Month: March 2018

Easter Egg Hand Pies (Gluten and Dairy-Free!)

Easter Egg Hand Pies (Gluten and Dairy-Free!)

Nothing says Easter like decorated eggs! And nothing says “fun celebration” like hand pies!!! Did you love Pop-tarts as a kid? If the answer is “yes”, you’ll adore these Easter Egg Hand Pies – with a delectable flakey crust on the outside, and sweet fruit 

Grain-Free Mandel Bread / Biscotti (Kosher for Passover / Otto’s Cassava Flour)

Grain-Free Mandel Bread / Biscotti (Kosher for Passover / Otto’s Cassava Flour)

I call this recipe Mandel Bread / Biscotti because there’s little (if any) difference between these 2 cookies. I want everyone to feel free to enjoy them – no matter one’s heritage, or holiday celebrating. With both Passover and Easter coming within the next week, 

Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls

Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls

2 Cassava Flour Matzo Balls and soup in Lenox bowl with carrots.

It’s time to plan your Passover menu! Why not decrease the grains this holiday with Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls? They will be adored by your gluten-eating and gluten-free guests alike! (I had a little trouble stopping myself from eating them all before getting a good blog photo! I just LOVE these!!!) I created a few versions for my family to taste test, and they unanimously agreed that this recipe is the best!

These Grain-Free Matzo Balls have an authentic matzo ball taste (you’ll never miss the matzo,) with a bit more flavor than typical bland Passover matzo balls. This extra pop of flavor comes from the addition of Trader Joe’s Onion Salt and minced scallions, which complement the soup perfectly!

These Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls are a bit more dense in the center (not as fluffy) as some matzo balls, which is actually how I’ve always preferred them. The addition of 2 tablespoons of seltzer creates a nice moistness throughout. Passover perfection!!!

For more information about cassava flour see: Getting to Know Cassava (Yuca) Flour.

 

Making Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls

(Makes 10-12 matzo balls) 

Ingredients: (Full printer friendly recipe below)

-3/4 cups Otto’s Cassava Flour 

-3 cage-free eggs (I use duck eggs since I’m sensitive to chicken eggs. Both work perfectly!)

-1/2 teaspoon Trader Joe’s Onion Salt

-1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

-1 teaspoon scallions or chives – minced

-1 tablespoon avocado oil (I use Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil.)

-2 tablespoons seltzer (Cassava flour matzo balls can be a bit denser than those made from wheat. Seltzer helps them to be more moist and fluffy.)

 

Click here to shop for any needed non-perishable ingredients to make these scrumptious matzo balls such as:

 

Otto’s Naturals 100% Natural Cassava Flour Made from Yuca Root Bag, 2 Pound
Trader Jo’e Onion Salt Savory Allium blend Seasoning Salt 2 Oz.
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Hand-crafted Avocado Oil (33.8-oz Bottle) Pack of 2
 

Natierra, Himalania Fine Grain Himalayan Pink Salt Shaker, 13 Ounce
 

By ordering recommended products through our website we get a small percentage of the sale which helps to support the maintenance of Crazy For Yuca. There’s absolutely no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting our efforts to bring you the latest yuca/cassava recipes!

 

 

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Directions:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Step 2: In a large bowl, blend all ingredients including Otto’s Cassava Flour, eggs, pink Himalayan salt, Trader Joe’s Onion Salt, avocado oil, seltzer, and minced scallions or chives.

Grain-Free Cassava Flour dough in metal bowl.

 

Step 3: Moisten hands and scoop up enough dough to make a 1 inch ball. Roll dough between hands like a meatball, and place into pot of boiling water. Repeat to make 10-12 matzo balls. (Balls with expand during cooking.)

Step 4: Return water to a boil, then reduce heat and cover pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls cooking in pot

 

Step 5: Remove from water and add to your favorite chicken soup. Enjoy! (Or eat plain with your fingers immediately, because they’re just that good!!!)

 

Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls in chicken soup plated in china bowl.

 

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Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Why not decrease the grains this holiday with Grain-Free Cassava Flour Matzo Balls? They will be adored by your gluten-eating and gluten-free guests alike! These Grain-Free Matzo Balls have an authentic matzo ball taste (you'll never miss the matzo,) with a bit more flavor than typical bland Passover matzo balls. This extra pop of flavor comes from the addition of Trader Joe's Onion Salt and minced scallions which complement the soup perfectly! They are a bit more dense in the center (not as fluffy) as some matzo balls, which is actually how I've always preferred them. The addition of 2 tablespoons of seltzer creates a nice moistness throughout. Passover perfection!!!

Course: Soup
Servings: 10 Matzo Balls
Author: Lauren from Crazy For Yuca
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup Otto's Cassava Flour
  • 3 cage-free eggs
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons seltzer
  • 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
  • 1 tablespoon scallions or chives - minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Trader Joe's Onion Salt
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

  2. Meanwhile, place all ingredients into a large bowl, including cassava flour, eggs, avocado oil, seltzer, salt, Trader Joe's onion salt, and minced scallions (or chives) and blend thoroughly.

  3. Moisten hands and scoop up a small amount of dough (enough to make 1" balls.) Roll dough between hands like a meatball. (If balls stick excessively to hands, moisten them again before rolling the next matzo ball.) 

  4. Place matzo balls directly into boiling water. They will expand while cooking.

  5. Return to a boil. Then cover pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

  6. Remove cooked matzo balls from pot. Place into your favorite chicken soup. Enjoy!

 

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Disclaimer– In Crazy for Yuca I write about my own personal health and diet journey.  My experience and recipes are not to be considered expert advice or suggestive that anyone follow any particular diet protocol.  Each person’s body and medical issues are individual and need to be evaluated by a medical professional.  If you have any concerns due to your specific diagnoses, please consult your doctor before eating yuca. 

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Guyanese Ground Provisions

Guyanese Ground Provisions

While I usually incorporate yuca (a.k.a. cassava) into typical American food as a way to make gluten-free cooking more diverse and less restricting, today I’m excited to share a traditional recipe showing how yuca is eaten in another part of the world. This recipe for 

Gluten-Free Grain-Free Banana Bread / Muffins

Gluten-Free Grain-Free Banana Bread / Muffins

I’m making this banana bread as I type up this post, and the incredible aroma as it’s baking has taken over the house! I can’t wait for it to cool off so I can take my blog pictures and dig in!!! Whether made into muffins