Delicious Gluten-Free New Year's Eve Party Recipes

My husband has suffered from Crohn's disease for the last ten years. About six years ago, we came across a book entitled, Breaking the Vicious Cycle. This book claimed that by eating a specific carbohydrate, gluten-free diet, you can control the symptoms of Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, and Celiac Disease. We have been cooking from the guidelines of this book for the last six years and my husband has shown remarkable improvements. We use many recipes from the book but have also experimented and come up with our own food creations. Here are some of my favorite recipes that can be prepared for a New Year's Eve party or any get-together.

One important note, some of these recipes use almond flour. Most people have never heard of almond flour, but is a staple for gluten-free cooking in our home. It is simply blanched almonds ground to the consistency of flour. It can by obtained at Whole Foods market, health food store or the health food section of your grocery under the brand name Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour/Meal or bought in bulk at www.honeyvillegrain.com.

1. Sausage Balls
Combine 1 lb of your favorite sausage, spicy or mild, depending on your preference, 4 oz of sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of almond flour into well-mixed. Roll into balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Cook on 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

2. Nachos
This recipe using another unique ingredient - banana chips. The banana chips we use are simply unsweetened, dehydrated banana slices. These can be food in the bulk food section of Whole Foods market or local heath food store or online at www.barryfarm.com. On a cookie sheet spread out a layer of banana chips and top with any of your favorite toppings: seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, chopped onions, red or green bell peppers chopped, sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, etc. Heat on 350 degrees until cheese is melted. Can also be served with a side of salsa, see next recipe.

3. Salsa
Combine 1/2 cup diced white onion, 1 cup diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup diced jalapenos, 3 cups diced tomatoes with juice, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, and 1 tablespoon salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until veggies are soft. Be sure to check and stir often to prevent scorching.

4. Pimento Cheese
Simply combine 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, small 2 oz. jar of pimentos, 1 cup of mayonnaise and salt and pepper to taste. We like to use Spectrum's Canola Mayonnaise. The pimento cheese can be served along with some of the banana chips mentioned above or on celery sticks.

5. Crab Cakes
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil on medium heat in skillet on stove. Use 6 oz. of crab meat, can be either imitation or real. I use Crown Prince Fancy White-Lump Crab Meat. Combine with 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, and salt and paper to taste. Form into patties and place into hot oil. Cook on first side until well-browned. Turn over and cook until second side is well browned.

6. Asparagus With Crisp Prosciutto
Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap around a fresh asparagus spear. Starting at the bottom and go up to the tip. Place the wrapped spears on a baking sheet with aluminum foil coated with the olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes at 450 degrees. Remove the pan and turn the spears over. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until asparagus is tender and prosciutto is crisp.

7. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil on medium heat in skillet on stove. Combine 1 cup of almond flour with 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken breast tenders into beaten egg, then dip into flour mixture until well-coated. Place in the hot oil. Cook on first side until well-browned. Turn tenders over and cook until second side is well browned.