This recipe can be served on top gluten-free crackers, or with crudites or as a spread atop toast.

The finished apricot compote. Photo: CC-Simon Aughton

This dish is one of my favorites to make in late summer, when apricots are at their peak of ripeness. Nectarines and peaches also make great substitutes. Whatever you choose, go for the ripest, most fragrant fruit you can find.

The finished classic tomato sauce. Photo: CC-Aelle

This gluten-free classic is a great sauce to keep on hand and can be kept in the freezer for several months. It’s perfect for just about any meat or vegetable you want to dress or dip.

The prepared blue cheese polenta. Photo: CC--RGS

I love polenta in all forms; baked, grilled, and fried are great to serve alongside sauces but a piping hot bowl is classic. Polenta is easily transformed by adding other flavors; strong cheeses hold up well. Warm polenta is a wonderful substitute for mashed potatoes and an Italian staple no gluten-free diet should ever go without.

The finished Meyer lemon mushroom risotto. Photo: CC--roolrool

A good risotto is a thing of beauty, a delight to the palate, and a joy to the stomach. During my travels in Italy a few years back, risotto was one of the dishes that never let me down.

The finished pea and mint risotto. Photo: CC-chrisphin

Risotto is a classic Italian starter open to endless variation. In this recipe, a great balance is born between the salty cheese and zesty, fresh mint.

The finished zucchini and bacon frittata. Photo: CC-roolrool

Frittatas are great because you can serve them right out of the skillet and they are perfect either warm, or at room-temperature. This Italian-inspired dish takes on a sultry personality with the added saltiness of the bacon.

The finished arugula and tarragon pesto sauce. Photo: CC--diekatrin

I’ve actually found that when it comes to pesto sauces, I sometimes stray a bit from a traditional basil-based sauce. There are so many possible combinations of fresh herbs, it’s easy to try a new one each time.

The finished chicken salitimboca. Photo: CC-@rga

The retirement of the family that owned Niccolino’s, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the charming northern California town of Cotati, inspired me to honor them with a variation on their traditional veal saltimbocca recipe.

The finished eggplant caprese with sundriend tomatoes. Photo: CC-Ian Varley

Insalata Caprese is a traditional Italian antipasta with endless room for variation. The usual emphasis on pasta and grains can make finding naturally gluten-free Italian dishes a challenge, but I’ve found the best way to start is to go straight to the garden.

The finished roasted Brussels sprouts. Photo: CC/Seymore Sinn

These Brussels sprouts are sautéed in a pan and then finished in the oven. They make an excellent side dish for the holidays.

A wonderful pot of gluten-free soup! Photo: CC-Pirate Alice

Rich soups are a winter staple in many parts of Italy. This version brings together rice, chicken stock, cream, sausage and vegetables for a culinary delight. This delicious, rich, hearty, Italian style soup is perfect for winter, great for guests, and sure to delight palates to the last bite!

The finished gluten-free seafood cioppino. Photo: CC-malkin

Cioppino is a classic seafood stew developed by Italian fishermen in San Francisco's North Beach area during the late 19th century. Cioppino is a variation on traditional fish soups and stews of southern Italy.

The finished gluten-free minestrone soup. Photo: CC--avlxyz

This classic Italian soup has seen numerous variations and spins from chefs around the world. This simple, easy version is a delicious, easy to make, and extremely healthy, featuring tomatoes, beans and fresh vegetables.

A finished gluten-free veal marsala. Photo: CC-stu_spivack

Veal Marsala is one of my all-time favorite Italian dishes. A true classic that is quick, delicious, easy to make, and sure to please.

An Italian classic pasta dish, but gluten-free!

Whoever thought of combining bacon and eggs with macaroni and cheese has earned a well-deserved place in my annals of culinary greatness. This Italian classic is a staple in my kitchen, and I try to make it at least once a month.

Gluten-free Italian Veal Stew

In Italy a few years back, I noticed an abundance of menu items featuring delicious, locally raised veal. Local, humanely raised and processed veal can be a a delicious addition to the table, and makes a nice variation from the usual chicken, beef, or pork offerings.

Gluten-free spaghetti with clams is a cheap, easy Italian favorite

Spaghetti with clams has long been a favorite, and during a summer trip to Italy's sunny Amalfi coast a few years back, I was lucky enough to enjoy a gluten-free version of this quick, cheap, easy Italian classic. I find the recipe works best with Schar brand gluten-free spaghetti, but feel free to substitute your favorite.

Photo: CC/R.B. Boyer

It's so hard having intolerance to gluten, and dairy especially when it comes to Italian food. I haven't had eggplant Parmesan since going gluten-free, but I finally found a  gluten-free, dairy free eggplant Parmesan I can actually eat! The following recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, meat-free, and sugar-free, with the option for nut-free. However, it is not soy-free as I don't tend to have problems with soy, especially if it is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, tofu which is hard to find but very worth it.

Photo: CC/Glen Edelson

Traditional pasta sauce is naturally gluten-free. Although finding a safe gluten-free pasta sauce is work, and finding a sugar-free, gluten-free pasta sauce is virtually impossible. That is why the following recipe is so great. Not only is this homemade pasta sauce recipe easy and quick, it is also healthy and gluten-free.  Please remember to use all gluten-free spices and ingredients and to check with the manufacturer if you aren't sure.