Thanksgiving Dinner: Herbed Waffle Stuffing – Gluten and Nut-free Version

We get a lot of emails about holiday go-to sides for special dietary needs… This year the big question is: What do I give those gluten-free family members with turkey? We have you covered. If you do not need a gluten-free version it is equally good with a nice multi-grain waffle as well.

Stuffing, especially those dried boxed ones – can have a lot of sodium,chemical additives, and calories that you can invest in a nice piece of organic pumpkin pie.

This recipe can be done last minute – just ensure the waffles are on hand in the freezer!

Ingredients to serve 4-6+ people

• 2 boxes (12 waffles) Van’s GF frozen waffles, toasted and cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 2 medium white onions finely chopped
• 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced crosswise
• ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
• ¼ teaspoon organic dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon organic dried sweet basil
• 1/3 cup organic dried cranberries (optional)
• ½ teaspoon organic maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted organic butter
• 1-1/2 cups organic low-sodium chicken stock
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Tools: Large mixing bowl, toaster, cutting board and sharp knife, medium to large baking dish.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toast the frozen waffles on a medium to high toaster setting until very crispy but not burnt (do a test to get the perfect temperature).
• Let them cool and cut into 1/2 “ cubes and put into a clean bowl.
• Saute onions, celery and herbs in butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you are using cranberries add them now to soften and release their natural flavours along with the maple syrup – your kitchen will smell amazing!
• Toss together bread cubes, vegetables, cranberries, maple syrup, and stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Lunch, Dinner: 2 Minute Fresh Tomato Sauce


This fantastic sauce is ready to heat in 2 minutes! Promise!

I like to make tomato sauce from scratch when tomatoes are in season. Unfortunately, this only happens at this time of the year, and many people simply do not have the patience and/or time. My best success both fresh and canned comes from using roma tomatoes. Trust me, the difference is remarkable.

What you need to serve 2-3 people

• 1 can of organic roma tomatoes (must be roma) preferably packed in water or low sodium – please ensure there are no added spices.
• 1 small pack of fresh organic basil (dry will not work in this recipe)
• 2 peeled organic garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry chilli pepper or 1 fresh red Serrano chilli
• 1.5 teaspoons of virgin olive oil
• 10-12 peppercorns whole (you can use crushed ones as long as they are not too fine) -adjust if you are not a pepper fan.
• Sea salt to taste

Tools: mini-prep plus, a good knife, cutting board, can opener, bowl or sauce pan to put finished sauce in, measuring spoons.

Directions

This sauce is perfect when you really want a quality meal and just do not have any time to commit. Doubling the recipe makes it perfect for last minute dinner guests.

Wash off the basil and keep as much as possible including some steams. Peel the garlic cloves and also open the tomato can to let some air in.

Put the garlic, peppercorns, chilli, salt, and basil into the mini-prep plus. Grind very well.

Next, take the tomatoes individually and add them into the chopper. Retain the tomato water for later.Continue reading

Breakfast, Snack, Dessert: Gluten and Nut-free Apple Crisp

It’s apple season in my neck of the woods! We are at that time of year when everyone in the family is busy but at the same time their taste buds are turning to more savory tastes as little whispers of cool air dance around.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for everyone from the gluten-free person to those of us with nut allergies! We also try to control both the type and amount of sugar added to it as the fruit does such a beautiful job all on its own.

It’s a reheat and better-the-next-day friend – and it you wrap it properly – you could freeze a spare for emergencies as well!

An added bonus is making this at the end of the day or start of the weekend and having your home smell heavenly and soothing for your permanent and visiting guests!Continue reading