Chicken Curry

We had this tonight and it was yummy. I didn't really measure--but it's dinner. Close enough is good enough, right? If there is a flaw, let me know. Just as with any recipe on here!

2 tbsp coconut oil or other vegetable oil of choice
1" knob ginger-grated
1 clove garlic
1/2 medium onion diced (or 3-4 green onions, sliced thin)
2 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp cumin
1# cubed chicken
2 sliced bell peppers
1 can (2 cups) coconut milk
1 bunch or 1 package clean baby spinach

Heat oil in pan. Add ginger, garlic and onion. Saute for a few minutes, until onion is tender. Add spices and heat until you can smell it well above the pan. Add chicken and cook until done, stirring often. When chicken is just done, add the peppers and coconut milk. Simmer until milk is reduced somewhat and peppers are tender.
In a steamer, pile the spinach and steam for 1 or 2 minutes--until just wilted. You don't want mush, just lots of soft green leaves. Arrange a layer of spinach in each person's bowl and spoon chicken curry over the top. We stirred ours up in our bowls, but you could also do it in the kitchen and serve as a 1 dish meal.
This serves around 4 people.

Quick pork chops

I am always thinking up dinner at the last minute. Not always a good thing for someone who is so limited in ingredient options! But I discovered a new friend in my vacuum sealer. I use the mason jar attachment.

1# pork cutlets
1/2 C tamari-wheat free
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1# mushrooms, sliced
3 tbsp olive oil

Place pork cutlets in a large mason jar. Pour tamari, vinegar, and honey over the top. Seal with the vacuum sealer according to manufacturer's directions. Shake jar well and leave to marinate for 1 hour.
Slice mushrooms and saute in large skillet with oil. When mushrooms have begun to wilt, push to the sides and place pork and marinade in pan. Add additional oil if necessary. I cook on high 3 minutes per side and then reduce heat. Cook until chops reach a temperature of 155-160F, or are a pale pink inside. Serve with mushrooms and pan drippings spooned over the top.

Coconut cookies

2/3 C honey
1/2C Spectrum palm shortening
3/4C millet flour
1/3C coconut flour
2 Tbsp tapioca starch
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp quar gum

Cream honey and shortening. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. If the dough is not mixing together or seems too dry, add a little water. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool on pan for a few minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
You can add chocolate chips or flaked coconut if desired (1/3C each) or both! We have also been playing with putting raw cocoa nibs in our cookies and are very pleased with the results.

Marshmallows

2/3 c cold water (divided)
2 envelopes (2 tbsp) unflavored gelatin
1 1/3 granulated sugar or rapadura
1/2 cane syrup or brown rice syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
vegetable oil for the pan

If making marshmallows, line a 9x13 pan with foil and brush with oil

Place 1/3 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Put the sugar, syrup, salt and remaining 1/3 cup water in a heavy saucepan with a tight fitting lid, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cover the pan and place on moderately low heat. Remove the cover after 4 to 5 minutes. The steam will have caused any sugar crystals to dissolve and the syrup will be bubbling lightly. Increase the heat to high, insert a candy thermometer and boil the syrup without stirring until it reaches 240 degrees F. Immediately remove from the heat.
Fit a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Slowly and carefully pour the syrup into the gelatin while the mixer is beating constantly at medium speed. When all of the syrup has been added increase the speed to high and whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be lukewarm, white and creamy. Add the vanilla at the end of mixing. At this point you have marshmallow creme. Good for using in all those classic marshmallow creme recipes.
If you want marshmallows, pour into the prepared pan, sprinkle with sugar, and let set out until dry to the touch. Cut to desired shape/size and toss with more sugar. I toss with tapioca starch instead of sugar.

I plan to experiment with this recipe when I get a chance. I haven't used it since my son developed a sensitivity to cane. My plan to to make it out of rice/agave or something else. We'll see what I come up with and I'll update later.

Flexible muffins

We make a lot of muffins around here. They are quick and easy to make, allow for nearly infinite variations, and are fun for little hands to eat. Experiment with flour combinations, sweeteners and additions. It's also fun to use different muffin tins. Just make sure to grease them well. GF flours tend to be sticky. I've had good luck with silicone pans.

Muffins

1 C rice flour, amaranth, millet, sorghum or other non-starch flour
½ C tapioca starch
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp soda
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp guar gum
1 tsp gelatin or 1 egg or equivalent
1 C milk or water
¼ melted earth balance or oil

Mix dry ingredients well. Whisk gelatin and oil into water. Pour into dry ingredients. Stir until combined. Spoon into oiled muffin tins. Bake at 375F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Chocolate muffins- Stir in 3 Tbsp cocoa powder with dry ingredients and increase sugar to ¼ cup.

Carrot muffins- Add 1 tsp cinnamon to dry ingredients and omit sugar. Use ¼ cup brown sugar instead. Toss ½ cup grated carrot into dry ingredients after they are mixed.

Blueberry muffins- Increase sugar to 1/3 cup and toss ½ cup fresh blueberries with dry ingredients. Or if using canned, drain and add to liquid before pouring into dry ingredients. May need to be baked at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Graham Crackers

Graham crackers are one of the best snacks. And with summer coming up, I'm starting to think of s'mores! I'll dig out my marshmallow recipe and post it soon.
Just like regular crackers, the trick is to roll these nice and thin. I spread the dough on a sheet of parchment, cover it with plastic wrap, and roll out. Then I transfer it to a baking sheet. This makes it easier to roll out evenly.

“Graham” Crackers

1 C rice flour
1 C sorghum flour
½ c tapioca starch
1/2C teff flour
1 tsp guar gum
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2/3 C brown sugar
¼ C honey
2 tsp vanilla
2/3 C Earth Balance/butter
water as needed

Combine all ingredients except water in a food processor or stand mixer. Add just enough water to help the dough hold together. It will still look crumbly, but you can press it with your fingers and it will hold together well. Turn dough out onto parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Roll out very thin (1/8”). Score into squares or rectangle. Bake at 325F for 20 minutes. Re-score and return to oven if needed to crisp the crackers more. Cool on rack and store in an airtight container. If they last that long!