snack

Caramel Apple Rice Cake

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Grocery List Ideas: Caramel Apple Rice Cake! Whether you are looking for a light breakfast, midday snack, or energy-booster…..think rice cakes. They offer a satisfying crunch and are easily digestible. Fruit, nuts, seeds, and protein contain vitamins that are justifiable as well. I like the taste. Be forewarned. You may find yourself at the grocery store standing in front of the packaged display highly impressed with all the varieties. Sure, you can eat them plain, but why would you? 

CARAMEL APPLE RICE CAKE 

Instructions: 

1 apple cinnamon rice cake

2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese 

1/2 Gala apple, cored and sliced 

1-2 tablespoons sea salt caramel sauce

2 tablespoons redskin Spanish peanuts 

Instructions: 

Place one rice cake on a plate. Spread whipped cream cheese evenly on the cinnamon rice cake. Arrange apple slices over the top. Drizzle with sea salt caramel sauce. Sprinkle Spanish peanuts over all. 

Oyster Snack Crackers

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Take a Seat at the Table: Oyster Snack Crackers! When you get that craving for something slightly salty partnered with a crunchy snack, turn to these little gems made from basic oyster crackers. Add seasonings and oil; bake and store in an airtight container. I literally sprinkle them on homemade soups, organic salads, and sometimes the palm of my hand. In a pinch, I’ve crushed them as a coating for baked chicken or fish. It’s all up to you. 

OYSTER SNACK CRACKERS 

Ingredients:

16-ounce package of oyster crackers

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup olive oil

1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°. Take a one gallon ziplock bag. Pour oyster crackers into bag. In a glass measuring cup, combine butter, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, dill weed, onion powder, and lemon pepper. Stir well. Pour over crackers. Seal the bag and toss to coat, alternating every 5 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Transfer to a baking sheet. Form single layer. Bake 10 minutes; toss and bake 10 minutes longer. Do not burn. Let cool and then store in an airtight container. Will keep for weeks. 

Nori Sesame Popcorn

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Take a Seat at the Table: Nori Sesame Popcorn! If you’ve never tasted dried edible seaweed, you’re really missing out. It wasn’t until recently that I gave it a whirl and I have to tell you, I kinda like it. Besides, it’s a great source of vitamins and minerals. Asian cultures have known this all along, so it’s like preaching to the choir when I rave about the natural health benefits. When nori is added to a batch of popcorn, seasoned with roasted sesame seeds and Oriental  rice crackers, it transforms a typical snack into a sensational wholesome one. Prepare to grab a handful and nibble away. 

NORI SESAME POPCORN 

Ingredients:

1 packet microwave popcorn, any variety

8-ounces rice cracker blend, bite-size pieces

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 teaspoons roasted sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

.21 ounces dried seaweed sheets, cut into small strips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare the microwave popcorn according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl. Discard any unpopped kernels. Add the rice cracker pieces. Toss with sesame oil, sesame seeds, seasoned salt, and nori strips. Transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Cool five minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container. 

Kale Chips

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Take a Seat at the Table: Kale Chips! Mention the word “kale” and you can see the noses wrinkle. But, seriously, if you eat leafy vegetables anyway…what’s the big deal?  I find kale quite versatile. Its rich dark leaves hold up well in salads, pasta dishes, and snacks. Once baked, with the right seasonings, they turn into a spicy guilt-free alternative. 

KALE CHIPS 

Ingredients:

2 cups baby Kale leaves

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Break off the stems of the kale leaves and discard. Gently wash each leaf and dry on a paper towel to eliminate all moisture. One by one, using your fingers, rub both sides of each leaf with olive oil. Place the kale on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake 10 minutes longer. The kale leaves will shrink and begin to curl. Do not over-bake! Remove baking sheet from oven and cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately. 

Umami Seasoned Popcorn

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Stir. Spread. Flip. Repeat: Umami Seasoned Popcorn! I like gadgets, especially in the kitchen. As a lifelong popcorn lover, I’ve made popcorn in a skillet on the stove, for a time using a brown paper bag in the microwave, also the prepackaged varieties for the microwave, a stand-alone air popper, and now with my newest toy. I discovered a delightful surprise called Ecolution Micro-Pop Glass Microwave Popcorn Popper*. It actually resembles a coffee carafe. No kidding. The three-in-one lid not only measures the popcorn kernels, but it also holds a half stick of butter. As the kernels pop, the butter melts and drizzles over the freshly popped corn. I can see you’re impressed. You can thank me later. 

UMAMI SEASONED POPCORN

Ingredients: 

1/3 cup yellow popcorn kernels 

3 tablespoons butter, unsalted

1 tablespoon umami seasoning

1 tablespoon micro greens

Instructions:

Pour popcorn kernels into the microwave-safe popcorn popper. Place in microwave for 3 minutes on High setting, or until kernels stop popping. Do not allow to scorch or burn. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir in umami seasoning until well blended. Transfer popped popcorn to a bowl; pour butter mixture over popcorn. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with micro greens and serve immediately. 

*I receive no recompense for mentioning this product. 

Easy Energy Balls

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Appetizers to Desserts: Easy Energy Balls! Do you ever get those mid-morning blahs where all you want to do is go back to bed? Well, here’s a way to get a tasty boost of energy without the guilt of a candy bar.  By choosing pure and organic ingredients, you not only reap the health benefits, but you also gain the satisfaction your tummy needs in order to feel full. Make up a batch in minutes, store in the refrigerator, then Grab and Go! 

EASY ENERGY BALLS

Ingredients:

1 cup organic creamy dark roasted peanut butter 

2/3 cup pure honey

2 cups flaked coconut 

2 cups old fashioned whole grain oats

1 cup organic flaxseed 

1 cup dark chocolate chips

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 cup ground nuts

Instructions:

Warm peanut butter just enough to blend well with the honey. Remove from heat and add coconut, oats, flaxseed, and chocolate chips. Mix well. Sprinkle in cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly. Roll into 30 bite-size balls, coat in ground nuts, and store in the refrigerator in a sealed container. 

Yogurt Banana Bowl

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Test Kitchen Favorites: Yogurt Banana Bowl! Some people tell me they “crash” after eating breakfast. For some reasons, instead of revving the engine, the body takes a dip in energy that can lead to a 10-minute nap. I’m here to tell you, it’s not your fault. Did you know eating yogurt with bananas can actually promote better sleep, when eaten at bedtime? Evidently the yogurt protein, when combined with the carbs in bananas, stabilize blood sugar and create a muscle calming effect that enhances sleep. How ‘bout it?!?! Instead of sipping on a glass of red wine, try this natural sleep aid about an hour before bedtime. What have you got to lose?

YOGURT BANANA BOWL 

Ingredients: 

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 whole banana, sliced 

2 tablespoons walnuts, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon agave nectar 

Nutmeg, for garnish 

Instructions: 

Fill a bowl with Greek yogurt. Arrange the sliced bananas around the edge into a half moon. Fill the remaining side with chopped walnuts. Drizzle agave nectar over all. Sprinkle with ground nutmeg. Serve immediately. 

Natural PB Banana Rice Cake

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Test Kitchen Favorites: Natural PB Banana Rice Cake. Did you know the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Elvis Presley, absolutely loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches? It’s true. Sometimes he would mash the bananas; sometimes he would add fried bacon to the mix, and sometimes he would eat them for days on end as a comfort food. Over time, this quirky sandwich became known as “The Elvis” on menus across the South. Fast forward to today. Puffed rice cakes can replace white bread as a lower calorie, crunchy alternative, especially for those watching their weight. I treat them as a guilt-free afternoon snack and so can you. 

NATURAL PB BANANA RICE CAKE 

Ingredients: 

1 rice cake, apple cinnamon variety 

1-2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, creamy texture 

1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced 

Ground Cinnamon, for garnish 

Instructions: 

Spread creamy peanut butter onto the apple cinnamon puffed rice cake; swirl. Top with banana slices. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Bleu Plate Special

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? The Joy of Eating: Bleu Plate Special! As the day winds down, the kids are fed, and the sunset turns to burnt-sugar orange, take some time out for yourself. Make a delightful cheese plate filled with inviting textures balanced by a range of flavors from aged and smoky to salty and sweet. Pair with a glass of sweet wine (or fruity spritzer) for an amazing taste sensation. Sink back into a comfy chaise lounge and let soft music fill the room. Remind yourself this is a classic French dessert, and prepare to be pampered. 

BLEU PLATE SPECIAL

Ingredients:

Wedge of Bleu Cheese (or any aged cheese variety)

Bunch of Green Grapes (or any seasonal fruit)

Smoked Almonds

Water Crackers (or crusty breads)

Instructions:

Choose a platter where all ingredients can be arranged in a simple way, leaving space between choices. Identify cheeses if offering more than one kind. Rule of thumb: Place one cheese knife or spreader for each type of cheese. Keep it simple.