[gf] cornbread and pumpkin chili.

When I opened my mailbox and saw the cover of October’s Food Network Magazine, I rushed in the door and immediately flipped through it. New Soup Ideas. Yes, please. In addition, the insert was 50 Things to Make with Canned Pumpkin. I carefully read through the booklet and found a chili recipe I had to try. Delicious, spicy and totally worthy of your next Soup Sunday.

The original recipe calls for ground beef, but I substituted ground turkey to make it a little healthier. I didn’t have adobo sauce, so I used an adobo paste I had on hand. Needless to say, it was a little too concentrated—making the chili SUPER spicy. My husband loved it, but next time I will have to tame it down a little bit. The can of pumpkin adds an amazing fall flavor without overpowering the chili. What a fun secret ingredient—pumpkin!

The best part about this recipe is how EASY it is. It was the fastest and best tasting chili I’ve made. Of course, you can’t have a bowl of chili without cornbread to go along with it. Make sure to scroll down to see my gluten free cornbread recipe.

Gluten Free Spicy Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can pumpkin, 15-oz
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, 15-oz
1 can black beans (drained), 15-oz
2 cups water
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from can of chipotle chiles)

Instructions:

1. Add oil to a large pot and cook ground turkey until pink is gone. Add in chopped onions and bell peppers and saute for a few minutes.

2. Stir in pumpkin, tomatoes, black beans and water. Then add chili powder and adobo sauce.

3. Simmer 30-45 minutes and serve with freshly baked cornbread.

See original recipe on Food Network.

My favorite cornbread recipe comes from Gluten-Free Goddess. However, when I made chili last Sunday it was one of those days that needed a quick alternative. I picked up Pamela’s gluten free cornbread and muffin mix and made a few changes by substituting olive oil for butter and brown sugar instead of regular sugar. I also added a teaspoon each of chili powder and cinnamon. It turned out great!

If you do have the time to make cornbread from scratch, I highly recommend trying my go-to recipe (below) or Karina’s original recipe on Gluten-Free Goddess. I guarantee you’ll make it again!

Gluten Free [and Dairy Free] Cornbread with Chiles and Cinnamon

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup very warm water (plus extra tablespoon if needed)

1 cup gluten free cornmeal
3/4 cup gluten free flour blend
1/2 cup Pamela’s baking mix
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 small can chopped green chilies
chili powder and cinnamon for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 and oil a round skillet or square pan.

2. In another bowl, combine the eggs and olive oil. Beat for one minute.

3. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and add to wet mixture. Add chopped chiles if you are using them, and add more water if it’s too dry.

4. Pour batter into skillet or pan and sprinkle with chili powder and cinnamon on top.

6. Bake for 25–35 minutes.

For a sweet cornbread, leave out chiles chili powder and replace with 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

See original recipe on Gluten-Free Goddess.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

[gf] crepes.

During a work trip last April, we discovered Flip Crepes at the Chicago French Market and indulged in a delicious breakfast treat. Joe ordered their gluten free crepe with eggs and bacon, and I ordered Nutella and banana (YUM). Equally delicious, we decided crepes needs to be something we experiment with at home.

Within days of returning home, I found this gluten free crepe recipe and it is still a hit every time I make them! It could be Tuesday morning and Joe will suggest that we have crepes on Saturday morning. Talk about motivation to get through the week! Even better, the batter can be made ahead of time so you could really have them on weekdays, too.

Joe’s favorite filling is eggs, bacon, pepper jack rice cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup. I usually have a hard time deciding what to put in my crepe, but my all time favorite combo is Nutella, strawberries and bananas.

The best part is you can fill these thin crepes with savory items (leftover chicken, veggies, spinach, asparagus, etc.) to make a great dinner. I think it would be fun to invite people over for crepe party and let people make their own!

Gluten Free [and Dairy Free] Crêpes

Ingredients:

½ cup gluten-free flour blend (I use Trader Joe’s, Baker Josef’s)
½ cup almond milk
¼ cup warm water
1 tablespoon honey or agave
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon/sugar mix
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil + more for pan

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth (but don’t over-mix).

2. Pour batter into a pitcher, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.

3. Using a paper towel, wipe the inside of 6- to 8-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet with a small amount of coconut oil. Place pan over medium heat.

4. Stir the batter and pour small amount into the pan, tilting to coat the bottom with a very thin layer of batter. Cook until the top is set and edges are slightly browned. Turn crepe over and cook the other side. Cook remaining crepes, stirring the batter before each one.

5. Place finished crêpes between sheets of waxed paper. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

6. Quarter, fold or wrap your crêpes with desired filling. Our favorites are Nutella, banana and chocolate or eggs and bacon.

Have fun experimenting with different types of crepes and don’t be afraid to use your imagination! You can see the original recipe here.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper