Recipe: Mini Crust-Free Spinach Quiches

Easy to eat, delicious, and perfectly sized, these mini quiches are great for holiday parties. You won't have to mess with crusts, and they will also be palatable for your gluten-free guests. They are also easy to make ahead, and can be served at room temperature, so you can make them the day before, then just let sit out for 30 minutes before guests arrive, and you'll be free to enjoy the party!

Mini Crust-Free Spinach Quiches
(Makes about 3 dozen mini quiches.)

(Image courtesy of piyato at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

Ingredients:

1 box (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and water squeezed out
3 strips bacon, diced
1 cup finely diced onion
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs, beaten

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare mini muffin tins by spraying with cooking oil.  Be sure to spray the tops of the pans, too.
• In a large skillet, fry bacon until crispy, then remove with slotted spoon to a paper towel covered surface.
• Leave bacon drippings in skillet over medium heat, add the onion and cook until softened.
• Add to the skillet, the spinach, black pepper, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until moisture cooks away.
• Remove from heat and add bacon to skillet, stirring to combine; set aside and allow to cool.
• In a large bowl, put the ricotta, Italian cheese, Parmesan, and the eggs, and stir until combined well.
• Make sure the spinach is cooled, then spoon the mixture into the bowl with the cheese and stir together.
• Fill the muffin cups with this mixture about 2/3 to 3/4 full.  You'll have about 3 dozen mini quiches depending on how full you fill the cups.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until solid and slightly browned and pulling away from the edges.
• Remove and let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, then tip out onto a cooling rack. If they don't come right out, just take a thin knife and slide it around the cup to release the quiche.
• Serve warm or room temperature.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Potluck Party Cheese Ball

This can be a good gluten-free option to take to your next pot luck. You will just need to bring some gluten-free crackers to go with it, and make sure to check the mayo to make sure it is a gluten-free version. (Those made with olive oil may be, and the all-natural versions that contain only oil, vinegar, eggs, and spices are your best bet.)

Cheese balls are always a hit, and they are naturally tasty and gluten-free.

Potluck Party Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

8 oz finely shredded medium or sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely minced onion
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tbsp real mayonnaise
2 Tbsp chopped chives
1 cup finely chopped nuts

Directions:

• Put all the ingredients (EXCEPT chopped nuts) in a large bowl and mix together well. Put the chopped nuts in a bowl.
• Form a ball with your hands, then roll the cheese ball around in the chopped nuts, pressing the nuts onto the cheese ball until it is well coated.
• Cover with plastic food wrap and chill until ready to serve.
• Serve with a small cheese knife alongside a bowl of sturdy gluten-free crackers.
• Will make enough for a small to medium potluck gathering - about 10 to 12 snack size servings.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Quinoa Mixed 4 Bean Salad

Here is a great dish to take to a pot-luck, whether or not you are on a gluten-free diet. It's packed with protein, fiber, and lots of zesty fresh flavors - so healthy, and so yummy!

Quinoa can be a life saver for those who have problems with gluten. It can be substituted for many grains, but it's also great in a simple, cold salad like this one. Try this one for your next pot luck, and wow your guests!

Quinoa Mixed 4 Bean Salad

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove, grated
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
black pepper to taste
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
1 can (15 oz) black beans
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans
1 small sweet red bell pepper, diced
1 small sweet red onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
6 cups cooked quinoa

Directions:

• In a large serving bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until frothy.
• Drain and rinse all the beans well, then add to the bowl with the dressing; stir gently to combine.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir gently until well blended.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Will serve 8 to 10 at a potluck setting.

Naturally Healthy & Gluten-Free Potluck Choices

If eating 'gluten free' has you turning down potluck invitations, it's time for a change. Whether you are hosting or participating in a potluck, there are ways you can enjoy the event without risking your gluten-free diet.

Let's look at some dishes that are gluten free, but still very potluck worthy. You don't need to buy special gluten-free flours or other ingredients to make these dishes. For simplicity sake, these foods are already naturally gluten free!

Quinoa Salad

Potluck tables normally have a plethora of pasta salads. And since most pasta is made with wheat flour, those salads are off limits. However, quinoa is a seed and is gluten free. This is one ingredient you want on hand at all times if you are on a gluten-free diet!

Quinoa salads are so easy to make that at least one dish needs to be in everyone's 'go to' potluck recipe file. Quinoa is light and fluffy and mixes well with oil and vinegar dressings as well as lots of vegetables. You can't weigh it down! This is also one salad that stands up to the test of time. It doesn't wilt and just takes a quick toss to freshen it up again. Add fresh tomatoes, olives, diced cucumbers, black beans, and dill, along with some olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper, to make a delicious, healthy, and easy dish to take to your next pot luck.

Chicken Cutlets

To remove any doubt as to whether a pizza crust or tortilla is gluten free, why not just skip the whole thing and use chicken cutlets instead? This is a great trick used by both low-carb and gluten-free dieters.

Just pound out chicken breasts as thinly as possible, then use as you would a pizza crust or tortilla. You will want to bake the cutlets in the oven, then cool before adding your toppings or filling. Make individual 'cutlet pizzas' by topping the cutlets with sauce and anything else you would want on a pizza. Make roll-ups the same way by first baking the cutlets, then cooling and filling, then baking just until the filling is hot and cooked to your liking. Then serve just like you would taquitos or other roll-ups or pinwheels on a potluck table.

Deviled Eggs

This dish may seem old fashioned and even cliche at a potluck, but trust me, you can make them very delicious and put that thought to rest for good. Being totally gluten free in their natural state, eggs are a great vehicle for all sorts of goodies, as long as you pay attention to what's gluten free, and what's not.

When making deviled eggs, the trick is to get tons of flavor in the yolk. You will of course want some sort of cream, but most mayonnaise on the market has gluten in it. Try instead using Greek yogurt, which is usually gluten free (check the label). Then spice up the yolks with lots of herbs and seasonings (again, check the label). Your best bet is to use fresh herbs and spices, not dried or mixed, to ensure you are not getting additives that may have gluten. You may want to chop a jalapeno pepper instead of using bottled hot sauce. Mince garlic and onion rather than using a powder form. Just watch the labels and stick closest to the original form to avoid added gluten. (See last week's recipe here - just be sure to check labels.)

These are three simple foods you can bring to a potluck gathering that are truly gluten free. If you are hosting a gluten free potluck, just remember to give participants ideas (or even recipes if needed) for gluten free foods to make and share. Then you've got your bases covered and all is well... and delicious!

Gluten-Free Recipe: Baking Powder Applesauce Biscuits

Baked goods like breads, muffins, and biscuits may seem hard to give up on a gluten-free diet, but there are plenty of tasty gluten-free alternatives that you can make at home, such as these applesauce biscuits, which are simple and easy to make, and the applesauce makes them extra tender with a hint of sweetness. Give these a try, and Happy Halloween!

Baking Powder Applesauce Biscuits - Gluten Free

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups brown rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
3 Tbsp extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Directions:

• Set oven to preheat to 425 degrees.
• Put the dry ingredients in a big bowl and stir to blend.
• Drizzle oil over the top and cut in with a pastry blender or a couple forks. The texture should be 'pebbly.' Then stir in the applesauce gently.
• Drop dough by tablespoon on an ungreased baking sheet, patting into biscuit shape gently.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
• Remove and serve with butter and jam while still nice and warm.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Mexican Quinoa

This tasty gluten-free dish is packed with healthy veggies and flavor, while quinoa provides both protein and fiber. If you want more protein, you could also add diced, cooked chicken, or cooked black beans.

Gluten-Free Recipe: Mexican Quinoa

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp cooking oil
1 large onion, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 garlic clove, minced
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 jalapeno or serrano chili, seeded and chopped
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

• Put large pot over medium heat, add oil, onion, green pepper, and celery. Cook until veggies are just tender.
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the quinoa, stock, diced tomatoes, and chopped chili pepper, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Add the red pepper flakes and cilantro, stir, fluff with a fork, and serve hot.

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!

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.

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.