Monday, April 25, 2011

Red Curry

If you would have asked me a few years ago if I liked Curry I would have quickly responded, "no."  My tune has changed and now I crave it.  After going to a Thai restaurant a couple years ago I decided I needed to learn how to cook curry -  it is dairy free and easily made gluten free.  It took me a while to figure it out but now we love it.  We don't go out to eat often so I really can't compare it to restaurant quality or tell you if it is authentic, all that matters is that we like it.  So if you have tried curry before and didn't care for it, give it a second chance and it will fill a void in your life!
Red Curry

1 can coconut milk(I use lite, but use whatever!)
1 T. red curry paste(I use some from the local asian market and it is on the hot side.  If you get some from the grocery store you might have to add more - make sure it is gf)
2 T. sugar
1 T. soy sauce(make sure it is gf)
3 T. sweet red chili sauce, or I have used 2 T. ketchup + 1 T. additional sugar(I know, real authentic)
2-3 T. peanut butter
2-3 chicken breasts, chunked
Veggies( I love asparagus, peppers and onions)
Lime juice
Fresh basil(optional)
Brown Rice, cooked according to directions

In large sauce pan, combine milk, paste, sugar, soy sauce, chili sauce and peanut butter.  Bring to boil and add chicken, simmer 5 min. and add veggies.  Simmer and cook until chicken and veggies are done.  Add a squirt/squeeze of lime juice and top with fresh basil.  Serve over brown rice.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Delicious Gluten Free Berry Trifle

This is one of our favorites - year round!  It always makes an appearance at Christmas, and of course you have to make it all spring and summer when the berries come round.  This is a basic recipe - feel free to change it up!  Start with my angel food cake recipe,  that everyone will think contains gluten because it is that good, or I guess you can use any angel food cake but I don't guarantee the results!
Trifle
1 angel food cake, cooled and broken or cut into chunks( I usually don't use the entire cake)
1 sm. pkg. vanilla pudding, make according to directions
1 pkg. danish junket, raspberry or strawberry, made according to glaze instructions
Berries- fresh or frozen.  I use about 1 frozen bag's worth of raspberries(our favorite)
Whip cream(optional)

You can use a pretty trifle bowl, or any other dish you please.  Start out by chunking your angel food cake, set aside.   Make you danish dessert and let cool, and then stir in your berries.  Make your pudding, set aside. Now it is time to assemble.  Place 1/2 your cake in the dish, then cover with 1/2 the berry mixture and top with 1/2 the pudding.  Repeat layers and top with whip cream if desired.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.  Be creative and add bananas, blueberries or whatever you please.  There is no way to ruin this lovely dessert! 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Polynesian Chicken

I think I have fed this meal to everyone in my neighborhood.  When I take dinner to someone, this is my go to meal.  I usually always have the ingredients on hand, the kids like the fruit, and it doesn't look "weird" to the gluten eaters who think we only eat strange food!

Polynesian Chicken
2-3 Chicken breasts
½ c. rice flour
1 T. butter
Melt butter in 9x13 pan.  Cut chicken into bite size chunks and roll in rice flour.  Spread chicken in pan and bake at 350 for 25 min., or until done. Remove and set aside.
1 ½ c. Orange juice                    3 T. lemon juice
¾ c. brown sugar                       2 T. corn starch
3 T. soy sauce(make sure it is gluten free)
In saucepan, mix sugar and corn starch, then stir in liquids.  Stir constantly until mixture thickens.
1 can pineapple tidbits
1 can mandarin oranges
sesame seeds(optional)
Arrange fruit over the chicken, then pour the sauce over the fruit.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds and return to the oven for 15 m. or until heated through.  Serve over rice.