Do you crave yummy chocolate pudding but looking for something healthier, gluten-free, dairy-free, or maybe all three?! This avocado chocolate mousse/pudding is the perfect treat; I call it a mousse because it’s so rich and creamy but essentially, it’s a pudding. And it’s also a great way to use some ripe avocados before they turn. […]
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Maybe it’s bold to call these the best gluten-free brown butter chocolate chip cookie recipe (whew, that’s a mouthful), but I truly believe it is. If you are looking to either impress friends or make a very special cookie, this recipe is for you. It requires some patience in making the brown butter but the […]
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Originally posted on January 24, 2009 I hope you read this blog not just because you want a new recipe but maybe because you look to me for advice in the kitchen. Cooking utensils and gadgets are things I love and I feel they make my life easier. Creating a good meal is a combination […]
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Hi! I’m Amy and I’m here to help you with Gluten-Free living. I’ve been cooking and baking gluten-free since 2007. With a background in foodservice and hospitality from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, I still found it challenging to transition to gluten-free. Throw in a few other “free’s” like for dairy and egg, and […]
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Originally posted June 14, 2013 Have you been looking for a nutella recipe so you could make your own? Here it is. Everyone has different reasons for making food at home which they can buy off of the shelf; it might be economic or for health reasons. Since the first time I tried Nutella, I never […]
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Originally posted January 6, 2021 There are two things that are necessary for really good gluten-free pizza crust; par-baking the crust and a hot oven. I proved it by serving this pizza to a group of 6 and 7 year old (non gluten-free) boys at my son’s 7th birthday party. I knew it was a […]
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Originally posted March 26, 2016 Spring is the time for weekend daytime parties with Mother’s and Father’s day, graduations, bridal showers, and more. Brunch is often laden with gluten-filled items like quiche, muffins, breads, and waffles. Luckily, it’s easy to find tasty gluten-free equivalents and options. But you might just need some gluten-free brunch ideas. […]
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Originally posted August 6, 2015 When a friend posted a picture of a copycat Starbucks lemon loaf recipe on Facebook, I thought, I bet I could make this gluten-free AND dairy-free. I have a faint memory of the taste from many years ago when I used to eat gluten. And I remember liking it. Three […]
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Originally posted July 3, 2016 Whether you are on your way to a friend’s house or just want something traditional in the way of summer fare, here are a few gluten-free summer recipes that might help to get you started. Always make sure your ingredients are gluten-free like mustard, oats, nuts, etc. Eating gluten-free can […]
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Originally posted November 23, 2020 A galette is a rustic style pie with the middle left open. One of my recipe testers said “What I especially liked was the ease of putting it together. Sometimes I won’t bake a pie because I just don’t have the time or patience for the crust. I love a […]
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Originally posted January 3, 2021 While it may have been one of the stars of the pandemic early days, banana bread is a classic. But finding an easy gluten-free banana bread recipe isn’t always easy. So, I’m here to help! Elevating over ripe fruit to a sweet, banana-rich treat will never stop being gratifying. This […]
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Originally posted November 23, 2020. A gluten free pie crust recipe for holiday baking and desserts.
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Originally posted May 3, 2020. A hearty pressure cooker white bean soup with sausage, vegetables, beans, tomatoes, pasta, and greens.
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Originally posted April 9, 2020. Baked gluten free cake-style donuts with optional vanilla, maple, or chocolate glaze.
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Originally posted February 23, 2020. A flaky gluten free biscuit recipe for breakfast or bread baskets, with detailed notes on cold ingredients and baking technique.
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Originally posted November 15, 2019. A hearty lentil stew made in the electric pressure cooker with vegetables, lentils, garbanzo beans, sausage, tomatoes, and spinach.
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Originally posted April 24, 2019. A quick gluten free lasagna made with polenta, zucchini, chicken, spinach, sauce, and optional vegan cheese.
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Originally posted March 12, 2019. A dairy-free cashew cheese recipe with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and olive oil that works especially well on pizza.
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Originally posted February 16, 2019 Some times when I cook, I look in the fridge for inspiration. On this particular day, I found rotisserie chicken, gluten-free egg noodles, and the ingredients for any soup: carrots, celery, and onion. Hmm, I thought, I wonder if I cooked the fresh noodles in chicken soup, maybe it would […]
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Originally posted May 10, 2018 Quiche is one of those things that is not easy to get gluten-free. Sure you can make it but you have to be pretty good with pastry. Rolling out the crust can be a bit intimidating! Why not make a gluten free quiche with a hash brown crust? It saves […]
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Originally posted May 12, 2018 When people think of “gluten”, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, they usually think of the obvious foods like bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, etc. When you eat gluten-free, for whatever reason, you might be surprised to learn there are many places you might find gluten that you would […]
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Originally posted June 19, 2018 Ooohh…doesn’t that look good?! It’s my delicious bone broth after cooking 20 hours. If you’ve always wanted to know how to make thick bone broth, read on. It has taken me a few years to perfect it but now I know the secret (and don’t freak out): chicken feet. Necks […]
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Originally posted August 31, 2018 If you are trying to cut back on your carbs and sugars, try this easy and delicious recipe for paleo crepes. They are great with fresh fruit, some jam, a slice of ham and cheese, or simply on their own. Think of them as a wrap or a replacement for […]
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Originally posted March 20, 2018 My kind of meal: prosciutto braised chicken, mashed potatoes, and a curried cauliflower rice with greens. It was my son’s birthday recently. When I asked what he wanted for dinner, he replied with “meat and mashed potatoes”. We were staying with friends so I needed to make something easy. The slow […]
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Originally posted June 3, 2016 It happened that one day, as I was getting ready for a dinner party, I wanted to make something that would be: I decided on gluten-free and dairy-free s’mores brownies! There were 2 kinds of cookies which I remember worked great as a graham cracker crumb; graham cookies and vanilla […]
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Originally posted July 9, 2017 If you ever thought it was hard to make gluten free churros, I’m here to tell you it’s not. At least not according to my 11 year old daughter. She said to me “Mommy, I thought churros were so hard to make; they are easy!”. That of course was after watching […]
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Originally posted February 12, 2018 Have you ever craved gluten free fluffy pancakes? What if you have to avoid dairy as well? In our house-because of me-we eat food that is free from gluten and dairy. The combination becomes that much more difficult. This recipe, which is based off of a recipe from my book The Warm […]
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Originally posted February 17, 2017 Trying to think of creative ways to get the family to eat vegetables? This recipe for veggie stuffed gluten-free meatloaf is sure to please! The one thing that is key is to make sure the veggies are par-cooked. If you add raw carrot to ground meat, chances are that after […]
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Originally posted May 2, 2015 (Nadine Grzeskowiak, The Gluten-Free RN in front of her old office) May is celiac disease awareness month. But really, we should be aware of it all year long. Why? Many people think they couldn’t possibly have celiac disease. Below (after the quiz; get ready!) is an interview with Nadine Grzeskowiak, […]
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Originally posted December 4, 2015 If you are getting ready to get together with your GFF’s (gluten-free friends) and spread some holiday cheer, you might want some ideas for a gluten-free cookie exchange! If you are new to gluten-free (and other allergens), you might need some help getting starting. First of all, you probably need a […]
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Originally posted December 3, 2015 If you are looking for a great cookie to make for your family or bring to an event, this is the one! This recipe for gluten-free linzer cookies might just be one of your new favorites. I used raspberry jam but you could use anything your little heart desires! Gluten-Free […]
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Originally posted May 28, 2015 One contributor of my cookbook shared a story where she had “memories of eating a bagel and being doubled over in pain; it was still so fresh in my mind”. Luckily, there is such thing as gluten-free bagels (the ones above are from my cookbook, The Warm Kitchen). Celiac awareness […]
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Originally posted September 24, 2015 Some of you might know the book Gluten is My Bitch, written by April Peveteaux. She also wrote another book, Gluten-Free Cheat Sheet. It’s the perfect book for someone who is new to gluten-free or trying it out. One of the recipes really caught my eye; hush puppies. This is […]
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Originally posted July 1, 2015 This gluten-free lemon tart recipe is a favorite from the “Fancy Pants” section of my cookbook, The Warm Kitchen. If you like lemons, you are pretty much guaranteed to love this light and tangy dessert. If you prefer your tart a little more tart, reduce the sugar in the filling […]
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Originally posted June 19, 2015 This recipe comes straight from my cookbook and seemed appropriate to post here with big barbecue-themed holidays such as Father’s Day and the Fourth of July right around the corner! Make sure to make the hard boiled eggs ahead of time (directions are after the main recipe). If you have […]
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Originally posted May 20, 2015 Could you or your child have celiac disease? These are the stories of celiac disease: Two decades ago, many people had never heard of celiac disease. If they did, they associated it with people who got extremely sick when they ingested gluten. The problem is that there are over 300 […]
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Originally posted April 29, 2015 Often when meeting people who buy my book, I learn that besides gluten and dairy, many people also cannot have eggs. There is a chapter in on Common Substitutions in the front of the book but this may not be sufficient. The following is a list, by recipe, with my recommendations […]
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Originally posted June 1, 2015 These meatballs are very similar to the filing of a dumpling or wonton without the wrapper. My family really enjoys them. They are gluten-free and dairy-free and can easily be made paleo. I recently brought these Asian chicken meatballs over sesame noodles (recipe below) to a party. It was a big […]
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Originally posted November 3, 2014 If you have had any trouble making a dairy-free pumpkin pie, I’m here to help. The hardest part to me, though, is the gluten-free dairy-free crust. That recipe is here. Converting my original pumpkin pie recipe to dairy-free took some testing but I feel like this is a great option. […]
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Originally posted November 3, 2014 If you have had any trouble making a dairy-free crust, I’m here to help. The explanations below are lengthy but I explain what to do and not do when making a gluten-free AND dairy-free pie crust. If you need a recipe for a dairy-free pumpkin pie, here it is. This […]
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Originally posted September 17, 2014 If you are looking for a family-friendly dish that can also be transformed to an elegant dinner party, this gluten-free chicken cordon bleu is the one. If your children don’t like the idea of mustard, leave the Dijon cream sauce off and you have something which can make everyone happy. […]
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Originally posted May 8, 2015 This chard and quinoa salad is a great, healthful recipe perfect for picnics and potlucks. Even my children are big fans. It can also be found on page 143 of my cookbook, The Warm Kitchen. Chard and Quinoa Salad Yield: 4 – 6 servings
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Originally posted February 11, 2015 This is a paleo (low carb, low sugar) adaptation from a recipe in my cookbook, The Warm Kitchen. I’ve been experimenting with paleo a lot more lately and I find that it’s a way of eating that really resonates with me. You can expect to hear more about my adventures […]
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Originally posted March 5, 2019 Banana bread and I go way back. When I first started my blog, I mastered a regular version. Then, after my daughter was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, I created a gluten-free and dairy-free version. In the last few years, I’ve been eating less grains and refined sugar. Which lead […]
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Originally posted January 9, 2015 If anyone knows me, they know that when I’m in the kitchen, sometimes I just make stuff up. Take tonight for example. I am currently following the 21 Day Sugar Detox from Diane Sanfilippo. She has a recipe in the book for a veggie lasagne. I would say that was my […]
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Originally posted December 23, 2014 Generally when I see pictures of gingerbread cookies, I know they are off limits. So, along with recipes for many of my other favorite holiday cookies, I have created one for a gluten-free gingerbread. These are really easy to make and can be made dairy-free and vegan. If you can […]
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Originally posted October 26, 2014 When Jennifer Tyler Lee asked me to be a part of the blogger challenge for her new book, The 52 New Foods Challenge, I was excited to help. Jennifer and I met a few years ago, realizing we had a similar passion when it comes to feeding our families healthy […]
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Originally posted October 10, 2014 When you’re craving a burrito, is it really that gluten-containing tortilla you’re after? My guess is that it’s actually the hearty combination of fillings-the rice, beans, cheese, meat, etc. that got your mouth watering in the first place. Sure you could always make or buy gluten-free tortillas, but why not take a […]
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Originally posted July 31, 2019 I’m on a number of gluten-free and celiac groups on Facebook and I’m always amazed at the number of questions people have around travel. Whether it is by plane or car, the same concerns pop up. They want to know how to travel gluten free. The problem is that the […]
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Originally posted August 4, 2014 Did you know that a half cup of shortening does not weigh the same as a half cup of butter? I didn’t! Since going dairy-free, I tend to rely on shortening more and more for baking. Measuring it in a measuring cup can be messy as the cup gets very […]
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Originally posted July 9, 2014 as “10 Tips for Starting a Gluten-Free Diet” If you don’t know my story, I’ll try telling it briefly. If you know me, you probably know that being brief is difficult for me. In 2007, when my daughter was diagnosed with what we thought was a gluten sensitivity for her eczema, […]
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Originally posted May 6, 2014 as “7 minute chicken”. On nights when I know there won’t be a lot of time to cook, I use this recipe/technique. It’s one of my favorite recipes from my book, The Warm Kitchen. What I love about it is that I can change the flavor profile of the chicken […]
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Originally posted May 6, 2014 My good friend Corrine makes the most delicious molasses ginger cookies. She offered some to me last week, 1 day into my Gluten Free (GF) experiment. I had to decline. But, it did motivate me to seek out a great gluten-free molasses ginger cookie that has the flavor and texture […]
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Originally posted May 1, 2014 May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. You probably hear a lot about celiac disease but how much do you know? Do you think gluten-free is blown out of proportion? Are some people eating this way as a fad? Maybe. But the reality is not many people understand what celiac disease […]
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Originally posted April 2, 2014 Without a doubt, these are better than anything I or my children have ever had in a restaurant! Well, in my humble opinion, that is. When I make these, I make a double batch. We use half for the meal and I either freeze the rest or use it for […]
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Originally posted March 19, 2014 I wanted to tackle making a flavorful polenta without dairy. I was getting ready for a party with at least one guest who could not tolerate any dairy. That means no butter, cream, milk or cheese. Olive oil gives the polenta a great texture but it also needs flavor. I […]
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Originally posted March 7, 2014 (that’s when the photo was taken!) Whether you eat dairy-free out of choice or necessity, you’ll find different substitutes out there based on what you’re making. I cook and bake gluten and dairy-free for my family and I. While I refer to the substitutions as dairy-free, it’s actually casein that […]
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Originally posted February 11, 2014 Whether or not you are a kid, a rolled sugar cookie in some fun shape with colored sprinkles always seems fun. Rolled sugar cookies can be made any time during the year. Don’t be intimidated when you see those fancy looking pre-made cookies in the store; this recipe is easy […]
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Originally posted December 26, 2013 Shown above, Italian Knot Cookies and Pie Crust Thumbprints (a happy mistake). Every year I feel like I take on a new challenge in my gluten-free kitchen. This holiday season it was trying to make gluten-free Italian knot cookies. Just the smell of these brings back memories of being in […]
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Originally posted December 8, 2013 I’m embarrassed that I don’t have that beautiful, focused in the foreground-blurry in the background photo of my completed falafel. We got so caught up in the making/eating, we forgot! I promise they looked just like what you would expect; crispy brown on the outside and greenish-flecked on the inside. […]
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Originally posted November 20, 2013 It’s hard enough to be gluten-free but throw in dairy-free too and it can be hard to convert recipes or find substitutes. I’ve been looking for a good gluten-free noodle to use for casseroles but had not found one. I really wanted to make a tuna noodle casserole. However, now […]
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Originally posted November 15, 2013 When I started my adventure in gluten-free baking, one thing that stressed me out was the amount of flours in a recipe. It was so off-putting, sometimes I did not want to bake. I was soon rescued by a friend, Amy Andrews of Ripe Wine and Food, who gave me her recipe for […]
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Originally posted November 12, 2013 Whether you are planning one or two dishes or a whole meal for the holidays, it’s always nice to have some extra tips. Here is my quick guide to planning and creating a delicious meal that happens to be gluten-free (with dairy and egg-free variations). As I always says, you […]
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Originally posted October 30, 2013 I don’t know about you but I often look at things longingly in bakeries. Lately it’s been pumpkin almost anything that I can’t eat because it’s always filled with gluten. Well I finally found a recipe that I was able to translate really well to gluten-free. I made mine dairy-free […]
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Originally Posted October 9, 2013 I have the pleasure to announce the birth of…my cookbook, The Warm Kitchen! I have two children and I remember how I felt during pregnancy, labor and birth. In the beginning I was enthusiastic but of course, it felt very long and drawn out. When my water broke with my first […]
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Originally posted September 27, 2013 Arepas (ah-ray-pahs) are a corn pocket which can be found on many street corners in Venezuela. I first became familiar with them when I met Adriana Lopez Vermut from Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen at the Gluten-Free Spree in San Francisco in 2009. At the time, she only had a location […]
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Originally posted July 28, 2013 A few years ago, I made a version of tamale pie where I made tamale dough and put something in the middle (honest, I can’t remember; it might have been chili inside). I’m not sure why that went out of my rotation. More recently, I made a tamale pie as […]
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Originally posted June 14, 2013 Have you ever wondered how to make your own chocolate hazelnut spread, aka “nutella”? It’s easier than you think to do it yourself. Everyone has different reasons for making food like this spread at home which they can buy off of the shelf; it might be economic or for health […]
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Originally Posted April 2, 2020 If you miss getting your favorite muffins from your local bakery, this recipe will make you very happy! These easy gluten-free berry muffins are just what you need right now. And the best part? If you do any gluten-free baking, you will likely have all of the ingredients on hand. […]
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Whether you make your own gluten-free flour mix or buy one, it’s easy to make really tasty muffins. You just need a fool-proof recipe! I’ve been making gluten-free muffins since about 2007, when my daughter was first diagnosed with a gluten and dairy sensitivity. I put my best foot forward and figured out the perfect combination of […]
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Originally posted April 11, 2014 I adapted this recipe from a regular recipe and I have to say, it’s just as good. I do believe my English mother-in-law would have approved. When making these cookies, make sure you use xanthan gum. I taught a cooking class one day and the student forgot the xanthan gum. […]
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Originally posted March 1, 2013 A big thank you to Aida Mollenkamp for this recipe for Curried Cauliflower with Peas from her book Keys to the Kitchen. I have made this twice, both times with much success. The children (now almost 9 and 7) loved it as well. I put my Family Chef spin on […]
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Originally posted February 13, 2013 When you are looking for an elegant dish that you can serve to both adults and kids, try this one. The recipe is courtesy of Aida Mollenkamp from her book “Keys to the Kitchen”. I made it for Christmas Dinner this past holiday and everyone raved. Now, if you notice, […]
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Originally posted January 14, 2013 I was speaking to a friend today about blogging. My advice to her was that some times it’s ok to just write a quick entry without spending a lot of time. That’s my goal; let’s see how I do (I had to write the recipe; this took the longest). I […]
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Originally posted January 7, 2013 as “Gluten-free Dairy-free Belgium waffles” I don’t know about you, but when I smell Belgian waffles at those kiosks, I really wish I could eat gluten. Last year I vowed to find a gluten-free Belgian waffle replacement, and I must say, I nailed it. I’ve made it two ways: with […]
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Originally posted November 19, 2012 I’m in trouble…big trouble. Because the holiday season, as far as I’m concerned, has kicked off. That means lots of baking for me. I love to experiment and see what I can convert to gluten-free. Some times I am successful and some times not. But when I am, I need […]
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Originally posted November 15, 2012 I made these for many years with regular flour. When I began eating gluten-free, I thought it would be too hard to convert the recipe. Actually, it wasn’t hard at all to make gluten-free chocolate crackle cookies. The result is a delicious, chocolately, crisp on the outside-gooey on the inside […]
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Originally posted October 10, 2012 This is in the category of “things you should not assume your kids won’t like”. A friend of mine (thank you Kristen!) served it at dinner a few years ago and I was amazed that my then 5 year old daughter loved it. I really was shocked! However, my then […]
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Originally posted October 8, 2012 There’s not much to say about these delicious muffins! This recipe will be in my cookbook. One of the testers said “My daughter said they tasted like pumpkin pie. And my little guy couldn’t help himself from stealing fistfuls of the ones we were trying to save for his daddy.” […]
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Originally posted September 8, 2012; updated recipe My family loves this gluten-free orange chicken. It was born out of a desire to make my daughter happy. When my daughter saw the traditional gluten-containing version while we were out for lunch one day, she looked on in envy. Surely, I believed—after years of adapting recipes for […]
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Originally posted July 27, 2012 I learned how to make this cake, called Torta Caprese, in Italy with Wendy Holloway from Flavor of Italy. She was so sweet to include a gluten-free recipe for me. I have since learned that this style, beaten yolks with sugar added to almond meal and folded with beaten egg whites, […]
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Originally posted June 23, 2012 I just want you to know that I don’t know and don’t claim to know how to cook everything. Some things I’m not interested in and some things…well, intimidate even me. I suppose the biggest factor in trying something new is giving myself enough time to fiddle with it and […]
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Originally posted May 1, 2012 Summer is coming and fresh vegetables will be plentiful. Try this delicious salad as a side dish or even a main. It’s light and satisfying. Use the ingredients list as a guide. If you don’t have peppers, use what is on hand. If you don’t like cilantro, it’s fine not […]
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Originally Posted April 21, 2012 Running out of gluten-free and dairy-free lunch ideas for your kids’ lunchboxes? This can be a particular challenge when most traditional options revolve around bread and cheese. Of course you can always use gluten-free bread to make the traditional turkey or peanut butter and jelly, but why not think outside […]
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Originally posted March 6, 2012 One thing I’m good at is looking in the fridge and seeing a meal I can create. One friend said to me once “You look at a cucumber and see 5 ways you can use it. I look at it and see a cucumber.” Well, that’s why I’m here! On […]
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Originally posted February 18, 2012 What I love about this recipe is that you can make it all year round. In the summer, there is a bounty of fruit like peaches, apricots, nectarines, and all types of berries. In the winter, you can use apples, pears, and frozen fruit. The recipe is very forgiving as […]
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Originally posted April 11, 2014 This is a hearty dish perfect for late fall or winter. It’s also wonderful with any root vegetable like turnip, carrot, parsnip, rutabaga, and sweet potato. If you don’t want to bother cutting the squash many stores offer it pre-cut. If you want to add more nutrition to the dish, […]
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Originally posted December 12, 2011 When the weather turns cool, I think comfort foods. With a busy day ahead, I knew my crock pot would come in handy. Once again, it delivered, even with a power outage toward the end of its cycle! Here’s a delicious recipe for beef stew which I have converted to […]
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Originally Posted November 15, 2011 If you think making homemade gravy is harder than the SAT’s, think again. Instead of using a gluten-based roux (butter and flour), you can use a slurry or a gluten-free flour based roux; the slurry is the easiest. Gluten Free Slurry-Based Gravy A slurry is a combination of a starch […]
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Originally posted October 11, 2011 If you have ever been in a social situation and can’t have the food around the buffet table, whether it’s related to allergies, religion, or weight loss, it can be quite difficult. What if it was the other way around? Imagine arriving and being able to eat everything! I thought […]
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Originally posted December 8, 2012 I was experimenting with gluten-free oatmeal cookies a few months ago and created this recipe based on a combination of a few other recipes I had found. Initially, I made it with butter which meant my daughter couldn’t have them. However, the last time I made chocolate chip cookies, she […]
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Originally posted October 7, 2011 Yield: 4 Well some call it pilaf; some may call it bugs and worms in dirt! For a gluten-free side dish, it’s tasty and nutritious. When it comes to Halloween cooking, you want your food to look scary but not taste that way. I used to make a “bug salad” […]
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Originally posted September 22, 2011 as “Roasted Tomatoes over Polenta and Mascarpone recipe“ When Sarah Henkin and I were trying to come up with a menu item for samples at the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market FoodWise booth, we decided to make delicious, late summer tomatoes the centerpiece. We needed to keep the dish simple since […]
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Originally posted September 3, 2011 During a cleanse I did this summer (ok, many summers ago), I was craving something yummy. There was a recipe for salmon in the book I was using but I wanted to make a variation. I was amazed at how satisfying and filling this dish was. I hope you will […]
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Originally posted August 27, 2011 as “Gluten Free Maui Banana Bread recipe“ When you go to Hawaii, more specifically Maui, it seems like there’s a checklist of what most people do or see like snorkeling, going to Haleakala, seeing a rainbow (maybe even a double!), attending a luau, and driving the road to Hana which […]
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Originally published on July 14, 2011 I bought some lovely zucchini at the farmer’s market last week and somehow managed to…well, forget about them. I opened the veggie drawer today, looking at the 4 pieces with guilt, and decided something had to be done. I settled on zucchini muffins (I used my gluten-free carrot muffin recipe but […]
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Originally posted July 12, 2011 I was sitting at the table, reviewing one of my recipes which had not been tested yet for my cookbook. Ranch dressing is one of those items you would assume would be gluten-free until you look at the label. Then you also might see all of the other ingredients that […]
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Originally posted June 22, 2011 I used to be intimidated to cook certain foods, especially gluten-free dishes I hadn’t made before. For some reason, I had thought crepes would be similar to going into the chem lab. I’m happy to report it can be made just as easily as regular ones! But, my theory behind […]
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Originally posted on June 10, 2011 Often I get an email from my cousin that says “Do you have a recipe for …”. A few years ago, he was looking for a lentil loaf recipe. I didn’t have one but looked at 2 to 3 different recipes to get some ideas and created this one, […]
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Originally posted May 27, 2011 Eating gluten-free, I often don’t think about bread as much as I used to. Breakfast is usually just something simple like cereal or fruit with yogurt. But every once in a while, I get cravings. This morning, I opened the fridge and saw a loaf of gf cinnamon raisin bread. […]
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Originally posted May 9, 2011 I taught an Italian gluten-free cooking class at Whole Foods many years ago. Some times, when I create menus, I assume everything will work out (read: I was kind of winging it). This dish was inspired by one I learned from the very lovely and talented Wendy Holloway of Flavor of Italy. […]
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Originally posted February 3, 2011 What is cioppino? There are many versions but no matter how you slice it, you are cooking fish and seafood in a simmering broth of tomato and wine. If you want straight-forward and easy, this recipe is for you. I have lived in Northern California for over a decade (now […]
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Originally posted on January 10, 2011 I recently had a request for this sauce. It’s excellent with the Lentil Loaf (meatless meatloaf) which happens to be naturally gluten-free. I also like this sauce with regular meatloaf, chicken breast (think chicken marsala), polenta, and even by itself. This is one of my favorites from my cookbook, The Warm […]
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Originally posted December 6, 2010 I tend to overthink blogging some times, so this time, my intent is to be short and sweet (good luck to me). Many years ago, I had a recipe for Lemon Almond Cookies. I had copied it from a magazine (specifically from Gourmet, Feb 1990) and kept it all of […]
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Originally posted October 4, 2010 Our local grocery store has these delightful patties in their deli case from time to time. I decided to seize the moment and make my own version. I didn’t even look at the ingredients but I did google “sweet potato millet cake” and the first thing that came up was […]
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Originally posted September 15, 2010 In case you don’t know, I love the Food Network. I’ve been a fan for years. One of my favorite chefs is Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. Someone recently passed along her recipe for Banana Crunch Muffins. I didn’t try the muffin but could tell from the smell it was good. […]
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Originally published on August 28, 2010 Often, when I see chef’s on TV saying, “Oh, just make homemade chicken broth; it’s so easy”, I think, do they have soccer games, birthday parties, and laundry to do? But every once in a while, like after I have a rotisserie chicken, I will make my own broth. […]
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Originally posted September 8, 2010 A very good friend of mine was excited to share a sweet and sour chicken recipe with me that was healthy and that her husband loved. How often does that happen? She thought I should try it too, since my kids tend to like sweeter foods. It sounded so good […]
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Originally posted August 11, 2010 as “Polenta lasagna with roasted veggies and gorgonzola recipe” When I’m asked to create a recipe, I often have what I call a “vision” of a dish. I know it should work because I’ve done something similar before and I’m generally good at putting flavors together. For a dish for […]
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Originally posted August 3, 2010 Soups are economical and easy to prepare. Generally, the way I make it is the same. Sauté the vegetables with seasonings. Add broth and other pantry ingredients. Bring to a boil and then simmer. My soup recipes all have a pattern. Once you learn how to make soup, it’s so […]
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Originally posted August 3, 2010 For some people, soup can be a hard dish to make. My mother used to say if you didn’t season it correctly, it would taste like dishwater (true, very true). So, this is where The Family Chef comes in. I’m here to teach you how to make soup. I like […]
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Originally posted on June 1, 2010 While trying to come up with quick and easy meals for one of my customers, I envisioned a casserole similar to a Shepherd’s Pie but with Greek flavors. I created a base recipe but needed to test it first. My husband even asked where it came from. Uhm, me… […]
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Originally posted May 17, 2010 This is often how things work with me. I decide at some point that I want something. Pizza, cookies, a madeleine…and since I’m eating a gluten-free diet, I can’t always go to the store to buy it. Or, maybe I can but it’s not always good. So it was, that […]
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Originally posted on April 12, 2010 We recently visited Sicily for the first time and I was happy to find a dish I had never heard of before, Pasta alla Norma. I don’t think I would have ordered it except I saw it on every menu and got curious. I was pleasantly surprised to find […]
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Originally posted on March 2, 2010 as “Weeknight Friendly Gluten-Free Meals: Quick Italian Cassoulet” If you could create a quick meal at home that tastes just as good as a restaurant, would you spend an extra couple of bucks? I recently bought a jarred marinara sauce. Yes, I do buy jarred sauce but only if […]
Read More…Originally posted February 17, 2010 When I went to culinary school, I remember when we learned how to make Caesar salad table-side. It was always delicious, but the raw egg in the dressing always bothered me, especially after taking the Food Sanitation course. Salmonella is scary! Some recipes call for coddled or partially cooked eggs. […]
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Originally posted February 9, 2010 (recipe from The Warm Kitchen) Who would have thought that you could use the term “gluten-free” and “tasty chocolate chip cookie” in the same sentence? Up until recently, I didn’t think you could either! Even now, as I write this article, I just want to take a bite out of […]
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Originally posted August 20, 2008 I don’t know why but I have always loved chili, even when I lived on the east coast. If it had meat and beans, a bit of spice and some tomato sauce, yum-yum! I like it plain, over rice, over a baked potato, with French fries, with nachos and even […]
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Originally posted September 23, 2009 As some of you may know, this is one of my favorite recipes; gluten-free crustless quiche. It’s so easy and so many people like it from children to grown-ups. Last week, I grabbed a zucchini from my garden (yes, my garden!), sliced it up, halved the recipe and about 40 minutes later, […]
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Originally posted August 5, 2009 I have to confess. My good friend Alison made this dish at a pot luck. It was delicious! I looked at the ingredients, asked for her permission and created my own twist on it. The combination of flavors is just delicious. The first time I made it, I didn’t have […]
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Originally posted July 13, 2009 I can still remember my Aunt Vincenzina making gnocchi at our house when she was visiting from Rome. I was only 11 years old but can visualize the rolling, cutting and flour, everywhere. I sometimes forget how much I like them. This weekend, I decided I needed a fix and […]
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Originally posted on June 11, 2009 I ate a lot of tomato sauce growing up (although I didn’t like it until I was 5 years old). It was a staple in our diet. Some times even I think it’s hard to make or I’m maybe not in the mood. But when I taste fresh sauce, […]
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Originally posted June 3, 2009 as “Caviar you can’t beet“ I used to called this delicious recipe “beet caviar”; a friend who tried it gave it that name. This was also called Beeta Ganoosh by Aaron Dinwoody of (back then) Farm Fresh Solutions who shared this recipe with me. I first had it when we […]
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Originally posted on April 29, 2009 I always think it’s fun when you have something in your fridge, just looking at you like “So, what are you going to do with me? Any ideas? Please, just don’t throw me away!”. Such was the case with an eggplant I bought recently. When I was growing up, […]
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Originally posted on April 23, 2009 Granola can be very expensive. Have you ever wondered how to make it? It’s quite easy. You need the right ingredients, a big bowl and a rimmed sheet pan. That’s it. Oh, I suppose a good recipe helps, too. Granola is a great snack. It can be used with […]
Read More…Originally posted on March 12, 2009 as “Time to Try Pad Thai” Think your family won’t eat Thai food? Have you tried Pad Thai? It’s basically noodles in a sweet sauce. At some point, we realized our kids liked it when they tried it in a restaurant. They are not crazy about cilantro (at the […]
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Originally posted on March 14, 2017 Whether you are getting ready to make a corned beef and cabbage dinner for St. Patrick’s Day or just like the taste of this caraway seed-raisin filled quick bread, this gluten-free Irish soda bread is sure to please. The recipe can easily be adapted for dairy-free diners as well. […]
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Originally published on March 12, 2009 Yes, it can be done. I mean, in theory, it should be a no brainer, right? Well, I felt the need to test so that’s what I did this week. I really like the ones that are all natural, no added nitrites/nitrates, and hormone free. Most come in a […]
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Originally posted December 15, 2008 as “Party Food for the Holidays”. You walk in the grocery store. The party is starting in 60 minutes. What do you do besides the standard hummus and crackers and tortilla chips and salsa? There are many options out there and I’m here to help. It’s not to say there’s […]
Read More…Originally posted August 20, 2008; it was called “Amy’s Chili” I don’t know why but I have always loved chili, even when I lived on the east coast. If it had meat and beans, a bit of spice and some tomato sauce, yum-yum! I like it plain, over rice, over a baked potato, with French […]
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I love making this with turkey but you can use any ground meat. If you use turkey or chicken breast (white meat), you should use the extra egg since breast meat is so lean. The combination of flavors is really tasty; this is a dish that most children and adults enjoy. Gluten-Free Meatloaf Makes 4-6 […]
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Originally posted on October 27, 2008 as “Not my mom’s pot roast” This is easy. My mom didn’t really make pot roast. My memories, growing up in an Italian family on the east coast, were of risotto, bracciole, meatballs and the occasional roast beef. Unfortunately, roasts were not her forte. My dad would always ask […]
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Originally posted October 7, 2008 I love making waffles for the family; even on weekdays. I often make extra and put them in the freezer. My almost 3 year old daughter would eat them every day if I let her. She’s the one with the gluten intolerance so I’ve adapted a favorite recipe just for […]
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Originally posted September 11, 2008;it was labeled as “The Best-o Pesto”. It also could be called “Easy Pesto.” Hope you agree! I remember when I first moved to California (many years ago). I had never heard of a Farmer’s Market back east. Sure, we had farm stands but I grew up in the country. Back […]
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Originally posted on September 9, 2008 thanks to our neighbor’s kids, Laurel and Siena! Does this dish sound like something you would order in a restaurant? Well it might but you can make it at home without a lot of fuss. And you might think it strange but my 2 and 4 year old both […]
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Originally posted February 1, 2010 One day when I opened the pantry, I noticed some dried black beans. It made me think of chili and then I remembered I had some sweet potatoes I needed to use up. I pulled out a pound of ground beef from the freezer and decided to make a sweet […]
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Originally posted August 26, 2008 (in memory of Stuart) My friend Stuart has been after me to provide some more blog entries. Although he’s a vegetarian, I hope he doesn’t mind this one on beef. I think it’s worthy, and the recipe I provide later could also be made with a veggie ground round. I […]
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Originally posted July 15, 2008 Instead of opening a jar of olive tapenade or a dip from the refrigerated section of the market, consider making your own. If you keep some key ingredients on hand and have a small food processor or blender, you are in business! The olive tapenade is so easy and so […]
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Originally posted June 22, 2008 Some of you might understand this; others might think it funny. (Many years ago), while I was in my exercise class, during one of the hardest parts, all I could think about was this crisp I was going to make later that day. I thought about the berries, so ripe […]
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Originally posted April 16, 2008 When I am asked for my “signature dish”, I always find it to be a hard question to answer. I have a few that I make over and over which would qualify. But when it came down to it, I thought about what it is I feel I represent; easy, […]
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Originally posted March 17, 2008 Do you remember some of the products like “I can’t believe it’s not butter!” or “This can’t be yogurt!”? Well, get ready for “I can’t believe these brownies are gluten-free!”. I have been cooking and baking gluten-free since July 2007 when a doctor told me that one of the reason’s […]
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Originally posted March 1, 2008. Are you looking for something to bring to a potluck, bbq, party, or even dinner that is tasty and full of protein and fiber? I used to make this dish when I lived in New England and then sort of forgot about it. This is surprising because it’s easy and […]
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This post from 2008 was originally titled “Hummus at Pre-School? Really??”. Yes, that’s how old this recipe is! Bottom line, I served it to a group of three to five year olds and it went over very well. My 20 year old recently made it for herself so it is still a popular option. Special […]
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This recipe is very important as it was my first win in my journey as a gluten-free chef. It was posted on January 2, 2008. Dealing with food allergies and sensitivities can be a difficult and frustrating experience, especially if it’s for children. My daughter was diagnosed with a multitude of food sensitivities that we […]
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This was my very first blog post, originally posted on November 11, 2007. The recipe is a regular recipe with regular flour. See the link below for the gluten-free version. Scroll down to the pumpkin filling recipe; that stays the same. When you read the recipe for the gluten-free pie crust version, you will see […]
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In 2007, after a doctor told me to feed my toddler a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and a few-other-things-free diet, I distinctly remember saying “How can I feed my baby this food?” It was dry. It was tasteless. I needed to figure this out. I’m going to attempt to give you the quick story of why […]
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