Gluten Gut

I've been very careful with gluten lately as the slightest bit seems to mess up my system.   Carefully choosing the right bbq sauce for my ribs was crucial.  I am so blessed to have a great company like Black Swamp in the area.  I discovered Black Swamp a few years back when my sister in law, Sarah picked up a jar at a local show.  Sarah, the owner of 'oh zilly me' started out her business at local craft events and I was the lucky recipient when she found a new GF product.   Black Swamp makes everything from mild to xtra hot.  blackswampgourmet.com

So why did I have gluten gut last night?  A wonderful gesture by someone special to make me a chocolate flurry backfired.  Instantly I found myself in pain.  I ran to the freezer to check out the ice cream.. no gluten here.  Hmm, the candy!  Sure enough the candy had malt.  Not only was my gut wrenching in pain now the gesture of kindness turned into guilt.  Oh the life of a gluten free woman!  Sometimes it just stinks!! (no pun intended)

Terrific Tuesday!

Last night I had a great conversation with my cousin, Shellie.  Shellie and I have had the chance to meet up for dinner whenever we can.  This picture makes me grateful for social media and finding my wonderful cousin. 

I headed south to Andersons General Store on Talmadge in Toledo.  Drove my shopping cart right to the GF beer.  Mind you they have about 7 different varieties of GF beer along with several ciders.   Holy crap!  Only 2 six packs left.  Grabbed them and asked Jim, the nice beer/wine manager to order 2 cases.     ** Note - Andersons will be having Bard's Beer on sale for $6.99 a pack. 

Then a quick trip to Zavorski's Meat Market on Douglas & Laskey where I found a cooler full of GF items.  Rudi's pizza crusts, breads, hot dog buns, and cinnamon rolls.  They also carry Black Swamp BBQ Sauce, it's GF and comes in 3 varieties.  Bring on the baby back ribs!! 

Last winter I took a GF baking class with my best friend, Nadia at the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, Ohio.   The 577 Foundation offers several exceptional GF cooking classes and this baking class was over the top!  The instructor was great and the single most important tip I received was to keep on trying and testing new ideas. 

Using a blend of GF flours is key unless you find a recipe that requires very little effort by using Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix. 

Banana Muffins with Mini Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix the following ingredients together: 
1 1/4c Pamela's Mix, 1 egg, 1/4 c. skim milk, 1t. vanilla, 1t. xanthum gum, 1/3 c. honey (or 1/4c sugar), 1/2 c. to 3/4c. mashed bananas and 1/4c mini choc. chips.   Mix all ingredients until moisten.  Spoon into greased muffin pan.  2/3 full.  Bake 15 to 18 minutes.   Cook and enjoy.  

It's here!  It's here!  Finally, Bard's Beer has arrived within driving distance. 

I first discovered Bard's GF Beer last summer in Nashville.  My brother in law, Kevin and I were amazed at the selection of GF beers at this mega beer store.  Well worth the 2 mile walk in 90 degree temps.  

We brought home several GF beers to taste.  Overwelmingly, we both agreed Bard's was the best. 

Fast forward a year and it has finally made it's way to the area.  Andersons General Stores, Corks in Rossford and Zeilers in Temperance all carry this beer.  In Michigan you have to go north of Monroe County to Stanley's** in Flat Rock where you will pay $5 more a six pack than in Ohio.  

Pleasantly pleased that I have a nice cold Bard's Beer chilling in my refrigerator just in time to go out and grill some brats.

**Make sure you check the sell by date on the bottles at Stanleys.