This month’s Go Ahead Honey It’s Gluten Free carnival—with the theme “Dishes So Simple, No Recipe Required”—has brought out a lot of great bloggers. There are welcome new faces as well as many valued “regulars” … that’s the best combo of participants! The “non-recipe” submissions include classic family favorites as well as innovative creations that everyone will want to try … in some cases just to see how well the ideas or the flavors work.
The first recipe that came in was from Sherron of Simply Gourmet. Sherron said, “My family and I eat a lot of this in the summer time. I don’t follow a recipe, I just add the ingredients until the flavor is where we like it.” Sherron does have a bit of a recipe for her Guacamole for her readers, but I’m betting more folks make guacamole without a recipe than make it with one. Guacamole is a simple pleasure for many … including me.
Next up was another veggie entry, and an ingenious one at that—Roasted Red Pepper Leather. This recipe comes from Megh of Yolks, Kefir, and Gristle. (Note: This site is no longer operating.) She says that these dehydrated red peppers work amazingly well as crackers. What a great concept for those who want to eat grain free, want an easy egg-free “cracker,” and/or want to add more veggies into their diet at every opportunity!
Continuing on with the veggie love, Tina of Madame GF Vegetarian (note: this site is no longer operating) offered The Best and Easiest Roasted Potatoes. In my opinion, good potatoes can elevate just about any meal. Tina’s look so delicious and comforting. I’d be eager to pull up to the table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with these on the menu.
Jennifer (The RA Vegan) sent in the next recipe, Super Easy Slaw. Starting out with a ready-made cole slaw mix (often a lifesaver for those whose hands don’t do well with lots of chopping and prep work), Jennifer added “a little bit of this” and “a little bit of that” (some surprise ingredients!) to create a lovely, colorful slaw in just a few minutes.
Maggie (She Let Them Eat Cake) shares the key ingredient in some of her super quick salad meals of late—Creamy Carrot Salad Dressing. As Maggie says, “Salad dressings are so easy to whip up. It would take you longer to drive to the store to buy one!” Maggie’s dressing is beautiful and so are her salad creations. Bonus … the dressing is thick enough to use as a dip or a spread on wraps!
Iris (The Daily Dietribe) offered up something new for breakfast—Baked Buckwheat Pancakes. (This recipe is no longer available via The Daily Dietribe.) A thick, baked skillet pancake made from buckwheat groats that Iris says is just right for back-to-school breakfasts. Delicious looking, don’t you think?
Jeanette (Jeanette’s Healthy Living) shared Easy Tomato Paste Pasta. This meal looks so simple and yet amazing. It reminds me of the basic spaghetti dish that I’ve enjoyed since childhood, but even a snooty adult wouldn’t turn away from this one with Jeanette’s easy “upscale” touches.
Valerie (City|Life|Eats) offered a healthy, but totally satisfying dessert recipe—Flaky Chocolate Snack. The satisfying part comes from the dark chocolate that comes into play and the flaky factor adds to the satisfaction, too. Only with food (and it’s usually with desserts), is flakiness considered a good thing. And a very good thing at that! (UPDATE: If you follow the link, you will see that Foods for Life Brown Rice Tortillas are cited in this recipe. Please note that several samples of these products tested ABOVE 20 ppm gluten when testing was done by Gluten-Free Watchdog in December 2011. Yes, that means they were NOT gluten free.)
Zoe (Z’s Cup of Tea) also had something in the dessert department and her recipe also included chocolate. Chocolate Sandwiches. I’ve never been a big sandwich eater, but honestly I have never considered sandwiches like the ones that Zoe created. A sandwich that works in place of a chocolate croissant? I’m all in!
Linda (Gluten-Free Homemaker) shared Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetables. Exactly what it says. So simple, yet so good. As Linda says, “The slow cooker is one of those appliances that makes no-recipe dishes a cinch.”
Colette (SillyYak Wife) made Quick and Easy Black Bean Dip. Black Bean Dip is always a treat, but I think it’s especially welcome when there’s a party atmosphere. With football season already in progress, I can definitely see Colette’s black bean dip making all the fans happy.
Kalinda (Wheat Free Meat Free) made Asian Soup for her unrecipe. Oh my, does this concept tickle my taste buds! This one will definitely be going on my menu when I’m back home. I’m always looking for new ways to use rice stick noodles from my Asian market.
Faith (Me Sew Crafty) brought a main (or side) dish—Brown Rice Salad—and a Frozen Strawberry Dessert, too. She’s definitely my kind of dinner guest!
I, Shirley (gfe–gluten free easily), shared my Saucy Cheesy Chicken Veggie Pasta Skillet Supper dish. This particular variation is perfectly described by my post title, but if you read my post, you’ll see that the “saucy” can come from various ingredients; the “cheesy” can be dairy, non-dairy, or can be omitted depending upon the other flavors, the “chicken” may be omitted or replaced by another protein source like chickpeas; and the “veggie” factor can be seasonal veggies and/or what’s in your freezer. Per usual, I take a lot of words to explain what is a very easy throw together type dish; don’t be intimidated!
Adrienne (Whole New Mom) also went the pasta route. Her words: “My family thanks you for asking for this. They LOVED what I made! It turned out great!” Her Super Fast Pasta “Your Way” was clearly a winner with them and I’m sure it will be one with you!
Diane (The Whole Gang) shared her “I-don’t-want-to-cook-dinner” Mexican Casserole. Diane didn’t post on this non-recipe and her family ate it too quickly for her to remember to take a photo, but she is sharing her non-recipe directions with us all. “I take my small round crock which I think is a 2-qt one, but I don’t even know. Just something that will go into the oven or microwave. Salsa, refried beans, corn tortilla or chips, cooked meat, some type of cheese (I use Daiya), and that’s it. Oh, and veggies if you have them cooked. I usually have some peppers and onions around. I put some salsa on the bottom, then a tortilla or some chips, then layer whatever way I feel like at the time. Some beans and cheese, tortilla, some veggies and beans, tortilla, some meat and cheese. You get the idea. The key is a little cheese and salsa each layer and separate the layers with tortillas. I top it off with cheese and a tortilla. I can either microwave or bake at 375 degrees until warmed through. Dinner!!!”
Georgianna (Celtic Celiac) submitted two entries. First was her Grown-up Grilled Cheese. Next up was her Tex Mex Polenta Rounds. I wouldn’t turn either of these down. In fact, I’d be at the front of the line!
Tia (Glugle Gluten Free) (this site is no longer active) is ladling Everything But the Kitchen Sink, Make You Feel Better NOW Soup into soup mugs for all. Hers is a slow cooker recipe that apparently will cure all that ails you. I’m ready for Tia’s tasty “cure-all” soup … how about you?
Stephanie (Gluten Free By Nature) shares a dessert made in the slow cooker—Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Applesauce. (This blog is no longer in operation.) Applesauce is a classic, old-fashioned favorite, sure to please the young and the old. Plus, remember that applesauce can sometimes be used as an egg substitute in some baking recipes.
Alta (Tasty Eats At Home) said, “I’m sharing my Perfect Lamb Chops, which is such an unrecipe. I list three ingredients, but it’s really more of a technique than anything.” Alta tells us in her post that she had to keep delaying sharing her post because her family kept eating her lamb chops before she could get a photo. Now I can’t think of a better recommendation than that!
Ricki (Ricki Heller) linked up a non-recipe from her “Flash in the Pan” series—Pink Breakfast Bowl. Who can pass up a healthy breakfast that’s Pretty in Pink? Surprisingly this dish is served cold; read Ricki’s post to find out why and to see what gives it that lovely pink color.
Finally, Naomi (Straight Into Bed Cakefree and Dried) (this site is only available via invitation now), the well-loved creator of this long-standing and very enjoyable Go Ahead Honey, It’s Gluten Free! carnival, shared her Breakfast to Go to Work On. She also shared information on the merits of eating breakfast and tips on what breakfasts ideally should include. Naomi encourages people to eat a proper meal at breakfast, lunch, and supper so they don’t need to be snacking constantly… One look at her photo and I was sold!
Please check out all the entries and spread the comment love, too. It’s so nice for participating bloggers to get feedback!
Originally published September 2, 2011; updated September 13, 2020.
Ricki says
What a monumental roundup, Shirley! Everything looks amazing. And I am absolutely thrilled to see so many vegetarian entries here. 😀 (Oh, and so many chocolate-based ones, too, of course!). I’m off to check out oh-so-many of these great recipes. Thanks for putting this all together.
Shirley says
Thanks so much, Ricki! I was surprised and delighted at how many vegetarian entrees there were, too. But when you think about it, those really lend themselves to non-recipes. 😉 Haha on chocolate, but yes! 🙂 BTW, please take another look because after I hit the Publish button, emails started coming in to tell me that I’d missed a few. Cough, cough … uh, SIX in fact! Blogging while on vacation might not be a good idea in the future.. 😉
Shirley
Diane-thewholegang says
Wow that is some roundup. I’m getting really hungry just looking at all of that great food. I think I’ll start at the top and work my way down! Great job!
Shirley says
Hi Diane–One of us should actually do that! If you do it, let me know. It would make for a great week of food I think! 😉 And as I was telling Ricki, I left out SEVERAL the first time around, so please take another look at the entries. You might find even more that you want to make! 🙂
Shirley
Zoe says
What an excellent round-up, Shirley! All the photography is outstanding – I found myself clicking the links into new tabs whilst reading your round-up. A good sign. ;)I have some new reads! Thanks, Shirley! 🙂
Shirley says
Hey Zoe–Thanks, dear! Yes, major kudos to the bloggers with their recipes and photos! FYI–After I hit Publish, I made sure to update the photos so that one can just click on them and be taken to the post. 🙂 Added SIX more after the initial publication, too. Forgot to look at my second page of GAH emails. 🙁 Anwyay, so glad you submitted your Chocolate Sandwiches! I wonder how many folks will be making those this week …
xo,
Shirley
Alta says
Oh my, what a roundup! I need a chocolate sandwich. Looks great! Good job, Shirley.
Shirley says
Alta–LOL … you and me both, sister! As I was just saying to Zoe, I think a lot of folks will be making chocolate sandwiches this week! 😉 I’m so happy you added your Perfect Lamb Chops. I think many folks are intimidated by them. I’ve never made them myself, but I feel confident that I can with your recipe. 🙂 Be sure to take another quick scan of the listings, as I linked up several more after I initially published the post.
Thanks!
Shirley
Tina @madame gluten-free vegetarian says
Hi Shirley!
How do you find the time to put this all together while you’re on vacation? You amaze me! As do all these terrific dishes. I second Ricki on all the veggie-friendly entries and of course . . . chocolate! 🙂 Tina.
Shirley says
Hi Tina–Dear, I am sooo very, very human, especially when on vacation! As I was saying to others, I missed SEVERAL entries and had to add them a bit later, so please take another quick look to be sure you see all the great unrecipes. 😉 Veggies and chocolate … perhaps all one needs in life? LOL
Thanks and hugs,
Shirley
Lillian @ LilliansTestKitchen.com says
Thanks for including me in this Shirley! I have to say, a lot of these recipes look pretty tasty and easy to make (which is my favorite combination).
I particularly can’t wait to give Alta’s lamb chops a try… I don’t think I’ve ever made lamb chops, and clearly I’m missing out. 🙂
Tia @ Glugle Gluten-Free says
Great round-up, Shirley. But I expect nothing less from you. Thanks for including me. And doing all the work. I shouldn’t have read this while hungry, though. Now, I want to go make some. Enjoy the rest of your vacation. I hope it is relaxing.
xoxo,
Tia
Shirley says
Hi Tia–Thanks so much, dear! I love having you as one of my cheerleaders! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking to the roundup in your weekly Gluten Free News You Can Use, too! Report back here or to the original blog entry if you make any of these unrecipes. And as I was telling others, take a quick scan and make sure that I didn’t add any more entries after your read the post the first time around. 😉
xoxo,
Shirley
Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble says
Yum! I love the idea of roasted red peppers to use as crackers!!
Shirley says
Hi Rebecca–I know … brilliant, huh? 🙂 Definitely worth getting a dehydrator for. 😉
Shirley
Iris says
So many wonderful ideas here! Thanks for hosting Shirley, and hope you had (are having?) a wonderful vacation! Now I’m off to bake pizza! 🙂
Shirley says
Hey Iris–Thanks, dear! Can’t wait to figure out something for your theme this month. 🙂 Vacation has been wonnnnnderful … almost over, but that’s okay. 😉
Thanks for doing all the hard, hard work on the pizza for us. Seriously.
xo,
Shirley
Jeanette says
Thanks for putting this round up together Shirley – I know it must have been a lot of work, but I know many people (including me of course) appreciate it. So nice to know that going gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out on any fun or flavors.
Shirley says
Hi Jeanette–I’m so glad you joined in this month, dear! Your recipe was lovely, and I appreciate your comment on how the roundup shows that those who are gluten free don’t have to miss out on anything! 🙂
Shirley
Maggie says
WOW! I just ate dinner and I’m ready to head back into the kitchen 🙂 Great pics and as always, it is a great round-up! Thanks for fitting me in Shirley. xo
Shirley says
I know, Maggie … these amazing roundups tend to do that to one! 😉 Thanks for the kind words and I’m tickled pink that you joined in with your salad dressing, salad ideas, and general non-recipe encouragement. 🙂
xo,
Shirley
Linda says
A great roundup, Shirley! Thanks for hosting this month, especially with your vacation plans and change of plans. 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Linda–Thanks so much! The vacation plans and rescheduling did make things a bit more “hairy,” but it all turned out. 😉
Shirley
InTolerantChef says
Great selection indeed!
Shirley says
InTolerantChef–Yes! 🙂
Shirley
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
This is an amazing round up! I love non-recipe recipes!
Shirley says
Hi Sarena–I know … they make life so much easier! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, dear! 🙂
Shirley
Megh says
Thanks so much for posting my recipe! It’s such an easy idea, and I’ve been making them more this summer now that local red peppers are at a discount!
Shirley says
Hi Megh–Your recipe has intrigued many! I wonder if there will be a run on dehydrators … no kidding. 😉 Great to grown one’s own red peppers or get them on sale for sure. 🙂
Shirley
Nicole @ Special Diet Creations says
What a fantastic round-up, Shirley! That Grown-Up Grilled Cheese looks phenomenal. I’d be at the front of the line right with you and probably beg for seconds!
Shirley says
Hi Nicole–Thanks so much! Folks really outdid themselves, didn’t they? Every time I look through the entries, I am inspired anew! Isn’t it interesting how grilled cheese speaks to so many of us? 🙂 Love Georgianna’s grown-up version. 😉
Shirley
Erin Elberson Lyon-GF Fitness says
Un recipes! My favorite!
These all look awesome. I love the low stress of not really recipes 🙂 I have quite a few new ones to try! Of course, I missed getting you the email and getting up my own post, but when I do (this weekend!) I will be sure to link to all these beauties.
Shirley says
Erin–I know … they are the best!!! I was hoping you’d be able to get me your unrecipe post, but I know you’re still in recovery mode, so you get a pass this time. 😉 Sweet of you to link when you do get the post up, dear! I’ll look forward to it. 🙂
Shirley
Kim (Cook IT Allergy Free) says
This is an INCREDIBLE round up. I missed the boat, of course, on this one, but I am so impressed with all of the amazing recipes and all of your hard work to put it together!!
There are quite a few recipes that I am going to be trying here!! 😉
xo
k
Shirley says
Hi Kim–Yes, I was pretty impressed with the turnout and all the recipes! 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind words, dear. I’m sure you’ll join in when you can. Got a Chinese dish for Iris’ event? 😉 Like you, I love seeing the roundups to these events and finding new “must try” recipes.
xo,
Shirley