Peanut Butter Free No-Bake Cookies

I found this recipe on RecipeZaar.com, and it is oh so delicious! Mike ended up smothering his cookies with sunbutter (sunflower seed butter), but Ben and I thought they were great by themselves.

2 cups granulated sugar
8 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)
1/3 cup baking cocoa (I used Hershey's)
3 cups gluten free oats (quick or old fashioned*, uncooked)**

1 - In large saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk and cocoa. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue boiling 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

2 - Remove from heat. Stir in oats.* Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store tightly covered.

3 - Makes about 3 dozen.

4 - *If using old fashioned oats, cool mixture in saucepan 5 minutes.

** We most commonly use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats.

Chocolate Pudding

2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa (be sure to read the label for nut warnings)
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp gluten free vanilla (not imitation vanilla)

1. Mix sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt together in a microwave safe bowl. Slowly whisk in milk until sugar is dissolved.
2. Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir until mixture is the consistency of pudding.
3. Stir in butter and vanilla after the pudding has been cooked.
4. Allow to cool and serve plain or topped with whipped cream.
5. Cover the pudding surface with plastic wrap or waxed paper to avoid a skin formation.

Meatball Stroganoff

Gluten Free (GF) Noodles (we use Tinkyada brand)
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
Bread crumbs
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 tbsp GF flour (we use tapioca flour)
1 tsp paprika
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tbsp water (or milk)

1. Cook noodles.
2. Combine beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, salt and 3 tbsp water (or milk) until just blended. Shape into 16 meatballs.
3. Cook meatballs in a 12-inch skillet on medium-high heat. Transfer to a plate.
4. Stir flour and paprika into drippings in pan; stir 30 seconds. Stir in broth and heat to a boil. Boil until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream.
5. Return meatballs to pan; heat through.

Apple Pork Chops

I did a little homework on my favorite fall spices to see if they were allergy concerns. It appears that clove and nutmeg are not considered tree nuts and are safe for Benny Friendly foods. It remains to be seen if he LIKES the flavor of clove or nutmeg.

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 (1/2-inch thick) pork chops
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 apples - peeled, cored and sliced
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 3/4 cup hot water

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Heat oil in large skillet. Saute onion in oil for 1 minute, or until tender. Remove onion and set aside. Brown pork chops on both sides in oil.
3. Place chops in an 8x12 inch baking dish and sprinkle them with salt (and pepper). Cover the chops with the apples and cooked onion.
4. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, cloves, cinnamon and water. Pour over chops. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes.