Gluten Free Gourmet Prepared Meals

I often hear customers complain that they are frustrated with Gluten Free foods. They just don't taste the same, they don't have the selection of "regular' foods, they are expensive and they take time to prepare. Very soon, we will be able to offer prepared Gourmet Gluten Free Meals in our freezer section. Working with a local restaurant that specializes in gluten free foods, we will soon be offering dishes made from my recipes for Gluten Free Lazagna, Gluten Free Lemon Chicken and Thyme Risotto, and Gluten Free Penne Pasta in Arrabiata Sauce. These products will only be offered in the store and will not be available for shipping on the website.

I don't feel that eating gluten free has to be tastless or boring. Gluten Free food manufacturer's have come a long way on improving texture and tastes of gluten free foods. Many organizations now exist to help folks diagnosed with Celiac Disease. One such organization is the Rochester Celiac Support Group. They are a very large, well organized and responsive group. They host meetings in Rochester on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Their website is very informative and they offer response to any emailed questions quickly. I very much enjoy working with this group.

I have had several hits to my website looking for gluten free recipies. One of my favorites is Almond Pear Torte, and it is easy to make. The recipe is:

ALMOND PEAR TORTE
9" springform pan or a 9" x 9" square baking dish, lightly greased.

Topping
2 tsp raw sugar [dermerra or turbinado]
1 tsp ground cinnamon [I prefer Korintje cinnamon for baking]
1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 vanilla bean, slit and scraped [optional, do not substitute vanilla extract]
2 pears, peels and cored and sliced thinly

Base
1/2C almond flour or almond meal
1/2C coconut flour
1 tsp xanthan gum
2 tsp GF baking powder
1/2C butter, softened [not melted]
1C raw sugar
1 tsp almond extract
2 eggs

Topping: In a medium bowl, stir together all ingredients for the topping, blend well to coat the pears. Let sit while preparing the base.

Base: Combine flours, xanthan gum, and baking powder in bowl, stir until well blended.

Using a mixer or food processor, beat the butter, sugar, and almond extract together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, until just mixed. Add the flour mixture and mix until well belnded. Place batter into prepared pan and spread batter to edges using your fingers. You may want to oil your hands or use a little extra coconut flour on them.

Arrange the pears in a circular pattern starting from the center. Let sit for 30 minutes. Preheat he oven to 350 degrees and bake for 50 - 55 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly browned. [Batter will rise, become bubbly and somewhat cover the pears]. Test the center of the torte to insure is is no longer spongey. Remove from oven and let cool. Run a knife around edges of pan. Serve warm or cold.

This is a great recipe and I guarantee no one will complain that it is gluten free. For more gluten free recipes, visit us at www.canandaiguaspice.com

Enjoy, until next time........
Michelle
Canandaigua Spice Company