Musings of a Celiac Chef

As a kid, I waited all year for our Italian community festival of Saint Michael’s. One of my favorite spots was the Scallaro family booth that sold pizzette, fried pizza dough, cooked on a Coleman stove. I can still taste the crisp dough smothered with tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

A simple dish of lightly battered eggplant and sauce with a little cheese goes a long way in setting a truly authentic Italian table. My great Aunt made would actually can put her eggplant parmesan in jars. At summer picnics, we ate perfect layers of thinly sliced fried eggplant with a light touch of parma cheese and dripping in olive oil.  Although this dish could be considered an appetizer, I like to add a mixed green salad and a loaf of gluten-free focaccia bread to make it a complete dinner. YOu can find this recipe and over 140 others in my cookbook, The Gluten-Free Italian Cookbook.

You can use  Bella Gluten-Free All Purpose Baking Mix, as your batter and finish it with some gluten-free bread crumbs from Bella Gluten-Free Multigrain Bread Mix or leftover gf bread in your freezer. Don't forget to make a yummy focaccia from Bella Gluten-Free Pizza, Roll, Focaccia Mix to soak up the sauce.

Buono Appetito 

Mary Capone

French Beignets by Bella Gluten-Free

French Beignets by Bella Gluten-Free

Chicken Pot Pie by Bella Gluten-Free

Crepes, crepes, crepes by Bella Gluten-Free

This year I am making boxes of gluten-free/ allergen-free cookies for Holiday gifts. After working 6 hours in the kitchen, my friend Jim and I turned out quite a few dozen with plenty of cookie dough left over.  I wrapped the dough in parchment paper and then plastic wrap and put it in the freezer, sort of a slice and bake idea. Then it hit me.  I could also make a gift out of a frozen log of gluten-free cookie dough. Let's face it. There is nothing like a fresh, hot cookie from the oven. I have been freezing dough for years and it definitely comes in handy when I need cookies for school lunches or a quick dessert for a party. The frozen dough can last up to 3 months or more.  Here's how I prepare the special frozen slice and bake roll. Using parchment or wax paper, place about 1 1/2 cups of dough on paper surface. Fold the paper over the dough and roll it into a long cylinder log about 1 - 1 1/2" in diameter (larger if you like big cookies.)  Wrap the dough log first in the parchment or wax paper and then in plastic wrap and place in freezer.  Presto!  Just like Pillsbury... only a whole lot better. Frozen cookie dough logs is another gift suggestion for the gluten-free/allergen-free dieters, one that will be well appreciated. For some great gluten-free cookie recipes visit Mary's Recipes.

Buono Appetito and Happy Holidays

Mary Capone

Now that I am in between holidays, I can admit that the mighty chef is a little tired and I have stopped my constant dreaming of food. Beside making a mountain of Christmas cookies for gifts and parties, I hosted a gluten-free pajama brunch on Christmas morning for 25 people who all looked like they just rolled out of bed. My idea of a relaxing costume party. Santa brought me a few cool kitchen gadgets for Christmas, however, that made my life in the kitchen easier. They both happen to be Cuisinart brand although I don't always recommend their products (ie: their food processor have problems holding liquids and they are very pricey. I actually like the Black and Decker 10 cup food processor. It's a little noisier but has a great motor and a reasonable price tag @49.95. ) I first opened a 2 slice Cuisinart toaster. Very handy since one of us (not to mention who...my husband) is not gluten-free entirely and will stick a bagel in our toaster oven on the sly. To avoid cross contamination-crumbs do travel- I was grateful for my very own appliance. Santa also brought me a stainless steel hand blender.  Now that's fun and here's way.  You can load your soups or stews with plenty of vegetables and then blend it into a creamy soup and your kids will never know they are eating a slew of what's  for them. This Cuisinart product works great and for those of us dairy-free/casein-free you can still have a creamy soup without any milk products by simple adding a white potato. Now what about New Year's Eve dinner...is it a Braised Pork Loin with Apricot Gravy ( see my cookbook for the recipe) or a Salt Rubbed Prime Rib. Oops! I am dreaming again...