Stuffed Raw Zucchini Appetizers

Image: Stuffed Zucchini Appetizers

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, I have begun my recipe development of new gluten free appetizers. During the holidays I tend to make rich, fattier appetizers, but I thought I’d go a bit healthier for a change. One can only tolerate plain vegetable platters for so long. This is my fancier version of a vegetable platter, with a bit of an Italian flair. It calls for zucchini slices, ricotta cheese, and basil. It makes a wonderful compliment when you’re serving other Italian dishes. Though it makes a beautiful presentation either way. Continue reading “Stuffed Raw Zucchini Appetizers”

Homemade Gluten Free Ricotta Cheese

Image: Homemade Ricotta

In preparation for my tomorrow’s blog post on a gluten free appetizer recipe, I thought I’d share my homemade ricotta cheese recipe. Making your own ricotta cheese ensures no gluten cross-contamination. Though most makers of ricotta do not use gluten in their factories, they may use gluten as a thickening agent, or their thickening agents may be cross-contaminated with gluten. Continue reading “Homemade Gluten Free Ricotta Cheese”

Gluten Free Dairy Free Almond Avocado Pesto

Image: Gluten Free Avocado Pesto

This is one of those gluten free recipes that truly tastes spectacular. I have stopped using pine nuts in my pesto awhile ago. Almonds provide much more flavor. I have been searching for a way of creating a creamy dairy-free pesto and I finally figured how to achieve it, with avocado! I’m an avocado lover and am always on the lookout on how to use them in new ways. My husband, however, is not a fan of avocados, so I just split the recipe in half and make one with avocado and other half with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, as in my Gluten Free Almond Pesto recipe. Because pesto is raw, you can use it on vegetable pasta for a gluten free raw dish, as well. Avocado pesto – I’m hooked, and I bet you will be, too. Continue reading “Gluten Free Dairy Free Almond Avocado Pesto”

Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi with a Bacon and Basil Ragu

Image: Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi

You may have already tried my father’s neighbor’s Gluten Free Gnocchi Recipe, but this was tastes so much lighter, and less starchy. It’s made with gluten-free flour and riced potatoes. Oh my, my husband and I were in heaven! I laid it on a stripe of store-bought cream basil sauce and topped it off with a bacon and basil ragu. I would have thought were in a 5-star restaurant if I don’t say so myself. And the nice thing about the ragu is that you can use your favorite gluten free cold cut, pastrami, salami, etc. You don’t have to use bacon. Continue reading “Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi with a Bacon and Basil Ragu”

Twisted Yeast-Free Gluten-Free Breadsticks with Cheese

Image: Soft Gluten Free Breadsticks

These gluten free cheese breadsticks taste cheesier than the usual recipes because they are rolled in cheese, with only a little cheese inside. I have found that even if I quadruple the amount of cheese inside, you still do not taste as much cheese compared to these. This particular recipe can be twisted which makes for a more elegant presentation. Similar to pizza crust, they are crunchy on the outside and doughy on the inside. You may bake them for a shorter time if you wish your gluten free cheese breadsticks softer. Since my husband approves, and he eats gluten, he’s the best to judge. He loved this recipe the best. He dipped them in pizza sauce as an appetizer. I’m sure Super Bowl Sunday he’ll be asking for this gluten free recipe. Enjoy! My hubby sure did! Continue reading “Twisted Yeast-Free Gluten-Free Breadsticks with Cheese”

Gluten Free Casserole: Beef Pesto Rice

In a rush to make a gluten free dinner? Try this easy gluten free casserole recipe using premade gluten-free basil pesto. Add veggies, if you desire, or serve with a salad. This recipe includes only 4 ingredients and can be made in about 15 minutes. Some rice brands may take longer to cook, however, I found one brand that cooks in under 20 minutes, less. You can speed up the cooking time by using instant rice, which is lower in carbs and only takes about 5 minutes to cook. My husband and I really enjoyed this simple, yet scrumptious gluten free casserole recipe, Italian style! Continue reading “Gluten Free Casserole: Beef Pesto Rice”

Gluten Free Casserole: No Egg Chicken Carbonara

Image: Gluten-Free Egg-Free Chicken Carbonara

I broke all the rules in making carbonara. Thus the title, “Gluten Free Casserole”.  I used penne pasta, no egg yolk, mozzarella instead of Parmesan, and more.  It is so yummy! You can make this an easy recipe by using pre-cooked gluten-free crumbled bacon. This dish has a gourmet flavor, as I used a bit of white wine. However, you can substitute the wine with additional chicken broth. Add veggies, if you desire. I am looking forward to trying this gluten free casserole with fresh baby spinach. I surely would pay for this dish in a fine restaurant. Continue reading “Gluten Free Casserole: No Egg Chicken Carbonara”