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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Too Hot To Cook? Make a Lettuce Wrap

I love lettuce cups and garden wraps- so fresh and light.

Too hot to cook and you're contemplating going gluten-free to boot? Try a greenwich on for size. Garden fresh lettuce wraps make for an ultra-easy lunch that is perfect for sizzling summer days. Wrap or cradle your favorite sandwich filling with tender Boston lettuce or crisp romaine. Stuff smaller cups with your favorite salad or use larger leaves to wrap and roll a layered classic.

One of the first recipes I started with on my gluten-free journey years ago was the simple idea of wrapping various sandwich fillings in crisp washed lettuce leaves. The possibilities are endless.

Boston lettuce (aka butter lettuce) leaves make deliciously tender wraps. Romaine is sturdier; fill it lengthwise- like a boat- and simply fold it, rib on bottom. When fillings are messy, wrap the wrap with a piece of wax paper, plastic wrap or foil.

Lettuce wraps are great fun for kids. Set up a buffet style Greenwich Bar- with all the fixin's- and let them choose from an assortment of fillings to design their and wrap their own creations.

Here are some ideas to get you started.



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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Pinon Rice Bake with Artichokes and Goat Cheese

Brown rice with artichokes, roasted corn, chiles, pine nuts and goat cheese.

Here's a favorite make-ahead rice dish recipe with Mediterranean flavors- artichokes, plum tomatoes, pine nuts and goat cheese. Entertaining made simple. And there are never any leftovers.

Having someone new over for dinner always sends me into a flurry of activity fueled by nervous energy and worry. I obsess over obscure details (like an iTune playlist), change my mind about the menu (wait- enchiladas or lasagna?), forget ingredients (dagnabbit! the green beans are still in the car). So I've learned (yes, the hard way) to always make a few key dishes ahead of time. Then dinner is basically done.

And I'm not stuck in the kitchen spilling olive oil on a new silk shirt.

I can relax (well, sort of). And- goddess willing- I won't set the oven on fire because I'm too busy discussing the yummy Anderson Cooper and sipping my second vodka martini to a Diana Krall tune.


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Monday, July 28, 2008

My Top Ten Gluten-Free Products


My Top Ten Gluten-Free Favorites
[it goes to eleven]

These quickie reviews of my favorite gluten-free products are not sponsored by the manufacturers. I accepted no free samples, coupons, or other please-blog-about-us incentives.

1. Pamela's Amazing Gluten Free Bread Mix with sorghum and millet flour is the best tasting gluten-free bread mix by far. Seriously. I've made it with eggs and without eggs. Both ways are delicious. I've even made killer rustic baguettes with Pamela's (pictured above).

2. One of my favorite gluten-free pasta noodles is Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta, Spaghetti Style, Supergrain. It's non-starchy and has the bite of a good Italian linguine. For those unable to do corn, Tinkyada gluten-free pasta is also excellent. The Tinkyada White Rice Spaghetti is smooth and creamy (and even gluten-eaters love it). And the Tinkyada Brown Rice Lasagne with Rice Bran makes light, delicious lasagna.

3. Pamela's Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix is the best all-around all-purpose baking and pancake mix. Why? It features buttermilk and almond meal. Beginners can use Pamela's mix as a one-to-one sub for wheat flour in gluten-free baking. For those who need a dairy-free vegan mix try Namaste Gluten-Free Waffle and Pancake Mix.

4. Highly regarded Bob's Red Mill has finally added a gluten-free polenta and cornmeal to their esteemed line of products. Lucky us! For those who love polenta and care about quality- we now have Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Corn Grits, Polenta and Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Cornmeal. Look for the GF symbol on the package.

5. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Flakes is a hot breakfast cereal rich in vegan protein and calcium. I enjoy it as a warm bowl of comfort drizzled with maple syrup. And I absolutely love using it in baking- especially in cookie, muffin, and cake recipes. Browse my quinoa recipes here.

5.5 I also enjoy Bob's Red Mill whole grain organic quinoa as pilaf, tabbouleh, and  a high protein alternative  to rice.  (If you also like rice and risotto, Lundberg Farms is the way to go.)

6. Stevia and flavored stevia extracts are a zero calorie all natural sweetener. Unlike some stevia products, Sweet Leaf has a clean sugar taste (no weird quasi-licorice aftertaste). I use it in coffee, tea, smoothies and cold drinks- because, frankly, who needs the extra calories on a daily basis? Note: stevia is a super sweet herb in the aster family- if you have aster allergies, please check with your physician before using.

7. Coconut Aminos is a raw coconut based (and fabulous!) gluten-free soy-free soy sauce  alternative. I use it in stir-fry and Asian inspired recipes.

8. MimiCreme cashew and almond based cream is thick and rich and vegan to boot. Use it in dairy-free recipes instead of dairy cream and sour cream.

9. Spectrum Organic Shortening is a neutral tasting non-hydrogenated vegan butter and shortening replacement in baking recipes. Great for cookies, biscuits and scones.

10. A perennial favorite here on the blog, vegan Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips are gluten, dairy, and soy free.

11. Organic Raw Blue Agave is a low glycemic natural vegan sweetener that is wonderful for subtle sweetening in sauces, beverages and baking.



Purchasing via these product links to
helps support this blog. 
Thank you!



Karina

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Mexican Black Bean Soup- In Memory of Sher

Black Bean Soup Recipe
Sher's black bean soup recipe.

Sher and I never met. We were what people refer to as blogging acquaintances. We exchanged occasional comments on one another's blogs and admired each other's penchant for rustic Mexican recipes. Real food, with big flavor. Last Sunday lovely Sher passed away suddenly- from a heart attack. She was 59. Today food bloggers are joining in memory of Sher- and her enthusiastic love of good food- by posting one of her recipes. I suspect this would please her no end; as her blog title suggests, the first question asked by her family on any occasion is...

What did you eat?

Today we are collectively offering, One of your recipes, Sher!

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Penne Arrabiata with Brown Rice Pasta


Gluten-free penne arrabiata- spicy and easy

The last meal of our two-week honeymoon in Italy was in Rome- on the way to the airport. And I'll never forget it. It was penne tossed in a spicy red sauce. My first Arrabiata. Here's my gluten-free version- a simple and fast recipe perfect for a weeknight supper.


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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Savory G-Free Waffles- for breadcrumbs & panini

Vegan G-Free Waffles
Savory waffles for grilled sandwiches and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Several readers have requested my savory waffle recipe- the base recipe I use to make those golden Crunchy Gluten-Free Breadcrumbz. And who am I to refuse such a worthy request? Average waffles these are not. Not only are these crispy vegan gems wheat-free and egg-free, they are infused with herbs and garlic, rendering them suitable not only for conjuring Italian style crumbs, but grilling up warm and melty panini as well. Use these like you would use sandwich bread.

So take this simple recipe as a blueprint, add your own creativity to the mix and do great things. For nothing is as noble as cooking something delicious and food allergy safe for those you cherish.

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Friday, July 11, 2008

Vegan Banana Ice Scream

Vegan banana ice cream.


I've been busy behind the scenes here at Gluten-Free Goddess -- but I'm never too busy to create a new dessert recipe for you. Her Awesomeness forbid. I wouldn't abandon you to steam in the summer heat, sweltering without respite, without a new frozen confection to cheer you up and cool you down. 

Not me. I'm not a remote and apathetic kind of goddess. Nope. 

I get you. I listen. And I feel your non-dairy gluten-free frustration. All the way out here in the hills of Ojo Caliente.

So what that means is this ice cream recipe is vegan- in other words, dairy-free and egg-free for all you lovely casein-free beauties out there.

I start with frozen bananas- because they're so creamy good when frozen. They jump start the whole homemade ice cream making process. So go fetch your ripe bananas and toss 'em in the freezer right now.

You'll thank me later.


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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

How To Make Crunchy Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

Use toasted gluten free waffles for fabulous bread crumbs
Golden gluten-free bread crumbs made from toasted waffles.

Why not talk about simple pleasures? Like how to make really tasty gluten-free bread crumbs. Golden. Toasty. Slightly crunchy. When I first went gluten-free I missed the crunchy goodness that a buttered bread crumb topping adds to a home cooked recipe- especially comfort food. In fact, one of my favorite simple comfort recipes when I'm dragging my butt and too tired to cook is spaghetti tossed in extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes and pan toasted bread crumbs.

So, after I found a decent (even wonderful) gluten-free pasta (Tinkyada Pasta) I tried making herbed crumbs for several of my favorite comfort foods, including my go-to Italian spaghetti with garlic and crumbs recipe.


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Monday, July 7, 2008

Easy Agave and Lime Salmon

Easy salmon with agave and lime.

Don't feel like cooking? Keep some wild caught salmon on hand and you almost won't have to. Got limes and agave? Smile. Salmon recipes don't get any easier than this. This is almost not cooking- which makes it a perfect recipe for a lazy summer supper.

We served our salmon with grilled veggie kebabs- another one of my easy summer staples. I grill my vegetable skewers on our handy Grilleration Forman grill because we don't have an outdoor grill. Hard to believe, I know. How can we live without a proper grill? And in New Mexico, for goddess sake! It's tricky, truth be told. If you saw our little casita you would understand. There's really no proper spot for a grill- or room to store it for the winter, now that you mention it. Yes, we have winters here in northern New Mexico (weeks of zero degree mornings). And only two closets. Two. Very. Small. Closets.

Some days I feel like we are camping in the middle of a great big sand box.



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Thursday, July 3, 2008

Gluten-Free Pasta and Italian Recipes

Gluten free Italian recipes

Who doesn't love Italian food? It's a staple in my house. And lucky for those of us with celiac disease, gluten-free pasta is not only widely available now- but truly delicious. My favorite brand of gluten-free spaghetti, spirals, shells and lasagna is Tinkyada. If you cannot find Tinkyada in your local store, you can order it in bulk at Amazon here and save (free shipping!). Mangia!



My Favorite Gluten-Free Italian Recipes

Asparagus Leek Risotto

Baked Grape Tomatoes with Basil and Cornbread Crumbs
Basil Pesto
Beef In Pomegranate Sauce
Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash

Creamy Sauced Pasta with Artichokes & Bacon
Crustless Roasted Vegetable Quiche

Easy Chicken and Balsamic Peppers

Easy Mediterranean Fish in Foil Packets with Rice
Egg-Free Olive Oil Mayo

Fast n Easy Little Garlic Shrimp Pizzas
Fastn Easy Pasta and Veggie Toss

Garlic Chicken Lasagna
Garlicky Shrimp and Spinach Bake with Mozzarella
Gold Potato Frittata (Baked)


Herbed Flatbread with Roasted Vegetables
Italian Pasta Frittata with Goat Cheese + Sun-dried Tomatoes

Lasagna Vegetariana

Mediterranean Chicken Soup for the Soul
Mediterranean Eggplant with Crumbled Beef, Tomatoes and Mint
Mediterranean Pasta Frittata with Goat Cheese
Mediterranean Spinach and Rice Bake with Chicken and Mozzarella
Mediterranean Tuna and Artichoke Pasta

Pasta Smothered with Roasted Vegetables
Pasta with Toasted Pecans, Raisins & Artichoke Hearts
Pizza!
Penne Arrabiata
Pesto Zucchini Tomato Gratin with Bread Crumbs
Pomegranate Glazed Green Beans and Portobellos

Quinoa Salad with yellow tomatoes, olives, basil and mint

Roasted Acorn Squash Risotto
Roasted Sicilian Potatoes
Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted Vegetable Frittata (Baked Crustless Quiche)
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Roasted Vegetables In a Nest
Roasted Vegetables and Feta on Broiled Polenta

Sexy Spring Pasta with Roasted Asparagus
Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Strata
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti with White Vegetables and Pine Nuts
Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey

Vegan Pasta Pie
Vegetarian Putanesca

Warm Winter Salad with Roasted Squash and Potatoes
Winter Pesto

Gluten-Free Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Easy Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Delicious sour cream chicken enchiladas- gluten-free.

Yummy. Easy. Chicken enchiladas. I never tire of them. And I'm not alone. My chicken enchilada recipes are among the most popular recipes on the blog. It's understandable. Enchiladas make a perfect make-ahead recipe for a weeknight supper or a pot luck gathering. And they are easily gluten-free. Make enchiladas earlier in the day- and dinner is done.

As easy as uno, dos, tres.

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Gluten-Free Recipes- A Rockin' Summer Round-Up


Why am I posting a Rockin' Summer Gluten-Free Recipe Round-Up? Because Dear Reader (unlike the hoards of Arriba County residents standing in line to buy fireworks in the sweltering Walmart parking lot), I have no plans for the Fourth of July. No gluten-free barbecues or family picnics. No recipes necessary. I ain't cookin'.

See that frosty glass of dairy-free chocolate goodness? That's what I'll be chillin' with all weekend as I kick back with my Number One Honey and dig in to the third season of Deadwood. I'll be munching organic popcorn (non-GMO, naturally) and whipping up blueberry smoothies. I might stuff a corn tortilla or two. Or throw together my Champagne Vinegar Potato Salad Recipe. We did buy a watermelon. 

But beyond those modest efforts? I'm hangin'. And catching up with Calamity Jane. I have a serious crush. And writer David Milch is my word-slinging hero.

So while I'm immersing myself in the riches of our very own Shakespeare, in the spirit of not keeping to myself things that are too good not to share, here are some gorgeous, tasty and often quite easy gluten-free recipes I've spotted lately. Enjoy!



Karina's Rockin' Summer Gluten-Free Recipe Round-Up

Grilled Steak Tacos with Watermelon Jicama Salsa from Food Blogga
Lime and Peanut Coleslaw Recipe from Heidi Swanson
Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad Recipe from Book of Yum

Seven Layer Bean Dip Recipe from Simply Recipes
Gluten-Free Summer Quinoa Salad Recipe from Almost Fit
Lentil and Potato Salad Recipe from Lucullian Delights

Easy South Beach Recipes - Calabasitas from Kalyn's Kitchen
Snappy Crunchy Coleslaw at Gluten-Free Goddess
Grilled Corn Salad from Simply Recipes

Rand's Crab and Tangerine Nicoise with Lemon Vinaigrette from Kalyn's KItchen
Horseradish Spiked Red Potato Salad Recipe
at Gluten-Free Goddess
Roasted Tomatillo & Jalapeño Salsa from Gluten-Free Gobsmacked

Tarragon, Chive and Caper Deviled Eggs from Coconut & Lime
Watermelon, Tomato and Feta Salad from Cookthink
Jalapeño Lime Hummus from Karina's Kitchen

Gluten-Free Barbecue Sauce Recipe from Elana's Pantry
Easy Mediterranean Fish with Rice Recipe
at Gluten-Free Goddess
Quick and Easy Red, White and Blue Desserts from GFCF Mommy

Watermelon Sorbetto Granita from Ms. Adventures in Italy
Apple Juice Sabayon with Berries from La Tartine Gourmande
Vegan Blueberry Cobbler Recipe
at Gluten-Free Goddess

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits from Simple Recipes
Gluten-Free Breakfast Brownies
at Gluten-Free Goddess
Amazing Black Bean Brownie Recipe from Heidi Swanson