Foods

What is “Healthy” Food to You?

Gluten free produceIn 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 »

Surviving Game Day Gluten Free

Many will be gathering with friends and family to see who this year’s Superbowl champion will be.  I am not a football fan, but I will most likely find  myself at a party on Sunday.  Since I am gluten free, I will need to be careful that I don’t eat anything that will make me sick.

Here are some suggestions on surviving the big game day gluten free. Some of the common causes of accidental gluten ingestion are cross contamination from crumbs or pieces of gluten food dropping into gluten free foods or on plates, serving utensils used with gluten foods used on gluten free foods, or not knowing ingredients in a dish.

If you are hosting a party:

1. Separate tables.  If possible, have separate tables for gluten and gluten free offerings.  This is the most reliable way to keep cross contamination from occurring  at a party.

2. Label serving utensils and dishes that are gluten free with the same color ribbon, so guests can tell which serving utensil goes with which dish. Read More »

Homemade Corn Salsa Recipe

I already apologize for giving you this recipe, because it is so good, you literally won’t be able to stop eating it. It’s also super easy to make, and will help you to impress any guests that may enjoy it as well (that’s if you are willing to share, of course).

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“Forgotten in the Oven” Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for something simple yet tasty to whip up for a snack – try out this “Forgotten” chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Don't be turned off by their appearance, trust me they are SUPER tasty!

Don’t be turned off by their appearance, trust me they are SUPER tasty!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 egg whites
¼ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 teas. Vanilla
small 6 oz. mini chips
2 drops of food color (any color – green is festive!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°
2. Add two egg whites into average size mixing bowl and Read More »

Recipe for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

It appears to be cookie season! Looking at all of those tasty offerings is enough to bring a tear to any gluten free eye because they are off limits. Well, wipe that tear away! Here is a solution to the I-can’t-order-these-cookies-because-they’re-full-of-gluten blues.

The recipe for these peanut butter sandwich cookies comes to us from Florida, from Elizabeth Signer (A.K.A The Fat Boxer) to be exact. The recipe comes with many assurances that these cookies are so much better than the ones you can buy that you won’t be missing anything. Read More »

Thai Vegetable Soup Recipe

Although it has been warm inside with all of this baking, it has been quite chilly outside for me. And so, I thought that besides announcing the winners of the giveaway this week, I thought it would be fitting to share a delicious soup with you that I stumbled upon from Elana’s Pantry. I love Elana. She has nice recipe ideas, and her recipes actually work!

This soup is (yes) both gluten free and vegan, and adds that delicious Thai style to it, which for me, is marvelous!thai veggie soup elanas pantry Read More »

Homemade Mexican Chorizo

Cha cha cha chorizo!

Sorry, that sounded like a good idea at the time. Like a chorizo party.

I can’t say that I’ve had Mexican Chorizo often, I just know that when I do have it, it’s quite a tasty treat.

Also, it’s a fun word to say (noted, above). It just sounds so zesty and authentic.

Truth be told, normally I cheat and go for the Soy Chorizo at TJ’s. It tastes the same as chorizo, but without all the pork fat.
Since soy isn’t the greatest for our bodies, and you can’t make it mass quantities for a low cost, this recipe is my new option.

I’ve mostly had chorizo with Read More »

Quinoa Pizza Bites Recipe

I must preface this recipe with the fact that up until this point, I did not think I liked quinoa. The main reason for my dislike of this seed was that I had a poorly prepared dish with it last year and thought that no matter what, the little gluten-free gems could never taste good. Welp folks, I was wrong. This easy quinoa recipe can be used as an alternative to gluten-free pizza dough and will rock your taste-bud’s world.BitesServing

Quinoa Pizza Bites

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Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe

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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