Cinco De Mayo Recipe: Quick Sopapillas & Strawberry Salsa

These quick and tasty appetizers make a good snack and give your guests something special to munch on while waiting for your Cinco De Mayo feast. These faux sopapillas don't require any frying, so they're also healthier than the real thing. When paired with a fresh, fruity salsa, they add a perfectly unique spring flair to the proceedings!

Quick Sopapillas with Strawberry Salsa

Ingredients:

Sopapilla:
1 package tortillas
natural cooking spray (coconut oil works well & adds a tropical taste)
1 to 2 tsps cinnamon, to taste
1/3 cup sugar

Salsa:
1 carton organic strawberries, rinsed & trimmed
1 organic apple, peeled and cored
2 kiwi fruit, peeled
1/2 to 1 Tbsp sugar, to taste
1 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cut tortillas into wedges and use the cooking spray or oil to lightly coat both sides of the tortillas. Mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a little bowl, then sprinkle the coated tortillas on both sides with the cinnamon sugar. Place tortilla wedges on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes, turning once, until crispy. Remove and let cool on a rack.
• Prepare salsa by putting the remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse, creating a chunky salsa to your liking.
• Serve salsa in a little bowl with the sopapilla chips for dipping.

Cooking for Cinco De Mayo

Those who live in the American southwest have experienced the fanfare and celebrations of Cinco de Mayo a little longer than perhaps many other states across the U. S. though the exposure is most definitely growing. As a result more and more people of various ethnicities are joining in the celebration and adding Cinco de Mayo to their list of favorite holidays. Whether it's the music, the dancing, the drinks, or the food that is most enjoyable about this holiday no one is really sure. However, when you combine them all you have a holiday that is difficult to match in gusto and fun! But for some of us, the food is most definitely the draw.

Cinco de Mayo menu ideas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mexican food is becoming an almost Americanized version of itself in many restaurants across the United States. One reason is because it's just that popular. Even small towns are beginning to have as many Mexican restaurants as they do Chinese or Italian. This is good news on one hand as it indicates a growing desire on behalf of Americans to try the cuisine of our neighbors. It has also managed to get us accustomed to the wonderful flavors of Mexican cuisines and we are beginning more and more often to bring these cuisines into our own homes.

If you are looking for some great foods to cook for your family on Cinco de Mayo then you've definitely come to the right place for ideas and inspiration.  This week we will be featuring tasty recipes along a Cinco de Mayo theme, so you can prepare for the festivities next Monday!

If you are looking for something fun and festive, try creating a taco or fajita bar that lets everyone add their favorite ingredients to their tacos and/or fajitas and keeps the favorite sides such as black beans, refried beans, and Mexican rice close by to complement the meal. This is an excellent idea if you are situated in a manner that allows for buffet style serving of family, friends, and honored guests. It's a lot of fun and you can generally get people to help out or pitch in on the preparations and bringing their favorite toppings along. Be sure to have plenty of everything and refills that need to be chilled on ice and those that need to be kept warm in containers that allow for proper food safety.

If you need something that is a little more portable, especially if you have little ones that tend to wander around with their food, then quesadillas may be the perfect solution. They are delicious, they are easy to walk around with if you have them cut properly, they are fun to make and they do not require a good deal of difficulty in the preparation - especially if you make the $20 investment in a good quesadillas maker. You can put one in at a time and let them cook until they are ready. Clean up is a snap and you have a lot of happy campers with full bellies.

Keep the music upbeat and Mexican-inspired to further the tone of the party and the food will even digest  better if you get up and dance around a bit! Enjoy the spirit of the celebration. In other words, have fun!  Don't spend the entire day in the kitchen fretting over whether you've made enough or if you need to make more. Have a few options available for one and all and leave it at that. If they are still hungry they can always "make a run for the border," although I'm quite certain that all will agree that your food was far superior to any fast food offerings in town. :-)

Be sure to check back for some tasty Mexican-themed recipes later this week!

Recipe: Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Obviously on a gluten-free diet, you may think that pizza is one of the first things to go. But if pizza's a household favorite, don't despair! Although it may be known as the ultimate take-out food, it's actually not that hard to make pizza at home, and this version eliminates the gluten, so you can still enjoy all of your favorite toppings, on a gluten-free crust.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Ingredients:

Pizza crust dough. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 Tbsp quick-rising yeast
1 cup milk, warmed
2 tsp sugar or honey
2/3 cup white bean flour
1/3 cup tapioca flour
2 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp canola oil
rice flour or corn flour for dusting
gluten-free toppings as desired

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 12 inch pizza pan.
2. In bowl, combine yeast and sugar or honey, then add warm milk, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, put the white bean flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, salt, and Italian seasoning, then mix with a whisk or fork.
4. Pour in the milk/yeast to the dry ingredients, add the oil, then with an electric mixer on medium-low speed, mix until well blended. The dough will be slightly sticky and soft.
5. Remove dough to the pizza pan and sprinkle on top well with the rice flour or corn flour. Then, using your hands, gently spread the dough out to form a pizza crust shape, sprinkling with more flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers. 
6. Bake pizza crust in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and top with any gluten-free sauce and toppings you like, then put back in oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until toppings are cooked through and cheese is melted. Remove and allow to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Recipe: Home-Made Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

Eating out is nice, and there are more and more gluten-free restaurants popping up every day, but sometimes it's nice to be able to make one of your fast-food favorites at home. Obviously one should not eat chicken nuggets every day, but if you want a healthier, homemade version that you can indulge in from time to time, you can't go wrong with this from-scratch gluten-free version - the kids will love them, and with these, you don't have to wonder what's really in them!

Chicken Nugget Knockoff - Gluten Free

Ingredients:

Chicken nuggets (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3 large or 4 smaller chicken breasts, skin and bone removed
2 Tbsp white distilled vinegar
1 tsp garlic salt
1 cup milk
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
peanut oil for frying

Directions:

• Cut chicken into 1 inch chunks, keeping them as uniform in size as possible so they fry up evenly.
• Put chicken pieces in a large glass bowl, add the vinegar and garlic salt and toss to coat evenly; cover with plastic food wrap and set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
• Get out a heavy Dutch oven and fill it with enough peanut oil to have at least 3 inches in the pot; set aside.

Prepare the coating:

• Pour the milk into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Just before ready to fry, prepare the chicken:
• Dip chicken pieces first in milk, then in the cornstarch mixture and set on a rack, then continue until all pieces are coated.
• Put the Dutch oven with the oil in it over medium-high heat and heat the oil to 350 degrees. (It's best to check with a thermometer.)
• Carefully lower a few chicken nuggets at a time into the hot oil, making sure there is enough room to allow the nuggets to fry evenly - don't over crowd.
• Fry for about 5 minutes or until nicely browned all over, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel covered rack to drain. Sprinkle with salt if needed while the nuggets are still warm.
• Continue frying the chicken nuggets until done, then serve warm with gluten-free dipping sauces as desired.  This is a good 'copy cat' recipe for chicken nuggets your kids would typically get out at a fast food place - only healthier, and without the "mystery" ingredients!

Eating Out On A Gluten Free Diet

The first thing most folks do when they or someone in their family is diagnosed with celiac disease is clean out their own pantry and refrigerator. Their mission is to wipe out all the gluten in the vicinity.

(Photo credit: Whatsername?)

Of course, that is an excellent first step. But we all know we don't eat at home 100 percent of the time. Whether for convenience sake or for fun, eating out at a restaurant is a part of most people's lives.

Eliminating gluten from your diet does not mean you can never walk into a restaurant again. It does mean you'll have to do a bit of research, learn the menu, and get to know the staff well. It might sound like a lot of work, but if you don't want to miss out on some of your favorite restaurants, it will be well worth the effort. 
Let's take a look at a few suggestions for handling a meal out when you are eating gluten-free.

Check the Menu

Most restaurants now offer an online menu. Go ahead and start there. Scroll through the menu to find any offerings that are marked 'gluten-free' or 'GF.'  Be sure to make a list so you are ready when the time comes to call the restaurant for more information or to order when you get there.

Call the Restaurant

With menu in hand, give the restaurant a call and ask to speak with the general manager or kitchen manager. Be sure to call during the off-peak hours, not during the lunch or dinner rush. Choose a few specific items on the menu and ask about the ingredients and how it is prepared to avoid cross-contamination. A good manager will be happy to discuss this with you. If not, find another restaurant. It's not worth the chance you would be taking with your health to get rushed or incomplete answers.

Chat with the Staff

If you go to a restaurant without doing the first two steps, you will need to have a talk with the server or manager before you order. Tell him or her that you need a gluten-free meal. Ask them to point out items they recommend, then be very specific about how the food is prepared. You can't expect your server to be absolutely up on all the gluten-free do's and don'ts, so you have to know your stuff, and know what to ask.

Honey vs Vinegar

You know the saying; "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."  Well, not very appetizing when talking about eating out, but I wanted to make a point. Restaurant managers and servers are busy people. They are trying to serve everyone well and keep everyone happy.  For that reason, it is best to be patient and polite as your server gets you the information you need.

Restaurant advertising gluten-free menu. (Photo credit: MookieLuv)

Of course, you should ask all the questions you need to arrive at a good decision when it comes to ordering a meal away from home. And, of course, you should be very specific about what you need to know. This may frustrate your server, so it's best to let him or her know right up front that you will have a lot of questions about how the food is prepared. That way a manager may be called to your table right away to avoid some of the back-and-forth in trying to find answers for you.

If the restaurant staff is not able (or willing) to take the time to answer your questions, then it's time to bid a polite farewell and find another restaurant.

Watch Out for Surprise Gluten

It's amazing how many strange places gluten can be found. We have learned to watch out for gluten in packaged foods we bring home, but who would think that pancake batter would be added to make omelets fluffier at a restaurant? Did you know that wheat flour may be added to salad dressing to make it creamier, and that meat may be marinated in soy sauce?  Soy sauce may also be added to a variety of foods to make it richer looking and saltier. French fries may be deep fried in the same vat with breaded chicken. These are all areas to check carefully.

The good news is, most respectable restaurants now offer at least some gluten-free choices on their menu. They are also aware of cross-contamination issues. If your favorite restaurant is behind the times, have a nice chat with the manager or owner and see if you can catch them up. Gluten-free diets are not going to disappear, and restaurants will be eager to please when they see their guests walk out the door.

Be persistent with your questions, in a polite way, and soon you'll be enjoying an ever-increasing choice of gluten-free meals away from home.

Recipe: Marshmallow Peanut Butter Popcorn - Gluten-Free

Introduce them to this one, and your kids will forget all about feeling "deprived" of gluten! This gluten-free snack makes a great dessert that will keep everyone happy on movie night, and you won't have to worry about whether there is any hidden gluten in it. Whip this one up as a special treat from time to to time, and no one will complain about missing their favorite candy or cupcakes!

Ooey Gooey Marshmallow Peanut Butter Popcorn - Gluten Free
(Serves 4-6.)

Popcorn (Photo credit: jayneandd)

Ingredients:

12 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
20 large marshmallows (gluten free)
1/4 cup peanut butter

Directions:

• Put the popped popcorn in a heat-resistant bowl; set aside.
• Put the butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows in a large pot over low heat and cook, stirring frequently, until marshmallows are melted. Add the peanut butter and continue stirring until the peanut butter dissolves - remove from heat.
• Pour the hot marshmallow mixture evenly over the popcorn, tossing several times to coat evenly.
• You can butter your hands and form popcorn into small balls for a simpler serving idea - the kids would love to help!

Recipe: Gluten-Free Crispy Cheese Cracker Snacks

Your kids will be clamoring for this snack once they've tried it, and it can easily replace their favorite wheat and cheese snack crackers without a hint of complaint. Avoid the gluten and keep the kids happy - and it's super easy too!

Crispy Cheese Cracker Snacks - Gluten Free
(Makes about 6 dozen crackers.)

Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup gluten-free flour*
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Directions: 

• Smash together the softened butter and shredded cheese in a bowl. You can use a potato masher. Continue mashing until the mixture is creamy.
• Add the flour and kosher salt, smash until you can form a dough ball with the mixture.
• Divide the dough ball into 4 equal parts, then roll each one into a log that's 1 inch in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic food wrap, then seal in zipper bags. Put in freezer until the dough is semi-frozen.  It's easier to slice that way.
• Remove from freezer. With a sharp knife, cut logs into thin circles and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• When oven is hot, bake the crackers for 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden brown.
• Remove and cool before serving or storing in airtight containers.

*Try almond flour for a nice nutty taste, or try one of the gluten-free flour mixes we suggested last week.

Easy Gluten Free Meal Ideas For Kids

If your child is diagnosed with celiac disease, you are bound to have mixed feelings. It's a relief to know what it is that has been making him or her so sick. And you know celiac disease is easy to manage with the proper diet, even healing the damage already done. But in the same breath you may be panicking about what on earth you're going to cook.

Keeping gluten-free foods in the house for adults is one thing. Keeping gluten-free foods for kids is something altogether different. Not only do you have to make sure your child doesn't accidentally eat something with gluten in it, but you have to make sure the poor child isn't going to starve! We all know kids will stare into a fully stocked refrigerator and exclaim; "There's nothing to eat!" Imagine if most of the food in there was truly off limits.

That's why you need to plan ahead. Creating gluten-free meals and snacks is not that difficult if you prepare yourself. Start by learning the basics about the foods that are naturally gluten-free. Once you practice and perfect your label reading abilities, you can branch out into packaged foods with more confidence.
Let's start by looking at a few simple ideas for meals and snacks that are not fancy, but that will certainly be a welcome sight on your child's plate.

Breakfast

Veggies, fruit, & yogurt make a great breakfast. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here's where you can go crazy with fruit, yogurt, and nuts. Forget trying to figure out if your multi-grain cereal has gluten in it. Dish up a bowl of unflavored yogurt with fresh berries and a big scoop of chopped almonds. There are also lactose-free dairy products available if your child is also lactose intolerant.
Scramble up some eggs and mix in cheese and veggies, then roll up into a corn tortilla for a breakfast burrito. Fried potatoes are another welcome change from a bowl of cereal. As a matter of fact, your child may not miss the cereal at all. Of course, Puffed Rice or Cream of Rice cereals can still be enjoyed. Again, be sure to double check the label.

Lunch or Snack

Simplicity is the name of the game here. You want some grab-and-go foods handy, but they still have to be filling. Stock up on lots and lots of nuts for snacking and for mixing into salads. Rice cakes or rice crackers with cheese, peanut butter, or hummus is a welcome snack on the go. Celery sticks dipped in hummus are another filling snack or light lunch.

Have a bag of corn chips on hand for quick nachos with melted cheese and fresh salsa. Again, label reading is a must when buying anything in a jar, can, or box. Slice up apples and spread with peanut butter. Or, better yet, put whole apples in the oven, stuff them with raisins, and bake until soft. And don't forget popcorn - which kids love! Avoid flavored popcorn;  instead choose regular plain popcorn and add your own gluten-free flavorings - you can even be creative and let your kids come up with their own gluten-free toppings.

Chicken breast, potatoes, vegetables (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dinner

When you cook dinner for your kids, you probably already make many gluten-free dishes. The trick here is to avoid as many packaged items as possible to make things easier on you. Use fresh citrus like lemon, lime, or even oranges to flavor chicken breasts. If you like a crunchy topping just chop up nuts and coat the chicken. Bake on a rack in the oven and you have a delicious meal that is gluten-free and simple to make. Serve with a quinoa or brown rice side dish mixed with fresh chopped veggies.

Use corn tortillas and put together easy pizzas in a flash by adding your favorite meats, cheese, and vegetables, then baking until the tortilla is crisp and cheese is melted. Bake potatoes and load them up with lots of cheese and veggies. Toss together some good albacore tuna with salad greens, chopped red bell peppers, celery, peas, and lots of crunchy nuts, then sprinkle with olive oil and red vinegar for a light meal on a hot summer night. Dinner is the time to serve plenty of veggies, lean meats, poultry, and seafood. Once you learn a few flavoring tricks, there is no reason your child should go hungry or feel deprived.

The cupboards do not have to be bare in a gluten-free kitchen. Nor do you have to spend loads of money on specialty foods. Look for naturally gluten-free foods, learn to read labels, and be creative. You'll get the hang of this in no time, and enjoy delicious and healthy foods right along with your child!

Recipe: Light Buckwheat Pancakes - Gluten-Free

Mmm, mmm, mmm...one thing that will make you forget all about the lack of gluten is buckwheat pancakes! A favorite of my mother's, you won't miss the wheat at all in these hearty, delicious pancakes - so good with real maple syrup and homemade butter - or blueberry or strawberry jam. Omit the sugar and add sliced bananas for an extra-healthy sweet breakfast treat!

Light Buckwheat Pancakes - Gluten Free

Ingredients:

Buckwheat pancakes (Photo credit: Foodicted)

1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, whisked
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp butter, melted

Directions:

1. Get out a large cast iron skillet or griddle and grease lightly with cooking or coconut oil.
2. Put all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir together until mixed well.
3. Add egg, whisking mixture as you add.
4. Add milk, whisking mixture as you add.
5. Add butter, whisking mixture as you add.
6. When all ingredients are blended, heat your griddle until a drop of water sizzles and disappears.
7. Pour about 1/4 cup portions of the pancake batter on griddle allowing room to spread, and cook until bubbles form on top. The bottom should be golden brown. 
8. Flip and cook just until the pancakes are golden brown on the bottom. 
9. Remove and continue until all pancakes are ready. 
10. Serve with your choice of toppings.

Recipes: Gluten Free Flour Mixes

Obviously one of the hardest things for many people about going on a gluten-free diet is giving up breads and pastas. But there are lots of good substitutes available for wheat flour now, so you don't have to go without all your favorite breads and desserts - just be sure you are using gluten-free flours instead.

Here are several gluten-free flour mixes you can make at home, to make sure you  know what's in your baked goods. Each also contains suggestions for use for each mix.

Just make some of these up ahead of time, and store in air-tight containers to use when baking or cooking breakfast items like pancakes and waffles.

Rice Soy Flour Mix
(Makes 1 cup.)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour

• Mix together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Makes a good flour to use in pancake batter or for brownies.

Baking Flour Mix
(Makes 3 cups.)

Ingredients:
2 cups rice flour
2/3 cup potato starch
1/3 cup tapioca flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum

• Mix together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Makes a good flour to use in breads, rolls, and other baked goods.

Rice Potato Flour Mix
(Makes 12 cups.)

Ingredients:
8 cups rice flour
2 2/3 cups potato starch
1 1/3 cup tapioca flour

• Mix together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Lighten Up Rice Flour Mix
(Makes 12 1/4 cups.)

Ingredients:
4 cups rice flour
4 cups tapioca flour
4 cups cornstarch
1/4 cup potato flour

• Mix together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Try this flour for foods where a lighter texture is called for.

What To Do If You're Diagnosed With Celiac Disease

When you or a member of your family are told by your doctor that you have celiac disease, you will most likely feel overwhelmed.  Of course, you may also feel relieved to know that your symptoms are easily treated, and damage to the small intestine can even be reversed with the proper diet.

Then you find yourself slipping back into overwhelmed mode. You may even be tempted to stop at the grocery store on your way back from the doctor's office to grab all the foods in the 'gluten-free' aisle you can get your hands on. However, this will surely cause even more frustration. 

So, what should you do when you are diagnosed with celiac disease? Read. Study. Learn. Let's take a look at a few simple suggestions for changing to a gluten-free household.

Learn to Read Labels

Understanding Food Labels (Photo credit: Healing and Eating)

One of the best things that has happened in the gluten-free world is new food labeling laws.  All foods manufactured and labeled after January 1, 2006, must be labeled in plain language with the eight most prevalent food allergens, which includes wheat. If any wheat gluten is used in any form and in any amount, it must be clearly stated on the label. Even if gluten is used in coloring or flavoring, it must be listed.
Of course, that just covers wheat gluten. You will still need to watch ingredient labels for other sources of gluten, such as barley (malt) and rye. You may wish to avoid oats, as well, even though they are not actually a gluten-containing product, because there may be cross-contamination in grain packaging and processing plants.

Learn to Recognize Gluten

Any simple internet search for the term 'gluten free foods' will give you lists of foods with gluten, foods without gluten, and foods with 'hidden' gluten. Start by creating a list for yourself of all foods with gluten (obvious foods like wheat flour, crackers, pasta, etc.), along with the potential 'hidden' sources of gluten (ketchup, broth, soy sauce, croutons, stuffing, marinades, dressings, etc.)

Now make a list of all the foods that are naturally gluten free. Here is where your whole fruits, vegetables, and proteins such as meat, fish, chicken, and eggs come in.  I guarantee, once you list all the foods you can eat without worry, you'll feel better about sacrificing other foods. (Not to mention, most of these foods are actually healthier for you anyway!)

Purge the Pantry

With a good understanding of how to read labels, and with your lists in hand, you are ready to begin at the beginning - in your kitchen. Rather than approach the grocery store yet, dig into your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer and purge anything that you know to have gluten, such as anything made with wheat flour.

Once you have cleaned out the obvious sources of gluten, it's time to put your label reading expertise to work. Take your time and read the label of each packaged food, looking for both the allergen listing and the ingredient list. Double check the labels against the list you made of foods with gluten, and remember to look for the 'hidden' gluten sources. This will take some time, but you and your health are worth the effort. Once you get used to doing this, you will quickly be able to recognize sources of gluten with just a glance.

Time to Shop

The reason you go through your kitchen first is because you need to see how much food you already have in the house that is actually gluten-free.  You may be surprised to find plenty to get you by for a few days.  If not, then get ready to take your lists to the grocery store.

Some gluten-free foods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

However, before you embark on this journey, remind yourself that you don't need to stock the kitchen full of special 'gluten-free' foods.  You'll be overwhelmed (and over budget) if you start out by buying these specialty items. Many foods (especially whole, non-processed foods) are naturally gluten free, making the shopping much easier, especially in the beginning.

Start with the basics so you can eat healthy without the frustration of trying to discover new foods. Shop the perimeters of the store, which is where your fresh produce and proteins typically can be found. Stick to the foods that you know are gluten-free to avoid label reading over-load. There is plenty of time for that later.
Stock up on naturally gluten-free foods and plan out your first few meals. Try fish seasoned with real lemon and fresh dill, and a side dish of quinoa tossed with diced fresh vegetables. Skip all the prepackaged foods to make these first meals easier - and healthier as well!  Then you can branch out and look for other foods that are gluten-free when you're feeling more adventurous.

This is a learning process, so take it slow and you can relax and enjoy (finally!) how good you feel after a delicious meal. And be sure to keep your eye on this blog for some more tasty gluten-free recipes!

Gluten-Free Recipe: Rice & Bean Chili Pie

This wholesome recipe is packed full of healthy fiber and great flavor! Who says cooking gluten-free has to be boring?  This one combines heart-healthy kidney beans with brown rice, cheese, and lots of spices for a new take on chili - and pie! :-)

Rice & Bean Chili Pie - Gluten Free

Ingredients:

1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 10 inch pie pan.
• Put the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and stir, cooking until soft, then add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt, stirring and cooking for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
• Add the beans and rice to the pot, stirring to combine well, then stir in the cheese, milk, and eggs, mixing well.
• Turn the mixture out into the prepared pie pan.
• Bake (uncovered) in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the edges are slightly brown and the center has set up (not runny).
• Remove from oven and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Banana Nut Bread

Many people think that going gluten-free means giving up all their favorite breads and pastas, but that's just not true anymore. There are more and more gluten-free products becoming available all the time, and you can make your own tasty breads from scratch at home and make sure to avoid any hidden sources of gluten! A good example is this recipe for banana nut bread - full of whole, real foods like honey, eggs, nuts, and bananas, but without any gluten - it makes a great snack or breakfast for picky kids!

Banana Nut Bread - Gluten Free

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2 1/2 cups brown rice flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup honey
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups smashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously grease a 9x5 loaf pan.
• Put flour, salt, and baking powder in a sifter and sift into a large bowl.
• Put the butter and honey in a mixing bowl, and With an electric mixer cream until smooth, then add the eggs and beat until well blended.
• Add the bananas and dry ingredients slowly into the creamed mixture, stirring as you add, until blended. Add the nuts and stir until combined, then scrape the batter into the loaf pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until slightly browned around the edges and top springs back when touched.
• Remove and let cool slightly in loaf pan before turning out and slicing to serve.