It's getting to be chilly....

Manhattan Chili Company may be in Grand Central Station, but it's also locally found in our Whole Foods Market. And of course... we love it because it's GF. Although I am not really impressed with their website, I am impressed with what they have to offer- and really, that's what counts (at least when I am hungry!!) It's deliciously chock full of flavors, fresh herbs, and spices- and can jump kick any fall day. Chili's range from poultry, vegitarian, beef and even lamb... so there is something for everyone. I first found out about this company through a my friend Kristin as her boyfriend Todd is an avid fan!  Two thumbs up for friends who let me know ANY time I can eat something delicious and new! Knowing that I have gluten problems, Todd let me know right away when he found a great product.Now, every time I pass through Grand Central, I have to stop... just for a small size though- be careful- it's VERY filling! I definitely did not pass it up before going to catch a show the last time I was in the city and today was no different! I had to be fast as I had to meet Kristin to help pack up her clothing line she was showing at Moda this week- K Madison-  but I had to fill my tummy and Manhattan is no place to be running around with a hungry tummy! So next time you are hopping on the train out of the city (the express I hope!), enjoy your commute and get a dish!

"Sprinkles Make Anything That Much Better..."

Sheffa- Salad Sprinkles...

I have always been a HUGE fan of sprinkles and now that I an GF I have found a new way to eat sprinkles.... Salad Sprinkles. While in Stew's last week I met a lovely lady Leslie whose product is Sheffa, Salad Sprinkles. We got to chatting and of course- Leslie just found out that she too has Celiac! What a small world.

I was asking her about her product, and I will admit- I sampled- but who doesn't in Stews???? And fell in love- and so will you... funny enough I fell in love a year ago when I first sampled too, but I didn't know then that it was Gluten Free, because I didn't need to know! I did know that it was labeled as "wheat free, gluten free, kosher, vegan, non gmo (whatever that is) and no trans fat" all natural whole food ingredients, aka healthy. Now that I covered that basis- we are all set, and all set to make delicious salads, pastas and meals with just a bit more flare! Salad Sprinkles are a nut and seed sprinkle- so not for people with diverticulitis- watch out... but for us lovers of seeds- we can add on an extra spoonful! So enjoy... and remember... "Sprinkles Make Anything That Much Better..."

"Take Me Out To The Ball Game" cause Citifield now has Gluten Free Beer

A few months back I was thrilled to go to my first game at Citifield- the new home of the Met's. I had been to Shea many times, but this was a new field- does it get any better? Unfortunately the last game I remembered going to I was able to enjoy a game the American way- with hot dogs and beers... in fact, that might have been part of the reason I went to the game at all. But now I was faced with going to the game and not having the full experience- at least in my mind.... and I was finally a designated driver- my friend  Chris could not have been happier.

Citifield was great, don't get me wrong- I still want to call it Shea- but it is beautiful. Every seat I have been in, and I have been in a few this season, has a great view of the field. I was able to find something other than a hot dog as Blue Smoke had non-cross contaminated pulled pork (and a pickle to boot!)  Although Chris knew it was not the same for me. Behind my back he wrote an email to Anheuser Bush and told them about my "unamerican experience" and asked them if they could put Redbridge (their product, they are the beer sponsors) in a section. Not only did they email him back- they called him, and followed up. They told him that Citifield would surely put it in a section because they are there for the customer -unlike another NY team... I giggled when I heard that part! So now- low and behold- there is something even better about Citifield- they now have REDBRIDGE- gluten free beer.

I have been back twice, and both times had to ask about the sales. The first time the women at the beer garden told us that people were definitely drinking it, but more out of curiosity. Recently when I went back for my birthday with my dad and friends- where the picture above was taken (4th Row Seats I might add- Great Job Chris! and thank you Goldie!!!). It was amazing to go with my friends and my dad, since he was a bat boy growing up and has baseball in his family blood... but better yet was that I could drink a beer with him while watching baseball. So we went looking for Redbridge- to cheers to my birthday and to cheers to beers again, and baseball too! The first club we went to was sold out, the second told us that she has regulars who come to every game and only drink that, and the women at the beer garden said- I remember you two!!!! Who knew it would be such a hit!

So thank you Citifield, thank you Chris Hickey, thank you women at the beer garden.... and to all those who have Celiac or a Gluten problem- Go catch a game, meet the Met's and drink a beer.... cause I am not sure we can do much about the hot dogs!

Nut Crunch

Here is my first Gluten Free Recipe: NUT CRUNCH. This recipe was my first GF one given to me by our Pastry Chef at Becky the Schoolhouse at Cannondale- it's delish so make up a batch and dig in!

2 1/2 cups rice flower
(3/4 cup of oats) Substitute at local Whole Foods or specialty stores
3/4 cups pecans & 3/4 cup almonds- toast and grind 1/2
1/2 cup veg oil or canola oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider or orange juice
cinnamon
vanilla extract
almond extract

- combine liquid ingredients in one bowl
- combine dry ingredients in another bowl
- mix wet into dry
- spread on sheet pan and bake at 300*F oven
- when mixture is toasted on surface, use metal spatula to toss
- continure to bake till evenly toasted and break up any large chunks!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Gluten Free food is hit or miss, so I will let you in on some of my absolute FAVORITE products ( in no particular order)

1. AGAINST THE GRAIN - http://www.againstthegraingourmet.com/

any and all of these products. Most of them can be found in Whole Foods stores. There baguettes, rolls and pizza shells are to die for. They have a bit of a croissant flavor... and my favorite pizza place Fat Cat, in Norwalk, CT uses there product for there pizza!

2. DEPUMA PASTA- http://www.depumaspasta.com/

you will absolutely not know it was gluten free... in fact I like them better than the old raviolis I used to get. They can be found in Whole Foods too, or can be directly overnights to your house!

3. WASABI RICE CRACKERS-

there are a few different brands that make these, and for the most part you can't go wrong with any of them... my favorite are the wasabi crackers but there are many other varieties, BBQ, Sesame, Plain, etc

4. AMY's- www.amys.com

for a quick fix her enchiladas and tamales are delish! check your frozen section. Note- I did not care for her pizza

5. LUCY's COOKIES- www.drlucys.com

My father found these in the Village Market in Wilton for me. They are amazing- and I have tried all the flavors. If fact I feel like I sometimes am in competition to get a box or two against my friends mom whom also has the same problems!

6. YUMNUTS- www.yumnutsnaturals.com

These are slow dry roasted cashews that they sell many varieties too! I love them! I am still exploring all the flavors but they are "mouthwatering". Plus they are local and I can't say no to that!

7. NUT-THINS www.bluediamond.com

These are great crackers for cheese or any spreads! Even alone they are a good munch! I am partial to the Natural Almond ones but I did just pick up a few other ones to try!

8. GLUTINO CANDY BARS- Chocolate Peanut Butter- www.glutino.com

Now, first off, snicker is gluten free and so are some of my favorite candies... so don't let me mislead you that you can't eat what you see in a store. These are just a really nice treat that a friend brought over and I happened to exceptionally like!

Libations are also important!

Since I just found out that I can drink wine- check out Delight Magazine this month!- I have had a few glasses lately, particularly Rose, which is made in Steel Vats. But other favorites include:

Tito's Vodka- corn based

FireFly Vodka- tastes like Ice Tea

Tequila- reposada please- and on the rocks!

Redbridge Beer- LOVE, and as I will post in the near future... CITIFIELD carries this! Let's go Mets!!

I am sure I have more, and feel free to ask! These were just off the top of my head!~

Blogs...

I have never been one to blog- I am not really sure how to do it. BUT- in my favorite Pizza Restaurant Last night- FAT CAT PIE COMPANY http://www.fatcatpie.com/- Thats right GLUTEN FREE pizza I might add, and the BEST I have had (I have had my share of cardboard) ... I sat there with a friend who has a Gluten Allergy celebrating her birthday. As the story goes, I tend to reasearch a lot about Celieac Disease, I have a Gluten Intolerance, and her friends were asking many a question... many a question that I could answer. It was then that Dina said you should start a blog.

A Blog? I don't know much about this internet thing, so I thought it was crazy. Crazy until I thought about how much disgusting "GF" (gluten free) food that I have thrown out in trial and error. So I thought what the heck. I live in Fairfield County and I probably know any chef that will help talk you through there menu, many hidden gems- ie you can actually eat the french fries at BJ Ryans in Norwalk, CT.  http://www.bjryans.com/

So here it goes.... I'll Blog about what I know best, FOOD, and GOOD FOOD. I don't stand to eat cardboard, or complain about how I have to eat differently. It's my lifestyle, not someone else's... that's the first step. Take hold and you will find a whole new world of GOOD FOOD.