Broccoli Salad

More than a decade ago, I attended a family party.  My Aunt made this broccoli salad, and at the end of the night, every relative walked out with a copy of the recipe in hand.  Ever since, this side dish has made an appearance at countless BBQs, potlucks, work parties, and regular dinners.   Give it a try and let me know what you think. 

-The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 c. Fresh Broccoli Florets
  • ½ c. Toasted Slivered Almonds
  • ½ c. Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • ¼ c. Red Onion (chopped)
  • 1 c. Peas (if you using frozen, make sure they’re thawed before using)
  • 3/4 c. Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ¼ c. Honey
  • ½ c. Dried Cranberries 
  • Salt

Directions:

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. 
  2. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes depending on desired crunchiness of the broccoli. 
  3. Drain the broccoli and let cool.  
  4. While the broccoli is cooling, mix all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  
  5. Once broccoli has cooled, add to the other ingredients.  Stir until everything is fully combined.  
  6. Serve and enjoy! 
The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Broccoli Salad

Gluten-Free Strawberry Toast

Sometimes I just stand in the kitchen looking at the food I have for inspiration.  I’ve seen strawberry toast on many brunch menus, usually served with goat cheese or ricotta.  I didn’t have either, but I did have some really nice fresh strawberries, and fresh homegrown basil, so I decided cream cheese would do the trick.  The results were delicious!  Check out this combination and let me know what you think!

-The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide

Ingredients:

  • Gluten-Free Bread (I used Udis Multigrain Sandwich Bread)
  • Cream Cheese
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Fresh Basil 
  • Balsamic Reduction

Directions:

  1. Toast your bread.  
  2. I don’t like when cream cheese turns runny, so I always let my toast cool for a little bit before I put the cream cheese on.  
  3. Spread a layer of cream cheese on your toast to the desired thickness.  
  4. Slice your strawberries.  Place your strawberries on top of the cream cheese.  
  5. Slice your basil leaves into small slivers.  Sprinkle the fresh basil on top of the berries. 
  6. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.  
  7. Serve and enjoy!
The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Strawberry Toast

E&Cs Heavenly Hunks

Thanks to Instacart and Costco, I discovered these Heavenly Hunks from E&Cs snacks.   On the packaging, the hunks are described as “ridiculously amazing organic oatmeal dark chocolate” and “baked with real love and & real ingredients”.  Not only are these Hunks certified Gluten-Free, they are also Organic, Non GMO verified, and certified vegan.   

Once I tasted these heavenly hunks, I instantly fell in love.  They are soft, chewy, and have a cookie dough quality.  Each hunk is the perfect sized treat for when you just want a bite or two of sweetness.  While you can definitely taste the oatmeal and the chocolate, the flavors are very well balanced.  I find myself snacking on these throughout the day whenever I am in need of the special sweet treat.  

E&Cs Heavenly Hunks

E&Cs Heavenly Hunks Overview: 

Where I bought them: Costco through Instacart

Package Weight:  New Weight 22oz

Serving Size: 1 Hunk

Servings Per Bag: About 22

Storage: Refrigerate after opening

Certified: Gluten-Free, USDA Organic, Non GMO Verified, Vegan

For more information on E&Cs Heavenly Hunks and other products, check out their website: https://www.eandcssnacks.com

E&Cs Heavenly Hunks

Gluten-Free Pizza

Ingredients:

  • ¾ c. Warm Water
  • 1 tbsp. Sugar
  • 1 packet of Yeast (1/4 oz. packet)
  • 2 ¼ c. Gluten-Free Flour (I used Bob’s Redmill 1-to-1)
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tbsp. Oil + a little extra to oil your spatula
  • 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Toppings of your choice

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while the oven is preheating. 
  2. Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl.  Stir together so that it is fully mixed through.  Allow to sit for 7 minutes (until the mixture bubbles and begins to look foamy)
  3. For best results, use an electronic mixer.  In a mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt.  
  4. Add the egg, olive oil, vinegar, and yeast mixture into the mixing bowl.  
  5. On a low speed, mix for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and resembling dough.  
  6. Using your extra oil, lightly coat a spatula, and use the spatula to transfer the dough to parchment paper.  Use the spatula to spread your dough into a round pizza (about 12 inches).  
  7. Leaving the dough on the parchment paper, place in the oven on top of your pizza stone or a baking tray.  
  8. Bake for 6 minutes, then remove your dough from the oven.  
  9. Add your toppings and place back in the oven form 8-10 minutes until the edges of the pizza begin to brown.  
  10. Let cool.  
  11. Serve and enjoy!
Gluten-Free Pizza

Caprese Avocado Toast

I don’t know about you, but I love avocado toast.  Not only do I love ordering it when I go out to brunch, but I also love experimenting with different varieties at home.  I decided to try a caprese version and loved it!  Check out my super simple and delicious recipe and let me know what you think.  

-The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide

Ingredients:

  • 1 Medium Avocado
  • 2 Slices of Gluten-Free Bread (I used Udi’s Gluten Free Multigrain Bread)
  • 3 or 4 small Fresh Mozzarella Balls
  • 2 Campari Tomatoes (you can use any type of tomato; this is just what I had in the fridge)
  • 2 tsp. Balsamic Reduction 
  • 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
  • Fresh Basil
  • Salt

Directions:

  1. Toast your bread to the desired amount.
  2. Cut your avocado in half in half, remove from the skin, and discard the pit. 
  3. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with your lemon juice.  This helps keeps the avocado green and adds a light citrusy flavor. 
  4. Salt your avocado to taste. 
  5. Slice tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.  
  6. Scoop a heaping amount of avocado on top of each slice of toast.  Spread so that the whole slice of bread is covered.  
  7. Top your avocado with your sliced tomato and mozzarella. 
  8. Drizzle balsamic reduction on top of the tomato and mozzarella. 
  9. Sprinkle the fresh basil on top (to preference)
  10. Serve and enjoy!
The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide Caprese Avocado Toast

Gluten-Free Pretzel Crusted Salmon

Gluten-Free Pretzel Crusted Salmon

Salmon is a big item in my house.  While I don’t dislike salmon, it’s not my favorite, so I’m always looking for ways to jazz it up a bit.  A few weeks ago, I experimented with a pretzel crusted salmon.  The results were okay, but it wasn’t as good as it could be.  After some minor adjustments, and a few taste tests, my recipe has been fine-tuned and is ready to share.  Give this gluten-free pretzel crusted salmon a try, and let me know what you think.  

-The Gluten-Free Gal’s Guide

Ingredients:

  • ½ lb. Salmon Filet
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp. Honey
  • ½ c. Gluten Free Pretzels- crushed (I used Snyders gluten-free pretzel sticks)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Combine the Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard, and Honey in a bowl.  Mix together so that is fully combined.  
  3. Pat your salmon filet dry with paper towel. 
  4. Coat the top of your salmon filet with your oil/mustard/honey mixture.  
  5. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels on top of your salmon filet so that the wet mixture is fully covered. 
  6. Cover a baking sheet with either aluminum foil or parchment paper, place your salmon on the center of the baking sheet, and place in the oven.  
  7. Bake your salmon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.  
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool. 
  9. Serve and enjoy! 
Gluten-Free Pretzel Crusted Salmon
Gluten-Free Pretzel Crusted Salmon