Baked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate

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I was asked to bring a vegetable side for a holiday dinner and the first thing that came to mind was Brussels sprouts.  While I’ve made roasted Brussels Sprouts before, I wanted to put a new spin on one of my favorites.  I definitely wanted to include bacon (everything is better with bacon!), but wasn’t sure what else I could use to make this dish extra special.  Then it came to me, Pomegranate seeds.   The result was a delicious side dish I will definitely be making again.  Give it a try, and let me know what you think. 

-The Gluten-Free Gals Guide

Ingredients:

  • 2lbs. Fresh Brussels Sprouts
  • 6-8 slice of Thick Cut Bacon
  • 8oz. Pomegranate Arils
  • 4tbs. Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook the Bacon according to the packaging.  I chose to bake the bacon in the oven
    • Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
    • Lay the bacon on the baking sheet
    • Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until browned and crisped along the edges
    • Remove from the grease and set aside for later
  2. Prep the Brussels Sprouts. 
    • Cut off the stems
    • Remove any dark leaves
    • Cut in half
  3. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  4. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to a large bowl.  Add the oil and salt and pepper to preference.  Mix around until the Brussels sprouts are fully coated. 
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the Brussels sprouts so that they are a single layer (you may need more than one baking sheet).
  6. Place the Brussels sprouts into the oven and bake for 40 minutes (until they brown and begin to crisp).
  7. Cut the cooked bacon into small pieces.
  8. Place the cooked Brussels sprouts into a large bowl.  Add the cut bacon and Pomegranate Arils.  Stir so they are fully combined.
  9. Serve and enjoy!
Baked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate

Feel Good Foods- Chicken Sausage Bites

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There’s nothing I love more than perusing the aisle of the grocery store and discovering new gluten-free products.  While I’ve been seeing a lot of social media buzz about the Feel Good Foods Uncured Pepperoni Bites, I was surprised to discover they also have a Chicken Sausage variety.  These bites are made with cauliflower crust and stuffed with chicken sausage, broccoli, and asiago cheese.  I have been a big fan of Feel Good Foods for quite some time, and a sausage cheese combination is right up my alley.  Upon spotting them in the grocery store, I had to purchase the bites and give them a try.  Before I discuss how they tasted here are some of the basic details:

Where I bought them: Balducci’s

How many servings come in the box: about 2 servings

How to store them: I purchased the bites in the freezer aisle and kept them in the freezer until I was ready to prepare and eat. 

How to cook them: (per the instructions on the box) Bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.

I really enjoyed these chicken sausage snack bites.  They cauliflower crust was nice and crunchy, and the sausage, broccoli, and cheese filling had a great flavor.  I actually prepared these as a quick meal, but would definitely make a smaller quantity for a hearty snack.  Currently, Feel Good Foods makes two other varieties of their cauliflower crust bites: three cheese and the aforementioned uncured pepperoni.  I will definitely be giving the other variations a try, and plan on regularly keeping a box of bites in my freezer. 

Feel Good Foods- Chicken Sausage Bites
Frozen, ready to place in the oven.
Fresh out of the oven.
Ready to eat!

For more information on the Chicken Sausage Bites and other products from Feel Good Foods check out their website: https://feel-good-foods.com

Baked Brie and Cranberry Pastries (Hors D’Oeuvres)

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I was looking for a simple gluten free hors d’oeuvres to bring to a party I was attending, and I was in a time crunch.  I wanted to bring something that would impress my friends, but also didn’t have all day to cook.  I ran to store, and spotted Schar’s Gluten Free Puff Pastry Dough.  From there I was inspired to make this super simple and super delicious treat!  Let me know what you think. 

-The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide

Ingredients:

  • 1 package Schar Gluten-Free Puff Pastry Dough
  • 1 can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (you will have quite a bit left over, but this was the smallest quantity I had access to)
  • ¼ lb.. – ½ lb. Brie Cheese Wedge
  • 2 Eggs

Directions:

  1. Defrost the frozen Puff Pastry.  This can be done by either sitting it out and allowing it to thaw or by placing the dough in the microwave.  Make sure you follow the specific instructions on the packaging for defrosting using your method of choice. 
  2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Roll out the puff pastry dough, and cut into even squares.  I cut each sheet into 12 squares. 
  4. Place ½ teaspoon Cranberry Sauce into the center of each cut square. 
  5. Cut the Brie Cheese into small cubes, about ½ inch. 
  6. Place a Brie Cheese cube on top of the Cranberry Sauce. 
  7. Fold the corners of each square of puff pastry up and pinch together.
  8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place the folded up pastry bites on the baking sheet.  Leave about 1 inch of space between each one. 
  9. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk. 
  10. Using a pastry brush, brush a light layer of egg over the pastries. 
  11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. 
  12. Remove from the oven and let cool. 
  13. Serve and enjoy!
Baked Brie with Cranberry Pastries