Too Hot To Cook? Make a Lettuce Wrap

I love lettuce cups and garden wraps- so fresh and light.

Too hot to cook and you're contemplating going gluten-free to boot? Try a greenwich on for size. Garden fresh lettuce wraps make for an ultra-easy lunch that is perfect for sizzling summer days. Wrap or cradle your favorite sandwich filling with tender Boston lettuce or crisp romaine. Stuff smaller cups with your favorite salad or use larger leaves to wrap and roll a layered classic.

One of the first recipes I started with on my gluten-free journey years ago was the simple idea of wrapping various sandwich fillings in crisp washed lettuce leaves. The possibilities are endless.

Boston lettuce (aka butter lettuce) leaves make deliciously tender wraps. Romaine is sturdier; fill it lengthwise- like a boat- and simply fold it, rib on bottom. When fillings are messy, wrap the wrap with a piece of wax paper, plastic wrap or foil.

Lettuce wraps are great fun for kids. Set up a buffet style Greenwich Bar- with all the fixin's- and let them choose from an assortment of fillings to design their and wrap their own creations.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

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Pinon Rice Bake with Artichokes and Goat Cheese

Brown rice with artichokes, roasted corn, chiles, pine nuts and goat cheese.

Here's a favorite make-ahead rice dish recipe with Mediterranean flavors- artichokes, plum tomatoes, pine nuts and goat cheese. Entertaining made simple. And there are never any leftovers.

Having someone new over for dinner always sends me into a flurry of activity fueled by nervous energy and worry. I obsess over obscure details (like an iTune playlist), change my mind about the menu (wait- enchiladas or lasagna?), forget ingredients (dagnabbit! the green beans are still in the car). So I've learned (yes, the hard way) to always make a few key dishes ahead of time. Then dinner is basically done.

And I'm not stuck in the kitchen spilling olive oil on a new silk shirt.

I can relax (well, sort of). And- goddess willing- I won't set the oven on fire because I'm too busy discussing politics or the yummy Anderson Cooper.

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Our Family's Top Ten Gluten-Free Products

Gluten-free baguettes made with Pamela's mix.

Our Family's Top Ten 

Gluten-Free Picks

*

These quickie reviews of our family's favorite gluten-free products are not sponsored by the manufacturers. I accepted no free samples, coupons, or other please-blog-about-us incentives. These picks are our personal, most often used favorites.

1. Pamela's Products Amazing Wheat Free & Gluten-free Bread Mixwith sorghum and millet flour is the best tasting gluten-free bread mix by far. Seriously. We've made it with eggs and without eggs. Both ways are delicious. We've even made killer rustic baguettes with Pamela's (pictured above). My son Alex has made it into cinnamon swirl bread, and pizza crust, with great success.

2. Next up: Gluten-Free Pasta. One of our family's favorite gluten-free pastas is Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta. It's far less starchy than your average rice pasta, and higher in protein. The spaghetti style has the bite of a good Italian linguine- perfect for those of you who prefer your pasta al dente.

For those unable to do corn, Tinkyada Pasta is also excellent. The Tinkyada Large Shells are perfect for stuffed shells (see my Gluten-Free Italian Baked Stuffed Shells recipe here). And the Tinkyada Brown Rice Lasagna makes light, delicious lasagna (I use the noodles uncooked- find my lasagna recipes here).

3. Pamela's Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix in bulk is the best all-around all-purpose baking and pancake mix. Why? It features buttermilk and almond meal. Beginners can use Pamela's mix as a one-to-one sub for wheat flour in gluten-free baking.

For those who need a dairy-free gluten-free baking mix try Namaste Gluten-Free Waffle and Pancake Mix. (In our house, we add chocolate chips to our pancakes- or blueberries.)

4. Highly regarded Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free milled flours and mixes has finally added a gluten-free polenta and cornmeal to their esteemed line of products. Lucky us! For those who love polenta and care about quality- we now have Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Corn Grits + Polenta. Look for the GF symbol on the package.

5. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Flakes is a hot breakfast cereal rich in vegan protein and calcium. We enjoy it as a warm bowl of comfort drizzled with maple syrup. And we absolutely love using it in baking- especially in cookie, muffin, and cake recipes (especially nice when oats are called for). Browse GFG quinoa recipes here.

We also enjoy Ancient Harvest Organic Quinoa grain as pilaf, tabbouleh, and a high protein alternative to rice (I cook it in my rice cooker- here's how).

6. Gluten-free flours blends taste different. Less sweet than wheat. One trick we like to do? Use the best vanilla extract- Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract. Rich, deep vanilla flavor. No icky, flabby fillers (like corn syrup).

7. A new gluten-free flour fave is Bob's Red Mill Organic Coconut Flour. It adds moisture, flavor, and a subtle sweetness to GF flour blends. Not to mention, protein and fiber. A little is all you need- add a tablespoon or two for added moisture and texture, or sub out a half cup flour in your usual flour blend with a half cup coconut flour.

8. Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil makes gluten-free baked goods rich and buttery. It's our new favorite vegan butter and shortening replacement in baking recipes. Great for cookies, cakes, biscuits, and scones.

9. Our favorite non-dairy milk to use in gluten-free and vegan ice cream is- hands down-- Native Forest Organic Classic Coconut Milk. Creamy good. Also lovely in spicy curry sauces, as well as a staple in baking.

10. Organic Raw Blue Agave is a low glycemic natural vegan sweetener that is wonderful for subtle sweetening in sauces, beverages and baking.

Purchasing a product via our links to Amazon.com earns us a small advertising affiliate fee. 

 We appreciate and value your support. 

Thank you!

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Mexican Black Bean Soup- In Memory of Sher

Sher's black bean soup recipe.

Sher and I never met. We were what people refer to as blogging acquaintances. We exchanged occasional comments on one another's blogs and admired each other's penchant for rustic Mexican recipes. Real food, with big flavor. Last Sunday lovely Sher passed away suddenly- from a heart attack. She was 59. Today food bloggers are joining in memory of Sher- and her enthusiastic love of good food- by posting one of her recipes. I suspect this would please her no end; as her blog title suggests, the first question asked by her family on any occasion is...

What did you eat?

Today we are collectively offering, One of your recipes, Sher!

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Penne Arrabiata with Brown Rice Pasta

Gluten-free penne arrabiata- spicy and easy

The last meal of our two-week honeymoon in Italy was in Rome- on the way to the airport. And I'll never forget it. It was penne tossed in a spicy red sauce. My first Arrabiata. Here's my gluten-free version- a simple and fast recipe perfect for a weeknight supper.

Penne Arrabiata Recipe with Brown Rice Pasta

Use fresh Roma tomatoes in this classic Italian recipe- or go postmodern and grab a can of spicy diced tomatoes from the pantry. Hey I'm no snob- I've used both. And both are delicious. Make this quick and easy pasta sauce as spicy or as mild as you like. There's plenty of room for improvisation in this simple recipe. Follow your taste buds.

Ingredients:
14 oz. gluten-free penne pasta, such as Tinkyada Brown Rice Penne
4-6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 pint Roma tomatoes, diced- or 1 14.5 oz. can Muir Glen organic fire roasted diced tomatoes with spicy chiles
2-4 oz. chopped roasted green or red chiles- hot or mild, according to taste
Hot red chile pepper flakes, to taste
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
A goodly splash or two of balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan or vegan cheese, or omit for dairy-free
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne until it is al dente- tender but still slightly firm.

Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, heat roughly 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat; add the onion; stir and cook until softened. Add the chopped garlic; stir and cook for a minute.

Add in the fire roasted diced tomatoes, chopped roasted chiles, red pepper flakes, sea salt and pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, lower the heat and keep on a low simmer while you boil the penne pasta.

When the penne is ready, drain it and pour it into the skillet.

Drizzle the cooked penne with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (or use pasta water). Toss the penne gently to coat it in the Arrabiata sauce.

Serve in warm bowls. Sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan or vegan cheese, and some fresh chopped parsley.

Pour some cheap Italian red (and read this fun piece at the New York Times blog by Freakonomics author on Cheap Wine). Thanks Elise, for the heads up this article.

Serves 4.

Notes: 

Fresh Roma tomatoes are traditional- but in a pinch I've used all kinds of different varieties- even yellow heirloom tomatoes. Why not? [Just don't tell Mario Batalli.]

More Mediterranean Recipes Featuring Pasta:

Mediterranean Tuna and Artichoke Pasta
Pesto Zucchini Tomato Gratin
Mediterranean Pasta Frittata
Pasta with Toasted Pecans, Raisins & Artichoke Hearts

Sexy Spring Pasta with Roasted Asparagus

Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Savory G-Free Waffles- for breadcrumbs & panini

Savory waffles for grilled sandwiches and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Several readers have requested my savory waffle recipe- the base recipe I use to make those golden Crunchy Gluten-Free Breadcrumbz. And who am I to refuse such a worthy request? Average waffles these are not. Not only are these crispy vegan gems wheat-free and egg-free, they are infused with herbs and garlic, rendering them suitable not only for conjuring Italian style crumbs, but grilling up warm and melty panini as well. Use these like you would use sandwich bread.

So take this simple recipe as a blueprint, add your own creativity to the mix and do great things. For nothing is as noble as cooking something delicious and food allergy safe for those you cherish.

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Vegan Banana Ice Cream

Vegan banana ice cream.

I've been busy behind the scenes here at Gluten-Free Goddess -- but I'm never too busy to create a new dessert recipe for you. Her Awesomeness forbid. I wouldn't abandon you to steam in the summer heat, sweltering without respite, without a new frozen confection to cheer you up and cool you down.

Not me. I'm not a remote and apathetic kind of goddess. Nope.

I get you. I listen. And I feel your non-dairy gluten-free frustration. All the way out here in the hills of Ojo Caliente.

So what that means is this ice cream recipe is vegan- in other words, dairy-free and egg-free for all you lovely casein-free beauties out there.

I start with frozen bananas- because they're so creamy good when frozen. They jump start the whole homemade ice cream making process. So go fetch your ripe bananas and toss 'em in the freezer right now.

You'll thank me later.

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How To Make Crunchy Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

Golden gluten-free bread crumbs made from toasted waffles.

Why not talk about simple pleasures? Like how to make really tasty gluten-free bread crumbs. Golden. Toasty. Slightly crunchy. When I first went gluten-free I missed the crunchy goodness that a buttered bread crumb topping adds to a home cooked recipe- especially comfort food. In fact, one of my favorite simple comfort recipes when I'm dragging my butt and too tired to cook is spaghetti tossed in extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes and pan toasted bread crumbs.

So, after I found a decent (even wonderful) gluten-free pasta (Tinkyada Pasta) I tried making herbed crumbs for several of my favorite comfort foods, including my go-to Italian spaghetti with garlic and crumbs recipe.

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Easy Agave and Lime Salmon Recipe

Easy gluten-free salmon with agave and lime.

Don't feel like cooking? Keep some wild caught salmon on hand and you almost won't have to. Got limes and agave? Smile. Salmon recipes don't get any easier than this. This is almost not cooking- which makes it a perfect recipe for a lazy summer supper.

We served our salmon with grilled veggie kebabs- another one of my easy summer staples. I grill my vegetable skewers on our handy Grilleration Forman grill because we don't have an outdoor grill. Hard to believe, I know. How can we live without a proper grill? And in New Mexico, for goddess sake! It's tricky, truth be told. If you saw our little casita you would understand. There's really no proper spot for a grill- or room to store it for the winter, now that you mention it. Yes, we have winters here in northern New Mexico (weeks of zero degree mornings). And only two closets.

Two. Very. Small. Closets.

Some days I feel like we are camping in the middle of a great big sand box.

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Gluten-Free Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Delicious sour cream chicken enchiladas- gluten-free.

Yummy. Easy. Chicken enchiladas. I never tire of them. And I'm not alone. My chicken enchilada recipes are among the most popular recipes on the blog. It's understandable. Enchiladas make a perfect make-ahead recipe for a weeknight supper or a pot luck gathering. And they are easily gluten-free. Make enchiladas earlier in the day- and dinner is done.

As easy as uno, dos, tres.

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Gluten-Free Recipes- A Rockin' Summer Round-Up

Chilly chocolate sorbet

Why am I posting a Rockin' Summer Gluten-Free Recipe Round-Up? Because Dear Reader (unlike the hoards of Arriba County residents standing in line to buy fireworks in the sweltering Walmart parking lot), I have no plans for the Fourth of July. No gluten-free barbecues or family picnics. No recipes necessary. I ain't cookin'.

See that frosty glass of dairy-free chocolate goodness? That's what I'll be chillin' with all weekend as I kick back with my Number One Honey and dig in to the third season of Deadwood. I'll be munching organic popcorn (non-GMO, naturally) and whipping up blueberry smoothies. I might stuff a corn tortilla or two. Or throw together my Champagne Vinegar Potato Salad Recipe. We did buy a watermelon. 

But beyond those modest efforts? I'm hangin'. And catching up with Calamity Jane. I have a serious crush. And writer David Milch is my word-slinging hero.

So while I'm immersing myself in the riches of our very own Shakespeare, in the spirit of not keeping to myself things that are too good not to share, here are some gorgeous, tasty and often quite easy gluten-free recipes I've spotted lately. Enjoy!

Karina's Rockin' Summer 

Gluten-Free Recipe Round-Up

Grilled Steak Tacos with Watermelon Jicama Salsa from Food Blogga
Lime and Peanut Coleslaw Recipe from Heidi Swanson
Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad Recipe from Book of Yum

Seven Layer Bean Dip Recipe from Simply Recipes
Gluten-Free Summer Quinoa Salad Recipe from Almost Fit
Lentil and Potato Salad Recipe from Lucullian Delights

Easy South Beach Recipes - Calabasitas from Kalyn's Kitchen
Snappy Crunchy Coleslaw at Gluten-Free Goddess
Grilled Corn Salad from Simply Recipes

Rand's Crab and Tangerine Nicoise with Lemon Vinaigrette from Kalyn's KItchen
Horseradish Spiked Red Potato Salad Recipe at Gluten-Free Goddess
Roasted Tomatillo & Jalapeño Salsa from Gluten-Free Gobsmacked

Tarragon, Chive and Caper Deviled Eggs from Coconut & Lime
Watermelon, Tomato and Feta Salad from Cookthink
Jalapeño Lime Hummus from Karina's Kitchen

Gluten-Free Barbecue Sauce Recipe from Elana's Pantry
Easy Mediterranean Fish with Rice Recipe at Gluten-Free Goddess
Quick and Easy Red, White and Blue Desserts from GFCF Mommy

Watermelon Sorbetto Granita from Ms. Adventures in Italy
Apple Juice Sabayon with Berries from La Tartine Gourmande
Vegan Blueberry Cobbler Recipe at Gluten-Free Goddess

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits from Simple Recipes
Gluten-Free Breakfast Brownies at Gluten-Free Goddess
Amazing Black Bean Brownie Recipe from Heidi Swanson

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