Category: Gluten-Free Cooking

Considering Meatless Monday (with Gluten-Free Options)

I’ve attempted to go vegetarian twice in my life. Both times were, to put it mildly, abject failures. Mostly because I had no idea what it meant to be a vegetarian. “Just cut out meat!” I thought.

This is reminiscent of the first time I decided gluten was my digestive problem. I simply cut out bread and some pasta — but the truth is, I mostly ate whatever I wanted, with a nod toward being gluten free. Since I didn’t feel better, I decided gluten wasn’t my problem. Continue reading “Considering Meatless Monday (with Gluten-Free Options)”

Cauliflower Ideas to Make Believers Out of Doubters

It’s no secret that cauliflower has finally attained favorite veggie status in many households, mine included. After my success with Brussels sprouts, a food my husband eats like candy when I make it, I decided to give cauliflower another try.

Way back in the day, when I was a devotee of the so-called Mediterranean diet, I’d substituted cauliflower for potatoes to make, well, faux mashed potatoes. They weren’t the worst thing in the world, but I didn’t embrace the recipe. Probably because the recipe I tried was on the bland side. I’ve bookmarked this recipe for mashed cauliflower the next time I’m ready to try this idea again. The only thing I would add is some roasted garlic. Continue reading “Cauliflower Ideas to Make Believers Out of Doubters”

My Favorite Weeknight Side

I confess to a chickpea (or garbanzo bean, if you prefer) addiction. I also like lima beans. Or pretty much all beans. But chickpeas are definitely my favorite. Maybe because they are perfect for all kinds of things, from salads to hummus.

Oh, hummus! Talk about a perfect gluten-free taste treat. Continue reading “My Favorite Weeknight Side”

Baked Potato Ideas

Since we started on the carb-cutting journey, my body has adjusted to a lower volume of foods I used to devour. I am happy to say that the increase in fruits and vegetables — particularly leafy greens — in my diet has really helped my diet get back on track, and I feel satisfied after every meal.

That doesn’t mean I don’t indulge in carby foods sometimes, particularly after a long run. My body demands a mix of protein and carbs to get itself back in balance. Who am I to argue with myself? Continue reading “Baked Potato Ideas”

Slawing It Down

My first exposure to cole slaws was in the form of a container that came with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. My younger sister dubbed it “cold slop”, and, frankly, her name was fairly accurate. It was…fine from the perspective of an eight-year old palate, but not anything that would make me actively order cole slaw if I encountered it on a menu.
Times change, tastes mature, and I discovered that I love the stuff. But I never really made it for myself. It always seemed…complicated. I mean, you had to shred cabbage, then make a dressing, then, you know, toss the cabbage and dressing together.

Continue reading “Slawing It Down”

They’ll Never Guess It’s Gluten Free

When I feed people, I like to cook up a wide variety of foods (except desserts, a food group I haven’t mastered…so I generally hit our local ice cream shop, or let the guest who offers to bring something take on the dessert task!). Obviously, if it comes out of my kitchen, it’s gonna be gluten free.

But I don’t advertise that fact. Continue reading “They’ll Never Guess It’s Gluten Free”

Buckwheat: Delicious, Easy, and Gluten Free

As I’ve cut back on rice (and I promise you, this has been hard!), I’ve been looking at other options for my lunches. Since I got my pressure cooker, beans, especially black and garbanzo beans, have been on the menu. It’s really easy to cook up a batch on Sunday afternoon for lunches and to add to meals during the week.
But what has really captured my tastebuds is buckwheat. In the same amount of time it takes to make stovetop rice, you can cook up buckwheat groats. They have a nice chew and amazing flavor — earthy and warm. As an added bonus, they are super-versatile.

Continue reading “Buckwheat: Delicious, Easy, and Gluten Free”