Author Archives: Teri Gruss, MS

New Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Bread Recipe

Delicious homemade gluten-free bread ready to eat! Photo 2011 © Teri Lee Gruss

Here’s our latest and favorite gluten-free (and dairy-free) bread recipe. This gluten-free bread has a terrific springiness and is neither too dry or too wet. And, it has a wonderful yeasty flavor and calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find.

When followed exactly this recipe is consistently dependable. The batter rises quickly and as the loaf bakes it doesn’t bubble over the sides of the pan. As it cools it doesn’t cave in.

It’s highly recommended that you use a good kitchen scale to weigh ingredients, don’t substitute with other gluten-free ingredients and use an instant read digital thermometer to know when your bread is done. And if you have a good stand mixer that helps too.

You will see two out-of-the-ordinary recommendations in our new gluten-free bread recipe. The directions call for using both Read More »

Gluten-Free Shamrock Sugar Cookie Recipe

Gluten-free shamrock sugar cookies are buttery good, easy to make and a charmin’ St. Patrick’s Day cookie.

You will need a small (about 3/4-inch diameter) shamrock cookie cutter to use as a stencil on your cookies. If you can’t find this type of cookie cutter you can make your own stencil by tracing and cutting a shamrock shape on a plastic kitchen mat (available at most stores in housewares.)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

For this recipe, you will need:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Read More »

Gluten Free Lasagna Recipe

Gluten Free Works Author Teri Gruss

gluten free lasagna recipe

Gluten Free Lasagna Recipe 2010 (c) Teri Lee Gruss

A good gluten free lasagna recipe can be challenging for gluten free cooks because several of the usual ingredients may contain gluten. Italian sausage, processed marinara or tomato sauce and packaged seasonings may contain gluten as an additive. And of course, the majority of lasagna noodle products are made from wheat flour.This recipe is an adaptation of a Tyler Florence recipe called “Drop-Dead Lasagna” featured in his book Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen. Serve this rich, herb-laden gluten free version of lasagna to anyone, anytime, anywhere and comments will include “This is the best lasagna I have ever had!”

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Read More »

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Recipe

gluten free gingerbread man

Gluten-free Gingerbread Man. istockphotos

This recipe for Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men is adapted from a recipe by Jacqueline Mallorca, “Rice Flour Gingerbread Cows”, featured in her fabulous cookbook, “The Wheat-Free Cook”.

This version is corn free as well as gluten-free and is extra-extra gingery- so cut back on the ginger if you like.

The gingerbread men are decorated with small amounts of Royal Icing and Chocolate Buttercream Frosting but use raisins and nuts for a charming au natural touch. Read More »

How to Use Gelatin and Agar Agar in Gluten-Free Cooking

Gluten Free Works Author Teri Gruss

 

gluten_free_agar

Agar agar is gluten-free, vegan and works as a thickener in recipes.

Gelatin and agar agar powder can be used interchangably in gluten-free recipes, but what are the differences in these gluten-free ingredients and why are they used in some gluten-free recipes?

 

Gelatin

Most cooks are familiar with gelatin- the stuff that makes Jello gel. You can find it in virtually every market, usually as Knox brand gelatin.

Gelatin is sometimes used in gluten-free recipes to bind and thicken Read More »

Gluten Free Caramel Corn Recipe


gluten_free_caramel_cornHomemade caramel corn is buttery, crunchy, sweet and best of all it’s naturally gluten free. And it’s so buttery fresh, a quality hard to find in a can or bag! If you like, use organic popcorn, butter, sugar and agave syrup for an extra special treat.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients: Read More »

Pack a Healthy Gluten-Free School Lunch for Your Gluten-Free Child

istockphoto

There are lots of ways to pack a healthy gluten-free school lunch. Start by including your gluten-free child in the weekly menu planning process- this will increase the odds that he or she will actually eat what you pack for them!

Good quality proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats are key to improving your child’s diet. These tips and resources will help you plan and pack healthier gluten-free school lunches for your gluten-free child.

Suggested Reading:

Gluten-Free School Lunch Recipes and Tips
School Lunchbox Safety


Difficulty:
Average
Time Required: Varies – Plan ahead to save time!

Here’s How:

  1. Start with a healthy protein
    • High quality gluten-free deli meats (See tips for product links)
    • Gluten-free cheeses and cheese spreads
    • Chicken and turkey salads
    • Left-overs (homemade chicken gluten-free noodle soup, vegetable beef soup, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, lasagna, tacos, fried rice with eggs, etc.)
    • Nut butters and jam sandwiches Read More »

Gluten-Free Energy Bar Recipe

 

Gluten Free Energy Bars

Gluten-free Energy Bars: 2009 © Teri Lee Gruss

Homemade gluten-free energy bars are an easy, no-bake, nutritious and economical alternative to commercial energy bars.

Best of all, you can substitute your favorite dried fruits, nut butters, nuts or seeds and sweeteners to create your own personalized energy bar. Pack gluten-free energy bars in lunch and travel bags for a healthy, away-from-home gluten-free snack. Read More »

Gluten-Free Valentine’s Day Brownie Hearts

Photo 2010 © Teri Lee Gruss

Use this delicious recipe for homemade gluten-free brownies to make special heart-shaped brownies for a Valentine’s Day treat. If you’re short on time, use one of the great gluten-free brownie mixes on the market, like Gluten-Free Pantry® Chocolate Truffle Brownies.

 Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes Read More »

Gluten-Free Strawberry Heart Rice Crispie Bar Recipe

Heart-shaped gluten-free strawberry rice crispie bars make a lovable Valentine’s Day treat!

I used freeze-dried unsweetened strawberries (purchased at Costco) but if you can’t locate this ingredient, substitute with your favorite dried fruit. Dried cherries or cranberries would look equally great in this Valentine’s Day-inspired recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes Read More »