Build-A-Granola-Bar

I have been experimenting recently with some tried-and-true recipes. I have been looking for ways to make more HEALTHY RECIPE VARIATIONS. I took my Dried Fruit Flavored Granola Bars and substituted "flax seed eggs" for the eggs to make the granola bars Gluten Free and VEGAN.

The picture depicts a CHEWY VEGAN and GLUTEN FREE version of the Granola Bar. If you wish a chewy bar...cook until the edges of the granola bar begin to turn a golden brown. If you wish a crunchy bar cook a bit longer until the entire pan begins to turn golden.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup flax seed meal or ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup almond flour or hazelnut flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon/vanilla/maple/almond/coconut extract (the flavoring you wish to go with the stir-ins)
• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 flax seed eggs
• 1/2 cup olive, walnut, or coconut oil
•  Spray for the 9 x 12 pan (olive oil or coconut oil)

STIR-INS:

• 1/2 cup diced dried fruit (no sulfur dioxide - read side effects in some people - or sugar added is best), mini dark chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
• 1 tsp cinnamon/vanilla/maple/almond/coconut extract (the flavoring you wish to go with the above stir-ins)

Instructions:

• Preheat Oven to 350
• Begin by creating the flax seed eggs. I took 2 TBSP ground flax seeds and combined them with 6 TBSP water. I let them sit for about 5 minutes (mixing half way through) to create an egg-like consistency
• Add the dry ingredients and mix into the flax eggs
• Add the honey,  oil, and stir-ins and mix
• Spray a glass baking dish and add the granola mixture
• Press firmly into the pan with a spatula
• Bake to desired texture

Have fun...play with your food...make each batch a little different!

Gluten Free Max Omega Veggie Sandwich

The key to a great Gluten Free Sandwich is the BREAD. Since it has been necessary for me to follow a gluten free diet, I have witnessed a huge growth in the development of gluten free bread offerings. Many companies produce a product that I love. Try several, you will find one or two that become your "go to" products.

Today's sandwich uses Max Omega Bread by Three Bakers. You can find the product on the company website and information on where to buy it in your local area (Three Bakers Gluten Free Bread). This bread has a great consistency. It is dense enough not to crumble when using substantial "fillers". The bread has a nice crunch and chewy texture.

Ingredients:

• Gluten Free bread, roll, or pita
• Hummus (gluten free)
• Roasted Vegetables of your choice

Directions:

• Cut vegetables at an even thickness, place on non-stick aluminum foil, spray with olive oil, and sprinkle with pepper and salt
• Roast vegetables in oven set at 350 for about 30 minutes depending on thickness
• **The vegetables can be roasted ahead of time and warmed or used cold in the sandwich. Foodie's Choice!
• Toast bread of choice  
• Spread hummus (flavor of choice) on bread then layer the roasted vegetables. 

Serve with soup, salad, gluten free chips, or Veggie Fries

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