Living gluten-free

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give an encouraging word to those of you living gluten-free. We have been doing this For so many years now that I often forget how challenging it was when we first started. So I wanted to share what I do when I'm feeling discouraged and frustrated with the gluten-free way of life. First, I start googling websites for fun, easy, gluten-free recipes. Second, I often times go to the library or a bookstore and pick up a few gluten-free cookbooks (usually ones with lots of pictures!). And thirdly, I get creative! I find a recipe and start cooking! And I allow myself to make mistakes. When you are taking care of yourself emotionally, then having fun and enjoying yourself is what really matters. If what you're making turns out good, then great! If not, chalk it up as a lesson learned. Sometimes I'll make something just like I was suppose to, but it tastes terrible! Remember, gluten-free isn't who you are, it's how you live. You are a unique individual with many gifts and talents. So go have fun!

Loving left-overs!!

Today I decided to get creative and use what I could find in the refrigerator.  (Might have something to do with reading The Millionaire Next Door and hearing that millionaires aren't wasteful.)  My hubby and I had made some salsa with some seasonings and a couple of cans of tomatoes, but it tasted more like tomato than salsa.  It has been sitting in our refrigerator for a week.  Well, today, I decided to make tomato soup with it!  I ran it through the blender, added a little fat-free half-n-half, a little garlic powder and cilantro, oh, and a splash of taco bell sauce.  Guess what??? It was yummy!!  My 19 year old was super impressed!!


The next left-over yummy was made from gluten-free cinnamon rolls!! I made them last Thursday, and although they are yummy, they are a bit dry.  (Nothing a little homemade icing didn't fix though!)  I had about 10 rolls left.  I crumbled them up and put them in a round cake pan.  I then took 2 egg beaters, 3/4 cup fat-free milk, 1 cup of sugar, and poured it over the crumbled up bread.  I mixed it all in and topped it with cinnamon.  I baked it at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.  I will admit, it seems as though it needs vanilla ice cream to top it off, but it is delicious!!  I'm also thinking that a fruit filling would be good underneath it!  Like a cobbler. 

I do want to share that I didn't always get creative in the kitchen.  I used to be very intimidated and fearful I would mess up.  I have learned that messing up is ok and that sometimes the best creations come from our mistakes!  So get creative!  Read cookbooks, watch cooking shows, and rule you kitchen!  You can do it!