Category: Gluten-Free Appetizers

Gluten-Free Mini Turkey Meatballs 😋

Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen1 Comment

Gluten-Free Mini Turkey Meatballs

  • Servings: 105 1-inch round
  • Difficulty: Easy

Turkey is a great alternative to beef as it reduces the amount of unhealthy fat in our daily consumption. Our turkey meatball recipe is easy & healthier alternative to beef meatballs. These meatballs add low-fat protein to homemade soups or broths like in our homemade Italian Wedding Soup (see link below). They are also perfect for an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or a perfect complement to your favorite pasta dish, just choose the size you want to make. Not only are these meatballs packed with flavor, but they are also gluten-free.  To get our mini meatballs uniform in size, we used the 1-inch side of a melon baller, which is the perfect size for adding to our Italian Wedding Soup. Any size you make them will be delicious!

Ingredients

  • 20.8 oz (1.3 lbs) ground turkey
  • 1/2  large onion, finely minced
  •  3-4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (see note for dried amounts)
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (see note for dried amounts)
  • 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (see note for dried amounts)
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup 4C Gluten-Free Seasoned Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano, grated (Locatelli)

    Directions

    1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey with all the ingredients.
    2. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
    3. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
    4. Wearing food-grade gloves, put a dab of EVOO on one glove, and rub your hands together. This prevents the meat mixture from sticking to your hands while forming into round balls.
    5. Using a 1-inch melon baller, scoop enough meat mixture to fill the baller. Shake into your hand and roll into a ball. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet in even rows.
    6. Bake at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes on the upper rack. of your oven. After 10-12 minutes put on broil for 2 minutes to lightly crisp the meatballs.
    7. Remove from oven and immediately remove to paper towels to drain. When completely cooled, place in plastic food storage bags and freeze. If using immediately, drop into your favorite broth or soup. Italian Wedding Soup

    Melon Baller – use the smaller 1″ size baller
    Large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil
    Bake 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes
    Drain on paper towels
    Gluten-Free Turkey Mini Meatballs
    Note: When using dried herbs in place of fresh, use the standard ratio of 1 tsp dried herbs for every 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs.

     

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    Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Gluten-Free – Twiins Style

    Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen1 Comment

    Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Gluten-Free - Twiins Style

    • Servings: 6
    • Difficulty: Easy

    It's no secret our second favorite cuisine after Italian is Thai. Who can resist crispy, tender chicken bites coated in a scrumptious sweet chili & sesame seed sauce just like your favorite Thai restaurant? Since we haven't been going out during this pandemic, we wanted to reproduce the meals we would order at a restaurant. Tonight we served it over Jasmine brown rice which soaks up the flavorful sweet chili sauce. Our husbands gave us rave reviews so we hope your family will too. Try this recipe for a quick & easy weeknight meal or impress your friends & family with great appetizers once you can gather again. 😋😋

    Ingredients

    • deep skillet or wok
    • oil for frying (peanut or canola or olive)
    • 4 large skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
    • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
    • 3/4 cup gluten-free flour (Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour)
    • 3/4 cup corn starch
    • 1½ cups Thai sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade, check the label to make sure it’s GF)
    • 1/3 cup sliced green onions
    • 2-3 Tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted in a small, dry skillet
    • 2 cups brown jasmine rice
    • 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth

    Directions

    1. Place brown jasmine rice in a medium bowl filled with cold water, enough to cover rice. Set aside for 20 minutes. (soaking in water helps breakdown the bran and keeps the rice from sticking together.)
    2. While the rice is soaking, use this time to start prepping the chicken & the remainder of ingredients.
    3. After 20 minutes, drain the rice and place in a medium saucepan. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
    4. Once boiling, lower heat to a low simmer and cover. Cover and cook approximately 40 minutes, check after 30 minutes.
    5. Using a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt & pepper and mix well.
    6. In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
    7. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg then roll into the flour mixture to coat well. Repeat with all of the chicken pieces.
    8. Heat about 3-inches of oil in a wok or deep skillet. Make sure oil is very hot before adding dredged chicken.
    9. Fry 5-8 pieces of chicken at a time, depending on the width of your skillet, until golden brown. Do not overcrowd as it will cause the chicken to steam instead of crisping.
    10. Remove and drain on paper towels then repeat until all the chicken is cooked.
    11. Heat chili sauce until hot. Pour over the chicken bites to combine. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
    12. Spread cooked rice on a plate and top with sweet chili chicken bites. Garnish with extra green onions and enjoy!

    Prep all ingredients
    Frying dredged chicken pieces in a wok
    Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet
    Place cooked chicken bites on paper towels to absorb excess oil
    Thai Sweet Chili Chicken ready to serve
    Plate & ready to eat & enjoy!

     

    NOTE: If you want to include more vegetables in your meal,  steam some broccoli or cut green beans and add to the chicken before serving.

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    Fig Sauce

    Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen5 Comments

    • Servings: 6
    • Difficulty: Easy

    This year, 2020, we finally have an abundance of figs from one of Gary's fig trees. He has been growing 2 fig trees for 4 years here in North Carolina. The one we transplanted from our NY home is not as big as the one we purchased here in NC so the figs I used in this recipe are from the NC fig tree. The first couple of years the figs were so sparse that we were lucky to get a few to pop in our mouths for the whole season. In contrast, today we picked so many figs that now we can be creative with different ways to prepare and enjoy them. This fig sauce is so simple to make, does not require any tedious canning, and is delicious with Feta cheese or goat cheese on a cracker, meat & cheese board, or topping chicken or pork. It's naturally sweet without the addition of any sugar, and it's naturally gluten-free. We love it and so do the hubbies! 😋 😋

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups ripe figs, stems removed and cut-in-half
    • 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (ready-made is fine)
    • 6 Tablespoons quality Balsamic vinegar
    • 1/2 tsp salt

    Instructions

    1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients together. Bring to a boil.
    2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer at least 20-30 minutes until figs are soft enough to mash & liquid is 3/4 evaporated. (It may take longer)
    3. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture. It should look like a loose jam but not watery.
    4. Remove from the heat. Spoon onto your favorite protein or use as an appetizer with goat cheese & crackers.

    Note: This recipe can be served at room temperature as an appetizer or hot over your protein. It can be made ahead of time & stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. Will keep for several days refrigerated.

     

    Gary’s Fig tree 1
    Gary’s Fig tree 2
    figs cooking in orange juice
    Reduce mixture until figs are soft enough to mash
    Fig sauce over chicken

    Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twiinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

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    Fried Calamari – Gluten-Free

    Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen2 Comments

    Fried Calamari - Gluten-Free

    • Servings: 6-8
    • Difficulty: Very Easy

    Whenever we go out together for dinner we always order fried calamari if it's on the menu. Unfortunately for Jack, restaurants never make it gluten-free. This leaves him feeling left out and having to settle for soup or salad. We decided to test a gluten-free batch that he would enjoy at home. Turns out they were so good you can't tell the difference. So if any of your loved ones need to eat gluten-free, give this recipe a try. Who needs restaurants when you can serve up a tender batch in no time at all!

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb calamari – fresh or frozen & thawed.
    • 3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Flour 
    • 2 Tablespoons dried parsley
    • 1/2 tsp sea salt, more or less to taste
    • 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
    • vegetable oil for frying
    • dipping sauce of your choice (Red Chili Pepper Spread, marinara sauce, chipotle mayo, etc.)

    Directions

    1. Rinse under cold water and dry the calamari well using paper towels or a clean dishtowel. Slice into 1/2-inch rings.
    2. In a medium bowl, mix the gluten-free flour and seasonings. Combine well.
    3. Toss rings into the flour mixture to coat well.
    4. Fry small batches at a time in hot vegetable oil for 1½ – 2 minutes; don’t exceed 2 minutes or they will be overcooked & rubbery. They should be a pale golden color.
    5. When cooked, remove quickly to paper towels to drain excess oil then repeat for the next batch.
    6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or eat them just as they are.

    Sliced calamari rings & tentacles
    Toss in seasoned gluten-free flour
    Rings after flour coating
    Frying the tentacles first
    Frying the rings
    Finished tentacles
    Served warm with Red Chili Pepper Spread or your favorite dipping sauce

     

    Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twiinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

     

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    Roast Beef Roll-Ups

    Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment

    Roast Beef Roll-Ups

    • Servings: 6 (12 roll-ups)
    • Difficulty: Easy

    These quick and easy Roast Beef Roll-Ups make an incredibly satisfying lunch or appetizer! The combined flavors of bell peppers, onions, and Picante provolone cheese are amazing. We've served these for lunch many times for out of town guests because they can be prepared ahead of time then baked 10 -15 minutes before serving. Everyone just loves them. Give them a try, we know you'll love them too! ❤️❤️

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons EVOO
    • 1 large green bell pepper
    • 1 large red, orange or yellow bell pepper,
    • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
    • 1/8 tsp black pepper
    • 12 slices Boars Head roast beef  (from the deli counter, slices should be thick enough to not shred when rolling up)
    • 2 -3 cups Boars Head Picante provolone cheese (shredded). We buy a block of it from the deli counter and shred it ourselves for a really fresh taste. Use 2 cups if you don’t want a lot of cheese or 3 cups if you’re a cheese lover like us. (Cheddar, American, Mozzarella, or any soft cheese of your liking  may be substituted for Provolone cheese.)

    Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 300ºF.
    2. In a large saute pan over medium heat, saute the peppers & onions until peppers are soft & onions are translucent. (about 10-15 minutes)
    3. Season with salt & pepper. Remove from heat.
    4. Lay a slice of roast beef on parchment paper. Have the short end of the roast beef facing you.
    5. Sprinkle with approximately 2 Tablespoons of the shredded provolone cheese on top of the roast beef slice.
    6. Place approximately 2 Tablespoons of the sauteed peppers & onions on top of the provolone cheese.
    7. Start rolling up at the short end and place seam side down on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet or casserole dish. It’s ok if they touch each other.
    8. Sprinkle more shredded provolone on top then place in 300ºF oven for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve warm.

    Notes: We use Boars Head because it’s gluten-free. You can use whatever deli brand you like.

    Depending on your crowd size you can double or triple this recipe. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.  Leftovers can be reheated in a microwave for no more than 30 seconds or in a 350ºF oven for about 4 minutes.

    Featured photo and recipe adapted from Maria Emmerich, Quick & Easy Ketogenic Cooking.

    Barbara rolling up the roast beef slices with shredded provolone, sauteed bell peppers & onions. Top with additional provolone then bake in a 300ºF oven for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

    Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twiinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

     

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    Authentic Greek Tzatziki

    Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment


    • Difficulty: Easy

    While in Athens I took a 4 hour cooking class at “The Greek Kitchen” and learned to make this delicious tzatziki, the best I ever tasted, along with several other traditional Greek specialties and a trip to the market (butcher, fish, and produce markets ). It's so simple to make and is a great appetizer dip for dolmades, raw vegetables, or as a sauce over chicken or vegetables. I’m working on updating the blog with the other specialties so please standby . 😋

    Ingredients

    • 1 English cucumber, peeled, grated & liquid squeezed out
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1/3 large clove garlic, finely grated
    • 3 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
    • 2 Tablespoon EVOO
    • 2 cups Greek yogurt, full fat
    • pepper to taste
    • 1/4 bunch dill finely chopped (optional)

     

      Directions

      1. Using a cheese grater on the large blade side, grate the cucumber.  Put in a bowl and add a pinch of kosher salt and 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar. Toss together and set aside to release the liquid.
      2. In the meantime, combine the yogurt, 1/3 of garlic clove (grated), 2 Tablespoons of remaining white wine vinegar and 2 Tablespoons of EVOO. Mix until creamy and well combined.
      3. Place the shredded cucumber into a clean dish towel and squeeze with your hands to release all the liquid through the towel. Add the strained cumbers to yogurt and discard the liquid.
      4. Add salt & pepper to taste.
      5. Mix in the optional chopped fresh dill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

      Notes: Our original recipe was from the class I took in Greece however we found a better recipe and prefer it to the original posting.  In the class we omitted the carrot and I omitted it as well for this posting because I prefer Tzatziki without carrot. Feel free to add it as original recipe states.

      “The Greek Kitchen”

      Athens, Athinas 36, Athina 105  51, Greece

      +306978464701

      Recipe updated & adapted from Akis Petretzikis.

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      The Best Gluten-Free Meatballs – Twiins Style

      Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment

       

      The Best Gluten-Free Meatballs - Twiins Style

      • Servings: Yields 14-16 meatballs
      • Difficulty: Easy

      One of our best Sunday morning memories is of our mother frying meatballs for our Sunday dinner. There is something to be said for the wonderful aroma of meatballs frying along with the anticipation of the meal to follow, as it was usually shared with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It wasn't just a meal...it was an event! Sundays were always special in our home because we would get to spend time with our cousins who we had so much fun with. As soon as Mom started placing the cooked meatballs in the bowl we would sneak into the kitchen to grab them out of the bowl while they were still hot; a tradition that our children and husbands still carry on today! Most of our followers know my husband Jack has celiac disease and I've had to adapt all our recipes to gluten-free when cooking for him. Converting some recipes can be quite challenging; however, I used some really good GF Italian style bread crumbs to substitute for the Italian bread and Jack loves them! Without a doubt the best Italian style Gluten-Free meatballs ever! 😋😋

      Ingredients

      • 1 lb ground beef 80-85% lean/20-15% fat
      • 1/2 cup whole milk
      •  4 ounces Aleia’s Italian Bread Crumbs* (please see note below)
      • 4-5 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
      • 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
      • 3 Extra-Large eggs
      • 1 ½ large handfuls grated Pecorino Romano cheese
      • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
      • salt and pepper to taste
      • EVOO (for frying)                                                                                                                                           

      Directions

      1. Place ground meat in a medium size mixing bowl, break up with a fork and set aside.
      2. In a small bowl, soak bread crumbs in  1/2 cup milk until completely absorbed (about 2-3 minutes).  This should yield about 1 cup of bread crumbs. (If too loose add a little more bread crumbs. If too dry, add a little more milk).
      3. Place bread crumbs on top of ground meat.
      4. Add the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper to combine well.
      5. Make a well in the center of the meat mixture and place all the eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and the parsley.
      6. With a large fork scramble the eggs, cheese, and parsley in the well, then start to combine into the entire meat mixture. You can do this best with your hands that are scrupulously clean or with gloves…your preference.
      7. Once well combined (don’t over mix) scoop out about 1/2 handful of meat mixture and roll into a ball and place on parchment or waxed paper. Continue making meatballs until all meat has been formed.
      8. In a large skillet pour enough EVOO to half the size of your meatball. Let the oil get hot, then working in batches, brown all sides (Don’t overload, allow each meatball some breathing room).
      9. When meatballs are browned and crisp remove to a paper towel lined bowl or tray. Repeat until all meatballs are cooked.
      10. 30 minutes before your tomato sauce is ready, place cooked meatballs in the tomato sauce and continue cooking the sauce.
      11. Serve with your favorite pasta and enjoy!

      Notes:  These meatballs are delicious as a stand-alone meal with or without tomato sauce. Make them smaller and they become a delicious appetizer

      *   As a substitute for the breadcrumbs above, I have also used with great success UDI’s Gluten-free white bread soaked in milk or Against the Grain gluten-free baguettes soaked in milk. Against the Grain is my preference; however, this brand is not available in the Wilmington, NC area.

       

      Mixing breadcrumbs with ground beef, onions, and garlic
      Well made of eggs, parsley, and seasoning
      Adding Pecorino Romano Cheese
      Forming the meatballs
      Meatballs on parchment paper
      Frying meatballs
      Draining fried meatballs

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      Stuffed Mushrooms Alla Grandma Florence, Gluten-Free

      Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment

      Stuffed Mushrooms Alla Grandma Florence, Gluten-Free

      • Servings: 8-10
      • Difficulty: Easy

      One of the dishes we missed most at the holidays was Grandma Florence's stuffed mushrooms. Wow were they delizioso! 😋 We are excited we nailed it as they taste just like Grandma's did. We're happy to share it with you and hope you enjoy them as much as our family does. These can be served as appetizers, a side dish to a roast, chicken, veal or pasta or a main dish if using large Portobello mushrooms.

      Ingredients

      • 28 Baby Bella Mushrooms (1 – 1/2 inches wide)
      • 10 large cloves garlic, minced
      • 1 cup  Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
      • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
      • 2 Tablespoons dried parsley
      • salt & pepper to taste
      • 1 cup  4C Gluten-Free Seasoned Bread Crumbs (may substitute with regular Italian seasoned bread crumbs if gluten is not an issue)
      • 6 Tablespoons salted butter, melted to combine with bread crumbs
      • 1 Tablespoon salted butter to sauté mushroom stems

      Directions

      1. Preheat oven to 425º F.
      2. Wash & clean all the mushrooms, gently removing the stems. Set stems aside to chop.
      3. Dry mushrooms well with paper towels.
      4. Line a baking pan with tin foil and drizzle EVOO just to coat the pan.
      5. Place the mushrooms on the baking pan.
      6. In a small skillet on high heat, sauté the mushroom stems with 1 Tablespoon of butter, about 5 minutes until butter is absorbed.
      7. In a medium-size bowl, add the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, oregano, parsley, melted butter, and minced garlic.  Mix well then add the sautéed mushroom stems. Combine well.
      8. Using a small spoon, spoon mixture into each mushroom cap (about 2 spoonfuls for each)
      9. Place into a preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or just until golden.
      10. Remove from oven. Let sit about 5 minutes then serve.

       

      Notes: We also made a batch of large Portobello mushrooms that were a meal in themselves with a side salad!

      Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

       

       

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      Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Gluten-Free 🦀🦀

      Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment

      Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Gluten-Free

      • Servings: 6-8 cakes
      • Difficulty: Easy

      We have been trying an ocean full of different crab cake recipes only to find they had too much breading or too much seasoning which took away from the rich crab taste & texture we were looking for. We also wanted to make sure it was gluten-free without anyone being able to detect the difference. We think we hit a home run with our crab cake recipe which checked all the boxes for us. Serve as a main dish over mixed salad greens topped with our homemade tartar sauce, coleslaw even your favorite pasta with a scampi sauce.🦀

      Ingredients

      Directions

      1. Put crab meat in a small bowl, keeping the lumps together, do not break apart and set aside.
      2.  Put the Glutino crackers in a plastic bag and crush until very fine crumbs.
      3. In a large bowl mix together all remaining ingredients including the cracker crumbs. (do not add crab meat at this time)
      4. Take the crab meat and gently fold into the mixture without breaking up the lumps. Do not stir or mix, just fold until it looks uniform.
      5. Line a baking pan with either waxed or parchment paper. Using a 1/2 cup dry measuring cup, loosely fill the cup & turn out to shape into patties then place on the waxed or parchment paper lined baking pan. Place in refrigerator for 60 minutes to set.
      6. In a large skillet on medium heat, add the 2 Tablespoons of butter and 2 Tablespoons of EVOO.
      7. Once the skillet is hot enough, place each pattie in the skillet making sure not to overcrowd. You should be able to get 8 patties in a 12-inch skillet.
      8. Cook until a nice deep golden brown then carefully flip to cook the other side until deep golden brown.
      9. If browning too quickly, lower heat to medium-low.
      10. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb any excess butter/oil.
      11. Serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy!

      Notes: To serve as an appetizer, make the crab cakes smaller and serve on a platter with some homemade tartar sauce.

      Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

       

       

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