Cherry Chocolate Cookie Tart - Gluten Free

Don't you just love those dessert recipes that make people think you worked for hours to prepare them when really it was a snap to pull together? My gluten free Cherry Chocolate Cookie Tart is precisely such a recipe. No one will ever know you used pantry staples such as Pamela's Ultimate Baking & Pancake Mix, canned cherry pie filling and chocolate chips to create this impressive mouth watering dessert. The cookie-like crust is soft and moist and holds together perfectly for cutting without crumbling. Leftovers store beautifully for days when covered and refrigerated. You can't go wrong with this gluten free delight my friends... try it for yourself and see!

Cherry Chocolate Cookie Tart - Gluten Free

2/3 cup powdered sugar


1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese


1/2 teaspoon almond extract


1 egg


1 3/4 cups Pamela's Wheat Free Baking & Pancake Mix (I buy large bags from amazon.com to save money)


2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling OR equivalent amount of homemade cherry pie filling


4 oz white baking chocolate

2 teaspoons shortening


Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Stir together powdered sugar, cream cheese, almond extract and egg. Stir in Pamela's Ultimate Wheat Free Baking and Pancake Mix. Pat dough into 12-inch circle on an ungreased 12 inch pizza pan (place a sheet of waxed paper on top of dough for easy patting; remove waxed paper when finished patting).


Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crust. Bake 1 minute longer or until chips are melted; spread evenly. Cool 5 minutes.


Spread pie filling over crust. Heat white baking chocolate and shortening over low heat stirring constantly until smooth; drizzle over pie filling using a teaspoon and long quick motions to create a design (see photos for example of design). Slice into wedges and serve. Cover unused portions and store in the refrigerator. Yield: 8 servings.

*For more great menu ideas visit The Gluten Free Homemaker and click on the "What Can I Eat That's Gluten Free?" feature.

*Recipe adapted from bettycrocker.com

Cinde's Gluten Free Spotlight - Zeer Select: Online Consumer Gluten Free Grocery Information Resource

Flashback to 2007: My daughter has been newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I am clueless as to what foods are safe to buy. Children's Hospital provides me with a humongous 3 ring binder full of ingredients and product listings. I drag this massive book with me every time I go to the grocery store, attempting to look up the status of each product we buy amidst hundreds of pages of information. Shopping now takes 3 hours! I grow to despise shopping.

Return to 2009: I no longer need the "big book" to shop! I have memorized the status of many ingredients and foods. Shopping only takes an hour (hooray!). Once in a while there is still a product that I am uncertain about. I do not buy it. If I remember the name of the product in question I do an internet search to attempt to find company contact information when I get home. I contact the company in regards to the gluten free status of the product. Many such e-mails have gone unanswered. Other companies reply but won't directly answer my question (thanks a lot!). Sometimes I am lucky and get a straight forward reply within a few days. Phone calls to most companies leave me hanging on hold for ages. So much of my time has been wasted!

I wish Zeer Select (an online gluten free grocery information resource) was around in 2007 when our family first went gluten free! I could have ditched the "big book" and instantly found the gluten free status of over 30,000 products in Zeer Select's ever growing database. How stress free my shopping trips would have been if I could have logged on to the Zeer Select website and in seconds found the answers we were seeking. Zeer Select even saves people time by automatically offering a list of safe gluten free alternatives to the products they are researching! Over 500 products are added or updated on the Zeer Select website every week so you are always receiving current information.

Zeer Select's philosophy is smart and simple:

SAVE TIME + STAY SAFE + LEARN THE GLUTEN FREE DIET

SAVE TIME: Zeer Select saves you time by automatically offering a list of safe gluten free alternatives to the product you are researching.

STAY SAFE: Zeer Select assigns a safety status to every product in their database. You will never need to "guess" if a product is safe for you.

LEARN THE GLUTEN FREE DIET: Labels are read for you! All problem ingredients have detailed descriptions to help you to truly learn how to understand them.

Oh yes... I would have signed up for Zeer Select in a second when I was new to the gluten free diet, and I highly recommend that if you find shopping for gluten free food overwhelming or confusing that you join Zeer Select. The nominal monthly fee is worth the reassurance you will feel and the time you will save. I use Zeer Select when I am curious about a product that I don't have in my home but am interested in purchasing. A quick visit to the Zeer Select site and my questions are instantly answered.

Zeer Select has generously offered my Gluten Free Taste of Home readers a one month FREE membership (offer expires August 31st 2009). This is a great way to check out the many benefits of Zeer Select for yourself. Click here to sign up for your FREE one month trial; you will need this case sensitive code when signing up: GFTaste.

Enjoy Zeer Select... I do!

Shells and Cheese with Breaded Tomatoes - Gluten Free

Since it is tomato season I thought you would enjoy this variation on my Super Easy Mac n' Cheese recipe. The only change you need to make to the original recipe is to top the casserole with ripe sliced tomatoes before sprinkling with the gluten free bread crumb-Parmesan mixture prior to baking. I swapped out shell pasta for elbow macaroni for a fun variation, but any pasta shape will do the trick. I adore tomatoes so this is my all time favorite way to prepare mac n'cheese. Give it a try... it might just become your favorite too!

Cinde's Gluten Free Spotlight - Majans Bhuja

Today Cinde's Gluten Free Spotlight is shining on:

MAJANS BHUJA

I have a thing for East Indian food. I could eat it every single day if given the chance. When I first tasted Majans Bhuja snacks I was thrilled that I actually could have a taste of India each day in the form of a crunchy delicious snack. You may be wondering "What is Bhuja?". Bhuja is an Indian family favorite snack. The recipe for Bhuja mixes and spices goes back many generations. It is said that that each household has it's own Bhuja recipe. Majans is the company in Australia that was first to manufacture Bhuja commercially and make it available nationwide. Majans Bhuja comes in four phenomenally good flavors: Original Mix, Cracker Mix, Fruit Mix, and Nut Mix. I have tried them all and I think they are equally tasty. Majans Bhuja is a very yin and yang (perfectly balanced) snack. It is crunchy from gluten free noodles, crackers, nuts, and dried peas yet soft from dried fruits. It is spicy from a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, chilies, turmeric and paprika, yet sweet from raisins and other dried fruits. This unbeatable blend of crunchy-soft-sweet-spicy ingredients truly sets it apart from any other snack food I have ever had. Because it is so satisfying you will find yourself eating less of it that other snack foods. If you did eat a lot in one sitting you wouldn't need to worry because Bhuja is gluten free, 100% natural, a good source of protein, cholesterol free, and has a low glycemic index. To find a store near you that carries Majans Bhuja visit http://www.bhuja.com/ .

Creamy Mustard Thyme Potato Salad - Gluten Free

Potato salad has the amazing ability to transport me back to the simpler days of my childhood. One creamy bite is all it takes to invoke cherished memories of family reunions in the park, summer time pool parties, church potlucks and my Grandmother's busy kitchen. Not just any potato salad has this effect on me, in fact store bought potato salad is at the top of my least favorite foods list. Potato salad must be homemade to be glorious. I love how every home-cook puts their own unique spin on their potato salad recipe. I am known for my Creamy Mustard Thyme Potato Salad in my family, although I do make a more traditional potato salad at times which is also delicious. It's the simplicity of my Creamy Mustard Thyme Potato Salad that allows each of the individual ingredients to shine through. No summer BBQ is complete with out a big bowl of creamy potato salad, so why not give my Creamy Mustard Thyme Potato Salad a try?



Creamy Mustard Thyme Potato Salad - Gluten Free



2 large baking potatoes, baked until fork tender



Red wine vinegar



1 cup mayonnaise



2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons prepared Dijon mustard



1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves)



2 thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)



Fresh ground black pepper, to taste



When potatoes are still warm but cool enough to handle, peel off skins (discard skins or save for another use). Cut potatoes into large bite size chunks. Gently transfer potato chunks to a medium sized glass mixing bowl (do not use metal, it reacts with vinegar). While potatoes are still warm, lightly drizzle with red wine vinegar. VERY GENTLY fold potatoes over and lightly drizzle newly exposed potatoes with red wine vinegar. Gently fold potatoes once more; set aside. In a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced thyme, and fresh ground pepper. Pour dressing over potatoes. VERY GENTLY fold dressing into potatoes until evenly coated. Transfer potato salad to a serving bowl and top with fresh thyme sprigs to garnish if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy it warm (my favorite way!) or chill if desired. Yield: 4-6 servings


*For more great menu ideas visit The Gluten Free Homemaker and check out the What Can I Eat That's Gluten Free? feature.

Cinde's Gluten Free Spotlight - Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips & Mock Deep Fried Ice Cream Recipe - Gluten Free

Today Cinde's Gluten Free Spotlight is shining on:

Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips


These are not your ordinary tortilla chips friends! Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips are made from the highest quality, all-natural ingredients. The ingredients are baked right into the chips (as opposed to coating the outside) which gives them far more flavor. All chip varieties are gluten free, cholesterol and trans fat free, and do not use genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). They are also certified Kosher, lower in sodium, and are a good source of dietary fiber.

Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips are available in eleven tempting varieties: Multigrain, Sweet Potato, Olive, Jalapeno, The Works!, Buffalo, Chocolate, Potato & Chive, Cinnamon, Lime and Yellow Corn. Food Should Taste Good is offering a $1 off coupon on their website to anyone that joins up for their fan club(www.foodshouldtastegood.com).

In my opinion the coolest thing about Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips is that they double as deliciously different gluten free crackers, desserts and potato chips. For example, the Potato Chive Tortilla Chips bag says: (it's a potato chip, too!). The Olive, The Works!, and many other varieties say (it's a cracker, too!), and the Chocolate and Cinnamon Tortilla Chips say (it's a dessert, too!). There are suggestions on each bag for creative serving ideas for the different varieties of tortilla chips. The Chocolate Tortilla Chip bag suggests you try pairing them with: peanut butter and banana slices, vanilla ice cream, salsa--really, try it!, or even heating them gently. I have come up with endless ways to enjoy the wide range of flavors on my own as well. I love using the Multi Grain tortilla Chips to scoop up warmed baked beans with shredded mozzarella mixed in for a quick, tasty lunch. I have enjoyed goat cheese spread on nearly every flavor (they really are like a cracker and can hold up to spreading with out breaking). My all time favorite discovery is using the Cinnamon Tortilla Chips to make Mock Deep Fried Ice Cream. If you like the deep fried ice cream served in Mexican restaurants and miss it since going gluten free you are in luck. I PROMISE you that this simple non-fried recipe will taste EXACTLY like deep fried ice cream... flavor, texture, and all!

Mock Deep Fried Ice Cream - Gluten Free

Vanilla Ice Cream

Food Should Taste Good Cinnamon Tortilla Chips, broken into smaller pieces

Chocolate syrup

Whipped Cream

Maraschino Cherries

Scoop as much vanilla ice cream as you want into a bowl. Sprinkle generously with broken Food Should Taste Good Cinnamon Tortilla Chips. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry if desired.

Double Berry Cream Pie - Gluten Free

I have made this delectable gluten free Double Berry Cream Pie faithfully each summer for the past 7 years. When berries are abundant this is the first dessert I think of. My crisp, buttery, gluten free cookie crust pairs perfectly with the sweet cream filling and white chocolate dipped strawberries. The fresh blueberries and whipped cream top this pie with both beauty and great flavors. There are no shortage of oohs and ahs when I bring this beloved dessert to the table. My family and guests alike say it is one of the best pies they have ever had. I have to agree... I just love it! I am confident that I will be proudly passing this recipe down to my daughters, and that is truly sweet.

*For more delicious menu ideas visit The Gluten Free Homemaker and check out the "What Can I Eat That's Gluten Free?" feature.

Double Berry Cream Pie - Gluten Free

6 squares ( 1 oz. each) white baking chocolate

8 whole fresh strawberries, halved lengthwise

1 baked and cooled 9 inch Gluten Free Cookie Crust (recipe to follow)

3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

3/4 cup cold milk

1 package (3.3 oz.) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup fresh blueberries

Whipped cream for decorating pie (I used canned whipped cream)

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt white chocolate; stir until smooth. Dip the halved strawberries halfway in chocolate. Place cut side down on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until set. Spread the remaining melted chocolate over the bottom and sides of crust. Arrange sliced strawberries in crust.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Gradually add milk; mix well. Beat in pudding mix on low speed for 2 minutes or until thickened; spread evenly over sliced strawberries. Place blueberries in center of pie. Arrange dipped strawberries around the edge. Squirt whipped cream stars (using canned whipped cream) between the strawberries and blueberries. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 8 servings

Gluten Free Cookie Crust

1-1/2 cups crushed gluten free vanilla cookies (I use EnviroKidz Organic Gluten Free Vanilla Animal Cookies which I buy in bulk from Amazon.com to save money)

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup (one stick) melted butter

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix butter, sugar, and crumbs together and press into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Fill with your favorite no bake filling. Yield: One 9 inch pie crust.

*Recipe adapted from Light & Tasty magazine