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Kellee Mayfield: Veggie Gluten Free Rice Crust Pizza {Foodie Friday}

 veggie gluten free rice pizza crust

For anyone living a gluten free lifestyle, pizza is more than likely missing from their food options. Traditional pizza was omitted from my diet until Robin DeVore of Riceland Foods recently divulged such a thing as a rice based pizza crust.

This recipe is easy, healthy and inexpensive to prepare and will have you thinking outside of the pizza box using rice. And September happens to be National Rice Month so let’s celebrate one of America’s favorite foods.

Preheat the oven to 400?F.

Gluten Free Rice Pizza Crust

2 cups of uncooked rice (long grain or short grain rice or brown rice) Cook as directed in a medium saucepan and tight lid* and set aside to slightly cool. 

2 large eggs

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon cayenne hot sauce or sriracha (add more or less depending on your taste preference) 

In a mixing bowl, combine and mix well the cooked rice, beaten eggs and mozzarella cheese and cayenne pepper sauce or sriracha.

Transfer the rice mixture to a lightly greased 12-18-inch pizza pan ensuring to cover the bottoms and the sides.

 

Press Rice Mixture into pizza pan 

 

Bake crust in a preheated 400?F oven for 10-12 minutes or until set and slightly golden brown.   

Remove from oven and cool before adding toppings.

Tasty Simple Pizza Sauce

My grandmother always stressed simplicity in recipes to enjoy all the flavors mother nature offers. She taught me this recipe more than 40 years ago and it pairs nicely with this rice pizza crust. 

1 can (32-ounce) of whole or diced tomatoes (I used a can of fire-roasted whole tomatoes) 

6-8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon olive oil

salt to taste

pepper to taste

tasty simple pizza sauce

Combine the entire can of tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, a dash of salt, some pepper and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend the ingredients until the sauce is pureed. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. This sauce is ready as is. Cooking is not necessary.

Assemble Your Pizza

Gather your favorite vegetables, herbs and pizza toppings such as kale, mushrooms, onions, olives, red pepper, basil, parsley, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Be as creative and use what is on hand.  

gluten free rice crust pizza assembly (1)

Spread half of the prepared pizza sauce onto your cooled-to-the-touch pizza crust. Layer 2-3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 a cup of parmesan cheese onto the sauce. Begin adding your coarsely chopped toppings.

Bake the assembled pizza 20 to 30 minutes until the pizza edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and serve. 

Quick Tip Rice Lid

*Are your attempts to cook rice inconsistent or unsuccessful? Check your lid for a steam hole at  the top or on the sides.  Locking the steam into the cooking process ensures properly cooked rice. Robin shared this tip with me, and my rice has been perfect every time.  

Are you or anyone you know gluten free? Do you have substitutes for some of your favorite foods? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

kellee mayfield

 

In 2007, Arkansas Women Blogger member Kellee Mayfield and her family moved to Lake Village. Kellee was quickly given the nicknamed “Kelly Jo” and the name stuck. As an Oklahoma native, Kelly Jo writes about living in very southeast Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta which has been penned the most Southern place on earth. She also shares her art as well as the art of resourcefulness as being the key to really small  town living. Kellee is a mother, wife and is in sales representative and clinical specialist for a medical device company. And she has a Southern drawl. Catch up with Kellee Jo at Delta Moxie, Instagram, Twitter and Periscope.

Preparing for an Empty Nest

by LaTonya Richardson 

For 26 years Mr. Husband and I have been nurses, taxi drivers, finders of all things lost, laundry attendants, independent banks, cheerleaders, coaches, and teachers to our five children.

Much of our daily existence has been centered around our children’s welfare, health and extra-curricular  activities. One year our three youngest girls were on two different softball teams, while our son played football, and the oldest daughter was in the junior high school band, all at the same time.  Our lives have always been extremely full, and we loved it that way.    

We always knew that one day our brood would grow up, leave us, and eventually make lives for themselves.  As our oldest graduated from high school and went to college, all of our running around was devoted to four. Our son graduated three years later, which left running behind three with their civic and academic organizations, multi-sports, community and church responsibilities. At that time an empty nest was not on my mind. Time has a way of bringing about a change.

Last Saturday, our oldest daughter got married, and our son already has his own little family. The two middle girls have graduated from high school, and are attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, playing for the Lady Lions, and living the dorm life. Only one baby bird remains in the nest, the youngest daughter, a junior in high school.

It’s hard to believe my children are no longer babies.

Sister's Wedding Day

The dynamics of our large family have changed so much in what seems like overnight. Soon Mr. Husband and I will have an empty next, with no basketball and softball games to cheer at, and no cheerleading practices to sit in on. The thought of our lives changing so fast used to bothered me. After a lot of consideration I realized it was time to embrace the inevitable, and prepare for what lies ahead.

Date Nights

With the mayhem that has been our busy lives for so very long, date nights have been few and far between. We’ve sacrificed quality time together to be present in our children’s lives. Although our youngest is still home, and cheering every Friday night we’ve found a way to squeeze date nights in.  Every Friday night she’s cheering out of town, we’ll enjoy date nights with each other.

I’ve heard of married couples with nothing in common after their children left home. Before we’re left to our own devices, we’ve decided to make a conscious effort to (re)connecting as a couple, and not just as our children’s parents.

I found  a few post to help us get started.  

How to Make Date Night Happen

A Year of Creative Dates

50 Questions to Ask Spouse On A Date Night

Getting Involved

Over the years I’ve not been involved in my sorority, or other civic and community organizations outside of our children’s involvement because there was always a conflicted. Now that we have more time we can do more ourselves. It’s very important that we both have individual interest. I’ve started making a list of things I’d like to get around to doing.

A couple of years ago I joined the advisory committee for the Jefferson County Run Walk Dance. It has been an amazing experience to contribute to the planning and promotion of this event in our community.

Other plans I have include:

  • Attending more blog and social media conferences.

  • Plan a reading program and writing workshops.

  • Volunteer for our local food pantry.

Travel

Most of our travel has been around our children’s sports and activities. We’ve traveled to some great places, and met some awesome people along the way. Like my plans to get involved, I have a much longer list of places I’d like to travel to. Some of the destinations are places I’ve never been, where others I’d like to return and explore.   

The past several years I’ve looked at life as one adventure after another. Bring on the empty nest!

 
Arkansas Women Bloggers member LaTonya Richardson is an instructor in Mass Communication at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A lifestyle blogger with mommy blogging tendencies, she Lives, Loves & Laughs Out Loud on purpose. LaTonya started blogging in 2009 as a way to chronicle the decade of her 40s. Since then she’s shared many of her life’s adventures one-at-a-time. Those adventures include cooking (and forcing her family to partake), exploring new places and trying to find adventure in the everyday madness that is her life. To sum things up…She’s an average woman trying not to have an average existence.

Katie Clifton: Kenyan Chicken Curry {Foodie Friday}

Four years ago, in July of 2011, my husband and I served in Kenya on a short term mission trip. We had no idea how the Lord would use two weeks in East Africa to change the trajectory of our lives. It was in Kenya, where the Lord first called my husband to ministry. It was in Kenya, where the Lord solidified our call to adoption. It was in Kenya, He started teaching us to prioritize our lives to honor Him. The Lord tied our hearts to this country.

Most recently, I have joined the American staff of African Christian Outreach. I leave September 28 to spend 2 weeks in Kenya working along side our Kenyan staff to vision forecast, plan and pray for the next steps the Lord wants us to take in East Africa and beyond. Kenya is most commonly known for child slavery, orphans, poverty and most recently- terrorism. But Kenya is also a beautiful country, rich in color, love, and flavor.

I am certain your taste buds will love this authentic Kenyan dish as much as I do. 
 
kenyan chicken curry with coconut rice katiie clifton
 
Kenyan Chicken Curry
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Kenyan Chicken Curry
  1. 3 pounds chicken
  2. 1 yellow onion, chopped
  3. 2 hot chili pepper, minced (add an extra pepper for more heat)
  4. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
  5. 2 tablespoons ginger (I prefer fresh ginger)
  6. 1/4 cup olive oil
  7. 1 tablespoon curry powder
  8. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  9. 2 cups tomato sauce
  10. 2 cups coconut milk
  11. 1/2 cup cilantro
Instructions
  1. In a blender or food processor, mix together onion, chilies, garlic and ginger. Mix/blend/process until all the lumps are gone and the sauce is smooth.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add processed sauce, cumin and curry powder to the warm olive oil stirring frequently to heat thoroughly and prevent burning.
  4. Mix in the tomato sauce and allow to simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Finally add in the raw chicken and coconut milk. Keep cooking temperature on low, stir well and cover.
  6. Cook until chicken is thoroughly done and tender anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
Arkansas Women Bloggers https://arkansaswomenbloggers.com/

 
My mouth is literally watering just thinking about all of the flavor in this chicken dish. I love spicy food, my husband not so much. I tell him often that he has a “baby mouth”. If you also have the spice capacity of an infant, then back off on the hot chili peppers. If you like to sweat while you eat, you will want to add all three. 
 
Kenyan Coconut Rice
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups long-grain rice
  2. 2 teaspoons sea salt
  3. 2 cups coconut milk
  4. 1 1/2 cups water
  5. 2 tablespoons coconut milk for extra flavor
Instructions
  1. Mix together rice, coconut milk, water and sea salt in a large pan.
  2. Cook rice mixture over medium heat until it is boiling, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the rice is done, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  4. Before serving rice, add in the additional 2 tablespoons of coconut milk and fluff with a fork.
Notes
  1. Spoon the Coconut Rice onto a plate and top with a heaping spoonful of Kenyan Chicken Curry.
  2. Serve and eat while warm.
Arkansas Women Bloggers https://arkansaswomenbloggers.com/
ACO katie 
If you are quick in the kitchen, you should have about 15-20 minutes of down time while you wait for each dish to completely cook. This would be the perfect time for you to visit www.acokenya.org. (Yes, I know. Shameless plug.) You can learn more about our ministry in East Africa and learn how you can become a mission partner. If you would like to serve with us next summer, please contact me so that we can turn your hopes into a reality. 
 
Enjoy the aroma and flavor of East African cuisine. 
 

KatieClifton

 
Getting to Know Your ARWB Foodies What food reminds you of childhood? 
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They gardened and my grandmother refused to buy anything she could grow herself. When I think of my favorite childhood foods I remember my taste buds falling in love with fried okra, corn bread, turnip greens, squash and eggplant. These aren’t typical foods that kids love but I have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen table with my grandparents and them being so proud of me for trying their vegetables. I have always wanted to cook like my grandmother. I think she is a big reason I enjoy cooking for my family now.
 
 What is your favorite international cuisine?
My favorite international cuisine is sushi. Hands down. I love fish and seafood, but when I think of Japenese cuisine I also think of art. It is as satisfying for me to look at, as it is for me to eat.

What is always in your refrigerator at home?
My refrigerator always has eggs, bacon, vegetables and apples. I can pretty much mix together a fast meal with these ingredients. Fast dinner ideas are a staple for our busy family. 

What is your most used cookbook?
My most used cookbook is the one my grandmother made for me. It is a purple 3 ring binder a spiral notebook and post it notes used as divider tabs. She added recipes for my most favorite foods and gave me space to add more o my favorite recipes. I cherish my cookbook. 

What is your favorite kitchen gadget?
Ha! My favorite kitchen gadget is my coffee pot. There are seasons in life where my coffee pot has by far been used more than anything else: colicky babies, my husband in seminary, a toddler with sleep disorders. A coffee maker is an absolute necessity. 

Do you have a favorite food indulgence?  
I love having the opportunity to have a date night with my husband and visiting new restaurants. We do not do it often, but we both love visiting restaurants that are making a name for themselves locally by hiring top chefs and creating unique food and flavor combinations. 

What is your go-to ingredient that you use time and time again?
Garlic. Fresh or ground garlic is used almost daily in my kitchen. 

What is your favorite food meal to cook at home?
I love making large meals for my family. All of my kids are great chicken eaters so I enjoy finding new recipes for chicken, making green beans with bacon, creamed potatoes, and adding fresh fruits. This type of meal gets everyone in my family excited to eat since it consists of their favorites. 
What is a cooking tip that you would like to share with beginning cooks?
 If you can read you can cook. Do not be afraid to try spices and dishes. Find cookbooks and websites that offer meals you enjoy eating and begin there. 

When you’re not cooking, what are your favorite pastimes?
I’m a mom to 4,  a business owner and a missions advocate. My husband works full time and is also a bivocational church plant pastor. Our lives feel like a merry-go-round most of the time. So, I think taking time for myself is very important (although rare at times). My favorite hobby is running. It is therapy for me. It relieves stress, helps me feel better and encourages me to fuel my body better as well. 

What else would you like us to know about you?
I am thankful for the opportunity to share some of my favorite recipes with you.

Connect with Katie:

TwitterFB
Instagram
African Christian Outreach
Renew Church
 

 

ARWB member Katie Clifton is a native Arkansan. She serves as the Missions Advocate for African Christian Outreach and is a church planting pastor’s wife at Renew Church in Benton. Katie advocates for adoption and building bridges for interracial unity within her community. She is a Jesus lover, writer, speaker and lover of all things flea market. You can find Katie’s writing at Mire and Manna.
 
Contact her at:
And partner with her in ministry at:

 

It’s an #AWBU Instagram Challenge!

 Instagram challenge 2015

 

Let the fun begin! It’s an #AWBU #IGChallenge!  There’s a prize! 

Here are the requirements:

1. Use the hashtags #AWBU and #ICChallenge on all photos you post to the Instagram challenge during #AWBU.

2. Foodie Friday, August 28: IG a #FoodieFriday speaker. Be sure to tag @TasteArkansas and the speaker(s):
#AWBU #IGChallenge

  • @gpellegrini
  • @chefmattbelz @arkansassoybean
  • @janahunterint
  • @meatcountermom
  • @heathersdish @marrs_jenny @whitbitskitchen @sarahdshotts

3. Friday evening, August 28: IG 3 photos from the evening opening session:
#AWBU #IGChallenge

  • Keynote Speaker – @leladavidson
  • @theparkwife in her derby hat or a selfie in your  derby hat
  • or your table, a new friend, your name tag

4. Saturday morning, August 29: IG 3 photos (1 each from any one category):
#AWBU #IGChallenge

  • Breakfast – you pick!
  • Keynote Speaker – Rhea Lana Riner @rhealana
  • Workshop Session 1 (something unique you will try)
  • Workshop Session 2 (a new skill you need/needed)

5.  Saturday luncheon, August 29: 2 photos

  • Any photo promoting @RichlandFoods as our sponsor
  • Any photo of the “fun thing” that’s coming your way during lunch tag @ricelandfoods

6. Saturday afternoon, August 29: IG any 3 photos (1 each from any one category)
#AWBU #IGChallenge

  • Workshop Session 3 Tag the speaker
  • Workshop Session 4 Tag the speaker
  • Workshop Session 5 Tag the speaker
  • Repost an IG from another attendees IG account
  • A photo/selfie of you with another attendee in the Arlington @VisitHotSprings @ArlingtonResort
  • A photo of AWBU peeps from Feed the Funnel

 7. Sunday morning, August 30: 
#AWBU #IGChallenge

  • Any photo from the hospitality room Tag @petitjeanmeats
  • Any photo from the 8 a.m. session Tag @alliancerubber
  • Any funny photo from #AWBU

BONUS: (may replace any one challenge from the list above) For example, if you were not able to attend #FoodieFriday, this is your opportunity to be included in the #IGChallenge.

  • 1 photo that best expresses why you come to #AWBU 

***After meeting the requirements,  add your Instagram account to the #Sunday #LinkUp on the #ARWB web site.***  The linky opens at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 30 and IG accounts must be linked by 11 a.m. when the Linky closes.

Winner will be chosen at random and prize awarded after #IGChallenge requirements are confirmed.

 

A Journey to Contentment: 33 Pleasures of Summer

by Rhonda Franz, Miss June 2015

I’m nothing if not a lover of simple pleasures. When the going gets tough, I go after the things that make me smile: during the week, during the day, sometimes during one hour—things offer respite and refreshment, however small. Seeking out the good in the ordinary helps me out in such extraordinary ways.

Call them things to be thankful for, things to help cheer up a despondent disposition, or things that encourage peace and contentment. This is my current list of the simple pleasures of summer. What’s yours?

  1. Breakfast outside.
  2. Morning summer sun shining through a window.
  3. The dishwasher.
  4. Air conditioning.
  5. A less-scheduled season.
  6. The city pool.
  7. A public library.
  8. Vacation Bible School.
  9. Sidewalk chalk.  

    Summer and sidewalk chalk just go together.
    Summer and sidewalk chalk just go together.


  10. Fresh tomatoes from the garden.
  11. Fresh peaches from the orchard.
  12. Checking the blackberry bush every day.
  13. A relaxed meal plan.
  14. Popcorn and snack foods for when there isn’t a meal plan in sight.
  15. Supper outside.
  16. Paper plates.
  17. Sprinklers.
  18. Swings.

    A boy on the swing at the park.
    A boy on the swing at the park.


  19. A vacuum that sucks up all most of the daily summer dirt.
  20. Family outings.
  21. Summer date nights, even if rare.
  22. The smell of sunblock.
  23. Books around the house for everyone to read.
  24. Literacy, so we can read all those books.
  25. Quiet time (every day, after lunch).
  26. Meet-ups with friends at the park.
  27. A washing machine for all the sweaty summer laundry.
  28. Coupons for free summer treats for children from the doctor’s office (a decent trade-off for having to go to the doctor in the summer).
  29. Fun Facebook statuses of others’ family vacations.
  30. Summer rains.

    Plants and flowers enjoying the frequent summer rains in northwest Arkansas this year.
    Plants and flowers enjoying the frequent summer rains in northwest Arkansas this year.


  31. Lemonade.
  32. A free coffee reward on the Starbucks app at the start of summer anytime.
  33. An outdoor movie with friends.

What’s on your summer list of simple pleasures?