Irish Coffee (Naturally Gluten Free)

Image: Irish Coffee

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and our partly Irish heritage, I hope you enjoy this gluten free Irish coffee recipe. Though Irish coffee is traditionally served with Irish whiskey, per the 2014 interim labeling rules, alcohol made from gluten grains should not be labeled gluten free. You can use sorghum whiskey, but vodka will do in a pinch. In addition, traditional Irish coffee is topped with either cream on or softened whipped cream. I chose stiff whipped cream, instead, as I believe it makes for a nicer presentation. Happy St. Patty’s Day to you all! (clink!) Continue reading “Irish Coffee (Naturally Gluten Free)”

Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust with Flax

Image: Gluten Free Cheesecake with Cracker Crust and Flax Seed

Instead of relying on commercially made graham crackers, you can whip up this gluten free graham cracker crust all in one step. Adding flax seed meal not only provides additional fiber and nutrition, but it makes this crust moist. The nutritional value is tri-fold: fiber, the same healing ingredient found in aloe vera, and omega 3s. Brown flax seeds are higher than the golden variety, but it’s all up to you which one you use. Perhaps you’ll find your favorite indulgence a little more guilt-free. Enjoy! Continue reading “Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust with Flax”

Gluten Free Dessert Bars: Lime Mint Shortbread

Image: Lime Jello Mint Bars

To add to the few Gluten Free St. Patrick’s Recipes I have, in addition to a few requests I have received, I created these gluten free dessert bars. I wanted to appeal to my Jello using readers. I don’t use Jello myself, as the chemicals are bad for those with food allergies, and I have several. However, you can make so many colorful creations with Jello, and it’s wonderful for firming up a soft custard or dessert. You can skip the mint and use any jello flavor you desire; and add fruit and/or nuts. I hope you enjoy this recipe! Continue reading “Gluten Free Dessert Bars: Lime Mint Shortbread”

Gluten Free Shortbread Crust (Pâte Sablée) Tender Tart Crust

Image: Gluten Free Shortbread Crust

Pâte Sablée is a shortbread crust that is tender and often used to make tarts. The crust is made up of one part fat, (usually butter) and two parts flour. In this gluten free shortbread crust recipe, I made little changes to this rule. Pâte Sablée is not traditionally flaky. However, learn how one little change can produce a flaky crust that browns well. Continue reading “Gluten Free Shortbread Crust (Pâte Sablée) Tender Tart Crust”

Spun Sugar

Image: Flan Topped with Spun Sugar

Have you ever wondered how they make those caramelized designs on fancy desserts? Some people try to make it using a mixture of water and sugar. When you add water to sugar during the caramelizing process, you are risking the chance of crystals forming. It is best to use sugar alone. I even found a recipe online calling for vinegar and water to be added to the sugar. Vinegar is only needed if you are going to use quite a bit of artificial food coloring. As in red velvet cake, vinegar offsets the bitter taste of the food coloring. You can create different shades of spun sugar by altering the time you brown the sugar. The longer you cook it, the darker it becomes. However, overcooking it can harden the sugar. Temperature is key. However, it is so easy to make…only one ingredient. How simple is that? It’s a great way to garnish creme brulee′ or flan. Continue reading “Spun Sugar”

Healthier Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Image: Healthy Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You can coat your bread with tons of butter and fill it with ton of oozing melted cheese, but why not make your gluten free grilled cheese sandwich healthier? Add healthier fats by adding avocado, and using less cheese. Or…use the same amount of cheese, but add additional fiber. It will balance out the carbs from higher starched bread, resulting in lower net carbs. You can add your favorite raw veggies such as sprouts, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which provide additional fiber. In addition, use a higher fiber and higher protein bread. Learn about high protein gluten free flours. They are usually higher in fiber, as well. Instead of tons of butter, use a healthy oil of your choosing. I enjoy lite/light extra virgin olive oil. It has the same nutritional value as extra virgin olive oil, but less of the olive flavor. Another favorite of mine is grape seed oil. It’s clear, and virtually flavorless. Enjoy, with less guilt! Continue reading “Healthier Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Sandwich”

Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie

Image: Chicken Pot Pie Sliced

This delicious gluten free chicken pot pie recipe was adapted from All Recipes’ Chicken Pot Pie IX recipe, with a couple of twists of my own, creating a very flavorful sauce, with a touch of sweetness, which you may control. I’ve never enjoyed a pot pie before, even when they were made with gluten, but I went back for seconds on this gluten free pot pie! My newly developed gluten free pie crust is moist, light, and flaky, and the sauce in this recipe is so flavorful, making this is a match made in heaven! My husband had to stop eating premade pot pies years ago due to his low-sodium diet. So, he was in heaven with this version, as I was able to control the sodium content. He eats gluten, and truly enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Continue reading “Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie”

Gluten Free Pie Crust – Perfect for Double Crust

Image: Double Gluten Free Pie Crust

This gluten free pie crust is awesome to work with! I developed it for KitchenAid’s new 13-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice System. It’s the perfect gluten free crust! If you’d desire, you can even weave a top lattice crust using this dough. It is a lighter crust than typical pie crusts, similar to a pâte brisée, which is a half fat (butter and/or shortening) and half flour ratio. However, in this recipe, I used quite a bit more flour. I just wanted to lighten up a regular crust a bit. It turned out an amazing gluten free pie crust, as it was not dry at all, but moist, flavorful and flaky. Continue reading “Gluten Free Pie Crust – Perfect for Double Crust”

Gluten Free Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Image: Broccoli Salad

This recipe can be made naturally gluten free, though I chose to add bacon, which you’ll need to ensure is gluten free. I love this gluten free broccoli salad, as it you can make it a number of ways….add shredded cheese, carrots, use almonds or walnuts, kick it up a notch with a spicy salad dressing, and more. I’ve listed a brand of bacon and bacon bits that are gluten free, but you can check out the Gluten Free Products List to find more. If you desire a dairy-free creamy dressing trying creaming avocado with a vinaigrette. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Continue reading “Gluten Free Broccoli Salad with Bacon”