Why We Love Gluten Free Turnovers

Is there anything more splendid than a perfectly baked turnover? If you asked 3×3 Kitchen Head Chef Derrick Paez, he would have a tough time saying yes. Chef Derrick loves a delicious turnover, and because sustainability and wellness are two of the core values that inspire and drive him, he consistently presents seasonal menus with a variety of nutritious and wholesome turnovers using locally sourced ingredients. Along his journey to inspire and inform the people of NYC about the benefits of slow food, Chef Derrick has perfected his turnover pastry recipe, creating unbelievably good gluten free turnovers, as well as Gluten-free options.

The Life of the Turnover

Also known as samosas in India, empanadas in Spain, spanakopitas in Greece, dim sum in China or pirogies in Poland, those flaky little folded pockets of pastry dough encasing any one of a number of enticing fillings are enough to make any mouth water. Legend has it that the very first turnover was of the apple variety and originated, as many yummy things do, in France. It was in the middle of an epidemic in 1630 in the town of St. Calais and, in an effort to relieve the suffering of the afflicted, the lady of the town supplied them with apples and flour resulting in the creation of the Chausson aux Pommes — or as we say in English, apple turnover.

While making dough by hand has always been the superior method, the earliest reference to a stand-alone retail frozen pie crust appeared in the 1950s with a patented process for making frozen pie crusts happening in 1955. Pizza-like turnovers have appeared all over and called strombolis or, even more popularly, calzones — and those have even become readily available in the mass-produced frozen arena. While they are usually baked, turnovers may also be fried and can be made from pie dough or puff pastry.

Nowadays these sealed dough creations can be a meal, or a dessert, or quite commonly even a breakfast food. They can be of the sweet variety with fillings of fruit, or of the savory kind filled with meats and/or vegetables and oftentimes cheese. These little portable pies even have their own national holidays with Apple Turnover Day celebrated July 5 and Cherry Turnover Day Aug. 28.

Gluten Free Turnovers

Regardless of what you call them or how they’re filled, when that crisp exterior gives way to the vibrant explosion of flavor held within that warm, melty center, the turnover is truly a culinary delight that cannot be matched — especially if it’s healthy too.

From Chef Derrick’s classic French training and years spent working alongside world-class chefs, 3×3 Kitchen is currently offering three nutritious and delicious seasonally-inspired gluten free turnovers:

• Apple Lavender Turnover: Putting his own signature spin on the 17th Century French creation that started it all, this gluten free apple turnover includes the addition of delicate and delicious lavender to create a taste sensation that must be experienced to be believed. This turnover pastry recipe is completely Gluten-free and made from local apples and honey to satisfy that sweet tooth and lavender oil which, among other things, has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Chicken & Green Olives Turnover: Is it a chicken turnover? An olive turnover? A potato turnover? Trust us when we say it is all those things and so much more. This 3×3 Kitchen fan-favorite is made with delicious and nutritious chicken,  green olives and purple potatoes, it’s 100% Gluten-free and rich with antioxidants, probiotics and vitamins to promote great gut and brain health — and, in addition to all that, it is incredibly delicious. It’s a chicken turnover like no other, every single bite more delicious than the last.
• Vegan Sauerkraut & Porcini Turnover: This selection is not only delicious and nutritious but vegan as well as gluten-free. This mushroom vegetable taste delight is full of heart-healthy fats, rich in fiber, and low in sugar while being full of flavor — and since it’s made with chickpea flour, it promotes heart health while controlling blood sugar. 

Whichever turnover you choose, you can rest easy knowing that your selection contains natural, local ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you’re craving one of Chef Derrick’s gluten free apple turnovers, Gluten-free chicken turnovers or vegan turnovers, you are experiencing delicious homegrown cuisine that is the perfect marriage between holistic nutrition and culinary expertise.

Experience a 3×3 Kitchen Turnover

3×3 Kitchen’s tasty little five-ounce turnovers can be purchased individually to mix and match, or at a discounted price in a box of three. Turnovers can be pre-ordered with ease, baked to perfection for delivery or available frozen and ready-to-bake from our favorite local Farmers Markets.

Whether you have a gluten intolerance or just love a divine Gluten-free bakery item or turnover pastry recipe that is also good for you, the 3×3 Kitchen turnovers from Chef Derrick Paez definitely fit the bill. It won’t be long before we’re celebrating a gluten free apple turnover day! 3×3 Kitchen is New York artisanal food at its finest that benefits you and your family’s bodies by nourishing them with whole foods and natural nutrients. Come taste what all the buzz is about by experiencing the benefits of slow food and 3×3 Kitchen’s perfect fusion of purpose, wellness and world-class fare.