Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

Dry Ingredients:
1 cup sweet rice flour (or white rice flour)
3/4 cup potato starch (NOT potato flour)
3/4 cup tapioca starch (also called flour)
1+½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp xanthan gum (or guar gum)
1/8 tsp cloves (ground)
1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
1 tsp ginger (ground)
1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients
½ cup brown rice syrup
2 tbsp honey
1 egg white (cold)
½ cup gluten-free, black strap molasses

Other Ingredients:
1/3 cup dairy&soy -free margarine

Method
Using a wire whisk, combine the dry ingredients well. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the margarine until the mixture is crumbly.sIn a small bowl, beat the wet ingredients together well. Add the wet mixture to the dry and combine until it forms heavy dough. Form a flat ball, cover and refrigerate for one hour (or overnight).

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with baking parchment.

Sprinkle a little tapioca flour on a sheet of baking parchment and roll out ¼ of the dough to ¼ inch thick. Use extra tapioca flour if the dough is sticky. Cut out the shapes as desired and place on lined baking sheets. Repeat for the remaining dough.

Bake for 7 minutes and cool on a wire rack.

Decorate with allergy-free frosting.

Muskoka Rice Pudding

Muskoka Rice Pudding

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

Muskoka, Ontario is renowned for the delicious wild blueberries that grow there. The recipe for Muskoka rice pudding was conceived while munching those marvelous and flavourful berries. When serving the pudding, it never hurts to add a few more fresh ones on top!

Ingredients
1 cup white rice

2 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

1+1/4 cups rice milk

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup brown rice syrup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

3/4 cup fresh, wild blueberries

**Optional: Additional blueberries for garnishing

Method

Bring the rice, sea salt, cinnamon stick, and water to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes or until most of the water has been absorbed. Remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Add the rice milk, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavours to blend (up to 10 minutes). Stir gently to prevent scorching.

Add the wild blueberries and stir gently to avoid breaking them and discolouring the pudding.

Serve warm with a little extra cinnamon and nutmeg on top, or refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. If you are going to warm up and eat the pudding later, transfer it to a small casserole dish and gently heat in an oven or microwave.

Cottage Biscotti

Cottage Biscotti
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

One rainy afternoon at our cottage, Cottage Biscotti was born! This is great on its own, or dip it in an icing glaze or dark chocolate glaze.

Ingredients
Dry
3/4 cup brown rice flour (or potato flour)
1/4 cup almond flour
3 tbsp tapioca starch
2 tbsp arrowroot flour
3/4 tsp guar gum
1/2 tsp gluten free baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt

Wet
2 whole eggs (or 3 egg whites)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp sunflower oil
2 tbsp rice milk

Nuts and Fruit
1/3 cup prunes, pitted and finely chopped (or use other dried fruit of choice)
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped (or use other nuts of choice)

Optional Icing Glaze
1 cup icing sugar (corn and gluten-free)
1 tsp almond extract
1 tbsp rice milk

Method
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Oil an 8 X 8 inch baking dish with sunflower oil and set aside. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and set aside.

Biscotti
In a medium bowl, blend all dry ingredients well using a whisk. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the wet ingredients until blended. Add the dry ingredients to the wet a little at a time. The batter will be VERY thick. Fold in the nuts and fruit using a spatula and distribute evenly. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish as evenly as possible and bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until the top just begins to turn brown. Remove from oven and cool for about 5 minutes.

Slice the layer of biscotti into three equal pieces in the pan. Remove each section from the pan and cut it again, on the short side, into four pieces, each 2 inches wide. In all you should have approximately 16 pieces.

Place each piece, wide side down on the lined baking sheet and continue baking for about 15 minutes or until they are crisp (could take a bit longer depending on humidity).

Icing Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine corn-free icing sugar, almond extract and rice milk. Stir it until it is smooth (all lumps are absorbed). If the glaze is too thick for dipping, add 1 tsp of rice milk at a time until it is thin enough to coat the biscotti, but not so thin that it drips off.

When the biscotti is cool, dip each one into the glaze coating only 1/2 of it (one end). The uncoated end can be used to handle the cookie. Place each one on a wire rack or a parchment lined cookie sheet to dry. If desired, melted chocolate can be used to dip the biscotti instead of using the icing glaze.

Cheese-Like Sauce

Cheese-Like Sauce
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This is a great recipe for making about 1/2 cup of cheese-like sauce to have over vegetables or on pasta. It is a favourite of my little girl and her dad. For adults, get adventurous and use more spices to give it some zing!

Ingredients

1/2 cup rice milk

2 slices vegan rice cheese

2 tsp tapioca flour

1/4 tsp dried mustard

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

**Optional: a pinch (1/8 tsp) of any of the following onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, ground fennel seed

Method

Heat the rice milk to hot (not boiling) either in a small pot over medium heat, or in a large cup in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Add the "cheese" and dry mustard (and any other spices) and heat again until the cheese is mostly melted (about 20 seconds in the microwave). Remove about 3 tablespoons of the hot liquid and place in a small cup or bowl. Add the tapioca flour to the cup and stir until it is fully absorbed by the hot liquid in the cup and there are no lumps. Stir the mixture back into the pot of "cheese" sauce and continue to heat until the mixture thickens (about 20 seconds in the microwave, stirring after 10 seconds). Adjust the seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Note: There is no need to boil the sauce to thicken it.

Duck Soup

Duck Soup

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free
** Does contain gluten-free soy sauce

This very robust soup has a lot of wonderful flavour (many of the same spices used in the duck patties), but it is not a hearty (thick) soup. It can be used as an appetizer, or paired with gluten-free bread and a salad to make a complete meal.

This recipe is best made over two days. The first day, make the broth and cook the duck meat. The second day, skim the fat off of the broth (and discard), and continue to prepare the soup. This is a great recipe to make to use up all the left over duck parts after making duck patties (if you start with a whole duck).

Ingredients

1 duck, uncooked (or the leftover, uncooked parts from making duck patties will do)

Seasonings

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 onion, coarsely chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped up

1/4 tsp peppercorns, whole

1+1/2 tsps sea salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp cloves, ground

2" x 2" piece of fresh ginger, chopped into small pieces

1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free)

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Add near the end of cooking

1+1/2 tsp fennel seed, finely chopped or crushed (also called anise)

2 fresh plums, peeled and cut into thin slices

Duck meat

Just before serving add...

3 cups cooked rice (white or wild)

Method

Day 1. Cover the fresh (uncooked) duck meat with water in small stock part or large dutch oven. Bring the water to a slow boil over medium-high heat, skimming the foam off from time to time. When the water has boiled, turn down the heat to medium-low, and continue to simmer for 1 + 1/2 hours. The meat should be cooked through. Do not add sea salt to the water while simmering.

Cool the broth, strain the meat and bones out of it using a colander over top of a large bowl, and refrigerate overnight. Cool the duck meat and refrigerate overnight discarding any large bones and large pieces of skin/fat.

Day 2. Skim the cold, congealed fat off the broth and discard (unless you have another use for it). return it to a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and all the other seasonings to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Strain the seasonings from the soup (using a colander and large bowl) and return it to the soup pot again.

While the broth is simmering, strip any usable duck meat from the bones, cut into bite sized pieces and reserve.

Add the reserved duck meat, plum slices and crushed fennel seed to the strained soup and simmer for 20 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Just before serving, add the rice to the pot. If you think you will have leftover soup, do not add the rice to the pot, place a little in each bowl before serving. The rice will soak up any leftover broth if left in it long enough (like overnight).

Duck Patties

Duck Patties
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free

** Does contain gluten-free soy sauce

I have always been a fan of duck, but have never been terribly adventurous in preparing it. I came across a recipe for duck burgers and simply had to try to adapt it for our life-style. The result was absolutely delicious. If you are cost conscious, purchase a whole duck (not just the expensive boneless breast meat), remove the breast meat for this recipe, and make soup with the remaining parts!

Ingredients
2 duck breasts, boneless
1/3 cup crispy rice cereal (gluten free), crushed

Seasonings
1/4 of a small onion, chopped very finely
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp soy sauce, gluten free
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp fennel seed, crushed or finely chopped
1/8 tsp cloves, ground
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method
Cut the duck breasts into quarters, but leave the skin on. Place the duck chunks into a food processor and pulse only until the the meat is chopped up, but not a mushy paste. If there are large chunks of skin or fat that are not processed, take them out and discard them. Put the chopped duck in a medium sized bowl.

Add all the seasonings to the bowl and blend well. Add the sea salt and pepper to taste, last. There is quite a bit of flavour already, so use sparingly.

Finally, fold in the rice crumbs a little at a time to help combine the duck bits and make it easier to handle. Form 6 small patties with the mixture and place them in a medium sized skillet over medium heat.

As the skin and fat were left on during processing, there will be plenty of oil in the pan before long. You may want to drain some of it off during cooking. Brown well on one side, then flip and brown the other. Do not turn more than once as the patties may fall apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Serve with rice, on a bun (like Joel's burger buns), or make them smaller and serve them as appetizers.

Sydney's Mac and Cheese-Like

Sydney's Mac and Cheese-Like

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This was an instant hit with my little girl. She especially liked the rice crumbs on top. The sauce does have a light, cheesy flavour to it, even though it is dairy and soy-free!

Ingredients
450 gms rice pasta (elbows or shells work well)
1 cup frozen peas

Sauce
1 small onion, finely minced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp tapioca flour
1 tsp dry mustard powder
2+1/4 cups rice milk
3/4 cup non-dairy, rice cheese (no soy) - I used 7 of the sandwich slices.
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
1 tsp sea salt
Pepper to taste

Garnish
1 cup crispie rice cereal (gluten free), crushed

Method
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. Oil a medium sized baking dish with olive oil.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rice pasta according to the directions. Cook only until tender, but firm. When done, rinse under warm water to remove the starch and pour into a large bowl. Add the frozen peas and set aside.

Sauce
In a medium sized pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. When hot, cook the minced onion until it is tender, then add the mustard. Slowly whisk in the rice milk and nutmeg and heat until warm. Add the rice "cheese" and continue stirring until it melts, and the sauce begins to get hot.

To thicken the sauce, remove 4 tablespoons of the sauce and place it in a small bowl or cup. Add the tapioca flour and stir until the flour is fully absorbed and there are no lumps. Whisk the tapioca mixture back into the "cheese sauce" and stir gently until it gets hot and thickens. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and add pepper to taste.

Pour the sauce all over the pasta mixture and toss lightly until it is well coated. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the crushed rice cereal.

Bake for 20 minutes to allow the "cheese" sauce to absorb and the frozen peas to heat up.

Sydney's Endless Energy Bars

Sydney's Endless Energy Bars

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

There are a lot of gluten-free energy bars on the market, but we haven't found many that our little girl, or her dad enjoy. These "eat" more like rice crispy squares, but are packed with protein and fruit, and none of the sugar!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

4 cups crispy rice cereal, gluten free

1+1/4 cups pecan pieces, no salt

1/8 cup sunflower seeds, roasted, no salt

1/8 cup pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas), no salt

3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries, chopped up

1/4 cup mixed berry fruit bar, cut in to very small pieces (no sugar added)

Sauce

3/4 cup brown rice syrup
3/4 cup almond butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp sea salt

Method

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (not waxed paper!)

In a very large bowl, add all the dry ingredients and toss together thoroughly.

In a small saucepan, add the brown rice syrup and almond butter and mix together well over medium-low heat. Continue to stir until the sauce has melted and begins to bubble - watch that the mixture does not scorch. Continue to cook and stir for one more minute. Remove from head and add the vanilla and salt.

Drizzle the hot sauce over the dry mixture and combine quickly using a large spatula. Work quickly as the sauce cools and thickens fast. When the dry mixture is thoroughly coated with the sauce, scrape the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture as evenly as possible over the entire sheet.

To flatten the mixture, cover them with waxed paper (or parchment) and use a rolling pin. Leave the waxed paper on and chill the entire sheet for about 2 hours. When chilled, cut them into energy bar sized pieces (using either a knife or pizza cutter), and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator with waxed paper between each one, or insert each into a snack bag sized baggie, so they are ready to grab and go.

Yield 16 large or 32 small bars.

Rosemary & Apple Roast Chicken

Rosemary & Apple Roast Chicken

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This flavourful chicken is perfect for family dinners or entertaining!

Ingredients

1 whole chicken

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced with the skin on

3-4 springs of fresh rosemary

Flavoured Coating

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple juice

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cloves

Additional spice for sprinkling over the apples.

Optional: 2 tsp tapioca starch for thickening gravy

Method

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Have the bottom half of a roasting pan ready with a rack in the bottom. Prepare the chicken by removing any giblets and rinsing it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels (and discard the towels).

Flavoured Coating

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for the flavoured coating well using a fork. Put several pieces of apple and onion into the cavity of the chicken. Truss the legs to keep the onion and apple inside.

With a cooking brush, brush the flavoured coating all over the chicken and drip some inside the chicken too. It is fairly thick so it should stick well.

Place the chicken, breast side up in the roasting pan (on top of the rack) and pour any remaining coating over the chicken. Adjust the seasonings (additional sea salt and freshly ground pepper) if desired. Place the remaining apple slices and onion pieces around the chicken, and sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves over them. Carefully pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Break the sprigs of rosemary into large pieces and place some directly onto the top of the chicken, and some into the bottom of the roasting pan with the water.

Put the roasting pan, uncovered, into the oven and roast for 20 minutes at 475 degrees to seal in the juices, then reduce the temperature to 325 minutes for an additional 1 +1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

**Hint: I like to baste the chicken every 30 minutes or so, and make sure there is liquid in the bottom of the pan for making gravy or au jus. If too much has evaporated, add 1/2 cup at a time.

At the end of cooking, the liquid in the bottom of the pan will be very flavourful (fruity and spicy) and likely does not need flavour added. If you wish to thicken the liquid for gravy, drain it into a small pot through a sieve or strainer to remove the rosemary leaves and cook over medium heat. Remove 4 tbsp of the hot liquid and add 2-3 tsps of tapioca flour. Stir until the flour as been absorbed and there are no lumps. Whisk the tapioca mixture back into the gravy and stir while it is cooking until it begins to thicken.

Chicken Shish-Kabob

Chicken Shish-Kabob
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free**, Peanut-Free

Tired of burgers? Shish-Kabobs are a great alternative. Let each dinner guest prepare their own kabobs, then they get exactly what they want! Even kids like to make their own.

Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks (approx.)
8 baby potatoes, skin on
1/2 green pepper, cut into large chunks
1/2 yellow pepper, cut into large chunks
1/2 red pepper, cut into large chunks
8 grape tomatoes
(add or substitute any other veggies or fruit you like that can be barbecued)
3 tbsp olive oil
Sea Salt and Freshly ground pepper

**Optional marinade: 1/4 cup soy sauce, gluten free
1/4 cup water

Method
Before the barbecue, gather 8-10 skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least an hour to prevent them from burning on the barbecue. If you wish to marinate the chicken before barbecuing it, place the chicken in a bowl and add the soy sauce and water. Cover and let stand in the refrigerator for one hour.

Boil the baby potatoes until they are tender (they give when you squeeze them) before the barbecue. This can even be done the day before. Allow them to cool .

In the meantime, prepare all the vegetables (and/or fruit) for skewering. On a small plate or in a tiny bowl, mix the olive oil with some sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Arrange all the items to skewer to make it easy for the dinner guests to reach them.

When the chicken is ready, invite the dinner guests to wash their hands, then grab 2 skewers and pierce and slide onto the skewers the items of their choice. Remind your guests to take note of what they put on their skewers so they will get the right one back after they are cooked! When they are finished their creations, using a basting brush, lightly brush on the oil and seasonings mixture. This is very important to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill. Cook the kabobs about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve with rice or a salad.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This recipe works great as an appetizer or as a side to pasta dinners.

Ingredients

6 slices, Joel's Bread Loaf

Olive oil to brush on bread

1 tsp garlic, minced

2 plum tomatoes, diced

Sea salt and Freshly ground pepper

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, gluten free

1+1/2 tsp olive oil

Parsley or cilantro to garnish

Method

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

In a bowl, add the diced tomatoes, lemon juice, 1 +1/2 tsp olive oil, garlic and Italian seasoning. Toss together lightly and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Lightly paint one side of each slice of Joel's dinner loaf (or other gluten free bread) with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place the bread oil side down on the parchment. Bake for about 10 minutes or until slightly toasty. Remove from the oven and turn the oiled side up.

When ready to serve (it's best served warm), spread some of the tomato mixture over each slice of toast and cut each slice of toast into 4 pieces. A pizza wheel (cutter) works well for this. Do not spread the tomato mixture too soon or the bread will become soggy.

Garnish with some fresh cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy!

Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This recipe works equally well with turkey. Pine nuts are used to make the sauce more flavourful, but can be omitted.

Ingredients
2 cups chicken (or turkey), cooked and chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup vegetables (I used a yellow zucchini)
1/2 large onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/4 cup apple juice

Pasta

8 oz rice linguine

1 tsp olive oil

3/4 cup peas, fresh or frozen

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Sauce
1/4 cup tapioca flour (for thickening)
2+1/2 cups rice milk

1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chicken (or vegetable) broth
pinch ground nutmeg

2 tsps Italian seasoning

1/4 cup pine nuts, crushed into a paste

Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Garnish

1/4 cup whole pine nuts

Method
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Oil a medium sized baking dish (large enough to hold all the pasta and chicken).

In a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the onion, garlic and fresh thyme and saute until the onions are tender and almost translucent. Add the apple juice and simmer until it is evaporated. Add the zucchini and continue cooking for 1 minute (do not overcook). Set aside in a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, and toss it all together lightly.

Pasta

Bring a large pot of water with 1 tsp olive oil to a boil. Add the rice pasta and cook until it is tender but firm (do not overcook!). Drain, rince the pasta under warm water, and add to the chicken mixture.

Sauce

In the same frying pan over medium heat (or a bit lower), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the tapioca flour. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the rice milk, broth, vanilla, Italian seasoning and nutmeg stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Gently stir in the pine nut paste and season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Cool slightly and add to the chicken mixture.

Toss all the ingredients together and add the peas and parsley. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Toss again and pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of whole pine nuts over the top and bake for about 25 minutes.

Pancakes

Pancakes
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

Nothing says the weekend like a big stack of fresh-off-the-griddle pancakes. These are delightfully light, and can soak up maple syrup like a sponge. Kids and adults will ask for seconds!

Ingredients
Dry
1/2 cup sweet rice flour (plain rice flour will also work)
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup potato starch
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp xanthan gum

Wet
2 eggs
4 tbsp sunflower oil
1+1/2 cups rice milk

Extra sunflower oil to season the griddle

Method
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, mixing well.
In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine the wet ingredients.

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients stirring with a fork or whisk until the batter is consistent, but slightly lumpy. Let the batter sit while you preheat the griddle to about 300 degrees F, then whisk again just before cooking.

Season the griddle with a light coating of sunflower oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter or less onto the griddle for each pancake. Flip the pancakes over when you see bubbles throughout the pancake and the bottom is lightly browned. Lightly Brown the other side and serve hot!

Ginger Snaps

Ginger Snaps
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

These cookies are full of rich flavour and kids like them too. Makes 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients
Wet
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tbsp black strap molasses
1 tsp vanilla

Dry
1/2 cup sweet rice flour
1 cup tapioca flour
1/2 cup potato flour
1 tsp ginger, ground
1 tsp cinnamon, ground
2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp clove, ground
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
1/4 tsp salt

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with baking parchment.

In a small bowl, mix together the sunflower oil and sugar. Add the molasses, egg and vanilla and mix until well combined.

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. Using a whisk, mix again to evenly distribute the salt and xanthan gum.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Continue stirring until a large dough ball is formed. Cover the dough with a towel and refrigerate at least one hour.
Using a teaspoon, scoop the dough out, make small balls, place them on the baking sheets and then flatten them with the bottom of a glass dipped in tapioca flour or sugar (to keep the dough from sticking). Cookies should be about 1/4 inch thick and 2 inches in diameter.

Bake 9-10 minutes and allow them to cool slightly before moving them.

Apple Pecan Bread Pudding

Apple Pecan Bread Pudding
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This dessert smells heavenly when it is cooking, and wanting a second helping is almost guaranteed. I used Joel's Bread Loaf that was 2 days old for the bread cubes.

** Best served warm and fresh from the oven.

Ingredients
4 cups bread cubes (free from gluten, dairy & yeast) Joel's Bread Loaf works well
1/4 cup pecan pieces
1 cup apple, finely chopped (leave skin on)
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 cups almond milk
1/3 cup maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
Sunflower oil to grease the pan

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a quiche pan or large pie pan.

In a medium-sized bowl, toss together the bread cubes, walnuts, apple pieces, nutmeg, cinnamon and sea salt.

In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix the almond milk and maple syrup together. Add the almond milk mixture to the bread mixture and gently mix. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

When serving, pour a little extra maple syrup over each portion.

Turkey Loaf

Turkey Loaf
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This turkey loaf has all the taste, aroma, and comfort of homemade meatloaf, except it is made from yummy turkey! It's a favourite with kids due to its slightly sweet flavour.

Ingredients
Olive oil for pan
1/8 cup brown sugar

Loaf
1+1/2 lbs ground turkey
1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
1/2 cup celery, chopped finely
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
1/2 cup homemade ketchup**
3 large eggs, slightly beaten (or 4 egg whites)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 cup crispy rice cereal, crushed (gluten-free)

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9X5 loaf pan with olive oil. Sprinkle the brown sugar into the bottom of the pan in a thin layer.

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, celery, and garlic. Once mixed, add the ketchup, beaten eggs, sea salt and pepper and mix again. Finally add the crushed rice cereal and mix a final time.

Press the loaf mixture into the loaf pan, removing any air, and smooth the top.

Bake for one hour, or until cooked through. Let the loaf sit for 10 minutes before serving.

**Use the homemade ketchup recipe from the Allergy Free Kitchen

Jody's Summer Salad

Jody's Summer Salad
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

The fresh mint, garden vegetables and light dressing make this a great summer salad, perfect for BBQs. It's OK to change the combination of vegetables, as long as there is variety and colour. No need to tell anyone it is actually healthy too!

Ingredients
Salad
1 28 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup red sweet pepper, diced
1/3 cup orange sweet pepper, diced
1/3 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup cucumber (or zucchini), diced
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, shelled (pepitas)
1/4 cup fresh peas (if not in season, you can use frozen but thaw first )
1/4 cup spinach, very finely chopped
3 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

Dressing
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp dry mustard
1 tbsp honey (or to taste)
1 tbsp lime juice (or to taste)

Garnish (optional)
Romain lettuce leaves
Fresh avocado
cherry tomatoes
sliced boiled eggs

Method
In a medium sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salad.

In a covered jar, mix all the ingredients for the salad dressing and shake to emulsify.

Moisten the salad ingredients well with the dressing, but don't soak it. Cover the salad and cool in the refrigerator for 2 or more hours before serving. Stir the salad a few times while it is cooling to redistribute the dressing.

To serve, line the bottom of a platter with romaine lettuce leaves. Transfer the salad to the platter and garnish with fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes and boiled egg slices.

Joel's Bread Loaf

Joel's Bread Loaf

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Yeast Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Peanut Free

To make a good tasting gluten and dairy-free bread made without yeast was a tricky thing to figure out. It turns out that Joel's Dinner Rolls, with a few modifications, works quite well. The most important thing to do is to get the right sized pan - a ONE pound loaf pan - which is very small. Larger pans simply will not allow the bread to rise.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1/2 cup potato starch (not flour)

1/4 cup arrowroot flour

1/4 cup brown rice flour

1 cup tapioca flour

1/2 cup sweet rice flour (or white rice if you cannot find sweet rice)

1/2 cup almond flour/almond meal (really just finely ground almonds that look like a course flour)

3 tsp baking powder (gluten free)

2 tsp xanthan gum

1 tsp sea salt

Wet Ingredients

2 eggs

1/2 cup sunflower oil

1 cup + 1 tbsp rice milk

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In one bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together thoroughly. Make a well (a hole in the middle).

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients blending in the oil well.

Pour the the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and mix with a fork taking care that the oil does not separate from the eggs and milk. No need to over mix. The batter (not dough) should be very thick, slightly lumpy, and sticky.

Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes while the flours absorb the moisture, then stir a couple of times to ensure it is all still combined. The flour will have puffed up and the texture will change slightly.

Pour the batter into an ungreased, one pound loaf pan (no larger or it will not rise properly). Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the sides and top are browning and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to cool.

Lamb Cabbage-Less, Cabbage Rolls

Lamb Cabbage-Less, Cabbage Rolls
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

Everyone loves the inside of a cabbage roll, but not nearly as many enjoy the cabbage. So, why put the cook through the trouble of rolling the cabbage rolls? This recipe uses the flavour of cabbage, without the trouble.

These cabbage-less cabbage rolls are delicious, and have big bold flavour. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Filling

1/3 cup pine nuts

1 pound ground lamb

1 cup white rice, cooked

2/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 tsp cumin, ground

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup apple juice

Freshly ground pepper

Cabbage Head (will only use a portion of it)

Sauce

2 tbsp shallots, finely chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup apple juice

1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes (gluten free)

Method

Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat (about 5 minutes) until they are slightly brown and fragrant.

Put a large pot of water on to boil. This will be used to soften the cabbage leaves later.

In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted pine nuts, lamb, rice cilantro, cumin, salt, egg, apple juice and freshly ground pepper. Mix together, but do not over mix (the rolls will get heavy).

Tear off enough good cabbage leaves to line the bottom of a large covered casserole dish, and a second layer as well. Dip the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just long enough to soften the leaves. Place the first layer of cabbage leaves in bottom of the casserole dish.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the sauce, in a large, deep frying pan, add the olive oil and cook over medium heat. When it's hot, add the shallots and cook until tender (about three minutes). Add 1 cup of apple juice and the crushed tomatoes, and cook until heated through.

Using your hands, form small logs of the meat mixture about 1 inch by 3 inches (about the size of the insides of a regular cabbage roll). Place these side by side on top of the layer of cabbage. Continue until all the meat is used up. Place a second layer of cabbage on top of the meat logs. Pour most of the sauce all over the top of the cabbage layer and down into the sides.

Cover the pan with the lid and cook for about one hour, or until the meat is cooked through. Let the rolls sit for 10-15 minutes after they come out of the oven. Discard the top layer of cabbage (unless someone wants it!) and serve right in the oven proof dish. Spoon some of the sauce over the cabbage-less rolls when serving them, and if you had any left over, heat it through and serve it too!

Penne with Pine Nut Pesto

Penne with Pine Nut Pesto
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

You just can't beat fresh pesto sauce on pasta for taste. With very little effort, you can make a wonderful sauce that not only smells and tastes great, but looks fabulous too. Have a look at the photo of the two sauces. Which would you rather eat; the fresh pesto on the left or the pre-package pesto on the right?

Ingredients
1 one lb package (455 grams) of rice penne

Sauce
2 cups of fresh basil leaves (1 large bunch), washed, stems removed and finely chopped
1/4 cup almond meal
1/4 cup pine nuts, finely ground
1/8 cup pine nuts, whole (for garnish)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2+ cup olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1-2 tbsp water to thin the paste

Method
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/4 tsp olive oil (to help prevent the pasta from sticking) and the entire package of pasta. Cook only till al dente (firm, not mushy!) following the package directions.

Meanwhile, to make the pesto sauce, add to a blender or food processor the basil, almond meal, ground pine nuts and garlic and blend until creamy. Add the lemon juice and continue to blend. Finally, drizzle in the olive oil (or several small additions) while blending just until the mixture is creamy (you may not need all the oil). Add the sea salt and freshly ground pepper and blend a final time. Adjust the seasonings and thin with cold water if the mixture is still too thick.

When the rice pasta is cooked, drain it into a colander and rinse it with warm water to remove any starch. Return it to the pot and toss it with approximately 1 tbsp of olive oil while reheating it. Add 1/2 of the finished pesto sauce to the pot and toss again. Finally, portion the pasta into individual plates (about 4 dinner servings) top with a little more pesto sauce and some whole pine nuts.

Joel's Burger Buns

Joel's Burger Buns
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Yeast Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Peanut Free

These burger buns work great with Kim's Turkey/Chicken burgers. The are just the right size and don't get soggy! The secret is baking the batter in English Muffin rings!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

¼ cup potato starch (Not the beige, fine flour)

1/8 cup arrowroot flour

1/8 cup brown rice flour

½ cup tapioca flour

¼ cup sweet rice flour (or white rice if you cannot find sweet rice)

¼ cup almond flour/almond meal (really just finely ground almonds that look like a course flour)2 tsp baking powder (gluten free)

1 ¼ tsp xanthan gum

½ tsp sea salt

Wet Ingredients

2 eggs

1/3 cup sunflower oil

Little less than ½ cup rice milk

Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Place 5 or 6 English muffin rings on the baking parchment. You can lightly oil the rings with sunflower oil, or use a knife to remove them when they cool.

In one bowl, mix all the dry ingredients well.

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients well, blending in the oil.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients together taking care that the oil does not separate from the eggs and milk. No need to over mix. The batter (not dough) should be very thick, slightly lumpy, and sticky. If needed, you can use a little more tapioca flour to make it manageable.

Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes while the flours absorb the moisture and rise (this is important), then stir a couple of times to ensure it is all still combined.

Fill each English muffin ring about 1/2 full (using up all the batter).

Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the tops just begin to brown, or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

After removing them from the oven, let them sit for 5-10 minutes, then carefully press them out of the rings. They do freeze nicely, but they only stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Rosemary Pecan Spice Cake

Rosemary Pecan Spice Cake
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Soy-Free, Peanut-Free

This is an unusual cake with amazing flavour. One sniff, and you will not be able to help yourself from trying it. Flour made from sunflower seeds, fresh rosemary and pecans give this cake it's distinctive flavour. Perfect with tea or coffee.

Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
3/4 cup sunflower seed flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1/3 cup potato starch (not flour)
3 tbsp tapioca starch
3/4 tsp xanthan gum (or guar gum)
3/4 cup sugar
1 + 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp sea salt

Wet Ingredients
3 eggs
1 cup olive oil
3/4 cup rice milk
1 + 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped very finely
1/2 cup pecan pieces
extra olive oil for the baking dish

Method
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a shallow, 9 inch baking dish (quiche pan, pie pan or fluted tart pan) with olive oil.

In a large bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together. Use a wire whisk to mix it more if it is not well combined. Make a well (hole in the center) and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then add the milk, rosemary and olive oil (stirring after each addition).

Add the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients, and gently combine them. Do not over stir the batter. Finally, fold in the pecan pieces until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the oiled pan, and smooth out the top. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Crispy Rice Chicken Fingers

Crispy Rice Chicken Fingers
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free This a great appetizer, but can also be used as a main dish if you are in a hurry. The smaller the chicken fingers, the less time they take to bake.

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch, short strips
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup rice milk

Breading
2.5 cups gluten-free, crispy rice cereal, crushed
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp basil
3/4 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp sea salt (optional)
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper (optional)

**For a more bold flavour, add 1/2 tsp dry mustard

Method
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets (or large glass baking dishes) with baking parchment.

Mix well all the ingredients for the breading. Pour it into a shallow baking dish (like a pie pan). In a separate shallow dish, mix the 2 beaten eggs with the rice milk until well combined.

Dip the chicken strips, a few at a time, into the egg mixture first, then press the strips into the breading covering all sides. Immediately, place the chicken strips onto the baking parchment. Adjust the seasonings now if needed.

Bake for 10 minutes on one side, then test to see if it is done well enough to turn them over. Do not stir the chicken strips, or turn them over often, or the breading will get soggy. Cook another 5-10 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken strips are cooked through. Keep a close eye on the chicken strips as the degree of thickness will determine how quickly they cook.

For the last 2 minutes of cooking, turn the heat up to broil and brown one side. Again, be watchful as the rice breading can burn easily.

These chicken fingers go great with the almond satay sauce or homemade ketchup sauce for dipping.

Cream of Celery Soup

Cream of Celery Soup
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free

This soup has a wonderful, comfort-food flavour. In addition to the fresh celery taste, the sweet potato gives it body.

Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 tbsp tapioca flour
5 cups gluten and corn-free chicken broth or vegetable broth
4 cups celery, chopped
2 cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 small yellow potato, peeled and chopped

1 cup rice milk
Freshly ground sea salt and pepper to taste

Method
In a large, heavy saucepan, over medium heat, heat the olive olive. Add the onions and garlic and cook until tender (about 4 minutes). Stir in the tapioca flour and continue stirring until it is fully absorbed. Add the broth, a little at a time stirring constantly. Add the chopped celery, sweet potato and yellow potato, and bring the pot just to boiling. Reduce the temperature and simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 25-30 minutes).

When the vegetables are tender, cool the soup enough to be able to use a hand blender to puree it. Alternatively blend the soup in batches using a regular tabletop blender (take care if doing this that the liquid is not too hot). After the soup is pureed, stir in the rice milk and heat until the soup is hot enough to serve. Do not boil the soup.

Season the soup with sea salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste) and serve warm.

Turkey Meatballs in Tangy Sauce

Turkey Meatballs in Tangy Sauce
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Vinegar Free

This recipe will fast become a family favorite for when company is coming, or when you just want a really tasty treat! Serve as an appetizer (with tiny forks) or over rice. The sauce is great!

Ingredients

Turkey Meatballs

1.5 pounds ground turkey

2/3 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 cloves garlic

1 egg (lightly beaten)

8 tbsp crushed rice cereal (basically crumbs)

Sauce

1.5 cups homemade ketchup (see my recipe)

2 cups gingerale

Method

Put the ground turkey, sea salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl ready for mixing. In a cup, combine the egg and garlic. Pour the egg mixture over the turkey and mix it together well. Finally, add the rice cereal crumbs and work them throughout the turkey mixture. The consistency should be sticky, but allow you to roll it into small balls. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture out and roll them into turkey meatballs.

Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a dutch oven, and heat to just boiling. Drop meatballs into the sauce, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 2 hours or until the turkey is cooked through.

**Crockpot alternative** Use the high setting on a crockpot to get the sauce boiling, then turn down the heat to medium and add the turkey meatballs. Cover and simmer for two hours, or until cooked through.

Makes enough to serve 6 as an appetizer, or 4 for dinner

Zucchini au Gratin-Less

Zucchini au Gratin-Less
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free

Nothing beats fresh zucchini and onions from the garden. What a great way to use them up.

Ingredients

6 tbsp olive oil

1+1/2 lbs zucchini, thinly sliced (I used yellow zucchini, but any will do)

2 onions, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 cup cooked rice

1/4 cup almond meal (ground almonds)

3 eggs, beaten

1 tsp dry mustard

3/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup almond meal (ground almonds)

freshly ground sea salt and pepper to taste

Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large deep saucepan, heat the olive oil and cook the zucchini, onions and garlic in it just until soft (do not over cook or it will get mushy!).

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture and rice, and toss it all with 1/4 cup ground almonds.

In a separate small bowl (or measuring cup), lightly beat the 3 eggs, and add mustard and sea salt. Add freshly ground pepper if desired and adjust seasonings to taste.

Add the the egg mixture with the vegetables, toss it together well and pour into an oven proof dish. Top with the second 1/4 cup of ground almonds and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the almonds begin to brown and the eggs are set. Optional: I typically turn the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes and brown the almond crumbs.

Chicken Satay with Almond Sauce

Chicken Satay with Almond Sauce
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Vinegar Free

WARNING: Contains Soy

This is a wonderful appetizer with a sauce that is extra yummy. I have always been a fan of chicken satay with peanut sauce, but this almond sauce is just as good!

Chicken Satay Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
8-10 small wooden skewers (soak in cold water for 2 hours prior to barbecuing)
1/4 cup Tamari soy sauce (gluten-free)
1/4 cup water

Sauce Ingredients
4 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped very fine
3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped
1 cup almond butter (smooth or crunchy style)
8 teaspoons Tamari soy sauce (gluten-free)
4 tsp brown sugar
1 cup rice milk
Option: If you can tollerate it, add sweet chilli sauce for an extra kick!

Method
Satay Skewers
Cut the chicken breasts into bite sized pieces (big enough to stay on the skewers to barbecue) and place in a small bowl. Pour the 1/4 cup of Tamari Soy Sauce over the chicken and marinate for 15-20 minutes, turning a few times to coat all sides. Skewer the chicken and barbecue for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (no pink).

Satay Sauce
In a frying pan (or heavy sauce pan) heat the olive oil. Saute the onion and garlic until tender (5-8 minutes). Add the almond butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar and stir until well combined and fragrant (the smell is wonderful). Slowly add the rice milk and continue to stir until well combined. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes stirring frequently.

Serving suggestion: Serve the skewers on a bed of lettuce with a cup of the warm almond satay sauce in the middle. This sauce is great for dipping other meats as well.

Potato and Califlower Soup

Potato and Cauliflower Soup

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free

Ingredients

Base

1+1/2 cups potato, peeled and diced (I used Yukon gold)

2 celery stalks (small), finely chopped

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 +1/2 cups water

2 tsp sea salt

1 +1/2 cups cauliflower, chopped and steamed until tender

White Sauce

2 tbsp sunflower oil

2 tbsp arrowroot powder

1 +1/2 cups rice milk

1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed

Optional: Garnish with parsley and freshly ground pepper

Method

In a large cooking pot, add all the ingredients for the soup base. Simmer until tender, then add the cauliflower. Blend it all together with a hand blender right in the pot.

To make the white sauce, in a medium sized sauce pan, mix the oil and arrowroot powder over medium heat. Once the arrowroot powder has been absorbed fully (no lumps), add the rice milk and crushed fennel seeds. Stir continuously until the mixture boils and thickens.

Add the white sauce to the soup base and gently blend.

Serve with parsley and freshly ground pepper.

Ketchup (Homemade)

Ketchup (Homemade) - Vinegar free!
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free, Vinegar-Free

So many recipes call for ketchup, yet the ones on the market contain vinegar and spices which are not on our diet. For this reason, I have adapted a homemade ketchup that works very well. This keeps at least 3 weeks in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container and makes about 3 cups.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped finely

2 tbsp olive oil

28 oz strained tomatoes (no spices)

1 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup brown sugar (dark is better)

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/2 tsp sea salt

Method

Put olive oil in the bottom of a 4 quart heavy saucepan over medium heat and add onion when the oil is hot. Stir until the onion is cooked through (about 5 minutes +). Blend in the strained tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice and salt. Simmer, uncovered, about one hour stirring occasionally. As the sauce thickens, stir it more often so it does not scorch.

Cool the sauce until it is safe to puree in a blender, or use a hand blender to puree it in the pot. Chill it for two hours before use. This ketchup can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container for about three weeks.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free


These cookies are crisp and light and perfect with tea or coffee.

Ingredients
Wet
1/4 cup sunflower oil
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

Dry
1 cup brown rice flour
1/3 cup potato starch (not flour)
3 tbsp tapioca starch
1/2 tsp xanthan gum (or guar gum)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment

Combine the sunflower oil and sugar together in a small bowl. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.

Whisk together all dry ingredients in a larger bowl, then add the egg and sugar mixture.

Continue to mix until it forms a large ball of dough. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the moisture. Roll the dough into 24 smaller balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Flatten them with the bottom of a smooth glass dipped in sugar.

Bake for 8-12 minutes or until just lightly brown around the edges. The cookies will be soft while they are hot, but they will quickly crisp up as they cool.

Makes approx. 2 dozen medium-sized cookies

Kim's Turkey Chicken Burgers

Kim's Turkey Chicken Burgers
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free

When Summer is here, Barbequed hamburgers are a must. These turkey chicken burgers are very tasty and fit a diet free from gluten, dairy, yeast and red meat (yes, even the bun!). They cook well on the BBQ, and Joel's dinner rolls make excellent hamburger or hot dog buns. We make and freeze the burgers to keep them on hand, and frozen they are easier to BBQ. Kids love them too!

Ingredients
3/4 lb ground chicken
3/4 lb ground turkey

1 tsp garlic, finely chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried mustard
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 egg
1/2 cup crushed rice crackers (not too fine)
Olive oil

Method
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken and turkey blending well. In large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the garlic, onion, mustard, sea salt, pepper, and egg. add this to the turkey and chicken mixture and blend in well.

Add in the crushed rice crackers to the mixture last to keep their crunchiness and work them in well.

Patties will puff up slightly in size, but shrink in diameter, so make palm-sized patties that are fairly thin. If you are freezing them, put waxed paper between the patties and store them in freezer bags.

To cook, lightly brush the patties with olive oil and BBQ over medium heat till the meat is cooked through.

Bubbie's Potato Latkes!

Bubbie's Potato Latkes!

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free

Latkes are traditionally made as a holiday food to celebrate Channukah, but for those on a gluten-free diet, potato latkes are wonderful comfort food - ANYTIME. They are simple to make, smell great when they are cooking, and delicious.

Ingredients
9-10 raw, medium-sized, red-skinned** potatoes, peeled and cubed (should completely fill a regular-sized blender)
1 egg
1 tsp sea salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste (optional)
1 tsp olive oil

Garnish: Many people enjoy apple sauce, or fruit with their latkes.

Variation: Some enjoy onion in their latkes. In this case, finely chop 1/2 a medium sized onion and blend it with the potatoes.

Method
Add one egg to the bottom of a blender. Fill the blender with cubed potatoes (and onion, if desired). Pulse the blender until you see some of the potatoes form a liquid at the bottom of the blender, then puree until all the potatoes form a sloppy batter. To this batter add the sea salt and freshly ground pepper and puree again for another 30 seconds to mix it well.

Using a paper towel or kitchen brush, lightly oil a large no-stick griddle, or at least 2 no-stick frying pans. Pre-heat the pans to medium, or medium high (350 degrees F).

Using a large serving spoon, spoon the batter onto the griddle using a sweeping motion to thin out the pancake. They cook much faster if they are not too thick. Once the pancake begins to dry on the top (2 + minutes), test to see if you can easily flip it over. Cook on the other side for another 1 + minutes. One side will brown lightly, and the other not as much.

**Note: use a very firm potato for this recipe. Red-skinned potatoes work well.

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free

This is a dish with lots of flavour!

Ingredients
2 pounds of fresh chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless), washed and dried

Wet mix
3 tsp olive oil
2 tsps (dry) mustard
1/2 tsp horse radish (medium) vinegar-free

Coating
1 cup pecans (ground)
1 tsp onion powder (gluten-free)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (gluten-free)
Sea salt (to taste)
Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Wet mix
Mix the olive oil, mustard, and horseradish in a small bowl. Brush each chicken piece with the wet mix.

Coating
Stir together well all coating ingredients in a pie pan and press each chicken piece into it to coat all sides.

Place all chicken pieces in a baking dish. Cover and cook for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Uncover during the last 20 minutes to crisp up the coating.

Almond Cookies

Almond Cookies

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Soy-Free

These easy cookies require only one type of flour and keep well for several days in a zip lock bag or tightly sealed tin. They have a unique texture that reminds me of coconut - yet no coconut is used!

Ingredients

Dry

2+ 1/2 cups blanched almond flour

1/2 tsp freshly ground sea salt

1/2 tsp gluten-free baking soda

Wet

1/2 cup sunflower oil

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup white or brown sugar

1 tbsp gluten-free vanilla extract

Options: They are great plain, or for variety add 1/2 cup chocolate chips, or pecans, or dried fruit.

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets (or glass pans) with baking parchment.

In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. In a small bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Combine well the wet and dry ingredients in the medium bowl. Add any desired optional ingredients, cover and chill for one hour.

Drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the baking parchment, and use the bottom of a smooth glass to flatten (dip in a little sugar if the glass sticks to the dough).

Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Let cool for a few minutes. They are great served warm or cold.

Makes about 24 medium sized cookies.

Spicy Almond Chicken

Spicy Almond Chicken
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Vinegar-Free
Warning - Does contain Soy

A great meal to put in a slow cooker (crock pot) before going to work, and dinner is ready when you are home! Alternatively, it can be cooked in a wok.

Ingredients
2 lbs boneless and skinless, cubed chicken

Sauce
1 cup of salsa (see a previous blog to make your own)
1/4 cup almond butter
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
2 tsps ginger root

Garnish
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Method
Mix all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Place the boneless chicken in a large plastic bag, or a medium sized bowl. Pour the sauce ingredients over the chicken and marinade at least 1 hour or overnight (in the refrigerator).

Cook in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low. If you cook the chicken in a wok, cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the middle.

Serve over rice or rice noodles with fresh cauliflower or broccoli. Just before serving, sprinkle the slivered almonds on top.

Canadian Baked Beans

Canadian Baked Beans
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free

These beans have a fairly strong and sweet flavour.

Ingredients
1 pound dried navy or great northern beans
1+1/2 onions, chopped finely
1 cup water
5-6 strips turkey bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup strained tomatoes
3 tbsp black strap molasses
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon salt
1 +1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
Soak beans overnight in enough water to cover them, plus three inches. Drain the beans and put them in a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 hours.

Chicken Mango Salad

Chicken Mango Salad
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free, Vinegar Free

Ingredients

Salad

2 grilled chicken breasts, cut up into bite sized pieces
3-4 celery sticks, chopped
1 medium apple, cored and chopped
1-2 ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 a sweet onion, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Dressing

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tbsp olive oil

Apple juice (approx 1/2 cup)

2 tsp sugar

Romain lettuce (about 6-8 leaves) washed and chopped, as a bed for the salad.

Method

Salad

Mix all the salad ingredients (except the romain lettuce) together in a large bowl.

Dressing

In an 8 oz measuring cup, add the lime juice and olive oil. Fill with enough apple juice to make 3/4 cup of dressing. Add 2 tsps of sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well mixed.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Chill the salad for about an hour, and serve over a bed of romaine lettuce.

Serves 4

Options: Replace the mango fruit with well drained cans of mandarin oranges

Vanilla Rice with Cauliflower

Vanilla Rice with Cauliflower
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Yeast-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Free, Peanut-Free

Ingredients
1 +1/4 cups rice milk
1 cup white rice, long grain
1 tsp gluten-free vanilla Extract
1/2 small onion
2 tablespoons olive oil ,
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 inch piece candied ginger, finely chopped
2 cups finely chopped cauliflower
1/2 cup crushed rice crackers
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

**Note: Can be made with fresh ginger, finely grated if you want a no-sugar added recipe.

Method
In a saucepan over high heat, bring the rice milk and vanilla to a gentle boil. Stir in the rice. Cover and reduce the heat to low and cook for 40 minutes. Do not remove the lid during cooking. Stir the rice, which will be very wet and soupy. Increase the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and creamy.

In a deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and stir in the onion. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly softened (stir occasionally). Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes. Stirring frequently, add the cauliflower and cook for about 10 minutes, or until just tender and fairly dry. Don't overcook.

Combine the cauliflower mixture with the rice and season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle the crushed rice crackers over the mixture just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Makes 4-6 servings.