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Cali5 min read

Tired of Cauliflower? Try This Keto GF Tahini Pizza Crust Recipe Instead

Are you new to the gluten free lifestyle? If so, I want you to know there are more options out there than what you see at your local grocery store. And no I’m not trying to sell you anything.

What I am trying to do is feed you pizza.

Why?

Because pizza is one of the most loved foods in the US. Every second, 350 slices are devoured in our country. 350 slices every second! Of course, you don’t want to give up pizza. None of us do.

You’ve probably seen the cauliflower pizza crusts in the store and wondered – first, is that any good, and second is this now my life.

Cauliflower is popular for those wanting a gluten-free and Keto friendly pizza crust. It’s not the only option though.

If you’re not into the cauliflower taste or just want something else to expand your palate with, try my recipe for Tahini pizza crust. Using Tahini instead of cauliflower offers a unique taste and grows your cooking horizons from the ordinary to the wow.

And just so you know, if the Tahini doesn’t satisfy your pizza cravings I’ve got two more pizza crusts that just might. But first, Tahini.

What is Tahini?

Tahini (also known as “tahina”) gets its origins in the Middle East and is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame, oil, and salt (optional). Once the sesame seeds are toasted and ground they get emulsified with the oil to create the smooth, pourable consistency that resembles butter. You can eat it alone or use it as an ingredient in other foods like hummus. It is similar to a nut butter in texture but described as having a stronger and more savory, but slightly bitter, flavor.

Tahini can be used for everything from salad dressings to desserts to pizza crust.

On average, Tahini has about 90 calories, 2.6 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, 1.4 grams of fiber, 64 mg of calcium, and 1.5 mg of iron per one tablespoon serving.

If you have someone with a nut or dairy allergy, Tahini is a good source of calcium since it’s technically a seed butter, not nut butter.

What Are the Health Benefits of Tahini?

Nutrition is in the eye of the beholder. In the case of Tahini, it’s seen as healthy because of the high amount of healthy fats it contains. 50% of the fat in Tahini comes from mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked to a decreased risk of chronic disease.

Some studies have shown that eating sesame seeds may decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease, especially when it comes to lowering cholesterol. Sesame seeds are also being looked at for fighting off cancer.

Women benefit from tahini thanks to the phytoestrogens in the sesame seeds that help to keep hormonal fluctuations at bay (specifically around menopause).

Now that you know all of its health benefits, let’s get to what you’re really here for, a delicious new option for gluten-free pizza crust.

Tahini Pizza Crust Recipe

First, gather your ingredients:

1/2 cup of tahini
3 eggs
3 Laughing Cow cheese triangles
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
Salt & Pepper
Pesto or marinara sauce
Mexican three cheese blend

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 and line a pizza pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl add tahini, the Laughing Cow cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, and baking powder. Mix until well incorporated.

Add eggs and beat until well mixed.

Pour the mix onto the parchment paper, making a round pizza dough as you pour. Don’t worry, the dough will be very wet.

Place on the middle rack in your oven and bake for 10-15 mins.

Once done, remove from the oven and immediately add the sauce and any other toppings you might like. This crust is great with vegetables and cooked chicken. Once the sauce and toppings are on, sprinkle generously with the shredded Mexican three cheese blend.

Serving ideas

Pizza is one of the easiest and most versatile foods you can make. Anything that suits your dietary needs or cravings can go on top of it.

Try a savory pizza with a vegetarian Greek theme and put crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, chopped garlic, and tomatoes.

How about a dessert pizza. Top it with cream cheese and berries.

One of my favorites is grilled chicken paired with extra cheese and a drizzle of ranch. Or how about smoked salmon, spinach, and feta cheese (I’m a fan of the feta cheese, can you tell?).

And of course, we can’t mention Tahini without a Zatar Eggplant Pizza. If you’ve never had one you are truly missing out.

Throw a Pizza Party with all the options

Next time you have some friends over, make it a pizza party. Set it up buffet style with a toppings bar available for your guests to make their own combination. For extra variety add a Cheese Bread GF Pizza Crust, a Cauliflower Pizza Crust, and a Keto friendly Cabbage Pizza Crust to the evening’s menu options as well. Then let me know which ones they liked the best!

Who said you can’t please everyone? Have you seen the recipes on this blog? They’re delicious!

Also, that makes four different gluten-free keto pizza crust options on my site. FOUR.

Being gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up the pizza party. It just requires somewhat of a creative approach and the determination to find the perfect gluten-free pizza!

Possible articles to link to:

https://www.thursdaynightpizza.com/zaatar-eggplant-pizza-with-tahini-sauce/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tahini-benefits

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-tahini-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-203314

https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/where-to-buy-tahini-how-to-find-good-tahini-sauce-truffles-recipes-article

You have a few options on this one 🙂

Mediterranean

Gluten Free and Keto Cheese Bread Made Without Cream Cheese

Updated on March 25, 2023January 30, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

A lot of Keto Gluten-Free cheese bread calls for the use of cream cheese, but that’s not the only way to make cheese bread.

One night, I was sitting at home and had a craving for cheese bread but when I looked in my cabinet, realized I was limited to the ingredients I had on hand. That wasn’t much! I only had eggs, cheese, and some spices to work with. I managed to come up with a recipe that has become one of my favorites and I can’t wait for you to try my happy accident for yourself.

This recipe doubles as a pizza dough base so get your favorite toppings ready.

Anything that your diet allows is a game for this one. Doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for sweet, savory, or satisfying, there are no rules to what you can put on this bread.

Full-bodied cheeses are best for this recipe. My personal preference is a Mexican three-cheese blend. If you would rather use something else, mozzarella combined with cheddar or parmesan will also work.

Tips To Make The Best GF Keto Cheese Bread

There are a few things that you should know before getting started.

The first is if you are using a stand mixer, the paddle attachment and not the dough hook is best for this recipe. You will also want to work with a low mixing speed.

When you are mixing the dough, do not over mix. You want the consistency to be just right but not deflated.

Second, when it comes to your pan choice, use one that has sidewalls as the bread will rise.

Finally, the best temp for a finished cheese bread is 210 degrees or greater at the center. If you see that your dough is nice and brown on top but still not cooked in the center, cover with foil and continue to bake to prevent further browning.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Recipe GF and Keto Cheese Bread

First, gather your ingredients.

You will need:

2 cups of three Mexican cheese
2 eggs
3 garlic gloves diced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 Tsp. paprika
1/8 Tsp. black pepper
1/8 Tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. cilantro
1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
1/2 cup sautéed bell peppers or you can use roasted bell peppers from the can or bottle (I prefer fresh one)
Fresh or dried parsley

How to prepare this delicious and easy cheese bread:

Pre-heat your oven at 350°. In a bowl add cheese, beaten eggs then transfer the mixture to a parchment lined up pizza pan and set it aside.

Using the same bowl add diced garlic, olive oil, cilantro and spices. Mix all and spread on the cheese pizza dough.

At this point either sprinkle some fresh or dried parsley and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or add the sautéed mushrooms and roasted bell peppers or any toppings of your choice and bake it for the same time.

To transform this from Cheese Bread to Pizza, add the toppings of your choice before the dried parsley. Try it a number of different ways until you find your perfect combination. Sometimes I’ll add mushrooms and roasted peppers.

Pizza, Sandwiches, and Dipping Sauces

This bread is really versatile.

It is a great pizza base. Grab your favorite pizza toppings and have some fun experimenting with the flavors of the bread combined with your toppings of choice.

If you’re looking for advice on what toppings taste best, cheese bread tastes wonderful with any ingredient you might also add to grilled cheese.

Pair it with turkey, ham, or other deli meat. If you want something sweeter, pair it with your favorite jelly, jam, or honey.

I like turning it into a turkey sandwich. It pairs well with a bowl of tomato soup. Of course, it’s also great all by itself (the soup and the bread).

If you are a fan of garlic, try making your own garlic butter. Simply melt the butter and mix in Italian seasoning and garlic powder. You can brush this over the bread before or after baking. Or if you really love your butter, it’s also fun as a dip.

Speaking of dips. Want to know what makes the perfect dip for cheese bread? My very own go-to pizza sauce recipe. It’s super easy to make, and it starts with a store-bought jar of pizza sauce.

You’ll need:

1 jar of pizza sauce
1 Tbsp. of olive oil
1 large tomato, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. of cilantro
⅛ tsp of cumin
¼ tsp of paprika
Salt & Pepper to taste

Use a small sauté pan to heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until golden brown and tender. Next, add the diced tomato and all of the spices. Cook until the sauce is thick. When done there will be no water left in the pan.

How to store your bread

It’s best to refrigerate your cheese bread if you are not going to use it right away. It will keep in the fridge for two to three days (but honestly, it’s so good you won’t have to worry about it being around that long). Just put it in an airtight container or plastic bag to keep it fresh between meals.

Of course, this isn’t the only way to make a gluten-free pizza crust. I bet you’ve tried a cauliflower crust by now, but have you tried my Keto Cabbage Pizza yet?

Mediterranean

Delicious and Easy Gluten-Free Banana Cream Pie

January 30, 2022January 30, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali6 min read

I’ve got a great recipe for an easy-to-make banana cream pie. The truth is I love a good pie but my gluten-free body needs a few alterations – like gluten-free graham crackers and ghee butter.

A sprinkle of nutmeg, cane sugar, and some cinnamon will add new flavors to the party and delight your taste buds.

While banana cream pie is typically served as a spring/summer favorite, it’s actually a great dessert to eat year-round. But before we dive into the recipe, here are some fun facts about bananas and cream pie so you’ll be prepared for your next trivia night.

Banana and banana cream pie trivia

Do you know where the banana cream pie originated?

If you guessed the tropics you would be wrong. Surprisingly it’s believed to have come from the American Midwest. Before the 19th century, bananas were considered to be an exotic fruit due to the difficulty of bringing them into the states.

Today the average American eats around 80 bananas a year. Bananas are so popular that they’ve been given a national banana holiday. This recipe for banana cream pie might just be the perfect way to celebrate March 2, National Banana Day.

The banana has dropped its exotic status, is the easiest fruit to find at the store, and is now considered the number one fruit in the US.

But what about cream pies? Are they as popular as the banana?

Cream pies are not just a popular dessert, they are also a prop. Back in the 1920’s vaudeville, the silent films transformed cream pies into a guaranteed laugh.

The first cream pie thrown is believed to have happened in 1913. But it wasn’t until 1927 when Laurel and Hardy’s short, “The Battle of the Century ” had 3,000 pies soar through the air. It was the pie fight to end all pie fights, or in this case to begin all pie fights. Since then everyone from Bugs Bunny to The Three Stooges has thrown a pie in someone’s direction.

The real question is, have you? And if yes, at who?

How Do You Keep Bananas From Turning Brown In A Banana Cream Pie?

One of the struggles of working with bananas is how quickly they go brown. This can be frustrating when baking.

How do you stop the bananas from turning brown before you can eat the pie? Well, we have to get into a bit of science to figure that out.

Banana slices turn brown as a result of being exposed to the oxygen in the air that causes them to oxidate. That doesn’t mean they are bad for you to eat though, just not so pretty to look at. However, you don’t want your guests seeing brown bananas in your pie so there are a few tricks you should know to prevent this from happening.

The trick to keeping your bananas from turning brown in your pie is first to pick out the right bananas. You want firm, just-barely ripe bananas. The bananas should not have any green on them but also should not have too many brown flecks.

If you do not plan on using your bananas right away, buy ones that are a bit more green so they will last longer before you use them.

You can also wrap the top stem of the banana bunch in tin foil where all the bananas are connected to prevent the ethylene gas that naturally occurs in the fruit from releasing, hence slowing down the ripening process and browning.

Treating the bananas with citrus juices like lemon, orange, or pineapple will prevent the bananas from browning. However, a little goes a long way. If you use too much you will change the flavor of the pie. Just brush the slices lightly or use a spray bottle to spritz them down. Some have also had some success spritzing their banana slices with plain soda water. Don’t use flavored soda water like Sprite because the sugars in the soda will change the flavor of the pie.

Now that you are fully prepped for banana and pie trivia night, let’s start baking!

Recipe for Easy Gluten-Free Banana Cream Pie

First, gather your ingredients:

4 small bananas

2 packages of gluten-free graham crackers

1/4 cup ghee butter

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 tbsp cinnamon

A sprinkle of nutmeg

3 eggs

2 tbsp gluten-free flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup cane sugar

1 tsp ghee butter

1 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a round pie pan with ghee butter. Place your gluten free graham crackers along the bottom and side of the pan.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Add sliced bananas, cinnamon, and nutmeg and sauté until soft.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Next, you’ll make the pudding center of the pie. In a small saucepan add milk, flour, vanilla, and half of the sugar. Stir until well incorporated.

Turn the heat to low and continue to stir. Add one egg and two egg yolks. Stir vigorously to prevent the eggs from cooking. Once the mixture thickens, remove the pudding from heat and set it aside.

In a bowl add the two egg whites and sugar. Beat until a meringue forms.

Pour the banana mixture into the pie pan, over the graham crackers, and then spread the remaining graham crackers on top of the bananas.

Next, you’ll spread the pudding layer evenly over the graham crackers.

Top with the meringue.

Bake for 20-25 mins.

Serving ideas

Banana cream pie is best served the same day you make it but it will keep in the refrigerator for a few days. How long depends on your bananas and how fast they brown.

On average, the pie will last three to four days covered loosely in the fridge (not in my house though because it gets eaten too fast).

You can also freeze a banana Cream Pie for up to 2 months. Once completely cooled wrap the pie in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil.

To serve the pie cut a slice to enjoy all on its own. If you’re dressing the pie up for a party, or for yourself, try a touch of gluten-free chocolate shavings or a dusting of crushed gluten free cookies. If you do add toppings it’s best to wait till the piece has been cut and platted before adding the garnish.

Just remember, if you’re baking for a friend who is gluten free, even a small garnish that has gluten in it will ruin the dish and make it so they can not eat it.

Personally, I like eating it once it has chilled a bit in the refrigerator. No toppings for me. The pie is perfect just as it is.

Gluten-free dessert does not mean bland or gross. I’m always experimenting in the kitchen and discovering new delicious and gluten-free recipes every week. Keep coming back. You never know what fun thing I’ll be baking next!

Gluten-Free

Broccoli Au Gratin – Ideal Comfort Food

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

Broccoli is famous worldwide as a superfood. It’s used as the main ingredient in healthy food recipes as it contains low calories, various antioxidants, and nutrients that help keep the body fit and healthy. (more…)

two people eating cilantro lime salmon bowls

Baking

Cilantro Lime Salmon Bowls – Exclusive Healthy Food Recipe

Updated on January 19, 2022January 20, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali6 min read

Dinner is a treat for clean eaters when served with mouth-watering cilantro lime rice and freshly cooked salmon fillets. We love meals in bowls at Cali Yum, which is why our go-to dinner is a rice bowl! You can’t go wrong with a rice bowl for dinner, whether it’s this fiery cilantro lime salmon bowl, a Mediterranean vegan buddha bowl, or any other variation. (more…)

Mediterranean

Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups – The Ideal Low-Carb Meal To Satisfy Your Cravings

January 19, 2022January 19, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

Do you crave lasagna but are unable to enjoy the flavorful treat? No worries! We bring you a simple and modified version of traditional lasagna.

Traditional lasagna gets a low-carb twist with this simple Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe. For a quick keto supper, stuff sliced zucchini with ground meat, Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, and Italian seasonings and then bake it in marinara sauce. (more…)

A lunch table with people enjoying their favorite dishes with some wine and champagne

Gluten-Free

Potato & Mushrooms Infused with Chicken Au-Gratin

January 18, 2022January 18, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

When we think about comfort food, potatoes and chicken are some of the first ingredients that come to mind. Potatoes have a way of making everything look and taste a hundred times better. Whether it’s with chicken or any other meat, potatoes are a must-have side dish. It’s a convenient ingredient combo that takes just a few minutes to prepare. (more…)

Moroccan chicken tagine served in a traditional Moroccan vessel called a tagine

Gluten-Free

Moroccan Chicken Tagine – Cali Yum Special

Updated on March 26, 2023January 17, 2022Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

Chicken tagine – a rich and fragrant chicken stew is laden with complex flavors and zesty spices that might make you reminiscent of the kind of chicken stew you may eat at a local Moroccan mountainside café. Well, save yourself the plane ticket and make and savor this yummy dish at home. It’s a classic Moroccan dish that uses a variety of spices, preserved lemons, onions, and olives. (more…)

Mediterranean

How to Cook Couscous—The Easiest Way

Updated on November 19, 2021November 20, 2021Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

A plate of couscous with salad

Couscous is a North African delicacy that has become popular in many areas across the globe due to its neutral flavor. Moreover, it’s also sold on the front shelves in many grocery stores because it makes the perfect side dish for any vegetable or protein. It tastes delicious when stuffed in peppers or served with salads.

It’s a versatile and processed grain that’s a type of pasta made of semolina flour or durum wheat balls. Three kinds of couscous are widely used by people: Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese.

Moroccan is the tiniest of them all and has a huge demand worldwide because of its small size and the fact that it takes less cooking time. Israeli couscous, on the other hand, is made up of coarsely ground or toasted wheat flour, which is larger and has a longer cooking time.

People think couscous is a great meal to add to your midweek menu because it’s easy to cook and store but is it a healthy food as well? Let’s find out!

Couscous and Nutrition

We’ve listed down the nutrition breakdown of 1/3^rd cup of uncooked Moroccan couscous that will turn into 1 cup of couscous after cooking.

220 Calories
0g Fat
0g Saturated Fat
0g Unsaturated Fats
45g Carbohydrate
5mg Sodium
3g Fiber
7g Protein
0g Sugar
0g Added Sugars
2% DV Calcium
2% DV Potassium

A bowl of couscous

Here are some of the nutrition and health benefits of couscous.

Rich In Selenium

One of the main nutrients present in couscous is selenium. 157 grams of couscous consists of 60% of the ideal selenium intake.

The importance of selenium lies in the fact that it contains powerful antioxidants that help in increasing the repair process of damaged cells and reducinginflammation.

Moreover, it’s important for thyroid gland function and hormone production. In addition to that, it lowers the risk of heart disease by preventing plaque build-up on arteries and veins.

Lowers the Risk of Cancer

Studies found that high selenium blood levels prevent cancers, whereas selenium deficiency increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Boosts Immunity

The antioxidants present in selenium reduce inflammation which in turn boosts immunity by eliminating oxidative stress inside your body.

Bell pepper stuffed with couscous

Moroccan Couscous

Since we’re talking about the easiest way of making couscous, we’ll learn how to cook Moroccan couscous because it has the smallest size and is made up of fine granules.

It requires less effort to cook Moroccan couscous because it’s already steamed and dried beforehand. So, you can prepare it instantly.

Ingredients

All you’ll need to cook couscous is 200ml hot water or broth, 200g couscous, and 1 tbsp of olive oil for serving four people.

Cooking Method

Cooking time: 15 minutes.

Boil water or broth: Pour 200ml of water or broth in a saucepan. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and salt to taste. Bring the liquid to a boil.
Stir couscous in olive oil: This step is optional, so if you’re running out of time, skip it. However, it does wonders in enhancing the flavor. Heat 1 or 2 tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick pan and stir uncooked couscous in it with the help of a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown.
Add couscous to boiled water or broth: Add the golden fried couscous into the boiling broth or water and cover the lid. Take off the pan from the stove and leave the couscous to settle for 10 minutes so it can absorb the water completely. Afterward, you may fluff it up with a fork and add salt if needed.
Add spices or herbs: This is an optional step and depends on your preference. You may add some herbs or spices to enhance the flavor of your couscous.

chickpeas with couscous

If you like your couscous plain, then enjoy it as it is but if you’re a spice lover, feel free to add any seasoning you like, a pinch of cumin powder, chopped parsley, and green onions. Besides that, chopped and fried garlic enhances the flavor to a great extent.

Tips to Cook the Perfect Couscous

1:1 Liquid to Couscous Ratio

If you’re planning to cook only 1 cup of couscous then you should take 1 cup of boiling water or broth. If you add more water than the couscous, it’s texture will be sticky.If you use less water, your couscous will turn out dry.

Always Use Broth If You Can

It’s said that you can use either water or broth but if you really want to make tasty couscous, cook it in a meat or vegetable broth.

Stir Your Couscous Before Putting It in Water

It can add nuttiness and great flavor to your meal.

Don’t Move the Pot After Putting in the Couscous

Once your add the couscous to the boiling water or broth, take it off the heat immediately and don’t move it until the whole liquid is absorbed. This will help keep the couscous nice and fluffy.

Add Extra Flavors

Spices or herbs infuse more flavor so you can either add those to your couscous or serve it as a side dish to Moroccan lamb stew or fried chicken and veggies.

Looking for more healthy food recipes? Head over to renowned healthy food blogCali Yum for tasty and easy food recipes! Besides that, we have a comprehensive range of gluten-free recipes like gluten-free Moroccan recipes, gluten-free potato tuna pie recipes, gluten-free Mediterranean recipes, and so many other options.

What’s stopping you to eat healthy? Check out the blog to find out about the health and nutrition benefits of meals such as Moroccan carrot salad, potato tuna pie, Zaalouk salad, etc.

BakingGluten-FreeMediterranean

Tired of Chocolate? Try this GF Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe for Dessert

Updated on November 19, 2021November 19, 2021Leave a Comment

Cali4 min read

If you search for gluten-friendly desserts, you will find a majority of the suggestions are chocolate. That’s great for the chocolate lovers out there but what if you want something a little different? That’s where my gluten-friendly strawberry sponge cake comes in. Move over chocolate. It’s time for a change.

GF Strawberry Sponge Cake Recipe

First, gather your ingredients:

8 eggs separate the white from egg yolks in a bowl
1 cup and half of gluten-free 1 to 1 flour
1/4 potato starch or cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp. baking powder
2.5 cups sugar
1000g strawberries
1 tsp Agar
16 oz. soft cream cheese

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 360 degrees, grease a cake pan with butter, and line it up with parchment paper, bottom and sides.
In a bowl add to the egg whites vanilla and 3/4 cup of sugar gradually while you’re beating with an electric mixer until you reach a snowy firm consistency. Set it aside
In another bowl start beating the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of sugar until the mix is pale white then add the sifted flour and baking powder in 4 steps gradually and mix slowly with a hand mixer.
Once all incorporated start adding the egg whites gradually and mix slowly in a clock.
Rotation to the flour mix.
Pour the mix into the cake pan and pop it in the oven to cook for 45 mins.
Cut strawberries in half or four slices then transfer them to a saucepan and add 1 cup of sugar and Agar. Mix in all the sugar in the strawberries and agar until all coated.
On medium heat start cooking the strawberries while stirring constantly until the strawberries are cooked and the sauce is a bit thick.
In a bowl add heavy cream and start whipping it until a thick whipped
In another bowl add cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar and start mixing in the sugar with an electric mixer until all incorporated and smooth.
Add the whipped cream to the cheese mix and incorporate it all.

Assembly:

Once the cake cooled down cut two even layers.
Spread the strawberries on the first layer and top it off with the cream mixture.
Put the cake layer on top and repeat the same steps
Put the last cake layer and cover all the cake with the remaining cream.
Decorate the cake to your liking.

Put it in the refrigerator for 49 mins before serving.

How to store sponge cake overnight

Sponge cake is not known for keeping well overnight. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible though. It just takes a bit of prep to make sure it doesn’t go from yummy cake to stale brick while in the refrigerator.

To make sure your cake stays nice and fresh you will need a couple of things. The first is an airtight container to store it in. The second is some plastic wrap.

Your cake should be completely cooled before moving it to the airtight container. To make sure there is no heat left, you can put a layer of plastic wrap over the cake and if you see any signs of steam or heat, you know it’s not cool enough to relocate yet. Wait until it’s cool and you don’t see any steam before moving it to your airtight container.

Once you have it sealed up nice and tight, you can store it for up to three days in the refrigerator (five days if you wrap it in plastic wrap before putting it in the airtight container) or four months in the freezer. Because there are strawberries in this particular recipe, it’s recommended that you eat it sooner rather than later. And besides, it’s so yummy why would you want to wait too long to eat it anyway?

Here is the recipe for an unbelievably delicious gluten-free strawberry sponge cake:

Serving ideas

This sponge cake looks as great as it tastes and will liven up any dessert table. If you want to mix it up and serve it to a group, you can cut the cake into cubes and mix it with whipped cream and the strawberries in individual glass bowls (so you can see the beauty of the ingredients). This is perfect for those parties where everyone just wants to grab and go and not worry about cutting something that looks so nice up.

Strawberries are not your only option here. Blueberries are another popular fruit to add to the mix. Heck. Why not do both? Yummy.

Gluten-FreeLunchMediterraneanSupper

Keto friendly and gluten free? Enjoy fried chicken tenders again! (and without an air fryer)

November 19, 2021November 19, 2021Leave a Comment

Cali6 min read

For those doing keto or are gluten sensitive, fried food can sound like it’s off-limits but guess what? It’s not! With the right recipe and ingredients, you can have that delicious fried flavor without any regret.

You may be wondering how you can have fried food on a keto diet since the definition of keto practically spells it out as off-limits. The secret is the breading and what you fry it in. This recipe uses almond flour instead of regular flour and ghee butter in place of oil. Those two combined give this recipe the keto seal of approval.

The keto diet

The keto diet is all about minimizing carbs while focusing on high-fat intake. The emphasis on fats makes this an ideal choice for anyone who wants to lose weight while still feeling satisfied after every meal.

The purpose of the low-carb aspect is to keep your body in a state called ketosis, where it produces ketones, which are produced when your body breaks down fat stores.

When you first start this type of diet, there is an adjustment period that might feel a little overwhelming. The first couple of weeks can be pretty harsh as your body tries to adjust to running on ketones instead of glucose. But once your system adjusts, weight loss becomes much easier.

This diet benefits weight loss because it limits food options, making you less likely to give in to temptation during your strict routine. It also helps that keto has so many health benefits when done correctly. But some people have trouble sticking with this type of eating plan… which brings me back to the keto-friendly chicken tenders.

Did I mention I fry them? Actually, fry them. I don’t pull out the air fryer for this recipe. The secret is simple, is ghee butter.

Why I use ghee butter

Let’s start with what ghee is.

According to Medical News Today, Ghee is essentially butter without the milk fats. You can make your own or buy it at your local grocery store. It originates from India, but it’s become easier to find locally due to keto’s popularity in Western culture.

Ghee has advantages over the usual butter or oil when it comes to frying, especially for those on a keto diet.

First, ghee gives you more bang for your buck in the keto world in terms of fats (and since keto is based on an 80% fat diet, this is a big deal). Second, ghee is also much more stable than butter and able to withstand higher cooking temperatures, like those that happen while frying.

Due to the high heat, the breading on this recipe crisps up beautifully and creates a perfect golden color. The outside is crispy while the inside stays tender and juicy.

I made fried chicken with a lighter version of this breading, but it wouldn’t stay as crisp and golden. The extra egg white and almond flour in this recipe really make a difference.

Not only will keto-fried chicken tenders taste great, but you get the added bonus of increasing your vitamin and mineral intake without it leaving you feeling hungry. That full feeling, that’s the healthy fats doing their job!

Why I use almond flour

Almond flour is rich in protein and fiber while also low carb, making this an easy choice for many on a keto diet. I use almond flour because it crushes into a fine texture that ends up creating what looks like regular flour, but contains way fewer carbs.

In my opinion, it’s the perfect replacement for regular flour.

I know what you’re thinking: almond flour is super expensive! I thought that too when I first started keto. But, if you don’t like the cost, you can always make your own almond flour. It’s easy to do with just a few simple ingredients, and it makes that price per pound go way down!

You may be wondering how to make your own almond flour too. It’s super simple and requires almonds, a blender, and about 5 minutes of your time. The Minimalist Baker gives an excellent overview of how to do it as well as the difference between almond meal and almond flour. It’s a cost-effective way to eat healthier without killing your monthly grocery budget.

I also want to mention that almond flour is full of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and iron among other healthy minerals. This means that when you eat this breading, your body will get plenty of good nutrients in return.

Now, let me show you how to make your very own keto friendly and gluten free chicken tenders!

Recipe Fried Chicken Tenders

First, gather your ingredients:

Chicken tenders (the equivalent of two breasts)
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 cardamom
1/4 tsp paprika
Almond or sesame flour for breading
Ghee butter for frying (don’t worry, this recipe doesn’t require deep frying to keep it on the keto side)

Instructions

Clean the chicken under cool running water and pat to dry using paper towels.
Combine the egg with all the spices.
Dredge the chicken in the egg and spice mixture.
Cover each chicken slice in the flour.
Over medium heat, I add two tbsp. of ghee to a non-stick pan.
Pan fry each tender until golden and thoroughly cooked.

Serve hot with your favorite dressing.

Serving ideas

Part of any culinary experience is in the presentation and serving as much as it is in the actual flavor of the food itself. For this recipe, I have a few suggestions on how you can present your delicious meal with style.

First, contemplate the most important part. The dipping sauce.

There are several keto-friendly dipping sauces on the market. My personal favorite is the homestyle ranch. What can I say? You can’t go wrong with a classic. However, if you want something a bit different with that same great ranch base flavor, look for avocado oil ranch dressing.

Second, what will you serve with it? For side dishes, I go for a keto-friendly Caesar salad or cauliflower hash browns. If you have a mushroom lover at the table, look up a recipe for creamy garlic mushrooms with bacon. Yummy.

As a last but not least suggestion, let’s talk about the garnish. A bit of parsley and lemon zest adds a nice pop of color to your keto-friendly chicken tenders recipe!

Cook and enjoy! Then come back and share in the comments what you thought.

Gluten-FreeLunchMediterraneanSupper

How to make the perfect gluten-free au gratin potatoes

Updated on November 29, 2021November 19, 2021Leave a Comment

Cali5 min read

This holiday season, why not have a healthy, gluten-free option to share with your family and friends? This recipe is the perfect side dish for any holiday gathering.

Au gratin potatoes are a popular side dish because of their warm, comforting feel, with the cheese and potatoes layered together like a hug. I’ve always enjoyed making this one for my family because it reminds me of the holidays and how great simple things can be if you let them.

This recipe has a special touch to make it my own yet still reminds me of childhoods long past. With the addition of chicken, mushrooms, and spices, you get a much more filling side dish that can easily be served as the main course if you are limited in time.

Then Uniqueness of The Mushroom

This recipe calls for a unique ingredient. Portobello mushrooms! Portobello mushrooms are the relative to the white button mushroom and can be substituted for them in most recipes. The best part about the portobello mushroom though is its flavor. It’s full of meaty flavor and texture, which makes it great for vegetarians.

Portobello mushrooms are easy to find in your local grocery store because they are grown in nearly every state (though Pennsylvania has bragging rights to 60% of the U.S production), and they are harvested year-round.

Safety dictates that I tell you to make sure you wash your mushrooms prior to use. You should rinse them under running water before you prep or eat them even if they are pre-washed from the grocery store; better safe than sorry. After all, this is a holiday recipe, and you don’t need anyone getting sick, right?

Recipe for Au Gratin Potatoes Gluten-Free

First, gather your ingredients:

(10) medium potatoes
(6) Portobello mushrooms
(1) medium onion
(2) chicken breasts
(1) 8 oz. Fresh Crème Fraiche
(1) 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
(1) 16oz mozzarella pearls
(2) eggs
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper
(6) garlic gloves
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cumin
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 stick butter of your choice

Potatoes Preparation:

Rinse potatoes with vinegar (if you prefer to cook it with skin) and remove the skin.
Cut potatoes in slices not too thin or thick
On a griddle, add the butter and place the sliced potatoes to grill, sprinkle with salt, and turn potatoes to grill the other side.
Continue to grill and brown the potatoes until they are fully cooked.

Mushrooms and onions preparation:

Wash the mushrooms and remove the white core, then slice them and sprinkle with some salt
Wash the onions and slice them to your preferred thickness.
Add some more butter to your griddle. Then add the mushrooms and onions and cook until brownish or to your liking.

Chicken preparation :

Place two chicken breasts in a food processor and add garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper to your taste and grind all ingredients.
Add some butter to the griddle and place the ground chicken to cook till all cooked and golden brown.
Egg mixture preparation
In a bowl, add the two eggs, crème fraiche, milk, salt, and pepper to taste and mix till all are incorporated.

Assembly time:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. In a glass Pyrex or any oven pan of your choice, add olive oil and brush it all over the sides of the pan to prevent sticking
Line up the first layer of potatoes, onions, mushrooms, some shredded mozzarella cheese, and mozzarella pearls
Line up the second layer of potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and cheese.
Add potatoes to the top if you have any leftover (I had only a few left), then sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add the mozzarella pearls, then pour the egg mixture.
Place it in the oven and cook for 15 to 20 mins.

Serve hot and enjoy.

Serving ideas

Au gratin potatoes are such a versatile dish that you can eat them with casseroles, soup, fish… really, anything. Here are a few suggestions that I have for you this holiday season.

A favorite way to serve up this dish is alongside a holiday classic, ham. A nice warm slice of spiral cut ham with some cheesy potatoes just takes me right back to those holidays at mom’s house.

Another way you can serve these up is with some bacon-wrapped asparagus. Again, you get your veggies with the addition of a crowd favorite in the bacon. And who doesn’t like bacon? Am I right?

If you really want to get into the mood for the holidays, try the trendy vegetable of our time right now, the Brussel sprout roasted in the oven to crispy perfection. You get the creamy and sweet flavor of the Brussel sprout and the warm gooey texture of the au gratin potatoes. Perfection!

Are you looking for more gluten-free holiday recipes? You’ll find tons of them on this site. Gluten-friendly doesn’t have to be boring! I cover a wide range of cuisines, stay awhile and explore.

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Recipe for Au Gratin Potatoes Gluten-Free

Potatoes Preparation:

Mushrooms and onions preparation:

Chicken preparation :

Assembly time:

Serving ideas

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