Tag: gluten free

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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Gluten Free Apple Pie French Toast

My Apple Pie French Toast features warm spiced apples layered between slices of French Toast, topped with vanilla Greek yogurt, maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon.  Breakfast or dessert?  You decide!

I used my Gluten Free Millet Bread in this recipe, it is an extra special cakelike bread that is perfect for making French Toast.  Of course, you can use store bought gluten free bread (I won’t tell!).

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2 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of gluten free bread
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp. milk
  • 1 small apple
  • 3 tbsp. butter, divided
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • vanilla Greek yogurt
  • maple syrup
  • cinnamon

Preparation:

Whisk together the eggs and milk, and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Soak the bread slices in the egg mixture for 15 minutes, turning occasionally.  Use 2 pans if needed to fit all of the slices.

Peel and dice the apples.  In a nonstick skillet, melt one tbsp. butter.  Add the apples and cook for several minutes, stirring frequently.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and 1 tbsp. brown sugar.  Continue cooking 2 more minutes, then keep warm.

In a larger nonstick skillet or griddle, melt 2 tbsp. butter.  Add the bread slices and cook 3 minutes per side.

To plate, layer one slice of French toast with apples, then top with a second slice.  Cut in half diagonally and stack one half over the other.  Top with more apples, and a scoop of vanilla yogurt.  Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Look at that plate, breakfast fit for a king and queen!  Definitely a wonderful way to start your day!

Notes ♪♫ If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my Tiramisu Stuffed French Toast.  And I hope you will try my Gluten Free Millet Bread, you will love the soft, mildly sweet texture of this loaf for French Toast and sandwiches!

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One Pot Chicken Dinner

When casual comfort food is on your mind, keep the prep simple with this easy braised dinner.  I used fresh, naturally gluten free ingredients like chicken, potato, carrots and onion.  Slow braising ensures the chicken leg quarters are falling off the bone tender.  As a bonus, this dish goes from oven to table in the same pan for easy cleanup.

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Dinner for two

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken leg quarters
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium potato, cut into chunks
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • paprika
  • fresh rosemary
  • 1/4 cup white wine

Preparation:

Use a heavy, oven safe skillet with cover or a Dutch oven.  With the heat on medium low, add 2 tbsp. olive oil and brown the chicken, skin side down for 10 minutes.

Turn the chicken skin side up.  Add the onion, potato and carrot.  Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning, paprika, and fresh rosemary.

Add a splash of white wine, cover and place in the oven for an hour and 45 minutes (1-3/4 hours) at 300º.  Uncover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.  Broil on low for 3 minutes to finish.  Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve it right in the pan.

Notes ♪♫ Gluten free meals do not have to be fancy or difficult!  This recipe, made with naturally gluten free ingredients is delicious and satisfying.

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Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs

Foodie friends, you don’t have to wait for November!  Try my Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs whenever you feel like having a little “Thanksgiving Lite”!  The flavors of sage, thyme, onion and celery mirror the big Thanksgiving dinner in a fraction of the time.

A little ricotta in the mix keeps the meatballs nice and moist.  Potato flakes and rolled oats are the magic that hold these gluten free meatballs together.  You are going to love this easy entree!  Complete the meal with a side of stuffing and drizzle of turkey gravy.

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Use an electric chopper to finely mince the onion and celery.  Combine the first 8 ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.  Add the breadcrumbs, potato flakes and oatmeal to the wet ingredients a little at a time until well combined (use your hands).

Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Spread 1 cup of breadcrumbs in a bowl or plate.  Form 12-14 meatballs, rolling each meatball in the breadcrumbs and arrange on the baking sheet at least 2″ apart.

Broil 5 minutes on high, turn and broil another 5 minutes.

With dinner on the table in under a half hour, you will want to add this to your weeknight rotation.  Everyone will love it!

Notes ♪♫ Oh those breadcrumbs, don’t they look amazing?  They are Aleia’s Italian Breadcrumbs, and yes, they are gluten free.  A bit more expensive but so worth it to get that true breadcrumb taste!

Originally posted 11/10/2018                          Updated post 8/12/2022

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Gluten Free BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Who doesn’t love beef short ribs!  Yes, they are pricey these days, but when they go on sale it’s time for a BBQ dinner.  In this very easy recipe, boneless beef short ribs are baked slowly at a low temperature and basted with a simple homemade barbecue sauce that will rival your favorite store brand!  It’s a meal that you can enjoy any time of year and with little effort.

The beef will shrink considerably during cooking, so start with twice as much as you think you need.  For two people I suggest 1.5 lbs. of boneless beef short ribs.  It may look like a lot to begin with, but there will be no leftovers 😉

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs. boneless beef short ribs
  • salt and pepper
  • cooking spray
  • 1 batch homemade Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
  • fresh chives for garnish

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 300º.  Cut each short rib into 3 pieces and place in a square baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Whisk together the BBQ Sauce ingredients or use your favorite store brand (I won’t tell).  Spoon 3 tbsp. of the sauce over the ribs.

Turn them over and spoon another 3-tbsp. sauce to coat.  Cover tightly with foil.

Roast for 2 hours at 300º, then use tongs to carefully remove the foil.  If there is too much liquid, you can remove some of it with a ladle.  Cook 30 minutes more, uncovered.

Warm the remaining sauce for serving.  Remove the short ribs and arrange on a serving platter.  Brush with the extra sauce and garnish with fresh chives.

This meal was so good!  I served the ribs with roasted carrots, parsnips and baby potatoes.  Use your favorite seasonal sides (sweet corn in summer for sure).

Notes ♪♫ If you prefer to buy the BBQ sauce, I recommend Stubbs.  All of their BBQ sauce flavors are delicious and gluten free.

Originally posted 05.27.2018                       Updated 08.06.2022

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Gluten Free Catfish with Cornmeal Breading

I love Catfish!  We don’t often see it at the market, just a short time each year when in season.  When it does become available, this is how I like to prepare it.

First, I soak the Catfish in milk for 30 minutes.  Milk tenderizes the fish and gives it a milder flavor.  Then, after dredging in a seasoned cornmeal breading, I pop it into the fridge for 15 minutes.  Finally, the fish is cooked quickly on a buttered griddle.  It is nice and crispy on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside.

Is Breaded Catfish gluten free?

To make this recipe gluten free, the only change needed was to substitute a gluten free flour for regular in the cornmeal breading.

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Add 1/2 cup of milk to a 9 x 13″ glass baking dish and season with Old Bay.  Soak the catfish in milk for 30 minutes, turning once.

In a large plate, combine the rice flour and cornmeal.  Sprinkle with Old Bay.

Dredge the catfish in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides.  Transfer to a clean plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (this helps the breading to adhere).

Melt 1 tbsp. of butter on a nonstick griddle pan, electric griddle or skillet.  Cook the catfish 5 minutes per side, adding another tbsp. of butter when you turn the fillets.

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chives.

What goes well with Catfish?  In keeping with the Southern vibe of this meal, I made a side of Gluten Free Corn Cakes.  Check out the recipe here!

Notes: ♪♫ Be sure to choose cornmeal with the gluten free label (some are processed alongside wheat products and may not be safe for those with Celiac).  I like to use whole grain, medium grind cornmeal.  It’s great for breading and for baking.

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