No Noodle Lasagna

Here is a way to lower carbs, add in vegetables and create a gluten free lasagna  – take the noodles out and exchange for sliced butternut squash.  This recipe came about when I purchased butternut squash instead of spaghetti squash.  Once again I put into practice thinking outside of a recipe idea and utilized what I had on hand.  In the end I was happy with the results;  Jeff said he would eat it again and so it made the cut for the site.

No Noodle Lasagna
Lowering the carbs by removing the noodles and replacing with sliced butternut squash
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Ingredients
  1. 2 medium cooked butternut squash, cut in slices
  2. 1 lb ground turkey
  3. 1 jar Spaghetti or Marinara Sauce
  4. 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  5. 1 tsp ground oregano
  6. 2 cups of shredded mozarella cheese
  7. 1/3 cup of parmesan shredded cheese
Instructions
  1. Using the oven, Instant Pot or crock pot cook squash (See cooking instructions below.) Let cool. Peel. Use the long end and slice in 1/4" slices. (Save the hollow end for another recipe). Place in layers on paper towel to absorb moisture)
  2. Brown ground turkey. Add in sauce, cinnamon and oregano and combine. I know the cinnamon seems odd but it tastes good.
  3. Preheat over to 375 degrees.
  4. Spray small casserole with olive oil spray (if using a 9X12 pan - this recipe should be doubled). Also spray a piece of aluminum foil that will cover your pan. This will help the cheese not stick during baking.
  5. Putting lasagna together - Use all ingredients except parmesan cheese. There are three different layers: the saucy meat, the squash slices and the mozarella cheese.
  6. Place a layer of the saucy meat, then the squash, then half of the mozarella cheese. Repeat.
  7. Cover with foil and place in oven for 30 minutes.
  8. Change oven to broil.
  9. Uncover the lasagna and sprinkle parmasan cheese on top. Place under the broiler. Watch carefully as the top of the lasagna browns - this usually takes less than 5 minutes.
  10. Now the hard part: Take out of the oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
Deliciously Inspired http://www.deliciouslyinspired.com/

I used to make my own sauce all the time but there are some good pasta sauces out there that can save on effort and time.  Costco carries a good organic sauce.  The one pictured above is from Sprouts and is very good but not organic.

Regarding the butternut squash – here are some resources on how to cook ahead of time.  You could try slicing and putting in the lasagna without cooking but I would be concerned about the moisture from the vegetable making the casserole soggy.  Packaged and in the refrigerator for another dinner later in the week – an egg roll stuffing mixture.   

Cooking butternut squash in Oven – Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.   Cut squash in half lengthwise,  Using a spoon scrap out seeds.  Place butternut squash halves on a large baking sheet flesh side up. Brush the flesh side of each squash with a little olive oil.  Roast 50 to 60 minutes, until flesh is fork-tender. 

Cooking butternut squash in Crock Pot

Cooking butternut squash in Instant Pot

Dinner is Served

Please let me know if you have any questions or I need to provide more clarification.

 

 

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Gluten Free Pancakes (from a mix)

Sometimes you need pancakes.  Yes you can eat your breakfast cereals, smoothies, eggs BUT there is a NEED for pancakes.  Now finding a good gluten free pancake recipe is tricky.  But I am happy to say that I have found a mix that I am giving an A+ to – the WafflePancake/Crepe mix was from Namaste  I added  coconut oil, eggs and  Silk coconut milk to the mix and I was ready to make some flap jacks.

Side note:  We downsized our home of 25 years this spring and feel a bit like Joanna and Chip of Fixer-Upper.  One of our projects was the kitchen.  I probably need to do a separate post of the particulars.  I’ve included  our before and after picture.  Now back to the pancakes.

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I’ve had my blue mixing bowls forever but these are very similar.  This is the griddle I have and love.  That little guy peeking in the background is the cutest tea bag infuser called Mr Tea

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These pancakes have a tender texture.  I like to make mine in 4″ circles and serve them several ways.  Here are a few ideas..(1)  A little grass fed butter (Kerrigold brand), Sunflower Seed Butter, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup or (2) Organic berries – sliced and mixed with a little organic syrup to release the juices, sweetened organic whipped cream – a delicious dessert.

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So excited to have a pantry.

I’ve linked up the products up above in case you are interested.

Note – Deliciously Inspired utilizes affiliate links to help with the cost of the site.

 

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Sprinkled Popcorn Treat

Sprinkled Popcorn Treat

I saw this idea and had to try it.  Here was my list of Whys?

  • I could incorporate organic popcorn
  • I could incorporate gluten free pretzels
  • I could incorporate raw nuts of my choice
  • There was chocolate
  • It was easy and a no bake recipe
  • The finished product shouted FUN!
  • And the number 1 reason – There were sprinkles involved.  

So I went to my sprinkle drawer – don’t judge!  You might be surprised to know how many times sprinkles has allowed me to look more together than I felt on a given day.  

The recipe below is basic and add-ins could definitely be incorporated:  mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, dried fruit cut up, shredded coconut, cinnamon, etc.  But I wanted to keep mine in a less sweet mode so I stuck to 5 ingredients.

Sprinkled Popcorn Treat
A very easy treat with a touch of sweetness that can incorporate healthier ingredients.
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Ingredients
  1. Popped Organic Popcorn
  2. Raw Nuts, your choice (I used pecans)
  3. Gluten Free Pretzels, broke in small pieces
  4. White Chocolate Chips
  5. Sprinkles
  6. (There are no measurements - you decide how much of each ingredient you want to use)
Instructions
  1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place popcorn, pretzels, nuts on top of parchment paper.
  3. Place white chocolate chips in microwavable bowl and heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
  4. Drizzle white chocolate using a spoon over the mixture on cookie sheet. (Note: if you would like a little more sweetness you can dip one side of some of the nuts or pretzels into white chocolate before you drizzle.)
  5. Then immediately (while chocolate is still warm) shake sprinkles on top, especially where the chocolate landed on the mixture.
  6. Place in freezer or refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  7. Place mixture in bowl or individual bags for gifts and Enjoy!
Deliciously Inspired http://www.deliciouslyinspired.com/
This recipe would make a great contribution to a pot luck, hostess gift, neighbor gift, thinking of you gift, stocking stuffer.  Plus the ideas for coordinating with holidays and parties are endless.

I am adding this recipe to one my preschool grandchildren can help with in the kitchen. 

You may be asking why I choice the colors of sprinkle I did.  Well – I had one container that had a little of each color and this allowed me to empty the container – my contribution to downsizing a bit.

What would your selection of ingredients be if you made this?

 

 

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