Recipes. Nutrition. Life.
Valentina Churaeva
The author behind the recipes and collections on this site.
Her collections explore gluten-free baking, school lunches, seasonal dishes and home fermentation. Some focus on a single favorite, such as waffles; others bring together ideas for a week of meals.
Gluten-Free also includes her personal story of changing the way she eats. The dish previews on this site introduce a few ideas; complete recipes are included in the paid collections.
About the materials on this site
Dish previews identify the collection containing the full recipe. Kitchen guides offer general advice and link to supporting sources for food safety and baking. Choose a collection for its practical cooking ideas, not a promise of medical results.
These are culinary materials, not medical diagnosis or treatment. Dietary restrictions and individual health questions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
Beet & Quinoa Waffles
Beets and quinoa in a familiar waffle format. A way to introduce new ingredients without changing the whole lunch menu.
Lunchbox
By Valentina ChuraevaMore options for tomorrow’s lunch
- Rotate waffles, rolls and tortillas instead of packing the same sandwich.
- Choose fillings and variations to suit your child’s tastes.
- Use the collection’s tips to plan prep, packing and storage.
Dandelion Greens Pesto
A fresh take on a familiar sauce, with dandelion greens, pine nuts, Parmesan and lemon.
40 Recipes with Dandelion Greens
By Valentina ChuraevaGo beyond another green salad
- Discover more ways to cook with dandelion greens.
- Explore sauces and soups as well as baked goods and desserts.
- Choose from 40 recipes rather than working out every combination yourself.
Flaxseed Waffles
Flaxseed meal, coconut flour, berries and coconut cream give a familiar breakfast a different twist.
Gentle Balance
By Valentina ChuraevaMore variety, even with dietary restrictions
- Find ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
- Expand your everyday menu with ingredients that fit your needs.
- Keep meal and drink ideas together in one collection.
Fish Baked in Parchment
Fish with bell peppers, scallions and shallots. A fresh idea for your dinner rotation.
The Anti-Candida Recipe Collection
By Valentina ChuraevaMore variety for an anti-Candida eating plan
- Rotate breakfasts, salads, soups and main dishes.
- Find snack and baking ideas as well as main meals.
- Choose recipes that fit the eating plan agreed with your clinician.
Banana and Berry Waffles
Banana adds sweetness and berries bring fresh flavor to these no-added-sugar breakfast waffles.
Perfect Waffles
By Valentina ChuraevaThere is more to your waffle maker
- Make sweet breakfasts and savory waffles.
- Try new combinations instead of repeating the same batter.
- Get practical guidance on flour, batter and choosing a waffle maker.
Greek-Style Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, cucumber, olives and a lemon dressing come together in a salad you can serve as a main or a side.
Summer Recipes
By Valentina ChuraevaMake more of seasonal ingredients
- Find meal ideas from breakfast through dinner.
- Add variety with salads, mains, sauces and appetizers.
- Round out summer meals with refreshing drinks.
Berry Galette
A rustic, open-faced berry tart with a buckwheat-and-chickpea flour crust and no dairy ingredients.
Summer Desserts
By Valentina ChuraevaA dessert for the occasion
- Choose from galettes, cakes, cookies and frozen treats.
- Explore no-bake sweets for days when you would rather leave the oven off.
- Choose desserts using ingredient and nutrition information.
Salmon with Quinoa and Vegetables
A dinner idea to keep in your rotation: salmon, quinoa and vegetables on one plate.
The Wellness Formula
By Valentina ChuraevaSpend less time deciding what to cook
- Start with a ready-made weekly menu.
- Plan groceries with a consolidated shopping list.
- Use ingredient swaps and meal-planning tips.
Two-Ingredient Almond Flour Rolls
Homemade yeast-free rolls made with almond flour and thick coconut cream.
Vegan, Yeast-Free Baking
By Valentina ChuraevaBread and rolls that fit your ingredient needs
- Bake without gluten, yeast or animal-derived ingredients.
- Choose from 17 recipes for bread, rolls and pizza crust.
- Follow specific recipes and baking tips instead of guessing proportions.
Gluten-Free Potato Pancakes (Draniki)
A gluten-free, egg-free take on potato pancakes made with straightforward ingredients.
Gluten-Free
By Valentina ChuraevaKeep familiar favorites in your gluten-free kitchen
- Find gluten-free versions of familiar homemade dishes.
- Get practical tips for everyday cooking.
- Explore Valentina’s personal experience as well as her recipes.
Fermented Garlic-Dill Pickles
Classic garlic-dill pickles for a homemade fermented side.
The Art of Fermentation
By Valentina ChuraevaBring more variety to everyday meals with fermentation
- Explore fermented vegetables, fruit and herbs.
- Get guidance on equipment, salt, temperature and common mistakes.
- Find ways to serve and cook with your fermented foods.
Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
A colorful, easy-to-assemble salad for entertaining, with quinoa, pomegranate, cucumber and herbs.
Recipes for Celebrations
By Valentina ChuraevaPlan a celebration menu in one place
- Choose appetizers, salads, mains and sides.
- Round out the menu with dedicated dessert and drink sections.
- Mix and match dishes for the occasion and your guests.
Gluten-Free Beef Turnovers (Chebureki)
Beef and onion-filled turnovers, with tips for handling gluten-free dough.
Gluten-Free Chebureki
By Valentina ChuraevaEnjoy crispy filled turnovers without gluten
- Choose from 20 gluten-free dough options.
- Try meat, fish, vegetable and other fillings.
- Get guidance on shaping, frying and troubleshooting.