Gluten-Free Flour Recipe

I've been asked by quite a few people lately if I knew of a good recipe for gluten-free flour.A tasty gluten-free flour recipe is difficult to come by.This recipe seems like it is easy to put together.A completely safe alternative for those who must stick to a gluten-free diet for health reasons.

Because of the broad range of symptoms celiac disease presents, it can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can range from mild weakness, bone pain,chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating and progressive weight loss. If a person with the disorder continues to eat gluten, studies have shown that he or she will increase their chances of gastrointestinal cancer by a factor of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. It is therefore imperative that the disease is quickly and properly diagnosed so it can be treated as soon as possible.

Celiacs...here is your requested recipe!

Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour recipe

This flour is just like the whole wheat flour that you would use in everyday baking.

Ingredients
1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup rice flour
1 1/4 cups sweet rice flour
1/2 cup potato starch
2/3 cup tapioca flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 tsps. xanthan gum

Directions
1.Mix all the following ingredients together in a large mixing bowl:
2.Place in an airtight container.

Tips & Warnings

-The first step is finding and buying the ingredients.It is BEST to go to a natural foods store. There is a wider variety for your selection.
-Never add/substitute anything containing gluten to this mixture..Please follow the easy directions..

*Note: Brown rice flour
Brown rice flour is heavier than its relative, white rice flour. It is milled from unpolished brown rice so it has a higher nutritional value than white, and as it contains the bran of the brown rice it has a higher fibre content. This also means that it has a noticeable texture, a bit grainy.
It does have a slight nutty taste, which will sometimes come out in recipes depending on the other ingredients, and the texture will also contribute to a heavier product than recipes made with white rice flour.
Bulk buying is not recommended as it is better used when fresh, store in an airtight container.

*Note:White Rice Flour
This flour is milled from polished white rice so it is very bland in taste, and not particularly nutritious. It can be used on its own for a variety of recipes and has a reasonable shelf life, as long as it is stored in an airtight container to avoid it absorbing moisture from the air.

Note:*Potato Starch
This is a fine white flour made from potatoes, and has a light potato flavour which is undetectable when used in recipes. It's one of the few alternative flours that keeps very well provided it is stored in an airtight jar, and somewhere cool and dark.

This flour mixture replaces your usual flour with equal measurements.

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

This is a really fun and simple recipe to make.Everyone will appreciate it because its different,original and light tasting.Go ahead impress friends and family,especially the kids.People will think that you spent hours making them, only you need to know the truth...shhhh...

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

(This "recipe" is just a guideline, adjust amounts to make as
many pizzas as you'd like).

Ingredients

-large zucchini slices, cut 3/4 inch thick
-olive oil,(for lightly brushing both sides of pizza and oiling grill grate)
-pizza sauce of your choice(preferably home made or organic)
-grated cheese (I used a blend of low-fat shredded mozzarella but you can use any cheese you'd enjoy on pizza).
-pizza toppings of your choice (I used low-fat turkey pepperoni, but you can also use mushrooms,cooked organic sausage,lean ground organic meat, onions, sliced olives, sauteed bell peppers, or any other toppings you'd like on pizza.)

Directions

1.Oil the grill grates (I use a bit of oil on a paper towel), then preheat grill to medium-high.
2.Cut zucchini into thick slices about 3/4 inch thick.(I wouldn't use enormous zucchini with large seeds for this recipe.)
3.Grill the zucchini 7-8 minutes, or until there are some grill marks and it's starting to be tender.(If the zucchini has a side that's slightly larger, grill that first so it will be the "top.") If desired, you can heat the sauce while the zucchini grills.
4.Remove zucchini from the grill, putting them grilled-side up on a cutting board.
5.Spread each slice of zucchini with about 1 Tbsp.pizza sauce,whatever desired toppings and some grated cheese.
6.Put loaded zucchini slices back on the grill and cook 7-8 minutes more with the grill lid closed. (Check them every few minutes to see when the cheese is melted and the toppings are lightly browned, especially if you're using a broiler. If you have a gas grill where you can regulate the heat, I turned it to high when I put the pizza back on.)
7.Remove zucchini pizzas from grill and serve hot.

Now don't be surprised if you get many requests for more of this recipe.It would be great as an appetizer or as a main meal accompanied with a nice fresh coleslaw or three bean salad....delicious!!!

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Kid-Friendly Broiled Zucchini with Cheese

Who ever said that eating your veggies can't be fun??? Kids will eat basically anything if it looks good, smells good and they don't feel pressured to try it. Trust me this will be very popular with your kids especially when they see that you are enjoying this dish as much as they are. These make great appetizers before a main meal.

Kid-Friendly Broiled Zucchini with Cheese

Ingredients

-3-4 zucchini (8-10 inches long,same size zucchini works best)
-your favorite season salt or fresh spices to season zucchini
-finely grated cheese (enough to cover zucchini)
(I used low fat mozzarella mixed with fresh Parmesan cheese)

Directions

1.Preheat broiler and put rack into middle position or about 4 inches
away from broiler.
2.Wash zucchini and cut off ends.
3.Cut into slices about 3/8 inches wide.(It's important that all zucchini slices are same width so they can cook evenly).
4.Rub a large baking sheet with olive oil.
5.Cover baking sheet completely with zucchini rounds, putting them as close together as possible.
6.Sprinkle each zucchini piece with whatever seasoning salt or spices you're using.
7.Completely cover top of zucchini with grated cheese.
8.Broil until cheese is browned and zucchini is barely tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Serve immediately.
Yields approximately 6 servings

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Two Quick Healthy Dips

Vegetable dips are always a nice addition to any snack.It can be for a special occasion or everyday.For some reason kids think that it makes the vegetables taste better. Might as well make it healthy and at least this way you know that they are getting the best of both of worlds.

Savory Yogurt Dip
Season 1 cup low-fat organic yogurt with;

-sea salt and pepper
-2 tsp.lemon juice
-4 tbsp.chopped fresh herbs(dill,basil,cilantro)
-1 tsp.lemon zest

Serves 4

Serve with raw vegetables.

Chickpea dip
In a food processor, pulse together until roughly combined:

-1 cup cooked chickpeas
-sea salt and pepper
-2 tbsps. olive oil

Before serving,pulse in 3 tbsps. fresh cilantro.

Serves 4

Serve with organic crackers.

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Zucchini Meatloaf Casserole

With fall just around the corner, this is a great meal.On a nice cool autumn day this is just what you need to content your soul.Everyone will love it and they will be very impressed with your originality in creating this piece of art!!Make lots, I'm sure that you will be serving seconds.

Zucchini Meatloaf Casserole

Ingredients

2 organic eggs
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 onion,grated
1 carrot,grated
1 clove garlic,minced
1/2 tsp.dried Italian herb seasoning
1/2 tsp.sea salt and pepper
1 1/2lb extra-lean organic ground beef

Directions

1.In large bowl,lightly beat eggs; stir in remaining ingredients.
2.Mix in beef.
3.Lightly pat into 8-inch(2L)square glass baking dish.

Topping recipe

1 zucchini
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup pasta sauce(homemade preferable)
1/3 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. each sea salt and pepper
1 cup shredded light mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1.Cut zucchini into 1/4 inch thick slices;place in bowl.
2.Add remaining ingredients.
3.Spread over meat mixture.
4.Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 -1 1/4 hours.Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

This would be wonderful accompanied by sweet potatoes and a nice spinach salad.
It is sure to easily become a family favorite!!

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

Have you ever thought of making zucchini cookies? Here is a quick,simple recipe that you and your family are sure to love.

Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

You will need the following ingredients:

1/2 cup organic butter
3/4 cup honey
1 organic egg
2 cups of organic flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup raisins

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2.Cream together butter and honey.
3.Add the egg, beat well.
4.In another bowl,stir together flour,baking soda,cinnamon,nutmeg and salt.
5.Add this mixture alternately with the zucchini to the egg mixture.
6.Stir in the oatmeal and raisins.
7.Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheets(small amount of organic butter).
8.Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Makes 4 dozens

Great as a morning snack or if you are going out for the day with the kids grab a few for the ride...they will love them and it is a healthy snack that will keep them full until mealtime without ruining their appetites!!

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Low Fat Healthy Zucchini Bread

I have a huge organic garden, in it there are plenty of zucchinis. I always try to find different ways to prepare them in order not to get bored. Here is a recipe that might please your taste buds.

Low Fat Healthy Zucchini Bread

1 1/2 cups of organic flour
1/2 cup organic cane sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 organic eggs
2 1/4 cups zucchini(about 2 medium)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsps. vanilla
1/4 cup walnuts

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.Mix dry ingredients.
3.Mix wet ingredients.
4.Combine.
5.Add to greased(can use a little bit of organic butter) bread pan.
6.Bake for 40-45 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

This tastes fantastic,still warm with some natural maple syrup on top....mmmm...

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert