Saturday, May 31, 2025

Collard Greens W/Bacon, Southern Style

Naturally Gluten-Free Meals
Southern Style Collard Greens W/Bacon
Serves 4 people

INGREDIENTS
4-6 Slices Smoked Bacon, diced
1/2 Medium Onion, sliced 
3 Garlic Cloves, diced
2 Bunches Collard Greens, de-stemmed, washed and chopped
1-2 Cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
2 Tsp Brown Sugar
1 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar
Pinch Red Pepper Flakes, (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Start by prepping the greens. Lay a few collards on top of another, fold them in half and slice out the stem. Next wash them really well, greens can hold a lot of grit. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the greens. Swish them around for a moment, and then let them sit so all the dirt settles to the bottom. Lift the collards out of the water and place on a clean, dry kitchen cloth. Once the greens are a bit dry, roll several leaves together and slice into 1-inch strips until all have been sliced.

Next prepare the bacon. Use a rimmed baking sheet and set an oven-safe rack in the pan. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the rack. Place the pan in a cold oven and turn the temp to 400 F for about 17 to 20 minutes. Transfer the bacon to several layers of paper towel to drain and cool. Don’t discard the bacon grease.  Once cooled, cut bacon pieces into squares.

Heat a large heavy bottomed pot over medium-low and add sliced onion along with some of the bacon grease. Cook until the onions soften, add the garlic and continue to cook until the onions begin to brown slightly, stirring to prevent burning.

Raise heat to medium and add some of the collard greens and 1 cup of the broth. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan and let the greens cook down a bit until you can fit more in the pan. Add the chopped bacon and continue to add more greens until all are able to fit in the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally until the greens are completely wilted down and have changed color to a dark green, about 25 minutes. Don’t let the greens cook dry, add more broth if needed before the collards have cooked down. 

Finally, add the sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, if using, and continue to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated from the pan, about 5 more minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy while still warm.

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Baked Moroccan Chicken

Naturally Gluten-Free Meals
Baked Moroccan Chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 Fresh Lemon, thinly sliced
1 Whole Chicken, cut-up
2 Large Onions, thinly sliced
3 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
½ Cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
½ Cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Tsp Ginger
1 Tsp Black Pepper
1 Tsp Turmeric
½ Tsp Salt
½ Cup Raisins
¼ Cup Water
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 Cup Pitted Olives, green, red, or mixed

INSTRUCTIONS

Marinate the Chicken
In a large covered container add the lemon, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, ginger, pepper, turmeric, salt, raisins, and water. Mix well, add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 F

Add enough olive oil to a large baking dish so it coats the bottom. Layer the sliced onions from the marinade and place the chicken on top skin side up. Layer the sliced lemons and any remaining marinade on top of the chicken. Add the olives and drizzle the chicken with the remaining olive oil.

Bake the chicken uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is light golden brown, basting occasionally.

Reduce the heat to 300 F and continue baking for another 30 minutes or longer. The chicken should be deeply browned, the juices should run clear, and the leg joints should move easily. Internal temperature should be between 165 and 175 F. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake


Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake
 
INGREDIENTS
1 Cup Sweet Potato, cooked & mashed
3 Large Eggs
¼ Cup Maple Syrup or Honey
¼ Cup Coconut Oil or Butter, melted
1 Tsp Vanilla
½ Cup Almond Flour or GF Cup4Cup Flour, any brand
1½ Tsp Ginger
1 Tsp Cinnamon
¼ Tsp Nutmeg
1 Tsp Baking Soda
¼ Tsp Salt
¼ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce or Greek Yogurt
 
Glaze:
2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Butter, melted
¼ Tsp Cinnamon
 
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven 350°F
8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper
 
Cook the sweet potato by boiling, baking, or microwaving until soft. Peel and mash it until smooth. Allow to cool.
 
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla. Stir in the mashed sweet potato and applesauce (or Greek yogurt) until fully combined.
 
Add the dry ingredients; almond flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake. Set aside to cool completely.
 
Make the glaze:    In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle over the cooled cake for extra flavor.
 
Optional Additions:    Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
 
Frosting:    If you'd like a richer topping, consider cream cheese frosting or coconut whipped cream.

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Garlic & Avocado Mayonnaise

Gluten-Free Condiments
ROASTED GARLIC & AVOCADO MAYONNAISE 

INGREDIENTS

1 Avocado, pitted & peeled
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Bulb of Roasted Garlic, recipe below
1 Lemon, zest & juice
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Honey, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Place everything in a food processor, or tall bowl if using a stick blender, and run at high speed until silky smooth.  If the mayo seems a bit thick, add another drizzle of olive oil or juice. Taste for seasoning and add more if desired. Store the mayo in a covered glass container in the fridge. If the mayo is too lemony for your taste, add a touch of honey to balance things out.

Oven Roasted Garlic

INGREDIENTS

2-3 Whole Heads of Garlic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

DIRECTIONS
Preheat toaster oven to 350°

Peel and discard the papery outer layers of the whole garlic bulb, leaving the skins on the individual cloves of garlic. Be careful not to break the cloves from the bulb. With a small sharp knife, cut just the tops of cloves off, exposing the individual cloves inside. If you miss some of the smaller cloves, or the lower ones on the outside edge, don’t worry, they’ll still roast up fine. 

Place the bulbs, cut side up, into individual ramekins. If you’re going to do multiple bulbs a muffin pan works well. Drizzle the olive oil over the bulbs, making certain to get each exposed clove. Place in the hot oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the cloves are lightly browned and feel soft when pressed.

Allow the garlic to cool and remove the individual cloves from the bulb. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins or use a small knife to cut the skin slightly. Place the cloves in a covered, glass container and pour any remaining oil over them.  Enjoy the garlic warm, can be used as an ingredient in a favorite savory recipe, mash to create an amazing spread or aioli, create a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or pastas

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Pork Corton, Vintage Recipe

Naturally Gluten-Free Condiments
CORTON/CRETON
French Canadian Pork Spread
Makes 5-6 Cups
100 Year Old Vintage Recipe
 
INGREDIENTS

1 Lb Ground Pork
1 Lb Hamburger
1 Large Onion, Chopped
Salt
Ground Allspice
 
DIRECTIONS
 
Put meat together in large saucepan and mash well to separate.  Mix in onion and stir well and add enough water to cover.  Add allspice, enough to cover surface, and salt to taste and mix well.  Turn heat to medium high and bring to a soft boil, stirring frequently to break up the meat. When boil begins turn heat down just enough to continue simmer. Take a teaspoon of the mix; put it on a saucer and chill about 5 minutes before tasting. If not enough spice or salt, adjust and continue cooking.
 
Continue to cook about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until reduced by two-thirds.  Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly. While still slightly warm stir to incorporate all the fat and pour into 1 cup glass containers, cover tightly.  Can be frozen, or stored in refrigerator.  Serve chilled on toast or crackers. 

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Snickerdoodle Coffee Mix

 
Naturally Gluten-Free Drink Mixes
SNICKERDOODLE COFFEE MIX
 
INGREDIENTS
 
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Powdered Milk
½ Cup Vanilla-Flavored Powdered Non-Dairy Creamer
½ Cup Baking Cocoa
3 Tbls Instant Coffee
½ Tsp Allspice
¼ Tsp Cinnamon
 
DIRECTIONS
Air-Tight Storage Container
 
Measure all dry ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until well-combined. Label and store in a cool, dry space away from sunlight.
 
To use:    Place ¼ cup of mix in a mug and add ¾ cup of hot water or warm milk and stir.

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Monday, May 5, 2025

Honey Cranberry Sauce

 
Naturally Gluten-Free Sauces
Cranberry Sauce w/Orange & Honey

INGREDIENTS

12 Oz Cranberries, fresh or frozen
½ Cup Honey
1 Orange, juice & zest
1 Bottle Hard Cider, sweet
Pinch of salt
1 Cinnamon Stick, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add all ingredients and stir to combine. Simmer, uncovered, over medium heat, about 15-20 minutes.  Stir frequently until the berries have popped and the sauce begins to thicken, careful, don’t leave unattended.

Pour into serving dish, remove the cinnamon stick and place on top. Allow cooling a bit before refrigerating, can be served cold or room temperature.

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Amaretto Trifle, Vintage Recipe

Naturally Gluten-Free Desserts
AMARETTO TRIFLE
100 Year Old Vintage Recipe
 
INGREDIENTS

1 GF Sponge Cake, day old
½ Cup Amaretto
2 Pkgs Vanilla Instant Pudding
4 Cups Cold Milk
2 Cup Fresh Strawberries, sliced
4 Bananas, sliced
1 Large Cool Whip
 
DIRECTIONS
Glass serving bowl, or parfait glasses
 
Cut cake into 1-inch cubes.  Prepare pudding according to package directions.  In large straight sided bowl prepare cake in layers.  Starting with some cake, drizzle with a little Amaretto; add vanilla pudding, sliced bananas and strawberries, and Cool Whip.  Continue building layers until all ingredients are used finishing with Cool Whip with a few pieces of fruit for decoration.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. 

NOTE: Always read labels carefully

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