Tag: gluten free

Lamb Chops

Isn’t it funny how food can bring back a memory?  I hadn’t had lamb chops since I was a little girl, 60+ years ago!  At a very young age though, I remember my grandmother would often make me a single lamb chop for lunch.  It was the perfect size for a picky kid’s appetite!

Today, lamb can be a bit of a splurge, but I will usually buy it when there’s a sale.

When my herb garden is in season, I use just a bit of fresh herbs and seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of these lamb chops.  You can use dried herbs during the winter months.

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Ingredients:

  • 6 Lamb Chops
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • fresh rosemary
  • fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet with the fresh thyme and rosemary.

The chops will have fat on one side.  Stand the lamb chops on their side in the pan, with the fat side down and cook 5 minutes to render the fat.

Then lay the chops down, cover and cook 7 minutes on one side.

Turn the chops, cover and cook for 7 minutes longer.  During the last 2 minutes of cooking, uncover and add the wine and butter.

Check with a thermometer that the internal temperature reaches 145º for medium.

Place the chops on a serving dish and drizzle with pan juices.  Finish with fresh parsley.

Notes ♪♫ If you love lamb, check out my Braised Lamb Shanks.  A different cut that lends itself to a slow cooked dinner.

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Pork Chops with Apples and Cipollini Onions

Have you tried Cipollini onions?  Cipolla means onion in Italian, and cipollini are “little onions”.  Milder and sweeter than regular onions, Cipollini can be a flavorful addition to pork and beef dishes.

You may think these little onions are difficult to peel, but here’s a trick!  Simply soak them in water for 30 minutes before you begin prepping the meal.  Those skins will pop right off!  This is an easy dinner for two, and with only one pan required, cleanup is a breeze!

Dinner for two

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Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops, 1″ thick, bone in
  • 8 oz. cipollini onions, peeled and trimmed
  • 1 apple, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup of 1% milk
  • 1/2 cup of white wine (NOT cooking wine!)
  • 1/2 cup gluten free seasoned breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. butter

 Preparation:

Soak the Cipollini onions in water for 30 minutes.  Be sure they are submerged.  At the same time, tenderize the pork chops by placing them in a non-reactive dish with 1/2 cup milk for 30 minutes, turning once.  Season with salt and pepper.

After soaking for 30 minutes, peel and trim the onions.

Heat a large nonstick skillet with the olive oil and butter.  Season the Cipollini with salt and pepper and cook on medium low heat for 8-10 minutes, turning every few minutes.

Here you can see the onions are partially cooked and starting to get some color.  At this point push them to the side, to make room for the pork chops.

Take each pork chop, shake off the excess milk and dredge in the breadcrumbs.  Add the pork chops to the center of the pan, cover and cook 4 minutes.

Turn the pork chops, add the apples to the pan along with the wine, then cover and cook for an additional 4 minutes.  Remove the cover and allow any remaining liquid to evaporate, then transfer to a serving platter.

I served them with a side of white rice.

Notes ♪♫ I used Aleia’s gluten free Italian breadcrumbs in this recipe.  They are so delicious, the closest I have found in taste and texture to regular Italian breadcrumbs.  Everyone in your family will love them, gluten free or not!

Originally published 02/10/2020           Updated 01/02/2023

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Gluten Free Sausage Cheese Ball Appetizers

These little one bite appetizers are the bomb!  Proof that gluten free does not have to be complicated, this easy recipe is perfect for all your party and game day get togethers.  You may want to make a double batch, they’re that good!

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I used Premio Mild Italian Sausage in this recipe, but you can change it up and use a sweet or hot sausage, just check ingredients for gluten.

For the pancake/biscuit mix I used and recommend Better Batter.  It works well in this recipe, and no one will know it’s gluten free!  Plus, this mix has so many other uses, you know the extra won’t go to waste.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp. onion, small dice
  • 2 tbsp. celery, small dice
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsp. gluten free pancake/biscuit mix
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 6 oz. mild Italian sausage (about 2 links), casing removed
  • 1/4 cup egg whites
  • cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup gluten free BBQ sauce, for serving

Preparation:

Chop the onion and celery into 1/4″ pcs.  Add to a small nonstick skillet with 1 tsp. olive oil and cook over medium heat until translucent.  Set aside to cool.

In the same skillet, partially cook the sausage.

Transfer the sausage, onion and celery to an electric chopper and pulse a few times to break it up.

Mix the cheese, pancake/biscuit mix, garlic powder and crushed red pepper together in a small bowl.

Add the sausage, onion and celery mixture with 1/4 cup egg whites.

Using your hands, gently toss and mix everything together without squeezing.

Preheat the oven to 375º.  Line a sheet pan with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Form 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the sheet pan with space in between.

Bake for 15 minutes, turning once.

Drain on paper towels.

Transfer to a serving tray with your favorite gluten free BBQ sauce for dipping.  You can prepare ahead and reheat in the microwave before serving.

Notes ♪♫ This post was inspired by a recipe on Taste of Home.  That’s right, you don’t always need a gluten free recipe or special cookbook.  In fact, only one ingredient substitute was needed to make this recipe gluten free, and you can whip up a batch in under an hour!

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Skillet Farfalle with Diced Ham

I love easy skillet dinners like this one for busy weeknights!  You can make the whole meal beginning to end in about 30 minutes.  Honestly, if you prep the veggies the night before it can be ready in less time than that.  It’s a great way to use leftover ham, or you can purchase a ham steak which is what I did here.  Don’t forget those little finishing touches that can make a meal special, in this case it’s a sprinkle of toasted Pignoli (pine nuts), a favorite of mine!

3-4 Servings

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Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. boneless ham steak, cut into small cubes
  • 4 oz. gluten free pasta
  • 1 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp. gluten free Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. pignoli (pine nuts), toasted
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • fresh Italian parsley, for garnish
  • grated Parmesan, for serving

Preparation:

Toast the pignoli until lightly browned and fragrant.  I like to use a small saucepan, so they don’t jump all over the place.  Set aside for garnish.

Cook the pasta to 1 minute less than package directions, drain and set aside.  While the pasta cooks, heat a large, nonstick skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil and cook the ham 3 minutes.  Remove and set aside.

Add a little more olive oil and cook the onions until just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.  Add the garlic and peas, cook 2 minutes more stirring frequently.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add the tomatoes with their liquid, toss well to combine and cook until liquid almost evaporates.  If the pan is too dry add a ladle of pasta water.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Add back the ham.

Next add back the drained pasta and toss well.  Drizzle with olive oil, stir and toss to finish cooking the pasta, 1 minute more.  Sprinkle grated cheese.

Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with parsley and toasted pignoli, and serve with grated cheese.

Notes ♪♫ I used Jovial gluten free farfalle (bowtie pasta) in this recipe.  One of my favorites, it has great taste and chew.  The Smithfield ham steak was labeled gluten free.  Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten, especially in processed foods and seasoning blends.

Originally published 5/16/2020        Updated 12/10/2022

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Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is an easy and delicious main course.  Whether you are having a casual family meal, romantic dinner for two or dinner party with guests, pork tenderloin is always a great choice.  With a simple, elegant preparation that looks like you fussed, you will have dinner on the table with plenty of time to make your side dishes and socialize!

If roasting more than one tenderloin try to get them about the same size, so that they all finish cooking at the same time.  For foolproof results, always use a meat thermometer!

Here’s how to make it.

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Ingredients:

  • Pork tenderloin (allow 4-6 oz. per serving)
  • Olive oil, about 1 tsp. per pound of meat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Thinly sliced prosciutto, about 4 slices per tenderloin
  • Fresh Italian parsley

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325°

Remove the tenderloins from the package.  Pat dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil.  Season all over with salt and pepper, then wrap each tenderloin in prosciutto slices.  This keeps the meat very moist.  Tie each tenderloin every few inches with cooking twine.

Use a roasting pan with a rack.  Mist the rack with cooking spray and set the tenderloins with space between for the air to circulate.  Drape fresh parsley over the top and insert an oven safe thermometer in the thickest part of the largest tenderloin.

If you don’t have a probe (oven safe) thermometer, then roast for 20 minutes per pound and check often with an instant read.

When the internal temperature reaches 140° (pink in the center) remove from the oven and tent with foil.  If you like it more well done, then let it go a little longer, up to 150°.  Allow the roast to rest covered for at least 10 minutes to redistribute the juices.

Slice and serve.  Isn’t that beautiful?  Always a hit with family and friends.

Notes ♪♫ A packaged tenderloin will usually weigh between 2 to 2.5 lbs.  If you purchased a larger piece, you are likely to find that the package actually contains 2 smaller tenderloins.  For small households you can cook one and freeze the other.

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Fast and Easy Gluten Free Gravy

I have a wonderful recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy that I make every year.  I start with fresh turkey legs or thighs, roast them and braise with aromatic veggies to make a rich, flavorful stock that makes the most amazing gravy.  And while I love this make ahead recipe, I can appreciate that not everyone wants to go to all that trouble.

So, for all who are short on time and need a fast and easy recipe, this versatile gravy is for you!  It can be made a day ahead or morning of the holiday, no pan drippings needed!  It can be paired with pork, chicken, turkey, veal or even beef just by varying the base broth.

Arrowroot flour is gluten free and makes the smoothest roux, no lumps ever!

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4 Servings

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Whisk together the broth, onion powder and garlic powder in a microwave safe container.  Microwave for 90 seconds.

In a small nonstick saucepan, melt butter then whisk in the arrowroot flour to make a roux.

Continue whisking until the roux begins to take on a little color like this.

Then slowly stream in the warmed broth and whisk until smooth.

Continue simmering and when it reaches the color and thickness you prefer lower the heat and keep warm.

This is a gravy that you can whip up while you make dinner, even on a busy weeknight.  I made it to go with grilled turkey cutlets and it was very good if I do say so!

Notes ♪♫ One of the things I love about this gravy, is that in addition to being gluten free, you can control the salt content.  For those on a low sodium diet, start with salt free broth, unsalted butter and use garlic and onion powder (not salt).  You can always adjust the taste by adding salt, but you are in control!

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Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing

For me, the best part of Thanksgiving dinner has always been the stuffing.  It’s so easy to make this delicious Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing from scratch!

If you are hosting the holiday meal, this stuffing will please all of your guests, no one will know it’s gluten free!  If you are visiting family and need to bring your own gluten free food, this is the perfect dish.  Just be sure to make enough to share, everyone will want to sample it!

Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing is moist and delicious “in or out of the bird”.  This recipe makes enough to stuff a small (10-12 lb.) turkey with extra for a 1.5-quart baking dish.  You can make half or double it for a large family.

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Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of cubed gluten free cornbread
  • 1/2 lb. gluten free sausage, casing removed (I used Premio)
  • 4 strips of gluten free bacon
  • 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4″ dice
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4″ dice
  • 1 medium sweet onion, chopped fine
  • 2 tbsp. minced fresh sage, thyme and rosemary (optional but very good)
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup 1% milk
  • 3/4 cup gluten free low sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 1/4 tsp. each, dried sage and thyme
  • cooking spray

Preparation:

Most of the initial prep for this stuffing can be done ahead of time, so you will only have to assemble and bake it the morning of the holiday.  It all begins with this Gluten Free Corn Bread, that you can make ahead and freeze.  You will need half of the cornbread for this stuffing recipe, and the rest can be a nice addition to your breadbasket for the holiday table.

Once the Cornbread has cooled to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap then again in foil.  Place in a freezer safe bag until needed.

To make the stuffing, cut half of the cornbread into cubes, for a total of about 4 cups.  Spread the cornbread cubes on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake at 250º until dried and slightly browned, 45 minutes to an hour.

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool in the pan.  If you are doing this step ahead of time, make sure the cornbread is completely dry, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Chop the bacon and sausage into 1/2″ pieces.

Cook them together in a large, nonstick skillet until completely browned, then remove and drain on paper towels.  Reserve the fat in the pan.

Next melt 2 tbsp. of butter in the same skillet and add the onion, celery and carrots.  Season with salt and pepper, and the minced fresh herbs.  Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add back the sausage and bacon to the skillet and toss well to combine.

You can prepare the recipe up to this point the night before and refrigerate.  You can also make ahead and freeze it, just spoon the mixture into a freezer safe bag or container and defrost the night before.

On the morning of the holiday, return the sausage and veggie mixture to the skillet over low heat and warm through.  Turn off the heat and stir in the cornbread cubes.

Whisk together the egg, milk, and broth with dried sage and thyme.  Pour it over the cooled cornbread mixture and toss well until everything is moistened.

To stuff or not to stuff?  You decide.  Always follow food safety guidelines.  If you stuff the turkey, do so just prior to roasting.

For those who prefer out of the bird, spray a baking dish with cooking spray and spread the stuffing evenly.  Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes.

With a few great recipes like this one, the stress of being gluten free during the holidays will melt away.  I hope it will become a tradition at your holiday table!

Notes ♪♫ Want to take a shortcut?  If you prefer to use storebought bread cubes there are some great ones to choose from, I’ll never tell!  Check out my Easy Gluten Free Ramekin Stuffing Cups, a recipe made with Aleia’s Gluten Free Stuffing Cubes.

Originally posted 11/04/2018         Updated 11/19/2022

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Gluten Free Cornbread

Every gluten free cook needs a good, basic cornbread recipe.  Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to winter soups, stews or your favorite barbecue dinner.  Once you master this easy recipe, you can jazz it up with cranberries, dried fruits, herbs or whatever you please.  With the holidays just around the corner, I’m dreaming of a yummy Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing!

Friends, this tastes just like traditional cornbread, no one will ever guess that it’s gluten free!

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 425º.

Begin by lining a square baking dish with parchment paper, and mist with cooking spray.  Whisk together the dry ingredients, through xanthan gum.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, milk and cider vinegar.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir together until completely moistened.  Let the batter stand for a few minutes, then scrape it into the prepared pan.

Place the pan on a baking sheet (this helps keep the bottom from burning) and bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.  The top should be nicely browned, and the cornbread will be pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then grab a corner of the parchment paper and slide the cornbread onto a cooling rack.  Wait a few more minutes then remove the parchment.

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

This cornbread freezes well and can be made ahead of time for your holiday breadbasket or cornbread stuffing cubes.  To freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap then wrap again in foil.  Place it in a freezer safe bag.

Notes: ♪♫ Although corn itself does not contain gluten; some brands of cornmeal may contain trace amounts if they are produced on shared equipment.  To avoid cross contact, be sure to look for cornmeal that is labeled gluten free.

Originally posted 11/03/2018                         Updated 11/18/2022

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Chicken, Sausage and Rice Casserole

Whenever I make this flavorful casserole for a family dinner it gets rave reviews!  Chicken drumsticks and Italian sausage come together with ingredients straight from the pantry, and you can use any veggies you have on hand!  It’s easy and economical too.  You can do most of the prep a day ahead and bake the next day.  And that bacon breadcrumb topping- wow!  It really gives this dish an extra punch of flavor, texture and crunch!

4-6 Servings

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Brown rice takes about 50 minutes to cook, so start that first.  Simmer 3/4 cup rice in 1-3/4 cups chicken broth and 1/4 tsp. seasoning of choice.

For the topping, coarsely chop the bacon, cook and drain on paper towels, reserving the fat in the pan.

Crumble the bacon, or place in an electric chopper and pulse a few times to make bacon bits.

Add 1/3 cup of gluten free breadcrumbs to the skillet with the bacon fat and stir over low heat.  Add back the crumbled bacon and stir well to combine.  Set aside to cool, then mix with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping.

I love Aleia’s Gluten Free Breadcrumbs and I use this brand almost exclusively in my recipes.  I promise, your family won’t even know they are gluten free!

In the same skillet, brown the chicken on all sides in a little olive oil.  Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Place browned chicken in a braising pan or Dutch oven, add ¼ cup white wine and 1/4 cup chicken broth.  Cover and simmer 30 minutes.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, remove meat from the bones and sprinkle with paprika.  Strain the liquid from the pan and reserve for later.

Slice the sausage and brown in olive oil.  You can use store bought sausage or check out my recipe for homemade sausage patties!  If using purchased sausage, always check labels for gluten containing ingredients.

Pulse the cooked sausage a few times in the chopper and set aside.

Wipe the braising pan or Dutch oven clean.  Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and add the veggies.  Season and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add back the sausage and stir well.

Now add the chicken and cooked rice.  Measure the reserved liquid and add enough chicken broth to equal 1-1/2 cups.  Combine with 1/4 cup milk and pour over the chicken and rice mixture.

Tip: Prepare the meal up to this point a day ahead.  Cover and refrigerate.  

Preheat the oven to 350º.  You can bake the casserole in the same pan, or transfer to a pretty casserole dish for a nicer presentation.  Note, if you made the casserole in the advance, take it out of the refrigerator and leave on the counter for at least 30 minutes (don’t place a refrigerated glass baking dish directly into a hot oven, it may shatter).

Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

The liquid will bubble and thicken to create a nice sauce.  I like to finish it off under the broiler, 3 minutes on low.  Watch that it doesn’t burn!

Let it rest a few minutes to set up, then garnish with fresh herbs (or dried herbs) and bring it right to the table.

Notes ♪♫ Remember, you can substitute any veggies you like in this recipe.  Once I went out on a limb and used eggplant.  Surprise, the reaction ranged from “I loved it” to “I didn’t even know it was in there”! Try broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus or zucchini.  Use what you have on hand, use what you like!

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Gluten Free Mummy Bread

Return of the Mummy

Mummy Bread has been a Halloween tradition in our family for years.  It’s sure to be a hit at a Halloween party!  This Stromboli style bread is fun to make with kids, and grownups will love it too.

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Recipe makes 2 mummies, 6-8 servings each.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

For the Mummies:

Preparation:

Mix together all of the dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Add the onions to a heavy skillet with 2 tbsp. butter and 2 tbsp. oil.  Cook covered, 20 minutes then uncover and cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Cook the mushroom slices in 1 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil.

Drain the mushrooms and onions to remove as much liquid as possible.

While the dough is rising, plan your decorative toppings.  I made these pepperoni and olive bats!

After 1 hour in the fridge, turn the dough out onto floured parchment and use a bench knife to divide it in 2.

Roll out each piece into a thin rectangle, about 11 x 16″.  Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning.  Use a bench knife to cut 1″ strips on either side of the dough.

Brush the center of each mummy with 3-4 tbsp. of pizza sauce, then layer with strips of provolone cheese.

Top with torn pieces of cold cuts and divide the mushrooms and onions between the 2 mummies.  Sprinkle with grated parmesan.

Hint:  Don’t over fill the dough and make sure veggies are well drained so it won’t be soggy! 

Starting at the bottom, fold the dough over the filling, then begin overlapping the strips from side to side.  Continue folding to create the mummy.  I transferred my mummies to a perforated loaf pan and trimmed the parchment to fit.

Preheat the oven to 500º.  Decorate the mummies with olive and pepperoni slices.  Be creative, you can use all sorts of veggies and herbs to dress up your mummy.  Brush everything with olive oil and sprinkle with more Italian seasoning.

Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet for more stability and to prevent the bottom from burning.  Bake for 20 minutes, and tent with foil if the mummies seem to be browning too quickly.  Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a rack.

Mummy bread can be eaten warm or at room temperature.  They will stay warm for several hours.

Leftovers (if you have any) can be reheated on a pizza stone.

Notes ♪♫ If you follow me, you know that I am a huge fan of Better Batter.  I made my mummies with their Gluten Free Artisan Flour Blend.  This flour is a game changer for making bread and pizza and I cannot recommend it enough!  Be sure to use my promo code MGFC30 for 30% off your non-sale purchase.

Happy Halloween from My Gluten Free Cucina!

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