GF Grilled Cheese

I think we all know that GF bread (not homemade) is not pleasant to eat unless toasted. In fact for me, there are only two ways that I enjoy store bought GF bread, either as french toast or as a grilled cheese sandwich.

So let's discuss the latter option: grilled cheese. I've tried this with a variety of GF breads and Energ-G is the clear winner. The brown rice, white rice, or tapioca breads all provide a foundation for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.


It's nice to still have my comfort food.

Bumble Bar

My gluten-free energy/protein/breakfast bar tasting endeavor is now complete as I found a bar that is just what I need.

I'm always stressed when I travel, even if only away for a day, as I need to think carefully about everything I will eat in that day, and how I will come about having the food that I need. I still haven't truly traveled since becoming gluten-free and dread day trips that should be enjoyable, because of the food issue. One solution to this problem is to carry on hand reliable emergency food that is non-perishable and nutritious. I eat the same reliable snacks each day but am looking to include something more substantial and portable.

I found everything I was looking for in a Bumble Bar, thus putting an end to my search. I plan to buy a case of the original flavor immediately.

Saag's Sausage

I'm not much of a meat eater, and sausage is typically not my thing, but it is nice to know that I can eat a product if I want to. My mom makes sausage based dishes from time to time and always uses Saag's gluten-free sausages, just to include me in the dinner if I choose to partake. She cuts them up, adds onions, potatoes, and bell peppers, and cooks on the stove.

It's nice to be included in a meal and I certainly appreciate a company that labels their gluten-free products as such on their packaging. This really takes the guess work out of cooking.

In search of a GF bar that isn't disgusting

Every time I see an energy/breakfast-bar-type-thing that is gluten-free, I have to try it. I've been determined to find something along the lines of a granola bar that isn't disgusting. The majority that I've tried I don't like. Many of them are just too "free" for my taste. That is to say, not only is it free of any gluten but it is free of just about everything else as well. This really doesn't work for me.

Then, I was introduced to the Kind Bar.

This didn't make things any better for me. I hate dried fruit and all of the bars I had seen involved some sort of fruit. Today, my problem was solved as I found a flavor that did not have any fruit in it.

The sesame peanut flavor is exactly what I've been looking for to keep in my purse when I know I am going to an event where I can't eat, or when I'm going on a long car ride. Finally, something that works for me that I can buy in bulk as my emergency food. Relief.

Betty Crocker

I recently learned that Betty Crocker is now making gluten-free mixes. I had yet to come across any of their products in my local stores, but the Homestead Safeway is now carrying the GF line. I made the GF chocolate chip cookies for the first time tonight. The dough has a very normal consistency and they baked beautifully. This is a great mix to have on hand in the cupboard. I am eager to try the yellow cake mix for GF cupcakes in the near future. It's nice to be able to shop within a regular grocery store for a specialty item. My diet is beginning to feel mainstream!

Pizza Party

There is another local pizza parlor that is serving GF pizza. Pizza Party at Homestead and Lawrence in Santa Clara has GF crust. All of the signage outside says Pizza and Pipes, but the establishment is called Pizza Party. I called ahead to confirm they had GF crust and to place my order. I was able to get 1 GF pizza, 1 regular (non GF) medium pizza, and 2 Cokes for $25. GF pizza runs at $25 per pizza at Amici's. And, this pizza was much better! I ordered a GF Hawaiian and although it was far from normal, it was very good and I would order it again.

Please support Pizza Party in Santa Clara!

Gluten-free Carrot Cake

I am so glad that as an adult I gave up the "there is only one dessert and it is chocolate" approach to life. As a kid, I felt that vegetables did not belong in anything sweet, nor did cheese for that matter. So I missed out on a lot of wonderful foods like carrot cake, cheese cake, and zucchini bread in favor of anything chocolate. Now, carrot cake is probably number one in my book.



Yesterday I made gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes. I took a Martha Stewart recipe, doubled it, and simply substituted a GF flour blend for the all purpose flour and added about 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum. I served the cupcakes at a birthday dinner and didn't tell the guests that they were GF and was able to pass them off as "normal."

Another GF win!

Martha Stewart Carrot Cake-not GF