This Turkey Requires No Baking
When I was a kid my aunt would place small holiday themed "favors" on everyone`s plate before dinner. One year she made pilgrim hats using those Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies.
So when Goodie Girl Cookies launched similar cookies years ago, I made these candy "turkeys." I used gluten free pretzels for feet, two Reese`s Mini Cups for the body, anda GF fudge stripe cookie for the back tail feathers. (Along with some gluten free candy corn.)
I used melted chocolate to stick all the pieces together. Oh, and a bit of orange frosting for the beek.
Read my blog post for more information.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/give-thanks-goodie-girl-fudge-striped-cookies/
*Note - Goodie Girl Cookies contain oats.
...
Do You Set Out Appetizers Prior to your Holiday Meal?
I love a good charcuterie board. They`re relatively easy to put together, it allows people to pick and choose the foods they like.
Plus it allows you to add some higher fiber items that promote good gut health- like roasted chickpeas and dried apricots, plus fresh fruit such as grapes.
Find all my tips for building a fantastic gluten free charcuterie board in the link below.
Comment Charcuterie and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-charcuterie-board/
I also include links to mocktail recipes. 🙂
...
This Lasagna Tastes Like Thanksgiving Dinner
I created this recipe by accident. I tried to use gluten free lasagna sheets to make ravioli, and it was a HOT mess.
But instead of throwing everything away, I reworked what I had into a small batch lasagna, with pureed butternut squash as the sauce.
I used ground turkey instead of beef, and include sage & thyme in the seasoning to give it that flavor that`s reminiscent of stuffing.
This recipe is perfect to make for yourself and take to a family dinner, so you know you have a SAFE gluten free meal. Although be prepared to have people ask what it is, because it looks so good!
Comment LASAGNA and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-butternut-squash-lasagna/
...
I Can’t Believe It’s Gluten Free #AD
Today I’m reliving a core childhood memory. When I was a kid, my grandfather used to work at Quality Dairy in Lansing, MI.
He would bring home day-old bread and donuts, and we’d go to the river to feed the ducks.
Now that I’ve moved back to Lansing, I’m revisiting that same river, and thinking of him.
Instead of donuts, I’m pairing QD’s delicious apple cider with Antonina’s Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins.
They’re the perfect ❤️Gluten-free + family-friendly treat this fall season.
You can find @antoninasgf_bakery Gluten Free Muffins at Walmart, in the Bakery Freezer section. Flavors include Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, and Triple Chocolate.
Thank you Antonina’s for making delicious baked goods that everyone enjoys, whether they eat gluten free or not.
#AntoninasGlutenFree #CouponSavings #WalmartFinds #GlutenFreeSnacks #BudgetFriendlyBaking 📱
@Walmart📍 [ Lansing, MI Supercenter on Marketplace Blvd, off of Saginaw Hwy.]
https://antoninasglutenfreebakery.com/ | @antoninasgf_bakery
...
You Don`t Have to Do It All By Yourself
Cooking a huge holiday meal for a whole family can be a lot to undertake. The Michigan gluten free small businesses on this list want to help lighten your load by baking your gluten free pies, rolls, and so much more.
The list of bakers is organized by geographical region. It includes deadlines for ordering, dates to pick up, and links to their menu. I also include if their baked goods are free from other allergens.
Comment DEADLINE and I`ll send you the link. Share with a friend!
https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-gluten-free-thanksgiving-deadlines/
...
Fruit in Stuffing. Yea or Nay?
While I`m not a big fan of dried fruit in my cookies, I LOVE dried cranberries in my stuffing. The balance of savory and sweet is just SO good.
If you`re looking to make stuffing from scratch, check out my recipe for Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing on my website. In the first paragraph of the article I link to my favorite gluten free homemade cornbread recipe.
*Note - make your cornbread AHEAD of time, because you want to give it time to dry out before using it in your stuffing.
My recipe calls for Gluten Free Bouillon (I use Herb Ox) and water, but you can use canned / boxed chicken broth instead.
Comment STUFFING and I`ll DM you the recipe link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-cornbread-stuffing/
...
Not everyone plans to cook this Thanksgiving
There are plenty of reasons people choose not to cook for the holidays.
While lots of restaurants tend to offer options, very few list gluten free offerings.
I`ve compiled a list of restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses who are offering gluten free Thanksgiving menus.
Comment TO GO and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-gluten-free-thanksgiving-dinners-to-go/
...
"Hi, I made these exactly as per the recipe, and they came out PERFECTLY. Thank you so much, what a treat after years of no crescent rolls!! ♥️"
If you`re looking for a roll recipe for your Thanksgiving menu, this is my GO TO roll recipe for any holiday.
Comment CRESCENT and I"ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-crescent-rolls/
My tips for success?
1) Use Cup 4 Cup brand flour, and ONLY that flour. Not King Arthur. Not Bob`s Red Mill. Not Krusteaz. Only Cup 4 Cup.
2) While you can use Instant Yeast, I feel rolls made with active yeast (which needs to be proofed before using) yield a better tasting roll.
3) DO NOT skip adding a layer of butter on your dough before cutting and rolling. If you do, they will be dry.
@cup4cup
...
A Decade of Decadent Gluten Free Chocolate
Today Oh Mi Organics in St. Johns, Michigan celebrates 10 years of being in business. They offer 100 different chocolate flavors that are all free from the top 9 allergens.
But wait, there`s more! They also offer baked goods, savory lunch items and more.
And if you buy a shirt or hoodie from them and wear it into the store, you can get a free piece of chocolate!
Did I mention they also serve coffee? Visit them Monday thru Friday 8 am - 6pm, and 9 am - 2 pm on Saturdays. (Closed on Sunday.)
Read my blog post to learn more about this great Michigan business.
Comment OH MI and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/oh-mi-organics/
...
Oct 31
Many Enchilada Sauces Contain Wheat Flour
A father contacted me this week. His son, who has a wheat allergy, experienced a reaction after they accidentally used an enchilada sauce that contained wheat flour.
How did this happen? Well, La Preferida Organic Red Enchilada sauce in the box is certified gluten free. https://shop.lapreferida.com/products/organic-red-enchilada-sauce-tetra-recart%C2%AE
HOWEVER, the non-organic La Preferida Red Enchilada sauce in a can contains wheat flour. https://www.lapreferida.com/products/red-chile-enchilada-sauce-mild/
I use the organic enchilada sauce to make my Gluten Free Black Bean Enchiladas. They`re vegetarian, fairly easy to make, and are perfect for celebrating Dia De Los Muertos this weekend.
Comment Enchilada and I`ll DM you the recipe link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-enchiladas/
P.S. I just want to state that this could have happened to any of us. There will be no blaming of this father. Any rude remarks about their experience will be deleted.
Also, I`m working on a blog post about gluten free labeling, so stay tuned for that sometime in November.
@lapreferidafoods @certifiedglutenfree #GlutenFreeEnchiladas #DiaDeLosMuertos
...
Oct 30
The First of December will be here soon!
Make sure you plan ahead by ordering your Gluten Free Advent Calendars NOW.
My blog post lists numerous brands of food based advent calendars, advent calendars with non-food fun, and even arts and crafts.
Love a Jeep owner? There`s even a Rubber Duck advent calendar!
Find all this and more in the link below.
Comment ADVENT and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-advent-calendars/
And stay tuned next month when I share where you can get a gluten free gingerbread house. 🙂
@sees
...
Oct 29
I Guess I`m the Adultier Adult in the Kitchen
Last week I shared about gluten free products you can use to make your Thanksgiving feast.
This week I want to share the "Just How Do I Pull This Off?"
For years my grandmother made the holiday feast.
And now that I`m adult in the kitchen (how did that happen?), I I`m sharing my tips with you on how to build a menu and things to remember when cooking for those with dietary restrictions.
Plus links to recipes if you`ve never quite done this before.
Comment MENU and I`ll dm you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-thanksgiving-tips/
Not in the mood to cook? Stay tuned next week when I share businesses that will have GF Thanksgiving meals to go, as well as deadlines for ordering from your favorite gluten free bakers.
...
Oct 28
Cut Out Cookies- Not Just for Christmas
I own a wonderful 101 cookie cutter set that I`ve had for over 20 years.
Bought it when my niece and nephew were 4.
And now they`re 24. Where does time go?
Back when I was teaching them letters and numbers, we used to make cookies on Fridays to highlight the "letter of the week." And celebrate holidays.
While many people think cut out cookies are for Christmas, they`re perfect for any time of year, and any holiday.
In my blog post I share my tips on frosting cookies, as well as prepared mixes you can buy and homemade recipes to try.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-halloween-cut-out-cookies/
So if you`re still not sure what you`re doing for Halloween this year, release your inner child and make some cookies. <3
...
Oct 27
The Wait is Almost Over
Anna`s House will be opening their 13th location in Grand Ledge, MI tomorrow, October 28th. While there is a location in Okemos on the east side of Lansing, it will be so nice to have them on the west side of Lansing.
The address is 644 Migaldi Ln Suite 700, Lansing, MI 48917. They open from 7 am - 3pm.
Never been to Anna`s House? Read my restaurant review to learn about their cooking methods and all the gluten free options on their menu. (Including cinnamon rolls!)
https://miglutenfreegal.com/annas-house-gluten-free-michigan/
...
Oct 26
It`s Hip to be Square
This grain free Pumpkin PIe is made with Chebe Bread Cinnamon Roll Mix. The addition of cinnamon to the pie crust really amplifies this favorite Thanksgiving dessert.
Instead of a round pie pan, I made mine in a 9x13 quarter sheet pan. This allows for a quicker baking time, and more evenly cut pieces.
Two Other Pro Tips I learned from making this pie
1) Chill the pie filling prior to baking. This helps the spices "blossom", as well as allowing the custard to have a better texture when baked.
2) Put your pie pan on the oven rack and THEN add the filling. This prevents any spillage when you try to move any already filled pie to the oven.
Can`t have eggs or dairy? Read my blog post for suggestions for vegan pumpkin pie options. You`ll also find an explanation between quarter sheet pans and jelly roll pans.
Comment PUMPKIN PIE and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/grain-free-pumpkin-slab-pie/
(Can`t find Chebe Crust? A regular gluten free pie crust works well, too.)
@chebe_bread #NationalPumpkinDay #GlutenFree #PumpkinPie #GlutenFreeThanksgiving
...
Oct 24
The Michigan Store that has Gluten Free Stuffing all year round.
Meijer is a grocery store chain based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have locations in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
As we`re preparing for Thanksgiving, this store has many gluten free specialty items that you may want to prepare your meal.
-Aleia`s Gluten Free Foods Stuffing, Croutons, and breadcrumbs
-Many brands of gluten free cream of mushroom soup, including their own store brand, plus Pacific and Campbell`s.
- Gluten Free Ciabatta rolls from Schär
- Gluten free pie crusts from The Maine Pie Co.
- Refrigerated Pie Crust and Puff Pastry from Sweet Loren`s
- Imagine Foods Turkey Gravy & McCormick GF Gravy Packets
- Gluten free Mixes and flours from Krusteaz, King Arthur and more.
New to Meijer? Or not using their app for coupons and deals? Read my blog post to learn more about Meijer and the many ways you can save.
Comment MEIJER and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/shopping-gluten-free-at-meijer/
...
Oct 23
My Favorite Pre Made Pie Crust
Yesterday I shared about the many different brands that sell a pre-made gluten free pie crust. Out of all of them, Maine Pie Co. is definitely my favorite.
They are sold in a 2 pk and are available at Meijer stores for $7.99 here in Michigan. (Sometimes they`re on sale.) This is the crust I used to make my Gluten Free Fruits of the Forest Pie.
What`s in a Fruits of the Forest Pie? Rhubarb, apple, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. It was one of my FIL favorite kinds of pie.
Find the full recipe, and learn more about The Maine Pie Co. , comment FOREST and I"ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-fruits-of-the-forest-pie/#recipe
(*Note - Maine Pie Co crusts contain egg and dairy.) @mainepieco
...
Oct 22
Only 36 Days Until Thanksgiving
Stores are starting to advertise Thanksgiving meal deals.
Now is the time to search out your gluten free ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast.
A few new(ish) things for this year.
- The Aldi gluten free stuffing packaging looks different. It is now in a blue box that says "Chef`s Cupboard," NOT LiveGfree.
- Aldi organic french fried onions are NOT gluten free.
- Trader Joe`s now offers Fried Shallots that contain no gluten or grain ingredients.
- Hungry Jack no longer makes mashed potato flakes
- Kinnikinnick gluten free dinner rolls are no longer available.
If you READ my blog post, you`ll find links to each product so you can see the ingredients as well as use the brand`s store locator to find the product near you.
Comment PRODUCTS and I`ll DM you the link
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-thanksgiving-products/
...
Oct 20
Crispy Chicken and Waffles With NO Deep Frying
For years, I never understood the draw of chicken and waffles, until I tried a Fried Chicken sandwich on a sweet waffle. It was mind blowing.
And to be honest, it`s pretty easy to make at home. My trick? Batter thin chicken slices and cook them in the waffle maker! It`s similar to a panini press, and it cooks the chicken quickly and easily.
The secret to this perfect sandwich is the dressing, which is a blend of Greek Yogurt and maple syrup.
To learn more about this recipe, and at least 8 other creative uses for your waffle maker, comment WAFFLE and I`ll Dm you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/waffled-chicken-and-waffle-sandwich/
...
Oct 19
This Egg Free Quick Bread Will Become Your New Favorite
If you love peanut butter, this quick bread needs to be added to "must make" list. It uses no eggs, no additional butter or oil, and tastes great with or without chocolate chips.
The recipe does call for milk. However you could easily use almond milk instead, to make this a dairy free recipe.
I use PB2 powdered peanut butter to "amp up" the peanut flavor. However if you don`t have that available, you can just use more gluten free flour.
Comment PB Bread and I`ll DM you the link.
https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-peanut-butter-bread/
...