I’m Celiac – How Good Can I Expect to Feel?

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Vikki Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.

Discovering that you have celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity, is often a decade long process (or longer!) that entails many doctors, many drugs to treat symptoms actually being caused by gluten, and a lot of treatments that don’t work.

When you finally find out the ‘real’ answer – gluten – you think all your problems will be solved. And initially, it often seems that they are. But, due to a continued leaky gut, undiagnosed infections, a compromised immune system, cross-reactive foods (those that mimic gluten), poor digestive enzyme levels, probiotic imbalances and/or hormone imbalance, symptoms often return. Continue reading “I’m Celiac – How Good Can I Expect to Feel?”

Gluten Free Jelly Donuts or Custard

Image: Gluten Free Jelly Donuts

This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart’s Hanukkah Sufganiyot Jelly Doughnuts. My intention was to develop a recipe for gluten free jelly donuts prior to Hanukkah, but unfortunately, work and caring for my elderly father caused a delayed. Sufganiyot, otherwise known as round jelly donuts are an Israeli delicacy associated with the miracle of the oil that burns in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Deep-fried foods are eaten up to and through Hanukkah. Continue reading “Gluten Free Jelly Donuts or Custard”

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Appetizers (Gluten Free)

Image: Tuna Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Here is another easy gluten free appetizers recipe. Stuffed chery tomatoes are very versatile. You may stuff with them a variety of ingredients from tuna to cream cheese, or both, and more. I have listed the ingredients and instructions below for tuna stuffed tomatoes, providing you a dairy-free alternative, as well as some variations. Get creative by using your favorite ingredients. Happy holidays to you all! Continue reading “Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Appetizers (Gluten Free)”

Gluten Free Cheese Sticks or Appetizer

Image: Gluten Free Fried Gouda

This recipe is very versatile. You may use your favorite cheese and your favorite sauce, jam or jelly to serve it with.. Serving them plain is also an option. Gluten free cheese sticks are no different than any other recipe other than the bread crumbs you use. I have supplied a link to my season bread crumbs recipe, however, they may be made plain, as well. The presentation you create all depends upon the use. If serving on a table with other appetizers you may desire to add a bowl of warm or room temperature jelly, jam, or homemade berry sauce. During the holidays a cranberry sauce is perfect. A red sauce is ideal, as it is a perfect compliment to fried cheese, rather than blueberry, blackberry, etc. In addition, you may cut the cheese in any shape you desire. I hope you find this appetizer useful this holiday season. Continue reading “Gluten Free Cheese Sticks or Appetizer”

Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Image: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Green Olives

If you are looking for the best extra virgin olive oil, at the best price, Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand is for you. Because most of us use so much oil in our gluten free baking, it is important to obtain the healthiest oil for you, yet at a reasonable price. Years ago I read that cold pressed olive oil is the healthies, but I just didn’t have enough information. Below is the result of my research. I hope you benefit from it. Continue reading “Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil”

Gluten Free Soft Pretzels

Image: Gluten Free Soft Pretzels

I have been wanting to create a recipe for gluten free soft pretzels for some time, now, but I had read that some had trouble with coarse Kosher salt melting. Not wanting to take the chance, I waited until I found some pretzel salt online. I think it makes a big difference in taste and appearance, as pretzel salt is very white, almost powdery. After finding that even professional bakers have trouble making the perfect pretzel, brown and shiny, I discovered what works the best to achieve this. I must have done a good job, as my gluten-eating husband stated that my gluten free soft pretzels taste identical to the real thing. Enjoy! Continue reading “Gluten Free Soft Pretzels”

Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole (Dairy- and Soy-Free Options)

Image: Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole

Perfect for the holidays, this gluten free green bean casserole recipe is cheesy and creamy. You may make it dairy-free and vegan by using a dairy-free buttery spread and dairy-free sour cream. If you’re dairy-free and soy-free, finding a sour cream may be difficult. I provide you with a link to my new dairy-free sour cream recipe using cashew nuts! Cashews are used in the vegan community as a substitute for sour cream to cream cheese. It is rich, high in fat, making it easy to cream. I hope you enjoy this new dairy-free substitute! Continue reading “Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole (Dairy- and Soy-Free Options)”

Dairy-Free Soy-Free Sour Cream (Gluten-Free)

Image: Gluten Free Dairy Free Soy Free Sour Cream on a Baked Potato

Finding a gluten-free sour cream that is also dairy-free and soy-free is a difficult task, however, cashews make a great substitute for sour cream. You will find cashews makes great substitutes for cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and cottage cheese. The best part about it is that nuts do not spoil quickly like dairy products and can be made as needed; not to mention it is so simple and easy to make! Make your holidays special with cashew cream! Continue reading “Dairy-Free Soy-Free Sour Cream (Gluten-Free)”

Braised Beef Stew in a barbecue beer and wine sauce

Image: Braised Barbecued Beef Stew

Who would have thought a barbecue type sauce would turn out so well with braised beef stew, but it did, with the help of a few gourmet ingredients. Braised meat brings so much more flavor to dishes. Being allergic to tomatoes, I used my tomato-free barbecue sauce which worked wonderful with this recipe, being that it’s a bit more savory than traditional barbecue sauces. This is a must try recipe. I hope you enjoy it. I’ll certainly be making this again soon. Continue reading “Braised Beef Stew in a barbecue beer and wine sauce”