Great Gluten-free Find

 

I found this corn pasta at the Bulk Barn.  This is so close to the "real thing" I actually had to dig the packaging out of the garbage to double-check if truly was gluten-free.  I love it when I have to do that.

This is from a company called Prairie Harvest.  This is one of my greatest gluten-free finds. 

Great Gluten-free Find

I found these at Sobeys by Glutino.  Chocolate covered pretzels!!!  As you can see, I've already torn the bag open - sorry, couldn't even wait to take the picture (I'm not proud of myself). 

These make me want to invite my Celiac buddy, Karen, over to crack open a bottle of Soave and munch on these. 

Great Gluten-free Find

I have exciting news!  Kernels Popcorn is now gluten-free.  I had always worried, if I could have all flavours at Kernels. The sales person informed me yesterday that all flavours are now gluten-free.  So go, try them all.  I know I will be!

January is Chilli Month

I`ve decided January will be the month where I try different types of chilli or chowders.  Our winter hasn`t been too cold yet, but I have a feeling it`s coming.

A shout out to my taste testers:  Get your spoons ready!

Good Gluten-free Find

I wouldn't class this as one of my great gluten-free finds, but it is a good find.

This is a pretzel shaped "puff" in sea salt and pepper flavour.  It's something a little different made by Cheecha.

I found these at Metro. 

Shepherd's Pie

One of the comfort foods I missed when I became a vegetarian is Shepherd's Pie. My friend, Gail, came up with a good version on her blog.  I tweaked it a bit and have come up with this version.  It makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside.  It's full of vegetables and nutrition. 

This recipe needs fresh thyme.  It's just not the same without it.

You will need:

• 4 cups water
• 2 Knorr vegetable cubes
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1/2 head cauliflower, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 6 yellow potatoes
• 1/3 cup cornstarch and cold water
• salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese, grated

I make the stew the day before, so the flavours are mixed together.  In a large pot put, water, Knorr vegetable mix, mushrooms, zucchini, onion, celery, frozen veggies, cauliflower, thyme and kidney beans.   Add chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil and cook until vegetables are tender - about 45 minutes.

Dissolve cornstarch in cold water and mix into stew to thicken it.

Boil potatoes and mash (you can add milk and butter here if you like).  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Divide up stew into oven proof bowls. I spray each bowl with non-stick cooking spray.  I fill each bowl 2/3 full.  Top with mashed potatoes.  Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake in 350F oven.  If the stew goes into the bowls cold, don't preheat and bake for an hour.  If stew is warm, then bake for about half an hour.

Oven Baked Rice (vegan)

By New Year's Day I am always exhausted and need something stupid easy to prepare.  This recipe makes enough for a family of four and, although, plain, it is very tasty.

You will need:

• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 1 celery stock, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp. green pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 2 cups boiling water
• non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray a glass casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Put rice in dish. 

Saute celery and green onion in oil until soft.  Stir vegetables and oil in with rice so all grains of rice are coated with oil. 

Dissolve salt and pepper in boiling water.  Pour over rice/veggie mix. 

Cover and bake for 40 minutes.  Give it a good stir before serving.

Easy, peesy.  Happy new year to me!  Now only if the dog would take the tree down for me.