Gluten Free 7 Layer Bars

This bars are one of my favorites during the holiday season.  I was lucky enough to find a box of gluten free graham cracker crumbs at the store.  If not there are some gluten free graham cracker recipes online.  Gluten Free on a Shoestring has the best recipe for gluten free graham crackers that I have tried. 

Gluten Free 7 Layer Bars
1 1/2-2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick of butter, melted
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (please check the ingredients!! Some butterscotch chips are not gf)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 1/3 cup of coconut
1 can (14 oz) sweet condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix melted butter and graham cracker crumbs together.  Press crumb mixture into a 13x9 pan.  Pour half of the condensed milk onto the first layer. Mix the chips, nuts, and coconut together in a bowl.  Pat the chip mix with a hand or fork onto the crumbs and milk layers. Top with rest of the condensed milk.  Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until golden.  Let cool before cutting. 

My children could not wait to dig into the bars so we have just been spooning the bars out.  

 

Holiday cooking gluten free

It has been awhile since I posted.  I will finally be finished with school and I could not be happier to get a bachelor degree.  Gluten free has been new for me this year, even though my in-laws did have gluten free items.  Through my personal experience, the best thing to do is try out recipes before using them! For the holidays, I have been working on cookies, pies, and stuffing.  Over the next month, I will be posting some holiday foods and links to other blogs/sites that have things that I have tried.

Pumpkin Spice Kiss Cookies

Cookies are one thing that can still bring tears to my eyes.  My motto has always been, "I haven't met a sugar cookie I didn't like."  Cheesy but it is true.  I love cookies and baking cookies.  Having celiac disease and a child with gluten intolerance has been difficult on the cookie front.  Pinterest is full of great looking cookies and most of those cookies are full of gluten. Since it is fall and pumpkin is the main flavor, I've been working on pumpkin cookies.  First up, pumpkin spice kiss cookies.  These are great and also egg free.

Pumpkin Spice Kiss Cookies
36 Hershey pumpkin spice kisses, unwrapped and placed in the freezer for 2 hours or overnight
1 cup of butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups coconut flour blend (I used Gluten Free Mama's blend)
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Cream butter,  sugar, and vanilla. Add flour and pecans, beat on low speed until well blended.  Cover dough and refrigerate 1-2 hours or until dough is firm enough to handle.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll dough into 36 balls, using about 1 tablespoon of dough for each ball.  Place on lined baking sheet (parchment paper or silicon liners)  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Cool for 4 minutes and then press frozen kiss into center of ball.  Do not be alarmed-COOKIE WILL CRACK AROUND THE EDGES! It is okay and it give the cookie personality.  Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on cooling rack.  Makes 36 cookies

Not grandma's meatloaf

My grandma's  meatloaf is one of my favorite dishes to serve in the fall and winter.  Since it has been raining like no other here in Wyoming, I decided to try out meatloaf.  My grandma's meatloaf recipe called for crushed saltine crackers or Ritz crackers.  Here is where Rice Chex comes in handy.  Rice Chex can be used in place of any crackers or even bread crumbs in a recipe.

Sweet and Sour Meatloaf
1 lb ground hamburger or ground venison
1/2 cup of Rice Chex,finely ground
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce or 4 oz can of tomato paste with water added to thin it out
1 T yellow mustard
2 T Montreal Steak Seasoning or more to taste
2 T dehydrated onion
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 T brown sugar

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix tomato sauce, mustard, and brown sugar together.  Add hamburger to beaten egg, top with ground Chex and sprinkle with seasonings.  Add half of the tomato mix to the meat mix.  Press meat mix into a 9x9 loaf pan.  Cover and cook for 50 minutes.  After 50 min, check temperature of meatloaf--temperature should be above 165.  Add rest of tomato sauce mixture and bake for another 10-15 or until correct temperature.

Cheesy Zucchini Rice

Cheesy Zucchini Rice

1 tablespon olive oil
1 cup medium or long grain white rice
2 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons butter
1-2 zucchini, grated
1 cup Velveeta, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in sauce pan over heat and brown rice.  Once rice is browned, add chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Once at a boil, cover and turn down to low.  Cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.  Remove from heat, add butter, zucchini, Velveeta, salt, pepper, and garlic.  Stir until mixed and Velveeta is melted.  Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Spiced Squash Muffins

These were one of my favorite muffins when I could still have regular flour.  Here is my adapted version of spiced squash muffins.  Instead of using butternut squash, I used some crooked neck squash that I finely chopped in my mini chopper.



Spiced Squash Muffins
2 cups of Gluten Free Mama's Coconut flour blend
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
3/4 cups finely chopped squash, zucchini, yellow or crooked neck
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix dry ingredients first.  In mixer, mix together eggs, squash, corn syrup, butter, oil and vanilla.  Mix in dry ingredients until just moistened.  Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way full.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Inspired by Spiced Squash Muffins on Taste of Home

I added some brown sugar on top for a sweet touch

Apple spice pancakes

Autumn is my favorite time of the year.  I love the smell of the crisp air, taste of apples, and corn mazes. Since it still is warm in Wyoming right now, I decided to bring the smell of autumn into my house. Apple press Scentsy scent and these pancakes.

Apple Spice Pancakes
3 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Puporse Baking flour
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon apple pie spice
3 tablespoon olive oil
2 1/2-3 cups milk (this depends on how thick or thin you like the batter)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 apple, peeled and finely chopped

Mix all ingredients together.  Cook on warmed up griddle. These pancakes are great with real maple syrup or even apple butter.

Sausage gravy

I've searched for a good sausage gravy recipe & all have fallen short.  Why redo a recipe when the original is fine? Gluten free flour hasn't worked & corn starch just did not cut it. My last resort was Bob's Red Mill all purpose gluten free baking flour. The results: best gluten free sausage gravy we have had. 

Sausage gravy

1 lb Jimmy Dean natural pork sausage 

1/4-1/2 cup of Bob's Red Mill gluten free all purpose baking flour

4-6 cups of milk (this depends in how thick or thin you want your gravy)

Salt & pepper to taste 

Brown sausage in 6 qt pot. Once browned, add flour. Add enough flour to make a paste. Cook for 1 minute to allow the flour to blend with the sausage fat. Gradually add in milk. It takes about 30 minutes for the gravy to thicken up. Add more milk if gravy becomes too thick. Salt & pepper to taste. 

Stew or sauce starters

One thing that has helped me to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into my family's diet, has been Bountiful Baskets.  Every other week, I pick up my basket that is 50/50.  For two baskets it is $31 and sometimes the co-op has extras that are great for canning or freezing.  I ended up with extra tomatoes, onions and bell peppers.  However, right now is a time when there is a lot of fresh produce from the farmer markets or gardens.  These starters are no canning required and can easily be finished in weekend.  Starter packets can be changed up to whatever you have on hand.  The packets I did contain roma tomatoes, onions, and green bell peppers. Keep it simply to 3-3-1; 3 tomatoes, 3 bell peppers, 1 onion.   If using plastic freezer bags, make sure all the bags are air tight.

Gluten free Reece's Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Since my daughter is now gluten free, she has been wanting cookies.  She believes the need for a cookie is going to kill her but I keep telling her it will not.  It is very hard for adults to go GF but I have realized, it is pretty hard for little kids. This recipe is adapted from Land O' Lakes gluten free chocolate chip cookies.  I did not have enough chocolate chips but I did have some of the Reece's peanut butter chips.  Remember to always look at ingredients to make sure they are gluten free. 

Gluten Free Reece's Peanut Butter Chip Cookies (adapted from Land O' Lakes GF chocolate chip cookies)

2 1/4 cups Bob's Red Mill gluten free all purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/4 t xanthan gum
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
1/2 package of chocolate chips
1/2 package of Reece's Peanut Butter chips
Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix dry ingredients together.  Cream butter and sugars in mixer until creamy.  Add eggs and vanilla until well mixed, scraping sides of bowel.  Gradually add flour mixture and beat on low until all ingredients are mixed in.  Drop by rounded tablespoons, 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.  Make sure to spray cookie sheets or use the silicon liners.  Bake for 9-12 minutes.  Let cookies cool for 2 minutes on sheet before moving to cooling rack. 

Pizza Bombs

This recipe has been adapted from the gfe-gluten free easly blog.  I've relied more on blog and reviews on blogs than I have on buying gluten free cook books at the book store or on Amazon.  I recommend doubling this recipe for pizza night because the little bombs are far easier than making pizza crust.   I will post pictures later this week because the family ate the little bombs before I could get pics. 


Pizza Bombs
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/4 cup tapioca starch
1 t baking powder
1/2 t pizza seasoning
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup mini pepperoni
Homemade pizza sauce (One 8 oz can tomato sauce with 1 T pizza seasoning mixed in)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchement paper or silcone liners. Add slightly beaten eggs in mixing bowel.  Add other ingredients in order shown, stir after each addition.  Stir well until ingrdients are fully incorporated.  Form dough into 1 1/2 to 2 inch balls.  Place about 2 inches apart on sheet.  Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool and then serve--if you can keep people away.   

Homemade dishwasher soap and laundry soap

Live on Less and One Good Thing by Jillee are two of my favorite DIY blogs.  I've made laundry soap from One Good Thing and dishwasher soap from Live on Less.

Dishwasher soap-adapted from Live on Less
1 box Borax
1 box Arm & Hammer washing soda (at Walmart, both are next to each other in the laundry soap isle; both are used to make laundry soap as well)
3 canning salt
1 container  of unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid (acts as the citric acid)

The recipe can be cut down or increased.  I used the whole box of borax and washing soda plus a whole container of the unsweetened lemonade and 3 cups of salt.  Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container.  To use put one tablespoon in latched compartment and 1 tablespoon in the bottom of the dishwasher.  I have found that adding a drop of Dawn dish soap to the dishwasher helps bring the grease off and that adding 1/4 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle cuts down on cloudy glasses.
http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-for-06-a-load-picture-tutorial/
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/make-a-years-worth-of-laundry-soap.html
 

Frugal and gluten free

I have been slacking on posting recipes and reviews of GF products and I plan on getting caught up.  My goal is to stay caught up and posting items.  Since blogging last, my husband lost his job due to medical issues.  He could've stayed working but due to his condition he needed a more steady schedule and his employer wasn't going to let that happen. I have been online looking up ways to be frugal and gluten free.  Besides making my own edible products, I've been making my own cleaning supplies.  I will include links from other blogs and comments on what has worked for my family. 

That Yogurt Place

The only frozen yogurt place in Rock Springs is gluten free friendly.  All the yogurts are labeled clearly with the allergen info. Avoid the toppings because of possible contamination.  This shop is local & has deals every day.  

Jimmy Johns in Rock Springs

There are many different types of places to eat in Rock Springs. Numerous Mexican & Chinese places and of course chain dining. The newest sandwich chain to open here, is Jimmy Johns. I had read online that Jimmy Johns does an unwich & the main site also gives a list of meats and cheese that are gf. The local Jimmy Johns is very understanding of those with gluten intolerance & celiac disease because the owner's child has celiac disease. I have eaten 2 unwiches & have not gotten sick. Please remember to let the staff know about your condition so cross contamination can be avoided.  

Gluten free dining in Wyoming

For those that are planning vacations to Wyoming, I will be working in a segment called gluten free dining in Wyoming. I have started with my home town of Rock Springs.  Many vacationers pass through Rock Springs are the way to Yellowstone/Teton national forests, Jackson Hole, the Flaming Gorge, & many other historic sites. Camping is very popular & gluten free camping is also on my list to accomplish. 

Rocky road brownies

One thing I miss since being dignosed, is the quick and easiness of cake and brownie mixes.  I love making cake mix cookies or poke cakes. Dressing up plain jane brownie mixes is a favorite pass time.  One bag of GF brownie mix later, I made rocky road brownies. These brownies are made with any of the gluten free brownie mixes that are available.  I've only tried Bob's Red Mill GF brownie mix but I do have some of Betty Crocker's GF mix to try as well. 

Rocky Road Brownies
1 bag or 1 box of GF brownie mix
1/3 cup of chocolate chips
1/3 cup of mini marshmallows
1/2 cup nuts
Follow directions on box or bag for mixing up brownies.  Add chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Gluten free tomato soup

This recipe is a combination of two that I found online.  I really do miss just opening a can of soup and putting it in the pot. 

Tomato soup
2 cans of Hunts crushed tomatoes with basil
4 cups vegetable stock
3 carrots diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced or 2 tsp already prepared garlic
1 cup Greek yogurt plain
Salt & pepper to taste

Saute carrots, onion and garlic.  Once veggies are soft add tomatoes and stock.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  For chunky soup leave as is and add yogurt.  For smooth soup use a blender or submerge blender.  Add yogurt once smooth.  Let soup warm through.  Pairs really well with grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Gluten free beer bread

Before she moved, my in-law gave me some gluten free beer to try.  The pale ale had a taste that was something that I did not care for but thought I would try to make some beer bread with it in my bread machine.  I used the New Planet's pale ale and it made my bread taste like a strong Jewish rye but without the rye.  I haven't tried this recipe with other GF beers so I cannot say if the bread will taste like rye every time.  I just know that when New Planet's pale ale is used, it does. 

Gluten free beer bread (adapted from Bob's Red Mill)
1 package of Bob's Red Mill whole grain gluten free bread mix (there is a yeast packet in the mix)
1 1/4 cup beer
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
1-2 tsp salt
Follow instructions for your bread machine.  For my machine, all the items must be at room temperature.  Then liquids, eggs, flour, salt, and make a hole for the yeast.  Set bread machine on the basic white cycle.

 

GF chili seasoning

This makes a bulk serving of chili seasons. I use about 1-2 tablespoons in my chili.

Chili Seasoning
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon or less, crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon or more, salt
2 tablespoons dehydrated onions
2 tablespoons GF flour
1 tablespoon sugar
Mix all ingredients together & keep in an airtight container

Oops I ate real Chinese

I wanted real Chinese today & it was great, until I had to come home and pass out. Now I'm paying for my "sin" day. Headache, body aches, & wonderful bowel problems. Using regular soy sauce is definitely something I won't be doing again. The GI doc said try it because he did not think I would react as badly to it as I would to a piece of bread. Wrong-O.

Steak with red-eye gravy

1-1 1/2 pounds beef, roast or ham steak
4 cups string coffee
2 cups gluten free flour
Salt & pepper to taste
1-2 tablespoons gluten free Worcestershire or gluten free soy sauce
Flour & brown all meat. Add coffee, sauce & make sure there is enough liquid to cover meat. Cover & bring to a boil. Reduce to low & simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender. Can thicken gravy with corn starch if needed. Serve with potatoes or rice.

More in the pantry

I have also been adding some new flours and good old Bisquick but in it's gluten free version.  My sister in-law recently made a cake from Betty Crocker's gluten free mixes and it was wonderful.  No one will be able to tell the difference.  Another must is all purpose mixes.  I'm too new to GF to try one that isn't already made.  I have come to like Bob's Red Mill all purpose GF baking mix.  I use it in quick breads and muffins.  The newest mix I have tried is the King Arthur's GF muffin mix. It passes the family's test.  Unable to tell it is gluten free.

1. Variety of flours-brown rice, sorghum, potato flour and starch, tapioca flour,  almond flour
2. GF Bisquick-Betty Crocker website has a great gluten free section
3. GF flour and all purpose baking flour

Blueberry & raspberry muffins

Today is Saturday & it is the day when I get caught up on everything. Shopping, laundry, cleaning, & homework. I'm going to mix up a batch of muffins so we have some quick breakfasts to go. Udis makes great muffins but unless I order online or drive 12 miles I'm out of luck. Next best thing King Arthur's GF muffin mix. Easy to follow instructions & you can add whatever you want to the mix. We did blueberry & raspberry. Mix is in most stores but Amazon has a good deal on buying in bulk.

Bell pepper & onion salad

I have been on a mission to spice & change up veggies. The new diet at work right now is the ideal protein. I've never tried it & probably won't. Plus I haven't seen where it is certified gluten free. However, the dressing everyone is using are. Walden Farms has right on the label. I use the balsamic vinaigrette as the dressing in the pepper salad.

Bell pepper salad
4 bell peppers varied in color, diced
1 red onion diced
1 hot pepper diced (can be omitted)
1/3 cup or more of balsamic vinaigrette
Salt & pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients. Can be served right away or put in the fridge for later.

Gluten free in the pantry

When I started cleaning out cabinets, I had no idea how many items had gluten in them. I was even more shocked to find out many of my pantry favorites do not have gluten in them. Stocks & broths can be hiding gluten. I call those products "hiders." Another old favorite that hides gluten: diced tomatoes with green chiles. I have yet to look at or call about Rotel ones but the Walmart brand has traced of wheat in it. My pantry mainstays:
1. Diced tomatoes (Hunt's has gluten free in the label)
2. Kitchen basics stocks
3. Tomato sauce (comes in handy for pizza sauce)
4. An all purpose GF baking mix
5. Variety of canned veggies (I make sure they are GF & low/no sodium)
6. Noodles (GF & regular; rest of my family can eat gluten so I let them)

Sweet & spicy ham glaze (adapted from Rachel Ray)

While the original recipe called for its that had gluten in them, I still wanted to try this glaze for my Easter ham. This is my gluten free version of the cherry ham glaze that I found on Rachel Ray's website.
Sweet & spicy ham glaze
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp cardamon
1 tsp chili powder
2 tablespoons Dijon or grainy mustard (private selection at Smith's is gluten free)
1/2 cup cherry preserves
Mix all ingredients in sauce pan. Bring to a boil on medium high & then reduce temperature to low. Summer for 10 minutes. Glaze ham after it has reached 140 degrees. Continue cooking ham until internal temperature reaches 160. Cover & let ham rest for 20 minutes.

Wonderful Rice Chex

One of the mainstays in my pantry had always been bread crumbs.  Seasoned or unseasoned, bread crumbs were always there.  I use them in meatloaf, meatballs, hamburgers, and on top of casseroles.  Once I had to part with those crumbs, I was lost.  Here in Wyoming it is hard to find GF bread crumbs on the grocery store self.  Sometimes you may hit a gold mine but most of the times it is a bust.  I feel that spending $7 for a loaf of bread is nuts but I will.  However I will not spend $7 for a loaf of bread so that I can make GF bread crumbs.  This problem lead me to the good old Rice Chex.  Rice Chex is gluten free and even states it proudly on their boxes!! Bread crumb problem is solved.  Toss Rice Chex into the food processor and you have GF replaced bread crumbs.  You can even add some GF Italian seasoning and you have seasoned Chex crumbs! Average cost of Rice Chex $3.40 for 12.56 ounces.  So much better than making that $7 GF bread into crumbs. 

Gluten free lasagna

The first thing I wanted after I was diagnosed was a big fat piece of lasagna.  It seems that when one is told you can't do gluten, you start wanting things that you wouldn't have considered.  But it becomes like this burning need to get the taboo item.  Tinkyada brown rice lasagna noodles are wonderful and no one will know they are gluten free until you start to eat lasagna.  I'm lucky enough to be able to eat dairy sometimes.  Dairy only bugs me if I've had too much dairy during the day or if I have had some gluten or cross contamination during the day.  This lasagna can be made to fit those with the lactose intolerance as well. Just replace the items you would use instead of cheese and ricotta.

Gluten free lasagna

1 pound GF Italian sausage
1 pound GF ground turkey
4 cups mozzarella cheese
2 boxes brown rice lasagna noodles
2 jars of GF spaghetti sauce  or homemade sauce
16 ounces of skim ricotta cheese
1 egg
Cook noodles according to package directions.  Brown sausage and turkey.  Once browned, drain and add pasta sauce.  Cook on med/low for 15 minutes.  Mix egg, ricotta and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese together.  Begin layering noodles in lasagna pan or in 13x9 pan.  Place in this order:  noodles, meat sauce, 1 cup ricotta mixture, repeat.   Repeat until all ingredients are used.  Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.   Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

Gluten...what?!!!

Imagine if you woke up tomorrow and someone told you that you couldn't eat your favorite food.  Would that food be a cheeseburger, pizza, or ham sandwich?  How hard is it try and avoid one little tiny grain protein? Really hard if you are new to the gluten free game.  I applaud those that have been GF for years before many GI doctors knew how (sometimes I think they still don't know how) to diagnosis this condition.  My road seems a little bit easy or rough than some that celiac has destroyed the small intestine.  While there have been many advances in CD not much is known why, how, who or what about it.  Unlike some, I had abnormal biopsies but my blood serum was only a few small (1-2) away from celiac.  Gluten intolerance doesn't have abnormal small bowel biopsies and therefore, fellow CD people with beginning celiac are left in the irritable bowel/gluten intolerance category.  Unlike a gluten intolerant friends, we still can't eat wheat products, never ever.  I may not get as sick as some but I still get sick.  Will I take another blood test?  I do not want to gluten load for 3-4 months when I know if I do not eat gluten I do not get sick.  Frankly, I like sleeping on my stomach, which is something I haven't been able to do in about 9 years.  While I can't point it out for sure, but I believe the stress of pregnancy is what started by road to celiac.  However, my grandma was a closet celiac at a time where it wasn't ever talked about because it was a rare condition.  This blog is for my benefit and to post some great recipes I come across or ones that I fix into the GF fashion.  I'm not doctor but just the gluten free nurse that now knows what it feels like to get the diagnosis.