A big thank you to Aida Mollenkamp (see my interview with her here) for this recipe from her recent book “Keys to the Kitchen.” I have made this twice, both times with much success. The children (now almost 9 and 7) loved it as well. I put my family chef spin on it so it’s not quite as spicy. I hope you’ll try it, even if you think your kids are picky eaters. It’s worth a shot!

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If you think being on a gluten free diet means never eating some of your favorite foods, think again. There has been an explosion of gluten free products over the past few years so become familiar with the brands that work for you. Bionaturae has many options for pasta like elbows, spaghetti and penne rigate.

Here are important tips to cooking good gluten free pasta:

• Make sure there is plenty of water when boiling.
• Add salt to the boiling water.
• Start testing the pasta 1 minute before the recommended time. If it’s not done, test in 1 minute intervals.
• Don’t over mix or over cook gluten free pasta; it will fall apart.

The key to a satisfying macaroni and cheese is learning to make a good cheese sauce. By making a few adjustments from a traditional recipe, you’ll soon be in business. Read More »

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free and Delicious! Photo: Amy Fothergill

Yes, I hit the trifecta on this recipe. I was able to successfully make a pancake without gluten, dairy (in essence, casein) and eggs! It is a vegan, gluten-free pancake.

I have been cooking gluten-free for 5 years. That I have figured out. I like to use my own blend (see the recipe for the link) in place of flour. I have found, through trial and error, that the pancake is better with some xanthan gum. It holds together better.

Substituting the milk is easy. There are many milk substitutes like soy, rice, coconut, hemp, and almond. If you use something sweetened, cut back on the sugar in the recipe. Instead of butter, you can use Read More »

There are times when you are on a gluten free diet, that you just crave pizza. Luckily in today’s times, we have access to many gluten free ingredients, like gluten free pizza crust. You can always make your own crust, pre-bake them, and freeze them after they are cool.

Once you have the pizza crust done, you can have a delicious, crispy crust pizza in about 10 minutes. It’s all about the method: Read More »

In the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to ponder the question “What is healthy food?” It seems that many of us have very different perceptions. Maybe that’s what stands in our way some times, we think healthy food and healthy eating is not obtainable.

It would be so much easier if my brain did not crave things like salty chips or sweet cookies but the reality is, it does. Maybe it’s a combination of many years of being bombarded with advertising to make me think I want it or maybe it’s as simple as it satisfies something in my head. I didn’t take enough psychology in college to answer that. I do know if it’s around me (like it is now as I write; you wouldn’t believe what is at the end of the table at my sister’s house) I’m less likely to eat well.

In my older years, I have realized that if I allow myself a little rather than denying myself entirely, I can balance the cravings with Read More »

Deconstructed Gluten Free Burrito, Photo: Amy Fothergill

One thing that can be missed on a gluten free (gf) diet is a burrito.

One idea is to leave the tortilla out of the picture entirely and just focus on the filling.

This “deconstructed” burrito casserole is healthy, family-friendly, and versatile. Once the rice and meat are cooked, it only takes minutes to assemble and about 20 minutes to heat. Dinner is served! Read More »

Ok, I will admit. I’m a gadget girl. My kitchen is fairly well stocked but I don’t have everything. A few years ago, a good friend said I had to have a crock pot. I remember fighting it…until I used it. Bought one a week later.

I’m doing my best to not feel the need for a dehydrator or the speedy ice pop maker. Wish me luck in holding out. This post is about which of those gadgets I have bought over the past few years that have really made an impact in my role as “Mom” and why. Each item has a link to Amazon if you want to review or buy. Enjoy!

1) The Salad Chopper
I went to Costco this week and came home with more than intended (surprise). My fridge was loaded with organic chicken strips, edamame beans, shrimp cocktail, guacamole and strawberries. I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner when it occurred to me that all of those ingredients would be really good in a salad; a chopped salad.

When the kids were around 4 and 2, I used to make them a chopped Read More »

Gluten-free Dumplings. Photo: Amy Fothergill

I just want you to know that I don’t know and don’t claim to know how to cook everything. Some things I’m not interested in and some things…well, intimidate even me. I suppose the biggest factor in trying something new is giving myself enough time to fiddle with it and being able to live if it’s not 100% successful.

I’ve come to know Jeff Larsen who also teaches gluten-free cooking classes in the SF bay area. There are some things we do which are very similar and some things we do differently. Either way, there’s a language we both speak and it’s been a pleasure getting to know him. I mention him because he teaches a number of classes around Asian cooking, specifically dumplings. I have had a very good gluten-free pot sticker from Feel Good Foods but there’s nothing like Read More »

Not only is this meal easy, it’s delicious and gluten free. Surprise your family one night by having them walk in the house to the smell of lasagna, coming from the slow cooker!

This dish can be ready in less than 3 hours. If you will be gone most of the day, make sure to set the slow cooker to Low.

Gluten Free Slow Cooker Lasagna

Ingredients: Read More »

When you are looking for an elegant dish that you can serve to both adults and kids, try this one. The recipe is courtesy of Aida Mollenkamp from her book “Keys to the Kitchen” (see the interview and blog post here).  I made it for Christmas Dinner this past holiday and everyone raved.

Now, if you notice, the recipe is far from dairy-free so it was off-limits for my daughter (however, there are dairy substitutes below). I didn’t really think it was going to be her thing, so after sauteing the chicken, I put some aside for her and proceeded with the recipe. If you know me, I’m not one to make two meals but I do accommodate her special diet by being just a little creative. I promise, it’s possible.

After reviewing Aida’s book, this one really stuck out. However, being The Family Chef, I had to put my own spin on it and make it a bit more family friendly. It’s naturally gluten-free and absolutely delicious. If you need some of your own keys in the kitchen, check out Aida’s book.

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