Grain Free Grab-n-Go Turkey & Cheese "Hot Pocket"

In my search recently for healthier recipes, I came across a recipe for grain-free "Grab-n-Go" hot pockets.  This really caught my attention, because if there is one thing I am a sucker for, it is a good sandwich.  These hot pockets make the perfect "to go" sandwich.  You can grab one on the way out the door, after heating it for about 15-30 seconds in the microwave, and amazingly, they are VERY filling. I found this recipe from this book:  Grain Free Grab-N-Go.  She also has a website filled with a ton of great information about healthy living: http://www.healthstartsinthekitchen.com.  It is a great website packed full of great information about living simply and healthy.

When I began to gather the ingredients to make these Grab-n-Go hot pockets, I found the ingredient list to be very simple, but if you are not on a gluten-free or grain-free diet, you might not have two of the main ingredients in your pantry.  Because they are grain-free, the recipe uses flour that is not from a grain.  If you haven't had a chance to try out a gluten-free recipe yet, this would be a great introduction to it.  I purchased the almond flour, and tapioca starch (flour) at our local grocery just to try this recipe out.  Almond flour is not cheap, by the way!  It costs about $10.00 pound, which is quite pricey.

So, after using almond flour for the first time, I did find that I could substitute gluten-free flour (which is a combo of various grain-free flours) that runs generally about $5.00 pound.

                                                                              One thing that is to important to note, is that while perhaps you might hesitate to spend $5.00 pound on grain-free flour, just taking a quick run through McDonalds to get a hamburger, fry and drink, would cost about the same.  So, I look at it this way.  It does cost more to eat healthier, but in the long run, it is so worth it.

They are incredibly easy to make, and I took a few pictures along the way to show you just how easy. First you mix all the ingredients together.  I find mixing them in a Pyrex 4-cup glass measuring cup really easy because of the pour spout.  After mixing the ingredients, you let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up.

Then I have a 6" nonstick skillet that I used that was the perfect size for these pockets.  The recipe calls for using 1/4 cup, but I just eyeballed it, and then rolled the skillet to allow the mixture to cover the entire pan.  If you are using a nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet, you do not have to use any grease/oil. Amazingly, they do not stick to the pan.

You can use any filling for these that you desire (and the e-book is full of many different combinations that you can use for the filling for the pockets).  However, what I had on hand was turkey and cheese, so that is what these are made with.

Once you begin to see little bubbles forming on the surface, add your filling.

Using a fork or spatula, check the under-surface to see if it has begun to brown.  You want to keep your heat on medium so as not to burn the G&G, but not let it cook too slowly either.  I found the medium setting on my stove worked perfectly.

Once the bottom is nicely browned, flip the half over, and using a fork press down on the edges to seal in the filling.

You can see here that one spot did not seal, and some of the filling is seeping out - lol.

But it fixed easily with another press of the fork over the dough! 

Now, I forgot to take a picture of the next step, but it is important.  You place each G&G on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet, and place them in a preheated 350 oven for about 30-40 minutes until they are crisp and lightly browned.  This continues cooking the G&G without overcooking it. 

And here it is fresh out of the oven - doesn't it look yummy!

Don't you just love all the little pieces of cheese doing their best to seep out!

All six G&G pockets ready for the first hungry stomach in line!

The nice thing about these G&G pockets is that if you don't have hungry kids lined up to eat them, you can always freeze them.  They freeze and thaw remarkably well.  They can also be reheated for about 30 seconds in the microwave or a minute or two on the skillet, whichever you have time for!

If you'd like the recipe for these amazing G&G hot pockets, check out Hayley's website here and book here to see her other recipes, and ideas that are amazing! Her e-book sells for only $2.99, and I promise you it is worth every penny :)