Thursday, October 30, 2008

Tip of the Day!


Here's today's tip:
When mixing gluten free goodies, mix the wet ingredients first, then evenly sprinkle the dry ingredients over the top. Mix until just combined. We do this instead of the traditional 'mix the wet in one bowl, mix the dry in another, and then gradually mix the two together' because in the traditional recipes, we are using flours with gluten. Mixing in this way releases the gluten and makes it harder to over mix the recipe. When we are baking gluten free goods, there is no gluten to be released when mixing, making all the extra mixing a recipe for hard, dense, crumbly baked goods. Using the first method mentioned, we avoid over mixing and create lighter, less crumbly baked goods. Obviously, if a gluten free recipe calls for mixing the traditional way we should do it, but if you are converting a conventional recipe, try the new way - you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it works (plus it saves you an extra bowl to clean)!
Enjoy!
Meghann

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

FUUUUDGE!!


~Fudge To Die For~

I love this fudge - and so does my neighbor! This is very easy to make and sooooo good. It's very rich so only a little piece will do, making it last for a while. It also freezes well (not that it ever lasts that long in my house). You can also add different types of liquid sweetener for different flavors - try light or dark agave nectar, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, or honey if you aren't vegan. I like to mix them - using agave nectar and a bit of maple syrup. Try it and find you r favorites! This has no flour, and is free from gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy and animal products. It is vegetarian and vegan also! Try it and you'll agree - it's fudge to die for! For those not interested in making it themselves, this is for sale on my Etsy store.

Fudge to Die For!

1 Cup Organic Agave Nectar
1 Cup Organic Peanut butter
1/2 Cup Organic Cocoa Powder
Pinch of Sea Salt
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

In a pot over medium heat, warm up the agave nectar, salt and peanut butter, mixing until hot and smooth. Immediately remove from heat and mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Press into a non-stick 8 or 9 inch square cake pan and allow to cool - I put mine in the fridge to speed up the process ;-)
Cut into quarters, then cut each quarter into quarters, then cut each piece in half. (you'll get 32 pieces).
Enjoy!

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Mother of All Peanut Butter Cookies!

~The Classic Cookie~

~The Chocoholic's Dream~

So while these delectable cookies are for sale in my Etsy Food Store, I thought I would be extra nice and post the recipe for them also. These are so great. Made with organic peanut butter (only organic freshly roasted and ground peanuts - nothing else!), they are peanutty and melty and delicious. Made in a convenient 2-bite size, great for hands big and small. These are gluten free, egg free, dairy free, soy free, corn free and free from animal products (vegetarian and vegan friendly!). For an extra indulgence, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips and sigh with delight as these cookies make your troubles disappear (okay maybe they won't take away troubles, but you might forget them while you eat these!).

Meghann's Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1 Cup Organic Unbleached Cane Sugar
1 Cup Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter (use a peanut butter that only uses peanuts, no additives for best flavor)
dash salt
1-1/2 Cups G.F. Flour Mix
1 tbsp Ground Flax seed mixed with 3 tbsp Hot water, whisked and allowed to sit until thick, about 3 minutes
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp G.F. Baking Soda
1/3-1/2 Chocolate Chips (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix the oil and sugar, then add the vanilla and flax seed/water mixture and mix. Add peanut butter and mix well. Evenly sprinkle the dry ingredients over the top (not chocolate chips if using) and mix until combined. Mix in chocolate chips if using.
Using a measuring tablespoon, form into 1 inch balls and then press down with a fork dipped in sugar for that classic peanut butter cookie look.
Bake for about 10-13 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool and enjoy!
Makes about 2-1/2 dozen.
My favorite: make half the batch without chocolate chips, and then mix 1/3 cup chocolate chips in the remainder. That way you get the best of both worlds!
Meghann

Friday, October 24, 2008

Talerine Lentil Casserole

~Delicious, Filling and Simple!~

I saw a recipe for a meat version of this and I just knew that I had to make my own version. Instead of beef, I used lentils for protein, fiber and nutrients. I also added vegetables, used low fat mozzarella and gluten free rotini for an amazing dish that is worth the little effort it requires.
Filling, and amazing for the next day, serve it with a salad for a complete, delicious meal. This is gluten free, egg free, dairy free (if using a cheese substitute), corn free, soy free, meat free and vegetarian and vegan (use a vegan cheese substitute). Try this dish today and you will be so glad you did!

Talerine Lentil Casserole

1-1/2 Cups Mixed Red and Green Lentils, rinsed and drained
3 Cups Vegan Beef Stock
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
10 ounces Gluten Free Rotini
1 Medium Onion, Diced
1/2 Red Pepper, Diced
3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
4 Large Stuffer Mushrooms, Diced
1-2 Carrots, Diced
1 Stalk Celery, Diced
1 Can of Tomatoes
1-14 ounce Can of Black Olives, Drained and Chopped
Pinch of Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste
3 Cups Low Fat Mozzarella (or Substitute) Grated

Bring the Stock to a boil and add the lentils. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally for 1-2 hours, until plump and softened. Turn off the heat and allow the lentils to sit in the remaining stock while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery, sauteing for 3-4 minutes Add the red pepper and mushrooms and saute for another 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, breaking into smaller pieces if they weren't diced to begin with. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Drain the lentils and add to the tomato-vegetable mixture. Using the same pot that you did for the lentils, fill it with water and cook the gluten free rotini until just tender-firm (al dente).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large casserole dish (a lasagna dish works perfectly), pour in the tomato mixture, add the olives, pasta, 1/2 of the cheese, and mix well. Top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
Serve with salad, and if you want to be really full, serve with toasted garlic bread also.
Makes about 8 servings - Enjoy!!
Meghann

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Tip of The Day!

~Yes, You Can So Make These!~

Here's a quick tip to help your baking go that much easier. When you are baking, have all your ingredients at room temperature - butter/oils, eggs/substitues, everything (unless otherwise stated in the recipe). That way, when you mix, and bake, it all starts at the proper temperature and is able to rise and bake evenly, producing moist, springy, delicious baked goods every time.
Happy baking!
Meghann

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

New Store!


In an effort to help those of you who have food allergies like myself, but who may not have time to bake themselves, I have opened a Low Allergy Kitchen Store on Etsy! I will be adding items to increase the number of items for sale, but each item will be fresh baked when you order, ensuring that every order is as fresh as possible.
Hope you like it!
Meghann

Friday, October 17, 2008

Tip of the Day!

Here is a little tip for those of you who love to roast turkeys, chickens, or any kind of roast: When the meat comes out of the oven, let it sit for 20-30 minutes to let the roast 'rest'. This will allow the meat to absorb all of those wonderful juices inside it and keep those precious juices from running all over the cutting board, making a nasty mess, and making your meat dry. Steaks and chops would be the obvious exception, as they would be cold after 20 minutes, but try letting them rest for even 10 minutes and you'll be amazed at how juicy they can be.
Enjoy!
Meghann

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Perfect Picnic Pesto Pasta!

~Perfect Picnic Pesto Pasta!~

Tuesday was a wonderful day - one of the last warm, sunny days of fall and Brennan and I were determined to make the most of it. After doing our groceries, I suggested a pesto pasta (one of his favorites) and he suggested a better idea: a pesto pasta picnic in our favorite spot near us. I made this in minutes, packed it up, and we were off on the 4-wheeler for a great dinner and wonderful views. I didn't include a photo of our spot (it is, after all, a secret!), but the dinner, along with a delicious salad, was a photo-op all on its own! The basil pesto base really brings out the flavor of the sun dried tomatoes, while the creamy goats cheese brings the chicken out at its moist, tender best. This is one meal you won't want to wait to make - make it tonight!
This is gluten free, egg free, corn free and soy free. You can make it dairy free by using a cheese substitute, and make it meat free by using firm grilled tofu, or omitting the chicken entirely.
Serves 4 with a side salad and bread (french bread or focaccia is incredible).

Chicken, Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Pesto on Pasta

Gluten Free Fettuccine for 4
2 oz Sun Dried Tomatoes
1 Chicken breast, cubed
1/2 Vegan Bouillon Cube
Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to taste
1 Cup Water
1 tbsp Extra virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 Recipe "Best Pesto Ever" - See Below

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and saute in the oil until cooked. Add the water, bouillon cube, basil and sun dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then turn it off and let it sit while you make the pesto. When pesto is ready, drain the chicken/sun dried tomatoes and mix with the pesto. Serve over cooked pasta immediately with a salad and crusty bread. Top pasta with more goats cheese or Parmesan if desired.

Best Pesto Ever!

2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves
1/3 cup Toasted Pine Nuts (make sure they are still slightly warm)
2 Cloves Garlic
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese/substitute

In a food processor, whirl the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, sea salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the oil and blend until combined. Spoon into a bowl and fold in the goat cheese, making sure it melts and combines evenly. Yum!

Hope you love this as much as we do!
Meghann

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins!


~Simple, Wholesome Food!~

I wanted bran muffins....Badly. I needed them. The comforting taste and feel, high fiber, slightly nutty-sweet and delicious. I didn't have raisins though, but apples. Why not? It's fall, time to get out the apple recipes, so let's try it! I tried it. It's delicious! These are free from gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, and animal products. They are easy to make, quick to bake, and oh so tasty. They only make 6-8 muffins, which in a way is good, because you'll want to devour them all after one taste. I really changed this recipe from an old one from Bette Hagman. I like mine better ;-)

Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins

1/4 cup Packed Golden Sugar
2 Scant Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Ground Flax Seed whisked with 6 tbsp Hot Water and left to thicken, about 3 minutes
2/3 Garfava Flour
1 tbsp Tapioca Flour
2 tbsp Arrowroot Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2-1 tsp Cinnamon (depending on your tastes)
1/8-1/4 tsp Nutmeg (depending on your tastes)
1/2 tsp (rounded) xanthan gum
dash Salt
1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup Rice drink
1/2 cup (rounded) Rice Bran
1 Medium Apple, chopped (I love Gala apples)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease your muffin cups if they aren't non-stick.
Whisk the sugar, oil and flax seed/water mixture, adding the vanilla towards the end. Evenly sprinkle the dry ingredients (not the bran) over the top, and slowly combine, adding the rice drink as you stir. Mix in the rice bran until just combined, then add the apple pieces and mix.
Bake for 25 minutes and allow to cool slightly in the muffin pan before removing to a plate.
Enjoy!
Meghann

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Amazing Veggie Wrap

~Simple, Quick, Versatile, Delicious!~

I thought this was sort of a cheat - it's not complex, in fact it is ridiculously fast, and easy, but I thought that I just had to share with you one of my favorite lunch ideas. It is free from gluten, dairy, egg, corn, soy and animal products. It is versatile: add or subtract veggies to get exactly what you want. It's really healthy: gluten free wraps average only 130 calories each, compared to 'regular' wraps at almost 200 each, plus you are getting at least 2 servings of veggies (I always try to stuff mine as full as possible, with the result that I need a fork to pick up the overflow)! Add cheese (or a substitute) for extra protein, add sprouts, toasted sesame seeds, taziki sauce, sliced meat/substitute or tuna, you name it, the options are endless! Here are my favourite ingredients:

The Amazing Veggie Wrap(s)

2 Gluten Free Tortillas
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
Mustard, to taste
1 Stalk Celery, cut in half
1 Carrot, Peeled and cut in half
2 slices of Tomato, cut in half
1 Mushroom, sliced
2-3 slices of Onion
2-4 Slices of Cheese/Substitute
2 Romaine Lettuce Leaves
Pickles, as garnish

With wraps at room temperature, arrange ingredients evenly in center of the wraps, topping with pepper and mustard. Roll up, and serve with pickles on the side. Enjoy!!

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