World's Easiest Paella

Paella can be made very easily and there are so many versions of it. You could use shrimp, clams, chorizo, sausages, chicken, fish, mussels, or any combo of these things. I used flounder filets and mussels because its what I had in my freezer but get creative! This is also a good meal to hide veggies in if you have a green fearing child ( or husband as I have!) Also, this makes a huge portion, easily feeding 5 - 6 people. Stay fab!

World’s Easiest Paella

2 bags of boil in the bag brown rice

½ bag of frozen peas (I used peas, carrots and corn)

1 lb. flounder filets (roughly cut)

½ lb. of mussels (cleaned, you can also use frozen mussels in a broth, I used Pier 33 Gourmet)

2 chicken bouillon cubes (I used Herbox but you can you any gluten free kind)

1 med onion chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

1 TBSP olive oil

1 can of diced tomatoes

2 cups of water

¼ tsp turmeric

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 bag of sazon ( I used Knorr brand but most brands I have seen are g-free)

Directions

1.     Put olive oil in a large sauté pan with a lid. Cook onion and garlic in pan.

2.     Once almost translucent, add rice, diced tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes and all spices. Allow to boil for about a minute.

3.     Add the fish, mussels and frozen veggies and stir.

Gluten Free Weddings!

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been my usual chatty self lately. That's because I have been hard at work planning my own gluten free wedding! Any gluten free bride can tell you how difficult it can be to find an accommodating venue. I searched high and low and I feel like I've seen it all! Some venues will charge you extra, DON'T FALL FOR IT!! Many of the foods that are traditional wedding fare are already gluten free, speak to the chef and the head of the venue and come up with a menu that suits all guests with or without gluten. Here are some ideas of gluten free foods served at my own wedding: braised short ribs, paella, smoked salmon and cream cheese pinwheels, chicken and pesto pinwheels, potatoes stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, prime rib, mashed potatoes and veggies, cheese platters, fruit platters, veggie platters ... you get my drift! Find the venue that works with you. You must feel comfortable with your venue and know that they are safe for you. Your wedding day is no time for accidental glutening!

Mexican Corn Cakes

Happy Cinco de Mayo! If you are Gfree I hope you experiment with Mexican Cuisine. Corn is a main ingredient in mexican cooking and most recipes are just naturally gluten free!   Some people are put off because they think its spicy but it doesnt have to be! Check out my Mexican Corn Cake recipe below.

Mexican Corn Cakes

Ingredients

1 cup of Masa Flour ( corn flour)

½ cup of warm water

Canola Oil

1 can of refried beans ( Make sure they are Gluten free!)

Sliced scallions

Monterey Jack Cheese Shredded

Feta Cheese Crumbled  ( I prefer Cojita Cheese which is a Mexican cheese but feta is a great substitute!)

Directions

·        Take your Masa flour and slowly work in the warm water to form a dough. If your dough is to dry add more water. If it’s too wet add more flour.

·        Rip off golf ball size chucks of the dough and flatten it into a pancake, about a ¼ inch in thickness.

·        Fry the corn cake on both sides until golden brown (about 5 minutes on each side).

·        Lay the fried corn cakes on paper towels to soak up excess oil and allow to cool so they are easily handled.

·        Spread the corn cakes onto a baking sheet (ungreased) and sprinkle with the Monterey Jack Cheese onto each cake. Place them in a 400 degree oven until the cheese is golden brown.

·        Spread a thin layer of refried beans onto each cake and sprinkle with scallions and crumbled feta or cojita cheese and place back in the oven until the crumbled cheese begins to soften ( about 8 – 10 minutes)