The Gluten-Free Pizza Fest, Day 5: Potato Pizza with Herbes De Provence

Welcome to Day 5 of The Gluten-Free Pizza Fest! We are rolling right along in our gluten-free pizza series. Today’s recipe is a favorite of mine. It’s delicious and perfect for entertaining. A mouth-watering tip is to make a rich tomato soup to serve with this pizza. Dip the potato pizza in the warm soup. It’s the perfect companion.

The Gluten-Free Pizza Party is rockin’ and rollin’. It will be held at Parkside Restaurant on February 24th, from 7-9 p.m. Cover charge is $20 a person, alcohol is separate. If you are interested in trying a variety of gluten-free pizzas, made with homemade and pre-made crusts, then RSVP here. We look forward to meeting you!

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The Gluten-Free Pizza Fest, Day 4: Pizza for Dogs

Introducing our three fur kids: Spike, Red and Mario. These three little ones bring so much joy into our lives. I love animals and I always have. Each one of them is special in their own way. One of the things I find most precious is that they are always there for you, no matter what. No matter how bad of day you might be having; when you come home to your precious dogs, their tails are always wagging and they are so excited to see your face. It always makes me smile. Believe it or not, my dogs favorite treats are raw vegetables, especially raw broccoli. Cheese is also a favorite of theirs, but who doesn’t love cheese? I thought I would treat them to a special snack for Spike’s birthday.

Make sure and stop by the Austin Chronicle website today, or pick up a print version. The newest issue includes restaurants that are gluten-free friendly, edible gluten-free friendly gifts, and book reviews by two of my favorite local gluten-free authors. You don’t want to miss this issue. It is full of helpful information.

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The Gluten-Free Pizza Fest, Day 1: Dessert Pizza

Welcome to the first recipe installment for The Gluten-Free Pizza Fest! I am so excited to share this event with you all. I hope you enjoy all the recipes we have coming up the next several days. Growing up, I always loved dessert pizzas made with apples. This is strange, because I am not a dessert person at all. As you can tell from my blog recipe index; I love to create main dishes, snacks and appetizers. Don’t get me wrong…an occasional cookie, slice of cake or key lime pie are delicious.  But, I’d rather have something salty or savory. This pizza is special because it is both savory and sweet. You will enjoy this pizza time and time again! [Read more...]

Raw Carrot and Parsley Salad

Pizza, pizza and more pizza. That is about the only thing we have seen in Chef Jess’s (my new nickname) kitchen the past couple weeks. I’ve been busy testing all kinds of pizza recipes for my Gluten-Free Pizza Fest event, which will happen in February. Don’t get me wrong, I love pizza, but sometimes it is nice to have a big bowl of vegetables. Preferably raw, with just the right hint of acidity. It’s perfection. Don’t knock it till you try it. [Read more...]

Roasted Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

You had me at chocolate spread. That is what my boyfriend said when I told him my idea for this recipe. Holy moly, this spread is amazing. I had to stop myself from eating it all in one sitting. I even turned this recipe into cookies and crackers (which will be posted after the holidays). I hope everyone is having a wonderful December. I’m currently vacationing in Palm Springs and will be heading to Jackson Hole soon. [Read more...]

Roasted Cauliflower Bites wrapped in Prosciutto

You can’t mess this recipe up, I promise. It is very simple. Spread the cauliflower bites in an even layer on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap cauliflower with thin slices of prosciutto, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over top, and bake at 400 for 20 minutes (depending on oven); or until prosciutto appears crisp and cauliflower is caramelized. Pancetta and bacon may also be used, instead of prosciutto. Serve with walnut-basil pesto as dipping sauce. Perfect for holiday entertaining!

Enjoy!

Caprese Salad Skewers

Who doesn’t love caprese salad? Creamy mozzarella, crisp tomato and savory basil. It is hands down my favorite salad. This little skewer is perfect for entertaining. Purchase miniature skewers (or full size), layer fresh tomatoes, basil and bocconcini mozzarella. Sprinkle quality salt over caprese skewers, then drizzle olive oil and balsamic reduction. You are set. A perfect appetizer that is not only delicious, but beautiful as well.

Are you a caprese salad fan? Check out these Portabello Caprese Towers.

Wordless Wednesday: Amy’s Carob Chip Cookies

Recently, I tested a carob chip cookie recipe for my dear bloggy friend, Amy Green, of Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free. She is about to release her first cookbook in January 2011 called: Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free, 120 Easy & Delicious Meals You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less.

These cookies were amazing. I suggest you pre-order her book now!

Shaved Celery and Apple Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette

What do I crave when I am super busy and stressed? Well, you would think a juicy hamburger, but really I prefer a simple salad. It must be the crispy vegetables flowing through the tangy vinaigrette that gets me every time. I prefer a balsamic based dressing over the fat-loaded cream based dressings. Learning how to make a simple vinaigrette can go far in the kitchen. You can use it as a salad dressing of course, but also as a marinade or simple sauce for vegetables and meats. [Read more...]

Stuffed Peppers with Feta

I’ve been out of the kitchen lately. I haven’t had very much time to experiment and test recipes with all the traveling I have been doing, as well as the projects I have been working on. Speaking of projects, there are many wonderful announcements coming soon. Last week we were in New Orleans and this weekend was ACL! For those who are traveling to New Orleans soon, a must stop is Chef John Besh’s restaurant: Domenica. [Read more...]