May is Celiac Disease Awareness month.  If you go to the American Celiac Disease Alliance site you can find all kinds of stuff going on this month.  I did want to highlight one special one here.  Uno’s Chicago Grill, home of the Gluten-Free Pizza that I love, is holding a “Dough Raiser” to raise money for awareness.  They will donate 20% of your check from May 25, 2009 through May 31, 2009.  Make sure to bring the certificate with you.  Also, there is a coupon on Uno’s site for $1.00 off of a gluten-free pizza!  So, if you haven’t made it to your nearest Uno’s for the pizza yet, what better time? 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there!!  Hope you all had a wonderful day, I know that I have.  We had a great family get together yesterday here at our house.  It was great to see everyone & catch up!

Our week this week isn’t too crazy.  I am meeting up with 2 of my girlfriends on Thursday night at P.F. Changs!  YUM!  Love the Shanghai Cucumbers & Singapore Street Noodles.  I can’t wait!

Sunday ~ Burgers, baked beans, broccoli & mixed greens salad

Monday ~ Salmon w/ buckwheat, roasted asparagus & salad (kids having pasta w/meat sauce)

Tuesday ~ Grilled Chicken, baked sweet potatoes, green beans & salad

Wednesday ~ Soft Tacos, refried beans, corn & salad

Thursday~ Kim out w/friends to P.F. Changs.  Mac & Cheese for the kids & Aaron

Friday~ Homemade Pizza (Bob’s Red Mill) BBQ chicken or Buffalo Chicken for me; cheese & marinara for the kids

Saturday~ Leftovers

Baked Goods

Pamela’s GF Bread

Bob’s Red Mill Bread Sticks (making with the pizza crust mix!)

Brownies

If you ever want a way to make your veggies as unhealthy as possible, just open up a Southern Living cookbook.  🙂  Now, unhealthy doesn’t = bad, in fact in this case, unhealthy = just the opposite….mouth-watering, amazing goodness.  I wish that I had gotten a picture of this dish for you guys, but I was in such a hurry with feeding a crowd of 18 or so people that I wasn’t able to.  By the time I though of it, the dish appeared if it had been licked clean.   Note to self:  double this recipe next time if serving any more than 2 people!  LOL!   I don’t  think I have ever heard as many people rave about a veggie dish ever.  This is only the second time that I have made it (once was at my sister’s for Easter last year, the other was today; it was a recipe my sister found in her Southern Living cookbook).  I found this picture online:

Creamy Fried Confetti Corn

8 bacon slices, chopped

4 cups fresh sweet corn, about 8 ears (I used frozen)

1 medium white onion (I omitted this and added a minced clove of garlic)

1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 8 oz package cream cheese, cubed

½ cup half-and-half

1 tsp. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

~ Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 TBSP drippings in skillet. Set bacon aside.

~ Saute corn, onion (or garlic), and bell peppers in hot drippings in skillet over medium-high heat 6 minutes or until tender. Add cream cheese and half-and-half, stirring until cream cheese melts. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Top with bacon. Yield: 6 to 8 servings (not sure how accurate these serving amounts are…not sure they took into account the yummy goodness that is this dish).

I have read many good reviews of Bob’s Red Mill Pizza Crust Mix, so I had to give it a try.  My go-to pizza crust mix has been Pamela’s GF Bread Mix, but I seem to go through my case so fast, I wanted something a little less expensive, as long as I wasn’t compromising taste.  I set out to make this last Saturday for dinner.  The directions were very easy to follow and the dough was fairly easy to work with.  A little sticky, but typical for gluten-free dough.  I topped half of the pizza with Prego Three Cheese Sauce and mozzarella, the other half was the Prego, mozzarella, fresh spinach, grape tomatoes & black olives.  I baked according to package directions.  I topped my pieces with Sriracha!  YUM!

This crust was outstanding.  I was actually able to pick up my slice of pizza and hold it without it drooping down or falling apart!  It was the perfect combo of crispy & chewy textures.  Just like a pizza should be.  The nutritional stats are decent, too, due to using whole grains in the mix.  4 grams of fiber per serving!!  200 calories, 1 gram of fat & 3 grams of protein.  Kudos to Bob’s Red Mill and THANK YOU for catering to the gluten-free community the way that you do.  We truly appreciate it.  This crust cost about $4.25 – $4.50 per package at my local store, though I think I saw it at Wal-Mart for just under $4.00. 

Now, ready for the fantastic find?  I found this mix on sale today for $2.15/pkg!!!  I bought 8 of them!  WOOHOOO!!!  I am going to give this mix a try for some breadsticks & calzones, too! 

Jon has recently taken an interest in cooking.  More power to him, I think that is fantastic.  This is about the age that I took an interest in cooking as well.  He loves French Toast, so that is one of the first things he wanted to make.  I am pretty sure that Grandma Mary has shown him how before, but I know that they have been taking a class in school that has gone over the basics of cooking. 

I have to say that I was very impressed with his egg cracking technique!  Go Jon!  He uses 1 or 2 eggs, a splash of milk and some vanilla in his egg wash.  He then dips in some Pamela’s Gluten-Free Bread & coats it well.  Then he placed the slices in a hot pan (tested with a flick of water from his hands first; if it doesn’t sizzle, he will wait 😉 ).  Then he cooks completely on both sides.    When his French Toast is done cooking, he tops with a sprinkle of cinnamon & way too many other sweet things.  This day in particular was powdered sugar, chocolate chips & Aunt Jemima (gluten-free).  I am shocked he didn’t throw whipped cream on there too!  I am sure he got his blood sugar up after this breakfast!

Since this cooking session, he has gone on to make scrambled eggs, grilled ham & cheese and pizza from Kinnikinnick frozen pizza crusts.  He is becoming quite the cook!  Go Jon!  I am very proud of him. 

Today is Cinco de Mayo!  YAY!  But, that is not what I am here to blog about.  Oh no.  There is something much more exciting going on in the gluten-free world than Mexican food & margaritas (I know, hard to believe, right?).  Today is the launch of Starbuck’s Gluten-Free Valencia Orange Cake!!!  I have been waiting for this day since I first heard about the cake. How freaking exciting!  Can you tell I am excited?  The number of places offering gluten-free food/products is growing so fast.  When I first went gluten-free back in January 2006, there weren’t nearly as many options as there are out there now. 

I hit up Starbuck’s at 6 AM, right after my trip to the gym.  I didn’t care that I was sweaty & stinky, I just wanted my gluten-free slice of heaven and a Grande Decaf.  I was impressed that they had a whole tray of samples out!  I sampled a small piece right there.  I immediately tasted the orange and noticed how moist the cake was.  I was very impressed.  Awesome flavor & texture.  Truly, heaven.  I bought 2, one for me, one for Jon.  They only cost $1.95!!  Can you believe that??  I commented on that to the guy working the counter and he said that they were in line with the rest of their baked goods.  I explained that gluten-free items are usually more expensive, but don’t take that as an opportunity to raise the price on me. 😉  He said that he had never tried anything gluten-free before, but did try this cake and thought it was very good. 

The cakes are 290 calories, 16 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein.   I was shocked that it had so much protein, but then saw that whole eggs were the first ingredient.  Jon ate his for breakfast and loved every minute of it.  He seriously sat at the table oohing & ahhing over each & every bite.  I should have videoed it! 

So, if you have a chance today, head to your closest Starbuck’s and pick up your own little slice of gluten-free heaven!   I see a lot more of these in my future!  Good thing my Starbuck’s is right next to my gym so I can go run off the cake!  LOL!

I have been seeing these bars all over blog land and have been wanting to try them.  I am always looking for something compact that I can toss in my purse or bag for emergencies.  I usually eat every 3-4 hours and get super cranky and sometimes light headed when I am hungry, so I try to always have something on hand.  I spotted the Pure Bars at Whole Foods & Raisin Rack recently & picked up the Chocolate Brownie flavor.   Pure Bars are vegan, raw, gluten-free & organic.  What more could you ask for?  The Chocolate Brownie bar has 200 calories, 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber & 6 grams of protein (great for this kind of bar).  It all sounds great, right?  Now, the real test, how does it taste?  Upon first inspection the bar reminded me of a Lara Bar.  I believe that the Pure Bar is a little larger in size than the Lara Bar, I also think the taste is a little more intense, in a good way.  I am not dissing my Lara Bars, don’t worry, but trying to be fair here.  There were plenty of almonds & cashews throughout this bar.  A definite plus.  The chocolate flavor did, indeed, remind me of a chocolate brownie.  Excellent!  The one thing the Pure Bar has going over Lara Bar is the protein.  I don’t recall Lara Bar’s protein off hand, but I know that the added Organic Brown Rice Protein in the Pure Bar is what boosts that number up and Lara Bar does not have that.  This bar kept me full until lunch, something that is hard to do.  I ate it around 10 AM and eat lunch around 12 Noon.  I was very surprised.  The only negative I can find with the Pure Bar is the price.  I believe this bar was close to $2, if not over $2.  Definitely something to buy in bulk on Amazon or on sale, if you can find them on sale. 

I also love the saying on the bottom of the wrapper “Like a good mood in a wrapper”.  So true!

It is May, can you believe it?  Where has this year gone?  It is really hard to believe that we are almost half way through it.  We are ready to plant our flowers & veggies.  Hopefully this will happy on Mother’s Day or the following weekend.  I plan on planting tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini & green & red peppers for sure.  I would like to try strawberries or green beans, too, but aren’t sure we have the room.

I have some fun & exciting posts to share this coming week on my blog.  First, Jon made his first gluten-free French toast for breakfast the other day!  I was so proud of him.  I took pictures of his creation & will share.  Also, I have a few product reviews coming up.  Everything I have been sampling late has been really good, if not outstanding.  Gotta love that! 

Onto the menu.  Technically Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo and I normally do something Mexican on that day.  However, I have filet in my freezer that needs to be eaten and we just had tacos on Saturday, so maybe I will put out some chips & salsa or guacamole for an appetizer or make margaritas!  I could also make a Mexican spice rub for the filet.  Hmmmm?

Sunday ~ Spaghetti w/ Aaron’s special meatballs, green beans & salad

Monday ~ Salmon, brown rice, roasted asparagus & salad

Tuesday ~ Filet on the grill, baked sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas & salad

Wednesday ~ BBQ chix breasts, butternut squash fries, broccoli & salad

Thursday~ Breakfast for dinner

Friday~ Calzones, veggies & salad

Saturday~ Pork Loin Roast, Catholic potatoes, Creamy Fried Confetti Corn & Mixed greens salad. (We are having a large family get together at our house).

Baked Goods

Pistachio Cheesecake

Pamela’s Bread

Crusty Sorghum Loaf (from Shaunna’s book, Gluten-Free Girl)

When I was first diagnosed with Celiac/gluten intolerance, I wondered how in the world I would ever be able to stay on a gluten-free diet.  I had so many mixed emotions running through my body.  On one hand I was looking forward to a very likely improvement in the way I was feeling by removing gluten from my diet.  On the other hand, I was terrified.  How on earth would I avoid all gluten?  How would I ever eat out or at other people’s houses and eat safely?  I remember dreading the first time I was eating out at a restaurant gluten-free.  It  was for my birthday.  (Yes, I was told on my 33rd b-day that I would have to avoid gluten for the rest of my life.)  I was so scared.  All ended up being fine, but I will never forget that feeling.  Another feeling I won’t forget is the one that was missing.  The feeling that was missing after 24 hours on the gluten-free diet was the feeling of pain & bloating.  The rumbling was gone.  I had come to think that all of those things were “normal”, as many with Celiac  Disease do before they are diagnosed.  That right there is enough for me to embrace the Celiac Disease & the gluten-free diet and be grateful that it is only a change in diet.  It doesn’t require life-long medications or surgeries.  When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade, and that is what I did.  I opened my mind (and stomach) to all kinds of new foods.  I was closing a chapter on gluten, but opening a brand new one on all of the fabulous gluten-free foods that are available out there (and there are sooooooo many!).  Just recently I have tried steamed buckwheat in place of brown rice and love it!  It is higher in protein & fiber, too!  Millet is next on my list to sub in for brown rice.  Quinoa is now a staple in my house.  Veggies?  Love them and have at least 2 salads/day and 1-2 side with each meal.  I can’t get enough.  I have learned so much about cooking & baking and am anxious to learn so much more.  I was not going to sit & wallow in misery when I could be enjoying all kinds of new tastes & textures.  Yes, there were some flops along the way and I am sure there are more to come, but such is life.  Nothing is perfect in the world of gluten or gluten-free. 

The reason I’m writing about this topic today is because Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker has nominated me for the Attitude of Gratitude Award. Thanks Linda!

I have chosen to nominate 10 gluten-free bloggers.  These people have such a positive influence on the community & contribute so much, whether it be recipes, knowledge, support or passing along valuable information on products that are either safe or not safe for the gluten-free community.  Here are the 10 that I am nominating, in no particular order:

• Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl.  Carrie contributes so much to the gluten-free community.  Her recipes are easy to follow and amazing.  I use her GF Master mix for several things (pancakes & Red Lobster-like cheddar biscuits).  She also makes a darn good Everyday Chocolate Cake. 
• Erin at Gluten Free with a Purpose.  Erin has amazingly creative & yummy gluten-free recipes on her blog.  I am SO looking forward to trying the dessert nachos she posted earlier this month! 
• Kerrie at Gluten Free in the Shaolin.  Kerrie has a wealth of information on her blog ranging from product & restaurant reviews to recipes to community events. 
• Jill at Hey That Tastes Good.  Jill always has the most amazing pictures of her creations!  I swear that I can almost taste the food by reading her blog.  She definitely inspires me to cook & be more creative.
• Sea at Book of Yum.  Sea’s blog title says it all, “YUM!”  Amazing pictures & recipes and tons of gluten-free info.
• Lisa at Lisa’s Blogety Blog.  Lisa does great product reviews and did a great “Clean out the Freezer Challenge” earlier this year!  FUN!
• Stacey at More Gluten-Free Options.  Stacey has lots of restaurant reviews on her blog.  What a wonderful resource!
• Jenny at Sugar and Spice and my Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Life.  Jenny has lots of information on healthy eating both gluten & casein-free. 
• Alison at Sure Foods Living.  Alison has so much wonderful information & advice for following the gluten-free diet on her site. 
• Veggie Girl.  VG has some amazing gluten-free & vegan recipes.  Her extremely creative blondies have really inspired me to think out of the box.

Your instructions are:

• put the logo on your blog or post
• nominate at least 10 blogs that show an an attitude of gratitude
• link to your nominees within your post
• comment on their blogs to let them know they’ve received this award
• share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award
• tell us how you’ve come to have an attitude of gratitude

Last night we went to Uno’s Chicago Grill to celebrate Jon’s 13th birthday with my Dad, Step Mom ~ Christy & Regan.  Jon picked the place, of course, he loves the gluten-free pizza they have.  I wasn’t going to argue!  I called ahead to make sure they had some made up (they do all the prep for the gluten-free pizzas in the AM so that they can avoid cross-contamination….they get this whole GF thing!).  They did.  They have a new printed GF menu and they now have Red Bridge, a gluten-free beer!!  WOOHOO!!!  Pizza & beer, it doesn’t get better than that!  Of course I ordered a glass of Merlot…LOL!  I am such a woman. 

Jon & I ordered the gluten-free pepperoni pizza.  I would have preferred the veggie, but I caved since it was his birthday celebration.  I also ordered a house salad & steamed broccoli (a girl has to get her veggies somewhere!).  Jon had the Caesar salad and he didn’t care for it.  Normally he likes Caesar salads, but he said it tasted “too fishy”.  Well, they probably made the dressing with anchovy paste, you think?  LOL!  Aaron took it off of his hands for him.  🙂 

Below, I present, Gluten-Free Heaven:

The girls (Hannah & Regan) ordered Make-Your-Own-Pizzas.  It was cute.  The waitress brought them out pizza dough with the sauce for them to spread & cheese for them to add.  They had fun, though Hannah had Daddy spread her sauce.

Now she is ready to do the cheese!

Regan making her pizza:

Jon getting his b-day present.  What more could a 13-year old boy want?  GF Pizza & Best Buy Gift Cards!  He is set!

The group, from left, Aaron, Me, Christy, & my Dad. 

We had a wonderful time!!  Thanks Dad, Christy & Regan for an awesome dinner!  Thanks Uno’s for catering to those of us who have to follow a gluten-free diet to stay healthy.  We will be going back.