Get Cooking!

Recipes, Kitchen Gadgets, Cookbook Reviews, Gluten Free Recipes...

You are here: Home / Archives for Recipes (P-W)

Recipes (P-W)

Delicious and Simple Recipe for Pimento Cheese

By

Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimento Cheese

Two of my favorite things in the world of food are cheese and mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s), so it’s only natural that I love Pimento Cheese like a sailor loves the sea. When I had to give up gluten/wheat (health reasons), I lost the world of pimento cheese sandwiches because, no matter what anyone may try to tell you, gluten-free bread simply is not the same. If you toast it, it is more than serviceable, but straight out of the bag… no thank you, I’d rather dance alone.

Fortunately, I’ve found that pimento cheese is just as delicious on chips, romaine lettuce, or gluten-free crackers.

If you’re able to eat bread, then by all means do so!

The following is my “go to” for pimento cheese – it’s simple and delicious, as well as very spreadable and dippable.

Delicious Idea: This particular approach to pimento cheese is pretty savory – if you want to add a bit of sweetness, add a little softened cream cheese along with the other ingredients…. OR, if some people in your family prefer savory and others prefer sweetness, do what I like to do: Make the savory version of the pimento cheese. When someone who prefers a little sweetness wants a sandwich, spread some cream cheese on the inside of one of the slices of bread (kind of like mayo with a sweet tooth). This is an especially delicious trick when you toast the bread.


Gorgeous Soup Bowl and Sandwich Plate Combo (Great Gift Idea for Cooks)

By

Mentally and emotionally I have turned the corner…. I’ve left summer behind and have launched myself right into Autumn’s crisp leaves and gentle breeze!

The house is already decked out with creepers, happy ghosts, pumpkins, and bears dressed up for Halloween. We’re all ready for fall.. now all it has to do is show up!

I’m also making the summer to fall transition in the kitchen as soup and chili begin to replace salads and grilled burgers. In fact, today marked the first day that a pot of chili returns to the home. I served it with pimento cheese sandwiches and it was fantastic.

As I thought about the number of times (during fall and winter) that we take our soup or chili and hot dogs/sandwiches into the den to watch football (Go UK Wildcats! and Go Broncos!) or October baseball (Go Cardinals!), it occurred to me that I needed to find handy coup and plate trays. Truth be told, I wasn’t even 100 percent sure such a thing existed, I just knew what would be extraordinarily cool.

I went directly to Amazon to see if the coolness existed and badabing!… of course Amazon had just what I was looking for.

They always do.

The Artena Bowl and Sandwich Plate Combo (Amazon link) is EXACTLY what I need. I love that it’s available in different colors (I honestly had no idea I’d find any this gorgeous).

  • Available in teal blue, lake blue, mint green, and soft pink.
  • Ideal size – perfect for fitting a sandwich or chili dog on in addition to the generous mug of soup or chili.
  • I also love the options these would provide for breakfast food – grits or oatmeal with French toast or biscuits yum!
  • When you click through and take a closer look at the colors, be sure to check out the video that’s available – you’ll get a better idea of just how gorgeous, well-made, and roomy these are.


Feeling ALL Kinds of Salty: Why You Need Cornish Sea Salt Company Salts in Your Life

By

Freshly Cut Avocado with Cornish Lemon & Thyme Sea Salt 

My name is Joi (“Joy”) and I am an Amazon addict. Not complaining. Not bragging. Certainly NOT looking for intervention… just merely and merrily stating a fact. There are many reasons for this happy addiction (I love buying things for my large family, I’m an avid reader, I collect old movies on dvd…) but the main thing I use Amazon for these days – as in right up there with books – is for salts, seasonings, and other food items I can’t get in stores.

Seriously, using Amazon for food-related goodies is one of the absolutely most enjoyable rabbit holes you’ll ever find.

It’s all in keeping with something I’ve always preached, to be a good cook…

  • You need a passion for it.
  • You need to practice regularly – and, not only with food(s) you’ve never made before, but with those you regularly make. You can always find new tricks, tweaks, and tools to make regular meals more enjoyable and maybe EVEN tastier.
  • Get creative! Never be as boring, predictable, or stale and for crying out loud, never be average.
  • Your food will only be as good as the tools you surround yourself with. Make sure your knives, pans, pots, blenders, mixers, etc are all in tip top shape.
  • Use the best ingredients you can afford. Some items are simply WORTH paying more for – garlic powder and vanilla come to mind.
  • Life (and a kitchen) without seasoning and spice is BORING!

The outrageously delicious and crazy fun salts I want to tell you about today tick off quite a few of the aforementioned requirements. They’re also very affordable and, if I can get super girly for a hot minute, they look amazing sitting on the counter.

Well, they do.

Using different salts, peppers, seasonings, oils, vinegars, and sauces is a huge passion (obsession) of mine. I just counted and we currently have 12 salts in our kitchen. TWELVE! If I were to use full disclosure, there are about to be thirteen (more about the one on the way in a minute).

I recently came across a company who really knows their salt and they have a fan for life. I first spied the Cornish Sea Salt Company on Amazon about a month ago when I was (as I can often be found doing) shopping for fun salt blends.

(Salty Conversation Continued Below…)

Cornish Sea Salt And Pepper Pinch Salt

Cornish Sea Salt Company Salt & Peppery Blend

The first one of their blends I saw and ordered is pictured above, the Salt & Peppery blend (Amazon link). The Cornish sea salt is accompanied by four wonderful peppers and the result is a beautiful and delicious thing. I’ve used (and loved) this blend on burgers, eggs, bacon, chicken, baked potatoes, fried potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, pinto beans… basically anyplace I’d add regular salt and pepper together, this allows me to add them at once in a knock-out blend that brings even more flavor to the moment. Used as a finishing touch, it adds a great deal to the food’s presentation – in addition to tasting fantastic.

When I saw that they had another blend, Fresh & Zesty: Lemon, Thyme & Cornish Sea Salt (Amazon link), I ordered a tub immediately.

The tubs may look small, but these salt blends last a really long time. The flavor is so concentrated, it hardly takes any at all to make a big impact.

I knew the minute I smelled the Lemon, Thyme & Cornish Sea Salt blend that I had another winner on my hands. I’ve used this one on pasta, garlic toast, hummus, salmon (it’s amazing in salmon patties!), shrimp, and other fish. One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is also one of the simplest, on freshly cut avocado. The flavors it brings to the avocado party are unbelievable.

Remember when I said I currently had 12 different salts in my kitchen and they were about to be joined by salt number 13? Well, we can blame the Cornish Sea Salt Company for this one, too! They have another blend that sounds as wonderful as these two… Cornish Roasted Garlic Sea Salt (Amazon link) and it is sitting in my Amazon cart as we speak. 

I honestly cannot wait to get creative with this one. I mean, are you kidding me? Garlic!? The possibilities are endless.

I hope you’ll give these salts a try – they’re outstanding! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Cornish Sea Salt Fresh and Zesty on Avocado

Fresh & Zesty: Lemon, Thyme & Cornish Sea Salt (Amazon link)


Kentucky Pimento Cheese: Budget-Friendly, Easy, and Delicious!

By

Pimento Cheese Makings

Pimento Cheese, Fixing to Happen

Okay, so why do I call this Kentucky Pimento Cheese?? Well…

  1. It’s Pimento Cheese
  2. I live in Kentucky

Mystery solved! Actually, I thought the words Pimento Cheese looked kind of lonely and wanted to give them a friend.

This is my go-to recipe for pimento cheese because it’s easy, simple, and (most importantly) delicious. It’s creamy and a little sweet (thanks for all you do for me, cream cheese). You can add a little jalapeno and/or cayenne pepper (just a little, don’t get crazy with it) to it if you’d like to balance the sweetness, but as a true southerner, sweetness floats my boat, so I take him as he is.

A few quick notes…

  • Make this your own by adding more cheese if you like, as much salt and pepper as you prefer, and adjusting the mayo to fit your personal tastes.
  • It’s always a great idea (with any food, actually) to shred your own cheese rather than buying it shredded. It simply tastes a lot better. A LOT better.

Kentucky Pimento Cheese on Bread


PERFECT Baked Potatoes in Your Oven

By

Baked Potatoes with Sea Salt

Baked Potatoes with Sea Salt

I’ve always loved a great baked potato. In fact, when at a favorite steak house, I’ve been known to get every bit as excited about the baked potato as I am the steak.

Oddly enough, though, I’ve recently become an EVEN bigger potato fanatic. I have no explanations as to WHY but since I began eating Gluten Free, my cravings for baked potatoes are almost non-stop.  My daughter Emily (who also recently had to begin eating Gluten Free) has similar cravings – only her potato of choice is sweet potatoes.

Although I can’t explain the increased cravings, I can certainly take care of them. It just so happens I like my own baked potatoes as well as – and often better than – potatoes gotten at restaurants.

Although it’s different from most people, I don’t wrap my potatoes in foil before putting them in the oven. To me, doing so kind of  just “steams” the potato rather than “baking” it.  I like for the skin to have a slight crispiness to it when I cut into it. If it doesn’t’ have that slight little crunch sound when the knife cuts into the potato, I don’t get quite as excited.

Step By Step To Perfect Baked Potatoes

  1. Wash your potatoes well. I have a little scrub brush (Amazon link) that looks like a pig (I mean, who doesn’t??) that I like to use on my potatoes.
  2. After they’ve been washed well, oil them down with butter, vegetable oil, or olive oil.  It’s like you have a little spa for potatoes and you’re the masseuse.
  3. I roll my greased up potatoes in a little flaky sea salt (Amazon link). Trust me, this little extra step makes a world of difference. It doesn’t make them too salty… I promise.
  4. Pierce your potatoes about 4 or 5 times to allow steam to escape. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.  An exploding potato is a hideous thing.
  5. Bake your potatoes directly on a rack in a 400 degree preheated oven for 45 – 50 minutes.  Place a cookie sheet on a lower rack to catch any drippings. The timing depends upon the size (density) of your potatoes.

How To Test For Done-ness:

There are several ways to check to make sure your baked potato is cooked thoroughly. Below are the most commonly used (with my own personal method listed first).

  • Use an oven mitt to give the potato a slight little squeeze. If there’s a bit of “give,” the potato is done. If there’s no “give,” return it to the oven.
  • You can also check for a potato’s done-ness by taking its temperature. The internal temperature should be 210 degrees F.
  • Some people check their baked potatoes by piercing them with a fork. If the fork doesn’t meet any resistance, they know it’s showtime.

 And showtime is a beautiful thing.


A Simple and Delicious Summer Salad that Begins with Prosciutto & Mozzarella Rolls

By

Prosciutto Rolls Salad

Prosciutto Rolls Salad

I’m working on adding more really quick, simple, and summer-friendly meals and dishes to the blog – after all, when the weather is gorgeous OUTSIDE, who wants to be INSIDE any more than they have to!?!

Meal prep is a dream come true, not only for those who work outside of the home, but for anyone who wants to maximize their time without compromising healthy food that that tastes great.

So, you’ll be seeing a lot more meal ideas and recipes with all of this in mind. Actually, many won’t even be recipes as much as they’ll be ideas. The one I want to share with you today is delicious and couldn’t possibly be simpler. I got the idea for this simple summer salad from one of my favorite fast food “sandwiches” the Vito Unwich from Jimmy John’s. Italian meat, veggies, cheese, and a dressing in a lettuce wrap… it’s more delicious than you can imagine.

Which is why I wanted to incorporate the flavors at home, in a nice simple salad.

First, you’ll need a package of Prosciutto & Mozzarella Rolls (most grocery stores sell these little roll ups in the refrigerated deli department). You could, of course, buy the Italian meat(s) and mozzarella and make your own rolls, but we’re aiming for simplicity, here!

Second, buy premade packaged greens all gussied up and ready for salads OR buy your own favorite greens and make your own. We’re a romaine lettuce kind of family, so I always have crunchy romaine on hand.  For most summer salads, I like a mixture of my favorite greens (arugula, romaine, iceberg, spinach, red leaf…) but for this particular salad, I always go with romaine exclusively – it’s simply better that way.

As far as other vegetables go, by all means add your personal favorites: tomatoes (when in season), sweet onion, green onion, etc. If you want to include others, such as cucumbers, carrots, celery, or broccoli, I think it’s best to simply put them to the side. This simple salad is its best when it adheres to the word simple.

Dressing? You can go with your favorite homemade Italian dressing or use your favorite bottled dressing. I normally make my own dressing, but this particular time (when these photos were taken), I was battling seasonal allergies and the zombie-brain-inducing medicines that come with them and wanted sweet simplicity. I used the wonderful Olive Garden Dressing (Amazon link) I always have on hand for such emergencies. This dressing is fantastic and I wouldn’t dream of ever running out of it.

Prosciutto Rolls Salad

Prosciutto Rolls Salad


Wedge Salad, Starring Roasted Tomatoes

By

Wedge Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, Bacon, Chia Seeds, Sauteed Onions, and Ranch Dressing

Last night I made what instantly became a Salad Legend in our kitchen: A wedge salad with bacon, chia seeds, ranch dressing, and the main attraction, roasted grape tomatoes.

I seldom give either sautéed onions OR bacon second billing to anything, yet here BOTH of them are… playing second fiddle to the humble, miniature grape tomato.

Wedge Salads: Iceberg Lettuce’s Call in Life

Iceberg Lettuce for Wedge Salad

Wedge Salads, Fixing to Happen

For a great wedge salad, you have to start with a fresh, crisp, clean, beautiful head of iceberg lettuce. Cut it into fourths and salt it a little under, over, around, and through. Iceberg lettuce has a shy flavor, you have to coax it out with a little salt.

Place your wedges on a plate and pour either Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing on top – be generous.

Now, add your favorite toppings. You can choose from..

  • crumbled, cooked bacon (or bacon bits if you’re in a hurry or don’t want to mess up a skillet)
  • chopped tomatoes (grape or cherry tomatoes – roasted or not – are ideal for wedge salads)
  • green onions
  • crumbled Blue Cheese or Feta
  • sautéed onions
  • roasted vegetables
  • roasted corn (YUM!)
  • Chia seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • etc…

A wedge salad can be as quick and easy or as elaborate as you want it to be.

The wedge salad pictured at the top (and at the bottom of the post) involved a little more time to make than the average wedge salad, but when it comes to sautéed onions and roasted tomatoes, I have all the time in the world.

How to Roast Grape Tomatoes

Grape Tomatoes for Roasting

Grape Tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the grape (or cherry) tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then season them with Kosher Salt.  Depending upon your preference AND depending upon what you’ll be eating at this particular meal, you could also drizzle a little Balsamic Vinegar on top of the tomatoes.

There are endless herb possibilities, too, but for this wedge salad, I just wanted to taste the roasted tomatoes… nothing but them in all their glory.

Large tomatoes or Roma tomatoes generally take upward of 30 minutes to roast, but the little guys don’t take quite as long.  Grape (or cherry) tomatoes usually begin to caramelize in about 20 minutes.  You’ll want to take them out and give them a quick little flip about halfway through the cooking time.

Don’t let the dark color rattle you. As cooks, when something turns dark, it usually means a trip to the garbage can, followed by another trip to the store – but when roasting vegetables, you want the darkness… that’s where the flavor is.

A word about roasting – I don’t want to venture too far off the beaten path here, but roasting vegetables is a woefully underrated and underused way of enjoying sides. Most vegetables can be roasted using the same approach I described above – most simply need more time under the heat.  Roasting vegetables brings out the flavor like few things ever could. Experiment with oils, seasonings, and even vinegars to mix things up.

Pan roasting on the stove-top (simply putting food into a hot skillet briefly) is a great way to bring out the deep, intense flavors of spices and herbs. Just keep an eye on them, they’ll burn fast.

Dressings for Wedge Salads

I favor using Blue Cheese Dressing or Ranch. I almost always make my own dressing but also love using Hidden Valley Ranch packets to whip up a great Ranch dressing. When it comes to dressing, I do prefer to make my own and, during the warmer months, I often have at least one made up at all times. During the colder months, when we aren’t having salads quite as often, I’ll turn to bottled dressing.

Topping Things Off

To finish off the presentation beautifully, and tastefully, add crumbled cheese (blue, mozzarella, or feta), bacon, snipped parsley or chives, sunflower seeds, salt, pepper, and/or chia seeds. Just find the combo that makes you smile.

Wedge Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, bacon, and Chia Seeds.

Wedge Salad

**** If you have to eat gluten free, always check everything you put on your plate and into your mouth. Never “assume” salad dressings, bacon bits, and all salad toppings are gluten free. Make  sure the label says “gluten free.”

Also See: Ideas for Salads and Gluten Free Salad Toppings


How to Use Peppercorns to Add Flavor to Your Recipes and Food

By

Black Peppercorns

Black Peppercorns.. So Much Flavor!

I’ve always been one of Black Pepper’s biggest fans. This glorious spice, often taken for granted, can take the ordinary into the spectacular. If you don’t believe me, just ask mashed potatoes.

I guess that’s why I talk about pepper so much – to make sure it isn’t overlooked or slighted in the least. There’ll be no taking pepper for granted on my watch!

When I first fell madly in love with cooking, the little red and white tin of pre-ground pepper was my mainstay. In fact, we had a thing going for years. I’d buy big tins of ground pepper and fill my salt and pepper shakers for daily use and whip out my red and white tin for cooking.

Then, one fateful day, my culinary world opened up. While in the grocery store, browsing a favorite aisle (the spice aisle – where I could spend hours),  I saw peppercorns and peppercorn grinders. I noticed that, like people, peppercorns came in a beautiful array of colors – black, pink, white, and even green.

Mind, blown.

I rounded up every peppercorn and grinder in sight and headed home to play with my new toys.  It’s a process I’ve repeated hundreds of times since.

Using different peppercorns for different dishes really adds exciting and fun layers of flavor.

A quick rundown of the different peppercorn flavors:

Green peppercorns have a sharp, fresh flavor. Some of the best dishes to use green peppercorns with are vegetable dishes and salad dressings. A good way to remember this is to think of the green… green peppercorns = eating green = vegetables.

Pink peppercorns may have the most distinctive and unique flavor of all the peppercorns. These little beauties have a delicate, fragrant flavor that’s somehow both sweet and spicy at the same time. I love the color pink peppercorns bring, literally, to the table. While they go with everything imaginable, most people prefer them with sweet foods and fruit.  They’re all kinds of delicious on cantaloupe and watermelon.

White peppercorns are mostly used when a cook doesn’t want any black specks whatsoever in their dish. Me? I live for the black specks, but I can see wanting a special cheese sauce or cream to be solid and universal in color. White peppercorns give a taste that’s very similar to black peppercorns.

And last, but in NO way least, the star of the peppercorns world, Black Peppercorns. Black peppercorns can be used with absolutely anything you dream up in your kitchen. Eggs, potatoes, meats, vegetables, fish, etc.

Black pepper begins to lose some of its flavor as soon as it’s ground, which is why using peppercorns with your own grinder is preferable for cooking and eating.

Tellicherry Peppercorns are rock stars in the peppercorn world. These black peppercorns are left on the vine longer and allowed to over-ripen. They are bigger in both size and flavor.

I first sought out Tellicherry Black Peppercorns when I read that they were one of Colonel Sanders’ secret ingredients in his fried chicken. I figured that if they were the Colonel’s “go to” peppercorn, I  had to try them out. I’ve bought them religiously since.

In addition to a grinder filled with only black peppercorns, I always have a grinder filled with a combination of all colors of peppercorns. This colorful blend is excellent for stews, soups, eggs, and countless other kitchen regulars.

Rachael Ray Fancy Boy Peppercorn Grinders

Rachael Ray’s Fancy Boy Grinders (Amazon link) are something I would be lost without. I’ve written at least one Fancy Boy Grinders Review on Get Cooking.

Unfortunately, they can be tough to find in stores (although her Pink Himalayan Salt Fancy Boy Grinder is pretty easy to find). Fancy Boy Grinders can be found on Amazon easily enough (just click the link to check them out).

Rachael Ray’s Fancy Boy Peppercorn Grinders:

Shopping for Peppercorns

Your grocery store may or may not have peppercorns available in all of the available peppercorn colors. If they come up short, always keep Amazon in mind. Peppercorns on Amazon are available in bulk, meaning you won’t run out any time soon and you can find unlimited colors and blend combinations, including the Rainbow Peppercorn Blend (both links are Amazon links).

Peppercorn Grinders

When it comes to peppercorn grinders, my three favorite places to shop are Amazon (See Amazon Peppercorn Grinders), TJ Maxx, and Target. Kitchen supply stores are also a great place to check – but they can be pretty pricey.

Wherever you find your peppercorns and peppercorn grinders, just be sure to mix things up and experiment with different varieties of peppercorns.

You’ll be amazed at all the different flavors they bring to the table!


The Time Has Come: Time to Buy an Ice Cream Maker this Summer!

By

I was on Amazon a few minutes ago, comparing ice cream machines and came across this absolute BEAST of an ice cream machine. The name Ninja caught my eye because I love absolutely everything they make.

In full disclosure, I’m not sure this will be the one I buy or not because for whatever reasons (nostalgic ones, I’m sure), I kind of have my heart set on one of the wooden ones you use outdoors. However, this beauty is making me reconsider.

  • With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and more.
  • Easily enjoy a wide array of frozen treats like decadent gelato, lite ice cream, dairy-free, gluten-free and much more. The Ninja CREAMi makes delicious treats that fit your lifestyle.
  • The CREAMi is compact in size allowing for seamless storage and fitting easily on your countertop.
  • Easy-to-use functionality allows for the whole family to enjoy making frozen treats together.
  • Customize your flavor and texture by mixing in your favorite chocolate, nuts, candy, fruit, and more to personalize any CREAMi treat.
  • Seven one-touch programs allow for the perfect combination of speed, pressure, and time to completely shave through your frozen pint. Choose between Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream​, and Mix-in.
  • Unlike traditional ice cream makers, Ninja’s innovative Creamerizer System finely shaves and churns ice particles into creamy frozen treats in minutes.
  • Select the Re-spin function if, after processing, you want your processed treat softer and creamier.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Containers, lids, and paddle are top-rack dishwasher safe.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Motor Base with Dual-Drive Motors, Creamerizer Paddle, (2) 16 oz. CREAMi Pints with storage lids, Outer bowl and lid to house pint while processing, Recipe inspiration guide with 30 recipes.

I love that this beauty makes milkshakes and smoothie bowls (two of my personal obsessions), as well as ice cream. It makes so many more treats than I ever thought of asking of an ice cream maker. So… yeah… I’m torn between this beauty and the more traditional ice cream maker (Amazon link) that’s sitting in my Amazon cart!

Read a lot more about the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker (Amazon link) and see videos and photos by clicking the link. You’ll see why I’m having a tough time deciding!


Caulipower: Quite Possibly THE Best Gluten-Free Pasta

By

CauliPower Linguine Pasta with Meat Sauce

Caulipower Linguine with Meat Sauce

Years ago, when I had to give up gluten and wheat (health reasons), the first f0ur things I thought of were…

  • doughnuts
  • pasta
  • fried catfish
  • pizza

These are four of my favorite things in life and have been since my life began. I was afraid there’d be no hope to enjoy these great loves ever again and, frankly, with doughnuts, my prediction held true. There ARE gluten-free doughnuts, of course, but they are not the ones I remember from bakeries.

Until fairly recently, the pizza and pasta prediction also held fast, but lately, great strides have been made and (as a pasta and pizza fanatic) I couldn’t be more thankful.

However… when it comes to gluten-free pasta, it has always been a case of, “this one is pretty good” or “this one’s acceptable” instead of anything close to, ‘Holy cats, this gluten-free pasta is outstanding and tastes like the pasta I remember!”

Then I found Caulipower’s new gluten-free pastas – let’s just say it’s a GAME CHANGER.

(Review Continued Below….)

CauliPower Pasta

Caulipower Linguine

Caulipower is a brand I’ve been familiar with for a while because I buy their gluten-free pizza crusts (Amazon link) and gluten-free pizzas (they’re outstanding and I actually now prefer cauliflower crust to regular gluten-free crust). When my youngest daughter told me they had come out with gluten-free pasta, I’m not even exaggerating… I went to the store immediately. They’re in the frozen section and, while I first wondered about them being packaged frozen, I now LOVE the fact. This allows them to cook in just three minutes!

THREE MINUTES! Simply boil the water, add the frozen pasta, stir, and get ready to plate the deliciousness. The first one I tried was the Caulipower linguine because I’ve had difficulty finding linguine in a gluten-free pasta AND I love it.

For anyone who loves “meal prep hacks,” pasta night doesn’t get any better. Simply make up your pasta sauce (I always add ground beef, garlic, onions, green pepper, and mushrooms) and put it into a container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to make supper, warm up your sauce and cook your three minute pasta!

CauliPower Linguine Pasta

CauliPower Linguine Pasta

I love that the portion is perfect for two people (with a little left over even) and the fact that it cooks so quickly makes it IDEAL for busy weeknights. The best thing, however, is the fact that it is delicious! I added a little salt to the water like I do with all pasta, then added it to a meat sauce I had made beforehand.

While you could, of course, simply top the pasta with sauce, I thought adding it TO the meat sauce would make sure there was no cauliflower taste to detect. Mind you, I am obsessed with cauliflower, so it would make me giddy if there was a cauliflower taste but my husband is not a cauliflower fan, so I wanted to make sure that IF there was any flavor there, the sauce would mask it.

I tasted the pasta before adding it to the sauce and, even then, it was simply outstanding – no cauliflower taste and, best of all, it had the true consistency of “normal” pasta. Most gluten-free pasta you find in the stores is tough and not remotely “pasta-like” when it comes to the mouth feel. This one is so perfect it nearly brought a tear to my pasta-missing eye.

But it gets better.

If you’re familiar with gluten-free pasta, you know that leftovers are hideous. Gluten-free pasta, after being refrigerated and warmed-up gets even tougher. Not Caulipower pasta! When I warmed it up the next day, it tasted just like I had just made it fresh.

Now that’s what I’m talking about.

(Review Wrapped Up Below…)

CauliPower Linguine Pasta with Meat Sauce

CauliPower Linguine Pasta with Meat Sauce

Before allowing you to get on with your life, I just wanted to point out two things to let you know just how excited I am about Caulipower pasta and how thrilled I am to have found it:

  1. This is NOT a paid post, NOT sponsored, and NOT in any way associated with the Caulipower brand. I was NOT sent coupons or products to review. This is simply a case of a pasta lover who has to eat gluten-free finally finding the pasta that makes her excited to eat pasta again!
  2. Many times, after I have a food or use a product, I will schedule a time in the future (maybe a week later) to blog about it on the food blog. This particular pasta I tried just last night for supper and just warmed it up for lunch. I was SO anxious to share the good news that I dropped everything to sit down and tell you all about it.

If you have to eat gluten-free, are cutting back on carbs… OR simply want a more convenient and delicious pasta, I hope you’ll try Caulipower pasta as soon as possible. It’s a perfect 10 out of 10 and, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go have a little more.

Caulipower Pasta

Caulipower Pasta