Today I’ve been in the Mood to Cook

Simple Salad

People often ask me “ how do you do it” in regards to  staying GF.  I used to boast proudly while simultaneously feeling a fair amount of self-pity. Truth is, at first it’s difficult to learn what things are available in your restricted range. Available and tasty to eat at the same time is even more onerous. This takes time and experimentation.  You do NOT have to sacrifice taste.

I was doing some work outside today, so when lunchtime came around I wanted something light and refreshing. I grabbed some extras that were in the fridge and the photo above was the result. A handful of lettuce, sliced up leftover grilled chicken, tomato, and mozzarella. Topped off with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the dish. Lovely.

Mexican Mac & Cheese

Dinner needed to be starchy so Pintrest suggested Mexican Mac & Cheese. 

How could I say no to that?! 

In a pot heat chopped onion and jalapeño until the onion becomes translucent. 

 Next you dump in a can of diced tomatoes (of a few fresh ones chopped up) and a cup of noodles (Quinoa is be best GF substitute). Stir. Add salt, pepper, and cumin to taste. 

If you wanted to throw in some pre cooked protein now would be the time to do so. When the noodles start to cook through, the dish self-thickens from the starch. Let it cook until noodles are done (This may require a Tbsp of water if the mixture looks too dry. Top it off with a handful of Mexican mix cheese. Stir & done.

Next is Brownies!

There are some tweaks that will need to be made with GF, however I'm up for the challenge. 

Ingredients:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Spray an 8x8  pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and unsweetened chocolate. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute then stir. Continue heating in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is melted and smooth but not scorched. Remove from the microwave and let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and thick, about 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture with a rubber spatula. Add the flour and salt, folding gently until combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake until a tester comes out with moist crumbs still attached, 35 to 40. Do not overbake. Let cool to room temperature. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

TADA!

Other replacements can be made to really customize your recipe. How do you like your Brownies? 

Enjoy!

Years later, I'm back!

Welcome back blog!

It's been a few years and many changes later.

With all my inflammatory issues, removing gluten has made my life substantially better. I feel more stable and my symptoms have nearly disappeared.

I've moved, started a new career, and tried a multitude of new foods. I've added dairy back into my diet. I'm still gluten free although I'm tempted occasionally by glutenous items. My willpower is strongest right after attempting to consume gluten again and having a reminder minutes after of why I abstain from it.


I went to Bar Harbor Maine to try Lobster for the first time:

 

Lobster just isn't for me. Even soaked in mustard it was hard to choke down.


I've started cooking much more with Pintrest inspired recipes:

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

So good!

Muffin recipes with KA GF All purpose Flour are my bread and butter!

I've tried cauliflower pizza (which is ok but it still tastes of cauliflower sorry):

Gluten Free Cauliflower pizza

Pintrest opens a whole new world to recipes because they are  tried by multiple people so you truly get the best of the best! Substitutions are easy with proper products. It took me years to perfect it but once you do healthy food doesn't have to be so difficult.

King Arthur All-Purpose Flour is truly a life saver.
It works so well in waffles/pancakes. It works perfectly as as substitute for almost all GF recipes.

Soups are easy.  Scones are easy. I would've never said that even a year ago today.

Veggie Bacon Soup

Blueberry Scones

Special events become more fun because you can celebrate them accordingly. For example: Dexter is/was one of my favorite TV shows. Dexter made it pretty easy because he has a gluten free breakfast. I celebrated by imitating his breakfast.

Dexter Breakfast

GF Cheesecake!

I've even used gluten free graham crackers (which are available I'm most grocery stores now) to make cheesecake!

I've been fairly successful in my ventures! If you're interested in any recipes, let me know and I'll happily supply them.

Due to the popularity of the GF diet, shopping has become much easier than even just a few years ago.  I do find it amusing that people are jumping on the GF train by choice because they think it will help them lose weight. This is not always the case. 

Below is a link to Jimmy Kimmel live where he asked people about their GF diet. 

GF Jimmy Kimmel Live. I find this funny but also sad. If you don't know what gluten is or why you want to go gluten free, don't do it. Gluten products contain a lot of nutrients that your body needs. Unless you are sensitive you may not need to cut out gluten completely. 

I'm feeling confident in my new-found skills and I cant wait to share more!