Gluten-Free Goodies ~

It's a rainy morning...the flowers are loving this weather and green is beginning to pop up everywhere...so as I'm nestled here working away at my desk, sipping my favorite Parisian tea, Mariage Freres I got to thinking about all of the delicious, lovely and inspirational products and goodies I've seen this week via some of my favorite bloggers, businesses and gourmet foodies...so I thought I'd share...oh, and the one little Parisian splurge was totally for my iPhone, not for me!


I picked up this little goody at the Apple store - the moment my eyes connected with zzzz Tour Eiffel it was mine...I mean, my iPhones'...silly. This cover, made by Venom in the UK, has a great graphic and super smooth surface that fits the phone perfectly, and will aid in the conjuring up of lovely memories from past visit(s) to Paris. Just looking at this photo I can feel and smell the Parisian air, hear the sounds of cars, sirens and boat horns tooting down the Seine. It makes me happy.

A former boss and friend of mine who is also a Celiac, recently posted on Facebook that she was reading Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, so I had to download it and start reading. I'd heard of this book a while ago but my friend's recommendation, stemming from the horrors and truths behind what wheat is really like today in America, was too intriguing to pass by. I'm half way through and am in utter amazement of what an abomination our United States food industry really has become. I've been reading and researching more and more, digging in and learning about the hostile takeover of the worlds seeds by certain unnamed food giants ruining the health of millions. There are some terrific documentaries out there folks - just do a little searching and you'll easily find the likes of Food Inc., Forks Over Knives, Food Matters, King Corn, etc. All can be found on Netflix. I'll stop here...but I must tell you that I've developed very strong opinions about our food sources and eating organically...and though I used to question Vegans, I'm in their corner more than ever as it pertains to most foods. It would take a lot for me to completely give up fresh fish and chicken...and eggs! So I do my very best to research where my food comes from and try to buy organic products.

If you enjoy on-line shopping for food and gluten-free treats then you'll love these suggestions. I've become a huge fan of FOOD52 and all of their wonderful recipes and product mentions. Today's news is no exception as Amanda and Merrill boast about artisanal olive oil and tea. The featured olive oil, California Olive Ranch, is already a fav of mine. I LOVE their Arbequina oil as it's so lively and fruity.


If you're in the mood for some fun baking with the kids or a treat for yourself, Living Without Magazine just posted a delicious looking GF, dairy-free S'mores Bar recipe that sounds so yummy. A perfect treat to make this weekend and you don't even need a campfire!

And last but certainly not least...Market Hall Foods is talking all about a company and their products from Northern California (my homeland) that's really great...the Mendocino Sea Salt & Seasoning Company. They offer three salts; Artisan, a flaky sea salt comes from the clear, cold waters off the Mendocino Coast, Nori, with local, edible seaweed, and Seasoning "Sand," a blend with garlic, onion, brown sugar and pepper. I want to try all three.

Hope these fun finds and goodies bring a smile to your face and a fun package to your door. I'd love to hear about your favorite gluten-free goodies and why you love them...always looking for reader input and ideas we can post/share.

Cheers!

Granola all day...

I'm a granola addict. Granola on yogurt, as cereal, as a healthy snack...I've even been known to throw a little in with my cream of rice followed by a dollop of Greek yogurt to top it off - Yum! Buuuuut, I was growing tired of the gluten-free store bought granola on the market. Let me say however, they were all wonderful additions to the GF market when a few brands hit the shelves over the past couple of years, but with the "roll-your-eyes" high price of store-bought granola and the "less than super fresh taste," I'd grown tired of packaged and was so ready to find a great recipe and make my own.

I'd tried creating a few batches using the obvious ingredients; Gluten-free oats, almond, etc. but the flavor was a bit drab and didn't create the crunch I was wanting to bite in to. So, as I was perusing one of my favorite blogs, Orangette, I came across Molly's posting about her obsession for granola too! The recipe she found on a mutually beloved food site, Food52, featured a fab recipe for Early Bird's Farmhand's Choice granola that popped up in the “Genius Recipes” column at Food52. It sounded so delish, including the sweetness of molasses and brown sugar, AND savory texture of olive oil - Ahh, that's what I was missing!

Update: - Are Oats Gluten-Free? This has been a question circulating around as a bit of a mystery. Do your research and always read the labels so you know the oats you are buying have been certified GF which should guarantee no cross contamination. Here's a link to Jane Anderson's About.com Celiac Disease site and an update on gluten-free oats and what you should know before you buy and bake.


Olive Oil and Maple Granola
Adapted from Nekisia Davis, Early Bird Foods, and Food 52

Knowing how pri$ey nuts and seeds can be, I tend to buy mine at Trader Joe's or in the bulk section at Whole Foods, which makes them more affordable and able to keep a constant supply on-hand. I also was able to find coconut chips in bulk.

"The next time I make this, I might cut back a little on the brown sugar, but I recommend trying it as written first." Orangette

- 3 Cups rolled certified gluten-free oats (make sure that the oats state they are gluten-free - I use Bob's Red Mill GF Oats)
- 1 cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup raw hulled sunflower seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
- 1 1/4 cup raw pecans, whole or chopped
- Packed 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 cup maple syrup, preferably Grade B
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp. organic cinnamon
Dried cranberries and/or raisins are optional but you'd be crazy to leave them out! Trader Joe's has wonderful dried cranberries with orange essence ~ Yum!
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut chips, pecans, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix. Add the olive oil and maple syrup, and stir until well combined. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until the granola is golden brown and toasted, about 45 minutes. Remove the granola from the oven, and season with more salt to taste. Cool completely on a wire rack. If you'd like, stir in some dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries.

Note: Granola will keep at room temperature for up to a month in a sealed container.

Makes about 7 cups




Just add to your favorite yogurt or as a mid-day snack -

WARNING - one handful will never suffice!