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.