sides + vegetables

trader joe’s gluten-free stuffing

If you can have grains, such as rice and potato and can tolerate a tiny bit of dairy and soy, here’s a super quick alternative to a more involved gluten-free stuffing. We gave this a try a few weeks ago … more




oven applesauce

My son and I have a habit of watching the cooking channel together. He salivates and tells me what he likes to eat and I take notes. A few nights ago, we watched The Barefoot Contessa, otherwise known as Ina … more




zucchini cakes

I happen to love zucchini, a fondness my family does not share. I’ve been torturing them for years, offering new recipes in the hope they will grow to love this delicately flavored vegetable. Mission accomplished (except for the 10 year … more




gluten-free citrus rice salad

Wild rice is typically something you would serve in the fall, but I love it year round. You can find it in the bulk section of your health food store. Take a big whiff – it spells exactly like black … more




gluten-free green beans gremolata

I personally could eat green beans every day. Steamed, roasted, blanched and sauteed with olive oil… When I saw Ina Garten‘s vacation to Napa show on the Food Network, I knew I’d found a winner. This is the original recipe, … more




dandelion greens

I’ve always had a curiosity about the greens I watched my father eat his whole life. My mother steamed or sautéd them with butter, salt and pepper and I would watch him eat a plateful, grateful that I was not … more




sweet potato casserole

There is no other meal I can think of, where we hold tighter to our sacrosanct traditions than Thanksgiving. For every person who partakes, I find there are one or two dishes that must be on the table for the … more




lisa’s greens and quinoa salad

My niece, Lisa came up with this wonderful salad. Brightened with pistachios and cranberries, the quinoa provides a nice punch of protein that would accent a holiday table. This a wonderful side for a Frittata brunch or alongside a nourishing … more




perfect corn

There’s few things better than a fresh ear of corn in summer. But how many times have we suffered through an over-cooked ear with wilted kernels? Here’s a fool-proof way to make corn that pops as you bite into it. … more




onion rings

This is a splurge. Things like french fries and onion rings are kind of a pain to prepare, which keeps us from doing it too often. We have these once in a blue moon. One large onion is the right … more




rice pilaf with noodles

Whenever we go to one of our favorite Greek restaurants, my son and I can’t eat the rice because it has those threads of noodles in it. I saw Lucinda Scala Quinn demonstrate a similar dish, so here’s my gluten-free … more




saffron rice

In the past, I kind of shied away from using a lot of saffron because it was so expensive. But I found a little bottle at Trader Joe’s for right around $6. Saffron, the stamen of the crocus flower produced … more




quinoa tabouli

In place of bulgar wheat, this tabouli utilizes protein-rich quinoa as a base. This is a fresh side for a Chicken Wrap, or with any dinner. Or, you can throw chicken or shrimp in and make it a main dish. … more




celery root slaw

Celery root is one of those under appreciated vegetables that is easily overlooked because it looks like jicama’s ugly cousin. But don’t be put off by it’s appearance. With a sharp knife, you can cut off the stem and slice … more




coleslaw

Often times, modified food starch (code name “gluten”) is added to many commercial mayonnaises. It helps give the mayonnaise body and stiffness. Coleslaw is one of those things we are accustomed to buying at the deli counter, but you’ll be … more




sweet potato latkes

Safe for people with nightshade allergies, these Sweet Potato Latkes are a snap to prepare. If you’re cooking for an army and have a food processor, you can grate them in seconds with your grater attachment. They are wonderful as … more




cucumber salad

A nice change from a green salad, this is a typical Hungarian side, without the sour cream. It’s light and fresh and keeps for another day. My kids love this (even the raw onion part). Prep time: 5 minutes Total … more




latkes

We just celebrated Christmukkah last week. Just like it sounds, this mish-mash of Christmas and Chanukah is a time to decorate our tree with friends, play the dreidel game and cook latkes. My kids love to collect chocolate gelt from … more




holiday bread dressing

My little boy is 7 and a half (as he will tell you) and he just had his first bite of dressing, thank you very much to Udi’s Gluten-Free Bread. Thanksgiving dinner is my absolute favorite dinner of the entire … more




sauteed haricoverts

I feel like I make a thousand decisions a day. So when I’m standing in front of the produce aisle trying to figure out what to prepare that night, I wish someone would just TELL me what to make. It … more




easy risotto

I would never have thought that risotto could be this easy. I’ve stood patiently in front of the stove, stirring religiously, after each half cup addition of stock, but this recipe from Ina Garten’s new cookbook How Easy Is That? … more




holiday rice pilaf

This pilaf is a wonderful compliment to the No-Fail Roasted Chicken or the Roasted Turkey & Gravy. Studded with orange-infused cranberries, toasted almonds and fresh scallions, it’s perfect for the holidays, but I serve it year around. The wild rice … more




roasted carrots

It’s said that we taste first with our eyes. I love the deep richness of roasted carrots, but their color adds a particular beauty to any plate. Active time: 5 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Yield: 4-6 servings 6 carrots, … more




broccoli bacon salad

This is for my friend Brad who is trying to sneak more vegetables into his kid’s diet. Not only is this delicious, but the veggies are raw – another nutritional bonus. Prep Time: 10 minutes Yield: Serves 4-6 12 oz. … more




spanish rice

I usually make a double recipe of Basmati rice so that I always have extra for just this type of recipe. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Yield: Serves 4-6 as a side. 1 c. Basmati rice 1 … more




steamed cabbage with caraway

There are certain things that just go together. Caraway and cabbage are one of those perfect pairs. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time:  18 minutes Yield: Serves 4 1/2 green cabbage, cut in half with stem removed 1 T caraway … more




green and yellow rice

I obviously have a love affair with cilantro. I think people either like it or don’t. If it’s not your cup of tea, use Italian parsley or basil instead. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Yield: Serves 4 … more




sweet potato hash

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Yield: Serves 4-6 as a side Sweet potatoes are one my favorite vegetables and often overlooked in favor of white potatoes. This is great as a breakfast side or with dinner. Remember, … more




fruit platter

Never underestimate the appeal of fresh fruit. When I bring an this to a party, fruit is always a nice contrast to all the standard heavy, creamy fare. Use whatever is in season and it makes a beautiful appetizer or … more




herbed rice

This is my weekday go-to rice. It’s light and fresh and pairs well with chicken and beef. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Yield: 6 servings 2 c. white Basmati rice 2 1/2 c. water juice of 1 … more