About Beth
Beth created one of the first gluten-free companies in the US, wrote books, and now shares 40 years of living well without gluten in her latest book, The Complete Guide to Living Well Gluten Free. She believes no one should go without because of gluten. Through her cookbooks, lifestyle book and essays, she shows us how. Travel, restaurant dining, parties, dating, raising kids – she’s been there and takes celiac disease and the gluten free diet along for the ride. Join her as she answers all your baking and lifestyle questions.From Beth Hillson
Move over lazy summer days. Now that school is back in session, our lives are frantic again. We are pulled between school schedules, sports practice, and our own routines. The last thing we need to do is stop to fix a nutritious breakfast. But maybe it’s the first thing we need to do, too.
Here are three nutritious grab-and-go breakfast and snack recipes that will help to fill hungry tummies with healthy food and jump-start the day.
(1) 
Check out the Balanced Breakfast Sandwiches I whipped up with Glutino English Muffins (one of my favorite prepared foods), fried eggs and breakfast meat. This quick and delicious meal has lots of possibilities. Add cheese, turkey, guacamole – you name it.
(2) Don’t think you need to pull up a seat and load the plate with a stack of pancakes to enjoy my Healthy Banana Pancakes. A mixture of banana, eggs and a small amount of nutritionally-dense flours, these sugar-free pancakes can be grabbed from the freezer or the fridge and eaten on the go.
(3) Banana Go-Sticks are ready when you need a quick, healthy breakfast and don’t have a minute to spare. Grab one or two from the freezer to eat on the way to work or school. These filling treats will see you through to lunch. 
Enjoy and Happy Fall!
By Beth Hillson
This time of year, rising high school juniors and seniors are starting to visit college campuses as they consider where they would like to spend the next four years. In addition to curriculum, size, and geographical location, students who have celiac disease or are gluten sensitive also have to consider if campus food service can accommodate their diet. Read on to see if your college prospects make the grade.
I interview Rob Landolphi, Manager of Culinary Development at the University of Connecticut. Rob instituted a gluten-free dining option in all the campus dining facilities beginning in 2002. (UCONN was voted the #1for gluten-free-friendly campus on UDI’s web site this year.)
Here are some of Rob’s tips to consider when you are looking at colleges:
- Contact Dining Services or Residential Life directly. (The name of the office will vary from college to college.)
- Ask how they handle gluten-free diets.
- Ask to set up a tour of the dining hall and the kitchen.
- If their guard goes up or if they seem hesitant, be wary.
- If they show you the kitchen and serve you a gluten-free lunch, that should put your mind at ease.
- Ask if the college offers gluten-free foods in all the dining facilities. If not, find out how far the gluten-free dining hall is from your dorm and the buildings where you will be taking most of your classes.
- Check the hours of operations.
- Find out if gluten-free food is prepared in a designated area.
- Does the college label all the food so it’s not necessary to locate a chef each time you eat in the dining hall?
- Does the dining hall have a gluten-free zone?
- Can you eat in the same area as your friends or is gluten-free food only served in a separate dining room?
- What gluten-free brands are used? Are they willing to bring in other brands?
- What happens if you don’t like the option for that day? Can you order something else?
- Can you call ahead and order food?
- Is there a web site where you can find out the options for the day?
- Does the gluten-free option cost more money or is it included in meal plan? (It should be included.)
- What restaurants near campus have gluten-free choices? Do they deliver? (For times when your friends are ordering out and you don’t want to be left out.)
- Ask to speak with a student who has been taking the gluten-free option. Chances are at least one or two have offered to serve as a resource.
Reprinted with permission from Complete Guide to Living Well Gluten Free, by Beth Hillson, 2014, page 248.
Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: gluten free accomodations, gluten free diet, gluten free in college | No Comments »
Serves 8
This light, refreshing salsa is packed with flavor and perfect for summer entertaining. Serve with sturdy corn tortilla dippers. This way, you are guaranteed to get a big mouthful of deliciousness in each bite. The salsa is great with grilled lamb, fish, and chicken, too, so you might want to make a double recipe.
3 cups finely chopped seedless watermelon, (about 3 pounds with the rind)
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
3 to 4 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh mint
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of one lime
Gluten Free Corn Tortilla Dippers
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the all ingredients except the dippers. Toss gently to coat.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to one day. Serve with lots of chips.
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Makes 9-12 Large Brownie Squares
Decadent doesn’t begin to describe this luscious treat. When you think about it, what could be bad about a treat that combines chocolate, salt, caramels and pretzels? Perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue, you’ll be making these over and over in the next few months. And no practice is involved, these are easy, quick, fun to make and always turn out well. Even the kids can help. Just keep little fingers away from the molten caramels.
I made these for the folks at Glutino/Boulder Brands recently. I put out a giant platter and turned away for a moment. Alas, only crumbs were left. Make a platter for your family and watch them disappear just as quickly!
The instructions are for making a box of Gluten-Free Pantry Brownie Mix. You could use any gluten free brownie mix that makes an 8 or 9-inch square pan of brownies. Omit the eggs and butter here and follow the instructions on the package. I used Glutino Salted Caramel Pretzels and Kraft individually wrapped caramels.
1 box Gluten Free Pantry Double Chocolate Brownie Mix*
2 large eggs
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon melted butter
1 1/3 cups coarsely ground gluten free Salted Caramel Pretzels, divided
24 gluten free caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons cream or milk
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with aluminum foil. Lightly oil the surface with vegetable oil or use no-stick aluminum foil. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs for 2 minutes or until light and frothy. Slowly add the brownie mix. Beat to moisten. Add the butter and mix to combine. Fold in ½ cup of the chopped salted caramel pretzels.
Spread into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and the cream. When the brownies have baked 18 minutes, heat the caramels in the microwave for 1 minute at medium power. Stir and heat another 30 seconds if the mixture is not melted. (Don’t worry if you see small lumps of candy. These will melt as you stir the mixture.) Let cool 1 minute and spread over the top of the brownies. Some of the mixture will swirl into the brownie batter. That’s good!
Gently press remaining chopped pretzels into the caramel mixture with the back of a rubber spatula. (Don’t touch the melted caramels with your fingers. They are hot!)
Return the pan to the oven. Bake an addition 17 to 20 minutes or until the center seems set and does not jiggle when you touch the pan.
Cool. Lift from the pan using the edges of the foil. Cut into squares. Enjoy!
*Use any gluten free brownie mix that makes an 8 or 9-inch square pan of brownies and follow the instructions for preparation on that package.
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Makes 6 Burgers
Recipe By Beth Hillson
Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer. It’s time to start your barbecues! Here’s one of my go-to recipes that is part of every barbecue at my house. Vary the add-ins and add-ons to suit your taste. Try adding chopped shiitake mushrooms when you sauté the onions. Top the burgers with fresh sauerkraut, tangy pickles or fruit slaw. Serve these with your favorite condiments, too. Whatever way you present these, they are sure to be a hit.
The secret is to use ground turkey. (I prefer the dark meat.) It pairs well with so many flavors. Sautéing the onions (and other veggies) first lends a nice punch to the burgers as well. Don’t forget to pick up some of your favorite gluten free buns.
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 slices gluten free bread
1 ½ pounds ground dark meat turkey
¼ cup flavorful gluten-free barbecue sauce, smoked or tangy is best, more to top burgers
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Gluten-free coleslaw
6 gluten free hamburger rolls (Udi’s or Canyon Bakehouse are my two faves)
Heat a grill to medium heat or preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Set a large lightly oiled ovenproof skillet on the stovetop or on the grill and heat to medium high. Sauté onion (other veggies, too) in olive oil until soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool. Keep the skillet handy. You’ll need it for the burgers.
Microwave bread for 30 to 45 seconds or just until soft. Tear into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread pieces, ground turkey, barbecue sauce, cheese, and salt and pepper. Add onions (other veggies, too) and mix well.
Form into six burgers. Put the skillet back on the stovetop or on the grill. The skillet should still have a coating of oil. If not, add a tiny bit more (1 to 2 teaspoons). Add burgers and brown for about 3 minutes. Flip to brown the other side.
Close the lid on the grill to finish cooking the burgers, about 10 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the center or set skillet with burgers in the oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until center is no longer pink.
Here’s another way to grill the burgers: Start burgers in the cast iron skillet placed on the grill with the temperature set at medium heat. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes. The outside will become firm, preventing the burger from sticking to the grids. Turn the burgers onto the grid to grill and brown for an additional 10 minutes, flipping midway through.
Toast or warm rolls. Serve one burger on each roll with coleslaw and extra barbecue sauce.
Categories: Recipes | Tags: gluten free barbecue, gluten free bread, gluten free burgers, gluten free rolls, gluten-free recipes, summer recipes | 1 Comment »
Multi Grain High Fiber GF Bread
Recipe from Beth Hillson
Makes 2, 4 ½ x 8 ½ loaves
I’ve been trying to avoid carbs lately and when I do eat them, I stick to gluten free whole grain flours. They digest more slowly and don’t cause my blood sugar to spike. I can’t swear to it, but I think I stay fuller longer, too. Besides, these flours are high in fiber and nutrients. They have to be better than breads made with white flours and starches.
I started experimenting with this recipe a couple of years ago. My goal was to use mostly buckwheat as it is known to lower blood sugar. However, the consistency, without other grains, was dry and crumbly. So I cut back on the buckwheat and added other whole grains. The results were delicious and the structure was nearly perfect. Then I added flax meal and milk powder, boosting the dough with even more protein and moisture. Perfecto! The structure of this loaf is very light, not something you would expect from a whole grain bread. And the taste is delicate and nutty owing to the incorporation of these wonderful flours.
If you can’t have dairy, replace the milk powder with the same amount of a dairy free milk. Hemp powder works well but I really like quinoasure, powdered quinoa protein. Sliced bread freezes nicely.
1 ¼ cup buckwheat flour
1 cup sorghum flour
½ cup + 2 tablespoons millet flour
½ cup + 2 tablespoons oat flour
1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons amaranth flour
4 tablespoons ground flax meal
½ cup + 2 tablespoons milk powder
4 teaspoons xanthan gum
3 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 ½ teaspoons)
4 large eggs
2 cups + 3 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons oil
1 ½ tablespoon cider vinegar
Lightly oil two 4 ½ x 8 ½ inch loaf pans. Set aside.
Combine first 11 ingredients (up to yeast). Blend. Whisk in the yeast.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, water, oil and vinegar. Place dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the liquids and beat on medium using the paddle attachment. When liquids are blended with dry ingredients, raise the speed to medium high. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth and shiny and strands of dough pull away from the sides of the pan.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough between two prepared loaf pans. Cover with oiled plastic and let rise to the top of the pan.
Bake 30 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool before slicing.
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Recipe From Beth Hillson
Serves 2 to 3
I was in Charleston, South Carolina for a conference recently and could not leave without trying some of the outstanding cuisine for which Charleston is know. A signature dish, shrimp and grits, was served everywhere. Some chefs added other seafood, ham or sausage, and some flavored their dish with Cajun spices. I wish I could have sampled each one. Since most are gluten free, that wasn’t such a far-fetched idea — if I had only had a few extra days. If you go to Charleston, be forewarned that some chefs add flour to their shrimp and grits. So check before diving in.
Shrimp and Grits is truly comfort food. Each bite was pure heaven. But, what really fascinated me was the grits – chewy and flavorful beyond anything I had eaten before. One restaurant told me they buy them from Anson Mills in Columbia, SC. As soon as I got home, I ordered from them. How great to bring a touch of the South to my Yankee kitchen.
All of Anson Mills’ grits are labeled gluten free. Unfortunately, their products do not come with instructions for preparation. You’ll have to refer back to their web site for that or use the ones I call for. Here’s the recipe I created using Anson Mills’ quick white stone-ground grits. This can be made with other grits, of course. Follow the product instructions for the ratio of water to grits.
To Make the Grits
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup quick white stone-ground grits from Anson Mills or another brand
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
Additional salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
To Make the Shrimp Mixture
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 chicken or pork Andouille sausage (about ¼ pound), cut into thin slices
3 ounces smoked ham, cut into julienne strips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
12 large shrimp, peeled, and deveined if necessary
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of Cajun seasoning
1 large tomato, chopped
1/4 cup sliced scallion (about 3 scallions)
1/4 cup white wine or water
Make grits: Bring water, salt, and 1 tablespoon butter to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan. Whisk in grits and cook at a bare simmer, covered, stirring frequently, until grits are tender and have begun to thicken, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in cream and the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Add additional salt, if needed, and several grinds of black pepper.
While the grits are cooking, make the shrimp mixture. Set a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat. Add olive oil. Cook sausage and ham stirring until sausage is cooked through and ham is golden, about 3 minutes.
Transfer sausage and ham to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter to skillet and heat until foam subsides. Cook shrimp, garlic and Cajun spice, turning, just until shrimp are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Stir in sausage and ham. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter tomato and scallions. Toss until tomatoes are wilted. Add wine and cook down about 2 minutes, stirring and scraping up any brown bits in skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve shrimp mixture over grits.
Categories: Recipes | Tags: gluten free easy meals, gluten free quick meals, gluten free quick recipes | No Comments »
Recipe By Beth Hillson
Serves 12
You’ll love this winning combination of chocolate and banana. Not only does it make for a moist cake, but one that can also be Passover-friendly by using potato starch and almond flour in place of the flour blend. (Scroll down for that recipe.) I’ve served this with a chocolate glaze and sliced strawberries or sliced bananas to dress it up. But it’s also delicious as it is.
5 large eggs at room temperature, separated 
¾ cup sugar
1 cup Gluten Free Pantry all/purpose flour or other g-f all/purpose blend*
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large ripe bananas, pureed to yield 1 cup
4 ounces (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Beat egg whites to soft peaks and gradually add the sugar and continue beating the egg whites until they are very stiff.
In a mixing bowl, add the flour. Make a well and add the egg yolks, oil, and the vanilla. Beat with a portable mixer on high until mixture is very smooth.
Add bananas to the egg mixture and mix gently to incorporate, but do not beat. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the egg whites into the banana mixture by placing the spatula at the far side of the bowl, following the bowl’s far side to the bottom, scraping along the bottom and up the side of the bowl closest to you. Lift the spatula and rotate the bowl slightly, repeating. Don’t be tempted to mix the ingredients at this point or you will deflate the egg whites. Continue until the mixture is pretty homogenous.
Transfer to an ungreased 10″ tube pan, preferably one with tips (feet) on the top and bake for 50 – 60 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean and dry.
Remove from oven and invert pan on a wire rack to cool.
When cool, run a sharp kitchen knife along the edges of the tube pan, including the tube, and remove the cake.
Serve with a chocolate glaze and sliced strawberries or bananas if desired.
*Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum and ¼ teaspoon salt to flour mix if not included in the blend.
Chocolate Chip Banana Cake
Passover Version
Serves 12
5 large eggs, separated
¾ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large ripe bananas, pureed to yield 1 cup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup potato starch
1/3 cup almond flour
4 ounces (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Beat egg whites to soft peaks and gradually add the sugar and continue beating the egg whites until they are very stiff. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the yolks, the salt, the banana puree, oil, and the vanilla. Add the potato starch and almond flour. Beat on high until mixture is very smooth.
Fold in the chocolate chips. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the banana mixture.
Transfer to an ungreased 10″ tube pan, preferably one with tips (feet) on the top and bake for 50 – 60 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean and dry. Remove from oven and invert pan on a wire rack to cool.
When cool, run a sharp kitchen knife along the edges of the tube pan, including the tube, and remove the cake.
TIP: Bananas not ripe? Prick the peels and microwave 1 to 2 minutes or until very warm and fragrant. Cool and puree.
Categories: Recipes | Tags: easy gluten free recipes, easy quick gluten-free dessert, gluten free Passover desserts | 2 Comments »
A Recipe From Beth
Serves 10 to 12
Is there anyone alive who doesn’t love Tiramisu? When I make this, it literally disappears when I turn my back for one second. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe this decadent Italian dessert. The rich flavors of mascarpone and cream cheese (or dairy-free alternatives) marry well with the light, airy texture of angel food cake. Make this at least a day ahead to guarantee that all the flavors blend together. Start with the Espresso Chocolate Chip Angel Food Cake as the base for this yummy dessert, as it boasts flavors of coffee and chocolate. However, any angel food or yellow cake recipe can be used.
1 cup very cold heavy cream*
1 (8-ounce) container coffee-flavored or plain mascarpone (Italian cream cheese) or 8 ounces softened cream cheese*
4 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened*
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
½ cup strong coffee, divided
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons Cognac or brandy
1 Espresso Chocolate Chip Angel Food Cake (or other cake)
1/3 cup shaved (curled) semisweet chocolate shavings
Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with waxed paper or parchment paper.
With stand or hand mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat mascarpone, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup espresso and vanilla. Fold 1 cup whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, reserving the rest of the whipped cream for topping.
In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/4 cup espresso with Cognac.
With a serrated knife, cut cake horizontally to yield three even layers. Set one layer in the bottom of the prepared springform pan, pressing it to the edges of the pan. Brush the surface with some of the espresso-Cognac mixture. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the first layer of cake and top with the middle layer of cake. Brush with espresso mixture and top with remaining mascarpone mixture. Top with remaining layer of cake and brush with espresso mixture. Spoon the reserved whipped cream over the top.
Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 6 hours. Unmold and sprinkle with shaved chocolate curls.
* For dairy-free Tiramisu, replace all the cream cheese with a total of 12 ounces dairy-free cream cheese and use So Delicious CocoWhip in place of whipped cream
To Make Chocolate Curls
Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Spread in a thin layer over the bottom of a cookie sheet or plate and chill for 30 minutes. Using a spatula or a knife, scrape away pieces of the chocolate from the surface of the pan or plate in strips. These should curl slightly as you scrape them from the surface. Top the Tiramisu just before serving.
This recipe is part of a comprehensive article on how to successfully make angel food cake that will appear in the Spring Baking Guide from Gluten Free & More. Pick up a copy on newsstands in March 2015.
Categories: Recipes | Tags: gluten free Valentine's Day, gluten-free recipes | 4 Comments »
A Recipe from Beth
Serves 10 to 12
Your Sweetheart will swoon over this sinfully delicious cake that is just about perfect – light and fluffy with notes of chocolate and coffee. The only thing better is when you turn this cake into Tiramisu. You’ll find the recipe on this blog, too. Or, if you prefer, serve slices of Espresso Chocolate Chip Angel Food Cake with whipped cream that’s infused with coffee flavored liqueur. Either way, Cupid says you can’t miss.
The cake keeps for several days wrapped well in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to two months. Remove wrap before thawing as ice crystals can cause the cake to become soggy. 
2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
1 cup Beth’s Cake Flour (below)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1½ cups sugar, divided
12 large egg whites or 1½ cups, at room temperature
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons cream of tartar
¾ cup chocolate chips, coarsely chopped in a food processor
Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift espresso coffee powder with cake flour, cornstarch and ¾ cup sugar in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Place egg whites in the clean, dry bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Beat egg whites with salt and vanilla at medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar. Beat at high speed until whites form soft peaks. With the mixer running, add remaining ¾ cup sugar in a slow, steady stream. Beat until whites are shiny and form stiff peaks (4 to 5 minutes).
Sprinkle half the flour mixture over the egg whites and fold in by reaching a spatula to the bottom of the whites and drawing it back through the mixture gently to incorporate. Don’t stir or mix the ingredients. Repeat with remaining flour.
When flour mixture is nearly incorporated, fold in chopped chocolate chips. Make sure chips are spread evenly throughout the batter. Pour into a 10-inch ungreased tube or angel food cake pan. Spread evenly.
Place in preheated oven and bake 45 to 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Invert the cake on a rack and let cool completely upside down in the pan. To unmold the cake, run a thin knife around the side of the pan and the tube and gently push the base up if using a two-piece pan, or invert the cake onto a serving plate.
Slice with a serrated knife. Serve with whipped cream that’s infused with coffee flavored liqueur, or use as the base for the Tiramisu recipe, coming next. 
Beth’s Cake Flour Blend
1 cup sweet white sorghum flour
1 cup white rice flour
¾ cup cornstarch
1½ teaspoons xanthan gum
Whisk ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
This recipe is part of a comprehensive article on how to successfully make angel food cake that will appear in the Spring Baking Guide from Gluten Free & More. Pick up a copy on newsstands in March 2015.
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About This Blog
Baking guru, Beth Hillson, transforms favorite foods into recipes that are safe for your gluten-free diet.
