Banana Bread with King Arthur Flour-Soooooo Delicious

Do you call it a bushel or bundle? I had over 5 bushels of bananas that I had collected that were going brown and Gluten-Free King Arthur Flour. This was my first time making GF banana bread-I'd always had a great bread my Mom makes and I was set out to try this new recipe with GF flour. The recipe was absolutely great and so I quadrupled the recipe and gave it a shot-and t was sooooooooo tasty! I urge you to try it! 

Banana Bread Recipe

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour

Add to shopping list

• 3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)----I substituted brown sugar for more flavor
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

METHOD

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

Girls Night Gluten-Free Pizza

Pizza is the one thing I miss the most! I loved trying new styles, toppings and varieties of pies and after going Gluten-Free, that doesn't have to change. Each week, my friends and I get together and make a meal together. Last week, we made pizza and a delicious salad. The corn tortillas served as the crust, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, mushrooms and peppers. I will say that although it was not like the 'real' thing, it was a great substitute. The corn based tortilla was a low-calorie choice and offered nice flavor. 

Along with this pizza we made a fantastic salad. Although kale is a favorite, we chose spinach, which is a great alternative. The peppers, avocado, walnut slices, mushrooms and GF balsamic vinaigrette made a not only healthy, but delicious addition. 

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Take your tortillas and tomato paste or sauce and spread on evenly and sprinkle with your favorite toppings!

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 

Enjoy!!!

 

Better 'N Butter Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter offers great protein, flavor and nutrients, but moderation is key. I love peanut butter, but know that with it's high calories and high fat content, it is best to not eat the whole jar in one sitting. I am a fan of the staple brands Jif and Peter Pan, but recently I have found a brand that will remain the kind I eat from now on. When I was in Oregon a couple months ago, my sister had some peanut butter that I had never seen before. After reviewing the ingredients, not only did I realize that it had very low calories, even lower fat content, but it didn't contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients or additives.....and it tasted delicious!

Better 'N Butter was gracious enough to send me 3 flavors they distribute, Original, Banana and Chocolate (the 4th being low-sodium). The flavor below is the Original and it was delicious. Not only was it light, but it had more flavor than any other peanut butter I've ever tasted. Also, knowing it is light in calories, fat and additives was a real benefit. When pairing anything with a healthy snack, in this case, apples, I want to make sure the pairing is completely healthy. I have strong brand loyalty to Better 'N Butter now. I don't see the point in consuming anything else. 

Delicious snacks for any age. I love this brand and what it stands for.

Cup and Saucer- Portland, Oregon

Every time I head to a new city, I try out their local cuisine and what they have to offer for gluten-free eaters. 
Being my fourth trip to Portland, Oregon, I knew what to expect. I love Portland not only because my sister lives there, but also because it offers delicious, healthy and affordable gluten free food. Having been to local cafe 'Cup and Saucer' on my last trip, I knew that I had to return to check out the menu and enjoy their delicious breakfast. 
Last time I ate there, I ordered a usual scrambled eggs, bacon and of course gluten free toast. This time the menu had changed, but for an even better one. I scanned the menu and quickly knew what I was getting-FRENCH TOAST!!
This was by far the BEST french toast I have ever tasted. It was delicious, savory, full of flavor and all around tasty! The server informed me that it was a new bread they were using and all about the company and it's determination to taste amazing and fresh. If you ask me, they hit it right on the head with this one-it was the best gluten free bread I've ever had. 
Many times when I try new items on a menu, I end up thinking of them often and really wanting to go back, and this is definitely one of those times. 
Here's what the delicious meal looked like-half eaten :) I got through half of it and realized I had yet to take a picture, that's how good it was. 

I highly recommend this place and if ever in Portland, check it out. It's 100% worth it. 

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes

Every Sunday, my friends Jen and Lizzy, as well as a couple others join us to make a healthy, gluten free, nutritious meal together. This time is so special because it allows us to catch up, learn new recipes and have time together. I know food and cooking is a great way to bond people and feel a sense of accomplishment, and that's exactly what our weekly meals bring us. The amazing thing about our little cooking group is that we remarkably all really enjoy all the same foods and it's really never been a problem making the meals gluten free. Being healthy and using natural ingredients, by default they are always GF, without even trying.
This recipe we made a while ago was by far one of my favoirtes. Anything with sweet potato in it is my favorite, but this one takes the cake-no pun intended. Jen found this recipe and it was simple, delicious and healthy. Sweet potato quinoa cakes with blackberry salsa for the topping.
Recipe found at: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/05/sweet-potato-quinoa-cakes-with-blackberry-salsa/

[adapted from Heidi Swanson]

Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes
1 medium sweet potato (about 6 oz), peeled and chopped
makes 4 cakes, is super easily multiplied
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (SUBSTITUTE Corn Flakes) 
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Add in sweet potato, onion, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, stir, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potato is soft. Remove lid and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
Transfer potato mixture to a large bowl (slightly mashing potato with a fork) and add quinoa, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, remaining salt and pepper and mix well. Once combined, add in egg, then mix until moistened. Using your hands to bring it together, form four equally-sized patties. Heat the same skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add cakes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Serve with blackberry salsa!
 
Blackberry Salsa
1 pint fresh blackberries, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 jalapeno, finely diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
the juice of 1 lime
salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and mix.

Red Bicycle and Gluten Free

I just had the most fantastic crepes and guess what.....it was gluten free! Every Sunday I go to brunch with friends after church and love trying new places. Today we went to 'Red Bicycle' in Germantown, a neighborhood in North Nashville. When deciding if we should go, after hearing such great press about it, I was worried being a crepe restaurant that they might not have options. BUT, this being a city full of food and diversity, I called and they said you can get any crepe you want GLUTEN FREE. This made me super happy and now had to just decide which flavor to try.
I decided on the Funky Monkey-Peanut Butter, Nutella, Walnuts and Bananas. It was fantastic, full of flavor and knowing it was all gluten free made me able to enjoy it that much more.

The flavor was fantastic and I will definitely be back to try other flavors- such as apple cinnamon, thai, pizza, banana foster and so much more! As well as these amazing flavors, they have eggs, toast, plethora of coffee and specialty drinks, as well as tasty scones. Check it out- you will not be disappointed.
http://redbicyclecoffee.com/

With a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano

For the past year I have been blogging about gluten free foods and teaching others that it is possible to live and love being gluten free. It is possible to enjoy healthy, delicious, simple and affordable gluten free meals. My palate has evolved and the best part about blogging is that I am able to provide an outlet for me to share my journey with readers and help them along the way. Food is a great passion and I feel that I've learned so much and experimented with different ideas, which has in turn opened my eyes to new reicpes. I'd like to share on of my favorites with you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

In any meal I make I try and follow a few 'rules':
1. Have fun
2. Incorporate all healthy ingredients
3. Try NEW foods
4. Gluten Free
5. Enjoy the process

This recipe is one my friends and I all made one night a couple weeks ago. At our weekly gatherings, we all split ingredients to bring, therefore lowering the cost for all. I love eating out, but there is something so special about sharing the relaxed time with others at a lower price, as well as learning about new foods and delectable conversation. My friend and fellow foodie Lizzie provided this recipe. Ever since I began my blog I've expanded my range of foods, spices, ingredients and overall joy of cooking. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease I didn't feel my life was 'over', I embraced the fact that I had a unique diet and could help others in the process.
Cooking for yourself and other healthy eaters allows you to learn new skills, try new foods, develop new techniques, as well as educate others that may be on their journey to eating better and trying new recipes.

Quinoa Stuffed Squash 
Ingredients:
4 acorn squashes
4 T. olive oil
2 t. chili powder
1 t. cumin
Ground black pepper, to taste

Prepare Stuffing
6 oz. Parmigiano Reggiano
1 c. cooked quinoa (Make sure to not cook 1 cup uncooked or you'll have too much)
1/2 c. diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 c. raw baby kale, chopped
1 t. red wine vinegar



Roast the Squash
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Wash acorn squash and then slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. (Clean and bake them too for a little snack)  Place squash halves in a baking dish.



Drizzle the squash with olive oil.   Mix together chili powder and cumin and sprinkle over squash.    Season with fresh ground black pepper. Roast for 45 minutes or until done.

Prepare Stuffing
1 c. cooked quinoa
1/2 c. diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 c. raw baby kale, chopped
1 t. red wine vinegar
4 oz. crumbled Parmigiano Reggiano

As soon as the quinoa is cooked, stir in the tomatoes and black beans and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Let set while other ingredients are prepared. In a large sauté pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes.
Add kale and sauté until it start to soften, about 5 minutes more.   Stir in red wine vinegar.
Remove from heat and toss with the quinoa mixture in a medium bowl.   Stir in Parmigiano Reggiano- the best part of the entire recipe.


Lizzy hard at work

Stuff each squash half with 3/4 to 1 cup of stuffing, mounding it up a bit.    Return squash to oven for about five minutes more until stuffing is reheated and Parmigiano gets nice and soft.
Enjoy!

Cranberry Crunch

Cranberry Crunch Perfect Foods Bar is by far the tastiest and flavor-filled creation that I've encountered. This organic, natural product provides cranberry crunch packed with nutritious and delicious flavor to give you energy all day. I had this for breakfast Friday along with a cup of hot tea and it was the perfect way to start my morning. 

 Here you can see the chunks of real fruit and grains packed into a healthy bar. So many times I run across 'healthy' food bars that contain nothing but sugar and foreign ingredients disguised by so called natural products. In the Perfect Foods Bars I know every ingredient on the label and feel good about what I am eating. The key to maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle and overall nutrients for a healthy body are understanding and realizing what you're putting into your body. Time constraints sometimes limit the ability we have to sit and make a gourmet meal, but with products such as this, you have peace of mind that you're eating healthy, energy-packed goodness.

Perfect Foods Bar

A couple weeks ago I was at a store in Brentwood, TN, World Market and there was a woman handing out samples of a bar. I saw the Gluten-Free sign and immediately was interested. She began telling us the story of the how these bars came to be. When a father grew tired of trying to get his children to eat their vegetables and overall healthy proteins, he created this concoction of whole grain healthy nutrients filled with protein, fiber and all natural ingredients. The Perfect Foods Bars are truly amazing and simply delicious. I have tried many gluten-free bars and this by far is my favorite. There are five flavors, Almond Butter, Cranberry Crunch and Peanut Butter, Carob Chip and Fruit & Nut. I tried a couple that day at the store, but am able to try them all more in depth due to the kindness of the PFB Team because they sent me 12 bars to try (Almond, PB and Cranberry). Here is the first that I tried, Almond Butter.

The Almond Crunch not only was super tasty with whole rich products, such as almond pieces, rich almond butter, but also left me feeling full for longer than I have before with any bar, or breakfast for that matter. I highly recommend this bar for your breakfast, any meal really, to provide you with healthy nutrients, delicious flavor and overall satisfaction. You can order these online or at local stores, such as Whole Foods. http://www.perfectfoodsbar.com/

Healthy eating and the judgement that comes with it

As many of you I am sure have experienced, when choosing healthy food over 'common' food that people are used to, there can sometimes be judgement or a sense of being made fun of for choosing to be healthy. I will say that I am impressed with the growth that our country has taken over the years with eating healthy and taking control over what we put in our bodies, but it is a hurdle that is worth jumping over. Tonight I went to a seminar at Whole Foods Nashville, where I am participating in the Engine 2 Diet. I don't do diets, I choose lifestyles, but this 'diet' is one to really ignite the plant-based foods into your eating. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of people of all demographics coming together to try and better themselves. Tonight we had a speaker come in whom is an addictions counselor and is very knowledgable about food and additictions. She was telling us of her upbringing in Mississippi and the fat ladened foods in her home. She has since her childhood lost those behaviors and really helped others explore healthy options, lose weight and really helped others take ownership of their bodies. 

I encourage you to really be conscious of what you're putting in your body, but also what you are missing. It's a work in progress, but it will dramatically change your life. 

Engine 2 Diet

I have started a new journey with Whole Foods. The Engine 2 Diet. http://engine2diet.com/
This diet is not a 'diet' to lose weight, fit into that beach bikini, but it will give you those results. This program is designed to help introduce a plant-based diet and give you more energy, nutrients, proteins through a vegan menu. I encourage you to check out the website, as well as follow me on this journey in the coming month. 

Vegetables, Fruits, Whole Grains, Nuts, Low Sugar and Sodium= healthy eating

Gluten is not my friend

I have a confession to make...I might have eaten some gluten in my Thanksgiving meal. I went to a friend's house and did ingest some gluten (unintentionally), but paid for it for days. I realize just how sensitive I am and how cognizant I need to be. Normally I am very conscious of what is in EVERYTHING I eat, but that day was not the day. 

I want you all to know that it's so important to make sure everything you eat, touch and drink can have wheat in it. I am here for you to ask questions, tell me concerns you've had and your story. Celiac Disease is a life-long disease and I hope to help in some way for those concerned, suffering and surviving the lifestyle, because it IS POSSIBLE. On a lighter note, tonight I am going to a blogger event at Whole Foods. This event will be “A Night with Chef Chad Sarno”. This will be a great opportunity to meet other bloggers, get ideas and spread the word of 'Gluten-Free Living Is Possible'. Keep an eye out for the next post about the event. 

Gluten Free and plenty to be thankful for

Thanksgiving, a time for thanks and gratitude. There is so much to appreciate all year long, and Thanksgiving reminds us to look back and think of all the things in which we are thankful. If you have a gluten allergy or Celiac Disease, it may seem like eating and dining is difficult, and especially the traditional meal at Thanksgiving, but remember you do have a lot to be thankful for. First off, remember that you are not alone in your dietary restrictions. There are so many others that are struggling with this lifestyle, as well as thousands of resources such as blogs, support groups, brands of food, medical professionals and others out there facing the same issues. And secondly, think of all the progress the Gluten-Free and Celiac Disease world  has improved over the past 5 years. The variety of choices for substitutes is amazing. Here are some helpful tips to try and make your cooking for Thanksgiving more helpful and enjoyable. 

-If dining with others, bring your own dish pre-made GF and encourage others to try
-Substitituing Gluten-Free flour into your gravy, instead of regular All-Purpose Flour (tastes great)
-Make your own corn bread muffins to have instead of rolls (beware of mixes, be sure to buy GF Mix)
-Bake delicious flourless chocolate cake, crust-free pumpkin pie or delicious GF cookies, only having to substitue the flour
-Create your own stuffing using GF bread and breaking into medium chunks and mix in spices, chicken stock
-And remember these dishes are naturally gluten-free if made without additives: Turkey, Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Caserole (without onion shreds), corn, green beans and so much more. 

Be creative, thankful and happy. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Pereg is perfect

If you are looking for a great quinoa with a kick of spice, try Pereg Quinoa. I made this recently for a dinner party I was having and it was a hit! I knew my guests were interested in eating healthy, trying something new and Pereg Southern Style was the perfect item to serve. I combine this with a salad, and some spicy chicken sausage, but other combinations might include, chicken, beef, beans, or veggies. I love the simple, spicy and savory flavor in which this has. I am a big fan of quinoa normally, but this added flavor helps to encompass the entire flavor of a meal and make it more exciting. 
And with the leftovers I had I made a salad the next day, which was just as tasty. The flavors of lettuce, chick peas and quinoa made a terrific meal and I didn't even need to add salad dressing, which really helped to cut down on calories. Pereg has many flavors, so pick some out at your local grocery store, or visit http://www.pereg-spices.com/ to see where this is sold near you. 

Gluten Free Pasta, yum yum yum

I cannot be more pleased with a pasta-Ancient Harvest is fantastic! I recently made a delicious pasta dish using elbow pasta, vegetarian marinara sauce and a Gluten-Free turkey burger. Making your favorite recipes is easy and I find that it can be a painless and simple process, leaving you to feel no sense of awkwardness when dining with Gluten eaters. Sometimes it becomes hard to go to parties, friends and families without feeling like you cannot eat a regular meal, but Ancient Harvest makes cooking and eating completely delicious and enjoyable. I have never felt so good after eating pasta, like I do after eating Ancient Harvest. 

And, not only is this pasta delicious and Gluten-Free, but it is extremely low in calories and fat. Over the past 10 years, the low-carb fad has been a serious talk, especially pasta is something people tend to stray from......but with Ancient Harvest, you don't have to do that. You can enjoy a large portion of this pasta without feeling guilty! Tasty, low-cal, healthy and simple delicious, what more could you ask for?

 

 

Sweet, Simple and Savory

Do you want a sweet treat for breakfast, snack or post-dinner snack? Well instead of reaching for that pie or sugary cake, take a bite of Lara Bars, the most amazing alternative to sugary, calorie filled desserts. The three flavors in which I enjoyed the most were the Chocolate Coconut Chew, Carrot Cake and Apple Pie. 

These delicious bars give you not only the energy you need, but also satisfying flavors, while remaining healthy. 

I LOVED the chips of chocolate and hearty pieces of coconut in this bar (pictured below). It can be difficult to find a snack that's convenient, tasty and gives you enough flavor, while being Gluten-Free, so rest assured, you have now found the Lara Bar. 

Gluten-Free Pancakes

These are the best pancakes I've ever eaten! My Dad bought me this mix and made them alongside a banana and milk and what more could I ask for. The texture, consistency and flavor was better than I've had with any pancake with wheat in it. These make great left-overs as well. The directions on the back call for making probably more pancakes that one needs at a time, so I like to make the full serving and then have them for a snack later. To reheat simply put them in the oven, microwave or even toaster (of course a toaster that hasn't been contaminated with wheat or gluten). Enjoy and know that you're eating a Gluten-Free friendly and healthy meal. 

How Jamie Oliver is changing the world

Food. It's a source of energy, health, growth and friendship. But lately, or for the past 30 years, food has started killing our country. I am sorry if that sounds too intense, but it is the truth. The amount of sugar, fats, excess calories and processed ingredients in food is atrocious. Food is a means to live and enjoy, whereas now food is shortening the lives of people, creating cancer, disease and mortality. The food that our culture consumes is shortening the lifespan of the next generation. 

I have always been a follower of Jamie Oliver, but over the years I have been so grateful for his mission to change the world and how we look at food. 

Please watch this amazing video of Jamie and appearance on Ted-Talks with his wish for the world. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_QOzc79Uc

Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta

 

Pasta, Pasta and more pasta! Those with Gluten allergies have to stay away from pasta and it being a main staple in our culture and delicious food, and it is a misfortune to be without it. Ancient Harvest Quinoa makes your taste-buds happy again with their Gluten Free Linguine. GF pasta does not taste exactly like wheat pasta, but actually I believe it's ever BETTER! Ancient Harvest has the ability to make pasta taste authentic, savory and filled with nutrients. And after reading a recent article about health, it is said that pasta al-dente has a lower glycemic level and causing less calories. Gluten Free pasta can come out al-dente, therefore, two perks for the price of one. 

I cannot tell you how amazing Ancient Harvest is to my eating options. I love that you can eat like anyone else and it's simple, tasty and even closer to making you feel full and satisfied. 

Dining Out means making choices....

I have always said that no matter where you go, it can be possible to have a Gluten Free meal, and I do still believe that. Unfortunately in today's culture, gluten is EVERYWHERE, and when I say that I mean it's everywhere. When coming back from Pennsylvania last weekend I stopped in Atlanta and when bypassing all the fast food and unhealthy options available at most airports, I sat down at TGI Friday's. I know, not the healthiest of choices, but when looking for a savory meal I figured my chain restaurant would not only have options, but at least be aware of GF allergies.

When receiving the GF menu from the waiter, (which was good to see that they had a display of allergies contained in all foods), but unfortunately almost EVERY food at Gluten in it. I was shocked and even when I thought I would choose a healthy item such as the chicken salad, I came to find out that the chicken was marinated and had wheat in it.

After seeing all my choices, I went with the Grilled Burger with lots of veggies and a potatoes for my side, instead of anything that might have been fried...

 

After this experience, I really urge you to ask more questions, think of what MIGHT contain wheat and take ownership that you have a Gluten Allergy or choose not to eat Gluten. I recently told a friend that if a food makes you sick, making others realize you're serious about it, makes them realize your limitations.

I know that my Celiac Disease is a huge part of my life because it has drastic effects if I eat Gluten. I know it can be a bit of challenge, but you can do it!