Heathly & GF BBQ Sandwiches

I am back!! I know it seems like I dissappeared or gave up on blogging, but instead I have just been busy.  Here is a little update in the life of the Hazels.  I know what your thinking, "how does this relate to BBQ sandwiches?" Well, it doesn't, but I feel that I should give a short update.  I have been blessed with a job in ministry working as an administrative assistant for a worldwide Christian organization called, The Navigators.  I will also be a substitute teacher and volunteering for CRU, Campus Crusade, at Midwestern University.  Also, the Lord has blessed Tyler and I with a great group of friends as well as being involved in several Bible studies.  Tyler started pilot training on November 30 and God has certainly shown how He works when you allow Him too.  Prayer and having FAITH in our Lord Jesus Christ does work!! 

“With man this is impossible, but WITH GOD ALL things are possible.” Matthew 19: 26.  

So Tyler had his first flight today, or as in military terms... his "dollar ride." So to celebrate this day, I wanted to make him a good meal!  I love BBQ sandwiches, but I needed to find a gluten free and more healthy recipe.  So after a few days of trying to perfect the recipe, this is what I came up with along with a side of gluten free, baked sweet potato fries.  Now for those who can have gluten, a whole wheat bun would taste great with the sandwiches.

BBQ Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 lb. Turkey Breast

1 Can Dill Pickles

1 GF Bottle BBQ Sauce

1/4 cup GF Spice BBQ Sauce

1/4 of a white onion

1 Tbls Olive Oil

1 Tbls. Pickles

A dash of Salt and Pepper

Directions:

 First set your crock pot on LOW for 7-9 hours.

Coat the Olive Oil on the bottom of the crock pot.

Take half of the onions and place at the bottom.

Then, place half of the pickles with half of the pickle juice.

Place turkey Breast in the crock pot.

Then, the remainder of the onions and pickles.

 Sprinkle the garlic along with a dash of salt and pepper.

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

2 Sweet Potatoes

1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar

3 Tbls Canola Oil

2 Tbls. GF Honey

1 Tsp. Cinnamon

1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Butter

Salt

Directions:

Preheat the Oven to 425

Cut the Sweet Potatoes long ways.

Stir the Brown Sugar and Canola Oil together.

Then, stir in the Honey.

Add the Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract.

Lightly coat the Sweet Potatoes.

Place on cookie sheet.

Dash a little salt over Sweet Potatoes.

Place Butter sporadically on the Sweet Potatoes.

Cook for 20 minutes.

Cool for 5 minutes.

Prepare with JOY, cook with FAITH and serve with LOVE.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”

John 3: 16

*Harley JOY*

I hope during the holiday seasons your time is full of love, joy, stress-free, and family! Our Christmas season, has been wonderful and just got better!! Tyler started pilot training a week ago, here at Sheppard AFB, and things for me were getting to be a bit lonely. With my husband gone all day and studying at night, I was missing him and all the joy he brings me! God heard my prayer and gave me my Christmas gift a little bit early! Who said all gifts had to come on Christmas anyway!

Everyone... meet 

Harley Joy Hazel

Here is Harley's story.  Last Saturday, Tyler and I decided to go to the Wichita Falls Animal Shelter.  We arrived at 1pm... right when they opened!!  It's a good thing we did because Harley caught our eye right and heart away! She is only 8 weeks old and a full bred Australian Shepard. She was only at the shelter for 2 hours before we took her home with us.  Before she was at the Humane Society, she was dropped off at the dog hound. (Very sad... I know) The moment we saw her, I already knew that she would be the newest addition to the Hazel family.  She snuggled up to us quickly, too!  

She brings us so much joy and love everyday! I call her my "love muffin" because she loves to cuddle and show us how much she loves us. All I want to do is play with her, teach her tricks, cuddle with her, and give her tons and tons of kisses!!! One of the best traits about Harley, is that she loves listening to Kari Jobe!  For those who don't know who that is, Kari Jobe is a worship leader and Christian artist.  If Harley is crying or shaking, all we have to do is play Kari Jobe's music and she calms down. 

Isn't she the cutest and most beautiful thing everr?? 

Harley is a HUGE answer to my prayers and I so thankful for her! I have soo much love for this little bundle of JOY!! I have to admit she has become quite the "Mama's Girl". 

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and 

loving-kindness endure forever!”
1 Chronicles 16:34

Mediterranean Chicken... GF Style!

     After Tyler and I got married, I challenged myself to try a new recipe every week. My grandma was an incredible cook. She didn't just know how to cook or love to do it, rather she had a special gift!  She didn't use recipes, but created her own!  She didn't use measurements, but knew how much each ingredient would be needed. After she died, I prayed that I could have her sweet spirit and gift to cook.  So, hopefully one day I'll be able to cook just like my wonderful grandma!
     Now, I didn't come up with the Mediterranean Chicken by myself.  I had a little inspiration from a recipe on allrecipes.com. And no worries, this recipe is 100% gluten free! If you love olives and wine, than this dish is for you! Once again, my husband loved it. So, I hope you do to :)

Ingredients:

2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons White Wine
6 (boneless) Chicken Breast Halves
1 1/2 Tablespoons Garlic
1 Teaspoon Rosemary

1 Lemon

1/2 Cup Diced Red Onion
2 Diced Roma Tomatos

3/4 Cup White Wine 

*I used a Chardonnay because of the sharper taste. But this can be your preference!*
2 Teaspoons Thyme
1 Tablespoon basil
1 Can Kalamata Olives- drain juice from can
*Salt and Pepper to Taste*

Preparation:

Heat the Olive Oil and White Wine together in a large skillet on medium heat.

Add Chicken and season with Rosemary, Salt, and Pepper to each side.

Use half of a lemon and squeeze juice on Chicken.
Cook for about 10 minutes on each side. (or until cooked thoroughly)

Remove Chicken and cut into pieces.

For 30 seconds, saute garlic in pan. (you may need to add more olive oil at this point)

Add the diced onion and saute for 3 minutes.

Add Tomatoes.

Bring to a lower heat and add the 3/4 Cup Wine and the other half of the Lemon.

Simmer for 8-10 minutes.

 Add Basil and Thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes.

 Place Chicken back in the skillet. Cook on a lower heat for about 5 minutes.
Add Kalamative Olives.
Dash with a little more Salt and Pepper
Simmer for about a minute.

To serve: You can garnish Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese

 

 

 

Prepare with JOY, cook with FAITH and serve with LOVE.

 

 

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; 

for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”  

1 Chronicles 16: 34

 

Decadent Gluten Free Blonde Brownies with Peanut Butter

My husband, Tyler, doesn't like chocolate and well I can't have gluten.  So, I wanted to come up with a recipe that satisfied both of our sweet tooth's.  That's when gluten free blonde brownies with peanut butter chips came to mind!  I added peanut butter because it's Tyler's favorite, but you can add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts.  As my husband said, "they ROCK!" So, I hope you can enjoy them has much as he did!

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

2 cups brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

2 cups Gluten Free flour

1 tblsp. vanilla extract

1 tblsp. oil ( I use Canola Oil, but Vegetable Oil works as well)

Peanut Butter Chips as desired 

(I never measure this because I feel like it should be as much as you want!)

Baking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Beat eggs and butter together.

Add in brown sugar and sugar.

Gradually add flour. Mix well.

Add oil.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Fold in peanut butter chips.

Pour into a 9x13 pan.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Cool and cut into pieces.

And serve.

Prepare with JOY, bake with FAITH and serve with LOVE.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8: 28

To keep it simple, my name is Kayla Hazel. I recently married the love of my life, Tyler Hazel, on October 28, 2011. My husband is in the United States Air Force and about to start pilot training.  I am quite simple to know and can give it you in a few words.  I love Jesus with all my heart, I love my husband and family, I love baking and cooking, I love being crafty and thinking outside the box, and I love sharing the JOY of Jesus Christ.  

Recently, I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance.  For those who have the same issue, know that gluten is in everything!  It took me some time to figure out what you can and can not eat. I remember when I was first diagnosed, my mom and I spent 2 hours in the grocery store figuring out what does not have gluten it. Basically, everything has to be fresh and not canned. It can not contain wheat, flour, oats, barley, and rye.

So, what is this blog about? Simple, the ingredients to life: LOVE, JOY, FAITH, & HOPE. I will share my life as a Christian, being a wife of a pilot, and all my recipes.  For those with a sweet tooth, you are following the right girl! Baking is my specialty, but I am married to a man who eats a lot!!  So, cooking different meals is what I take time doing the most! I hope you enjoy reading, cooking and feel blessed by the Lord every time you read.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 -18