Staying Warm Slope side... Gluten Free

I love it when a friend finds new information! And I certainly love it when its a bit off the beaten path. I mean when you are tired (and cranky) from skiing in the cold, who wants to worry about what you can eat? Now we don't have to- Okemo is making it that much easier for us! Check it out: http://www.okemo.com/okemowinter/pressroom/newsroom/GF.asp

Take hold of your seats... Mickey embraces Gluten Free

We can stop eating that Chicken on a Stick like cave man at Disney... and finally get some solid treats! BABYCAKES NYC is locating in downtown Disney! For real! So next time your family tries to plan a reunion with all the little critters... remember your vote for Disney can be selfish too! chaos and cupcakes- what a deal!

Taste of Celiac fair is TODAY

NEW HAVEN — The Greater New Haven Celiac Group is holding its annual Taste of Celiac vendor fair this weekend.
The fair runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Annex YMA Club, 554 Woodward Ave.
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which consuming gluten triggers an immune system response that damages the small intestine. Unchecked, the disease can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
The fair will offer a variety of gluten-free foods for sampling and for purchase.
There is no cost for members of the GNHCG and the cost for non-members is $5. Kids younger than 18 are admitted free.
For more information, contact Lisa Turcotte at 860-984-4742 or send an e-mail to kayariley@yahoo.com.

Great Vendors (such as my favorite pasta: DePuma) will be there tasting and selling! 

One More Reason to "heart" Stew's

This might have been one of the hardest store to get any type of gluten free feedback from... and it IS my favorite store. When I first found out I had Celiac, I went to Stew's and asked them which products they had gluten free. Of which the help desk replied- none... Now we all know this is surely not the case. Eggs are Gluten Free, Some Chips are gluten free, actually some of their dips were gluten free, and sooo much more. I understand this is my problem, not theirs, but a little knowledge goes a LONG way- (at that time they did have one labeled gluten free product, which I told the women about). 

Since that day, Stew Leonard's has come A LONG way with their choice of products and options for us! They first came out with Bethany's Gluten Free cookies, which I blogged about earlier and are AHHH-mazing... Today they showcased a new line of cookies, a local gluten free bakery: My Dad's Cookies, which had many choices to choose from: linzer torte, black and white, gingersnaps... so next time you are there, not only pick up a box- remember to thank them in the suggestion box for bringing them on board! 

Creamy, Yummy Butternut Squash Soup... Thank you CookingLight

                                  

I found this recipe a few years ago in Cooking Light for a delicious butternut squash soup.  It’s definitely the best one I’ve found to date, and at 330 calories per serving it’s incredibly filling and creamy.  I love this magazine and make lots of meals for my friends and fam from it every month.  Here is the recipe, courtesy of www.cookinglight.com.

        Ingredients

      2  tablespoons  butter
      5  cups  (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
      2  cups  (1/2-inch) cubed peeled russet potato (about 12 ounces)
      1  teaspoon  kosher salt
      1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
      2  cups  sliced leek (about 2 medium)
      4  cups  fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
      1  cup  half-and-half
      3/4  cup  (3 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
      3  tablespoons  chopped chives
      Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Melt your butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add squash, potato, salt and pepper to the pan and sauté for 3 minutes.  Add the leek and sauté for 1 minute.  Stir in the broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the potato is cooked, making sure to stir occasionally.  Then (and this is where I do the steps a little differently from the mag), take your immersion blender to the soup and blend until the soup is almost smooth.  It’s nice to have a few small chunks of veggies left.  Stir in the half-and-half and then serve when you’re ready to eat!

Cooking Light also recommends crunchy toast with a slice of Gruyere cheese melted on top.  YUM!

Redbridge Beer... at a Restaurant Near You!

B J RYANS	57 MAIN ST NORWALK, CT 06851 (203) 866-7926	Distance: 1.02 mi
BREW HOUSE	13 MARSHALL ST NORWALK, CT 06854 (203) 853-9110	Distance: 1.63 mi
JOHN'S BEST PIZZA	365 POST RD W WESTPORT, CT 06880 (203) 227-7247	Distance: 2.94 mi
VIA SFORZA	243 POST RD W WESTPORT, CT 06880 (203) 846-1116	Distance: 3.22 mi
GEORGETOWN SALOON	8 MAIN ST GEORGETOWN, CT 06829 (203) 544-8003	Distance: 3.94 mi
BRENNANS REST	82 IROQUOIS RD STAMFORD, CT 06902 (203) 323-1787	Distance: 7.53 mi
SOUTHPORT BREWING	2600 POST RD SOUTHPORT, CT 06890 (203) 256-2337	Distance: 8.15 mi
BEACH CAFE	2070 POST RD FAIRFIELD, CT 06824 (203) 254-3606	Distance: 8.64 mi
JOE'S AMERICAN	750 POST RD FAIRFIELD, CT 06824 (203) 319-1600	Distance: 9.75 mi
BRICK OVEN	2914 FAIRFIELD AVE BRIDGEPORT, CT 06605	Distance: 10.92 mi
BELLE HAVEN CLUB	100 HARBOR DR GREENWICH, CT 06830 (203) 861-5353 Redbridge Beer

Ok Mark Bittman, I am poaching this... Thank You!

Panfried Trout with Bacon...

With a few tweaks (gluten free beer- redbridge? ), we could feel like we are still camping this winter in the comfort of our own homes... I don't know about you, but I have always felt that this was the best way of camping. So spark the fireplace, grab a nice glass of red: I love the Bogle Phantom that comes out every year at this time... but the name speaks for itself- it disappears off the shelves quickly!

Panfried Trout with Bacon and Red Onions

Makes: 2 servings

Time: 45 minutes

Think of this as campfire food, made at home. Other seafood you can use: salmon or any thick fillets or steaks or whole sardines.

4 thick slices bacon

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

2 whole trout, about 12 ounces each, gutted and split or filleted

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup beer  or water

Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

1. Put the bacon in a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat. Cook, turning several times, until it just begins to get crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove and drain. Immediately put the onion in the hot bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes, then remove from the pan with a slotted spoon. Roughly chop the bacon.

2. Rinse and dry the fish and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Dredge the fish in the cornmeal, put in the pan, and raise the heat to high. Cook on both sides until nicely browned and the interior turns white, 8 to 12 minutes total. Transfer to a platter.

3. Turn the heat under the skillet down to medium-low and add the beer, scraping up any browned bits that have stuck to the pan. Let the beer bubble and thicken a bit, then return the onion and bacon to the pan. Spoon the bacon and onions and pan sauce over the fish, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Short Ribs, Mash up & Celery Root Puree... Winter Must

OHHH Yummy Yummy Yummy... its wintertime and I am settling in.Filling winter dinners to warm our sweet souls are just around the bend... my first one started tonight

sweet Jesus! dinner was that good tonight, so I thought I would share:

Short Ribs- Crockpot style: on high- 41/2 hours
2 cups veal stock
1 onion chopped
2 tbs balsamic
splashes of Worcestershire sauce
2 tbs red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
potatoes
in a zip-lock: gf flour, salt, pepper: dust the short ribs before putting in Crockpot

Mash up: in a skillet
pearl onions & 1/2 tbs butter: till brown on each side
add pancetta, add more butter
add Brussels sprouts, peeled
add zucchini, add more butter, and salt to taste
cook 5 mins in pan and then bake for another 10 at 350*

Celery Root Puree: boil in pot
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
salt
butter
celery root, peeled and chopped into cubes
puree when done!

Thanksgiving... recipe's for the takin...

Here is my line up for Thanksgiving Dinner... a few can't do with out recipes and a few that are just naturally gluten free just the way they are! There is no holding back in our kitchen~!

Turkey: Tim LaBant from The Schoolhouse at Cannondale, is all about the salt brine... and he will even prep your turkey (local and organic) for pickup on Tuesday the day before. If you want to take it one step (or one less step further) the team at The Schoolhouse will prep your entire Thanksgiving Day dinner for you! mention you are gluten free, as you might want to skip on the stuffing... BUUUUUT all the sides other than that- including the soup- are naturally gluten free. He doesn't add fillers, or take any short cuts- so it is bound to keep you eating more and saving less room for dessert!
Stuffing: http://udisglutenfree.com/recipes/Dinner/29
Mashed Potatoes... you are right out of your mind if you have to thicken your potatoes with flour.. .other than that... your safe! Add a little chicken stock for extra flavor!
Creamed Red and White Pearl Onions: http://wednesdaychef.typepad.com/the_wednesday_chef/2005/11/barbara_lynchs_.html
you will not regret the labor you put into this!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: http://anyoneforseconds.wordpress.com/2009/10/11/roasted-butternut-squash-soup-gluten-free/ the name says it all: Anyone for seconds?
Brussels Sprouts:  keep it simple and natural... http://nymag.com/restaurants/articles/recipes/pansearedbrusselssprouts.htm or add some bacon and a simple toss of olive oil to the pan for a different flare
Cranberry Sauce: I go old school here.. there is NOTHING better than Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce out of the can... sorry can't beat it in my mind, its just never going to be passed!
Pumpkin Pie with a Gingersnap Crust: http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,186,153172-248201,00.html... ok make sure your gingersnaps are GLOW cookies and you are all set here~!

Take 2...

A real life bagel... well as I mentioned before, take 2... even better... Udi's Gluten Free. I was told and didn't listen, and I should have. I still have been hesitant to taste the bread- I am sure you completely understand this- half the stuff out there is DISGUSTING, and we are supposed to just roll over and pretend we like it, or better yet, pretend that we are not offended by how much we have to pay for food that tastes like cardboard. BUT Needless to say, I will be tasting their bread, and the newest item to their roster: Cinnamon Raisin Bread- hellooooo french toast! Real food= Real taste, and that is one thing that Udi's has!

So, one word (or 68) of advice... join their facebook group for the best recipes and new ideas! It's great! And they are not over powering with their posts- again, AMAZING! http://www.facebook.com/udisglutenfree

A long long time ago...

It's been since I have been blogging. I am SO bad! But... since then, it's been so good! Best News: They are going to be continuing every Thursday through the Winter at Gilberties in Westort... and a little birdie told me that my favorite Gluten Free pastry girl- Peace Tree Desserts, might be there too... a girl could only hope!

First let's discuss Westport Farmers Market... This year:
Collyer Catering: Quinoa- EVERY week, a different type- can we say: lunch?
Raus Coffee: The Cold Roman, first of all, we all need a wake up call, or at least I do... it's the start of my day!
Sugar & Olives: Gluten Free cookies, and they melt in your mouth... a real cookie, not any of that fake sugar sh*t
There is another farm stand, and it's sad but I can't remember their name- so here is my description- they sell lamb, and sheep milk and cheese... there they also have feta pesto... you will not only love it, you will dive into it over and over and over again... a staple to any party
Arugala from any market you can't miss, but the microgreens from Two Guys From Woodbridge... those are something to talk about!

COOKIE MONSTER

So remember back in January how I told you about the best cookie ever from Seattle? It was called the Monster cookie and the fact is- I can't live with out it. My father just made a visit to my sister last week and brought me home two! This is after my sister, who is not gluten free, bought probably 3 or 4 with promises to send them, which never got fulfilled. I don't blame you AC- the cookies are THAT GOOD. In a recent iming session with my sister I learned that the company in Seattle now sells their mixes online! My sisters response after I said I want some "   Anne:  ha, ok! i can take orders too but no guarentees on fulfillment...ha ha...and no refunds either"... So find them at Cinnamon Works at Home  . I can't give them a better testimonial then to just say- I have NEVER had a better gluten free cookie then the ones from here... (sorry all who have tried!)

A few of my favorite things...

It's been awhile.. it's summer and although that is not an excuse... I have slacked. But I am back with a few favorite things to start getting myself back on track.

Blue Dolphin Dinner; Katonah: gluten free pasta, and the best BEST sauces to boot. Live it and you will love it! I can't say enough about this place- it's definitely worth the drive!

Partners; Norwalk: Pork Chops Italiano, with the gorgonzola salad. The gorgonzola salad alone speaks words, but these pork chops will keep you coming back for more.

The Goose; Darien: here I have to first start off with mentioning the booze. Chris behind the bar has put a lot of effort into making sure they have tons of gluten free favorites: redbridge, titos, rose, firefly! And as for food- can't go wrong with the steak fritte... o my golly. Let your waiter know you are GF, they will take care of the rest!

Sugar and Olives; Norwalk: Cranberry chocolate chip cookies, if you are at the farmers market on Thursdays in Westport, these are a hot number... so get there early ( I tend to miss them more often than not! )

Mirabelle Cheese Shop; Westport: Barratta... need I say more, that soft delicate middle that falls apart and melts in your mouth... do it!

A Little Kick of Summer... Ali Style

Ahhh... a little bit of heaven just touched my lips. Immediately I have to share- cause you deserve to know the BEST recipe I can dream of for summer was just plated in front of me. Not at a Restaurant either, Ali, a great friend (and who knew??? a great chef) just taught me a little bit about crab cakes that even my fans in Baltimore would be proud of... so here goes... eat your heart out, or stuff your face- I know I just did...

Crab Cakes:
1 lb crab meat- she used one can bumble bee lump crab and one of the fresh minced crab meat (Phillips to be exact)
1/4 cup chopped pepper (red for color)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup mayo- Hellman's- obvi
1 egg
1/2- 3/4 cup bread crumbs (ALEXIA's is amaz)
1tbsp old bay- don't be afraid to overfill the tablespoon
1/2 tsp dry mustard
dash of Worcestershire sauce

combine the above and in a buttery skillet fry to your hearts desire- extra crispy for me! And don't forget about the sauce...
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 tbsp dry mustard
1/1/2 cups mayo- Hellman's- obvi
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp paprika
1 1/2 horseradish
2 tbsp sherry
chopped parsley- for prettiness
salt and pepper to taste
mix and obviously apply generously. The combinations of the two above will create a bond your taste buds never knew they had- SERIOUSLY

Take me out to the ball game... Celiac Awareness Night

Come one come all- to the metropolitans! WOO HOO, Gluten Free with the Mets. Now- not only can we enjoy a gluten free beer there... we can also eat hot dogs, brats, and much more. a Celiac Disease Awareness Night at Citi Field May 25th. Money raised will support the Long Island chapter of R.O.C.K. and the Celiac Disease Center At Columbia University. Here's sneak peek at the gluten-free food now available there. Can't wait to fill up the car, and head on down! 

Gluten Allergies have hit Saturday Night Live

Funny Clip from this weekend... ENJOY!
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/debbie-downer--dress-rehearsal/1226119
Make sure you wait till the end!

Around Town...

1. Did you know BJ Ryan's in Norwalk CT has Gluten Free Beer? Woop Woop
2.  Did you know that Fratelli Market in Stamford CT has an AMAZING selection of Gluten Free Food to go? Prepared meals, fresh pastas and desserts???
3. Did you know Rizzuto's (the old Conte's) in Westport CT has gluten free pasta on their menu... as well as a stellar happy hour!
4. Did you know the Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton CT can make any option on their menu Gluten Free? And most already are- even better!
5. Did you know that Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk CT can make their Arepas skillet roasted instead of the fryer?
6. Did you know that Beach Cafe in Fairfield CT has Taco Tuesday- $2 tacos and they are Gluten Free?

Blondie or Brunette?

I chose a blondie today... a scrumptious, melt in your mouth, can't put it down- blondie. I am getting to the point where I can honestly say- Gluten Free's the Way to Be! People are finally creating a product I don't have to pretend to like so that the person who bought it for me feels good. I find myself NOT throwing away items and actually enjoying food again- well processed food that is. I have to constantly remind my family that potatoes are naturally gluten free... and I can eat a ham animal (long story, but yes I though their was a ham animal at one stage in my life). Back to my first gluten free brownie, in this case a blondie... Freed Goods Co, is an organic company that bakes brownies and blondies. Their are five different kinds that they offer: Chocolate, Chocolate Walnut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Walnut, and Blondies. 5% of freedgoods profits go to support infertility education, research and treatment... and if you are celiac, like myself, you know that this is a very large (and scary) part of our lives that we could be faced with.

So just think- your eating dessert for a very rewarding cause! 

I'm Glowing!!!!!!!

I can honestly say that I have not had a better Gluten Free cookie- EVER. Ok maybe it comes close to a cookie made by this tiny little bakery in Seattle- buuuuut I don't live in Seattle, so case closed! If I stuck this cookie onto plates at Easter Dinner, no one would have known it was gluten free ever! For all you "gluten fulls" out their- I'd put you to the challenge. I am so impressed with this brand- Glow, Gluten Free- that I can't wait to get another box. Priced at about 5.99 for a box of 7 large cookies, not that flaky stuff we are used to. These cookies have substance to them!!! I definitely approve of their tag line "try all of our scrumptious flavors.... you might just glow from head to toe!" I am sure you can tell- but I am already glowing!  I do have to note, the ingredients might be the trick- garbanzo & fava bean flour, as well as palm oil- who woulda thunk? This also brings me to the point that these cookies are not like other gluten free cookies loaded with fat and sugar- they actually have a nutritional value- I mean??? Healthy???
Grab a box, or four (Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip,Gingersnap and Snickerdoodle)... Put your feet up with a large glass of mike and DIVE IN... don't jump! Trust me...

Mom's Home Cookin... to go!

After running around all day looking for more Gluten Free Waffles, I stumbled upon this magical little box at Balducci's... Beef Pot Pie you say, with a cheesy polenta crust- I don't know about you but that about wet my taste buds. In fact, I couldn't wait to get home, drop my bags, turn on the oven and pop that little baby in! Twin Hens prides themselves on being Artisan Comfort Food- and it is. Bell and Evan Chicken is used in their chicken pot pie and their vegetable pot pie is 74% organic. Any mom can agree that this is a good meal from step one! While the only pot pie offered gluten free is the beef pot pie- it was worth the 45 minute cooking time. The crust came out crispy and the beef tender. Twin Hens definitely know what they are doing! Next time you are in Balducci's or Whole Foods check and see if your store has it- you won't be disappointed!

One Pierogie, Two Pierogies, Three Pierogies... FLOOR

Can we say died and went to heaven, or bed from a food coma! Contes (which I have mentioned before in my blog) has created delish gluten free pierogies. Stuffed with a heaping of potato and onions, they are great snack or meal! Cooked stove top in a pot of water for 9 minutes, its a quick treat... just don't forget about them because I did that once and a few popped open- don't worry though, I still devoured them...
Make sure you click on the Conte's link I have provided because they are limitless on the meals one could create, and have a ton of microwaveable meals too. A nod to the gluten full people- they sell "your people food" too!
Up next: Conte's Stuffed Shells... they are in my freezer and I will let you know after tasting, but from the looks of things- me like!

Wanton Soup... umm ummm good!

Chinese food is a major comfort food for me... and its super easy and super cheap to make at home. While in Rhode Island last weekend we tried out this recipe and it was awesome, so I thought I would share. Because my sister in law has a shellfish allergy we doubled the pork and did not add the shrimp- I am not sure I would ever add the shrimp it was so good, but that is for you to decide!

Wantons: mix the below together and let sit covered for 25-30 minutes for flavors to intensify.
6oz pork- finely chopped
8 fully cooked shrimp
1 bunch of scallions chopped
2 tbs gluten free soy sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp finely chopped ginger

After letting mixture sit, mix one teaspoon of mixture into rice paper wantons. Wet edges of wanton, press and seal. When wantons are done, cook in three cups chicken broth for 4-5 minutes. Add scallions for garnish. I love love loved this dish... and hopefully you will too! It was hard to find the rice paper wraps, and if you find this a problem too- you can always make these into meatballs and bread with GF breadcrumbs... again you won't be disappointed, the flavors are magical together!

Pork Enchiladas with a Salsa Verde Cream Sauce

Is your mouth watering already? It should be... although this is a bit more labor intensive it is well worth it.

In your crock pot: 1 Boston Butt, a few garlic cloves and 1/4 cup of water. High for 8 hours... let sit for  10 minutes.
While that is cooking, make the Salsa Verde from below recipe. (or for a quick fix: Trader Joes Salsa Verde!) Mix with 1 cup sour cream. Heat over low heat until warm.

Putting The Enchilada Recipe Together

Cut the roast into small pieces, say 1" x 1/2". Remove any visible fat.

Heat 3/4 cup canola oil in a small frying pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, dip one corn tortilla in the oil for a second or two until it becomes soft. Drain the oil and place the tortilla on a plate. Pat the tortilla with a paper towel to absorb excess oil if you wish.

The secret to great tasting enchiladas is dipping the tortillas in hot oil to soften them.

Add a tablespoon or more of the Verde enchilada sauce to the tortilla and spread the sauce around. Add a spoonful or more of pork across the center of the tortilla and roll it up with the seam side down. Place in an over proof dish. Continue making the rest of the enchiladas in the same way. Generously cover the enchiladas with the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle shredded monteray jack cheese over the top.

Heat in a 400 degree oven until sauce and cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 - 10 minutes.

Everything But The Bun... 5 Guys!

the title says it all... Burgers (minus the bun), fries, peanuts- oh my! Looking for a fast food treat, look no further. Five Guys Burger and Fries opened up in Westport on the Post Road by the Volvo Dealership and it is worth the drive. With free toppings such as jalapenos & hot sauce, its sure to spice up your day. Oh- have them add the cajun spice to the fries... it will bring your taste buds to a whole new level.

Crockpot 911

FIONA MY LOVE... found this wonderful site. This women used the crockpot for 365 days in a row- thats some hardy crockpot eating! The best part is, her daughter is Gluten Free, so she offers up easy ways to change it up for people that can't handle the Gluten! Whether you are Gluten Free or not, this site is an awesome find for anyone with a Crock Pot... so check out her site, http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!

Starbucks, picking up the slack

Starbucks might have good coffee but their shot at that Gluten Free Starbucks® Valencia Orange Cake thing- UGH... I couldn't even finish my first bite. GROSS! They quickly realized that GF does not mean tastey free... and now offer many of my favorite Gluten Free treats. So next time you're getting your morning jolt, take a peak around, you might be pleasently surprised!

Here is the official Snacks On-the-Go list: Make sure the read the labels!

Also on January 12 in participating U.S. Starbucks stores, customers will see a line of new snack options with 220 calories or less per serving, including:



Annie’s® Snacks: These delicious alternatives to traditional snacks are available in portion controlled sizes exclusive to Starbucks

FoodShouldTasteGood®: Available in Multigrain and Sweet Potato, the all-natural chips are packed with quality ingredients

KIND Bars: These all-natural bars with wholesome ingredients you can see and pronounce are the perfect grab-and-go snack

Lucy’s® Cookies: Available in Chocolate Chip, Sugar and Cinnamon, every crispy, crunchy, delicious Dr. Lucy’s cookie is made with the highest quality ingredients

Peeled Snacks®: Fruit just as nature intended – with no sugar added, available in gluten-free mango, cherry, and apple

Peter Rabbit™ Organics: Perfect on-the-go snack for busy parents, showing kids that food can be fun and delicious

Sahale Snacks®: Available in Pomegranate Cashew, Soledad Nut Blend and Chipotle/Ranch Almond, each snack is made with whole ingredients in their natural form

Stretch Island Fruit Company™: Tasty fruit that can travel with you wherever you go, every original Fruit Leather is equal to half a serving of fruit

Two Moms in the Raw: These granola mixes are made with no added oils or added sugar to be 100% delicious

Gluten Free Beer... In a Bar....

I can not remember the last time I was able to step foot into a bar and actually drink a real beer- ok a beer other than a cider beer which I don't even think should be classified as a beer. Annnd I am sure I will hear a lot of banter over that comment- As much as I hear about my grammar and spelling... kids- let's get to the point... GINGERMAN is now serving a Gluten Free beer. They featured Green's Amber Ale on their menu and I might have become a little bit of a Gingerman fan when this was brought to my attention. Although the price point may seem high ($9.50 a beer) a girl can now grab an ice cold brewski! Green's beer, which sells at a liquor store for $8 a bottle, is a great way to throw one back! Take my word for it... So when in need of a frosty beverage- head to 99 Washington Street in South Norwalk, CT and you won't regret it.

Break-Fast... fast and easy way to eat like a kid again

Thank you Brett & AnneChristine! They found me a delicious breakfast that I had heard about, but yet to try. Upon my arrival I was greeted with some great tasty gluten free treats- delicious pizza from 'Zaw, Pizza in the Raw, and for a great wake up call Waffles. Waffles were the kids dream of the past and they now became a big girls dream of the future. But leave it to them, they found them locally at Trader Joes. So next time you're shopping at my favorite grocery store, make sure to pick up a box (or two), lots of butter and extra syrup!

Salsa Verde... easy, fresh & super yummy

While visiting in Seattle, I decided to added a little kick to tonights meal. Topping the fresh Salmon from Pike's Market (which we taste tested while fish were being thrown over our heads- LITERALLY) with nothing greener than homemade salsa verde. Our ingredients came from the local harvest from farmers which have stands their daily as well. So not to blab on... here goes, and let me tell you for a first try stab at it- you don't need to change anything! Can't wait to make this back home!

8 tomatillos- husked and cleaned. While looking at these at the market, you want ones where the husks are tightly wrapped- although they may be sticky after husking, they are the best ones to use for this!
1 large sweet onion
1 jalapeño
3 cloves garlic

Quarter the tomatillos and the onions, half the jalapeño (keeping the seeds, please trust me on this), and add the three cloves of garlic into a baking dish. Cook at 425* for 45 minutes. After baking take out of oven and add all ingredients into the food processor. Pulse until you get the coarseness you desire- and... could anything be easier (or yummier???)