Lentil and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

3

Lentil-and-Herb-Stuffed-Mushrooms-crop2

Lentil and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

 

Makes 6 servings
Free From gluten and all top 8 allergens

 

Lentils are said to resemble mini coins, and an abundance of these tiny edible legumes symbolizes wealth in the New Year. This rich and flavorful gluten-free appetizer can be prepared through Step 4 and chilled a day in advance. Just before your guests arrive, drizzle the stuffed caps with olive oil and bake.  To make vegan, omit the pancetta.

 

30 crimini mushrooms (2-3 inches wide)

4 tbsp olive oil, divided

1 1/2 oz (42 g) pancetta, diced (optional)

1/2 cup (120 mL) minced red onion

1 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp chopped fresh sage

pinch crushed red pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

1/2 tsp salt + additional for mushroom caps

2 tbsp dairy-free, soy-free buttery spread

1 cup (250 mL) cooked lentils (1 15 oz can, drained)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 cup (250 mL) gluten-free, allergen-free bread crumbs

1/2 cup (120 mL) shredded dairy-free, soy-free cheddar cheese alternative (such as Daiya)

freshly ground black pepper

paprika, for sprinkling

 

1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. With a dry paper towel, gently wipe dirt off mushrooms. Remove stems. Trim off the rough bottoms of stems. Finely chop remaining stem portions. Place mushroom caps, top-side down, on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add onion, thyme, sage and crushed red pepper and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, while stirring. Add chopped mushroom stems and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Add buttery spread and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

4. In a medium bowl, mash 1/2 cup lentils until relatively smooth. Stir in remaining lentils, cooked mushroom mixture and parsley. Add bread crumbs, shredded cheese alternative, and a few turns fresh black pepper. Stir gently to combine.

5. Lightly sprinkle mushroom cap cavities with salt. Stuff each with a rounded tablespoon of lentil stuffing. Lightly sprinkle tops with paprika.

6. Drizzle stuffed mushrooms with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes, until mushroom are tender and filling is golden brown. Transfer to a platter and serve warm.

 

Lentil and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms © 2015 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Winter 2015 issue of Allergic Living Magazine

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

2

Grilled-Corn-3-crop

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

 

Makes 6 servings

Free From gluten and all top 8 allergens

With sweet crunchy corn in peak-season, it’s readily available and at the height of its deliciousness. While fantastic simply steamed or boiled on the cob, corn is also wonderful grilled, and can take center stage as a featured ingredient in salads, salsas, and many other sides.  When shopping for fresh corn, look for green moist husks that cling tightly to the corn. To determine if it’s ripe, look for deep brown silk tips or ends — however, the whole silk should not be dried up — if it is, your corn is probably past its prime.  A sure-fire way to make sure your corn is fresh and ripe is to peel back the husk slightly, and check the top row of kernels for plumpness. Dried or shriveled corn is a no-go.  The ultimate test is to pierce a kernel with your fingernail. If it’s milky, your corn is just right.

This flavorful fresh Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad is a perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.  Try it with my Carne Asada, for a flavor-full fiesta!

 

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

¼ cup + 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (3 limes)

¼ cup + 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing

salt and black pepper, to taste

6 ears corn, husks and silks removed and halved

½ cup finely diced red onion

1 red bell pepper, diced

⅓ cup chopped, loosely-packed cilantro leaves

2 ripe, firm avocados, diced

 

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic, cumin and chili powder. Whisk in lime juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Add pinch of salt and dash of pepper.

2. Heat grill to high. Liberally brush corn with olive oil and lightly season all sides with salt and pepper. Grill with lid closed 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until slightly charred on all sides.

3. Transfer corn to cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut off kernels. Place kernels in a large bowl and stir in onion, bell pepper and dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add cilantro and avocado and toss gently to combine.

4. Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

 

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad  © 2014 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Allergic Living Magazine

Allergy Friendly Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Squares

2

IMG_5911-2

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Squares

 

Rich, decadent and flavorful, this hybrid dessert takes dairy-free indulgence to a whole new level.  Thank you, Daiya, you’ve made the world a better place with your vegan dairy-free cheeses!

Makes 16 squares

Free From: gluten and all top allergens

 

Chocolate Layer Ingredients

½ cup + 4 tbsp dairy-free milk alternative (such as rice milk), divided

1½ tsp powdered egg replacer (such as Ener-G)

1¼ cups my Basic Gluten-Free Flour Mix or Authentic Foods GF Classical Blend

1¼ cups sugar

½ cup + 2 tbsp cocoa powder

1¼ tsp baking soda

⅝ tsp double-acting baking powder

⅝ tsp salt

½ tsp xanthan gum

½ cup + 2 tbsp warm water

¼ cup + 1 tbsp canola oil

¾ tsp vanilla extract

 

Cherry Cheesecake Layer Ingredients

2 tbsp dairy-free milk alternative (such as rice milk)

1½ tsp powdered egg replacer (such as Ener-G)

4 oz dairy-free, soy-free plain cream cheese alternative (such as Daiya)

2 tbsp dairy-free soy-free vegetable shortening

2 tbsp + 2 tsp sugar

1 tbsp my Basic Gluten-Free Flour Mix or Authentic Foods GF Classical Blend

⅜ tsp vanilla extract

1¼ cups cherry pie filling

 

Chocolate Drizzle

¼ cup allergen-free semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp dairy-free soy-free vegetable shortening

 

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch baking pan with foil, extending ends over sides of pan and lightly grease.

2. For chocolate layer, whisk together 2 tablespoons milk alternative and egg replacer in a small bowl, until frothy.

3. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, whisk together flour blend, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum.

4. Add remaining ½ cup + 2 tablespoons milk alternative, warm water, oil, vanilla and egg replacer and beat on medium-low speed until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

5. Transfer batter to foil-lined pan. Bake 25 minutes.

6. For cherry cheesecake layer, whisk together milk alternative and egg replacer in a small bowl, until frothy.

7. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese alternative and shortening on medium speed until smooth. Mix in sugar and flour. Add egg replacer and vanilla and beat on medium speed until creamy and slightly fluffy.

8. When chocolate layer has baked 25 minutes, remove from oven and immediately spoon cheesecake mixture and cherry pie filling over top, alternating heaping tablespoons of each in a checkerboard pattern. Use a spoon to swirl together until marbled, leaving a little chocolate visible around edge of cake.

8. Bake 35 minutes, until chocolate layer starts to pull away from pan sides and filling edges are puffed and set. The center will still jiggle slightly.

9. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Transfer to refrigerator and chill at least 4 hours.

10. Grab edges of foil on both sides and lift cake out of pan. Cut into squares, wiping the knife blade clean after each cut. Transfer squares to individual cupcake liners.

11. For chocolate drizzle, place chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave on high 30 seconds. Vigorously stir. If not melted, microwave on high 30 seconds. Vigorously stir until smooth. Drizzle over squares and let stand 5 minutes. Serve immediately or store tightly covered in refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

 

 

Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Squares © 2014 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Fall 2014 issue of Allergic Living Magazine