Homemade Probiotic Ranch Dressing

Huh?  Probiotics in your ranch?  Yeah!  Instead of those preservatives you can't pronounce and the artificial flavors. 

It. Is. Yum. 

And super healthy for your tum. 

Kefir is a fermented milk drink. You can buy it at any grocery store usually by the yogurt. It has tons of healthy bacteria (probiotics) for your gut. It is similar to yogurt, but is much more beneficial and is drinkable!  Lily looooooves it!  I buy the flavored kind for her to drink and I stick with the unsweetened plain. The plain kefir tastes a lot like buttermilk to me. That's why I wanted to make some ranch!  I've been craving it!!!  

I'm sure I'll perfect the recipe with time, but this is EASY and that is what this lay at home mom is all about. 

Kefir Ranch Dressing

1 cup plain kefir

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried parsley flakes 

1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)

1/2 tsp salt

Pepper 

Mix it all up and eat it. It's better to let the flavors meld for 30 min, but it's ok if you can't wait. 

I think I'll try to add in some sour cream or thick yogurt to thicken it a bit. I do like runny ranch though!  This was very tasty and very very healthy!  

Gluten Free Garlicky Chicken Nuggets

Did you see the title?  Um. Yum!

Lily loves nuggets. Who doesn't?!  I have been (mostly) gluten free for almost a year and love the benefits!  I have tried some store bought strips that were decent, but not good quality chicken. I had never made my own nugget, but now I'm asking myself WHY?!  They are so easy and yummy to make!

Yes, that's ranch dressing with them. Delicious. I know it's not healthy, but hey at least I'm gluten free!

GLUTEN FREE GARLICKY CHICKEN NUGGETS 

Serves 4

Package of high quality (organic, antibiotic-free) chicken TENDERS (around 1lb)

1.5 cup all purpose gluten free flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

Pepper

2 eggs

Splash of your milk of choice (I used cow milk) - optional

1/2 cup canola oil (you could also use coconut oil)

Extra salt for sprinkling 

Cut up your chicken tenders in bite size (think Chick fil a) pieces. Sprinkle them with salt.  In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and thoroughly blend with a fork. In another bowl, combine egg and milk and whisk until well blended. Take a small handful of nuggets and dip in the egg mixture. Then thoroughly coat in the flour mixture and place on a plate. Repeat until all of the nuggets are coated. Pour the oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, fry half of the nuggets at a time, flipping/tossing every minute or two until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from oil onto paper towels and sprinkle with salt if desired. Eat!!!

I served mine with ranch dressing as a dip and an avocado sprout tomato salad (recipe coming!). 

We could not quit eating them!