From Tenley's Kitchen to Your Bachelor Viewing Party

Week 3 of The Bachelor

Another Monday night of Sean and his Bachelorettes brings me another Bachelor viewing party with a few friends! This Monday is a busy one, so this week my viewing party menu is very simple and practical. We need these kinds of "go to's" when hosting, right? I thought I'd share this easier spread with all of you, because we can't always be "superwoman" (or superman) and we can use some shortcuts!

First of all, I have to say how much I've been enjoying Sean as the Bachelor! What do you all think? I'm sold on the fact that he's a good guy, very genuine. It's refreshing, but of course we still have the ladies we're all figuring out. I personally feel like I like one girl one second, and then the next, she says something or does something and I find myself scratching my head and wondering, "hmmm... who will this guy end up with?" We shall see! But that's the fun of it all-- And I don't read spoilers, so please don't tell me. :)

Here are your recipes for this week...

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Paleo Gluten Free Pizza Bites

This recipe takes a little preparation, but this crust recipe is paleo (which means it's grain free and gluten free) and it makes for a healthier pizza option, which of course makes it a bit "guilt-free". ;) I like to prepare these pizza crusts ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer until I'm ready to make my pizza. Once you have your crust made you can make any kind of pizza you want, but keep in mind your guests and their dietary needs (check ingredients for allergens even with toppings). When you're ready to serve, take your pizza cutter and cut small bites. Voila! Simple as that and you have pizza bites.

crust ingredients:

-2 cups almond meal

-2 eggs (pastured is recommended)

-3 tbsp. Grapeseed oil

-¼ tsp. baking soda

-1 tsp. garlic powder

-1½  tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped

toppings ideas:

-Organic Marina Sauce (one without any sugar added)

-Pesto sauce as an option (if catering to non-dairy crowd, look for a non-dairy pesto)

-Organic sausage (just brown/saute on stove before adding as topping)

-Organic mozzarella cheese or a cheese substitute if you're catering to a non-dairy crowd

-chopped garlic

-chopped onion

-oregano

-basil

-Veggies: peppers, mushrooms, squash, diced tomatoes

**For my pizza pictured, I was really in a hurry (it happens) so I just topped my crust with organic marinara sauce, garlic, onions, and cheese. Perfectly Tasty.

directions:

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-Mix all crust ingredients together using a spoon until the mixture becomes very thick.

-Form the dough into a ball using your hands.

-Lightly grease a pizza pan or a cookie sheet with grapeseed oil.

-Place the ball of dough in the center of cookie sheet or pizza pan

-Using your hands, push and pat the dough down into the shape of a circle.

-Make the dough as thin as possible.

-The pizza crust should be approximately 12 inches in diameter.

-Bake JUST the crust in oven for 20 minutes.

-While the crust is cooking, prepare toppings.

-After the crust is finished, remove it from the oven and evenly spread sauce over the crust.

-Add desired toppings over the sauce and bake again for 25-30 minutes (Keep your eye on it. I always check around the 15 minute mark just to be safe and to see how it's baking)

-If you've prepared your pizza crust ahead of time, just add toppings and bake!

I know this crust sounds a bit different, but it's a great option for EVERYONE and it's tasty. I personally appreciate going to parties and being able to eat stuff that my food intolerances usually keep me from getting to enjoy. So even if you're not knowledgeable of all of your guests dietary needs it doesn't hurt to have some better options for yourself  on the menu, and then it's a special treat for those that have to live more restricted. :)

Have fun with this unique pizza option that most everyone can enjoy!

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Some balance...

Hummus, Veggies, & Gluten Free Crackers

This was my biggest shortcut for this week's menu! I passed the store on my way to set everything up for tonight's gathering and grabbed a bag of organic carrots and snap peas, some nutritious gluten free crackers, and a gluten free garlic lovers hummus. SIMPLE! I don't ever feel judged by not personally making everything on my menu, your friends love having these kinds of staples around. And again, life happens, we get busy, and we don't always have time to fit in all the extra details we want to.

These kinds of snacky items are perfect to include and they add some balance in your viewing party spread.

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Something Rich...

Baked Brie & Pears

As many are intolerant of dairy, I do realize that this is one of those menu items that not everyone will be able to enjoy... but, mmmm. Look at that. This is a favorite quick "go to" of mine for gatherings. It feels special, it feeds several, and it tastes yummy. Many bake the brie with a puffed pastry around it, but because I can't have puffed pastries I started doing without- which is better for you anyway!

ingredients:

-Brie Cheese Wheel (I get the 8 oz. one)

-Organic Raspberry Preserves

-Pears, thinly sliced

directions:

-Preheat oven to 350

-Place brie on top of foil on a cookie sheet

-Spread raspberry preserves on top of the Brie rind (the white outside coat)

-Place brie in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes (Raspberry preserves will look thicker and probably be bubbling a bit)

-Serve with some sliced pears (or apples) - to prevent pears from browning you can squeeze some lemon juice on them in a plastic bag and shake them.

-Slice into the baked brie and all of the ooey gooey yumminess will pour out. Eat with the pears!

Cheese isn't the healthiest food for you, I think of it as a treat, or luxury. It's not an everyday food. Remember to eat in moderation. :)

An easy and beautiful appetizer to have on hand!

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This weeks special drink...

White Wine Spritzer

Wine Spritzers are nice. They're half the calories and  half the alcohol. You can also make this as a non-alcoholic beverage.

All you need...

-Some white wine, I prefer sauvignon blanc from New Zealand

-Club Soda

-And a little organic juice if you desire, I used Pomegranate juice

All you do...

-Pour a half glass of white wine

-Pour a 1/4 serving of club soda

-Pour a splash of juice

That's it!

If you're not yet 21 or not a fan of adult beverages, just use club soda and a splash of juice! Pour into a champagne flute for traditional Bachelor fashion. ;)

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Happy Bachelor Viewing!

FOR MORE FUN AND HEALTHY RECIPES COME VISIT ME AT www.sweetandfreelife.com