hands of love #16...

I see other blog posts and pictures of food all the time that totally put my little "hands of love" entries to shame. (You know the type, right? Where the picture is just as stunning as the food itself? I am in awe of how people can make something as simple as POURING OIL into a recipe simply gorgeous. How do these people do that?? Is that even REAL?)

So I hope it's rather obvious I'm not trying to be (nor am I probably capable of being!) that blogger when I put up my "hands of love" entries. I am not even a cook! Over the last year I went from having never used a garlic press or fresh herbs in my LIFE! to cooking nothing but gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, & sugar-free recipes. Thankfully now we're just down to gluten free (for Daddy's sake, not even for Caroline!), and it's crazy how much I found myself beginning to enjoy the process of cooking colorful, nutritious meals.

I've considered stopping the "hands of love" entries before. Nevertheless, some of you have encouraged me to keep them going, whether it's for ideas or just to see what gluten free eating looks like, or just because we all like food, right?

SO, Daddy & Caroline, these were prepared for you with hands of love...


Cheese & bacon quesadillas & a salad. (got the recipe for both out of the magazine "Real Simple" & used corn tortillas instead of wheat to make it gluten free.)


This is a standard meal around here: salmon with balsamic mustard glaze, rice, & broccoli. Best recipe for baked salmon I've found so far. (I've probably already put it on here before, but it's worth repeating.)

Preheat the oven to 350. Sprinkle salmon with salt & pepper. In a cup, whisk 1 tsp of dijon mustard, 2 tbsps olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar & 1/2 tsp of dried dill (or any dried herb of your choice). Brush a thin layer on each salmon and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it's done. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.


An asian steak salad.


My valentine's day meal! A fresh side salad with homemade dressing, a DELICIOUS gluten free lasagna (yummmm), and some REAL garlic bread. (you know, where you actually use real fresh, roasted garlic and butter and such...) Now please note: I didn't make the bread, and this picture is of MY gluten-FILLED bread. :) But I used the same stuff on top of Marc's gluten-free bread and it was just as good.

And for our Valentine's Day dessert...


a chocolate souffle dessert! (got this recipe out of a gluten-free cooking magazine called "Living Without") It was yummy and moist. A gluten-free valentine treat, for sure.


But THIS was truly the best Valentine treat of them all. :)