Tasty Tuesday- Buffalo Chicken Quinoa

Welcome to another Tasty Tuesday.

Since going gluten free I have missed some of my staples.

This week I decided to do a twist on mac and cheese and used quinoa.

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 chicken breast ( shredded or diced)
2 Tablespoons almond flour
1-1/2 cups 2% milk, divided
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons Frank's Red Hot
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (goat cheese), crumbled

Directions:

Preheat broiler. Cook quinoa according to package directions and set aside. 

Whisk together flour and 1/2 cup milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining milk, and green onions. Switch to a spatula and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then cook for one minute while boiling.

Remove the pan from the heat then add in buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted then add in cooked quinoa and chicken, and stir to combine.

Pour into a non-stick sprayed casserole dish and top with goat cheese. Broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly.

This was really good. Andrew liked it but said I couldn't call it mac and cheese cause mac and cheese had noodles. His name for it was buffalo chicken and cheese with rice. Anyways we'll make it again at this house :)

Weekend Recap

After my first full week back at work this weekend was much needed.

I wasn't the best at taking pictures but we spent a great weekend relaxing and spending time with friends. Spring weather decided to grace us with its presence and I hope it stays for good!

Here is a little look into our weekend

Friday:

Andrew picked up the dogs from the groomers and headed to the house. Cooper had the biggest transformation. We also found out he has an infection on his ears so this is part of the reason he was cut so short. We have 2 weeks of meds and then will see if its gone. Poor dog, everything bad happens to him. Then we enjoyed our night with some Asian inspired Thai Lettuce Wraps and Pork and Ginger Wontons. I also found my new favorite cider. Thanks Trader Joes for your awesomeness!

Saturday:

Here is where my picture taking started slacking.

Andrew and I ran some errands and did it through the enjoyment of our new sun roof

We also spent the day with our friends James and Marianne. We went and so the new movie Oz the Great and Powerful and then came home to make some Beef and Churizo hamburgers

Sunday:

Andrew and I enjoyed another relaxing Sunday. We went to church and then headed with some friends to a local elementary school to let the dogs run wild. At small group it was bring your favorite chips and we did our own version of minute to win it game night! Finally we settled down at home to some Shrimp Tacos and some cuddling on the couch.

Here's to the weekend! Can't wait to see it again!

Sorry I'm Not Sorry

So this has been a week.

I don't know how many times I have caught myself saying...

I don't care, I am doing it anyways, I'm not a loser but, Is it lame that...

Sorry I'm not Sorry ......

... but I went to bed at 8:20 last night. I know what your thinking, its okay sometimes I start getting ready at like 8ish but I get side track and Im not in bed till after 9. NOPE! I was teeth brushed, faced washed and PJ's on, under the covers, alarm set at 8:20. I fell asleep moments later. 

... I am super excited about my salad Tupperware container. If you don't follow me on instagram the picture is below. But I have already washed and reused it everyday and I am so excited to go back to Home Goods this weekend to by more!

... That I haven't painted my nails in a week. I am a polish guru and ever since I got my own DIY gel set I change my color every week! This week, my nails are still naked :(

...That I pulled down our boxes of summer clothes. I am putting away our winter clothes this weekend and mother nature should take that as a hint. I need my jacks like yesterday!

...that I have literally worn the same outfit everyday this week. Oh it's Monday, Chinos, cardigan and a scarf. Oh it's Tuesday- Chino's, cardigan and a necklace, Oh its Wednesday- Chinos, cardigan and a scarf. But you can't guess what I am wearing today???

... that I am exhausted. Hints the going to bed at 8:20. I want to stay home this weekend and do nothing but watch movies eat pizza and cuddle on the couch with Andrew and the pups. 

there are so many more but I will just leave you with that. This first week tracking back in has been one of the toughest and tomorrow at 2:45 can't come fast enough!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday- Gluten Free

Since making the switch to Gluten Free I have found some many things that I love.

I have received so many emails from yall about some of the things that I have used so here they are!

I am loving the way I am feeling. Before going Gluten Free I always felt sick and had an upset stomach  after eating. I had so many digestive issues. Now I feel so normal. I can't believe I have lived the last 24 years not feeling like this. I just always thought I ate bad food!

I am loving Tate's Gluten Free Cookies! They are thin and crispy but still kinda soft and chewy! Such a perfect combination!

I am loving all the carbs I have replaced with vegetables. Spaghetti Squash for Spaghetti, Bell Peppers or Lettuce in replace of buns, almond breaded zucchini and squash in replace of fries.. Yummm

I am loving almond and oat flour. Almond flour has been so useful in my normal cooking and the oat flour has been replacing most of my baking. I can't tell a different with the Almond flour but the oat flour give the baked goods a gooey texture that I love!

I am loving pinterest for all my gluten free recipes I am finding on pinterest!

What are you loving? 

Are there any gluten free products I am missing??

Tasty Tuesday- Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

So you probably remember me talking about how Andrew and I were thinking of making a change in our diet. No we aren't dieting we are talking a long term lifestyle change. We considered Paleo, but its so hard because we don't eat red meat I couldn't cut out the beans. I also can't give up yogurt and cheese--- I love them so much. So we decided to go gluten free! I will say Andrew was skeptical but he is loving all the new recipes!

I will say this has been one of my favorite!!

Ingredients:

3 bananas mashed

2 eggs

2 tablespoon coconut oil ( you can use butter otherwise)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon agave nectar 

1 cup oat flour 

( if you can't find it you can just food process one cup of gluten free oats- that's what I did)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

**Walnuts, banana and syrup for toppings**

Directions:
Stir together mashed bananas, coconut oil, lemon juice and nectar.
Beat in eggs.
Add oat flour, baking soda and cinnamon then mixed until moistened.
Heat griddle or pan to medium heat.
Place 1/4 cup of batter and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side.
Serve :)

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Weekends.. Where do they go??

Weekends, really where do you disappear too?

The weekdays drag on and the weekends just fly by.

I am over it, My goal for 2018 is to become President and make 3 day weekends mandatory!

Anyways over my rant, Here is what a weekend with the Tuckers looks like

Friday:

I had to go take care of some stuff at school for track in but then I spent the afternoon with my friend Dakota. We got lunch and then went to an amazing little Candy shop that had ridiculous amazing truffles. When I got home Andrew had finally finished his Written Preliminary Exam and it was out to go celebrate his accomplishment with our friends. So proud that he is now officially a PhD Candidate!

Saturday:

I spent the day with my friend Marianne. We went shopping and got pedicures while our husbands played video games. Gah they are children in adult bodies! However before I left him I made some amazing gluten free banana pancakes! Check out our link up tomorrow for tasty Tuesday for the recipe!

Sunday:

Andrew and I went to church and small group but besides that we really just lounged around the house.  However I did try a very popular pinterest recipe for Philly Cheese steak Stuffed Bell Pepper and they were so good. Definitely a hit and perfect for our new gluten free diet. I also made some amazing mini egg quiches that I can eat for breakfast all week. 

With Monday over I am pooped. I went back to work after 3 weeks off and my kids were in rare form. They are officially acting like 7th graders. I love them but they are going to ware me out quick with this new energy. Here's to Friday, you can't come soon enough!

Husband and Wife Q&A

So I have seen this all over the blog world and I knew I wanted to do it with Andrew. We have been together for about 7 years but we are so different.  I knew it would be funny to compare our answers. I put my commentary in brackets after the questions I found funny!

1. How long have you been married?

A: Almost 2 Years (close enough right?)

B: 1 year 9 months

2. Where was your first date?

A:Gym

B: Cookout and the gym, our first official date was Firebirds and to see Superman. ( You can see my post about that bad date here)

3. Where was your first kiss?

A: Den at his parents house watching Pirates of Caribeen 3 ( such the romantic. I was in high school so its okay)

B: At Andrew's Parents House

4. Who first said, "I love you"?

A: Andrew.. (he laughed cause he knew I was waiting for him. I am stubborn)

B: Andrew, I waited a long time haha

5. What were your wedding colors?

A: Pink and white

B: Ivory and blush

6. What is her most commonly used phrase?

A: In all honesty ( I do say this alot too)

B: Are you serious??

7.Who is her celebrity crush?

A: Channing Tatum (This is true as well, Andrew doesn't think Bachelor Sean is a Celeb)

B: Varies, right now Bachelor Sean

8. If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?

A: Carolina Pale Ale, Margarita ( Margs are my drink of chioce when I am not in the mood for wine)

B: Carolina Pale Ale, Pinto Grigio

9. What is the best meal she has ever cooked you?

A:Enchiladas ( you can check out the recipie here)

B: Enchiladas

10. What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?

A: Shrimp Flatbread

B:Ummm I made a bad Shrimp Flatbread, it was dry and needed sauce

11. What is the most-played song on her iPod?

A: Taylor Swift..  ( Umm no, he didn't register that I don't even use an IPod)

B:I don't really listen to an Ipod cause I don't have one, more a Pandora Girl on my droid.

12. What would she say is your most annoying habit?

A: I ask him to constantly will you do me a favor? ( haha I do this all the time, once I'm comfortable I am not getting up)

B:Leaving my jackets and shoes everywhere

13. What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?

A: Mess with my phone

B: Set my alarm, charge my phone

14. What would you say is your favorite thing about her?

A: I'm sweet

B: Not Sure, Maybe my curly hair but I never wear it that way.

15. What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?

A: Skinny Vanilla Latte

B: Skinny vanilla latte

16. What's her blog's name?

A: Adventures of the Southern Housewife (Umm im not a housewife, I work! I told him it was wrong and he was like ohh thats why I have such a hard time finding your blog when I google it!)

B: Adventures of The Southern Wife