Parmesan Baked Tomatoes

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Earlier this week, I went out to dinner with a friend who ordered a steak. While the steak looked wonderful, what caught my eye was what was served alongside it. On the plate was a large slice of a beefsteak tomato with a golden-brown cheesy crust on top. While I couldn’t sample the tomato for the obvious gluten reasons, I was inspired. The next night, I made Parmesan Coated Tilapia (check out the recipe here: https://glutenfreegalsguide.com/parmesan-coated-tilapia/ ) and didn’t have side dish planned. I used the previous night’s inspiration to create these amazing parmesan baked tomatoes. The result was a great side dish that can also be served as a snack or appetizer. Check them out and let me know what you think.

-The Gluten-Free Gals Guide

Ingredients:

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Olive Oil
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Gluten-Free Panko Bread Crumbs (I used 4c Crumbs)
  • Basil

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
  3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, and place on the lined cookie sheet with the inside of the tomatoes facing up.
  4. Brush the tomatoes with a light coat of olive oil.
  5. Place the tomatoes in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and sprinkle with bread crumbs.
  7. Place the tomatoes back in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove the tomatoes and sprinkle with basil.
  9. Place the tomatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Remove the tomatoes, let cool, serve, and enjoy!
The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Parmesan Baked Tomatoes

Peter Chang Restaurant

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If you were to ask me what I’ve missed most since becoming gluten-free, the answer would be simple, Chinese food.  That’s right, it’s not some of the obvious choices like bread, pasta, cakes, etc.  I have a serious love for Chinese food, and have been on the hunt for a replacement for my favorite cuisine. I’m not alone in my love.  My entire family has spent many a meal either ordering take out or eating at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants, but stopped doing so due to the limited number of options available for me.  When my dad reported on a great Chinese food restaurant he had been to that had a lot of gluten-free options, we had to give it a try. 

On our first visit to Peter Chang Restaurant located in Stamford, CT, the large menu shocked me.  Not only were there pages upon pages of dishes, there were a large amount gluten-free options.  Out of curiosity, I started counting the gluten-free dishes, but stopped at 20, distracted by the gorgeous pictures on the menu, and delicious smells coming from the kitchen. 

My family and I ordered several dishes; they shared some of my gluten-free items, while ordering some gluten-full ones for themselves.  The gluten-free items we ordered were the Chicken with Lettuce Wraps, Mongolian Beef, and Vegetable Egg & Scallion Fried Rice.  The food arrived, and I couldn’t believe how good it was.  Seriously, it was amazing!  Everything I ordered was packed with flavor, and it was difficult to stop eating even after I was very full.  I had the leftovers packed up, and finished them the next day.  My family also enjoyed their meal, raving about the gluten-free (and gluten-full) dishes they had eaten. 

As a family, we first ate at Peter Chang Restaurant about a month ago, and have already returned for an equally delicious visit.  The restaurant has become a new staple, and I can’t wait to continue sampling the menu. 

Chicken with Lettuce Wraps
Mongolian Beef
Vegetable Egg & Scallion Fried Rice

Peter Chang Restaurant- 230 Tresser Blvd. H004, Stamford, CT 06901 https://www.peterchangct.com/

Against the Grain Gluten Free Pizza Shell

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“Let’s have a make our own pizza night!”  These words were both exciting, and panic evoking.  My friends and I decided to stay in and make our own personal pizzas instead of going out for dinner.  I was excited, but was presented with a problem.  While they would be using gluten-full pizza dough as the base for their meal, what would I use?  I’ve had gluten-free pizza before from several local establishments, but hadn’t explored making my own. 

While I found tons of frozen gluten-free pizzas, I struggled with finding a gluten-free dough.  I did find a few mixes, but didn’t think I’d have the time to first make dough.  After going to 3 grocery stores, I finally found this Against the Grain Gourmet 12” Pizza Shell in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods.  The description included three cheese and gluten free, so I was sold!  I purchased the shell along with all the other toppings to add.  

Against the Grain Gourmet Gluten Free Pizza Shell

When it was finally time to top my pizza, I went with sauce, shredded mozzarella, a combination of both sweet and hot Italian sausage, peppers and onions (the peppers and onions were sautéed together prior to topping the pizza), and burrata.  I baked my pizza according to the directions on the packaging, and waited in anticipation while it cooked. 

Once I removed my pizza from the oven, plated, cut into slices, and let cool for a few minutes, I finally took a bite.  It was amazing!  As you would expect from a product labeled “three cheese” the crust had a cheesy flavor, but it wasn’t overpowering.  It was crispy, and held together with the large amount of toppings I loaded it with.  Growing up in New York and spending the first 22 years of my life eating gluten, I have sampled countless gluten-full pizzas in my life.  While the Against the Grain crust was not like the traditional doughy gluten-full crusts I’ve tasted, it was still a great option for a gluten-free pizza.  I’ve already repurchased the shell to keep in my freezer for my next make my own pizza adventure. 

For more information on Against the Grain Gourmet’s Products, check out their website: http://againstthegraingourmet.com/gluten-free-breads