Did you just moan a little bit when you read Roasted Potato Slices with Smoky Aioli Dip in the title, or when you saw the photo above? Oh, that was me? Sorry … where on Earth are my manners?
I have a good excuse though. The name of this recipe sounds like pure comfort food and it is. Elegant comfort food at that, but still comfort food and I have a hard time suppressing my feelings when it comes to comfort food. And having made this dish now, I know exactly how comforting and wonderful it truly is.
How about the other recipe mention in the title—Balsamic Fudge Drops? I bet your eyebrows shot up at the mention of those cookies. I’m going to make you wait on my report for them. These were the two recipes that I chose to make for my adoption of Ellen of Gluten-Free Diva for this month’s Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger event. (Unfortunately, this site is no longer active.)
Yes, Ellen Allard is the Gluten-Free Diva. You may remember that when she first started blogging she declared I Am Gluten Free in her blog name. Then a few months back, she transformed her blog and herself into the Gluten-Free Diva.
That’s a natural progression if you ask me. When I used to read Ellen’s former blog title, I always thought of Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” song—another bold affirmation of sorts. Borrowing Reddy’s lyrics, I love the associated “roar” that comes with such affirmations. Once one has declared themselves as woman or gluten free—and that person is extremely proud of it I might add—well, it just makes sense to move on to being a diva.
After all, Gluten-Free Diva has a certain je ne sais quoi don’t you think? Especially when it comes to Ellen, who is certainly more warm, fun, and giving, in her gluten-free ways than she is diva-ish.
Just look at her blog photo … doesn’t she look like a lot of fun? Maybe gluten-free divas are made from a different mold. Well, hmmm, no, I don’t actually think that’s it.
I think that it’s just Ellen herself who is special. She’s the full-of-life diva with none of the ‘tude (if you know what I mean). And Ellen’s motto and tag line on her blog is “it’s so easy to be gluten free.” Of course, you know I embrace that philosophy, too. Yet another reason to love Ellen, the Gluten-Free Diva.
Just so you know, I’m not going off of my impressions of Ellen from her blog alone. I first met Ellen in person last year at BlogHer Food. Since that time we’ve become great friends and have gotten to see each other a couple more times in person. In fact, I just got to catch up with her at the Gluten-Free and Allergen-Free Expo! She was working beside her friend, Anna (Breads from Anna), at the vendor fair each day. (Side note: Anna has great bread mixes for folks who need to eat free of more than just gluten.)
Ellen’s a joyful person who is very active in the gluten-free community. She not only blogs gluten free to share and help others, but also teaches gluten-free cooking classes. And you might not know this, but Ellen is also an acclaimed children’s musician. My buddy, Tia (Glugle Gluten Free–this site is no longer active), says that her son chooses Ellen’s musical CDs over all the others he has—that’s way cool!
Back to Ellen’s recipes …
Ellen shared her Roasted Potato Slices with Smoky Aioli Dip when several of us participated in the Gluten-Free Progressive Oscars Dinner Party last year. I salivated over them then. Hey, it was roasted potatoes!
Like I said earlier … that’s some serious comfort food. Plus the aioli dip involved some of my very favorite seasonings—garlic, cumin, onion, and paprika. But time slipped away as it often does and I forgot about Ellen’s ever so appealing potatoes and aioli dip. However, I knew if I adopted Ellen, I’d have a great reason to make her potato dish. That is one of the many benefits of adopting someone through the Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger event. You can finally make some of those recipes that quickly slipped off your radar screen after you initially thought they looked so good and you must make them immediately. Life just seems to happen that way.
Another benefit of the Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger event is exploring different baking and cooking methods. For example, I’m often drawn to vegan or at least eggless baking recipes because that’s not normally how I bake. I’m fascinated by the chemistry that takes place, allowing one to bake successfully without eggs.
Ellen’s Elegant Roasted Potatoes and Smoky Aioli Dip (shown with flowers from son)
Let’s start with my experience with Ellen’s Roasted Potatoes and Smokey Aioli Dip. I made the Roasted Potato Slices as she directed. Well, except for the second part where I turned the oven up to 500 degrees for a few minutes and then turned it off while I took an hour-long walk with my friend.
A multi-tasking girl must take such shortcuts, you know? I was following the “intent” of Ellen’s directions and by the way, this method worked grea. The potatoes were cooked perfectly when I returned. However, I left them in the oven a bit longer to keep them warm while I made the Smoky Aioli Dip.
I did modify Ellen’s Aioli dip slightly, but again just enough to use ingredients I had on hand. So instead of yogurt, I used slightly less sour cream. (Next time I plan to make Ellen’s dip dairy free by using coconut cream and adding a bit of fresh lemon juice to equate the taste of yogurt.) I also used smoked paprika, which Ellen suggested as an alternative to sweet paprika.
The potato slices were that fabulous combination of crunch on the outside and that ideal mouth “give” once you bit into them. By themselves—coated and cooked in olive oil and seasonings—the potato slices were delicious, of course. But dipping them into the Smoky Aioli Dip took them to an entirely different level. That “OMG, these are so good, they could be an appetizer on a very upscale restaurant menu level” and yes, they’d make me so happy that I’d buy that high-priced bottle of wine that the cute waiter offered me to go with them.
Anyone else ever had the food-induced, spend more money on spirits phase? Okay, I digress, but I did grab a nice Australian chardonnay off our wine “rack” to go with them and life seemed supremely good while we enjoyed them. The truth is that I wanted to bathe in Ellen’s Smoky Aioli Dip. And that’s saying a lot considering it wasn’t chocolate. It is a very simple, but fantastic aioli dip.
While this recipe is fancy enough to be an appetizer for a dinner party, it would also make a great side dish for any meal and might even lift your basic cookout to new heights. And if there are any leftovers, you can eat them for breakfast the next day like I did. I did not enjoy a Mimosa with them at the time (work frowns on that type of thing), but they would have certainly been worthy of such an accompaniment!
On to dessert … which was chocolate! Ellen has many eggless and vegan recipes, even ones you might not expect to so easily be made that way. In the Balsamic Fudge Drops recipe, she uses yogurt and balsamic vinegar to offer the action and texture that the eggs would normally provide. I had no idea how balsamic vinegar would taste in a cookie recipe, but I’ve used apple cider vinegar in baking recipes and it’s always worked just fine. And balsamic is milder than apple cider vinegar, plus I trusted Ellen to not steer me wrong. My good friend, Ali (Nourishing Meals), also often uses vinegar in eggless baking.
I made Ellen’s Balsamic Fudge Drop cookies twice. The first time I used coconut cream versus yogurt and it wasn’t “coconut creamy” enough if you know what I mean. (Do not buy Goya coconut milk if you want dense coconut cream! Unfortunately, that’s all my local store carries right now.) The resulting cookies were a cross between cookie brittle and lace cookies. They were totally delicious and even a mistake worth repeating, but they were not the cookies Ellen intended. Important note: That is no reflection on Ellen or her recipe at all. That is just what often happens when one doesn’t follow a recipe.
The next time I used a better alternative to yogurt, the sour cream which I had left from the potatoes. This time the cookies came out just as Ellen described and showed. There is no sour taste at all from either the balsamic vinegar or sour cream. These cookies are just rich and chocolate-y. You should note that these cookies are a softer cookie. As Ellen warns, the cookies do look “terrifyingly soft” when you take them out of the oven, but they continue cooking to provide lovely cookies in the end. (Note: I left mine on the parchment paper on the baking sheet to finish cooking.)
Ellen’s Balsamic Fudge Drops (shown with impatiens that my mom gave me on Mother’s Day)
Ellen has so many recipes that folks rave over that I still want to make: Multi-Grain Bagels (gluten free, dairy free, and egg free), gRAWnola, Oatmeal Almond Waffles, Peanut Butter Lace Cookies (gluten free, vegan), and her Birthday Cake Pops. Okay, I might hold out for her to make those cake pops for me! (I’ll email you my birthday info, Ellen!)
Oh, wait, I almost forgot to mention Ellen’s Almost Raw Chocolate Balls of Deliciousness. Those are so easy to make; you can make them in two minutes in your food processor. But, warning, you cannot make them in your mini-chopper. Don’t ask me how I know this info. I’ll just say that chopped dates are magical for binding and making naturally sweetened treats, but they do stick to the blades of one’s mini chopper and make everything go off balance. Sort of like the mini-chopper version of a washing machine getting out of balance. Sigh. (It seemed so doable; I’ve even made cashew butter in my mini chopper before. Sadly, it’s not the omnipotent, shortcut kitchen appliance I thought it was.)
While I have little patience for typical divas, Ellen is a Gluten-Free Diva that you must check out!
Incidentally, Lauren-Lucille, The Celiac Diva, is another delightful gluten-free diva. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting her at the Gluten-Free and Allergen-Free Expo this past weekend. And by “extreme pleasure,” I mean screams and hugs from both of us upon greeting each other! Maybe the truth is that she who calls herself a diva can’t really be one … at least not in the usual meaning of the word—thank goodness!
Be sure to check out all the other adoptions in this month’s event when Sea (Book of Yum) gets the roundup posted. You can check out all my previous adoption posts here on gfe, especially my adoption post from last month. There are milkshakes and cookies involved … just sayin’.
Originally published May 10, 2011; updated September 24, 2019.
AndreAnna says
Okay, now I’m going to blame you for making me click through all of Ellen’s recipes because OMG I just can’t stop!!!
Everything looks so amazing – great choice!
Shirley says
Hey AndreAnna–Isn’t that true about Recipe pages? Especially Ellen’s! That IS one hard part about doing an adoption. 😉
Thanks!
Shirley
Ellen @Gluten Free Diva says
Shirley – you are so sweet. How did you know that I needed a boost tonight??!!! This was just what the doctor ordered. Thank you my good friend:).
xoxo, Ellen
Shirley says
Hi Ellen–So happy to give you a little boost with my adoption post. Your recipes were a real treat for me, dear. If I’d just had more time, I could have kept cooking and baking. Maybe proper adoptions should be making one recipe a day from the adoptee!Oh, to have that luxury and joy. 🙂
xoxo,
Shirley
Christy says
Good one, hehehe, and what a whole lot of recipes to share at one go! 😉
Shirley says
Hi Christy–Your comment was lost in Spam for a while. Welcome to gfe! 🙂 From your chuckling, I take it you’ve known some other kinds of divas. 😉 Ellen is the best kind, and yes, she has a whole lot of great recipes to share. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
Shirley
Kay Guest says
How did you know that “Roasted Potato Slices” made me moan? Do you have a secret camera on me?
Thanks for all these links to these great gluten free gals just like yourself!
🙂 Cheers! Kay
Shirley says
Hi Kay–Haha … a fellow potato lover, I see! 😉 Happy to share great gluten-free gals with all! And thank you, Captain of the gfe cheerleading squad. 🙂
Hugs,
Shirley
Ina Gawne says
These recipes look fabulous! And so does Ellen’s blog! The expo sounds like such a supportive great way to meet people too!
Shirley says
Hi Ina–I know Ellen will appreciate your compliments very much! 🙂 The Expo was great for meeting folks I’d followed a long time online and to reconnect with other favorites. It seems that each event has a different set of attendees, according to location, schedules, etc. So each one is a new treat in that regard! 😉
Shirley
Tina @madame gluten-free vegetarian says
Hi Shirley,
I feel the same way you do about chocolate! Ellen’s potatoes look fabulous. The flowers from your son look amazing, too. 🙂 Tina.
Shirley says
Hi Tina–I think there’s a HUGE number of us in that chocolate group! Yes, those potatoes were divine. A basic staple in the pantry made into elegant deliciousness.. 😉
Thanks so much re: the flowers! They are truly a lovely bouquet. The funny thing is that Son said he looked and looked until he could find a bunch that included a sunflower, but the yellow flower in the bouquet is actually a Gerbera daisy (I think!) vs a sunflower. I didn’t tell him … it’s still quite lovely. 🙂
Shirley
Carol, Simply...Gluten-free says
Oh man you had me at the recipes titles and then the fact that you picked such a great gal to adopt? Well, I am with the others, moaning away! LOL at your comment about not having much patience for typical divas 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Carol–LOL … we better not get all of us potato lovers together, huh? 😉 It’s so much fun to be friends with and adopt a non-diva diva … even if that sounds a bit odd!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Carol!
Shirley
Mary says
Dear Shirley,
Could you please post your coconut cream recipe??
thanks!
Shirley says
Hi Mary–When I say coconut cream, I’m just talking about the solids that are in most cans of coconut milk (full-fat coconut milk, that is). Place your can in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. When you open it, you’ll see a big white firmer glob … that’s the coconut cream!
Shirley
Karen says
A link to the actual recipes would be nice. Are they there and I just didn’t see them? I am tired… Those potatos would be the dealth of me. Trying to go low carb but man those look good!
Shirley says
Hi Karen–LOL … no, you’re not tired … they weren’t there! I included all those links at the end, but not the links to the recipes that I made and talked so much about. Thanks for being my quality assurance! Some days I really need a second set of eyes. 😉
The potatoes were wonderful even without the dip. I have to admit I’ve only made French fries or wedges in the oven. In the future, I’ll be making slices instead. So much crispiness to be had and they cook faster. 🙂
Shirley
Shirley says
Karen–One additional note … it looks like you are new here–welcome! 🙂
Shirley
Gluten Free Steve says
Those look quite tasty. I’m a sucker for anything potato wise.
Shirley says
Hey Steve–I wonder how many there are of us who just love potatoes. I think you’d really enjoy this recipe!
Shirley
cheryl says
I was planning to go to bed like a mature woman…and then saw balsamic fudge drops and drooled like a 5 yo. Great adoption!
Shirley says
Oh, Cheryl, you crack me up! Hope you were able to sleep after seeing them. 😉 Thanks so much, dear! 🙂
Shirley
Alisa Fleming says
Oh my amazingness. Ellen is so incredibly creative with recipes! I’m going to check out that cookie recipe now.
I think it was you who recommended the Thai Kitchen coconut milk. It looked awesome at the GFAF show (they had two cans for me), so I was excited when the local co-op had it on discount and there were Thai Kitchen coupons online! I stocked up on several cans of the organic Thai Kitchen coconut milk for just $1 each! Thanks for the recommendation Shirley.
Shirley says
Hey Alisa–I agree re: Ellen’s amazingness! I think you can make her recipe using non-dairy better. 🙂
Oh, I miss my Thai Kitchen coconut milk. Great score on a discount AND online coupons! I need to find the organic version somewhere locally.
Shirley
Kim (Cook IT Allergy Free) says
I just loved this – such a perfect adoption! And those potatoes?? They sound unbelievable! I am so going to make them since my kiddos will absolutely ANYTHING with potatoes. And I have actually made her smoky aioli before – when Heidi and Mike came to visit with the boys! I did not actually make the potato slices, but instead got some fresh ones from the farmer’s market (not enough time). That sauce so amazing! I could eat it on anything! And those cookies look so naughty. I love the Thai Kitchen brand when I need coconut cream. It is the perfect amount of “creamy”.
Shirley, thank you for sharing Ellen with everyone here. All of us who have met her now know how amazing she really is!!
xoxox
k
Linda says
You always do amazing adoption posts, Shirley. Both recipes look delicious. I’ve never had aioli before, but I’m sure I would like it.
Shirley says
Thanks so much, Linda! Adoption posts are always fun to do. The aioli dip is a great contrast to the seasoned potato slices. And how can you beat yet another recipe for chocolate cookies? 😉
Shirley
Maggie says
Shirley you do such a thorough job with your adoption posts! I am so excited to check out the recipe for the potatoes (loooove potatoes). And I will of course check out the dip, I love that you use coconut cream to replace yogurt. I’ve never thought of that. Thanks for more Maggie love 🙂 xoxo
Shirley says
Hey Maggie–Thank you, dear! My cooking/baking life has never been the same since I started using coconut milk with all its possibilities.
I’ve got lots more Maggie love! 😉 xo,
Shirley
Heather @ Life, Gluten Free says
Those potatoes look good. For the past couple of days, it’s been rainy and dreary. I’ve made “grandpa potatoes” which is what we call them because my grandpa made the best pan-friend potatoes and only he knew the real secret. Everyone in my family has tried to duplicate them but no one can make them just like he did. I think only he can 🙂 Anyways, I do my best and they sure are good!
Shirley says
Hi Heather–Oh, I like the sound of your grandpa potatoes! You must have such sweet thoughts of your grandpa every time you you make those potatoes. 🙂 It’s funny how many recipes can’t be exactly duplicated by others. It sure makes them very special and allows the rest of us to have fun trying to get them just right. 😉
Shirley
Tom @ Tall Clover Farm says
Wow, there’s a whole lot of gluten-free love here to choose from. In searching for a potluck dish to bring, who knew the options were so numberous. Thanks for showcasing some great gluten-free options for the uninitiated.
Shirley says
Hey Tom–Never a shortage of gluten-free recipes to share at a potluck! Either my gfe recipes or those of friends. I bet once you start checking out the recipe, you’ll see that you already make tons of naturally gluten-free recipes anyway. 🙂 You just have to be sure you don’t have any pesky cross contamination going on, like accidentally using the same utensils to cut/serve your gluten-free dish as you did for your gluten dish. Those kind of mistakes are easily made by the “unitiated.” Thank you for taking care of your gluten-free friends, Tom!
Shirley
Spring says
Hi:
Can the recipe for GF Artesian Bread be doubled?
Shirley Braden says
Spring–I’m wondering if you’ve commented on the wrong post. There is no GF artisan bread mentioned in this post that I can see. ?
Shirley
Spring says
Hi! I had clicked through a link that was from a few years ago, that website was not up anymore, but followed your name and the site name it was.
You were given credit for the recipe on the Foodies of New England site.
It called for 1 2/2 c cup 4 cup
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp rapid rise yeast
1 tbsp of sugar
1 c water.
I only asked as having cooked gf for my daughter for 10 years, I know how picky these recipes can be! Not to mention true cost of cup 4 cup.
Thanks for the reply, and if I reached you in error, my apologies!
Shirley Braden says
Spring–Thanks for providing more info and no apologies needed, of course. That’s interesting that such a recipe was attributed to me. However, I’m wondering if it’s a recipe that I actually linked to on my site. Maybe in my series of much loved bread recipes here on gfe?
Shirley
Spring says
Sorry, that was SITE!