Sweet Thai Nori Crisps [gluten-free, soy-free vegan]

These might not exactly scream “Super Bowl” when compared to, say, loaded nachos, wings, and other football-inspired food, but they’re right up there with anything else that you “can’t-eat-just-one”.

But unlike a bag of chips, if you do eat them all, you’re benefiting your body as opposed to overdoing on indulgence.

But that’s neither here nor there. Instead, just make these, okay? You’ll be glad you did.

Sweet Thai Nori Crisps

When we think of a snack “seaweed” doesn’t really come to mind. But nori is great for more than just sushi! Roll it around your favourite sandwich ingredients, or crisp it in the oven with some extra flavor for a perfect snack.

Chili-Lime Corn Chips with Edamame Guacamole [gluten-free, vegan]

So the Super Bowl is soon. And really, I don’t follow football. In fact, I’ve never watched a (full) game. I think I am in the great minority when I say that my favourite sport is baseball.

I don’t watch hockey, football, golf, or tennis, which seem to be rather popular. Baseball for the win!

And if an extra lump some of cash fell into my lap, I would buy seasons tickets for baseball in a flash (well, there are likely some other things I would buy first, but I mean some extra extra cash.)

The one thing I do know is that any sort of event (Super Bowl included) means I can create themed recipes. And any excuse for creating new recipes is fine by me. Especially when it includes chips and dip, like these chili-lime corn chips with edamame guacamole.

Rum Raisin Cookies (gluten, dairy, egg, soy-free; vegan)

I’m not an alcohol drinker, though I sometimes develop recipes with them, and I like the twist of flavor they add to sweet and savory dishes. For my third cookbook, The Allergy-Free Cook Bakes Pies and Desserts (just you wait), there’s a recipe that uses rum. So I sort of just want to use it up.

Also, I meant to put up this post before the holidays. So it is sort of holiday-inspired… okay?

Last-minute holiday entertaining

This originally appeared in the St. Catharines Standard in early December 2012. I’m posting it here to share the ideas and recipes with you.

The month of holiday entertaining is upon us, and I’ll venture I’m not the only one donning a red apron and humming renditions of Burl Ives’ “A Holly Jolly Christmas” while whipping up treats in the kitchen, decking my halls, and trimming my tree.

Even better, what comes along with the excitement of the season is the desire to spread it to others, most often in the form of gatherings, the kind where everyone mixes and mingles and makes all things merry and bright.

One key to being the holiday host that’ll jingle everyone’s bells is having a spread of finger foods full of local flavors… without having to resort to roasting chestnuts over the open fire (though that certainly would be delicious).

Maple-Spice Candied Nuts (gluten, dairy, egg, soy-free; vegan)

This recipe is from the article “Last Minute Holiday Entertaining”, originally appearing in the St. Catharines Standard.

Crispy Potato Chips with Onion Kale Dip (gluten, dairy, egg-free; vegan)

This recipe is from the article “Last Minute Holiday Entertaining”, originally appearing in the St. Catharines Standard.

Pecan Shortbread Jam Tarts (gluten, dairy, egg, soy-free; vegan)

I’ve made these a few times and keep meaning to post them. They are super simple to make and tend to be a crowd pleaser. I wasn’t paying super close attention this time around, so I let them bake a minute longer than I meant to… but the jam softened them up just enough to bring back the correct texture. So I suppose they are pretty foolproof, too!

(Also… I just accidentally uploaded this without the recipe! Sorry for the confusion!)

My jam of preference in these is raspberry, though I bought strawberry this time around as requested by some anti-raspberry family members (I know, I know… I don’t get it either). Actually, in some cases it is about the seeds, so I suppose I understand. And, I mean, I totally hate pineapple…

Anyway.

Chocolate Fudge (vegan; gluten-, dairy-, egg-, nut-, soy-free)

A simple holiday favorite. Super sweet and delicious. Takes less than 10 minutes. You can lick all spoons involved.

And it’s free of gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. And nuts and seeds. And legumes and nightshades.

AND it’s vegan.

Happy Thanksgiving! (+ gluten-free/vegan recipe ideas)

I love Thanksgiving! It is one of my three or so favourite days to cook for others and celebrate family. And I love fall-inspired foods. So cozy and stuff. Though I wish it was still 20+ degrees…

Anyway, I am doing a little digging in my recipe index and bringing you a list of some of my favourite recipes to make this time of year. I seldom repeat dishes whenever I cook because I love creating something new, but these definitely have gone down well in Thanksgivings past.

Beer-Battered Asparagus (and Father’s Day ideas!) [gluten-free, vegan]

My most recent article in the Standard featured Father’s Day at the Farmer’s Market, loaded with ideas for dad on his day. If you’re looking for some local-inspired, completely vegan, and simple ways to prepare dad a delicious meal, look no further.