Almond Flour Pizza Crust (Gluten, Casein, Grains and Yeast Free!!!)

I have joined India and Greg in a rebalancing diet which excludes casein, wheat, refined sugar and yeast - this is a little tricky when it comes to one of my favourite foods - pizza.  Stumped, I decided to surf the web and found this fantastic website by "Ginger Lemon Girl" After reading this recipe I immediately went out and purchased "Bob's Red Mill" almond meal/flour and decided to treat us all to homemade pizza.  It was not only super-easy to create, but has a great texture and taste!!! YAY!  Pizza is back in my diet!!!

ALMOND FLOUR PIZZA CRUST

Ingredients:

2 cups almond flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

 1 tsp each; dried oregano, garlic powder and dried basil

3/4 cup pureed white beans (I used white kidney but cannellini or navy beans are also good!)

3 eggs

3 tbsp EVOO 

• Preheat oven to 350F.  Line a 12" round pizza pan or rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together.  In a smaller bowl mix the last three ingredients.  Combine dry and wet ingredients.  The dough is wetter than the average pizza dough, but don't worry!
• Using a spatula, gently spread the mixture over the pan to a thickness of 1/2" and place in the oven for 10 - 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
• Add your choice of toppings and bake for an additional 10 - 15 minutes, or until you toppings are cooked through or melted.
• ENJOY!!!!

Creamy Turkey & Apple Chili

As it is harvest time here and we just had Thanksgiving, I had apples and turkey a-plenty!  This recipe is one that I have made for years and love.  It is deceiving because it appears to be just creamy and bland...but it really packs a lovely heat which is surprising and delicious!!  I made a double-batch for a dinner party we had last night and everyone loved it!!

CREAMY TURKEY & APPLE CHILI

Ingredients:

1/4 cup EVOO

2 lbs of turkey meat, cut into 1/2" cubes

4 tsp chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

Dash of cayenne (if you like it a little on the hot side!)

Salt & pepper, to taste

2 apples, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes

1 onion, diced

4 tbsp butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups homemade chicken broth (or turkey)

3/4 cup milk

Two 15oz cans of white kidney beans, chickpeas, or Romano beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Asiago cheese

• In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add the turkey, chili powder, cayenne (if using), and cumin.  Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 5 mins.  Transfer to a bowl.
• In the same pot heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil.  Add the apples and onion and saute until soft, stirring constantly. Approximately 6 mins.  Add to the turkey mixture.
• In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.  Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Whisk in the chicken (or turkey) broth and milk until thickened, approx. 3 mins.
• Stir in the turkey-apple mixture and beans.  Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cheese.
• Serve with cornbread muffins, tortilla chips, or crusty bread!
• ENJOY!!!