass microwave safe container and heat for 10-20 seconds.

To get your eggs to room temp place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 1-2 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Biscuits
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Gluten Free

Favorite Things January 7, 2022

one of my favorite things are houseplants in terra cotta pots

This a collection of things I'm loving right now. I've included recipes that are perfect for this season and some of my favorite things. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and scroll through all the stuff I've enjoyed this week.

I can't believe we are a week into 2022! I have lots of organization supplies for you this week. I love to organize my pantry, cupboards and closet during the winter months when it's raining and I don't really want to be outside.

This week I also have lots of lovely kitchen and dining from Better Homes and Garden. I already own a few of these and as I was looking put a couple more on my list to purchase. Their stuff is inexpensive, but in my experience holds up well.

Better Homes & Garden

Recipe Ideas for the Week

Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Soup

Instant Pot Gluten Free Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

10 Easy Gluten Free Beef Recipes

Stuff I Love

What I'm Watching - I finished season two of Emily in Paris on Netflix this week. I love all of the shots of Paris and the crazy fashion.

What I'm Listening To - It's on my list this week to listen to the Goop Podcast episode with Stanley Tucci. I'm a big fan of Stanley Tucci and can't wait to listen to this conversation.

What I'm Reading - I'm 60% through Love at First Spite by Anna E. Collins. It's a likable romance novel with fun story. I like the main characters and it's set in Washington.

What I'm Loving - For cozy loungewear I really like the men's henley t-shirts at Target. They are warm and I can push the sleeves up. I pair them with joggers and my sneakers.

Kitchen Organization

My Favorite Things From Around The Web

These red and white satin pajamas remind me a little of the Emily in Paris wardrobe. They look really comfy to lounge around in on a Sunday!

Speaking of comfy clothes for winter I love a button front cardigan to wear over pajamas, jeans or a dress. They are so versatile and go from winter to spring well.

Target has their cloth lunch totes back in stock this season. They sold out before I could get one last year! It would be perfect to pack a picnic lunch to take with.

Target is already getting some of their spring lines in. I love this gingham mug, these gingham kitchen scrubbers, the basketweave striped kitchen towels and this big stoneware scalloped bowl.

I was looking back at some of the most popular kitchen items in 2021 and these are my must haves: OXO Small Cookie Scoop, Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Instant Vortex Air Fryer and Cuisinart Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

I need some baskets for my pantry for snacks and other smaller items. I like these braided rectangle baskets from Target.

I like to save our coffee grounds to put in the garden to add some acidity to the soil. I really like this new coffee grounds bowl with a cork lid!

This Week's Sales

Aerie - 50% off sweaters, sweatshirts and cold weather accessories
Ashley HomeStore - up to 30% off sale
Levi's - extra 50% off sale with code EXTRA50
Macy's - up to 60% off
Nordstrom - 20% off Zella for women, men and kids
Nordstrom Rack - up to 65% off cold weather gear
Sephora - up to 50% off top skincare plus free shipping with code FREESHIP
Under Armour - up to 50% off select styles
Urban Outfitters - up to 40% off home sale items