Strawberries and Cream Dessert Grilled Cheese

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Grilled Cheese for dessert?  Absolutely!  We usually think of grilled cheese as a savory dish; the ideal companion to a bowl of rich tomato soup and a perfectly gooey base for all of your topping choices. This sandwich is comfort food at its finest.  My version of the perfect savory grilled cheese includes brie and grilled peppers.

However, for this post, I am turning an American classic into a sweet and creamy dessert.  Mascarpone cheese, strawberries, fresh whipped cream, and a sugar rimmed crust add a sweet kick to this traditional sandwich.  So, step outside the grilled cheese box and layer yourself up for this after-dinner treat.

 

Strawberries and Cream Dessert Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of Udi’s Gluten Free White Sandwich Bread
  • ½ cup Mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup strawberry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons warm caramel
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ¼ cup course sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 handful of strawberries
  • ½ cup whipped cream (recipe below)

 

Directions:

  1. Butter 1 side of each slice of Udi’s White Sandwich Bread and place buttered side down onto a hot griddle
  2. While the bread is browning, place Mascarpone cheese and vanilla in a bowl and mix together
  3. Once bread is golden brown, brush the crusts with melted butter
  4. Dip the edges of the bread into course sugar for a ‘sugar rim’
  5. Place 1 slice of bread onto a plate, and layer with ¼ cup of the vanilla Mascarpone and ¼ cup of the strawberry preserves
  6. Top with another slice of bread
  7. Drizzle caramel on top of the sandwich, and top with a dollop of whipped cream and whole strawberries
  8. For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar and extra berries around the plate

 

Homemade Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

 

Directions:

  1. Pour cream into a deep mixing bowl
  2. Beat cream on high for approximately one to two minutes, or until cream becomes stiff
  3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and whip until fully incorporated

Tip: Make sure the cream, mixing bowl, and whisk are cold before use.

Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich!  What other fun and creative grilled cheese recipes do you have?

BBQ Sweet Potato And Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get ready for grilled cheese nirvana!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month. What better time to introduce this beauty of a sandwich to the world? You could settle for a regular, Joe-Schmoe grilled cheese, or you can try this version! The perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a decided POW! of BBQ tang, makes this sandwich the king of the lunch table.

Sit back and prepare for cheesy heaven on a plate!

BBQ Sweet Potato & Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

(Gluten-Free)

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium Sweet Potato, peeled and sliced into 1/4″ thick rounds
  • 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pure Maple Syrup
  • 2 slices Udi’s Gluten Free White Sandwich Bread
  • Butter
  • 3 Tbsp shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 Avocado, thinly sliced
  • 2 slices Tomato
  • 1/4 cup Baby Spinach
  • 2 tsp BBQ Sauce

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and line a baking tray with foil.
  2. Put sweet potato rounds in a medium bowl and drizzle with oil, cinnamon, paprika, salt, sugar, and maple syrup. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Place sweet potato rounds in an even layer on the foil lined baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until soft.
  4. Once sweet potato rounds are finished cooking, begin assembling your sandwich.
  5. Start by lightly buttering the outside of the 2 slices of Udi’s bread with butter.
  6. Next, evenly sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese on the inside of one slice of bread.
  7. Top cheese with 3-4 sweet potato rounds, 4 thin slices of avocado, 2 slices of tomato, and 1/4 cup baby spinach. Spread BBQ sauce on the inside of the second slice of bread, and place on top of the spinach.
  8. Heat a skillet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray over medium-low heat.
  9. Place sandwich in the skillet and cook until desired level of char is achieved and cheese begins to melt.
  10. Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich and continue cooking on the other side until done.

Enjoy! Have a be-UDI-ful day!

What’s Your Gluten Free Grilled Cheese Style?

There’s something alluring about the variability of meals that can be built from a foundation of two staple ingredients – bread and cheese.  Whether you like your grilled cheese ‘dressed up’ or ‘perfectly plain,’ the addition of a few ingredients can turn your simple meal idea into a culinary work of art.  Moreover, the grilled cheese does not discriminate in terms of dining occasion or dietary habit.  Carnivores, vegetarians, and those with unique dietary needs are able to experience the life-long joy of biting into a gooey, toasted-to-perfection grilled cheese sandwich for any meal of the day.

Check out these recipes below and let us know which one you like best!

Grilled Cheese for the CarnivoreGluten Free Grilled Cheese

Apple, Ham, & Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Makes: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:

  • 4 Slices Udi’s Whole Grain Bread
  • 1/8 pound (2 slices) of Applegate Farms Sliced Ham
  • 1/2 small Granny Smith Apple, cut into ½-inch-thick slices
  • 3oz Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • Butter

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Grilled Cheese for the Lactose Free

 Grilled Caprese Sandwich

Makes: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:

  • 4 Slices Udi’s Millet Chia Bread
  • 8oz Daiya Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Butter

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Grilled Cheese for the Vegetarian

Hot Chile Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Makes: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:

  • 4 Slices Udi’s White Sandwich Bread
  • 2 Poblano Peppers, sliced & cooked (remove seeds & stem)
  • 1 ½ tablespoon Pace Chunky Salsa
  • ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese
  • 7oz canned Pinto Beans, smashed
  • 1 ½ fresh Scallions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Stonyfield Organic Plain Yogurt
  • Butter

 
What is YOUR grilled cheese style? Comment below with your favorite recipe.

 

Recipes adapted to be gluten free, from:
http://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/10-greatest-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-71411
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500171_162-646322.html
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/hot_chile_grilled_cheese.html

5 Gluten Free Recipes for Passover

Of all the holidays celebrated, Passover may be one of the easiest for those eating gluten free. Why? During the eight days of Passover, those who observe tradition do not eat any regular breads or baked goods. Wheat, oats, barley, rye, and spelt are forbidden, with the exception of matzo, which is made with flour and water. 1

I have had the pleasure of attending multiple Passover Seder dinners and am always intrigued by the important role food plays in this tradition. One of my favorite memories comes from the Maror (or bitter herbs) part of a Seder I attended about five years ago. The person in charge of grocery shopping for the event picked up horseradish (or so she thought) to represent the bitter herbs. As each of us took a bite, we quickly realized she had purchased atomic horseradish! Our eyes were watering from the heat burning through our noses, but we laughed our way through it.

If you are interested in hosting your own gluten free Passover Seder, or just want to try a few traditional Passover dishes, check out these gluten free recipes from around the web.

1. Gluten Free Matzo
Matzo is the unleavened bread allowed during Passover, but it is typically made with non-gluten free flours. Jules Gluten Free has created a gluten free version that only takes 20 minutes from start to finish.  Plus, this recipe post includes some interesting history on matzo.

Gluten Free Matzo

2.  Matzo Ball Soup
This Passover classic is comfort food at its best. Traditionally this recipe contains wheat (from the matzo), but in this version (called Potato Knaidelach) from The Shiksa in the Kitchen, potato dumplings are used instead to make it gluten free.

Gluten Free Matzo Ball Soup

3. Braised Brisket
Brisket is a traditional main dish for Passover meals. According to the author of this recipe, it tastes better the day after you cook it!

Brisket
4. Carrot Kugel
What is a kugel? According to Wikipedia, it’s a baked Jewish pudding or casserole that is served as a side dish. Try this carrot kugel recipe from Elana’s pantry for your Passover table.

Carrot Kugel

5. Chocolate Rolled Angel Cake
The best way to end a Passover Seder is with a dessert everyone will be talking about. This chocolate rolled angel cake from Gluten Free Canteen fits that bill! With chocolate, raspberry, and espresso flavors it will go great with a cup of coffee.

Gluten Free Rolled Chocolate Cake

Have your own favorite Passover recipes? Share them below in the comment section.

  1. http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/glutenfreefoodshopping/a/Passover.htm

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate mousse: decadent, rich, and perfectly creamy.  A smooth, velvety treat, this melt-in-your-mouth dessert is a piece of absolute chocolate perfection.  Unfortunately, it is also full of fat, calories, and sugar.  Usually, I will save this dessert for a special occasion.  Not only is it wickedly unhealthy, but also very time consuming– chock-full of manual labor.  There is the whipping, the chopping, the melting, and more whipping.  To make a good chocolate mousse takes a lot of time, a lot of ingredients, and an extra notch in your belt buckle.

However, we have an incredible chocolate mousse recipe full of nutrients and a special heart-healthy ingredient that we dare you not to love. Completely gluten free, this dessert is also diary free, egg free and soy free.  As a bonus, this recipe only uses 5 main ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen.  Ready for the secret ingredient?

Avocados!

I know this doesn’t sound like a dessert ready ingredient, but before you dismiss the idea entirely consider this: highly versatile, this fruit is naturally gluten free and blends perfectly to make a smooth, healthy base for a dark chocolate mousse.  You cannot even taste the avocado in this deceivingly healthy dessert.  Many times I have tricked the pickiest of dessert connoisseurs into devouring the entire treat before mentioning the hidden healthy ingredient.  You don’t even have to tell anyone and they would be none the wiser.  Just think, in five minutes you could be staring down a delicious bowl of good for you dessert!

 

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium ripe avocadoes
  • 1 cup unsweetened chocolate cocoa powder
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup agave nectar (if you don’t have any agave you can double the honey)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 dash of salt

Optional:

  • Berries
  • Slivered almonds

Directions:

  1. Peel and cube avocadoes.  Place in a food processor, process for two minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the avocado is completely smooth.
  2. Add cocoa powder to the pureed avocado and process for an additional minute.
  3. Add honey, agave nectar, vanilla, and salt.  Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Add additional honey or chocolate depending on taste.
  5. Transfer chocolate mousse into individual glasses and layer with berries.  Garnish the top layer with slivered almonds and additional berries.

For best results, chill the dessert in the refrigerator before serving.

We are curious; do you have any great recipes that use a special hidden healthy ingredient?  Comment below and tell us what you think!

Gluten-Free Maple Glazed Banana Donuts

Donuts are not typically thought of as a healthy food. In fact, quite the contrary! Donuts usually conjure up images of portly policemen and office break rooms, where jelly filled temptations and sugar dusted dough balls threaten our New Year’s resolutions to lose weight.

Despite their unhealthy reputation…Americans love their donuts! Why deprive ourselves of something we love? We already “brought sandwich back” with our gluten free breads.  Why not “bring donuts back,”  by baking your own with this nutritious, gluten free version!

Ripe bananas substitute for much of the oil in this recipe and baking the donuts, instead of deep frying them, cuts out an astounding amount of fat. If you don’t have your own handy-dandy donut pan, this recipe can easily be baked in a mini-muffin pan for donut holes!

Maple Glazed Banana Donuts

(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Ingredients:

  • 2 over-ripe Bananas, mashed
  • 1 large Egg, beaten
  • 3 Tbsp Unsweetened, Plain Almond Milk (4 Tbsp if at a high altitude)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 cup Organic, Unbleached Sugar
  • 3/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Brown Rice Flour
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (375 degrees for high altitude)
  2. Prepare donut pan using non-stick cooking spray
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana, egg, almond milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and oil.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until smooth.
  5. Fill each donut round with 2 heaping Tbsp of batter. Dampen your fingers to smooth donuts evenly in the pan.
  6. Bake 7-9 minutes, then cool 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.
  7. Cool completely before dipping in glaze (recipe below).
Maple Glaze

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp pure Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Dip cooled donuts in glaze and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Donut and Glaze are Separate)

 

Have a be-UDI-ful day!

5 Healthy Gluten Free Snacks

Have you noticed how popular gluten free has become in the past year? Every news broadcast, food-based website, and health-oriented magazine is talking about it and providing advice for those interested. Whether you have to eat gluten free out of necessity or are looking to make healthy changes to your diet, it is important to understand that not all gluten free foods are healthy.

You can find gluten free doughnuts, cookies, and cakes that still have sugars and fats. As with any diet, these foods can still be enjoyed, as long as you enjoy them in moderation. (I am fond of our new dark chocolate brownie bites, which are great as a special treat!)

Lately, I have been seeking healthy snack options to keep my weight and nutrition in balance. Below are five delicious, gluten free foods that are perfect for munching on between meals.

  1. Carrot Oat Protein Balls
    I made these bite sized snacks this past weekend to bring with me to work or as an on-the-go breakfast for my commute. Carrots are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.1Our Au Naturel granola and the almond flour used in this recipe provide protein to help you stay full. Each ball has 109 calories.Carrot Oat Proetin BallsIngredients:
  • 1 cup of Udi’s Gluten Free Au Naturel granola
  • 2 cups of almond meal
  • 3 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup of carrots cooked
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, crushed

Directions:

  1. Grind the granola in a food processor to create an oat flour
  2. Mix the ground granola with the 2 cups of almond meal in a large bowl
  3. Add the baking powder and melted coconut oil and stir until well combined
  4. Add the cooked carrots to your food processor and blend until puréed
  5. Add the carrot purée to the oat/almond meal mixture and stir well
  6. Roll the dough into balls and then roll in the crushed almonds to coat
  7. Place balls on a non-stick baking sheet and cook in the over for 25 minutes at 350 degrees
  8. Remove balls from the oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes and then place in the refrigerator to harden
    Yield:
    24-28 balls

2.  Jalapeños with Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
These spicy snacks are the adult version of “ants on a log.” I eat mine without raisins, but if you need to cut the heat add your favorite dried fruit on top. To make, simply cut jalapeños in half, remove the seeds, and fill with your favorite nut butter. Jalapeños are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and contain a substance called capsaicin, which may help boost your metabolism.2 One word of caution: wear gloves or wash your hands immediately after removing the jalapeño seeds to ensure you don’t touch your face and burn your eyes!

Jalapenos with Peanut Butter

3. Plain Greek Yogurt With Cranberry Granola
Greek yogurt, which has a tangy flavor and a thick consistency, has double the amount of protein and half the amount of sugar as regular plain yogurt with the same calorie count.3 Add 1/8 cup of our Gluten Free Cranberry Granola for some crunch and sweetness for only 60 additional calories.

Udi's Gluten Free Granola

4. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
This snack is a fun idea for both kids and adults! Simply grab skewers (or gluten free pretzel sticks) and add your favorite fruits and cheeses. My favorite combination includes red grapes and Gouda cheese.

Fruit And Cheese Kabobs

5. Toast with Avocado
This snack is quick and easy to make, plus it provides your body with heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Avocados are also a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, K, folate, and B6.4 Grab one piece of your favorite Udi’s Gluten Free bread (I would highly recommend our new Millet-Chia Bread), toast it to your liking, and place a half avocado on top. Top with pepper or your favorite gluten free seasoning.

Avocado Toast

Have other healthy, gluten free snack ideas to share? Comment below!

 

Sources

  1. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/3026/2
  2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/409721-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-jalapeno-peppers/
  3. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diet/articles/2011/09/30/greek-yogurt-vs-regular-yogurt-which-is-more-healthful
  4. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-avocados

A Very Gluten Free St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day CloverPut simply, I don’t think saying “I love all things Irish” even begins to sum up how I feel. I eat, sleep, and breathe Ireland.

My love affair with all things Irish began at childhood. I was raised eating corned beef and cabbage on a regular basis, watching VHS tapes of Riverdance at my grandparent’s house, and learning the great history of my ancestors. For some reason, I gravitated towards my Irish ancestry, even though I am far more German and Sicilian!

Luckily, this Irish connection turned out to be for my own good. As a wide-eyed, red-headed college junior, I packed one big suitcase and jetted off to spend a semester studying in Dublin. While my traveling and coursework was incredible, one fact about Ireland blew me away more than anything else: they have gluten free options everywhere!

I  noticed this on my second day in Ireland. I woke up in my hostel after sleeping nearly 10 hours and headed downstairs for my complimentary breakfast. I thought I was still dreaming when I saw signs for gluten free bread, muffins, and granola! Needless to say, this celiac was in heaven.

I came to learn that Ireland has one of the highest percentages of celiac disease in the world and the government does a lot to help those in need. I felt 100% normal for the first time in my life. I could walk into nearly any pub or restaurant and order a gluten free bun with my burger and know with certainty that the chips (French fries to us) would be safe for me to eat. Those five months in Ireland were hands down the greatest (gluten free) experience of my life thus far!

In honor of how aware the Irish are of the gluten free lifestyle and in celebration of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, I have compiled some delicious Irish treats! Many Irish dishes are naturally gluten free, if not easily made with substitutes. I hope these recipes help you celebrate with pure joy on the 17th!

1.    Irish Soda Bread
This traditional dish is a must for every Irish meal. Whether for breakfast or dinner, soda bread is always present.  Check out this recipe from Gluten-Free Goddess for a tasty version sure to please anyone at your table. Feel free to exclude the currants or raisins if you are making this to accompany an Irish dinner.
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread

2.    Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Although there are a slew of great Irish meals, my favorite for St. Patrick’s Day is definitely corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. The reason it’s my favorite is mainly because it’s naturally gluten free and so easy to make! This version of the dish is a perfect traditional recipe.Corned Beef & Cabbage

3.    Rainbow Mint Cupcakes
This list wouldn’t be complete without a dessert! There are so many naturally gluten free Irish desserts out there; the possibilities are truly endless! I included my favorite Rainbow Mint Cupcakes for this special day. Here are the ingredients:

  • 2 boxes Betty Crocker® Gluten Free yellow cake mix
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 6 egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • Red, yellow, green and blue liquid food colors 2 containers (1 lb each)
  • Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting

To complete the recipe, follow the instructions available here. The only adjustment is to add in the peppermint extract with the batter. In no time you’ll have gorgeous, gluten free, colorful, minty cupcakes!

Rainbow CupcakesPhoto by seelensturm

Lastly, don’t forget to include your favorite Irish beverage for guests of legal age! While I was studying abroad in Ireland, I was introduced to my two favorite drinks: Magners Cider and Jameson with Ginger Ale. Both Magners and Jameson are certified gluten free. One important note, Bailey’s is not confirmed gluten free due to the whiskey they use! Be aware.

Have a lovely St. Patrick’s Day! Slainte!

Baked Eggs with Rosemary Toast {Gluten Free}

One lazy, Saturday morning….

The rest of the household could be heard rustling around in bed, having decided it was simply too early to be up and about.

This was the perfect morning for an extraordinary breakfast. I began pulling ingredients out of the refrigerator;  leftover chopped tomato, the last of the eggs… the makings for a delicious Saturday morning meal. The aroma of sautéed onions, luxurious sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted bread filled the air as family members emerged from their bedrooms with sleep tousled hair.  Moments like these make life so wonderful!

As part of Hot Breakfast Month we are celebrating life’s little moments, Gluten-Free style! Savory baked eggs are a delicious and healthy way to kick off your family’s day. Serve with Udi’s Sandwich Bread; toasted, sprinkled with Rosemary, and cut into toast sticks for an elegantly presented spread. Good morning!

Baked Eggs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
{Gluten Free, Dairy Free}

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Onion, diced
  • 1 Tbsp Sun-dried Tomatoes packed in Oil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Parsley
  • 1/4 tsp Thyme
  • 1/4 tsp Rosemary
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Nutritional Yeast Flakes
  • 2 Tbsp shredded Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 large Eggs

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Sauté onions over medium-high heat until translucent.
  4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, regular tomato, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, & pepper and cook 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Divide mixture evenly between 2 ramekins sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  6. Evenly divide nutritional yeast and vegan cheese between the two ramekins.
  7. Crack 1 egg into each ramekin, and break the yolk.
  8. Place in preheated oven and bake 10-15 minutes until egg is just set.

A Recipe For Gluten Free Pancakes

Gluten Free PancakesI have a confession: I work for Udi’s Gluten Free  and I’m not gluten free.   However, through my work with Udi’s Ambassador’s Program,  I’ve learned first hand that gluten free is more than just a diet …it’s a lifestyle.

From conversations with mothers who struggle to find products their children will eat, to hugs from enthusiastic Udi’s fans, to learning that gluten free eating can enhance athletic performance, I’ve learned being Gluten Free is more than just eating.  It is a community and I am privileged to be a part of it.

All that said,  in the name of solidarity I decided to take a basic recipe and make it so delicious no one would know it’s gluten free. Since February is National Hot Breakfast Month (every month should be “Hot Breakfast Month,” I love breakfast for any meal), I chose my family’s pancake recipe. My dad is the official pancake-maker in my family,  and it is a treat to have them when I am home visiting. There is a satisfaction that comes with making them from scratch and a comfort in using a family recipe.

Gluten Free FlourAfter looking at the recipe, I realized  I would have to find the right GF flour and make sure my baking soda, baking powder, butter and buttermilk were certified gluten free. The rest of the ingredients were already naturally gluten free. I found Bob’s Red Mill flour worked the best and provided the same consistency as the gluten-filled counterpart. Even my roommate exclaimed, “These are good!”

Here’s my ‘new’ family recipe:

Ingredients:
1 egg
½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1 cup buttermilk
½ tsp GF baking soda
½ tsp GF baking powder
1 cup Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Gluten Free Baking Flour
3 Tbsp melted butter
Yields 12-14 pancakes

Directions:
1.    Beat egg slightly in medium size bowl. Add salt and sugar. Stir in buttermilk.
2.    Combine baking soda, baking powder and flour in small bowl. Add to buttermilk mixture. Stir in butter.
Gluten Free Pancake Batter
3.    Heat griddle to medium high. Grease lightly. Pour 4 inch circles of batter on griddle. When bubbles rise to surface and break, turn and continue cooking until golden brown.
Gluten Free Pancakes Griddle
4. Add anything to this recipe that strikes your fancy:  blueberries, chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

I found it a rewarding experience to modify a recipe, to use unfamiliar ingredients and to closely read product labels. Getting into the details helped me become just a little more aware of the challenges faced by those I work closely with everyday.

I’m looking forward to seeing what else I can make from scratch.
I challenge everyone to try this little experiment…
start with a basic recipe and see if you can make it gluten free.

Care to join me? For the gluten-free veterans out there, what gluten-free recipes have you perfected? Can your family and friends tell the difference?