Important article

I do not fly often, but I know there may be some of you that do.  Here's a story about Delta airlines that is an unfortunate problem regarding the importance of the gluten-free diet and labeling something as gluten-free.  Here's the website and please pass on the information.  http://glutenfreemom.typepad.com/gluten_free_mom/2012/04/delta-airlines-gluten-free-meal-is-not-really-gluten-free-.html

Why I love corn tortillas!

As always, eating gluten-free, especially when you are starting out, can be a tremendous challenge.  One of the ways I combat this challenge is to use tortillas in place of bread.  Because we've been doing the gluten-free thing for 7 years now, we've experienced the lack of taste in gluten-free items.  The great news now is that there are many more options and varying tastes of gluten-free breads.  But, corn tortillas, well, now there's something I can do just about anything with.  If you just want soft tortillas to put butter on, take 2 slightly damp paper towels, place a couple of tortillas between them, and microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, depending on the amount of tortillas you are using.  We also just fill them with whatever and make quesadillas.  And I do mean, whatever.  We've put Nutella and a little bit of chocolate chips in them before.  We've put laughing cow, lunch meat, and shredded cheese.  We've also sprayed them with a butter spray, sprinkled them with sugar and cinnamon and baked them for a few minutes.  The possibilities are endless! Well, at least I think so. 

So if you're just doing this gluten-free thing and it's overwhelming you, please don't fret.  Just go get yourself a package of corn tortillas and get creative!  You might just surprise yourself at the delicious things you can come up with.  : )

Living gluten-free

Some days are just easier than others when it comes to the gluten-free way of life.  Unlike some people we know, we aren't dairy free, so I think we have more options.  However, I find myself constantly amazed at the creativity of those that have food allergies and their delicious recipes! 

And sometimes, well, when I'm tired from a long day and so is my son, we pull out the panini maker and get creative.  Tonight, I made a delicious panini.  So simple, too.  Rudi's gluten-free multi-grain bread.  One slice of gouda cheese, placed on the bread.  Then a couple of slices of roast beef, lunch meat kind.  Then 1/2 a wedge of laughing cow spread on a slice of pepperjack and that placed on the roast beef.  One more slice of bread to finish it off, and there you have it!  I must say, it was yummy!  I always spray the bread with some kind of baking spray.  Just seems to help the panini out a bit.

As you go about your gluten-free day, don't be afraid to try new things.  Get creative, find cookbooks, get on Pinterest ( I LOVE IT!), and try new things.  You can do it!

I'd love to hear what you make, so give me a shout out and let me know what you did to be creative in the kitchen!

Caroline

The Brownie Cake Cookie

1/2 cup of Silk coconut milk (that's what I used because it's all I had.  I'm sure you could use any kind of milk)
1 cup PB2 powdered peanut butter
Mix these ingredients in a mixer until well blended. 
Add 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup Xylitol (I didn't have any sugar, but I'm sure it would work fine), and 1 cup of Pamela's baking/pancake mix.  Here's the yummy part, 2 TBSP of Philadelphia's Dark Chocolate Indulgence.  Continue to mix until well blended.  Once blended, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Scoop out by the spoonful onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.  Once they are cooled, top with whatever you'd like!  I melted some chocolate chips in the microwave and used that for icing.  It was delicious!!