Gluten-Free Tarts

We were delighted to find this method for tart crust that will produce a delightful, flaky crust even with gluten-free flour. This method eliminates the rolling out of the dough, which is wonderful because as we know, typical gluten-free pie crust dough does not usually ‘roll out’. No more trying to patch work pieces into the pie pan.

This simple preparation blends the ingredients in a food processor. Once combined, you can then easily free form the dough into round disks. Refrigerate, then wrap the edges of the crust over on itself so that it forms a ridge, continue around the tart. After baking, you merely cover the tart with fruit, top with meringue and bake until the meringue is golden. It couldn’t be easier and more beautiful! Free form tarts are lovely and problem-proof.

Try this month’s tart recipes; Citrus Meringue Tart; Strawberry Tart; Lemon Blueberry Tart and Strawberry Cream Tart made with a gluten-free biscotti crust. Mmmmmmm delicious!

Great Grilling!

Nothing says summertime like outdoor grilling! And this month we have gone grill crazy! So brush off your grill, dig out your tongs and grab the coals; it’s grilling time again!

Grilling is a terrific way to cook all kinds of foods, not just meats. Try vegetables, or fish for a delicious added grill flavor.

If you like to grill, or if you want to learn how to grill sensational meals, this is the month for you! For starters try Sesame Shrimp with Miso Dipping Sauce or Grilled Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas. Fish has never been better than Grilled Salmon Steaks with Citrus & Herbs, Grilled Salmon with Vegetables and Hoisin Sauce, or grilling Oriental-style with Grilled Teriyaki Salmon. Everyone from the south knows that nothing goes better with grilling than pork. Try our Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa or for a quick meal; BBQ Pork Chops. And for beef; Grilled Spiced Steaks with Onion Marmalade. We’ve selected grilled chicken recipes from around the globe; Hot and Spicy Asian Chicken and Caribbean Grilled Chicken. How about salad? Absolutely! Grilled Chicken Salad with Asparagus!

June begins the grilling and barbeque season, so strap on that apron, heat those coals and let’s get grilling!

Perfect Picnics

Outdoor dining can be a challenge on a gluten-free diet because many of the foods associated with picnics are typically gluten oriented. Gluten-free foods generally do not keep as long and can suffer quality if made too far in advance of your outing. The trick to great gluten-free picnics is to choose the right foods that will keep and travel well.

Here are a few ideas:
Snacks:

• Gluten-free corn chips with Bean & Cheese Dip: Dip should be warm
• Robert’s Snack Foods: Many flavors and varieties, most are gluten-free
• Ener-G Foods Pretzels
• Barbara’s Natural Potato Chips: Arguably the best gf potato chip on the market!
• Fresh vegetables
• Fresh fruit

Breads and baked goods:

• Chili & Fresh Cornbread Muffins: Bake the morning of your picnic
• Strawberry Bread: Bake the morning of or the night before
• Carrot Spiced Muffins: Bake the night before

Salads:

• Cherry Tomato and Fresh Corn Salad
• Tropical Fruit Salad
• Chicken Pasta Salad w/Tomatoes & Kalamata Olives
• Fresh Corn & Black Bean Salad
• Summer Coleslaw
• Pasta Salad w/Corn & Chipotle Dressing

Main Dishes:

• Grilled Half Chicken with Abodo Recado
• Grilled Brats with Onion Marmalade: Marmalade can be made the day before
• Barbecued Pork Ribs with Blackberry BBQ Sauce: Make the day before and rewarm
• Chicken Burgers with Pesto: These are great if you can grill on your picnic
• Fried Chicken

Desserts:

• Blueberry Sour Cream Pie: Make the day before
• Lime Cheesecake Pie: Make the day before
• Decadent Brownies: Make the day before
• Cookies Make the day before
• Lemon Squares: Make the day before

We hope these ideas have enticed your taste buds and have you looking forward to your first summer picnic.

Have a great summer!