Strawberry Shortcake

  One of my favorite dolls growing up was Strawberry Shortcake and it was also my favorite  dessert too!! Since going gluten free I have really missed baked goods. I have tried a lot of different mixes but I truly think the Betty Crocker version is the best.

 

. We used a few simple ingredients including fresh strawberries (homegrown in Harrison Arkansas) to make this delicious dessert. Trust me if you make this you will not be disappointed!!

 

Strawberry Shortcake

 

1 box Betty Crocker GF cake mix

(prepared according to package directions)

2 pints fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sugar

1 tub cool whip

 

1. Make the Betty Crocker GF vanilla cake mix according to directions and let cool.

2.Remove tops and slice strawberries, then mix with the sugar.

3.Top with cool whip and serve   

 

(Coffee Optional )   :)                                                                                                   

 

Gluten Free Mainstream

   Is gluten free going mainstream a good thing or a bad thing?? Well in my humble opinion it is a very good thing. My son has been gluten free since 2004 when no one in Missouri had any idea what celiac disease was. When he was diagnosed there were very few options for him. I had to make trips to very expensive natural food stores and I never left without spending  at least $30 for two or three things. Not to mention having to read EVERY single label and  EVERY ingredient. While we still read labels, there are brands and restaurants that I trust. Time and experience have taught me which brands I trust. 

     I know there is concern about cross contamination and I agree with the concern. Most labels will state whether or not the product is manufactured on a line that also manufactures wheat or gluten. It is like anything else in life we can simply obsess over what might happen if we eat out, try a new product, or order from that pizza chain that can't promise that our pizza might become cross contaminated OR we can try and prevent being exposed to gluten with the positive attitude that it most likely will not happen.

    I think that the gluten free diet going mainstream is a great thing! It will raise awareness, prompt other brands to offer gluten free products, lower the price of gluten free foods and help the gluten free products that are out there improve. (Because lets face it, some of them taste like cardboard and cost a fortune!)  Here is a list of  a some of the brands that I have noticed that are offering more gluten free products. Have a great weekend everybody!!

www.chex.com
www.pillsbury.com
www.postfoods.com


You can also download a list of General Mills products that are gluten free here:

http://www.livebetteramerica.com/health/gluten-free

 

Quiche Lorraine

I saw this recipe on facebook and I had to try it. It seemed fairly easy and a great way to use up my leftover mashed potatoes. We just got done with dinner and let me tell you it was a hit. It was easy and kid pleasing.



Mashed Potato Crust

2 Cups of mashed potatoes
Olive oil

Flatten the potatoes into a greased pie plate ( Use a thin layer and make sure it is even)
Coat with a little bit of olive oil
Bake for about 25 minutes @ 350 degrees

Quiche Lorraine

7 Slices bacon chopped
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 1/4  cups half and half (or milk substitue of your choice)
1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
1/2 cup of mozzerella cheese
1/2 cup of swiss cheese

Cook bacon in a skillet until done
Chop bacon into small squares
Lay on the bottom of the Mashed Potato crust
Beat eggs, yolks, and half and half until well blended
Add nutmeg, cheeses, and salt and pepper to taste.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy!

Mashed Potato Crust

Before Baking









Quiche Lorraine

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

As many of you know, trying to choose gluten free products that actually taste good can be difficult! I have tried many that I will never buy again. But, this one is not one of those! This mix is so good and you can make several different kinds of cookies out of it.  I let my whole family try these cookies and even the ones on the "normal" diet loved them. This box made about 24 medium sized cookies. You can choose which cookies you want to make just by adding different ingredients.  Good job Hodgson Mill! I give it two thumbs up and I will definitely be using this mix again! www.hodgsonmill.com

Sausage Dinner

Want something easy, tasty, and gluten free?  This recipe is all that and a bag of chips. It's soo good, I just had to share it. It's affordable as well.


Sausage Dinner

1 package Kielbasa sausage
5 to 7 medium potatoes (washed, peeled, and diced)
2 medium onions (peeled, diced)
Canola Oil
2 TBS mustard
Brown sugar (to taste)
Salt and Pepper


In a skillet over medium heat cook potatoes and onions in oil until soft.
Add diced Kielbasa sausage, salt, pepper, mustard and a little brown sugar.
Cook until all ingredients are done. Vegetables will be soft, caramelized, and sausage will be hot and a little caramelized as well.

*Onions can be diced or sliced long ways, sliced looks prettier but, diced blends in better if you have picky eaters.
 
Enjoy.

 

Gluten Free Frustration and Bliss

   I have recently taken a new job and I find myself in the cafeteria at work quite a bit, this can be so frustrating! I am always trying to eat something hot and yummy but most of the time I just end up with a salad. Don't get me wrong, I love salad, but you just can't eat that everyday. I have even asked the cooks at my work what is in the food and half the time they don't know and they try to get me to eat whatever they have. Salad again...sigh. Enough venting about all of that, I just wish it were easier sometimes.

    On the other hand, my son is enrolled in school and his teacher is gluten free! That was amazing!! I couldn't believe it and I think that it's such a blessing because she understands what he is going through. The school my son attends also makes gluten free meals for him with a doctors note. This makes me very very happy! I think by the time my son gets a job it will be easier and a lot more people are going to be aware of the gluten free diet and why it can be necessary for some of us. So, there you have it just a little rantin and raving on my part. I am working on some yummy gluten free treats for fall, I am hoping to perfect the gluten free cinnamon roll! :)

Fried Zucchini

I love zucchini, it grows really well here in Missouri. We always have a surplus of it in the summertime.   We  midwesterners love our down home cooking and this is one of my favorite side dishes. I think you will enjoy it too.

Fried Zucchini

2 large zucchini peeled and sliced into thin slices
4 to 6 eggs beaten
2 Cups gluten free flour (king arthur flour is what I used)
Canola oil (or olive oil)
Salt

Coat the zucchini slices in egg and dip in the flour
Fry the zucchini until golden brown on both sides
Drain on a paper towel
Lightly salt the zucchini and serve while still warm

Enjoy!

My Kiddos