I'm finding that planning ahead when one is gluten and dairy free is really important. We were invited to our friend's house last minute on a Sunday afternoon for tea so we could plan an upcoming weekend trip our families were looking forward to. Great, but what would I take for a little something to go with the tea? Our household totes our own food these days to be confident there will be something we can eat. I rely on one of the best old kitchen tricks - already prepared homemade cookie dough. Here's how I do it...
Read MoreGluten-Free Grocery Shopping...First Time
The night I was diagnosed, I had a terrible dream. I was in the grocery store and all the lights went out leaving me with a streak of panic and irrational terror. When I woke up, I thought the dream was pretty funny and right on target. Here I was, a culinary graduate and a food professional, and I had no idea what to buy in the grocery store.
Read MoreMaking My Kitchen Gluten-Free
Day 2 of my gluten intolerance diagnosis kicked me into high gear. I felt powerless, angry, and hungry. So, I decided to churn my confused emotions into productivity. The approach was to rid my kitchen of all gluten from wheat, barley, and rye. I didn't want to be tempted by the tasty foods that were poisoning my body. Hoping the "out of sight, out of mind" theory would ease the pain.
Read MoreDelicious Bread Gluten Free Bread
I recently discovered this bread in the freezer section at Draeger's Market: Natural Food Works Sandwich Bread. I cried when I tasted it because the texture and smell reminded me of "real bread" which I haven't had in one year and never will again. Look at it! It actually has flavor unlike so many gluten-free breads. It's moist, holds together well, and smells like yeast. Just as I remember. My favorite way to have it is toasted with butter and jam.
My daughter is the taste testing expert. The look on her face when she had a bite said it all. She had a huge smile and twinkle in her eye: "Mom! this is fantastic!" Off she went to school with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a spring in her step.