Author Archives: Jen Cafferty

Fight Childhood Hunger Recipe: Creamy Gluten-free Casein-free Zucchini and Leek Soup

I have teamed up with a group of amazing bloggers to help fight childhood hunger.  I hope you will join me on this important mission.  You can make a donation (every donation counts!) and even join in the fun and add your recipes to the virtual dinner party.

When I first saw that Share Our Strength was looking for bloggers to join their virtual progressive dinner I was intrigued – especially when I saw they were welcoming gluten free bloggers.  I have supported Share Our Strength financially for many years and am now so excited to be able to share with you a way that you can help end childhood hunger too. Read More »

Recipe: Gluten-free Quinoa with Cranberries and Toasted Pecans

Cranberries Photo: www.gfreelife.com

Quinoa is the perfect gluten-free grain.  Full of protein and fiber, this delicious ancient grain serves as the ideal base for winter stuffings and salads.  Here is a recipe that was modified from the More Than Gourmet website.  More Than Gourmet has a line of amazing demi-glaces that can be used to make stocks and sauces.  Thier entire line is gluten-free,except for the wine sauces and the veal demi-glaces.

To learn more about quinoa click here.

Quinoa with Cranberries and Toasted Pecans

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large rib celery, finely chopped Read More »

New Year’s Gluten Free Recipes and Links

Meatballs

Spice up your New Year’s Eve party with these appetizers, beverages, and hangover cures (hopefully you won’t need the last one):

Appetizers

1) Gluten Free Goddess has a great list of appetizer ideas, some of which are also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
2) My Crockpot Cranberry Glazed Meatballs are so easy to prepare.  Just let the meatballs simmer in the crock pot, and they will be ready just in time for your guests to arrive!
3) For a little kick, try this Gluten Free Black Bean Salsa and serve with corn or rice chips.

Beverages

1) This Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail from Epicurious.com will liven up Read More »

Top 10 Ways to Eat Gluten-free Safely for the Holidays

1)  Never assume.  Just because your host knows you’re on a special diet doesn’t mean they understand the nuances of your lifestyle.  Ask to see packages of foods before you eat them.

2)  Bring a protein-based dish to your next gathering.  That way, you know there will be something safe to eat, and you won’t be hungry.  Click here for a Holiday Read More »

Gluten-free Recipe: Chickpea and Tomato Salad

This is a very simple salad to prepare.  Make it in advance and allow the flavors to come together in the refrigerator before serving.  Perfect to take for a summer picnic or dinner party or to serve after a long day at work.  And the colors are beautiful!

Salad Ingredients:
2 12oz. cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
1 large tomato, chopped
1 shallot, chopped Read More »

Study reports those diagnosed with celiac disease have reduced subsequent healthcare costs

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House, a study published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Insurance Medicine reports that researchers from Columbia University and CIGNA HealthCare found that diagnosis of celiac disease substantially reduces subsequent health care costs. 

The research group, led by Peter Green, M.D., a renowned authority in celiac disease from Columbia University,  looked at medical records for 10.2 million CIGNA managed care members.   Read More »

Gluten-free Grain for Baking: Sorghum Flour

For those that are new to the gluten-free diet, the wide array of new flours can be overwhelming.  Sorghum flour is a flour that is frequently used in gluten-free baking.  

Sorghum is one of the oldest known grains.   It is America’s third-leading cereal crop and a major food source in Africa and India.  The grain is native to tropical Africa and has been available in the United States since World War I.   Read More »

Celebrate the Fourth of July with a gluten free flag cake

Fourth of July is just around the corner and red, white and blue desserts will be in all the stores.  However, if you are on a gluten free diet, you will most likely need to make your own gluten free Fourth of July dessert.

American Flag Cake. Courtesy:dreamstime.com

One of the easiest desserts to make is an American Flag Cake.  Using a gluten free cake white or yellow cake mix (see brands below), prepare a 9″x13″ cake in a pan.  Allow the cake to cool.

Frost the cake with white gluten free frosting.   Read More »

Top Ten Gluten Free Tips for Safe Outdoor Parties and Barbecues

Barbecue and outdoor party season has arrived.  It is the time of year when we want to relax and enjoy time with friends.  But having food allergies and issues can put a damper on your party plans.  Here are ten ways to dine safely at an outdoor party.

Outdoor Gluten-free Grilling Courtesy: dreamstime.com

1. Never show-up without something safe to eat
Always make sure there is something safe for you to eat at any event. offer to bring a salad or side dish. Make a quinoa salad that everyone will love.   That way you know there is something with protein to eat that will keep you full.  If you bring a dish that is just carbohydrates, you’ll be hungry before the party is over. Read More »