Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• • 4 chicken breasts, with skin and bone
• • 2 tbsp olive oil
• • salt and pepper, to taste
• • 1 red pepper, julienned
• • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• • 1½ cups Arborio rice
• • 3 cups gluten-free chicken stock
• • ¾ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large, heavy-bottom pot, brown the chicken in the oil over medium-high heat, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. You want the chicken to be a nice golden-brown colour.
2. Add the red pepper and sauté until it starts to soften, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and rice and combine with the other ingredients, browning the rice slightly.
4. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and continue cooking until the rice and chicken are cooked, about 25 to 35 minutes, checking occasionally and stirring the rice so it does not stick. Or you can bake the dish in a
   385° F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 8 to 10 minutes so it doesn’t stick.
5. Serve it straight out of the pot or on a platter. Garnish with the fresh parsley and lots of salt and cracked pepper.

Mary Jo Eustace, 53, titled her new cookbook Scared Wheatless because she didn’t adopt gluten-free cooking until she was diagnosed with cellulitis and her daughter, Lola, 10, with an autoimmune disorder. The health scare was a wake-up call for the former TV host, who also has a son, Jack, 17, with ex-husband Dean McDermott. Mary Jo is thrilled to report they’re now both doing well – and loving the dishes, too! – Chris Daniels