5orLess

Eating healthfully during the week when you’re pressed for time is a real challenge for any family or individual. Designed with the week day cook in mind, these recipes all have 5 or less ingredients.

broiled lobster

I know what you’re thinking – lobster is way too expensive. I thought so too until I found four glorious tails at Costco for $25. A splurge? For sure, but every once in a while, it’s wonderful to surprise your … more




creamy cauliflower soup

Cauliflower intake is on the rise. With the popularity of many gluten free diets, particularly the paleo diet, we’ve seen cauliflower take the place of everything from rice to potatoes to a base for a pizza crust (yeah, I’m working … more




maple mustard chicken

I happen to think chicken and a BBQ hold some sort of family memory for nearly everyone. For me growing up, having grilled chicken without a giant fruit salad and fluffy rice was unthinkable. My favorite adult memory of grilled … more




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




sparkling holiday punch

This couldn’t be easier! This is the perfect holiday punch because it’s served alcohol free, yet when you mix it 1:1 with white wine, it makes a delicious holiday sangria. Great for kids and adults for brunch or any party or … more




white and dark clusters

I think the only reason my children make candy with me is the reward of licking the chocolate drenched spatulas. It’s a good deal for everyone, actually. While making my traditional bark that my husband hands out at work each … more




goat cheese christmas log

I was trying to come up with something festive for a client’s holiday party when I spied scallions and fresh cranberries in the fridge. Here’s the result – a luscious goat cheese log with scallions and orange spiced dried cranberries. … more




thanksgiving countdown – cranberry relish

Whether you’re preparing for an intimate meal or are expecting a house full, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, there are plenty of things you can do ahead of time. In fact, there are a few items that taste better … more




chocolate dipped macaroons

I really think macaroons are the poster child for gluten-free treats. Plus, you’ve got to love a “cookie” that dates back to 16th century Italy. Over the years, Italian Jews adopted the recipe due to a lack of leavening (no … more




tasty gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a huge carb fest. In addition to the requisite Sweet Potato Casserole and Dressing (bread-based dish baked outside the bird), load your menu full of veggies and interesting salads. Here’s a few standards that are … more




holiday chocolate mousse

The Chocolate Mousse recipe below is not a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, but since the kids in our family request it each year, it’s found a permanent place on the menu. I finally got smart and used old fashioned, shallow dessert … more




thanksgiving desserts

The meal after the meal, if we’re being honest. I can’t think of another occasion when desserts are so heavily featured. We love to eat half portions of everything, so we can taste every possible sampling. That’s just common sense. … more




chinese five spice blend

I love discovering spice blends and making up my own. My 20-year old Braun spice/coffee grinder finally gave out and I just bought a new one, a little Krups that is wholly dedicated to spices. You can buy Chinese Five … more




nightshade free yellow mustard

Based on the well-guarded French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, below is a version adapted for us lovers of mustard, only gluten-free and nightshade-free. In a world where we’re busier than ever, mustard is the last thing any of us really want … more




new item – gluten-free organic pasta

As I was perusing the “New Items” shelf at my local Trader Joe’s, I came across this pasta – gluten-free and organic to boot. It contains only a handful of ingredients, which I love: organic brown rice flour, organic quinoa, … more




guacamole

When my husband’s family came from Germany this summer, one of the foods they ate in abundance was Mexican, smothered in everyone’s favorite condiment – guacamole. Whether you like it smooth or chunky, hot or mild, guacamole is that quintessentially … more




indian summer iced tea

I spoke with my sister in Boise yesterday who was experiencing flash floods and storms – quite a contrast from the 97 degree weather we are dealing with here in San Diego. It’s technically still summer, but I have a feeling … more




orange studded breakfast fruit

I love the look of orange sections sliced into a fruit salad – all succulent orange and none of the pith. It’s easier than it looks so long as you have a really sharp, fairly large knife. Make sure you … more




gluten-free brownie parfait

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to make food stretch at my house. At any given time, I have between two (the ones I’ve got), and eight kids at my house. An easy dessert is … more




lemon slushes

One of my most profound food memories from my childhood is lemon slushes. We had a prolific lemon tree in the backyard that produced plump, juicy, thick skinned Eureka lemons. With them, we made lemon squares (gluten-free recipe to follow shortly), … more




gluten-free warm goat cheese salad

If you can have dairy, this is a treat. The pungency of the goat cheese is set off beautifully with the sweetness of the vinaigrette. This is a lovely side salad with one slice of cheese, or a main dish … more




udi’s pizza crusts

A nice addition to their array of gluten-free products, Udi’s pizza crusts offer a quick dinner option for those nights you really don’t feel like cooking. They are two to a package at about $5.00, so $2.50 per unit. A family … more




happy v-day

A few goodies to make for your favorite Valentines on this day of splurging. Valentine Bonbons Chocolate Almond Bark Strawberry Banana Cake Melissa’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups     




kid margarita

An oldie, but a goodie! This is a reprint because of a computer quirk. This is a refreshing version of lemon-limeade and a nice option for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. Active time: 1 minute Yield: 1 8oz serving 6 … more




greens and butternut squash salad

I just had this salad at Waters, our wonderful local cafe, where we celebrated my sister-in-law Randy’s birthday. I am duplicating it here because it was delicious! This recipe calls for goat cheese – omit if you are dairy intolerant. … more




Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is a very simple dressing to put together, with a nice acidic balance. I use a mini processor, in which case, I need to thin the dressing with a teaspoon or two of water. If you simply shake it … more




new product – best gf pasta to date!

We’ve tried lots of brands of gluten-free pasta, but bionaturae’s line of organic, gluten-free pasta is the one most highly favored by the two gluten addicts in my home. Made in Italy, their gf pasta comes in four forms: spaghetti, elbow, … more




gluten-free thousand island dressing

I remember eating this as a kid over an iceburg lettuce salad. I never cared that the lettuce had absolutely no flavor – the point was the dressing. This is great over a standard salad, or better yet, as the … more




Omission – hands down the best gluten-free beer

When I first found out I had gluten issues, I resolved to have a stiff upper lip. I could give up sourdough bread and my favorite pasta. I could even give up pie and real chocolate chip cookies, but when … more




mango strawberry sunrise

I use my little magic bullet for this, which gives me a perfect single serving. This doubles easily to provide four little servings for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Having frozen fruit in the freezer makes this a snap! On … 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




chicken caesar salad

The tuna industry will tell you that tuna salad is America’s favorite salad. I even found a coleslaw blog, also “America’s favorite salad”. The point is, we like our salads. Chef, 3-bean, jello (if you want to go way back), … more




caesar dressing

Can I interest you in some hairy fish? This misunderstood member of the herring family packs a huge punch. And when served improperly, an anchovy can leave an indelibly unfavorable mark upon your pallet. But consider this – when served … more




all fruit breakfast smoothie

Containing all acid and sub-acid fruits, this smoothie is a great way to cleanse your body first thing in the morning.  A complete food with a perfect balance of protein and starches which are already broken down into amino acids … more




carnitas tacos

It is my personal belief that if you heat up an oven or a crock pot, then you should try to get at least two meals out of it. Pork is a lean and fairly inexpensive way to feed a … more




body parts in goo

My friend Sandra came up with these gruesome crowd pleasers. The kids loved these at our last Halloween party. You can use gummy worms or any thing else disgusting that will delight your children. Prep time:  30 minutes Total time: … more




goldmine

One of many wonderful things my husband brought to our marriage was this recipe. Sometimes called a “Toad in the Hole” here in the states (much to the chagrin of the Brits who assign this name to an entirely different … more




spooky strawberries

Check these out! I found these on Recipe Diva, a great blog I contribute to. These are from the Diva herself. What better way to celebrate strawberries and chocolate for Halloween? And who wouldn’t like to eat a monster with … more




butternut squash soup

I know fall is here when I find butternut squash at my local stores. I always marvel at how simple this recipe is. Every once in a while, I try to monkey around with it by adding green apple, or … more




gluten free, dairy free ranch dressing

Not just a dressing but a condiment for making all sorts of vegetables palatable for young kids. God forbid they ever actually put it on a salad! Serve this up with cucumbers, carrots and celery for a refreshing snack, or … more




simple syrup

This is a wonderful base for any drink that requires sweetness, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Wonderful for Summer Lemonade as well as White Sangria, it comes together quickly, and the ratios are always the same. Prep time: 2 minutes Total time: … more




floating ice ring

I love using these when I do a punch because it’s beautiful in it’s own right, and it keeps the punch crisp and cool. Prep time: 5-10 minutes Total time: 8 hours Yield: 1 ice ring Special equipment: 1-piece bundt … more




ridiculously good cream cheese frosting

I found this recipe while looking for a Red Velvet Cake recipe for my friend Sandra. Being a Crimson alum from the University of Oklahoma, she has a particular fondness for Red Velvet Cake or as I like to call … more




summer lemonade

The best lemonade always start with a simple syrup. It takes longer, but it’s smooth, without the grittiness of undissolved sugar. When we received two laundry baskets full of lemons from a friend, we juiced them all and froze the … more




blueberry smoothie

Using a Magic Bullet makes this one serving smoothie a snap. If you want to double it, use the blender. Full of antioxidants, this smoothie can get you going first thing in the morning or provide a pick-me-up for a … more




brownie s’mores

I am a consumate believer in the slightly undercooked brownie. Moist, gooey and not a hint of dryness is my cup of proverbial tea when it comes to these treats. They do not, however, resemble the clean edged brownies that … 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




bbq chicken

Summer is just around the bend and for my family that means barbecuing. This is a quick recipe that requires few ingredients and a hot grill. Using ready made, gluten-free BBQ sauce makes it a snap and it tastes great … more




coconut strawberry ice cream

Uber delicious and crazy quick. The only requirement is an ice cream maker, which is one of those investments that pays for itself the first summer you use it. This coconut based ice cream is creamy and full of flavor. … more




hard-boiled egg spiders

“If you follow a special diet, be sure to include calcium rich foods.  Calcium is an important nutrient, especially when you or your child is on a dairy-free (casein-free) diet. Calcium is important for strong bones, as well as supporting … more




breakfast scramble

I love scrambles – they are cousin to the omelet, but here, without the cheese. For a lean protein, I love to add smoked turkey and sauteed onions and scallions. Add a smoothie or fresh fruit and you’ve got a … more




pamela’s chocolate chunk cookies

Another great short cut compliments of Pamela’s. GFCF, but with a bit of soy in the chunks of chocolate, these are my son’s favorite cookies, bar none. Using a mini-ice cream scooper makes beautiful, uniform cookies every time. Prep time: … more




lettuce wraps

Hydroponic lettuce is one of my new favorites. The bonus is that the Costco near me sells a big container of it. The brand is eva produced by Grupo Altex. I try to purchase food as locally as possible. For … more




chocolate puffed rice treats

A classic American treat that is almost always gluten and dairy free! You can use traditional marshmallows or get the more health conscious variety at your local co-op or Whole Foods. My son’s 8th birthday party is tomorrow and this … more




halibut over greens

This is one of my favorite times of year…the halibut are running! A firm, flaky, moist fish, it is my favorite lunch or light dinner over a plate of well seasoned greens. I bought mine (caught wild) at Costco. It’s … more




dill vinaigrette

Bursting with the freshness of lemon and the lightness of dill, but grounded with the tartness of dijon mustard makes this a family favorite. I love it over greens with a piece of fish atop. This is also great on … more




banana strawberry no-milk shake

One more creamy gfcfsf alternative to offer yourself or your kids as a treat. I like mine around 4:00 p.m. when I start my afternoon lag. With lots of fruit and protein, and so thick you can float a slice … more




butterflied roast chicken

I love roasting chickens for a number of reasons – the smell for one will make your family ravenous, and when you do two at a time, you get great leftovers. Not to mention carcasses for stock. But I don’t … more




poached eggs

Often times, it’s difficult to figure out the cooking of eggs when one is dairy-free. Grapeseed oil and Earth Balance spreads are helpful for scrambling or frying, but if you want to truly go au naturale, poaching is the way … more




margherita pizza

I don’t think you should have to give up pizza just because you can longer eat gluten or dairy. With Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Tortillas, I make these in my largest cast iron pan. If you can’t do dairy, try … 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




oven roasted bacon

This is my favorite way to make bacon on the weekends, when it’s more than just a slice or two. This is so delicious that my kids have even turned down bacon when they discovered it wasn’t “oven bacon.” I … more




chocolate dipped strawberries

There is something so familiar, yet decadent about a chocolate dipped strawberry. You can do them the night before you serve them and they are perfect the next day. Just take them out of the refrigerator about a half hour … more




chicken strips

Who knew that a whole generation of children would best identify chicken as a strip or nugget? If they’re gonna eat ’em, best to make them homemade. When I do make these, I double the recipe because the kids love … more




rolled tacos

When I want to use up leftover Pot Roast, this is a great, savory snack or dinner. I don’t like to serve fried food very often, but when the family craves it, I figure if they’re going to eat it, … more




quick pesto and pasta

The rich texture of walnuts replace pine nuts and parmesan cheese in this quick and simple recipe. I love to serve this over spaghetti or fusilli pasta. Any leftover pesto is great on crackers. For leftover pasta, simply refresh it … more




valentine bonbons

My friend, Simone, gave me the idea for these little nuggets. Using ready made chocolate sandwich creme cookies (they look like Oreos) make these gluten-free, casein-free bonbons a snap to make.  Add peanut butter to the mix and you’ve created … more




greek salad

This is a great side salad with dinner alongside Chicken Souvlaki and Saffron Rice. Or have it for lunch on it’s own or with leftover Chicken Souvlaki on top to make it heartier. If you can withstand dairy, creamy feta … more




greek vinaigrette

This is a really nice combination of flavors that, for me, epitomize Greek food – garlic, lemon, fresh oregano… I love this on a typical Greek salad, piled high with lots of vegetables, which is the perfect foundation for leftover … 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




amaretto sour

My girlfriend Sandra just introduced me to this, her favorite drink. We eliminated the sweet & sour mix, most of which contain HFCS and preservatives, and poured and mixed until we got it just right. There were several attempts, but … more




lemon squeeze

The Santa Ana’s are blowing this week. The winds that I always associate with dry warmth now produce a chilly morning and evening draft that reminds me it’s still winter. I am drinking hot tea in the mornings to stay … more




curried zucchini soup

This is a great soup when it’s cool outside or for a light spring supper as well. Lemon adds a surprising freshness. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yield: 4-6 servings (about 5 cups) Special tool: immersion blender … more




chinese fried rice

I’ve learned to love and appreciate leftovers. In fact when I make any meal, I always consider how I can squeeze one more dinner out of it. So when you make any rice dish, add another cup of dry rice … more




the goodie box

When I was 7 years old, I had my tonsils out. To break up the monotony of my 10 day recovery, my mom put together a goodie box that I pulled from each day. It was filled with crayons and … more




hot wings & drummettes

Okay, once in a while, I think these are okay, especially for the Super Bowl or Monday night football. At least if you make them homemade, you know what your family is eating and it’s free of trans fat. I … more




champagne cosmopolitan cocktail

I adapted this from an old Bon Appetit recipe from years ago. This is a wonderful holiday cocktail. You can serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Valentines Day or for any party, really. This is a regular fixture … more




fish cakes

Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Yield: 12-16 fish cakes This is a great dish for any leftover flaky white fish such as halibut or cod. I always make extra fish for Fish Sticks or Fish Tacos so … more




creamy avocado dressing

When you have to give up dairy, you feel as though you no longer get to experience that luxurious texture we all love. Avocado is the perfect ingredient to give you creaminess without the cream. Total time: 5 minutes Yield: … more




quickest ever GFCF peppermint bark

Short of biting into a candy cane while you’ve got a mouthful of chocolate chips, this recipe is the easiest way to produce that wonderful chocolate-peppermint combination but GFCF style – without the milk. No blocks of chocolate, no layering … more




peppermint bark

I love this stuff. It’s totally addicting, so I’m glad candy canes are only available at Christmas, or I’d be in trouble. This is a fun thing to do with friends or with your kids. It’s a little tricky. Just … 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




pork wienerschnitzel

So you can probably tell by now that there are some European roots in our family. My Hungarian husband’s family tree extends to the former Czechoslovakia and Austria, which is where this dish hails from. Originally made from veal, pork … 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




pulled pork sandwiches

You can throw this into your crock pot before you leave for work and it will be ready 8-9 hours later. Or if you are away from the house longer than 9 hours, start this in the evening, (8-9 hours … more




tartar sauce

My grandmother was an amazing cook, but never wrote her recipes down. Actually, I never did either until I started this blog, so I shouldn’t complain. So when I found her tartar sauce recipe in our family cook book, it … more




cranberry relish

This is a staple at any Thanksgiving table, but I make it year ’round. It’s the perfect topping for a slice of brie atop a rice cracker. Many people like additional fruit (raisins, apples, currants) or nuts (walnuts, pecans) in … 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




homemade chicken stock

A few nights ago we had a wonderful rotisserie chicken dinner with our oldest friends, Dan and Debbie, and their three darling girls. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I was eying their chicken carcasses. When they told me they were … more




roasted short ribs

This is a great weekend meal that you can put in the oven and forget about. I buy them whenever they’re on sale because they can be pricey. My kids love these with a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Prep time: 15 … 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




chicken wrap

This also works great with deli turkey. This is my kid’s second lunch after school. Total time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 wrap 1 brown rice tortilla (I buy Trader Joe’s brand) lots of mayonnaise (Best Foods is GFCF) or hummus … more




speedy black bean soup

This is so easy, it almost doesn’t count as cooking… This would be wonderful with Heather’s Salad as a side. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Yield: Serves 6 4 15-oz. cans organic black beans 1 c. water … more




chocolate almond bark

These are inspired by the little candies I cherry pick from the box of See’s that finds its way into our home every Christmas. You can use solely milk chocolate or solely dark for this recipe, but I think half … more




hard boiled eggs

Active time: 10 minutes Total time: 1 1/2 hours Yield: 14 appetizers Special tools: egg cooker optional This is standard, old-fashioned fare, but they’re filling and a party favorite. There are two ways to hard boil eggs. The traditional way … more




garlic dill aioli

This is a tasty dip for steamed asparagus spears and for strips of Garlic Rosemary Chicken as an appetizer. It’s quick and can be made with purchased mayo or you can splurge and whip up your own. Prep time: 5 … more




quick chocolate chip cookies

Not just for little kids, but for big ones too – chocolate chip cookies are the universal comfort food, right up there with mashed potatoes and popcorn. Busy individuals and families take heart. Cherrybrook Kitchen has a wonderful gluten, dairy, … 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




garlic rosemary chicken

One of the great things about living in southern California is that you have access to the outdoor grill pretty much all year around. If you don’t however, a grill pan (and a good overhead vent) will do the trick. … 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




hot quinoa cereal

A nice alternative to oatmeal with lots of fiber and more protein that you’ll find in any other grain. Active time: 3 minutes Yield: 1 serving 1 c. water 1/3 c. quinoa flakes pinch of salt handful of blueberries drizzle … more




pb&b s’mores

Other than a perfectly ripe strawberry, peanut butter and banana on a graham cracker was maybe my dad’s favorite thing to eat. S’moreables makes a gluten-free graham style cracker that doesn’t taste much like a traditional graham cracker, but it … more




breakfast quesadilla

Cheese makes this nice and gooey, but feel free to omit it. This is great on the weekends, with a side of Sweet Potato Hash. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Yield: Serves 2 2 eggs, whisked until … more




beef pot roast and gravy

Your home will smell great when you come home from work and your dinner is ready. Save leftovers for the weekend for a big Machaca breakfast. Mix with your favorite BBQ sauce for BBQ Beef Sandwiches along with Coleslaw or … 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




tuna sandwich

I give my kids tuna no more than once every two weeks because of mercury levels found in tuna. The older they are, the more they can have. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Yield: enough for 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




cilantro pesto

This is great on scrambled eggs, and for marinating chicken, turkey and fish. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Yield: 1/2 cup Special equipment: mini food processor 1 large bunch cilantro 1/4 c. olive oil 1/8 c. fresh … more




organic quick oatmeal

Some of us can eat oatmeal and some can’t. If it’s organic, I’ve found I can tolerate it really well. This is the world’s quickest hot breakfast! Total time: 3 minutes (seriously) Yield: 1 serving 1/2 c. organic quick oatmeal … more




sweet and savory dressing

This is my favorite and most requested dressing. It goes perfectly with the Chinese Chicken Salad, but I use it for every salad you can imagine. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Yield: 1/2 cup 1/4 c. oil … more




no fail roasted chicken

Nothing smells like home more than a roasting chicken. I usually roast two at a time. One for dinner and one for any number of other dishes, like Chinese Chicken Salad, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Chicken Wraps… This is from Ina … more




mock enchilada

I honestly have no idea who named this, but my brothers and sisters and I grew up on it. Even though I can’t partake, I love making it because the smell brings me back to my mom’s kitchen. Great for … more




chinese chicken salad

This is my most requested recipe. It’s changed lots over the years, but I’m pretty sure it came from the source of many great recipes – the church potluck. There is a ton of chicken in here and we eat … more




mushroom soup

Nourishing and easy to make – only a handful of ingredients. Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Yield:  Serves 4-6; about 2 qts. 1 tsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 3/4 – 2 lb. mushrooms, … more




meatballs

I make a boat load of these gluten-free, casein-free meatballs and freeze them for the days where cooking isn’t an option. And you never know when those days are going to happen, so having a stash of cooked meatballs in … more




turkey wienerschnitzel

My father-in-law ate this every day in boarding school in Vienna, but with veal. This is a splurge to eat once in a while, but it’s one of my favorite meals. Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Yield: … more




garlic mustard lemon chicken

Super easy and quick! This is great on the BBQ, which tames the acidity of the mustard. My kids love this and it’s great on pork, too. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Yield: Serves 4 8-10 boneless, … more




fish sticks

This is my son’s favorite meal, with lots of catsup. Double the recipe and then you’ll have leftovers for Fish Cakes later in the week. Prep time: 15 minutes Total time:  30 minutes Yield: Serves 4 1/3 c. vegetable or … more




pb&j lunch

There’s a lot of sweet already going on here…jelly, fruit. Try to make sending a cookie a special occasion instead of every day. Total time: 10 minutes YIeld: 1 sandwich 2 slices gluten-free bread (I use Udi’s) blackberry or strawberry … more




egg salad sandwich lunch

Udi’s bread makes this comfort food possible. If you want a change from bread, my kids love dipping rice crackers into the egg salad, too. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yield: 2 sandwiches 3 hard boild eggs … 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




essential roasted salsa

This is adapted from Rick Bayless‘ Mexican Kitchen, one of my all-time favorite cookbooks, which should be a staple in your kitchen if you have any fondness at all for Mexican food. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes … more




homemade mayonnaise

Before you scratch your head and wonder who would want to make mayonnaise on their own, just try it, especially if you’re allergic to soy. It’s so easy, really, and totally addicting. A warning about raw eggs. My research shows … more




chocolate chip muffins

Using Pamela’s mix makes these muffins a snap. Remember, there’s a small amount of milk in these. Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Yield: 12 muffins 2 1/2 c. Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix 1/2 c. water 1/2 … more




french toast

There’s nothing like a batch of buttery french toast drowned in maple syrup with the hint of cinnamon – a great weekend breakfast or brunch. Serve with Fresh Fruit and enjoy. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Yield: … more




chocolate chip pancakes

These are our Saturday morning ritual. Remember, there’s a small amount of milk in the mix. Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Yield: Serves 2-4 1 c. Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix 1 large egg 3/4 c water … more




pancakes

I am a big fan of short-cuts and here’s one of my biggest. For those of you who can stand a small amount of milk, I’ve yet to find a mix as good as Pamela’s. My family loves her gluten-free … more




machaca

Living in Southern California, I have had a geographical addiction to Mexican food, which is a cuisine friendly to those with gluten-intolerance. This is great for a hearty weekend breakfast. Leftover Pot Roast is perfect for this recipe. Prep time: … more




huevos rancheros

This is my family’s favorite breakfast. It really need no accompaniment except a good cup of coffee. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes Yield: Serves 2 1 15 oz. can organic black beans, rinsed until water run clear … more




scrambled eggs and bacon

Breakfast can be a real difficulty for gluten-intolerant people. This is one of my mainstay breakfasts and classics should never be overlooked. And there’s a great trick for cooking eggs without butter. I use grapeseed because of it’s buttery flavor. … more




no-milk milkshake

This is so good that kids might forget there’s no ice cream in here. And for adults, it’s a velvety, creamy indulgence. Total time: 5 minutes Yield: 2-3 small servings 1 c. chocolate almond milk (Almond Breeze is GFCFSF) 1 … more




pineapple fizz

I’m always trying to find surreptitious ways to get sugar out of my kids diet. With fruit juices so full of it, this is a good, partially dilluted option. Thirst quenching and simple, it’s also a great alternative for adults … more




peach iced tea

My dad was southern, and iced tea was always in the fridge. Here’s a fresh way to serve it with a kiss of peach. Prep time: 5 minutes Active time: 1 hour Yield: 15 8oz servings 6 of your favorite … more




old fashioned popcorn

Compared to the stuff you put in the microwave, popping corn the old fashioned way is almost as fast, tastes so much better and is a fraction of the cost. Besides, it’s fun and kids love the sound it makes … 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




paige’s witch hats

Easy to make and a hit with everyone, not just kids. Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Yield: 2 dozen cookies 1 c. peanut butter (I use organic, which produces a less creamy cookie, but tastes great) 1/2 … more