Ok, so not technically a taco, this taco salad is sure to satisfy and bonus points if you want to make these ahead to take care of lunch for the whole week-or whole family. Simply keeping your dressing separate to allow for longer shelf life in your fridge. Add your favourite toppings or follow this recipe. I like to take this a step further and add a dollop of vegan chili on top to take it to the next level. (thanks Wendy's for the chilli tip! They used to have a salad that came with the chilli and I always had to turn it down because it was not vegan.)

Oooooo M GEEEE you will never EVER miss the beef after trying this version! Be sure to buy YOUNG Jackfruit in water, they ripe kind in syrup is totally NOT what you want here. I make my own BBQ sauce to go with this little dandy and no one even knows the difference.

Check out the recipe here, and thank me later alligator. 

Filling up a bowl with super yum ingredients and an awesome sauce is like every Vegan's goto lunch solution. The possibilities are endless and you can adjust to your own tastes. This is one of my favourites for lunch, I'll make use of leftover quinoa and whatever I have in the veggie drawer. Easy to pack for a workday and make ahead for grab and go lunches throughout the week. Check out this recipe here or give your own version a whirl!

Make your own favourite taco's and substitute iceberg lettuce for a shell. Cook up a batch of yummy beans and add all the fixin's as you please. I love to cook a big baked bean batch, freeze portions and use it many different meals. A great left over lunch meal!

They'll think they're skipping out on a meal with a lunch this sweet! Serve alongside a chilled soup and you've got the summer heat, beat!

you'll need: lots of fresh fruit, cooked quinoa, lime, mint...

for complete recipe, click here

I love a good appy. And fish cakes are a reeeeeealllly hard thing for me to turn down. I fins them easy to whip up from last night's left overs, and carry really well in packed lunches. Make sure you serve alongside a bed of greens and some sort of sauce. Kids love to dip!

for recipe, click here.

super easy with left-over chicken, this satisfying lunch can be made with gfree pitas or wraps and croutons to keep that pesky little wheat germ away. Click through for recipe, or found here.

The classic standard gets a vegan facelift! I love chickpeas and they do NOT disappoint in this meal. Use a yummy gfree hearty bread and a glass of sparkling water and hit pause, its time to eat! Click through for recipe, or find it here.

Vegetable Ramen is a simple and easy-to-make meatless meal all instant ramen lovers must try! Kids love any kind of noodle and get them involved by selecting what veg to add!

for recipe, click here.

Can't even argue with that name, this is the ultimate sandwich and I dare you to make it this week!

For the full recipe and amazing pic demoing the process, click here!

I will feature this recipe anywhere I can! I LOVE it, its power-packed with nutrients to keep you strong or return you back to health in no time. If you kids are the kind that won't eat 'trees' or pick food out, BLEND this soup, it's great dipped in garlic toast!

for recipe and review, click here.

These healthy lettuce wraps are so delish! I'm a sucker for anything with a chickpea and on my superhero vegan days, I make this without the tuna and sub the feta for some of these yummy vegan options. 

for the recipe, click on over to Becky's Best Bites.

Do you see a theme? Kids LOVE fun shaped food they can eat with their fingers! Mexican is always a big hit in our house and I like to have fresh guac and salsa around along with my fav, tofutti sour cream for the tops of these bad boys. 

for recipe, click here

Nothing I like better than a chickpea. NOTHING. Wait until I show you the cookie dough I make with it next week. But until then, this street falafel recipe will knock your meat loving socks off!

Sometimes the simple things are just right. This simple light lunch I come back to again and again on those busy days when I don't have much time. I doubt you'll need a recipe, but check it out over here if you are curious!

Nothing easier than a leftover-steak salad with seasonal fruit and veg! Check out this easy recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron. Do these up in jars for the week and your lunches are set!

It wouln'tt be a weekly meal plan without a standout sandwich! This one hits all the flavour profiles, find the recipe here. Use your favourite gfree bread, I love the Demsters Gluten Zero, stands up well in a packed lunch.

Originally from Angela Liddon's Oh She Glows Everyday cookbook, Kate shares her version here and it is sure to please the hearty soup lovers in your family. I made it last week and posted it to my instagram and everyone went crazy. Try it out!

I love a loaded potato. In fact, I've been known to travel with baked potatoes in my purse. Weird. I know, but when you live with others with severe allergies, you do what you gotta do, right? Check out this yummy healthy sweet potato version-or make your favourite with good ol' russets!

You’re sure to fall in love with these crisp and flavorful clean eating lettuce wraps with chicken and avocado! Easy & Delish!

you will need: lettuce, cooked chicken, avocados.

For complete recipe, click here.

Love a fresh salad, and this one is easy to whip together and change out for favourite ingredients. Find the recipe here or create your own!

Nothing beats an easy salad! I like to make a big batch of this one and share it through our lunches throughout the week. Check out the recipe here and use your favorite dressing.

Is there any combination more satisfying than black beans and sweet potatoes? This Taco Cleanse week can leave you with lots of prepared vegetables and a great way to make use of leftovers is in a nourishing bowl. I'm addicted to budda bowls and you'll be seeing a few pop up in next weeks meal plan, but for now - feast your eyes and taste buds on this baby. That lime sauce takes it to a gourmet level!

For recipe, click here

I love how Jamie Oliver approaches food, and this recipe is something I know my kids would get behind, no pun intended. Delivering a moist chicken, this has quickly become a family favourite! Click photo or here for recipe. 

Poaching fish is a lot easier than many realize, and delivers an incredible moist texture.  Combine that with this luscious soup base, and you're on a roll. Click photo or here for recipe.

Such great flavour combinations that kids love! Crunchy, sweet, and sticky! I dare you find a kid that doesn't love something about this dinner. Adjust the spices to your family's tolerance, but be sure to cook with some, it's important for little pallets to start developing at a young age.

for recipe, click here.

Craving some red meat? Let this simple steak take centre stage tonight with a simple herbed butter and side salad or ear of corn.

Recipe found here

One pan dishes are my fav for easy weeknight meals. Check out this simple chicken and vegetable dinner here, and leave a comment below what you thought!

Maybe not your first protein choice for tacos, but definitely one that shouldn't be overlooked. I love to grill a whole salmon on the BBQ for a weeks worth of add-ins to salads, fish cakes and sandwiches. This is a great recipe to start you off on a fish-y track of tacos instead of the traditional beef/chicken. I love to add homemade hummus to the base of these bad boys for a nice protein-packed punch!

Click here to check out the recipe and Joanna's cute little blog.

nothing beats firing some simple ingredients into the slow cooker and heading out for the day only to return to a delicious smelling hosue and satisfying meal - ready for consumption. This one works for both steak or chicken breasts and are an easy way to stay on the taco cleanse :)

Click here for recipe

Ok, it's thursday night and you've gobbled up all your corn/rice tortillas and don't want to cheat - what do you do? You use swiss chard! Lol, ok, maybe thats not the obvious choice for everyone, but hear me out. Chard is full of vitamin A & C and a good source of magnesium which activates over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, translating to thousands of biochemical reactions happening on a constant basis daily. A great alternative to a rice wrap! Use vegan cheese for bonus awesome points!

Check out this flavourFUL recipe here.

This easy one-pot dish leaves for less time scrubbing dishes and more with your family. It's lean and nutritious, and if your kids only eat the pasta, it's better than nothing right?

NOTE: To make gluten free, use gfree noodles and always ensure your meat says gluten free. If it doesn't, assume there is gluten or contaminants of gluten. Depending on the severity of your allergy/tolerance this could still cause damage to the intestinal walls. 

for full recipe click here.

This is a vegan meal anyone can get behind. I love the walnut/lentil mix and with these flavours you will not miss the beef at all. I make these for lunch and dinner have zero guilt when I eat five...or more.

Meet Angela over at Oh she Glows, and if you follow me on snapchat, you'll know how much I love her cookbooks. A great resource for anyone wanting to flirt with the vegan diet.

Full recipe found here.

Truth be told, I could easily have filled all seven dinners with a different variation on fish tacos. This is something that I can not live without, and treat myself every now again when we have a good fillet of fresh fish. This is one of my favourite ways to have fish tacos, but the possibilities are endless. I've even tried my hand at vegan fish tacos, which I have on the blog here and yes, they did trick my meat loving boys! I lovingly named them fish(ish) tacos and are a great vegan alternative! 

Check out this recipe for Blackened Fish Tacos here.

This dish is incredible and I am giving all the credit to the enchilada sauce. I make a big batch and put it on everything I can think of! So good! This is a must if you love Mexican cuisine! Check out the recipe on Skinnytaste here.

Tilapia Lettuce Wraps with Mango Papaya Salsa are a fresh and healthy dinner that requires very little cooking. This recipe is great for gluten free, dairy free and autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet.

Pop over to Food Fashion & Fun for the complete recipe

YAS. This recipe is a favourite around my house, sometimes if I'm being really sneaky but naptime didn't happen that day, I'll puree this so the boys have no idea if it's their carnivorous version or mom's vegan one. Bonus points if you add Arbonne's daily protein boost to it!

Check out the full recipe over on Michelle's website, here

Have you caught any fish lately? This trout recipe is simple and brings out the beauty of your fresh catch! Simple potatoes and greens on the side for an easy weeknight meal. Trout is a protein source I can totally get behind, and a great source of omega 3.

Click here for recipe.

Another great make-ahead option, I like to add shredded cabbage to these for a little extra crunch and swap out the turkey for black beans. Whatever your flavour preferences, you can rock this meal and have your lunches ready for the whole week. Add some tortilla's on the side and make mini wraps at lunchtime. Or eat as is right outta the bowl, just make sure to pack a lime!

Click here for meal prep instructions and full recipe.

The green sauce in this literally takes these bad boys to the NEXT LEVEL. I love  LOVE this dish and try and save it for when I'm not pressed for time in the kitchen - as I like to make my own enchiladas sauce and tortillas, so like, lots of work there.

Don't be discouraged by my crazy antics, give this one a try!

Anything I find from Angela Liddon I'm all over. She has a vegan based blog and two cookbooks out and I absolutely love the flavour profiles she puts together. It's not all about tofu and greens over there. This soup is a fav I always have frozen individual portions of in the freezer (use giant muffin pans for one cup servings)

Click the photo or here for the full recipe.

These could almost make it into the dinner category for this week, because what kid wouldn't want to try these little Steak Rolls? I've been trying to recreate these with eggplants strips to make them vegan, I'll post the recipe when I've mastered one ;)

for recipe, click here.

Here is a great way to use up the season's tomatoes and herbs. This roasted veg and fish is an easy weeknight meal you can't mess up! 

Check out the recipe over here.

A little twist on regular lasagne, keep them guessing, right? I like to get my kids to help with this one because they love rolling up the dough! 

for complete recipe, click here

I love dinners that get thrown together at the last steps and this is just that. Cook salmon on grill while getting vinegrette and salad fixing's ready. An awesome weeknight meal! Recipe found here.

Nothing beats a caesar salad and I love the addition of avocado to this skinny take on a classic. You've got to try this one this week, bookmark the recipe here.

Get your healthy fats with avocado in this dish. Let your older kids help you in the kitchen with this meal, prepping the salsa and keeping an eye on the chicken. Full recipe found here.

When your garden is exploding with zucchini what do you do? Get creative! I love this recipe from Amy at The Idea Room, sub in vegan cheese if desired. A great weeknight meal that is usually better the next day as leftovers!

Always a classic, chicken fingers satisfy almost any appetite and this easy recipe delivers. For the gfree recipe, click here.

My kids love this one! Simple and makes for great leftovers! Find the recipe here

I love a good lettuce cup, and if you haven't tried them yet, get in there! They are a great option for a gluten free wrap of sorts, and are so good for you. This recipe found on Jamie Oliver's site is easy and you can substitute in your favourite ingredients if you wish!

I just love Oh She Glows and her newest cookbook is heading with me on my flight to Ontario this week. These yummy smashes potatoes are great served as a main for the veg head in your life, or fire up a steak to go alongside it and your in business. Find the recipe here.

This one just screams fall, doesn't it? And featuring low budget ingredients keeps the often-times gfree grocery budget down. Check out Beth's yummy recipe here!

Sweet shrimp and pineapple are marinated to create these amazing Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs! Kids love food on a stick!

For recipe, click here.

This is a great recipe to make on an afternoon off and pound out a bunch for the week ahead, pop them in the freezer and grab them for a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast. Way more sensible than going through the breakfast drive thru and more cost effective too! Use rice flour wraps to keep it gfree, and warm in a pan before wrapping to avoid the wrap from cracking and breaking.

Here is the full recipe with step by step instructions with photos.

This easy breakfast casserole is a complete meal with eggs, potatoes and sausage. The overnight option makes it a perfect recipe to make your morning EASY!

for recipe, click here.

Super yum. Don't forget about dessert's too! This one is filled with wholesome ingredients and even boosts a hidden kale element to up the antioxidant levels. 

These are the best! I am not a huge peanut fan so I sub in roasted almonds or pistachios. These are sweetened with dates and are a great snack to have little hands help you with! 

Check out the recipe here.

This recipe is great for muffins too, just cut down your cook time. I use Bette Hagman's Four Flour Blend here, but an all purpose gluten free works well too. 

Recipe can be found here

Have you heard of Erin Ireland? I'd like to think we are BFF's, she just doesn't know it yet. Sure we've tweeted and she's a gal after my own heart here on the WestCoast, but it's her TO DIE FOR Vegan recipes that really have my heart. These cookie balls are better than anything you've ever tasted. I PROMISE. You will think these are the real deal. 

Click the pic (or here) to be redirected to the full recipe or

I have a real sweet tooth for fudge, and this recipe is one that I can get behind. With just THREE ingredients and no refined sugar, this is a total winner.  

For recipe, visit Arman's website here.

This simple snack requires you to melt chocolate and throw stuff at it. I know you can do it! Check out the recipe here. 

If you follow me on instagram, you might remember I made this cake in my rice cooker one day and my whole culinary world was transformed! Check out my recipe here and use whatever stone fruit you have on hand

½ banana

½ cup chopped kale

½ cup blueberries - fresh or frozen

1 scoop protein powder

1 tablespoon flax seed meal

½ teaspoon cinnamon

two handfuls ice or more to taste

1 cup (200g) pineapple, cut into chunks

1 banana, peeled and cut into chunks

1 cup (240ml) almond milk

2 scoops protein powder

ice

Set out a bunch of ingredients and let everyone customize! For a great round-up of smoothies users in our private clean eating group have shared, click here. 

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

½ frozen banana

8 oz unsweetened coconut milk

¼ cup flaked coconut

ice if desired (or using fresh strawberries)

Opt for a super filling start to the week with this mocha shake!

combine:

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

3/4c cup brewed coffee (cold)

3/4 almond milk

ice 

1 cup kale (de-stemmed)

1 banana

1/2 avocado

1/2 kiwi

1-2 tablespoons unsweetened flaked coconut

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

ice

1 banana

2 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder

1 tablespoon peanut butter

½ to ¾ cup almond milk

ice

This is a great list from an awesome source! Gluten free on a shoestring was one of the first books I read when we went GFREE and I still refer back to this website weekly it seems! Check out these great flatbreads to accompany many of this weeks dishes, including the daal!

I love baking with beans, it's one of my favourite little kitchen secrets from my kids. A great way to hide some serious protein, and not feel too guilty about it all. Keep black and white beans stocked in your cupboards and there will never be an excuse for why you can't jam more protein anywhere!

Click the photo or here for full recipe details.

Well HELLO, Lover. This take a little bit of prep, but what yummy dish doesn't? Another treasure for Erin over at It's To Die For, this one is great for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or shedding 5lbs. Whateves. There is only one rule: You make these you HAVE TO SHARE. With me. ASAP.

Click the pic or here to get your hands on this recipe you'll sure to print, laminate and sleep with under your pillow every night. 

This right here is the breakfast of champions. Chaulked full of protein and healthy fats, this is one of my favourite ways to start my day and I beg you to give this one a go! Corn tortilla wraps are as easy to find and wheat and are an easy way to avoid the wheat. Be sure to click through and give this one a whirl! Kid Approved!

Click here for the full recipe from Jessie on Life as a Straweberry

This is a super easy breakfast that everyone in your family can get behind. While these little gems are baking in the oven throw together a budda bowl for your lunch and have the energy to take anything on! 

Click here to check out the recipe

Oh am I a sucker for anything labelled Huevos Rancheros on a menu! when researching yummy breakfast for this week's plan, I came across a few HR casserole's and I'm dying to try them out. To stick to our 'taco cleanse' theme this week, I'll be featuring the casserole in next week's menu plan - be sure to come back and check it out!

Recipe for the easiest most satisfying breakfast ever, found here.

Ohh I love an enchilada. And oh I love breakfast. And now I love Ali for sharing this awesome recipe with the world. Easy, nutritious and a great way to start your day, use this recipe as a starting off point to add your favourite ingredients to, or make as is - I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Click here for the yummy recipe and meet Ali of Gimme Some Oven.

This is an easy one for the mornings your whipping about with less time than you'd like. It's a quick saute of your favourite mexican seasoned veg and an egg scramble fried in a rice flour quesadilla. Serve alongside some salsa and away you go!

Click here for the recipe.

So, again, not necessarily a taco but I have a feeling you'd revolt if it was taco recipe after taco recipe. This is an awesome lean option for beef chili and you can use it on top of your taco salad to take it to the next level. Add your favourite chili ingredient or follow along with the recipe here. 

Tip: When shredding chicken, place cooked breasts in a bowl and beat with hand mixer, makes for perfectly shredded chicken every time.

A great salad in it's own right or awesome alongside any of the dinner entree's featured, this bright salad is sure to bring joy to any meal. Sarah's website features some incredible recipes that are gluten free, vegan, paleo, dairy free etc and she has a great way of showcasing them all.

Check out her site and this awesome recipe, here!

And if none of the ones I selected tickle your fancy, check out these 17 Breakfast Taco recipes that Buzzfeed has rounded up for you!

Take me to Buzzfeed's list!

makes 3 dozen

INGREDIENTS

===Cookies===

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

⅓ cup sugar

1 egg white

½ teaspoon gluten-free pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon pure almond extract

1 ¼ cups gluten-free flour blend*

⅛ teaspoon salt

===ICING===

1 cup powdered sugar

3 Tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon pure almond extract

food colouring

Sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg white, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add in the flour and salt, mixing thoroughly.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Place your chilled cookie dough on a silicone baking mat or a large sheet of parchment paper, cover with a sheet of plastic wrap, and roll the dough to about ¼” thickness using a rolling pin. Place the rolled out dough back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill.

Once the dough is rolled out and chilled, cut into desired shapes and place the cut outs on a baking sheet, working quickly.

Repeat steps 4 & 5, until all the dough is cut out.

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until just barely starting to brown on the bottom. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Once the cookies are cool, mix all of the icing ingredients together, except for the food colouring. Separate into 3 small, deep bowls. Add two drops of blue food colouring to one bowl, and two drops of food colouring to another bowl, stirring both until colour is fully incorporated.

Dip each cookie into the desired frosting and then add sprinkles on top. Allow the cookies to set completely before eating.

makes 8 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

3 tbsp ground flax meal
9 tbsp water
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 1/2 cups gfree flour blend*
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp salt
Icing sugar for rolling, approx. 1 cup

Method:

Preheat oven to 350℉

Place flax in a large bowl, add water and mix with a whisk. Let stand for 5 minutes

Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla and mix well.

Sift in dry ingredients, mix until the dough comes together.

Roll into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in icing sugar in small bowl until coated.

Arrange 2 inches apart on greased or wax lined baking sheets.

Bake for ten minutes. Cookies will be soft. Let stand on sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Super moist and fudgy double chocolate glazed donuts. Heck yea!

For the Doughnuts

3/4 cup GFree flour mix

1/3 cup cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/4 teaspoon salt , to taste

2 and 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, cooled to room temperature

1 egg (use flaxseed egg for vegan)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar*

3 tablespoons granulated sugar*

1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2/3 cup buttermilk , or 1 teaspoon vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup milk (prefer almond)

For the Glaze

3/4 cup icing sugar*

3 tablespoons cocoa

3-4 tablespoons coconut cream

2 teaspoons corn syrup light or dark

sprinkles optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray a doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

In a separate medium bowl whisk together the melted oil, egg, sugars, vanilla & buttermilk.

Add the dry ingredients into the wet & whisk until combined. The batter will be thick.

Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan. Or pour the batter into a ziplock bag, cut off the bottom corner, and pipe the batter into the prepared tin.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. If you lightly touch the doughnut, it should spring back. Or an inserted toothpick should come out clean.

Allow doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the pan and continue cooling on a wire rack

While the doughnuts are cooling, make the glaze. Whisk together the icing sugar, cocoa and about 2 tablespoons cream. Add the corn syrup and slowly add the remaining cream until the glaze is smooth.

Once the doughnuts are cooled, dip the top in the glaze and sprinkle with sprinkles.

*Healthy Alternatives:

To cut down on some of the sugar in this treat, you can use sweeteners like stevia and stevia mixed with black strap molasses (for added iron, calcium and magnesium & to re-create brown sugar) and natural syrups for the icing. Mix as directed about with similar amounts, taste-testing as your go.

I love these topped with white icing and sprinkles like here or chocolate glaze from these double chocolate donuts.

Ingredients

1 cup GF flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar*

1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)

1/4 cup buttermilk, or 1 teaspoon vinegar mixed with 2/3 cup milk (prefer almond)

3 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

3/4 cup icing sugar*

3-4 tablespoons coconut cream

2 teaspoons corn syrup light or dark

sprinkles optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray a doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

In a separate medium bowl whisk together the melted oil, egg, sugars, vanilla & buttermilk.

Add the dry ingredients into the wet & whisk until combined. The batter will be thick.

Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan. Or pour the batter into a ziplock bag, cut off the bottom corner, and pipe the batter into the prepared tin.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. If you lightly touch the doughnut, it should spring back. Or an inserted toothpick should come out clean.

Allow doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the pan and continue cooling on a wire rack

While the doughnuts are cooling, make the glaze. Whisk together the icing sugar and about 2 tablespoons cream. Add the corn syrup and slowly add the remaining cream until the glaze is smooth.

Once the doughnuts are cooled, dip the top in the glaze and sprinkle with sprinkles.

*Healthy Alternatives:

To cut down on some of the sugar in this treat, you can use sweeteners like stevia and stevia mixed with black strap molasses (for added iron, calcium and magnesium & to re-create brown sugar) and natural syrups for the icing. Mix as directed about with similar amounts, taste-testing as your go.

I’m not allowed to attend family dinners without this dish. So. Think about that before you commit to bringing it anywhere! LOL

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 small onion, diced
1 cup sour cream (Tofutti’s for you vegans!)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sweetener of choice
4 cups trimmed green beans, canned ( if fresh steam for 10 minutes first)2 cups cheddar cheese (vegan or real, whatev’s)

Topping:
1 tablespoon butter/coconut oil
2 cups butter cracker (I like glutino’s cheddar cracker)

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt oil in large pan, stir in cornstarch and cook for 1-2 minutes on low, until you can smell the starch. Add onion and cook, adding sour cream, salt and sugar once onions are translucent.
3. Stir in beans and transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over beans.
4. For topping: melt oil and drizzle over crushed crackers. Spread over dish.
5. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until top is gold and bubbly.

Vinegar Pastry:
1 cup white rice flour
3/4 cup tapioca flour
3/4 cup cornstarch
1 rounded tsp xanthan gum
3/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp vinegar
2-3 tbsp ice water

directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Cut in shortening. Blend together the beaten egg, vinegar and water. Stir into the flour mixture, holding some back, until the pastry holds together and forms a ball. (Kneading will not toughen this pastry.)

Form 2 balls and place in a bowl; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove and roll out, one at a time between 2 sheets of plastic wrap dusted with sweet rice flour. To place in pie tin: Remove top sheet and, using the other for ease of handling, invert the dough and drop it into the pan. Shape it into the curves before removing the second piece of plastic wrap. For crust to be used later, bake in a preheated 450 over for 10-12 minutes. For a filled pie, follow directions for that out.

-The Gluten-free Gourmet, Bette Hagman.

Ingredients

Dough

3-1/2 cups gluten-free flour* plus more for dusting
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons sour cream
3/4 cup water

Filling

2 cups mashed potatoes
1 tsp oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

*Make your own gfree flour mix with 6 cups rice flour, 2 cups potato starch & 1 cup tapioca starch. Be sure to add guar gum or xanthan gum for hold.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl make the dough. Combine flour, eggs, sour cream and water. Slowly beat in eggs until dough is well mixed. Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead 3 to 5 minutes (or use mixer for this). Wrap in plastic wrap and rest 30 minutes.

In another bowl, stir together mashed potatoes, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cheese.

Pinch tablespoon sized pieces of dough and roll into about three dozen balls. Roll each ball out on a lightly floured surface into a 3 1/2 to 5 inch circle. (insert Karina’s lazy method from above) Cover with a damp towel or paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

Place a heaping tablespoon of potato filling into the centre of each circle. Fold in half, pinching the sides shut with your fingers, or gently with a fork to seal.

I freeze my pierogis at this step to firm everything back up again to make sure they don’t explode in the water bath. You can cook from this point too, but be warned they may not hold as well.

Cooking Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Working in small batches, boil pierogis for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they float. Remove and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet and saute pierogi until lightly browned. Serve hot topped with sour cream and garnish with chives. Or fry up some bacon and once cooked, remove to towel-lined plate and fry pierogi in bacon fat for added flavour. Serve on a bed of salted shredded cabbage with dollop of sour cream.