Soft & Moist Gluten-Free White Bread Recipe

 This gluten-free white bread recipe makes the best-ever gluten-free bread. The dough is so similar to traditional bread recipes. This gluten-free bread dough is so easy to knead and so moist. 

 I think my biggest frustration with following a wheat-free diet is the price of gluten-free bread as well as the texture. While I understand why gluten-free products cost more, due to strict guidelines, the cost of gluten-free bread makes it a luxury item for me.

The cost of gluten-free food is why I choose to make gluten-free recipes at home. Some homemade gluten-free products are simple to make, while others are more difficult, especially when it comes to making it similar to traditional products. Making homemade gluten-free bread has always frustrated me,

 Bread baking has always been my specialty with baking and when a wheat allergy forced me to stop eating bread, I was upset that I could no longer make homemade bread. Sure, I discovered recipes for homemade gluten-free bread but they did not have the texture that I wanted. Most of the gluten-free bread recipes made loaves of bread that were hard and dense or crumbly. For many years, I just lived without bread. 

Then I discovered Schar Artisan Bakers Bread, and my quest for a delicious gluten-free bread was over. This bread had the texture of traditional white bread, soft and chewy. As I was reading the ingredients of the Schar bread, one ingredient stood out. The ingredient was Psyllium.

What is Psyllium?

 Psyllium is an ingredient that is used in many fiber supplements.  I needed to know the benefits of psyllium in bread. So I did some research online and discovered that Psyllium Husk Powder was used in gluten-free baking as a substitute for gluten. This fiber mimics gluten and helps the bread have a softer texture. When you use psyllium in gluten-free dough, it gives the dough a kneadable texture. 

Adding Psyllium to Gluten-Free Bread Recipes Gave Amazing Results

With this new information about psyllium and gluten-free bread making, I gave wheat-free bread baking another chance. I was finally able to bake a loaf of delicious gluten-free bread with the addition of Psyllium Husk Powder. Psyllium adds extra fiber to the bread without changing the taste. Psyllium also adds a soft texture to gluten-free bread that I was craving.

Give homemade gluten-free bread additional moisture with a tangzhong

Now that I was baking to baking homemade bread, I was trying new gluten-free bread recipes. One gluten-free recipe had a new technique called tangzhong for achieving more starch and moisture in yeast bread dough.

How does this technique affect yeast dough? It pre-gelatinizes the starches in the flour, meaning they can absorb more water. In fact, the gluten-free flour will absorb twice as much hot water or milk as it does the cool/lukewarm water or milk you'd usually use in yeast dough.

Not only does the starch in the flour absorb more liquid, but it's also able to hold onto that extra liquid throughout the kneading, baking, and cooling processes. Which in turn means:

 ~ The bread dough is less sticky and easier to knead

 ~ The bread may rise higher, due to more water creating more internal steam (which makes bread rise in the oven, along with the carbon dioxide given off by the yeast)

How to make a Tangzhong

~ Take 4 tablespoons of gluten-free flour and 3/4 cups of plant-based milk and put them in a saucepan.

~ Over medium-high heat, cook the mixture, whisking constantly until it starts to thicken into a paste.

~ Remove from heat and bring to room temperature.

~ Add it to your other dough ingredients.

MCT Oil For Best Flavor and Health Benefits

 I discovered that MCT oil could be used in baking bread by accident. I was mixing up the ingredients for my gluten-free bread dough and discovered that I had no olive oil. The only oil that I had was a bottle of organic MCT oil. I usually use MCT oil in my Dairy Free Iced Bulletproof Coffee Latte recipe, but decided to try it in my bread baking recipe. 

 The MCT oil gave the bread a nice flavor, and I liked the additional health benefits. Most people use MCT oil for keto coffee for energy as well as mental clarity, but don't realize that you can use it in recipes. I am glad that I discovered that I could use this mild coconut oil in my baking recipes.

Soft Gluten-Free White Bread

~ Is perfect for wheat-free diets

~ Made with gluten-free ingredients

~ Made with dairy-free ingredients

~ Soft and moist

~ Perfect for sandwiches

Ingredients Needed

~ Plant-Based Milk

~ Gluten-Free Flour Blend

~  Psyllium Husk Powder

~ Sugar

~ Yeast

~ Sea Salt

~ Organic MCT Oil

Gluten-Free Bread Baking Tips

~ Use an 8.5 by 4.5-inch one-pound metallic loaf pan for best results

~ Can substitute regular oil for the MCT oil

~ Store bread in the fridge and consume it within a week

~ Bread can be frozen for 2-3 months for longer storage, thaw at room temperature 

Other Gluten-Free Recipes You May Enjoy

~ Gluten-free Lentil Rolls

~ Two Ingredient Gluten Free Oat Tortillas

~ Homemade Gluten-Free Bagels Made With Oat Flour

~ 3 Ingredient Vegan Gluten Free Protein Crepes

~ 1-Ingredient Gluten Free Buckwheat Bread

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Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies That Are Dairy-Free

 This holiday season home bakers can create traditional holiday treats that everyone can enjoy. These delicious gingerbread cookies are both gluten-free and dairy-free. They are the perfect holiday cookie for those with food allergies.

I received a sample of Mightylicious to facilitate this post

 If you avoid wheat and dairy, you know the struggle of finding something to enjoy at a holiday party. There are never any gluten-free baked goods on the dessert table. So you always have to say no to enjoying Christmas cookies or you have to bring your own dessert that is gluten-free.

Then there is the struggle of baking holiday treats that are both gluten-free and dairy-free. It can be hard to find a gluten-free flour that makes the best cookies as most gluten-free flours just don't work for making cookie dough. 

Meet Mightylicious 

Mightylicious has a simply delicious answer – three, new high-quality flour blends for baking up mouthwatering treats that look, taste, and act like the real thing. Their flour blends are perfect for all your holiday baking. Mightlylicious has three gluten-free flour blends ~ All Purpose GF flour blend, Vegan GF Flour Blend, and Vegan Chocolate Brownie GF flour Mix.

You may know Mightlylicious for their delicious gluten-free cookies. Their scrumptious handcrafted Mightylicious Gluten Free cookies, named Top Pick in Food & Beverage Magazine, have rocked the gluten-free world with their amazing flavor and perfect crumble-free texture.

These gluten-free flour blends are perfect for making all of your favorite holiday treats like these gingerbread cookies. You can even make vegan Christmas cookies with Mightylicious's Vegan Gluten-free Flour Blend.

All three flour blends are certified gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO verified, and the vegan blends are free from key allergens.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Are

~ Gluten-Free

~  Dairy-Free

~ Delicious 

~ Perfect For Parties

~ Perfect for Cookie Exchanges

~ Soy-Free

~ Celiac-Safe

~ Perfect For Making Gingerbread Men

~ Perfect For Making Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread is a holiday classic! This gluten-free recipe is perfect for making gingerbread people and gingerbread houses. The cookie dough is perfect for rolling out for using cookie cutters. While these gingerbread cookies taste amazing without frosting, you can frost the cookies after baking them.

 Ingredients Needed

~ Mightylicious Vegan GF Flour Blend

~ Spices - cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg

~ Baking Soda

~ Salt

~ Vegan Butter

~ Egg

~ Brown Sugar

~ Molasses

~ Vanilla Extract

Check out these gluten-free & dairy-free recipes 

~ Gluten-Free Green Onion Pancakes With Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash

~ Gluten-Free & Vegan White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

~ 1-Ingredient Gluten Free Buckwheat Bread

~ Gluten-Free Bagels Made With Oat Flour

~ 3 Ingredient Vegan Gluten Free Protein Crepes

~ Gluten Free Chocolate Cream Mint Pie

Soy-Free Lentil Tofu ~ One Ingredient Recipe

 Think tofu can only be made from soybeans? Think again. This amazing tofu is made from one ingredient ~ red lentils. It looks just like traditional tofu made from soybeans and can be used in recipes that call for tofu. Keep reading to discover this amazing recipe. 

 Tofu is one of those items that you either love or hate. For those who love tofu, it is an amazing high-protein plant-based ingredient that is so versatile and can be used in many delicious recipes. For those who avoid soy or have a soy allergy, tofu is not something we can enjoy.

 That is until now! I have discovered an amazing recipe for tofu that is soy-free. This delicious tofu is made from red lentils and it is a super easy recipe to make. This is a one-ingredient recipe that you are going to love.

 This lentil tofu slices up like traditional tofu and frys up perfectly to use in all your favorite plant-based recipes. The texture is the same as the tofu that you find in grocery stores and the taste is also amazing. In my opinion, I think that the taste of this lentil tofu is so much better than the bland tofu made from soybeans.

 Curious about the taste of red lentil tofu?

 This tofu made from red lentils is similar to the soybean tofu that you find in most grocery stores. If you have never had tofu, you will like the taste and texture of soy-free tofu. Red lentil tofu is smooth, firm, and creamy. The flavor is very mild, so it can take on the flavor of the sauce and seasoning that you cook it in. I love cooking my tofu in olive oil and then tossing it with rice noodles and a spicy peanut sauce.

Red Lentil Tofu Is

+ Soy-free

+ Vegan (no eggs, no dairy)

+ Grain-free

+ Gluten-free

+ Oil-free

+ Nut-free

+ Seed-free

+ High in protein 

+ High in fiber 

+ Easy to make

+ Frugal

+ Made with 1 ingredient 

Red Lentils are an amazing ingredient

 Red lentils are a legume and they have a slightly sweet taste. Of all the different lentils that are available, red lentils cook faster and have a mushy texture. This makes them perfect for soups, stews, and as an ingredient in recipes like gluten-free rolls.

Red lentils are a plant-based nutritional all-star. They are rich in fiber and have the same amount of protein as steak, making a healthy meat substitute for vegans. Lentils are also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

Unlike other legumes, lentils don't require presoaking and they cook up in just 15 minutes. Red lentils are allergy-friendly and becoming popular in allergy-friendly recipes. For those who avoid soy and wheat, red lentils are perfect for making soy-free tofu and gluten-free breads.

Ingredients Needed For Soy-Free Tofu

~ Red Lentils

~ High-Speed Blender (preferably with a glass jar)

~ Saucepan

~ Baking Dish

~ Parchment Paper Sheets

~ Salt (optional, I like using Baja Gold Salt)

Step By Step Instructions

Making this soy-free tofu is super easy. This easy recipe has 8 simple steps and they are easy to understand.

Step 1: Measure and rinse the dried lentils - Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse until the water is clear.

Step 2: Soak the lentils - in boiling water in a saucepan for 20 minutes. Let the lentils cool down for 10 minutes and don't drain the water.

Step 3: Blend the lentils - in a blender. I prefer using a glass jar blender since the mixture may be warm. If you are using a blender with a plastic jar, make sure to cool the lentils and water to room temperature. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the lentils - add the lentil mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken.

Step 5: Pour into a pan - I prefer an 8-inch glass square pan but you can use other sizes, depending on how thick or thin you want your tofu to be. Since the tofu is sliceable, you can later slice it to your preferred shape. Cover it with a sheet of parchment paper and press to fit the pan.

Step 6: Place tofu in the fridge - Refrigerate the tofu for an hour or more. 

Step 7: Unmold the tofu and slice - into desired tofu pieces.

Step 8: Use in recipes - the tofu is ready to use in recipes that call for tofu. I like to fry my tofu slices in a frying pan with a couple tablespoons of oil. Cooking each side of the tofu for a couple of minutes or until lightly brown.

How to store the lentil tofu

The tofu can be stored in the fridge for a week in a container with a lid. I don't recommend freezing the tofu as it will become soggy and fall apart when defrosted. You can store the tofu as is before you slice it or slice it into pieces for recipes.

How to enjoy the red lentil tofu

 The red lentil tofu can be used just like traditional tofu in recipes like stir-fries, soups, or casseroles. The best way to use tofu is to cook it in your favorite sauce in a pan and then place it over rice or noodles. Red lentil tofu cooks up perfectly in a pan with a couple tablespoons of oil. Just slice the tofu into squares and cook each side for a few minutes or until crispy brown,

Can I use other types of lentils?

 I have not tried other types of lentils in this soy-free tofu recipe. Each type of dried lentil, like brown and green, has different tastes and they cook up to different textures. I recommend using dried red lentils for this recipe.

Check out some other recipes that use lentils

~ Gluten-free rolls made from lentils

~ Vegan Sloppy Joes 

~ Savory Cherry Lentil Loaf

~ Mushroom Vegetarian "Meat" Loaf

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Jackfruit Vegan Tuna Salad Recipe

 Looking for a delicious vegan sandwich? This vegan tuna sandwich tastes so similar to regular tuna salad and has an amazing texture. Made from vegan ingredients like jackfruit. Keep reading to discover this amazing vegan recipe for Jackfruit Vegan Tuna Salad.

 Eating a plant-based diet no longer means surviving on fruits, vegetables, and beans. Meatless meals can be delicious and filled with flavor. You can make the most delicious meal options that are made without meat when you discover meatless recipes. Vegan recipes don’t have to be boring when you know how to combine plant-based ingredients. Once you learn how to create meatless meals, you may never eat meat again.

 I discovered this jackfruit vegan tuna recipe last month when I attended a natural product expo. I stopped at a brand's booth that manufactures many natural ,healthy ingredients, including jackfruit. As I looked at all the options of jackfruit that they had, I glanced down and saw a recipe card that was labeled vegan jackfruit tuna.

I already knew about how to make a delicious vegan tuna salad from chickpeas, so I had to know more about this plant-based tuna that was made from jackfruit.

What is jackfruit?

 Jackfruit is a large fruit tree-borne fruit that is a green oblong fruit with a bumpy, fleshy exterior. This fruit can weigh up to 100 pounds and grow up to three feet long. The average size of the fruit that is sold in stores is 10 to 25 pounds. On the inside, jackfruit contains many pale-yellow, plump bulbs, which are edible and joined at the core. The seeds can also be cooked, eaten on their own, or ground into flour.

 This massive green fruit is native to Southeast Asia and grows on trees. While mature jackfruit is sweet and fragrant, young jackfruit is not sweet. This recipe uses young jackfruit which is picked before its starch changes into sugar. Young jackfruit is perfect to use in recipes as it absorbs the flavors of the recipe. You can use jackfruit can be used in salads, vegan tacos, and other wonderful recipes like BBQ vegan pulled "pork". It can be used as is and it easily flakes into a texture that is similar to pulled pork.

Jackfruit has a meaty texture, and when you cook it it absorbs the flavor of the sauces and spices that you simmer it in. I discovered jackfruit a couple of years ago when I found a recipe for a vegan barbecue pulled pork. This meatless pulled pork recipe uses jackfruit. I had never tasted jackfruit so I was curious to see how it tasted and how this fruit could taste like pulled pork. 

Most jackfruit is sold in a can and resembles chunks of fruit. While it has a bland taste, once you cook it, usually in a sauce or broth, it can be shredded to look and taste like meat. The first time I cooked jackfruit, I simmered it in barbecue sauce and it absorbed the flavor from the barbecue sauce. I was amazed at how this simple, bland fruit could taste so delicious.

Jackfruit Vegan Tuna Salad Is:

- Vegan

- Plant-Base

- Dairy- Free

- Gluten-Free

- Soy-Free

- Healthy

- Meatless

- Full of Fiber

- Nut-Free

- Easy To Make

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Ingredients Needed For  Jackfruit Vegan Tuna Salad

- Jackfruit ~ Buy young jackfruit Here

- Veggie Boullion Cubes ~ I like this brand

-Vegan Mayo

- Roasted Seaweed ~ This is the best-tasting seaweed

- Salt & Pepper

- Green Onions or Celery (optional)

Steps to make Jackfruit Vegan Tuna

- Simmer the jackfruit in the veggie broth 

- Drain the liquid and cool the  jackfruit

- Mash up the jackfruit

- Add the Mayo, seaweed, and other ingredients

 To make this delicious plant-based tuna that is made with jackfruit is super simple. The recipe will take about 40 minutes to make as it takes time for the jackfruit to absorb the flavor of the vegetable broth.

 Once the jackfruit has absorbed all the wonderful flavor of the broth, you drain the liquid. Once the jackfruit has cooled, you mash it up to your desired tuna texture. I like my tuna chunky but you may prefer a more creamier texture. Then you add the mayo, seaweed, and other ingredients. The seaweed adds a fishy flavor to the recipe.

How to serve the jackfruit tuna

-  Spread on bread for a sandwich

- Serve with crackers

- Place over a salad

- Use it in a vegan tuna melt

- Serve with veggies

Other vegan and plant-based recipes that you may enjoy

~ Vegan Tuna Salad Made From Chickpeas

- Vegan Jackfruit Pulled Pork

- Vegan Jackfruit Tacos

- Vegan Scrambled Eggs

- Vegan Crab Cakes

Make sure to Pin this recipe on Pinterest

Egg Skillet Dish With Roasted Red Pepper

Too hot outside to turn on the oven? Check out this veggie-based egg skillet dish that is perfect for summer. Loaded with plenty of flavors from tomatoes, roasted peppers, and eggs. 

 Summer is here and the weather is hot. The hot weather makes typical dinner options unappealing as who wants to turn on the oven when it is 80 degrees outside? So that leaves you with cold sandwiches, pasta, and frozen microwave dinners. Or worse yet, a bowl of cereal! So if you are looking for an exciting dinner option that can be made in a skillet on the stove, you need to check out this Roasted Red Pepper Eggs.

This quick and easy recipe is a delicious option for everything from brunch to dinner, it features a premium marinara sauce, protein-rich eggs, and sweet, aromatic roasted red peppers. Made in a skillet and cooks in under 15 minutes. Preparation is super easy and the best part is, this recipe will not heat up the house. This Roasted Red Pepper Eggs Skillet Dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Make it for your next party or for the family. It is the best veggie-based dish just in time for summer!

Roasted Red Pepper Eggs Skillet Dish is

+ Healthy

+ Vegetarian

+ Perfect For Summer

+ Quick & Easy Recipe

+ Protein Rich

+ Delicious

+ Serve for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner

+ Full of Flavor

Super easy to make in less than 15 minutes

 When dinner time rolls around and your family is hungry, don't reach for the phone for takeout. Instead, grab your favorite skillet and make this delicious red pepper and egg dish in no time. The secret is stocking your pantry and fridge with a few simple ingredients, so you can make this simmering-in-tomato sauce egg dish anytime. You will love the over-easy eggs that are covered with the right amount of marinara sauce and a sprinkling of flavorful salt.

 The ingredients that you should keep in your pantry for last-minute dinners are flavorful tomato sauces. I like keeping pouches of a variety of tomato sauces so I can grab them to make so many easy dinner recipes like Spanish Rice.

Ingredients needed for Roasted Red Pepper Eggs Skillet Dish

+ Onion

+ Olive Oil

+ Salt

+ Marinara Sauce

+ Roasted Red Peppers 

+ Eggs

Simple cooking instructions 

To make this delicious vegetarian recipe is super simple. Just grab a large skillet or cast iron pan. Then saute some garlic and onion in olive oil. Stir in the roasted red peppers and Jersey Tomato Co. Marinara Sauce. Simmer the sauce to thicken and crack in the eggs. Once the eggs cook to perfection, sprinkle some sea salt over the dish. Serve with your favorite homemade bread recipe and enjoy.

Check out some other recipes for summer

+ Spicy HARISSA Hot Chili Hummus 

+ Roasted Tomatoes Made In The Air Fryer 

+ Easy Two Ingredient Bagel Recipe In The Air Fryer 

+ Mock Chipotle Pinto Beans 

+ Slow Cooker Vegetarian Tamales

+ Dairy-Free Homemade Doughnuts Made In The Air Fryer

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Making Coffee With The Pour Over Coffee Method

 Looking for a simple and flavorful cup of coffee? You need to try the pour-over coffee method. Pour-over coffee brewing is a method of coffee making that starts with freshly ground coffee, a filter, and a filter holder, which is often called a “pour-over dripper.” This is the best plastic-free coffee brewing method.

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If you love coffee for the taste and for the experience, then you need to know about the pour-over method of brewing coffee. The pour-over coffee method is a different way to brew coffee. While there are many different ways to brew coffee all coffee brewing methods generally involve three phases: wetting, dissolution, and diffusion. Simply put to make coffee, the coffee grounds must first become wet, then absorb the liquid, and then the brown liquid must be filtered so you don’t end up with coffee grounds in your delicious drink.

 The pour-over coffee brewing method is also a plastic-free way to make coffee when you use coffee equipment that is not made from plastic. When hot water is poured into plastic it releases the chemicals bisphenol and antimony, also known as BPA. Choose a Ceramic Pour Over Coffee Maker that can be placed over a coffee cup or a glass carafe.

What makes pour-over brewing different?

 You may be familiar with traditional coffee brewing that uses a coffee maker, so the whole pour-over coffee thing may be unique to your coffee experience. The difference in coffee brewing with the pour-over method is the way the liquid interacts with the ground coffee. In pour-over coffee making the water surrounding the coffee grounds is continuously being replenished with fresh water. In a traditional coffee maker, the water stays in the place. So the new fresh water helps extract more of the coffee flavor from the grounds giving you a better-tasting cup of coffee. Pour-over coffee is often less bitter. The pour-over method is also a faster way to brew coffee. One also does not need a coffee maker or a power source when they brew their coffee using the pour-over method. To make pour-over coffee, one just needs hot water and a few simple items. 

I love pour-over coffee not only for the flavor but  that I can make it quickly, even while traveling

Equipment needed to make pour-over coffee 

~ Ground coffee

~ A coffee filter

~ A coffee filter holder or classic borosilicate glass carafe 

~ Hot water

 As you can see from the list above, you really don’t need an expensive fancy coffee maker to make a carafe of coffee using the pour-over coffee method. Some of the items to make the type of coffee called the pour-over method are similar, like ground coffee, a coffee filter, and hot water. The coffee items that are unique to pour-over coffee making are the type of coffee filter and the coffee filter holder.

 The coffee filter that works best for pour-over coffee brewing is reusable and made from stainless steel. The reusable stainless steel coffee filter will allow the liquid to slowly pass through the coffee grounds. This slower water filtering allows more of the flavor to come out of the coffee grounds. The result is a delicious cup of coffee that will change the way you enjoy coffee.

 The coffee filter holder can be as simple as using a glass Mason jar or a ceramic coffee cup but I prefer a Wood Collar Coffeemaker. Not only does this Wood Collar glass coffee carafe look nice, but it also has some other benefits to your pour-over coffee maker experience. 

The benefits of the classic borosilicate glass carafe with wood collar

~ Holds 27oz of coffee

~ Easy to pour with a pour spout

~ More comfortable to hold

~ Cleans is easy and is dishwasher safe

~ Works well with a coffee scale  

How to make coffee using the pour-over method

 Now that you know the best equipment for making pour-over coffee and have plans to purchase equipment for pour-over coffee brewing, it is time to learn how to make pour-over coffee. Below you will find the basic technique for making pour-over coffee at home.

The steps you need to follow to make pour-over coffee at home

Step 1 ~ Purchase the right ground coffee grind size ~ The best grind size of coffee is a coarse ground coffee 

Step 2 ~ Boil the water  ~ 207 F is the best temperature for pour-over coffee

Step 3 ~ Assemble your equipment ~ While the water is boiling place the filter on the glass carafe and add the coffee grounds. For the best-tasting coffee, it is best to use a coffee scale to get the water-to-coffee ratio correct. Check out my post about how to use a coffee scale for making coffee.

Step 4 ~ Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds, just enough to get the coffee grounds wet  ~ Wait 30 seconds before adding the rest of the hot water. This will allow the coffee grounds to best absorb the water and swell up. It is the swelling-up par or soaking of the coffee grounds,  that gets the coffee grounds to release more coffee flavor.

Step 5 ~ Add the rest of the hot water to the coffee grounds  ~ Slowly add the rest of your hot water to the coffee grounds in a gentle circular motion so that the water evenly spreads over all the coffee. Do this until you have used all the hot water. Notice the beautiful crema that develops on the coffee.

Step 6 ~ Pour the brewed coffee into your favorite coffee mug and add desired sugar and milk. Take a sip of the brewed coffee and savor the flavor. This coffee is meant to be enjoyed for the flavor and not just for a caffeine fix. Once you discover the difference in flavor with the pour-over coffee brewing method, it will become your new coffee brewing method.

Additional Notes for the pour-over coffee brew method

The pour-over coffee method works best when you add the right amount of water and the right amount of coffee grounds. To discover your perfect water-to-coffee ratio, start with the amount of coffee and water that you would normally use in a traditional coffee maker. Then boil the water in a tea kettle or a coffee kettle that is made for pour-over coffee brewing.

 I like that a glass coffee carafe has ounce measurements that are easy to read. That makes adding the water so simple. A glass coffee pitcher is also big so I can brew several cups of coffee at a time. If I want just one cup of coffee, that's no problem as this glass coffee pot has several measurement markings. A glass coffee container also has a pour spout that makes it easy to transfer the coffee to my coffee cup. If you are a coffee lover you will want these unique classic coffee brewing items for your coffee bar. 

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Mocha Protein Brownies are perfect with a cup of coffee.

Get the recipe here https://www.momknowsbest.net/2017/10/gluten-free-chocolate-mocha-protein.htm

What type of coffee works best for the pour-over coffee method?

 You can use any type of coffee, just make sure that your favorite coffee has a coarse grind. If you use a finer grind of coffee, the water will not go through the coffee filter. So stay away from coffee grounds that are made for the espresso machine. This ground coffee is perfect for the pour-over method and cold brew coffee.

Looking for other delicious coffee recipes? Check out these coffee recipes

~ Easy Cold Brew Coffee

~ Whipped Dalgona Coffee  

~ Perfect Iced Coffee   

~ Dairy-Free Salted Caramel Cold Brew Coffee

~ Dairy-Freee Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Latte 

Make sure to share this post so others can learn about the pour-over coffee brewing method. 

Easy Spanish Rice For Mexican Meals

Spanish rice is the perfect side dish to serve with Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and more. Once you see how easy it is to make Spanish rice, it will quickly become a family favorite rice recipe.

 I always thought that making Mexican rice was complicated and never thought that I could make this rice recipe at home. I live in New Mexico and Spanish rice is an ethnic recipe that is served at most potlucks. So many of my neighbors and friends are of Hispanic and Mexican descent. When they make Spanish rice for a meal, I always enjoy it. Spanish rice is also a staple on the plates of all the local Mexican restaurants. When you order a meal from a Mexican place, it usually comes with Spanish/ Mexican rice. 

 Living in New Mexico means you have access to many delicious Mexican and New Mexican restaurants. The food that is served at Mexican and New Mexican places are quite similar, with the differences being the flavors and the ingredients used in the meals. The main difference is New Mexican recipes incorporate green chiles but both have the standard tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, etc. The meal plates always have beans, tortillas, and rice. Restaurant-style Spanish rice is so delicious.

How to make Spanish Rice

 The other day, I made my first batch of Spanish rice for a church potluck and I was amazed at how easy it was to make. I then questioned why did it take me so long to make homemade Spanish rice? I have made homemade tortillas and chipotle beans but never Spanish rice. Could it be that my family never requested me to cook Spanish rice or the fact that somebody else always brought the Mexican rice to potlucks? Maybe it was my thinking that this white girl could not make a flavorful Spanish rice dish.

 Whatever the reasons, I am glad that I decided to make Spanish rice that was homemade. I brought my spicy Spanish rice to a Christmas party and everyone loved it. My rice dish went well with all the different enchiladas that other people brought. My rice made with a Spanish style was so good that my youngest son requested that I make this rice recipe more often.

Ingredients needed to make Spanish rice

+ Rice - White or brown, long-grain

+ Onion

+ Extra Virgin Olive Oil

+ Tomato sauce

+ Minced garlic

+ Chicken broth

+ Cumin

+ Red chili powder

+ Salt

The best recipes start with Extra Virgin Olive oil

 You might have noticed that my Spanish Rice ingredient list mentions extra virgin olive oil and I wonder if you can use another type of cooking oil. While you are welcome to use your favorite cooking oil, I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and recipe-quality results. I use olive oil in many of my healthy recipes simply because olive oil provides the best flavor for recipes. Then I recommend Extra Virgin Olive Oil for many other reasons. 

 Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy cooking oil. EVOO is high in healthy plant nutrients called phytochemicals that may help fight cancer and heart disease. This flavorful oil called extra virgin olive oil also has some amazing health benefits*.

Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

+ Boosts Heart Health

+ Lowers Stroke Risk

+ Fights Inflammation

+ High in Antioxidants

+ Zaps Bacteria

+ Prevents Cancer

+ Boosts Your Brain

* https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-olive-oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil facts

● Extra virgin olive oil is made by pressing olive oil, without heat or chemicals

● Olive oils are tested for peroxide values. Lower values indicate fresher oil and more rapid processing.

● Extra virgin olive oil is virtually free of acidity — below 0.8%. If the percentage of oleic acid (fatty acid) is too high, it indicates improper production and rancidity. 

● A panel of trained, expert tasters tests for taste defects and the presence of positive attributes of fruitiness, bitterness, and spiciness. If the oil doesn’t have the signature fruity taste and harmonious balance, it won’t receive an Extra Virgin rating.

● Extra virgin olive oil has a high smoking point of 400°F, so it is suitable for cooking and baking.

● Between use, store your oil somewhere dark and cool (around 57°F, if possible), not on the counter or near a stove, and never in the refrigerator. Keep the lid screwed on tight, and use your oil within six months of opening.

Spanish rice questions and tips

How much rice should I make per person? While a serving of rice is 1/2 cup of cooked rice, I recommend 1 cup of cooked rice per person. One cup of dried rice makes 3 cups of cooked rice. Leftover rice can be stored in the fridge for several days.

Which rice is best for Spanish Rice? Any white rice can be used for Spanish rice but I recommend using long-grain white rice. It gets fluffy and does not get sticky like some of the short-grained rice.

Can Spanish rice be made with brown rice? Brown rice can definitely be used in place of white rice. Brown rice is healthier rice also.  Just add ⅓ c more water per cup of brown rice and let simmer longer- until the brown rice reaches your desired texture.

Can you use salsa instead of tomato sauce? Yes! Salsa can add more flavor and even a bit more spice to this rice recipe. Depending on the salsa you use, it can also add additional texture.

Can I add additional ingredients to the rice recipe? To add different flavors and textures, you can add chopped vegetables to the rice while it is cooking. I like to add chopped peppers, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced green chiles, or even jalapenos.

How do I reheat leftover Spanish Rice? Make sure to store the leftover rice in an air-tight container in the fridge. The cooked Spanish rice will keep for a week. To reheat, just microwave or reheat on the stove for a few minutes. Add a couple spoons of water if the rice is too dry.

Can Spanish rice be frozen? This rice can be frozen. I like to place about 3 cups of cooked rice into a freezer bag. Make sure to label it Spanish rice. Store in the freezer for 4-6 months, for the best quality. When you need the rice for a meal, just reheat the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave the rice on high stirring every 2 minutes until rice reaches your desired temperature.

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