Great food... that's Gluten Free
Is your tank almost on empty as you contemplate what to cook for dinner? Have you been asked multiple times the dreaded “What’s for dinner??” Well, if this is you, you can relax. The beauty of Spiced Aioli Chicken Breasts is its simplicity! It’s a lazy foodies dream recipe because while it has few ingredients, it’s mighty tasty and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Are you smiling yet? I hope so!
I’m preparing for my first trip to Africa and I’m super excited! There’s a lot more prep work for this trip than for the usual trips I take….securing Visa’s, getting Yellow Fever vaccinations (ouch!), picking up the anti-malarial pills, etc. Even with all of this preparing, I hadn’t given any thought to the Africa cuisine until my cousin Eric brought it up. As a food lover, how could I have overlooked this? I did some research and chose to experiment with Maafe…an African Peanut Soup. It’s a delicious, full bodied, satisfying soup that can easily double as a stew over rice, if desired. If you’d like to get a taste of African cuisine why not make a pot of African Peanut Soup (Maafe) yourself? Tutaonana baadaye! (Swahili for “catch you later!”👋🏼)
A bit about myself. My maternal side of the family is Hungarian. Actually, sometimes we’re Hungarian and other times we’re Romanian. My maternal grandfather grew up in Sighet, Transylvania (spooky, right?!) and at the time he came to the United States, Sighet was part of Hungary. So we consider ourselves Hungarian even though today Sighet is part of Romania. Sorry for the digression…Here’s a traditional Hungarian recipe – Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad. It’s so light and refreshing and is perfect when served with heavier dishes like stews for example.
I just looove the brightness of this dish and, most importantly, the delicious-ness of the carrots. Harissa Maple Roasted Carrots has middle-eastern flair and robustness from the harissa and cumin and then is layered, mellowed and sweetened with maple syrup. It’s a perfect side dish for fall and winter recipes. I often-times serve it for Thanksgiving since it’s a great make-ahead and serve-room-temp recipe.
Umami Noodles with Scallion Brown Butter (Gluten Free) are loaded with so much flavor. Each strand of pasta is thoroughly coated in sauce, thanks to the Starchy Water trick I include in the recipe. I slurped down the entire bowl of noodles while standing at the stove…and I never do that!
Korean BBQ anyone?? The marinade on Sweet and Spicy Korean Short Ribs (Gluten Free) becomes a delectable candied lacquer when grilled AND cooks for less than eight minutes! If you want easy, quick, poppin’ flavor that’s Korean BBQ style, you’ve got to give this one a try!
I LOVE sheet-pan recipes because they really simplify the cooking and clean-up processes. Sheet Pan Portobello Parmigiana – (Gluten Free) fits that bill and then some. Store bought marinara sauce and pre-shredded mozzarella totally lighten the load on this very tasty and filling vegetarian recipe.
Maple Mustard dressing is a full-bodied dressing that is especially delicious when served with fresh fruit in your salads. My sister makes the dressing for our family gatherings and drizzles it over mixed field greens with fresh, sliced pears or mangos, and Trader Joe’s candied pecans. The dressing (and the salad) are a family favorite!
Cashew Chicken with Asparagus is a totally scrumptious recipe. It’s got the nutty cashew crunch with a sweet honey pepper sauce that melds perfectly with the turmeric chicken and asparagus morsels. The dish comes together in 10 minutes once you get cooking. Can you say “easy dinner that everyone will love?!”
If you’re looking for an easy but unique yogurt breakfast, this one’s for you! Yogurt with Fresh Figs, Honey, and Pine Nuts is filled with interesting and textured flavors that wind together in each spoonful. It’s the added oomph you need to get your day started on the right note.
While Poke originated in Hawaii, it’s now mainstream and available in many restaurants and even in many supermarkets. However, making your own Poke Bowls is a total breeze. And if your reaction is anything like my husband’s was when devouring his homemade Tuna Poke Bowl, you’ll be strutting around doing the Hokey Pokey or busting a move!
This recipe uses Castelvetrano olives which are quite different from other olives. They are meaty and buttery unlike the typical salty olive. Tangy Chicken with Olive Herb Dressing combines the Castelvetrano olives, parsley, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon with the schmaltzy chicken drippings. The result is a jammin’ chicken dinner that takes little effort to make.
The poblano salsa is the star of this recipe. The salsa is bright and briny from the lemon and capers and slightly smoky and earthy from the poblano pepper. Salmon with Roasted Poblano Salsa tastes great whether it’s served hot, cold, or room temperature.
Creamy Coconut Crunch Shrimp is a hybrid recipe…part ceviche-inspired, part Peruvian, yet stands all on its own. Instead of “cooking” the shrimp in an acid (lime, lemon, or orange) like is usually done for ceviche, the shrimp are poached in a wonderful lime coconut milk, which is then reduced into a velvety sauce. For the finishing touches add colorful cherry tomatoes, jalapeños and red onion for some bite, cilantro as a fresh herby accent and then topped with some broken tortilla chips for overall fun crunchiness.
Salsa and Chips is an easy and great snack to munch on. This version of salsa uses summer ingredients such as watermelon, mango and corn to shake things up.Watermelon, Mango, and Corn Salsa is the perfect salsa for hot, steamy summer days. It totally hits the spot…and so do the margaritas!
Let’s shake it up! Milkshakes are great but Goldie’s Amazing Tahini Shakes are even better! A gigantic thanks to Goldie’s Falafel in Philadelphia (same owners as Zahav, Dizengoff, and Federal Donuts fame) for creating these bombs. The flavor is out-of-this-world and so is the luxurious thickness. It’s hard to believe these babies are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.
Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad is perfect for summer holidays, pot lucks, and picnics. It’s a breeze to throw together, travels easily, and the gf pasta holds up well. It’s not mayonnaise-y and heavy like so many other macaroni salads. Rather it’s light, fresh and herby…just like the recipe name. How about that😉!
Steak with Hot Miso Butter is loaded with full-on umami flavor. The steak is totally delicious on its own but it’s the creative blend of butter, miso, and sriracha that propels this baby right off the charts!
Poached Cod in Tomato Curry is a silky smooth curry that is SO simple to make and is loaded with fantastic global flavors. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is just as delicious the next day… if you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers!
Biting into your first juicy, sweet peach of the season is such a joyous experience. Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs takes advantage of the season and is a great combination of mouthwatering peaches, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, sweet and tart blackberries and a zesty vinaigrette. There’s no cooking necessary. Enjoy this simple, beautiful, refreshing salad that’s perfect for the lazy, hot days of summer.
If you’ve never had Pad See Ew before you are in for a real treat! Pad See Ew is a Thai dish that is “sort of” a cousin to Pad Thai but it generally uses wider noodles and broccolini (similar to Chinese broccoli) and has a deeper, richer and more charred flavor than Pad Thai. Plus, it has a double sauce combo…one that is used when cooking the dish and the other that is the sweeter and thicker finishing sauce. More on that later! What’s fantastic here is that Gluten Free Pad See Ew has all of the amazing characteristics of regular Pad See Ew but without the gluten! Cha-ching!
So gourmet, so easy, and so vintage! You just can’t go wrong with this one. Caviar Pie was a go-to classic for my parents generation. It was served at their fancy dinner parties and Holiday meals. Retro Caviar Pie pays homage to the good ‘ole simpler days. Pair it with a nice bottle of chilled Champagne. I’ll toast to that!
This recipe totally rocks. Balsamic Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes and Burrata is a one-pan wonder that takes less than 30 minutes to whip up. The flavor of the dish is phenomenal and the eye appeal is top-notch!
Parmesan Roasted Cabbage with Walnuts absolutely sings with flavor. It’s packed with Parmesan, walnuts, fresh herbs, and anchovies which are the hidden little flavor bombs in this dish(Ssh…no one needs to know they’re in there! Let’s keep it between me and you! 😉). Who knew roasted cabbage could taste SO good and look this sophisticated?!
Charred Asparagus and Dates is utterly divine. First let’s address the awesomeness that happens when you char a date. The date transforms into a candied, sweet, and chewy heavenly nugget. Next, while asparagus are available year-round, spring is the height of asparagus season so take advantage. This recipe is layered with amazing combinations of flavors, textures, and colors and can be on the table in 30 minutes.
I love roasted broccoli. The roasting creates delectable little crispy bits on the edges of the florets and there’s both a crunch and a softness that develops through the roasting process. Roasted Broccoli alone is a treat but whey you pair it with a classic Thai-style dressing, it’s another level. Roasted Broccoli with Thai-Style Dressing is an unexpected combination that will seduce you.
Crispiest Roasted Potatoes are EPIC! Unbelievably crispy! The crispiest ones I’ve ever had…. and without any frying. Thank you Ina! We wolfed these babies down in no time. Can’t wait to make them again…and again.
Horseradish Panko Crusted Salmon gets cooked low-and-slow in this recipe. This cooking method is a sure-fire way to enjoy juicy salmon every time. The slightly spiced horseradish mayo lends a subtle sweetness and spiciness to the salmon while the gluten free panko adds the amazing crunch.
Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds is the perfect salad to help you spring into spring. It’s vibrant, refreshing, layered with crunch, and straight-up gorgeous. Plus, it’s chock-full of vitamins and nutrients. I feel healthier and stronger already💪🏼!
Remember Cracker Jacks? This is the grown up version sans peanuts and a prize. It’s got the same caramel sweetness but with a surprising spicy buffalo wing kick. Both delicious and addictive! So easy to make and even easier to eat.
Balsamic-Glazed Garlic, Spinach, and Cheddar Tart (Gluten Free) is a slam dunk. While all of the ingredients are important, it’s the Balsamic-Glazed Garlic that you will be dreaming about. I’m going to level with you…peeling all of these garlic cloves was a pain BUT I discovered that many markets sell peeled garlic cloves. YES🙏🏻 to small conveniences. Less time prepping and more time enjoying!
In the mood for a special breakfast or lunch? Smoked salmon, avocado and fried eggs …. yum! Deluxe Avocado Toast (Gluten Free) is so easy, so delicious, and so impressive!
Yum-mo! Honey Lime Chicken – Gluten Free is lip-smacking delish. The chicken skin gets browned and crispy in the pan and the sauce is thick, sweet and tangy. This dish is a total family favorite!
Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds is a simple and delicious salad that has a phenomenal combination of crunchy, sweet, savory, and salty. It’s easy to get hooked on this one, even for non-kale lovers!
There’s no sulfates, wheat, or corn syrups in this gluten free DIY French Onion Dip. It’s made with ingredients you can pronounce and it’s beyond delicious. The mix of sugary-sweet caramelized onions with crunchy raw shallots and chives makes this a seriously awesome onion dip. The freshness of ingredients combined with the delicious flavor sets this apart from anything you can buy in the market.
I love easy, quick meals that have big flavors. Easy Mediterranean Shrimp is exactly that dish. It’s one you’ll find on menus in many Mediterranean restaurants and now you can make it at home and have it on the table in less than 30 minutes. I betcha it’s even better than what you would get at the restaurant!
This recipe was inspired by the Coconut Pancakes I had at The Amangani Hotel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. After my effusive praise, the chef graciously agreed to share his recipe with me. Even though this recipe was delicious as is, I added some zest to it…orange zest, that is! Orange Coconut Pancakes with Orange-Infused Maple Syrup. Oh. So. Good!
Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish is going to surprise you, I promise! This soup has a hint of spiciness from the ginger and a zingy, bright herb relish that delivers in a BIG way. It’s velvety smooth and creamy (despite there being no cream). We can say “thank you” to the russet potato for that!!
If you are a fan of Asian dishes that run on the sweeter side like Orange or Lemon Chicken, you will love Vietnamese Caramel Chicken. The sauce is a unique combination of flavorings that come together to create a deliciously sweet, sticky sauce with amazingly tender chicken.
Today we’re making Gluten Free Eggplant Gratin…not to be confused with Eggplant Parmesan. The eggplant is broiled to perfection with a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper. There’s a bit of marinara sauce and a delicious ricotta and parmesan custard that gets baked until golden brown. Although the Gluten Free Eggplant Gratin tastes decadent, it’s not a total calorie buster because the eggplant isn’t fried or breaded.
In less than five minutes you can make this super tasty and super easy Gluten Free Asian Sesame Salad Dressing with just five ingredients! It’s amazing on all types of salads. Try it with leafy greens, slaw, chopped or shredded chicken, or noodle salad. Even use it as a sauce with your veggies. Make a batch and store it in the fridge for a couple of weeks…even though there’s no way it will last that long!
I know exactly what you’re thinking…no way Michelle, it’s too complicated to make Crispy Whole Duck à l’Orange. I’m here to tell you with 100% certainty that you CAN do this and it’s as easy as roasting a chicken…I promise! And after roasting for one hour and 30 minutes or so, you’ll have succulent duck meat with the crispiest, most delectable skin ever, paired with a luscious, citrusy orange sauce. Often times the most difficult part of this recipe can be finding a market that sells duck!
Low and Slow Rib Roast has an amazing crust that’s packed with flavor while the meat remains tender and medium-rare on the inside. Put the roast in the oven and cook it low-and-slow and then finish it with a blast of high heat before you’re ready to serve your masterpiece. Whether you are entertaining for a holiday, celebrating a birthday, having friends over, or just want to indulge, this masterpiece is easily within your reach.
No need to go to or take out from P.F. Chang’s when you can make their Mongolian Beef Dish at home! Copycat P.F Chang’s Gluten Free Mongolian Beef has extra crispy steak (thanks to the corn starch) that’s cooked to perfection and then is coated in a lip-smacking sweet and savory sauce. I doubt there will be leftovers…we polished off the whole plate!
Caramelized Cabbage with Spiced Tomato Gravy will make you feel cozy-warm. The spiced tomato sauce combined with the extra soft and wilted cabbage is the perfect cold weather (or rainy or snowy) dish. And don’t skip the sour cream and fresh herb add-ons…they complete the experience!
Since becoming gluten free, I’ve had to skip the stuffing part of the Thanksgiving meal… well not this year, baby because I’m making a gluten free cornbread-based stuffing that I can gobble down! Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing with Chicken Sausage and Apples is crispy on the outside while being hot, delicious, sweet and savory on the inside. It’s so good you will want to eat it all year round, not just for Thanksgiving. Try it with chicken, Cornish hens or just by itself.
Cooking for Thanksgiving can be overwhelming so it is absolutely critical to have a few easy recipes in your back pocket. Cranberry Mustard Relish is one of those recipes because it’s super simple to make (only 4 ingredients!), can be made ahead of time (yes!!), and is incredibly flavorful – seamlessly combining tart, sweet and spicy.
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with Homemade Gluten Free Gravy is backed by 60+ years of my mom’s cooking and entertaining experience and now I’m sharing all the intel and secret tips with you!!
While salt and pepper fish is a classic asian dish, the scallion rice in this rendition kicks this recipe up a notch or two. The fish is mixed with some simple ingredients such as ginger, gluten free soy sauce, honey, and of course, salt and pepper and then quickly seared in the pan. Meanwhile the rice is mixed with sugar, vinegar, scallions and butter. Yup…butter! Place the fish over the rice and wham-o, Salt & Pepper Fish with Scallion Rice is served. It’s a perfect, simple asian-style dinner.
Creamless Corn and Clam Chowder with Crispy Chorizo is incredible. It’s layered with lots of flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes(yes!). And it’s an extra bonus to have a creamy texture without using any cream!
So many of us gluten free folks really miss having some good bread every once in awhile. I’ve never baked bread before but this recipe is so easy, I decided to give it a try. And guess what? In one hour, I was eating hot-out-of-the-oven Homemade Gluten Free Bagels that are SO delicious and a total snap to make. You won’t believe how few ingredients are needed and how quick and easy (no yeast or boiling required) this recipe is. It’s like a dream come true!
Crunchy beans and crunchy soy-glazed almonds…yum! Green Bean Salad with Soy-Glazed Almonds (GF) is a refreshingly bright salad (or veggie dish) that is so easy to make. Because it can be served cold or room temp, it’s another great make-ahead recipe that’s also super-convenient for potlucks, picnics and holidays.
I’m going to come clean…I’ve never used a slow-cooker before. Mind blowing, I know! After making this recipe, I can now see why everyone loves their slow-cookers so much! It’s the perfect appliance to make this pulled brisket recipe. The brisket becomes fall-apart tender and is amazingly saucy with just the right amount of perfectly caramelized edges. I know I’ll be making this Slow-Cooker Pulled BBQ Brisket recipe again…especially for football game gatherings!
Looking to impress your guests? Serve them Citrus Scallop Crudo as an appetizer. While this dish looks impressive, it comes together quickly and effortlessly… and of course, is totally delicious. The sweetness of the sea scallops are complemented by the bright citrus flavors of the sauce, some fresh herbs, and a smidge of heat.
Wondering what to do with you leftover white rice? Well, look no further. Use it to make this easy and delicious Vietnamese Fried Rice (GF) recipe that comes together in less than five minutes! The sauce is what makes this fried rice so different from the more common, traditional Chinese fried rice that most of us are familiar with. The Vietnamese version has a more subtle, sublime flavor that kicks-in after a few forkfuls and boy is the flavor addictive!
During the summer when basil is abundant (and potentially taking over your garden!), is the perfect time to make pesto. The traditional pesto most of us are familiar with uses pine nuts but in this recipe toasted pecans are the secret ingredient. Pecan Basil Pesto with Pasta (GF) is a “nutty” twist on pesto. It’s a subtle yet delightful variation of a very popular classic.
If you’ve never had Mexican-Style Street Corn, you’re in for a total treat. Before digging in, you’ll want to roll up your sleeves and have the napkins AND dental floss ready to go! The flavors of the charred corn combined with the mayo, cojita cheese, and lime will make your mouth water. Get ready to make many trips to the market (or farmer’s market) for fresh corn…Mexican-Style Street corn is that good!
Whether you want a light dinner on a warm evening or need a main course for a picnic or potluck, Salmon with Creamy Dill Dressing is the perfect choice. It’s super easy to make (and transport, if need be) and can be served warm, room temp, or cold.
This Classic Caprese Salad recipe is so easy that a formal recipe really isn’t required! The key to a great Caprese Salad (as with most Italian recipes) is to use the best and freshest ingredients possible – ripe heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh Mozzarella. Summertime is the perfect time for Classic Caprese Salad because it’s when tomatoes are in-season, abundant, sweet, and gorgeous.
Figs are so delicious and in the summer (through October) when at peak season, they are hard to pass up. I love this recipe of Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cracked Pepper because it requires no cooking, is ready in less than 10 minutes and presents (and tastes) like a restaurant-quality appetizer.