A Stress-free, Gluten-free Menu

Remember when a dietary restriction was the exception rather than the norm? A decade ago, having a vegetarian over for dinner was a panic-inducing proposition in our house, but now, given that we are eating plant-based meals so much more regularly, it hardly even registers as an issue. These days it seems to be all about the gluten-free guest. And by that I mean, the unnecessarily apologetic gluten-free guest who says at some point before he or she comes over: Please don't think about it -- just cook the way you normally do. I can always find something on the table to eat. I pretend to honor this request, but if you looked at my Google history over the past six months you'd probably find a whole mess of search terms that reveal exactly how clueless I am ("Who is Emma Stone?" is the latest example I feel comfortable sharing) intermingled with this daily query: "Is Fill-in-The-Blank gluten free?" This dinner I cooked a few weeks ago for my in-laws (Grandma "Hubba" is GF) was a good one and I thought I'd share it with you guys from soup to nuts.

(PS: Other recipes referenced in my diary above (which aren't gluten-free): Black Bean Burritos, Cold Sesame Noodles, Scalloped Potatoes and Kale Salad, Cooked Carrots.)

This menu serves four. Bonus: Every bit of it can be done in advance including the quinoa. (Just don't toss your greens with the vinaigrette until it's time to eat.) If you want a starter, go with the always-reliable Chips and Guac. I never have to worry about dessert since I have a world-class gluten-free bakery in my neighborhood. But I'm interested in hearing from you guys about sweet notes to end on.

MAIN: Sweet and Sticky Chicken Pieces This recipe started out as the chicken wings I shared last year -- but turned into something else entirely on the night I realized I had no wine in the house. I used pomegranate juice instead and now that's the only way I prepare it. It could not be easier and it makes the house smell so good. Note of warning: DEFINITELY line your baking dish with a layer of foil -- maybe even two layers. The sauce gets sticky and makes for a dish-washing nightmare.

2 pounds chicken pieces (we do thighs and drumsticks) 1 cup gluten-free soy sauce or Tamari 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1/2 cup sugar

Put a rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange chicken in one layer in a foil-lined large baking dish or roasting pan. Combine remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Pour this mix evenly over chicken pieces. Bake for 45 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake until sauce is thick and sticky, about 1 hour more. They are supposed to be dark and gooey, but keep an eye on them in this second round of baking so they don’t get more charred than you prefer.

SALAD 1: Quinoa with Feta and Herbs

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of quinoa and simmer, covered, until tender, fluffy, and water is absorbed — about 15 minutes. Let stand, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. (This yields about 4 cups cooked quinoa.) Add 1 bunch scallions (chopped), a handful of chopped parsley or mint or both, and a handful of crumbled feta to taste.

SALAD 2: Greens with Fennel and Blood Oranges

In a large bowl, add the following: Fresh greens (or as fresh as you can find in the winter), 1/2 bulb fennel, shaved superthin (preferably with a mandoline), 2 small blood oranges (outer layer of pith removed, sliced horizontally), and a handful of chopped mixed herbs such as cilantro, chives, parsley. Toss with cider vinaigrette below.

Cider Vinaigrette

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar squeeze of fresh lemon juice salt and pepper 1/2 cup good quality olive oil