Sweet Potato Flatbread

This delicious flatbread recipe features sweet potato and cassava flour.  A must have in your gluten free pantry, cassava flour is made from the root of the yuca plant.  The entire root is grated, dried, and ground into a mild tasting flour that is both gluten free and Paleo friendly.

This gluten free, grain free flat bread was a nice change from my usual potato side, really different from anything I have ever made.  To achieve the same results, I recommend weighing your ingredients.

6 Servings

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Ingredients:

  • 1 large, sweet potato, about 12 oz.
  • 1/2 cup cassava flour, about 2.2 oz. plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. gluten free Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3/4 cup grated cheese such as parmesan, gruyere etc.

Preparation:

Peel the sweet potato and cut into chunks.  I used 1 sweet potato for this recipe.  After peeling, it weighed 10 oz.

Steam the potato until very soft, 25-30 minutes.  Remove the potato and add to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Beat with the paddle attachment until smooth.  Whisk together ½ cup of cassava flour with salt and Italian seasoning.  Add to the bowl and mix until a soft dough forms.  The dough will be heavy and clinging to the paddle, like this.

Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper.  I used a pie dough roller and floured fingers to gently roll and press the dough into a 1/4″ thick round.  Use a spatula to neaten the edges.

Slide the parchment onto a pizza stone.  Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with more seasoning and the grated cheese.  I used Parmesan and it browned up nicely, but Romano, Gruyere or even cheddar would be fine.  Use your favorite, or whatever you have on hand.  Bake at 375◦ for 25 minutes, then broil on high for 5 minutes.  The cheese should be melted and starting to brown, the edges crispy.  Watch that it doesn’t burn!

Use a large spatula to slide the flatbread off the parchment onto a cutting board.  Slice into wedges and serve.  You should hear a nice crunch when you cut into it.  Once the flatbread begins to cool it will soften up, so it is best eaten immediately.  Leftovers can be reheated on a pizza stone.

The verdict, everyone loved it!  Potato lovers, change up your menu with this easy, gluten free side.  Everyone will want a slice, so be ready to share!

Notes ♪♫ Cassava flour is quickly gaining popularity in gluten free baking.  If you can’t find it at your supermarket it is widely available online from sites like Amazon.

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Gluten Free Crock-Pot Turkey Drumsticks

Turkey Drumsticks can be dry and tough when roasted, but they come out moist and falling off the bone tender when cooked in the Crock-Pot.  This time of year, it is easy to find turkey drumsticks at the market for a very good price.  Crock-Pot recipes like this one are so easy and can really free up my schedule.  I started this dish around 11:00am and it was ready in time for dinner at 6:30.

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Chop the onions, celery and carrots into large chunks.  Mist the Crock-Pot with cooking spray and add the veggies in an even layer.

Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry.  Add the flour to a food safe plastic bag, they place the turkey legs in the bag.  Twist to close and shake to coat the legs evenly with flour.

Use a stainless-steel skillet (not non-stick) to brown the legs in olive oil, about 5 minutes per side.  Don’t crowd the pan, brown the meat in batches if necessary.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the drumsticks in the crock-pot on top of the vegetables.

Next deglaze the pan.  Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour in the wine.  Return to the heat and use a spatula to scrape up all the little brown bits, then let it simmer for a minute.  Strain the solids and reserve the wine.

Whisk together the reserved wine, chicken broth, sage, thyme, garlic powder and turmeric.  Drizzle over the turkey legs.  The vegetables and meat will release their own liquid as they cook, so don’t add more.

Now set your crock-pot to low and cook for 7 – 8 hours.

That’s all there is to it!  Arrange the drumsticks on a serving platter and drizzle a bit of the pan juices over the meat.  For a nice presentation you can garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or other herbs.

Notes ♪♫ Don’t discard those veggies and juices in the bottom of the crockpot.  They will make an incredible soup stock or base for sauces and gravies.  I like to puree it then store in the refrigerator or freezer, ready for my next creation!

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Gluten Free Tex-Mex Chicken Thighs

I’m really loving this Tex-Mex style chicken.  Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s so easy to put together!  Slow cooked on low heat, the chicken came out tender and juicy.  The homemade Mexican spice blend gives the dish it’s bold flavor, and you can as much or as little as you like.

4 Servings

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Brush the chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle seasoning on both sides.  Coat an oven safe skillet, braising pan or Dutch oven with cooking spray and arrange the thighs in a single layer.

Pour the tomatoes over the chicken and sprinkle more seasoning.  Cover and bake for 45 minutes at 300º.

Turn the chicken over, add the beans and corn, cover and bake for an additional 45 minutes.

This casual dinner comes to the table right in the pan.  Garnish with chives or cilantro.

I made a side of white rice to go with the meal.  To serve, divide the rice into 4 plates.  Top each with one chicken thigh and spoon the corn and beans over the chicken along with extra pan juices.

Notes ♪♫ Always check canned and frozen vegetables for gluten containing ingredients or possible cross contamination.  Feel free to use a prepared Taco seasoning mix, as there are many great brands out there that are gluten free.  I opted make my own to control the sodium content.

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Gluten Free Lasagna Remake

This Lasagna is generously sized to feed a family.  Look at those crispy edges!  My remake of the traditional meat Lasagna everyone loves is completely gluten free and has thin slices of eggplant layered in that will almost disappear (don’t tell the kids!).  Baked in a 9 x 13″ pan, it is very filling so a little goes a long way.  Serve as a main course with a simple salad, or in smaller portions alongside another dish.  You will have anywhere from 6 to 12 servings.

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Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. lean ground beef
  • 4 oz. Italian sausage (pork, turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • tomato sauce – 1 can 29 oz. + 1 can 15 oz.
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. basil
  • 1 eggplant sliced on a mandolin
  • 16 gluten free lasagna noodles
  • 16 oz. tub ricotta cheese
  • grated Parmesan cheese
  • cooking spray
  • fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Cut the bottom off the eggplant and stand it up on a cutting board.  Run a knife down the sides to peel, then slice the eggplant very thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.

Lay the slices between sheets of paper towel and press down lightly.  Let them sit for 20 minutes then salt to taste.

Make the meat sauce.  Sauté the onions and garlic in 1 tbsp. olive oil.  When the onions are translucent, add the meat and begin breaking it up with a meat spatula.

When the meat is completely browned, make a space in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste.

Toast for a few minutes then stir into the meat.

Add the 29 oz. can of tomatoes with the basil and oregano.  Season with ground pepper.  Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

This simmer mat is perfect for cooking sauce over low heat, so it doesn’t burn.

In a separate saucepan add the 15 oz. can of tomato sauce and season with more basil and oregano.  Simmer 20 minutes and set aside to cool.

Transfer 1/2 of the plain sauce to a bowl and whisk with the ricotta.

To assemble the lasagna, coat a 9 x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.  Begin with a layer of meat sauce.

Top with 4 of the lasagna noodles.

Spread with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, then top with a layer of eggplant slices.

Repeat 2 more times, layering meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, eggplant.  Finish with remaining 4 noodles, the rest of the plain sauce and Parmesan cheese.  Make sure all of the lasagna noodles are covered to the corners.

Coat a sheet of foil with cooking spray (so it doesn’t stick) and cover the pan tightly.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350º, then use tongs to carefully remove the foil and bake for 20 minutes uncovered.  Remove from the oven, cover and rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil and parsley and bring to the table.

Notes ♪♫ I used Barilla gluten free oven-ready lasagna in this recipe, and no one even knew it was gluten free!  A tip, when making gluten free Lasagna do not pre-cook the noodles.  No matter what the box instructions say.  Pre-boiled noodles will absorb less liquid as they cook, and you may end up with a watery mess.

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Gluten Free Baked Haddock with Butter and Cracker Crumbs

Gluten Free Baked Haddock with Butter and Cracker Crumbs

I grew up in a Catholic Italian family during the 1960’s.  The church was a central part of the community, and like all good Catholics we abstained from eating meat on Friday as an act of penance.  Back then that meant that seafood was the star of the dinner table!

My mother’s answer to the weekly fish dinner was the New England classic of Haddock, Cod or some white fish slathered with butter and Ritz cracker crumbs.  Fast, easy and family friendly.

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Sometimes it’s the little things that you miss on the gluten free diet, and for me this meal has been one of them.  I tried using breadcrumbs, crushed cereal etc. but it was not the same.  So, I started experimenting with different gluten free crackers.  For a while, Lance crackers were my go-to, and still my favorite but they have been almost impossible to find since the pandemic.  I have since used Schar Entertainment Crackers and they are a good alternative.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. haddock (substitute cod or other flaky white fish)
  • ¼ cup cracker crumbs (about 10 crackers)
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Cooking spray
  • Fresh chives, for garnish

Preparation:

Line a baking pan with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Rinse the fish, pat it dry and arrange on the baking pan so that pieces don’t touch.

Mist with cooking spray and sprinkle the tops with Old Bay.

Pulse the crackers in an electric chopper or place them in a bag and pound into crumbs.  Spread the crumbs evenly over the fish.  Cut the butter into small pieces and dot the top of the fish.

It doesn’t get any easier!  Bake at 350◦ for 30 minutes.  Garnish with chives and serve.

Notes ♪♫ If you’re missing Ritz Crackers try Schar Entertainment Crackers, which I have used in this recipe.  They are a good substitute for recipes that call for Ritz cracker crumbs.

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Homemade Espresso Powder

Like many, I’m getting ready to do a little holiday baking.  Desserts are not my forte, but I do like to indulge in the occasional treat.  That being said, I really do not want to spend money on pricey, seldom used ingredients like Espresso Powder.  So with a little research, I learned how to make a small amount at home that cost me ZERO$$$!  That’s right, the only ingredient needed are spent coffee grounds.

So get your morning coffee brewing and let’s get started.

Ingredients:

  • used coffee grounds

Preparation:

Brew coffee and reserve the grounds.  Let them drain for a bit, then spread the grounds in an even layer onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake the grounds for 1 hour at 250º, then turn off the oven and leave the pan in for another 2 hours.  The grounds should be very dry to the touch.

Transfer the grounds to a coffee grinder and process into a fine powder.

Store in an airtight container, I used a small Ball jar.

Use in recipes that call for espresso powder.

Notes ♪♫ I’m a New England girl, and we love our Dunkin Donuts coffee!  That’s what I used in this post, of course you can use real espresso or any roast you prefer.

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Breaded Pork Medallions with Beans and Potatoes

I’m always looking for recipes to incorporate more beans into our meal plan.  Beans are nutritious, economical and rich in fiber, which is sorely lacking in the gluten free diet.  This bean and potato side was the perfect accompaniment to my easy breaded pork medallions!  I used cannellini beans in this recipe, but you can use any variety you prefer!

4 Servings

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Soak the pork in 1/3 cup milk for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the bacon in a deep skillet, then remove and drain on paper towels, reserving the fat.  Add the diced onions to the skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil and cook them on very low heat to caramelize, about 25 minutes.

Add the potatoes with an additional tbsp. of olive oil.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.  Toss to coat, add 1/3 cup chicken broth and cook 20 minutes longer.

Drain and rinse the beans and add to the skillet with an additional 1/3 cup of chicken broth.  Cook for another 15 minutes.

Dredge the pork medallions in the breadcrumbs, and cook in a large, nonstick skillet coated with olive oil, 5 minutes per side.

Serve over the potatoes and beans.

I added a side of roasted green beans.

Dinner was delicious and there were plenty of leftovers!

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Gluten Free Hamburger Buns “BYOB”

Summer is in full swing, and with it the long-awaited cookouts and neighborhood barbeques.  A burger on the grill is one of life’s simple pleasures, but when you have Celiac disease, an invitation to the family cookout usually means “BYOB” – Bring your own bun!

It’s all part of gluten free living, but that doesn’t mean settling for the frozen cardboard buns at the market.  Instead, enjoy that burger on an awesome, gluten free bun that you made from scratch!

I’ve gone through the trial and error of testing endless grain combinations to create the most delicious gluten free hamburger bun.  It holds together beautifully, no crumbling! It’s delicious toasted but doesn’t need toasting, and the taste is amazing!  The other guests may be jealous, so be sure and make enough to share 🙂

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6 buns

*Contains Oats – see notes

Ingredients:

  • 2-1/4 tsp. yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 cup 1% milk

………………………………………….

**(Note: If you are avoiding oats, substitute 50 g. sorghum flour for the oat flour in this recipe.  You can also try buckwheat or millet flour)

………………………………………….

  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 3/4 cup water

………………………………………….

  • 1 tbsp. milk
  • tbsp. sesame and poppy seeds (optional but good)

Gluten free dough really does benefit from the support of a bun pan to help keep its shape as it rises.  Mine is from USA Pan.  You can also use muffin rings or even canning jar lids.

Preparation:

Microwave 1/2 cup milk for 30 seconds.  Stir in the yeast and sugar and let it proof 15 minutes while you gather the rest of the ingredients.

Whisk together the dry ingredients.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the egg, canola oil and honey with the proofed yeast mixture.  Switch to the beater attachment and add the dry ingredients with 3/4 cup water on low speed until combined.

Beat for 6 minutes to form a wet dough that clings to the beater like this.

Gather the dough together in the mixer bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Let it rest for 15 minutes.  This will give the dry ingredients a chance to hydrate.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and sprinkle with more flour.  The dough will look shaggy, like this.

Use a bench knife to divide the dough into 6 even pieces.  Sprinkle generously with more flour.

Use floured hands and bench knife to gently roll and pat each piece into a ball.  Handle the dough with a very light touch and apply as little pressure as possible.

Spritz the bun pan with cooking spray and gently transfer the formed buns.  Cover with oiled plastic wrap and proof for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Preheat the oven to 400º, and lower to 350º just before baking.  Brush milk over the tops of the buns and sprinkle with seeds if desired.  Use a paring knife to score each bun down the center.

Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack.  Spray the sides of the oven with water and quickly close the door.  Bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 200º (use a thermometer).  Turn the oven off, open the oven door slightly, and leave the buns in for 5 minutes longer.

Remove from the pan and cool on a rack.  Don’t slice until they have completely cooled.

The rolls are perfection, they have a nutty, bready aroma and a soft crumb!

Toast them up or not, they are great either way!

They are the perfect accompaniment to all your summer burgers and lunch sandwiches!  For something different, try them with my Gluten Free Salmon Burgers.

Notes ♪♫ Rather than stock oat flour in my pantry, I buy old fashioned rolled oats and grind them in a coffee grinder when flour is needed.  In doing so I always have oats on hand for breakfast, adding to recipes in whole form or to grind for small amounts of flour.  For best texture and nutrition, I use old fashioned rolled oats, not instant.  Of course, ALWAYS choose certified gluten free oats and for extra peace of mind buy Purity Protocol Oats.  My favorite is Bakery on Main.

Notes ♪♫ Oats continue to be highly controversial when it comes to celiac disease.  For myself, I have decided to only use gluten free oats processed under a purity protocol, such as Bakery on Main.  As always, consult with your own medical team for advice.  Whether or not you continue to consume oats is a personal choice.

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Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Today I’m making Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables, a healthy and colorful side dish that is easy to prepare and naturally gluten free.  I love the fingerling potatoes with their vivid red and purple hues that contrast beautifully against the carrots, parsnips and Brussels sprouts.  Did you know that many veggies can be prepared this way (think bell peppers, asparagus, turnips, etc.)?  Use what you have on hand!  Roasting really adds another flavor dimension and there are certain vegetables like Brussels sprouts that I will only eat this way.  I always add a little bacon and a sprinkle of seeds for texture.  What a great way to eat your vegetables!

4 servings

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Ingredients:

  • 12 fingerling potatoes, quartered lengthwise
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced on the diagonal
  • 1 carrot, peeled and sliced on the diagonal
  • 12 Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 tbsp. sunflower seeds
  • 1 slice of bacon, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • cooking spray
  • seasoned salt

Preparation:

Wash and prep the veggies.  I like to quarter the fingerling potatoes lengthwise and cut the carrot and parsnip on the diagonal.  Place the veggies in a large bowl and toss with olive oil.

Line a half sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.   Spread the veggies in an even layer.  Aren’t they gorgeous?

Sprinkle with seasoned salt, sunflower seeds and chopped bacon.

Now roast at 375º for 45 minutes, tossing the veggies halfway through.

It’s that easy!  You can transfer to a serving dish or bring it to the table just like this for easy cleanup.  Grab a spatula and dig in!

Notes ♪♫ I used Lawry’s Seasoned Salt in this recipe.  It complements so many of my potato and veggie dishes.  They also have a lower sodium version which is great for those who are limiting salt.

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Gluten Free Spaghetti with Squid Rings

Gluten Free Spaghetti with Squid Rings

Squid can often be found in seafood pasta recipes, but today it is the star of the meal.  This simple pasta dish is the embodiment of comfort food.  It is out of this world good!

Did you know that there’s a trick to cooking squid?  It can be tough and rubbery if not prepared correctly, but if you soak it in milk and don’t overcook, it will be delicious and tender.  Soak squid in milk for 30 minutes before cooking.

4 servings

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Ingredients:

  • 6 oz. gluten free spaghetti
  • 8 oz. squid tubes, cut into rings (tentacles optional)
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • Italian seasoning, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • ¼ tsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • ½ bag baby spinach (about 2 handfuls)
  • 3 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley

Preparation:

Cut the squid tubes into rings, rinse and place in a bowl with 1/3 cup milk.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and soak for 30 minutes.

Next make the garlic oil.  Chop the garlic and heat slowly over lowest heat in 1/4 cup olive oil, sprinkled with red pepper flakes.  I used a simmer mat to keep the heat low.  When the garlic is just starting to soften (about 20 minutes) remove it from heat and set aside.

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Now heat a braising pan or wide skillet on medium low with 2 tbsp. olive oil.  Add the tomato paste to the center of the skillet and let it cook 2 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the wine, brown sugar and 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning.  Bring to a simmer and stir frequently, until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Use tongs to pick up the squid and add it to the sauce, discarding the excess milk.

Cover and cook 7 minutes.

Uncover, add the baby spinach and stir it in just until wilted.

Drain the spaghetti and place on a serving platter.  Top with the squid and tomato mixture.  Finish with the garlic oil (you can remove the garlic first or leave it in), and garnish with chopped parsley.

Friends, this was the best seafood pasta dish, not to mention easy and economical!  Enjoy this restaurant quality meal in your own kitchen today!

Notes: ♪♫ Here in my home state of RI, squid is usually available year-round.  In fact, Calamari is the official state appetizer of Rhode Island.  If you can’t find fresh squid, look for it in the frozen section.  You can use squid tubes, tentacles or a combination in this recipe.  I’ll admit, I am a little squeamish about those tentacles!

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