Gluten-Free Appetizer Recipe | Sweet Potato Rounds with Black Beans, Cotija Cheese and Cilantro
Are you looking for a delicious gluten-free appetizer recipe? 
Here’s an easy gluten-free recipe I found in Martha Stewart’s magazine that can be modified to your own individual tastes. The ingredients are simple and easy to prepare – sweet potato, Cotija (Mexican) cheese, black beans and fresh cilantro leaves. (See below)
Why are so many people going gluten-free these days?
Gluten is a healthy plant protein found in many grains –
it’s found in wheat, rye, and barley, and often in oats.
However, not everybody is a big fan of gluten. In fact, some people cannot tolerate gluten at all. For some individuals, gluten triggers an immune-system attack on the small intestine, which is also known as celiac disease.
About 1% of Americans (3 million people!) suffer from celiac disease –
but about 97% of them aren’t even diagnosed.
The symptoms can range from gas, bloating and pain to fatigue, depression – even seizures. Over time, celiac disease can affect digestion to the point of creating malnutrition.
If you suspect you may be gluten-sensitive, try going gluten free for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve, then add a little gluten back into your diet. If the problems come back, you may wish to investigate a little further and consult your doctor.
The most obvious foods are easy to point out. They include anything made with wheat.
This includes bread, muffins, cookies and almost ALL baked goods. It includes food made with other grains as well, such as barley soup, and anything made with oats.
There are hidden sources as well. You may find gluten in beer, soy sauce, hot dogs, ice cream, caramel flavorings, sausages and any food seasoned with MSG.
It can even be found in the adhesive on stamps and envelopes!
So, be vigilant if you need to avoid gluten:
~ Make sure you read the fine print on food labels.
~ Try switching from pasta to rice, eat corn flakes instead of Wheaties, try quinoa instead of couscous, change your waffles out for buckwheat pancakes. (Buckwheat is not actually wheat)
~ When eating out, ask your server if the sauces, fish and meat entrees are made with flour or breadcrumbs. Ask about any use of thickener in the soup, or if the salad dressing is bottled, if any caramel flavorings are used.
Try this tasty gluten free-appetizer recipe: it combines sweet potato rounds and a few savory toppings – spicy black beans, crumbled cotija cheese (hard, crumbly Mexican cow’s milk cheese) and cilantro leaves.
Gluten-Free Appetizer Recipe
Sweet Potato Rounds with Savory Black Beans,
Cotija Cheese and Cilantro
Recipe and Directions: 
Slice washed, unpeeled sweet potatoes 1/2 ” thick, and place them in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Roast until browned on bottoms, (30 – 35 minutes).
Top with Cotija Cheese, Black Beans and fresh Cilantro leaves.
Or, top with a favorite cheese of your choice, and add a variety
of savory toppings such as chutney, pesto or salsa.
Did you know……
You can make your favorite brownies gluten-free by using half rice flour and half tapioca flour. Your family and friends will never know the difference!! (Tell them it’s a secret ingredient)
Use your imagination and create your own gluten-free appetizer recipe!
Bon Appetit!
Hope you enjoy this fabulous gluten-free appetizer recipe!
~ Sister Chef #3
Courtesy of : Manifest-Your-Hearts-Desire.com
