Tag Archives: gluten free

Fish Sticks

Fish sticks are the only thing I ever ordered as a kid. Something about the crunchy out side and the flaky middle. Dipping it into anything and being able to eat with your hands. I have yet to find a fish stick gluten free that I like until I made my own. This recipe got a boyfriend stamp if approval so we know its good.

Ingredients:

4 Tbs Corn Meal
2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Onion Powder
2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Salt
1 Egg
1 Pounder Cod
2 Tbs Milk

Mix corn meal, garlic, onion, salt and paprika in a bowl and pour onto a flat plate. In the bowl whisk egg and milk. Now cut fish into strips or large chunks. Dip each piece into egg and then roll in corn meal to coat. Place each piece on a sprayer foil baking sheet. Cook at 400 degrease for 10-15 minutes and turn half way until golden brown. Enjoy!

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Skiing Gluten Free – Stowe Vermont

After the amazing response I received from my blog about my Gluten Free Mexico Vacation I figured it is important to share the tips and tricks I find on all my getaways. I just got back yesterday from a wonderful romantic ski trip to Vermont. I spent a week planning what food to pack because I figured the 8-hour drive and the long days on the slope would leave me with little gluten free options but I was very wrong. Vermont as a whole had a ton of great gluten free finds. Regardless I would always recommend packing good healthy options just in case. Check out the pack I made at the end of this blog to get some good ideas. Both Jay and I made almost every breakfast and lunch plus snack out of what we took with us which was a great money savor in the long run.

As for Stowe it self it simple is amazing. We stayed at the Butler House which was a quite little spot in town. Completely up to date which is hard to find and at a great price. We had a super cute room with a loft bed and a wonderful view of town. Check out what people are saying about this place at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g57415-d3365145-r148447571-Butler_House_Stowe-Stowe_Vermont.html. If you are looking for more of a resort I would highly recommend the Trapp Family Lodge. This is the original lodge from the Sound of Music Family. They have great vacation packages along with activities all days for anyone in your family not hitting the slopes. They have a bunch of restaurants on site and a brewery that is working on the gluten free brew.

As for the mountain it was amazing. From beginner to export they have everything covered. With high speed quad lifts and an in-closed gondola that bring you to the top of one of Vermont’s highest mountain tops. Runs the would last from 20-40 minutes to finish. They had different lodges with food and drinks at the bottom and top of each peak with gluten free options like pizza, chili and salads. The best part is everyone knows everyone so it was totally a community feel very unlike the tourist traps I am used too. They even have this one run called Toll Road that zig-zags down the whole mountain at a very little incline all in the woods. You can actually see Lake Champlain on the way down and take a second to really appreciate the experience of being in a winter wonderland far away from the city life.

As for the restaurants, I was impressed every night. The first night we had been so beat from the drive and checking out town that we went down stairs in our hotel to Frida’s Taqueria and Grill which I read a lot about. Its a great modern Mexican spot with a ton of fun options including homemade 100% corn tortilla. We really enjoyed the table side Guacamole and fun taco menu. The even exposed me to a new gluten free beer called Celia Saison from The Alchemist Brewing Company in Waterbury, Vermont. The next day we went and checked out the brewery its self and got a bunch to bring home. The second day we went out to Burlington VT to check out the town and found a great spot called Duino Duende. The place is a gem. It focuses on international street food with a twist and with a gluten free menu its hard to go wrong. We split fried oysters and I had a Cuban wrap with kale on the side. The dark candle light atmosphere and Live Jazz made the whole experience something to remember. Not to mention a homemade chai tea with ROOT to warm anyone up after a long day on the slope. Our last night we stayed in Stowe and tried Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge. A really fun modern twist on a pizza spot. They have a full gluten free menu including pizza, pasta and sandwiches. We have great wings, salad and pizza and enjoyed every bite.

My Meals To Go Pack:

Turkey Jerky (read ingredient)

Dried Fruit (Like Raisin, Prunes, Figs Ect.)

Home Made Granola Bars (Try on of my recipes)

Sugar Free Hot Chocolate

Peanut Butter To-Go Packs from Peanut Butter and Company

Trail mix Individual Packs (Found mine at CVS for $2.5o but you can easily make your own with different nuts and dry fruit)

Big Bag of Baby Carrots

Big Bag of Sugar Snap Peas

Apples

Bananas

Bottle of Wine

Box of little zip lock bags to bring to the mountain

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Adventure Bars

The hardest thing about being gluten free is having trouble finding healthy good eats when on the go. I am a very outdoors person and I am always trying to find new things to take for long days out doors. I will not spend $3 on a gluten free granola bar. This recipe is amazing. Full of protein, gluten free, low in sugar and tasty.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups Rice Crispy Cereal

1 1/2 Cup Old Fashion Oat Meal (gluten free)

1/2 Cup Dry Coconut

1/2 Cup Dry Cranberries and or Raisins

3 Tbs Peanut Butter

3 Tbs Honey

2 eggs

4 Tbs Splenda / Sugar

1/2 Cup Crushed Pecans

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp salt

In one bowl mix peanut butter and honey and heat in microwave for a few second to loosen. After it cools add vanilla, salt and sugar then mix well and put it aside. In a larger bowl mix oatmeal, coconut, dried fruit and crushed pecans. Return to the first bowl with peanut butter and mix in eggs well then add this liquid mix to the dry bowl and continue mixing. Finally, add the rice cereal to the mix and mix everything together well. Press mixture into a square baking well greased baking dish and cook for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees until golden brown. Allow to cool and then cut into bars. Enjoy!!!!

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Helpful info from the NFCA

3 Things You Should Know Before Filing for a Gluten-Free Food Tax Deduction
It’s no secret that gluten-free food packaged food is oftentimes more expensive than its gluten-containing counterparts, but did you know you might be eligible for a tax deduction to help make up the difference?
If you have never filed for a tax deduction for your gluten-free food purchases, there are some important things you should know before you do:
1. You Need an Official Diagnosis to be Eligible
Many people are eating gluten-free for a variety of reasons, but only those with an official diagnosis with a gluten-related disorder will be eligible for a tax deduction. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor for a gluten-free diet as your treatment option as well.
2. Keep Track of Your Food Purchases the Entire

Year In order to receive the tax deduction, you’ll have to calculate the difference between the cost of gluten-free alternatives vs. the cost of gluten-containing foods. For example, if you purchase gluten-free crackers for $4.50 and traditional crackers cost $2.50, you’ll only be able to claim the difference: $2
This will need to be done throughout the year as you purchase gluten-free food. Since you will have a lot of purchases to keep track of, some have recommended using a spreadsheet to help keep track of all of the figures.
Everyone rule has exceptions! Visit the Tax Deduction Guide for Gluten-Free Products from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) to see which types of gluten-free food are eligible for a full refund.
3. Refunds are Only Given if Medical Expenses Exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income

IRS rules dictate that refunds for medical expenses will be granted only if they are over 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) (the total gross income, minus specific reductions). Turbo Tax gives a great example for determining if your medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
Once you figure out if you’re eligible for a tax deduction, the last step is moving forward and filing your claim. NFCA’s Tax Deduction Guide for Gluten-Free Products also provides more information on the specific IRS tax forms, rulings and publication reference numbers you’ll need to file

60 Second Fancy Red Sauce

Pasta and sauce is a staple in my house at least once a week. I must admit that I often buy a jar a week but I really am not a fan of any of the store bought stuff. A good red sauce does not need to take hours to make. My version is quick and super tasty.

Ingredients:
2 Cup Crushed Tomatoes or Puréed Tomatoes
1 Tbs Capers
1 Cup Canned Pitted Olives
1 Tbs Tomato Paste
1/4 Cup Red Wine or 1 Tbs Balsamic
1 Tbs Raisins
2 tbs Parsley
2 tbs Oregano

Start by placing tomatoes and paste in pan with wine heating and sautéing together over medium heat. While cooking chop olives and capers a pour into sauce. Add herbs and continue to cook until it comes together. If it becomes to think just add a little water and it will smooth out no problem.

When your ready to serve throw in some squash or pasta and top with Parm cheese.

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Pumpkin Hummus

As always I continue to look for fun new ways to use pumpkin. I was trying to come up with something fun for a brunch and I figured a pumpkin spread would work great. With an idea of hummus in my mind this is what I created.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups Pumpkin
1 Can Chickpeas
2 Tbs Peanut Butter
2 Tbs Almond Milk
1/2 Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
2 tsp Pumpkin Spice
2 Tbs Brown Sugar
1 Tbs Splenda

Start by blending chickpeas, almond milk and peanut butter in a food processor until smooth. Nest add all remaining ingredients. Once its well blended place in a clean bowl and store in fridge until you read to serve but for at least 30 min.

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Skinny Strawberry Milk

As a kid I loved the strawberry powder that I would stir in milk almost daily. Something about the tangy, fruity flavor that makes milk a very special treat. It’s been many years since I have had it but I came up with this completely by accident. I was working on another recipe whenI realized what I did. Not only did I recreate the nostalgia but I made in low cal and guiltless.

Ingredients:

1 Pack Sugar Free Strawberry Jell-O Mix
1 3/4 Cups Powder Sugar
Milk of your Choice

In a jar or container place sugar and jell-o. Place lid on top and shake like crazy.

When your ready to serve add 1 Tbs of mix to 8oz of milk and stir or shake. Enjoy!

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Spicy and Sweet Corn Bread

Another simple gluten free bread that easy to make with no gluten free flour in the house. Spice it how ever you want. It cooks super fast so keep an eye on it.

Ingredients:

2 Cups Corn Meal
2 eggs
1/3 Cup Parm Cheese
2 Cups Any Kind of Milk
3 Tbs Honey or Maple Syrup ( or a little of both )
2 Tbs Sugar
2 tsp Salt
2 Tbs Melted Butter
1/2 tsp Chile Pepper
1 tsp smoky Paprika
2 tsp Baking Soda

Place everything except for milk in a bowl and mix well. Feel free to change spice up how ever you want. Then add milk. It will look very wet but mix well and let stand for five minutes before placing in square baking dish. Spray backing dish well and pour in batter. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes and watch that it does not burn.

Enjoy warm with butter or honey.

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Pecan Bread

I have done something similar but this one is a different base that worked out great. Easy gluten free sweet bread for anyone that has no gluten free flour at home. I actually went home for the holidays and needed some type of bread for breakfast and this is what I came up with.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups of crushed Pecans
1/2 Cup Walnuts
5 eggs ( yolks and whites separated)
1 Cup Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 Pinch Salt
1/2 Tbs Vanilla
1 Tbs Rum
2 tsp Baking Powder

Place the eggs in two separate bowls and whisk both well until light and fluffy. Add sugar to yolks and whisk again. Add spices, salt, vanilla, rum and baking to yolks and mix well. Then add the nuts and mix very well. Return to the egg white and whisk until peaks form. Slowly pour fluff egg whites to the nut yolk mix and carefully incorporate it all with out deflating.

Bake on 350 for about 30 to 35 minutes.

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Addictive Chocolate Burst

I was recently asked to do a Valentines special for a local network. I was having fun coming up with recipes and this one great! Warning it is addictive!

Ingredients:

9 Cups Gluten Free Chex Mix
3 Tbs Butter
1 Cup Chocolate chip’s
2 Cups Powder Sugar
1 Pack Sugar Free Jello Mix ( I used strawberry but any one would work)

Start by melting chocolate and butter in a bowl in the microwave. Pour melted mixture on top of Cereal and mix well very gently. This next step is great for a kid to do. In a large container with lid or a big zip lock bag pour the whole packet of Jell-o mix and all the sugar. Shake the sugar mixture and then add all the chocolate covered cereal. Shake..Shake…..SHAKE! Until every chocolate morsel is covered.

I apologize about the image, this stuff was so good we all ate it to fast to take a picture. Fell free to change up the chocolate type and jello flavor for a fun combo. Like white chocolate and lime, milk chocolate and orange or even raspberry and dark chocolate. Have Fun!

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