Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free Chicken Cutlets

Here's a tip for preparing chicken cutlets or chicken fingers that are wheat-free, gluten-free. I have become very creative in my efforts to rework dishes I love without using wheat, gluten or sulfites. I've thought about toasting spelt bread, and then grating it in the blender, or food processor. Then I discovered an easier method, I tried using organic corn flakes first, and then organic oat flakes, they both worked beautifully.

In fact, these are so good; my grandchildren enjoyed them. I remember the day my son tried to bribe his then four-year-old niece with chicken fingers from a nearby restaurant. She peered into the tin plate, sniffed and shaking her head said, "This is NOT grandma's chicken...are you trying to trick me?"

Chocolate Truffle Brownies

I don’t know anyone who doesn't love brownies. Mention them and there's practically a stampede to get some. So when I had to switch to gluten free foods years ago, I didn't think I’d be able to enjoy brownies or any other type of dessert again. I tried a few different brands, including those already baked at coffee shops and markets. But they were never that good. Finally, I came across Gluten Free Pantry products at Whole Foods. They had a Chocolate Truffle Brownie Mix that I decided to try.

To my surprise, they tasted like regular brownies! I could serve them warm with ice cream or eat them straight from the frig. The final seal of approval came from my family. They loved them so much, they always asked if I could make some whenever they were visiting.

Pasta Pasta

One of my favorite brands of gluten-free pasta is Tinkyada. I tried a few and their brand was the one I liked best. I’ve used almost every type of pasta available in their line. I’ve made vegetable lasagna and served it to my family. They loved it!

If for some reason, I want something different, I buy Mrs. Leepers. I’m especially fond of their spaghetti. The consistency is more like regular (semolina) pasta.          

I’ve discovered that more supermarkets are carrying gluten-free pasta and have managed to find both brands easily. Whether you’re gluten free out of necessity or making a conscious change, it’s worth experimenting with different brands until you find the one you love. 

Gluten-Free Bread

These days being gluten free has gotten a little easier. Many supermarkets are carrying an array of gluten-free brands for products ranging from pasta to bread. My favorite brand for bread is by Berlin Natural Bakery. They use spelt flour in their products.

Several years ago, I had just brought home a loaf of their Raisin Spelt bread from a local health food store. I left it on the kitchen table and ran downstairs to throw out the garbage. I bumped into a neighbor and we started chatting. By the time I got back inside, my Beagle Max had eaten the entire loaf of bread. He had moved a chair away from the table to retrieve it. He opened the bag and ate the entire contents. I think he left me a few crumbs and one raisin. So I guess he liked it too.

The great thing about Berlin Natural Bakery is that you can place your order online. I have my eye on the Angel Food Loaf, Country Made Dinner Rolls, and Country Noodles!

The Quest for Pizza

I’m on a quest to find the best wheat-free, gluten-free pizza available. For those of us who cannot have wheat or gluten, it’s hard to enjoy old favorites — like pizza. I didn’t develop a problem with wheat, gluten and sulfites until later in life. I don’t know if it was a reaction to an antibiotic or having root canal. It seems that a little while after both of those occurred; I started to have auto immune issues. 

Glutino Table Crackers

Glutino is rocking my world! Their Table Crackers are delicious. I’m a tea and coffee and cracker person. And I love to dunk! Yes, I admit it. These crackers are rectangular squares that are large enough to smear whatever you like on them. I’ve eaten them with tuna fish; soy butter and jelly, cream cheese, and cucumbers and mayo. These crackers are great for people on a gluten, wheat-free diet.

Al dente!

I just tried Glutino’s wheat-free brown rice spaghetti and it was great! For those of you who can’t have wheat or just want a change, try it. You will not be disappointed. This brand of pasta is easy to prepare and it’s not stiff or hard. Another plus is that brown rice pasta doesn’t cause stomach bloat. It will satisfy your craving for pasta without the gluten. I’ve also tried Glutino’s wafers (chocolate and lemon), pretzels, and crackers (original and vegetable). They were all delicious. I highly recommend these products for anyone following a gluten/wheat free lifestyle. Glutino is sold in many supermarkets and online at glutenfree.com.