Time to Give Thanks

 “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.”

It is the season to give thanks. To express your gratitude to the people that surround you for their unwavering and relentless love through your struggles and successes. To feel grateful for waking up each morning with a new day on the horizon. To not take for granted shelter and warmth, your health, and the food on the table before you. It’s time to travel near or far to gather together with friends and family to appreciate what you have in your life.

And of course, to enjoy a feast.

Thanksgiving is a day full of love. Love for the lovely people cooking up a storm in the kitchen. But more so, love for the  storm that is annually cooked up in the kitchen. Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving dinner? It’s filled with carcinogenic turkey, thick homemade gravy, seasonal sweet pumpkin pie, and many other holiday favorites. But what about those of us who are gluten-free? With these recipes and trading out a few ingredients, you can enjoy all your favorite traditional dishes without compromising on the taste and flavor!

Let’s start with the stuffing. It is an integral part of the Thanksgiving meal- and an easy swap to make it gluten-free. Most stuffing recipes call for diced bread, so simply switch the wheat-based bread with a gluten-free option. Udi’s GF White or Multigrain Bread would be substitute. Alternatively, you could make gluten-free cornbread and use cornbread in the stuffing.

What is turkey without gravy? Nearly every gravy recipe out there calls for wheat or all-purpose flour. The flour is what gives the gravy its thick texture. However, every Thanksgiving, I whip up some gluten-free gravy using Simply Organic’s Brown Gravy Seasoning Mix. I swear by it- it’s easy, flavorful, and gluten-free.

A staple part of the Thanksgiving diet, and the most important in my humble opinion, is dessert. Typically, you can find me indulging in a slice of pumpkin, apple, and and/or pecan pie. And it’s easy as pie to make gluten-free. You can make a nut-based crust or just buy Wholes Foods Gluten-Free Bakehouse’s Pie Crust. It’s a frozen, remade gluten-free crust that I have used every year for pumpkin and pecan pies! Or if you’re not a big fan of pie, I have a great pumpkin bread pudding recipe that turned out really well last Thanksgiving.

In addition to these swaps, you can try making my cheesy green bean casserole, which always makes an appearance at the Thanksgiving table, or candied sweet potatoes, which is always a family favorite.

And remember, be thankful for the delicious gluten-free meal you’re going to devour on Thursday!

Cheers!

Anika

November 2014: Pamela’s Cornbread & Muffin Mix

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to gather your supplies to make a delicious, gluten-free Thanksgiving meal. Yes, that’s right- you can make lavish Thanksgiving dinner completely gluten-free. No more skipping out on the green bean casserole or stuffing, or the pumpkin bread pudding or gravy. This year, enjoy the feast with your family!

Last weekend, I baked a batch of corn muffins using Pamela’s Cornbread & Muffin Bread. Cornbread is one of those funny things. If you’re just beginning your journey exploring the world of cooking, you may not have known that some cornbread recipes like to sneak in a cup of all-purpose flour. So its not always gluten-free. Actually, most cornbread recipes* contain gluten, hence the gluten-free cornbread mixes. If you want good old traditional corn bread, this is the mix to use. The texture is on the grainer side, and the taste is on the savory side. Although it was neither particularly moist or fluffy, this is hands down my favorite cornbread mix. It would be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Just a couple of tips and suggestions. First off, if you are looking for a sweeter variation, make a batch of corn muffins with some Crasins or dried fruit to add a hint of sweetness. Secondly, whether you bake cornbread or muffins, don’t make them too prematurely. After two or three days, they don’t retain the same degree of freshness and begin to dry out. You can always heat them up, but fresh baked goods are always the best baked goods! Thirdly, if you’re looking for something similar to grandma’s buttermilk cornbread, this isn’t probably isn’t the right mix for you.

Happy baking!

Cheers,

Anika

*I should be more specific. Most authentic southern cornbread recipes don’t use any flour, but given that I live in the northeast, it is a problem that I face.

Dia Doce

This post may be rather premature; however, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this wonderful new gluten-free find!  For those of you who haven’t heard of Dia Doce, have you ever watched Food Network’s Cupcake Wars? That’s right, Dia Doce was not only on the show, but they were winner of Cupcake Wars!

I had the pleasure of encountering Dia Doce’s cupcake truck at a sporting event. As a hardcore and loyal (well, at least during the summer) Food Network viewer as well as an avid Cupcake Wars fan, I was elated when I saw the “Cupcake Wars: Winner!” sticker on the truck. Usually I walk right past any food trucks offering baked goods, breakfast foods, or any other gluten-filled food groups. However, my friends were eyeing some of the uncommon yet mouth-watering flavors listed on the chalkboard propped up next to the truck. And how could I pass up exploring who the winner of Cupcake Wars was? That would be a betrayal to my allegiance to the Food Network. So I joined my friends. That’s when I spotted the asterisks at the bottom of the list: “*gluten-free/vegan options available!*”. I was ecstatic!! They had two GF flavors on the truck- vanilla berry and chocolate chip banana (or a similar variation of the latter). I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the cupcakes, so I bought a vanilla berry cupcake there and then. The man in the truck was aware and knowledgeable of the restrictions that come with gluten intolerances and allergies. He, of his own, offered to pack the gluten-free cupcake in a separate container from the other cupcakes (I bought my cupcake in the same order as a group of my friends).

Although I haven’t had the chance to visit the gourmet cupcakery, I had to post about my wonderful surprise when running into the cupcake truck! The vanilla berry cupcake was like no other. It was light, fluffy, and moist. Very difficult qualities to find in gluten-free cupcakes. And it tasted like pure happiness. Doesn’t vanilla berry just sound yummy? I am definitely looking forward to visiting Dia Doce in West Chester in the near future or running into the truck again!

Cheers,

Anika

October 2014: Bai 5

It’s almost here. Daylight savings is one of my least favorite times of the fall. When the clocks fall back, that’s a reminder to all of us that the dark, gloomy months are here indeed. There’s no fooling yourself by wearing shorts and tank tops or drinking iced tea while sporting a pair of sunglasses- we’re officially onto the grueling months of winter. So how are you going to fight through these upcoming months?

Bai5.

This month’s product is a little off the beaten path, but it would nearly be a crime if I didn’t write a post about Bai5 sooner or later. Every night when studying and ringing the midnight bell, I need a little caffeine boost. Instead of opting for tea or coffee, I always grab a Bai5. Simple, fruity, sweet, filled with antioxidants, and only 5 calories! Instead of using the coffee bean as a source of caffeine like a good ol’ cup of joe, Bai5 utilizes the outer coffee fruit, or superfruit. These little superfruits are a great source of antioxidants. Fun Fact!: Antioxidants fight cellular damage in your body. So having a boost of antioxidants does;t sound like a terrible idea, right? In addition to its great benefits, it tastes pretty good too! It’s sweet- naturally sweetened, that is- and comes in a variety of tropical flavors including Brasilla Blueberry, Malawi Mango, Ipanema Pomegranate, Molokai Coconut, Costa Rica Clementine, Tanzania Lemonade Tea, Sumatra Dragonfruit, Congo Pear, Peach Panama, and last but not least Limu Lemon. I have tried the majority of these flavors, but always be on the look out- new flavors and products are always on the not too far horizon.

“The little can that can”. Bai’s most recent attraction is a carbonated version of the original called Bai5 Bubbles. New tropically inspired flavors, same low calories, and always a great bold taste. I’ve been wanting to try Bai5 Bubbles to see if it can even compare to the original, which is hands down, my favorite drink. Honestly, just one sip is powerful enough to bring you to your happy place! You’ll be dreaming of those tropical beaches and yearning for those hot summer days.

Not to shatter your picturesque bubble, but there’s one down side- it’s rather pricey. I’d recommend buying it in bulk at Costco or another wholesale store for the best prices. You can also buy bigger variety boxes online at http://www.drinkbai.com. Please give it a try- it’s something everyone should experience! Tea and coffee don’t even begin to compare…

Comment below with your favorite drinks!

Cheers,

Anika

Gluten-Free on Halloween?!

Hello, lovely people! Unfortunately we haven’t crossed the finish line on the marathon to gingerbread houses and Christmas carols as yet, but do not fret, we have another holiday pit-stop racing towards us! This Friday is a night for laughs and scares, to be yourself and to be someone or something else entirely, to rekindle your inner kid spirit and to solemnly swear never to do it again at the end of the night. But most importantly, it is a night notorious for us fellow celiacs to slip up and down a chocolate or two that may not be gluten-free.

Yes, I understand that those adorable fun-size chocolate bars don’t have ingredients listed on them- heck most halloween candy doesn’t! That’s why it’s imperative you do your research before so you can enjoy a fun-filled night without anything interfering with your schemes and shenanigans. Below you can find two great links to the most updated list of gluten-free Halloween candy. Please take the time to browse through and make a mental note of any candies or chocolates you thought were gluten-free but do not appear on the list. Steer clear of those on Friday night!!

http://celiac.org/live-gluten-free/gluten-free-lifestyle/gluten-free-candy-list/

http://surefoodsliving.com/2014/10/gluten-free-halloween-candy-quick-list-2014/

Please feel free to comment with any specific questions regarding staying safe and eating gluten-free on Halloween or simply your favorite Halloween treat!

Cheers,

Anika

 

 

Can Celiac Disease Affect the Brain?

A very interesting article in The New York Times yesterday that explores connections between this autoimmune disease and neurological effects. Check it out!

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Can Celiac Disease Affect the Brain?

Some scientists have linked gluten with neurological symptoms.

nytimes.com | By Moisis Velasquez-Manoff

The Bakery House

Hello, October! Although the summer days are escaping beneath my feet, I know the return of the crisp air and mulled apple cider will remind me why I love autumn. Fall has many joys- the warm colors of changing leaves, everything to do with pumpkins, and most importantly, the much awaited return of Starbuck’s fall favorites. However, it also brings about my version of eat, pray, love: eat, sleep, school. All the surreal pleasures of this season are complemented by the rather grueling schedule of students. Finding a balance between can seem to be a daunting task- just don’t forget about the beautiful world around us!

Earlier this week, my friend was celebrating her fall birthday with some scrumptious vanilla cupcakes from The Bakery House. In my town, when it comes to baked goods, all the chatter is about The Bakery House. As they say, “Sweetening Life on the Main Line since 1989”. I had heard all about their famous lemon bars and cupcakes. However, I was quick to assume that they wouldn’t cater to gluten-free eaters. I was elated when my friend casually revealed that the dozen ginormous cupcakes sitting before me were indeed gluten-free! Before I divulge any more details, I want to give a shoutout to all my wonderful friends who never fail to think of me and provide gluten-free options. They have all been an important part in helping me discover the endless spectrum of the gluten-free world.

Vanilla on vanilla. Rich and creamy real cream cheese frosting. Fluffy and moist vanilla sponge cake. Hands down the best texture for a gluten-free cupcake. So darn good! To taste like that… I don’t even want to know the quantity of each ingredient! Let’s just say we all deserve a treat once in a blue moon, right?

As soon as I discovered Bakery House had gluten-free offering, I did a little searching to see what else they offered. In addition to the GF vanilla cupcakes, they have GF vanilla cake, GF chocolate cake, GF Rum Bundt Cake, GF Brownie Trays, Peanut Butter Bars, GF Vanilla Sugar Cookies, GF Chocolate Fudge Cookies, and GF Chocolate Chip Cookies. Wow! so many choices! The next time I’m in that area, I will be sure to try another one of their many gluten-free options. Until then, please comment with your favorite gluten-free bakeries!

Cheers,

Anika

Gluten-free Rum Bundt Cake

Clover

“The Earth is what we all have in common”

Earth. It’s the only home we have. So, why don’t we all do something nice for the Earth and ourselves, shall we? Have you ever heard of “clean flavors”? It’s food that not only tastes good, but it feels good. It’s food that you can savor the aftertaste. But it also refers to food that you don’t need to be a chemist to make. Food that is not factory-made, processed, or enhanced in any way, shape, or form. So where can I get this oh-so-delicious and Earth-friendly food?

Clover Food Lab is the latest addition to the Boston food scene. It’s hip, innovative, and happening. As I described above, the food is “all natural”, largely organic, and always fresh. Your food is cut as close to the time you’re going to eat it as possible. Additionally, the menu changes day-to-day based on the fresh ingredients on hand. Their “no freezer” policy means that the menu is limited and constantly revised. And food runs out. I suppose that’s the price to pay for a happy Earth and a happy you! It’s truly a progressive philosophy.

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When traveling, although presumably convenient, I typically avoid food trucks. Gluten-free and conventional food trucks just don’t go together- the lack of time for a thorough inquisition as well as the increased likelihood of cross contamination just don’t make it a suitable option. However, when I was in Boston this past summer, I was introduced to the Clover food trucks. With trucks and restaurants situated from MIT to Harvard Square, Clover is spread out far and wide across Boston. Each truck is adorned with a whiteboard with a few select food items and drinks. The later in the day you come, the more items will be crossed out. Alright, so onto the gluten-free choices. Any sandwiches can be made gluten-free- it simply has no bread and is called a “boat”. I would highly recommend the chickpea fritter “boat”; it is essentially falafel-based with carrots and purple cabbage with a subtle horseradish-esque sauce. Additionally, the rosemary fries were what I like to call “stick fries” (by shape). They were healthy and well-seasoned. I believe they had a pinch of sea salt, but don’t quote me on that. If only they hadn’t run out of the blueberry lemonade when I was at the truck! It was delicious, and it is real food (and everything was compostable if you must know: +1 for Team Earth!).

Also, check out this little cheat sheet Clover gave me! Oh, how I love gluten-free menus!

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I know this foreword-thinking movement will set off a spark and inspire other eateries. So why wait? There are nearly a dozen Clover locations in Boston, so next time you’re in town, give it a try!

Cheers,

Anika

September 2014: Glenny’s Greek Yogurt Lovers Bar

… And we’re back at it! The school year is in full tilt, however thanks to our dear Jewish friends, we had a little break in the seemingly perpetual cycle. So, what better time to introduce you to an effortless and delicious on the go snack?

Glenny’s Greek Yogurt Lovers Bar. Yes, it may sound strange. A lovers bar? But I can assure you, it is appropriately named. One of the most delicious and healthy gluten-free treats out there with the added benefits of protein and fiber. Even my brother, who is typically a harsh critic and doesn’t like greek yogurt, couldn’t believe how great it tasted!

So let’s start with the essentials. This bar is essentially fruits & nuts and gluten-free oats in the inside with a layer (or rather three layers!) of strawberry filling on top all dipped in a coating of greek yogurt. And it’s what I like to call fun-size! Only 130 calories and 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. This bar comes in three flavors: strawberry, chocolate coconut, and chocolate cherry. I have only had the pleasure of trying the strawberry, however I would expect great things from the other two as well.

It’s a great breakfast bar, midday snack, or post-workout replenisher. You can buy these versatile bars at Wholes Foods or go online and buy directly at Glenny’s website or on amazon. It’s a worthwhile investment! Happy snacking!

Cheers,

Anika

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2-3 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup reduced fat (2%) milk
  • 1/6 cup of white cheddar, grated
  • pinch of ground black pepper

Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan on medium-high heat, and then add garlic powder and cream  cheese which continuously stirring. Then, add a little milk at a time while stirring to even out the consistency. Stir in the cheddar cheese and pepper. When the sauce reaches a smooth consistency, turn off the heat. Add in freshly cooked pasta and serve hot. Enjoy!

And you can try this delicious Peppered Alfredo recipe with substituting the store bought alfredo sauce and cheese for this homemade sauce!