Caramelized Pears and Chicken Recipe (Naturally Gluten Free)

Image: Chicken and Caramelized Pear Salad

Springtime always has me anticipating summertime. As our weather becomes warmer there are days when you just don’t want to be in the kitchen. Add in weeknights after a long day at work, and you also need something fast and easy to make. Cooking chicken breasts, whether it’s broiled, grilled, or cooked on the stove top is a quick solution.  If finding new ways to present or pair chicken is something you’re interested in, then this naturally gluten free chicken recipe is for you. It’s easy, elegant, low-carb, satisfying, and delicious. Continue reading “Caramelized Pears and Chicken Recipe (Naturally Gluten Free)”

Gluten Free Cheese Crackers

Image: Gluten Free Cheese Crackers

While no gluten are contained in these gluten free cheese crackers, they are more flavorful than some of the gluten crackers I have tasted in the past. Rolled thin and baked crisp, they make a wonderful treat. You can even use them as gluten free gold fish crackers. It is important to note that you can either control the color or the level of spice in this recipe, but not both. Turmeric and paprika are used to enhance the color, as well as carrot juice. Simply put, these gluten free crackers are crisp, flavorful, and colorful. I chose to make these crackers with cornstarch, alone, as it provides the most crispness in baked goods. Enjoy! Continue reading “Gluten Free Cheese Crackers”

Creamy Saucy Gluten Free Black Bean Chicken Chili

Image: Black Bean Chicken Chili and Crackers

I have to say, this is the best chili I have ever eaten! It reminds me of ham and beans, made with fresh ham. It is very flavorful, and is made without chili powder and without tomatoes. Due to the amount of cumin it is on the mild spicy side. To make it kid-friendly, cut back on the cumin, and add additional salt. You can easily make this black bean chicken chili organic by using all organic produce and free-range or organic chicken. Continue reading “Creamy Saucy Gluten Free Black Bean Chicken Chili”

Amazing Gluten Free Pumpernickel Bread

Image: Gluten Free Pumpernickel Bread

When recently asked if I had a gluten free pumpernickel bread recipe, it gave me pause for thought as the gluten version of pumpernickel bread is made with rye flour, as well as others. Could I duplicate rye? Buckwheat flour is very close as a whole grain, and in color. Though many varieties of pumpernickel are a bit sour, I skipped the sourdough starter so that it would be easier for you all to make. I am not a fan of rye bread though this is not only my new favorite gluten free bread, it is my gluten-eating husband’s as well. It was amazing with swiss cheese! Pumpernickel is known for a soft crust, and this one definitely meets those expectations. Enjoy! Continue reading “Amazing Gluten Free Pumpernickel Bread”

Soft Gluten Free Naan (Indian Flatbread)

Oven-Baked Gluten Free Naan

Naan is luscious Indian flatbread, similar to a tortilla, but thicker. With one simple alteration, you can roll or pat them out thinner to use as tortillas. The flavor and texture are so good that they should be a sin to eat. By far, this gluten free naan is my most raved about recipe. People liken them to their gluten counterpart. Naan is full of possibilities.
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Is Psyllium Husk Powder – Seeds Gluten Free?

Image: Psyllium Husk Seeds

Psyllium husk, powder and whole seeds, are gluten free. Due to the sudden popularity of its use as a replacement for xanthan and guar gums, I wanted to ensure that those with gluten intolerance are using products which are truly gluten free. (By the way, you can use some psyllium husk along with flax and chia seeds.) I had purchased some of Now Foods’ Psyllium Husk Powder about a year ago to experiment with the ingredients in Rudi’s gluten free bread. The use of psyllium husk is to prevent digestive blockage that some experience with gums. The whole psyllium husk seeds work better than the powder. It all depends upon what you want your final product to look like. Continue reading “Is Psyllium Husk Powder – Seeds Gluten Free?”

Chicken and Vegetable Gluten Free Risotto (with Vegan Option)

Image: Chicken and Vegetable Risotto Casserole

If you have some leftover chicken, this gluten free risotto recipe will knock your socks off. Make it sweet or spicy with two choices of sauces. This is also a dish you can easily make in advance for guests. For a quick and easy weeknight meal, use left over chicken and vegetables. All you’ll need to do is cook the risotto. Top it off with grated cheese or eat as is.  For a vegan option add additional kidney beans or the beans of your choosing. Get creative! Which sauce will you use? Will you change the vegetables? Comment below and let me know. Continue reading “Chicken and Vegetable Gluten Free Risotto (with Vegan Option)”

Gluten Free Labeling Laws 2013

Image: Testing for Gluten Content

The gluten free diet is more than just a popular trend. Those with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance often experience side effects to minute portions of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and most oats. It is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease, alone. Unfortunately, most are not aware they have it. Band together, the celiac and gluten free community demanded gluten free labeling laws. While the FDA does not create laws, they do establish rules. Finally, after 8 years, the FDA has forwarded their finalized ruling. Continue reading “Gluten Free Labeling Laws 2013”

Gluten Free Oreos Style Cookie

Image: Gluten Free Oreos

Where do I begin? This gluten free oreos style cookies recipe was definitely a challenge to develop. However, it was absolutely worth the time! Through trial and error of different amounts of ingredients, omitting ingredients, trying several baking times and temperatures, and different styles of chilling the dough, it resulted in great cookie. In the tips section below I provide different baking times and different dough thicknesses so that you may bake them to your preference. I hope you, your friends, and family enjoy these, as much as my husband and I have enjoyed testing all of the different varieties. It’s great to know you that you we can have gluten free oreos, and without any artificial ingredients!

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Gluten Free Ham Recipes from Leftovers

Image: Gluten Free Macaroni Cheese, Ham and Sour Cream

I thought since many of you served ham on Easter you would appreciate having some gluten free ham recipes to use up your leftover ham. They include breakfast to dinner and casseroles to empanadas. While many of these dishes contain cheese they can easily be made dairy-free and vegan by using dairy-free substitute cheese. Just be sure to use a gluten free brand. My favorite brand is Follow Your Heart. If you cannot locate this brand try the Daiya brand. It’s my next favorite. My favorite brand of gluten free pasta is Barilla and Jovial Egg Pasta.

Meanwhile, I hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and/or friends.

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