Cooking

Getting Festive – Gluten Free Canapes

Annie_gluten_free_works
Free From Polenta CanapesIn my pre-coeliac days, canapés were a doddle. Even on a budget. The day before a party I would buy the cheapest bread from the supermarket, cut out as many circles of bread as I could get out of each slice, dip them in olive oil and press them into pattie tins or mini muffin tins and bake.   I would end up with hundreds of little crisp toasts that kept overnight in a sealed box ready to be topped with an array of fresh toppings throughout the evening.

These days, that isn’t an option!  Gluten free bread is too expensive to buy, too small to get more than 2 circles out of (with a lot of wastage), and frequently too crumbly to use.  Home made is better – but that is an awful lot of bread to make, slice and cut.  Just not practical – especially when you have no fridge or kitchen space – or time – for advanced prep because you are running a supperclub!

So this week I was left wondering what I could use as canapé bases for our Christmas Party that would be a) gluten free b) economical c) effective and these are my top three suggestions:

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Sweet Pot-Souffle Recipe

sarica cernohaus gluten free works

This is a great way to start the day on a sweeter note, without the sugars found in more traditional sweet morning fare—something that works great for those following a gluten-free–and even grain-free–lifestyle. It is packed with fiber, Vitamin A, protein and healthy fat. Use sweet potatoes or winter squash that has been pre-cooked to make preparation fast and easy–there should be plenty on hand, either before or after a Thanksgiving feast!  This is a dish that pleases young and old alike.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked Sweet Potatoes or Winter Squash, skins removed

• 2-3 raw Eggs

• ½ cup unsweetened Almond Milk or Coconut Milk

• ½ tsp. ground Nutmeg

• ½ tsp. ground Cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract Read More »

Gluten-Free Mango Cashew Cornbread Stuffing

We discovered during the past year that my 4-year-old son Ronin and my 21-month-old daughter Ellie are both gluten and dairy intolerant. My husband John is gluten-free too. The good news is that changing Ronin’s diet has helped his anxiety-related sleep issues decrease immensely. He used to have night terrors every night, but now only has them on the rare occasions we miss cutting out the gluten.

Since John has been gluten free for a while, I came up with this stuffing recipe a few years ago for Thanksgiving. And its always been a huge hit. This year I’ve modified it to also remove the dairy for the kiddos.

It. is. SO. Yum. If I do say so myself!

MANGO CASHEW CORNBREAD STUFFING (Modified Gluten & Dairy Free)

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Gluten-Free Turkey List 2011

Cheryl Harris Gluten Free Works

gluten free turkeyIt’s about that time of year! I always get so many questions from clients about which brands of what are safe, and so for the past 5 years I’ve put it all together to save you all the work!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving,

Cheryl

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This list was last updated on Nov 3rd, 2011. Please let me know if there are any broken links!

General turkey tips:

  • Fresh, plain turkeys that are not stuffed are naturally gluten free
  • All regular stuffed turkeys contain gluten, even if you don’t eat the 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 »

My Family’s Favorite Gluten Free Eats: Seafood

gluten free seafood
Since I am frequently asked what gluten free foods my family eats I decided to start an article series called My Family’s Favorite Gluten Free Eats.

When people first discover that my family is gluten free they automatically assume we have a difficult time finding things to eat. While it is true that gluten free convenience foods are not always readily available (or palatable for that matter), there are always an abundance of naturally gluten free whole foods to choose from at every market.
In my family the most commonly eaten main dishes revolve around seafood, largely in part to the fact that two of my family members are pescetarians.  Some of our friends and family seemed surprised to hear that Read More »

Gluten Free Almond Butter Alternative to Peanut Butter

Gluten Free Works Author Kimberly Bouldin

gluten-free almond butterJune 29th is National Almond Butter Crunch Day. Almond butter is a great way to get that good, healthy fat.  There are many varieties of almond butter on the market and most of them are gluten-free.  

 

All of the above listed almond butters are very good, but if I had to choose my favorite, I would have to go with Read More »

Pizza Is a Human Right, in My House Anyway

Theresa Gluten Free Works

Gluten Free Pizza Crust Monstrosity

Any idea what this monstrosity is?

Nope?

This one should be easier:

Gluten Free Pizza Crust Venerdis

That’s right. They’re both pizza bases.

Gluten Free Pizza Base

It tastes great, really...if only I could get it off the paper!

I know what you’re thinking. “How on earth did she manage to make such horrible looking pizza bases?” Read More »

Gluten-free Flour Option – Peanut Flour

Gluten Free Works Author Kimberly Bouldin
Gluten Free Peanut Flour

Peanut Flour - Gluten Free and Healthy

Peanut flour is gluten-free.  It is simply roasted peanuts ground up into a flour.  No other ingredients are added.

Since peanuts are gluten-free, peanut flour is a great choice to use for baking.

Peanut flour can also Read More »

Overcoming Gluten Free Social Isolation: Part I Communication

Jennifer Leeson Gluten Free Works

gluten free cooking friendsThe phone rings…it’s my friend calling to see if I would like to come over to dinner.  Little does she know that I have just been diagnosed with Celiac disease and I’m now nervous about eating at other people’s homes… 

I’m still learning what to eat and how to read labels.  I feel my heart beat increase, and my palms start to sweat.  “What is this weird feeling,” I ask myself.  I feel like I’m going to panic…and all over a social invitation.  “What’s wrong with me, this shouldn’t be a big deal.  It never was before, I’ve always just done what I wanted.”  Oh yeah, I remind myself, it’s because I don’t know if I will be able to eat if I go over.  Maybe I just shouldn’t Read More »