GOOD NEWS: Schlotzsky’s Now Serving Gluten Free Sandwiches

December 12, 2014Leave a comment

Earlier this week, I shared with y’all that Luna Bars are now Gluten Free.

Well GOOD NEWS – this is an awesome week for the gluten free community. Schlotzsky’s announced that it will be serving their delicious sandwiches with the option of Udi’s gluten free bread. Do your happy dance now!

Don’t believe me read the tweet:

For far too long, I have had to shun this yummy fast food sandwich shop – but not anymore. Love this announcement. Thanks for the change Schlotzsky’s.

Go out and enjoy a gluten free sandwich today – or for the holidays. Treat your gluren free coworkers to an office lunch with this great option– a scrumptious allergy free meal (without making them feel left out).

EXCITING: Luna Bars – Gluten Free Now!

December 8, 2014December 8, 20141 Comment

Just in time for the holidays!

I absolutely love Luna Bars. In college, used to buy boxes of these little delicious protein bars. The chocolate peppermint flavor was my favorite by far. But, really – all the flavors are fantastic.

Then after college, found out that I needed to eat gluten free. And, my favorite little snack (that I kept in my purse were now off limits). Hallelujah – I can restock my desk drawer and pantry.

Luna Bars make the best breakfast for women and men on the-go. Half the time, I eat an apple or granola bar for breakfast in my car (in traffic) or as I walk out the door for work. Score – can add Luna Bars again to my collections.

May I suggest getting some of these as a holiday treat (for gluten free guests) or just as a stocking stuffer for someone who eats gluten free in your life. They will love you.

According to a Luna Bar’s tweet to me earlier, ‘Just be sure to look for the pink gluten free burst on package!’

The long list of flavors include: Blueberry Bliss, Caramel Nut Brownie, Chocolate Dipped Coconut, Chocolate Peppermint Stick, Honey Salted Peanut, Iced Oatmeal Raisin, Lemon Zest and Nutz Over Chocolate.

Lemon Roasted Cauliflower {Gluten Free, Paleo}

December 1, 2014December 1, 2014Leave a comment

Looking for a delicious cauliflower dish? Well, look no further. This dish is finger-licking awesome. With hints of citrus and herbal flavor, you will want to make this again and again. And, serve at holiday gatherings.

Seriously, can’t think of a dish to bring this Christmas to a potluck? This unique fresh twist on cauliflower will impress those at the party. Spread the gift of health this season. This is low calorie, gluten free and on those paleo diet recipes.

You will need: 1 head of cauliflower, 3 lemons, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 tbsp. dried basil (or fresh), salt and pepper, 2 tbsp. olive oil, and 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning.

Simply chop up your cauliflower florets – into big chunky pieces. Use a big knife for this and place all the lovely clusters into a mixing bowl.

Douse the florets with olive oil and lemon juice. Just mix these mixtures in with your hands. You want to make sure the flowers are covered and seasoned with this dressing.

Sprinkle in your basil and Italian seasoning, and again use your hands to make sure the cauliflower is covered in the spices.

Chop up your whole lemons and add them to the flower mixture. Stir in and treat like the cauliflower pieces.

Add salt and pepper to taste and dump this yummy mixture in an oven pan. Set oven to 350 and bake for about 20 minutes or until your florets are lightly brown.

Thai Squash Noodle Soup {Gluten Free}

July 14, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Expanded my spice pallet this weekend with some tasty gluten free Thai inspired soup! Let me tell you, this little meal was delicious and completely vegetarian. Not to mention it was very easy and quick to make.

You will need: ½ quart of gluten free chicken broth, 1 cup water, ½ cup almond milk, 1 package of cooked and shelled edamame, 1 squash, curry powder, ½ onion, garlic powder, 6 chopped asparagus spears and turmeric.

First, pour your chicken broth into a large pot on the oven and start boiling the liquid. Add in 1 cup of water and let sit until the boiling process starts.

Next, in a frying pan, dump in your ½ onion, that has been diced, into the pan with a little olive oil. Sautee these until lightly brown and dump into your soup mixture.

Add chopped asparagus and bag of edamame to the soup mixture.

For the squash noodles, I used one of these vegetable slicers. They are super inexpensive and you can get them at Target. Believe me, invest in this! (Thank you Mom for the wonderful gift!) Squash makes perfect guilt-free noodles for soups!

Dump your squash noodles into the soup. Add in the spices – 1 tbsp. of curry powder, 1 tbsp. of turmeric and ½ tbsp. of garlic powder. Last but not least, add in your almond milk (or coconut). Just don’t use cow or soy milk.

Also as a little info: turmeric is a wonder spice! It is said to help in prevention of: Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer. It reduces inflammation and blood pressure, as well, as protects your bones!

Let this yummy soup cook for about 20 minutes on low. You just want all the spices to gel together. This will ensure a tasty bowl of soup.

Enjoy. This is gluten free and paleo (if you take out the edamame.)

Fresh Caprese Salad {Gluten Free}

July 1, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

This gluten free girl sometimes really misses Italian food. I see angel hair Alfredo pasta and my mouth waters. The rich flavors just pervade my senses, and I miss consuming such creamy meals.

However, skipping the wheat laden bread is a better alternative than an upset stomach. So, I find ways to satisfy my Italian cravings. And the best way to do that is – eat a lovely bowl of Caprese Salad.

I can remember my first plate of this yummy salad, which is interesting. This was even before I knew about my gluten allergy. As you can tell, I am not lying about liking this dish.

There we were, my sweet family of four, eating on a mountaintop bistro in Santa Fe, New Mexico. And, little did I know, I would fall in love that day with – Caprese Salad.

These beauties were too pretty not to share!

Now that I am older, I make this as a quick dinner or treat for myself. It is heavenly.

So, if you are gluten free and missing out on your garlic and olive oil flavors, this is the dish for you!

You will need: 3 medium tomatoes, 1 ball of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, olive oil and salt and pepper.

All you need to do is – get out a cutting board and chop up your pretty tomatoes. You can chop huge chunks or little chunks. The choice is really up to you.

Next, chop up your fresh basil leaves and ball of mozzarella. Mix up these pieces with the tomatoes in a larger bowl.

Sprinkle in some olive oil. The amount of drizzle is up to you. Then add some salt and pepper to taste.

You are done! This can be a little dinner or maybe a side salad with your main course. It is completely gluten free and very delicious. Munch on gluten free ladies!

You might also like this delish ‘Caprese Gluten Free Bread’ recipe too!

Avocado Radish Toast {Gluten Free}

June 23, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Okay – this combo may look a little kooky; but, believe me when I say – it is delicious. You will not want to stop eating this cute, dainty appetizer. Bring it to a party or just eat it as a healthy afternoon snack.

Its gluten free (used Udi’s gluten free bread) and gives you that little crunch you need. Simply toast the bread in the oven or toaster, spread the avocado on and add slices of yummy radishes.

It’s that easy. Really. AND – even more of a bonus: radishes are super good for you. It reduces pain and swelling, can aid in weight loss, helps hydration, eliminates mucus and clear the sinuses. You can read all the benefits here.

You will need: ½ avocado, 2 pieces of gluten free bread and 4 radishes.

After taking the bread out of the oven or toaster, simply cut the bread into little strips and place them on a pretty plate. In a bowl, mash up ½ an avocado with a fork and spread this goodness on to your bread strips. Slice radishes and arrange them on top of the mashed avocado.

Have fun with this dish. If you don’t like radishes, try another veggie on top. Maybe a diced red pepper! However, the radishes really give it a zesty, spicy taste.

It is melt in your mouth good. Don’t believe me, give it a try.

2 Minute Chocolate Cake Cup {Paleo, Gluten Free}

June 2, 2014Leave a comment

So, if you are on the paleo diet and are in need of a little chocolate treat, if you are gluten free (like me) and need a little cake taste or if you are looking to make a quick dessert for family and friends, this is an awesome choice.

No joke – it literally takes 2 minutes (maybe a little more) to put together. You just add all the ingredients in to a mug, stir and microwave. That’s all.

If you are planning to serve to a dinner group, add some ice cream to the cup – to spice up the sweet treat. Or add sprinkles or fresh fruit to the top.

You will need: 1 mug, 3 tbsp. coconut flour, 3 tbsp. cocoa powder, 2 tbsp. honey, 1 cap full of vanilla extract, 3 tbsp. almond or coconut milk, 2 tbsp. butter and 1 egg.

Simple ingredients. Looks like cake batter. Cook in microwave for only 2 minutes!!!

Simply add the dry ingredients to the mug. So pour in your coconut flour and cocoa powder.

Next pour in the almond milk, honey, vanilla, and egg. Stir.

Lastly, melt your butter and then pour into the cup. Make sure all the powder is dissolved or mixed in. You don’t want a grainy sweet treat.

Pop in the microwave for 2 minutes (yes, that’s all). Take out your sweet cake – paleo, gluten free and perfect portion size. You are done. Your taste buds, body and friends will love you. Seriously.

Rosemary Bread Bites {Gluten Free}

May 5, 2014Leave a comment

This is a surefire appetizer winner especially for you gluten free mavens!

Don’t get jealous of those Olive Garden breadsticks. Now, you can make your own in like 15 minutes.

This is a great way to use some of that gluten free pizza crust mix, you may have laying around at home. My problem is I will use ¾ of the package and have that awkward ¼ mix laying around.

Now, you don’t have to throw that not so cheap mixture away – use it to make a bread bite appetizer!

You will need: ¾ cup gluten free pizza bread crust mix (I used Bloomfield Farms Mix), ½ cup water, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. dried rosemary, 1 tbsp. garlic powder, 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning and ¼ cup parmesan cheese.

In a bowl, pour in your gluten free mix and add in the water. Stir this up to create a pastey dough. Next add in the olive oil and stir it up again.

Add in the parmesan cheese and fold into the dough. It should make the dough thicker and not as runny. Sprinkle in the spices: rosemary, garlic and Italian seasoning. Let the dough sit for about 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 475. You need it hot to make your bread bites. And then spray a pan with some cooking spray. Take the dough and mash it down into the pan- creating a flat surface.

Once the oven is heated, pop it in there for about 18 minutes. After it’s baked to your liking – take it out and cut into little strips and serve with an olive oil and rosemary dip mixture. Yum.

Gluten Free Avocado Alfredo Pasta

November 18, 20131 Comment

Talk about quick and easy! Want to make an impressive meal for dinner guests, but you really don’t have the time to slave in the kitchen all day? Man, I think that sounds like a dream.

This Gluten Free Avocado Alfredo Pasta is your dream come true! With fresh ingredients and the creamy natural avocado texture, your guests or family will be scrapping the bowl for more. This dish is quick and easy to make.

OK, it takes a little longer than pouring a jar of marinara sauce on wet noodles. But with a couple extra minutes comes homemade, healthy heaven. Who doesn’t want that?

You will need: gluten free corn noodles, 2 small avocados, salt and pepper to taste, ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp. dried basil (you can use fresh too), 3 tbsp. olive oil, 3 cloves garlic.

Yummy avocado sauce in the food processor!

Hopefully, you know how to make spaghetti noodles. Making gluten free ones is no different than regular. Let a cooking pot on the oven come to a boil and place the desired amount of gluten free noodles in the hot bowl. Let them cook. And strain when done.

Cool fact: my mom taught me this – you can throw a wet noodle against a wall and check to see if they are done. If the noodle sticks to the wall, you are done. If it falls to the ground, it needs more time in the pot.

You are going to make the avocado topping in the food processor. So, cut your avocados (take off the skin) and add the fleshy part to the processor. Add in the garlic, olive oil, basil, salt and pepper and Parmesan cheese. Blend this all up.

It may take a while for the avocados to fully mash up. You may need to stop the processor a few times and mix the avocado mixture around.

When the noodles are done, spoon out this mixture on top of them – and fold into the noodles just like any marinara or pesto sauce. Sprinkle more parmesan on top, if desired, and serve. This is a rich meal that will please a lot of parties. File this recipe away. You will use this more than you know. Quick, easy and healthy Avocado Alfredo {gluten free} Pasta! Dive in.