Gluten Free Living

Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

When I first started this blog in 2012, I had no idea what “gluten free” was. I was only trying to post family recipes. But as I got more and more into the blogging world, I discovered there is a niche area for healthier food options such as vegan, paleo, gluten free, and clean eating recipes. More and more, I found that I wanted to change my own personal eating habits to become healthier and more wholesome. That didn’t mean that I discontinued blogging about all the desserts I grew up with, but it did mean that everything had to be consumed with more moderation than to which I was accustomed.

One of the reasons I started eating gluten free was because flour spikes my blood sugar. No kidding. It causes me to get really fatigued so that I want to go to sleep immediately! This seems to happen with wheat-based flour and cornmeal–even more than sugar! Probably because of the GMO modification since the 1970s. One study I read noted that an enzyme is now released in flour that causes your appetite to increase and desire more flour as a result of this. Yikes. That’s why flour is such an addiction in this country! It’s really hard to get good flour these days unless you buy it from organic wholesalers. All the other stuff is GMO. (Genetically Modified Organisms).

I have a mixture of clean eating, vegan, paleo, and gluten free recipes in my healthier section. I have many gluten free recipes that could never be considered healthy because they use sugar or other products that aren’t healthy. The same happens with some of my vegan recipes. But, by-and-large, most of my gluten free or vegan recipes are really healthy. My goal is really more toward clean eating than anything else. That means I stay away from overly processed foods in cans, packages, boxes, etc., and try to get down to the basics of real food. Sometimes that means I have to make my own products, like my Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe. Other times, it means I’ve learned to improvise and substitute cleaner options, like real shredded cheese instead of cheese food or Velveeta which is processed. And sometimes it means staying away from certain products entirely. Not always easy, I know.

One of the things I’ve tried to do with my gluten free section is begin to make a lot recipes with gluten free pastas, gluten free flours for the sauces and gravies, and use gluten free products where possible for pancakes and baked goods. I’ve used Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix a lot in making baked goods. But I usually have to use 1 1/2 to 2 cups of GF flour to be comparable with 1 cup regular all-purpose flour.

I’ve tried all kinds of combinations but this one has the best consistency for baked goods that I’ve found. I’ve promised a guy at John’s office who has grandkids that have gluten, red dye, and preservative issues that I was going to make a concerted effort to trying more of my recipes with gluten free flour. Specifically, my Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, Homemade Pie Crust, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Those are the first ones on my list.

While I’ve made lots of soups, casseroles, and side dishes that are gluten free, it’s time to get to baking gluten free!

So here are a few tips about Gluten Free Living:

1) When baking breads, cookies, cakes, or pies, I highly recommend that you DO NOT use coconut flour. It causes an awful consistency to the bread. I look for gluten free flours that claim you can use one cup of gluten free flour for every cup of all-purpose flour in a recipe. And then I still add any leavening agents even though Pamela’s baking mix has it included.

2) I don’t like using Xantham Gum in recipes. I thought it made recipes tough, not spongy like it’s supposed too. Instead, I use regular baking powder and baking soda.

3) Any time for a recipe calls for flour as a thickening agent for soups, sauces, casseroles, etc., use Bob’s Red Mill gluten free all-purpose flour. It works fine for those kinds of things, although I don’t like it in baking.

4) Don’t overcook pasta when using gluten free noodles. Boil 2 minutes at a rapid boil. Turn off heat. Allow pasta to soak in hot water about 12-15 more minutes. It will be done by then and ready to use just like regular pasta.

5) Don’t waste your money on corn pasta. After it cooks it becomes gummy and chewy. Brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta are better options.

 

Here are a few of my gluten free recipes:

APPETIZERS:

Avocado Black Bean Dip

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This is one of my FAVORITE dips. We eat it all the time. I love the avocado in this recipe. 

 

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

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This wonderful recipe uses homemade roasted red peppers.

 

BREAKFAST:

 

Gluten Free Confetti Sugar Cookie Pancakes

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This is one of those recipes that can never be considered healthy, but it’s a great option for Birthday Breakfasts for anyone who has gluten intolerance.

 

Gluten Free Strawberry Banana Pancakes

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This recipe has strawberries and bananas in the batter as well as on the side.

 

DESSERTS:

Gluten Free Peach Surprise

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This recipe is actually vegan as well. I got rave reviews when I served this at a party. No one could believe it was either gluten free or vegan. The taste is incredible. You can certainly make wonderful dishes that are gluten free if you desire.

 

Gluten Free Strawberry Dump  Cake Cobbler

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This recipe is amazing! I used a boxed gluten free cake mix. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s a great option for those who can’t do gluten at all.

 

MAIN DISH:

Polynesian Chicken

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Tasty main dish that uses corn starch and rice rather than wheat.

 

Cheesy Meatloaf

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This recipe uses oatmeal and veggies for stuffing the meatloaf rather than bread crumbs made from flour and high fructose corn syrup.

 

SALAD:

Pineapple Mango Salad

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This is one of those delicious salad recipes that would be gluten free regardless, but it shows you that eating great doesn’t have to be yucky!

 

Southwestern Chopped Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

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This is an amazing salad that you will love.

 

SIDE DISH:

Spaghetti Squash Gratin

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Instead of pasta I used spaghetti squash. Instead of flour I used gluten free flour. One of the best recipes I’ve ever eaten!

 

Sweet Potatoes Parmesan

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This is another fabulous side dish that’s great for holiday baking.

 

SOUP:

Ham and Sweet Potato Soup

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Thicken soups and chowders with gluten free flour rather than all-purpose flour.

 

Pepperoni Pizza Chili

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Some recipes don’t require thickening at all.

 

So check out my Gluten Free archives and find some tasty recipes that you are your family can enjoy. You may also want to check out the section that’s for healthy-low calorie. Some of those may be excellent choices as well.

7 Comments

  • Pam

    September 2, 2022 at 4:16 pm

    I am gratified to see you use gluten free recipes. If you have Celiac, an autoimmune disease that attack s your small intestine and whole body with 250 symptoms and stops malabsorption of food, it is absolute necessary to be gluten free, including the dozens of names barley is called: malt, some yeasts, food coloring etc. Get the blood test and genetic test for Celiac.
    if you have an allergy to gluten you will have a short bowel episodic. If you do not have either Gluten is not a fearsome additive to eat. It has become a fad to exclude it and avoiding it is a personal decision not based on science.
    Since 90 % of our foods have gluten. Us celiacs are forced to eliminate all gluten and our favorite foods. We also have damage through out our bodies because of the lack of digestion of nutrients. I have osteoporosis after lifting weights for 40 years, I have arteriosclerosis, and needed a shunt in my leg to restore circulation, also peripheral neuropathy that makes my legs numb. All from Celiac.
    It is very disheartening to see people cut out a major food category when it is not necessary, just a dietary fad. Eliminating Gluten when it is not necessary makes us Celiacs very sad. The constant pain in my gastrointestinal system, from my mouth and out to the end reminds me every minute I have a major autoimmune disease with no meds to help. Most do not eliminate the symptoms by going GF.
    Please do not eliminate gluten suggesting it is necessary, unless you have been diagnosed as a celiac or confirmed as an allergen to you.

    1. Teresa

      September 5, 2022 at 7:58 am

      Hi, Pam, this blog does not give out medical advice or stand in the roll of medical personnel. While I have not been diagnosed with celiac disease I have many very good friends and family members who have. If others choose not to eat gluten containing foods for dietary or other personal reasons (even if they have not been diagnosed with any gluten intolerance or celiac) –that is their choice, not yours or mine. Thanks for sharing.

  • Eraj Siddiqui

    March 5, 2020 at 6:58 am

    looks amazing !! thank you for sharing

    1. Teresa

      March 6, 2020 at 11:12 am

      You’re welcome.

  • BELINDA MANNING

    August 19, 2016 at 11:14 am

    You really have saved the day.
    I have been struggling with GF recipes and now i find you.
    I have spent hours looking everything over and I can’t wait to try some of your yummy dishes. Im very excited to cook them up and see how the family loves them as they have to eat GF with me. 🙂

    BTW: with the family also eating GF, They actually feel better overall.

    1. Teresa

      August 19, 2016 at 12:25 pm

      Hi, Belinda. Thanks for your kind words. I find that when I keep to a gluten free diet (with as little sugar or bad oils as possible) I feel better, sleep better and don’t have near as much inflammation in my knees! It is really easy substituting gf flour in sauces, casseroles, soups, etc., The greater challenge comes in baking. Unfortunately, you don’t always have a 1:1 ratio in flour. Many times I have to use more gluten free flour than I’d have to use with regular wheat flour. Baking GF is a continual experiment in trying to find out what works and what doesn’t. Hopefully some of these recipes will help you transition more easily than otherwise. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

  • fifa coins

    June 5, 2016 at 12:36 am

    Now you tell me that she was not a knockout !

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