What’s for dinner?
Here you will find pages of recipes, how-to’s, and inspiration for home cooked foods, hand-crafted beverages, do-it-yourself supplements and remedies, along with personal care products that will complement most diets and lifestyles. If you haven’t already, make sure to read through this helpful article, “What’s for dinner?” to learn more.
When it comes to any meal, if you straight up don’t want to cook, head over to my Rated Eats website - a unique service that will support your dietary needs and preferences of convenience foods and dining excursions while encouraging a Mindful Eating experience. After all, if you don’t know what to make for dinner, you can always make reservations!
Bon Appétit!
Marie Stumphauzer, FNTP
GLUTEN FREE ARTISAN BREAD
Get your tissues out because this bread is so good, it’s going to make you cry (happy tears). For those of you who can have gluten, head to the notes section to learn how to adapt this into a traditional recipe. No matter how you slice it, it’s easy and delicious!
(My mom’s) EASY TOMATO SAUCE
Wondering what on God’s green earth you’re going to do with the bounty of tomatoes that keeps coming, and coming, and coming at this time of year? How about making a batch of my mom’s crazy easy, super delicious TOMATO SAUCE? This is not your typical recipe that calls for peeling and seeding and hours in the kitchen. Nope! This quick version doesn’t waste time or resources, can be made in small batches (but scales like a breeze), works great with garden, road-side-stand, or store bought tomatoes, and freezes magnificently for year-round enjoyment.
TAC-OLÉ! SEASONING
Making your own taco seasoning is much easier than you might expect. The bonus being, you can sass it up however you like. You can be confident the blend is clear of gluten, dairy, additives, preservatives, MSG, and nonsense. Use this in my Enchilada Lasagña, add it to soups and Mexican dishes, make a rub, marinade, or dip, or simply sprinkle it on at the table instead of plain old salt and pepper. Olé!
MARY’S MOCHA COLA
The concept of energy drinks may be a great one but the execution of most leaves a lot to be desired - quite a few have some pretty awful ingredients! How do you get the added pep in your step without compromising on nutrition? Mary’s Mocha Cola will put the vim back in your vigor and give a surprisingly healthy boost to your day. This guilt-free recipe is easy, satisfying, and refreshing!
ASIAN SEASONING MIX (3 WAYS)
Like ramen noodle soup but don’t like all the unpronounceable additives, added MSG, and those “I’m-not-sure-what-that-word-actually-means” ingredients? Here are three versions of an Asian seasoning blend that make a wonderful bowl of that college budget staple. These are so flavorful, you’ll use them for more than just soup….think salad dressings, marinades, and dips!
FIRE CIDER
This tried-and-true natural remedy is loaded with powerful immune boosting, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory ingredients that are commonly found in grocery stores and farmer’s markets. While it can be made year ‘round, if you start the preparation in late summer, you’ll have a batch ready just in time for cooler temperatures and cold/flu season. This feisty and highly effective brew has a number of applications and, because a little goes a long way, you’ll have plenty to share making it a unique culinary gift!
LISTERCLEAN MOUTHWASH
While the majority of posts in “What’s for Dinner” are about meals you can eat, you may recall this section is also a venue for recipes and how to’s for hand-crafted beverages, do-it-yourself supplements, remedies, and personal care products. Enter “Listerclean”. Unlike commercial swish and spits, theoretically you could take a nip of any of the variations and they wouldn’t hurt you (save for an awfully unique buzz). For this application, let’s just stick to it as a mouthwash, eh?
HOT SHOTS
Want a blast of healthy heat? Just one Hot Shot will do the trick. This zesty little wonder’s anti-inflammatory ingredients pack a double punch as it warms and relaxes the body. Besides being a unique pain relieving libation, it might also encourage digestive juices, be helpful for mild congestion, tackle that irritating winter-time “tickle”, or quell a bit of a cough. How adventurous are your tastebuds?
GREEK DRESSING & MARINADE
A staple that will transform salads into creations, breads into snacks (dip-dip!), vegetables into a flavor party, and meats into impressive meals. Whip some up and keep it on hand for a condiment you won’t want to be without!
MAPLE MARINADE
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in store bought marinades? If not, you might want to take a gander. They are often loaded with additives, preservatives, soy, wheat, gluten, or other undesirables. Similarly, many homemade marinade recipes call for soy sauce. Did you know that has gluten in it, too? Yuppers. Have no fear, I’ve created a magnificent concoction that makes flank steak shine but translates well to other meats, some fish and seafood, and even vegetables.
NUTS, PROPERLY PREPARED
Yup, you read that right. Nope, it’s probably not what you think. Anytime anyone ever tastes nuts I’ve prepared this way, to a person, always remarks at how absolutely delicious they are. Many will even say it is the only way they can eat them without digestive upset. Read “Why You Should Soak Your Nuts” for the backstory of how this method will benefit your health and tastebuds and consider adopting this effortless but worthwhile approach to handling your nuts.
HEALTHY HUMMUS
There is no shortage of homemade hummus recipes and sure, picking up a container at the store is easy-peasy. Still, I encourage you to try this variation. Not only does this rendition come together in a blink, it has no additives or fillers, you can tweak it to your tastebuds, and (unlike some counterparts) this one has character. It takes center stage as a nutritious snack and plays a key supportive role in culinary creations like the Deluxe Lazy Gyro Casserole. On top of all of that, did you know hummus freezes well? Enjoy some now and save some for later!
GREEK SEASONING
Did you know that many commercially pre-made salad dressing packets often contain MSG, wheat, or fillers? Making your own mix is super simple, economical, and you can be assured you aren’t ingesting any aggravating ingredients. Use this seasoning in recipes like Deluxe Lazy Gyro Casserole, Healthy Hummus, Grilled Lamb Chops, Greek Salad Dressing & Marinade, as a dry rub (especially good when paired with balsamic vinegar), or in any dish where you’re looking for a taste of the Middle East. It keeps very well and is a flavorful addition to any spice cabinet.
VERSATILE TABOULI
One of the bummers about many of the traditional Tabouli recipes is that they contain wheat or other digestively disagreeable alternatives. This is a non-starter for many with a range of sensitivities. Have no fear, Versatile Tabouli is here to open up near endless possibilities for keeping this most delightful dish on the menu.
COCONUT RICE
Who would think that substituting one ingredient in this otherwise average rice recipe would make such an enormous difference in taste? A total game changer! The enhanced flavor profile of this common side dish will leave you pleasantly surprised and satisfied. It’ll be your new favorite way to eat rice!
EXCESSIVE RELIEF
“Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!” Raise your hand if you remember that jingle. Touted as the answer to headaches, body pains, stomach upset, and a little too much party, that long established product has been in medicine cabinets for over 90 years. It’s a great antidote but sometimes there isn’t any on hand and sadly, certain versions have additives that may be disagreeable for those with dietary considerations. Happily, the ingredients for my EXCESSIVE RELIEF remedies can be found in your pantry and first aid arsenal and are adjustable to suit your needs. Whipping up a glass takes no time and doesn’t require a trip to the local drug store when you’re feeling punk.
HIGH COLONIC MARTINI
If there’s one surefire way to guarantee:
a) your “grown-up drink” will be something that’s good for your digestive system
b) you won’t over drink
this self-limiting recipe, by nature, is a tasteful fit.
POTATO FLAKE SOURDOUGH BREAD
This bread is hearty, moist, slightly sweet and best of all, easier than you think to make. If you’re gluten free, don’t pass this recipe up without giving it a look. Many people with gluten sensitivities are still able to enjoy a slice of homemade sourdough bread. Read through the recipe to learn how this is possible and give this formula a try. You’ll also realize that making your own sourdough creations is nearly effortless, remarkably convenient and highly sustainable.
MUSHROOMS, PROPERLY PREPARED
Most of you know that mushrooms are a source of high quality protein and are very good for you, even if you don’t care for them. But did you also know that it is important to properly prepare them before cooking with and eating them? Read the notes in this recipe for more information while you make a freezer batch for grab and go convenience. They’re a priceless staple in a healthy diet!
ROBUST & ZESTY ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING
Who says salad dressings are just for lettuce? Robust and zesty capture well the personality of this classic condiment. Use it in Serbian Potato Salad, as a dip for homemade sourdough bread, drizzled on cooked vegetables, or as a marinade for meats or veggies. It will become your “go-to” ingredient for all sorts of dishes.