I remember thinking that going gluten free was going to be difficult, but I am finding that I like more foods now than before. Don't get me wrong, I miss bread like crazy (especially from OIP and Harshbargers)! I even walked by the stand selling homemade Artisan breads today at the Farmers Market just to smell the bread! I don't really miss desserts, because there are so many gluten free recipes that taste even better than other desserts I've had.
A frustration I had this week dealt with fast food restaurants. It's good that they don't have a lot of gluten free foods, because quite honestly it prevents us from going. I want to warn others to be careful what you read on the internet about gluten free items. Research your source to make sure it's credible. I got a small chilli and french fries from Wendy's the other day. The chilli I have eaten before, and it is fine. However, I read that Wendy's fries were gluten free. NOT the case! I was sick about 20 minutes later, starting with an upset stomach and progressing to a cold sweat, nausea and vomiting. NEVER AGAIN!
Recipes of the Week
Easy Monster Cookies
Recipe and photograph from eatingonadime.com
These were better than any cookie I have had in a long time! Best part...NO FLOUR NEEDED!!!
Ingredients- 3 Eggs
- 1 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Sugar
- 12 oz Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup softened Butter
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 1/2 cup M&M's
- 1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 tsp Baking Soda
- 4 1/2 cup Quick Oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or use a baking mat.
- Combine eggs, vanilla, salt, sugar, brown sugar and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Add in peanut butter, and butter. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in the M&M's, chocolate chips and oatmeal.
- Place about tablespoon size chunks on the prepared sheets several inches apart.
- Bake for about 9 minutes.
- Leave on cookie sheet for about 3 minutes before moving to rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
Zuchinni Pizza Bites
Recipe from George Stella’s Good Carb Family Cookbook
Photo Credit: Kristin Shields
These were AMAZING! I was so upset that I couldn't indulge in pizza again without having
to make crust with "safe" flours. This totally made up for the lack of not having pizza.
I could have eaten two trays of these!
Ingredients
Cooking oil spray
2 large zucchini, sliced 1⁄4 inch thick on a bias into approximately 16 pieces total
1⁄2 cup tomato sauce (I use Don Pepinos)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1⁄4 teaspoon dry oregano (I used fresh basil instead from Walnut Springs Produce)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 1⁄2 size non-stick sheet pan
Instructions
Cooking oil spray
2 large zucchini, sliced 1⁄4 inch thick on a bias into approximately 16 pieces total
1⁄2 cup tomato sauce (I use Don Pepinos)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1⁄4 teaspoon dry oregano (I used fresh basil instead from Walnut Springs Produce)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 1⁄2 size non-stick sheet pan
Instructions
1. Place the oven rack in the second position from the top, preheat the broiler to high and spray the sheet pan with cooking oil. 2. Layout the zucchini slices flat onto the center of the greased sheet pan and spoon a small amount of sauce over each piece. Then place equal amounts of shredded cheese on each and sprinkle with dry oregano and olive oil.
3. Standing by the oven, broil for about 4 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and brown. Remove and serve hot.
George’s Tips:
When you first remove the zucchini slices they may appear undercooked but I assure you that within a minute after coming out of the oven the “carry-over cooking” will take care of that and they will be crisp yet tender and most delicious!
Try topping these with your favorite toppings, just like a real pizza. From pepperoni to sausage and mushrooms, why not try them all!
Support Local and Small Businesses
Below I have listed a few local and/or small business that have been a great help with my gluten free journey!
1. Walnut Springs Produce: http://walnutspringsproduce.com/farm/spring-chores/
This local business is based in Three Springs, PA. My colleague and friend, Kristi Watkins, introduced me to this wonderful place to get produce. Her brother,Tim, owns the company with the help of his family and sells locally. They set up in Three Springs on Saturdays and in Huntingdon at the Farmers Market on Thursdays. You can also order items on their website. Their produce is fresh and delicious! I use it when cooking often!
2. Creekside Kitchen Coop: https://www.facebook.com/creeksidekitchencoop
The woman that owns this business, Merri Ann Eshelman, has an array of wonder baked goods, jams, soups, etc. I tried her gluten free Angel Food cake and gluten free snicker doodle cookies and I COULD NOT tell a difference. They were spectacular!! You can visit her page on FB to order or visit her at the Huntingdon Farmers Market on Thursdays.
3. Hoss's of Huntingdon, PA: https://www.facebook.com/HuntingdonHosss
Hailey and I went here for lunch today. I asked if the fries were gluten free, but they weren't sure. So, I went with the baked potato. Even though I had already ordered, our waitress took the initiative to ask her manager, Erik Lindberg. He looked into it and told me exactly about both kinds of french fries they offered (the steak fries are the only ones that are gluten "friendly" for those wondering. Friendly because there is always risk of cross contamination). He also told me about the updated nutritional information coming soon to their website. I appreciated the extra mile they took to make me comfortable. I didn't feel stupid for asking at all, which is big considering how hard it is to ask sometimes.
Symptom Changes to Date
- I didn't say "I just don't feel good" since I have started!
- Continued healthy bowels (unless I forget my darn Lactaid Pill)
- More awake during the day. I still don't wake up feeling "rested"
- Not bloated
- Pink gums instead of red and swollen
- Roseacea toned down on my cheeks
- NEW: Decrease in sensitivity in my Fibromyalgia "hot spots".
- NEW: Not stopping in the middle of sentences trying to remember what I was saying (still some short term memory loss, but I am gaining thoughts back a lot faster)
Until next week,
Kristin
- Continued healthy bowels (unless I forget my darn Lactaid Pill)
- More awake during the day. I still don't wake up feeling "rested"
- Not bloated
- Pink gums instead of red and swollen
- Roseacea toned down on my cheeks
- NEW: Decrease in sensitivity in my Fibromyalgia "hot spots".
- NEW: Not stopping in the middle of sentences trying to remember what I was saying (still some short term memory loss, but I am gaining thoughts back a lot faster)
Until next week,
Kristin
