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
RICE & PINE NUTS
Living out of state and away from my mom for many years, I was determined to figure out how to make this buttery dish for those times when I wasn’t home to enjoying her cooking. I finally landed a close, respectable second using a pressure cooker (though mom’s version will always and forever be the best). I hope you get to taste my mom’s Rice & Pine Nuts one day but in the meantime, I think you’ll really enjoy this next best version.
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.
DELUXE LAZY GYRO CASSEROLE
No matter how you pronounce it - “Yee-roh” or “Jy-roh” - there’s nothing like a gyro. If you’re lucky enough like me to live in an International City, you will often find them in local restaurants and at festivals. Unfortunately, some of the best parts of the creation have gluten or dairy or both. In fact, did you know that there is a common version of the meat that calls for wheat as one of the ingredients? Uh-huh, I didn’t know it either. It’s always best to ask if that’s a concern. Either way, you’re safe with this casserole and, let me tell you, this will become your new favorite way to eat them no matter how you say it. Promise!
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!
PINEAPPLE BAKE
Such a refreshing and complimentary dish! What’s particularly nice is that it is gluten free and can be easily adapted to dairy free. You’ll find excuses to make this and it will become a staple since all of the ingredients are commonly stocked (which also comes in handy for those “I forgot to tell you we have to bring something” moments). It pairs especially well with Chicken Luau and Coconut Rice and is a scrumptious life saver as a snack or dessert when entertaining unexpected visitors.
CHICKEN LUAU
This is a tasty variation of a popular Hawaiian dish. With only a few (yet easy to find) ingredients, near effortless preparation, and it being remarkably simple to scale, you won’t think twice about inviting more guests for dinner. Serve this with a side of Coconut Rice and a helping of Pineapple Bake against a backdrop of slack-key guitar music and you’ll have your very own fun and flavorful tropical tiki party!
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.
SLOPPY JOES
Who doesn’t love a good sloppy joe? Unfortunately, some of the pre-made mixes have ingredients that don’t agree with everyone. Good news is, they couldn’t be simpler to throw together and all with items you likely have on hand. This crowd pleaser doubles, triples, even quadruples easily so everyone will have a chance to enjoy a generous portion regardless of dietary restrictions.
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!
PRESERVES GLAZED CHICKEN
This main comes together in no time and the ingredients, as you will see, are easy to adapt - not only to dietary considerations but also to what you happen to have on hand. Not feeling the chicken? Turkey, pork, or veal cutlets seamlessly slide in as the perfect understudy. Add your favorite sides and it doesn’t just become a fast, flexible meal any day of the week, it’s an impressive dish for guests leaving plenty of time for visiting. What flavor will you try first?
PHILLY STEAK & CHEESE
Need a quick lunch or dinner that scales effortlessly? This is the answer. Faster than fast food and healthier, too, this hearty dish with easy to find ingredients adjusts to tastes, dietary considerations, and any size crowd in a flash.
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.
SERBIAN POTATO SALAD
This is a deliciously refreshing version of potato salad. It is zesty and satisfying, paring especially well with summer fare and picnic foods. Because of the vinegar base, it keeps well on the party buffet and leftovers are equally yummy - if there’s anything left after the celebration, that is!
PIZZA SOUP
Know anyone who DOESN’T like pizza? I don’t think I do. Sadly, anyone with dietary considerations usually can’t have it. With this version, just about anyone can get their fix. This recipe is SO SHOCKINGLY EASY, you’ll find excuses to make it often. All you need are a few base ingredients and your favorite pizza toppings. Yes, it’s THAT simple!
ORANGE CHICKEN
Skip take-out with this dietary restriction friendly, healthy version of a most popular American-Chinese dish. Forget MSG, gluten, or other bothersome additives, this easy Orange Chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and personality. Who needs a fortune cookie - this recipe IS your good fortune!
EASY VEAL (or chicken) PARMESAN
Like veal (or chicken) parmesan but not the work? Miss eating it because it doesn’t complement your dietary considerations? Why not give this version a try? It’s easy and best of all, delicious!
DR. PEAT’S CARROT SALAD
Raw carrots have the unique ability to cleanse the digestive system, removing bacteria, fungus, and toxins while mitigating a surplus of estrogen. They can help burn excess belly fat and effectively keep things moving, if you know what I mean. Make this salad a regular part of your weekly eats and reap the benefits!