Baked Polenta Lasagna...REVISITED

When I made my Baked Polenta Lasagna I decided I needed to play with the food a bit more and enhance the recipe for more depth to the flavor...

Here it is...Baked Polenta Lasagna REVISITED...

I followed the same recipe but added Gluten Free Marinara sauce, diced basil, and shredded Parmesan in the middle layer.

When I served the dish I topped with more marinara sauce and zucchini "noodles".

Roasted Vegetable Sandwich

I need to eat a gluten free diet and have been pleased with the quality breads that have entered the marketplace in the past few years. BFree Foods has found a way to create products that mimic traditional breads but are free from common allergens and vegan as well!

I love BFree Products as they not only taste like traditional bread and can fool someone who does not adhere to a gluten free diet but also because they give me the confidence that I can serve them to anyone since they are created to fit the most common dietary restrictions.

The roasted vegetable sandwich is a gluten free and vegetarian sandwich that satisfies hunger even after a long workout. It can be paired with gluten free chips, roasted potatoes, salad, or soup. This sandwich can be made over and over again with different roasted vegetables. Today I used BFree Pita Bread. BFree bagels, rolls, or sandwich loaf can be used instead. Have fun playing with your food to customize your meal!

Approach cooking with a smile! It is fun to create new recipes! Use my ideas as they are or a springboard for your creativity. Check out the BFree website to find Pita Breads and other products in your local store!

Ingredients:

• Gluten Free Pita (or bread/wrap if your choice)
• Hummus - I used an organic red pepper hummus for this recipe
• Roasted vegetables - I used Butternut squash, Vidalia onions, and red bell peppers
• Cheese (optional)

Preparation Instructions:

• Roast the vegetables in the oven (350 for about 30-60 minutes depending on thickness of cut)
• Sprinkle with olive oil, pepper, and a dash of salt
• Toast the Pita (or prepare the bread/wrap of your choice)
• Add about 1 TBSP Hummus to each side of the pita bread and fill with roasted vegetables of your choice

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Gluten Free BANANA BARS by Natti Bar

At the Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo at the Del Mar Fair in San Diego I was introduced to a wonderful new product, Natti Bar. The bar is made from dehydrated bananas; that's it! It has a chewy texture and is similar to dried banana slices. It was a great post work out snack today!

The product is new to the market. Go on the company website to find where it is sold in your area!

Gluten Free Bread Pudding

Many people who avoid gluten due to medical necessity or lifestyle choice have to find ways to replicate "old favorites" with new products. This recipe is gluten free and lower in fat and sugar than traditional bread pudding. Any bread can be substituted in this recipe, as well as different milk. I did not add additional sugar to the recipe as the vanilla almond milk was sweet enough. You can add an additional 1/2 cup of sugar if you want a sweeter taste.

Ingredients:
2 eggs (I prefer free range)
2 cups vanilla flavor almond milk
2 very ripe bananas
2 tsp vanilla (if not using a vanilla flavored milk)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups of diced bread (I used UDI's Cinnamon Raisin Bread)
OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350
   
2. Combine the bananas, eggs, and flavoring
3. Dice the bread into small pieces or place in a food processor to dice/shred 
4. Add the bread to the liquid mixture and combine
5. Spray a 9x11 baking pan with olive oil and add mixture to the pan
6. Bake for 30-45 minutes
7. Serve warm with honey, brown sugar, or powdered sugar sprinkled on top for an extra hint of sweetness