Restaurants

Recommendation: GF Restaurants

Review: I usually only blog about pre-made gluten free food.  One of the hardest things about eating GF, after you figure out how to make your own meals, is eating out. 

It's usually challenging to scour the menu for what should be GF, then ask the waiter (who usually has to ask the chef how things are made), then... out of the 2 options left, decide what you would actually enjoy eating! 

So, here are some options to get started. Most have GF items listed clearly on their menu. As I learn of more restaurants, I'll update this list. Keep in mind these are chain restaurants. For fine dining, call ahead to ask about your GF options so the chef has time to prepare.

• PF Chang's http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx
• Salt Creek Grille http://www.saltcreekgrille.com/
• Uno Chicago Grill http://www.unos.com/
• Bertucci's Italian Grill http://www.bertuccis.com/
• Bonefish Grill http://www.bonefishgrill.com/
• Chipotle Mexican Grill* http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/menu/special_diet_information/special_diet_information.aspx

*There are many GF menu items, however if you are highly sensitive please read the info on the link above.

Happy eating!

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix by King Arthur Flour

Recommendation: Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix by King Arthur Flour

Review: My Mom has become an adventurous chef in her retirement years. I always look forward to Sunday "dinner" (which is really lunch, but since it occurs on Sunday, it's called dinner in our family) at my parent's house because:

a) I know there will be a delicious menu of classic and new recipes with almost everything GF

b) I get uninterrupted quality time with my family which I wouldn't trade for a pot of gold

This week, Mom tried Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix by King Arthur Flour and after the first bite, I thought it was too good to be true. My brother-in-law commented that he's never seen me have two servings of dessert. I guess he didn't see that small sliver of a third piece I inhaled after everyone left the table. Moist, savory chocolate cake. One small secret...replace the oil with 2 sticks of butter.

Where to buy: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/gluten-free-chocolate-cake-mix

Polenta

Recommendation: Bellino Instant Polenta

Review:

This little 17.6 oz package can yield enough to feed a large army (or small Italian family). It's quick, easy and a tasty carbohydrate treat for a lazy football afternoon. 

Here's how I used the Bellino Instant Polenta yesterday:

Herb Polenta with Zucchini and Leek Topping

Ingredients

• 1.5 c Instant ready made polenta
• 4 c Milk
• 1 c Water
• .25 tsp Salt
• .25 tsp Pepper
• .5 c Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• .25 c Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Oregano
• 1 tbsp Rosemary (or parsley)
• 2 large zucchini
• 1 large leek
• .25 c chicken stock (optional)

Grease large brownie pan (the bigger, the flatter the bread). 

Cut zucchini into small cubes and sauté in skillet with small amount of olive oil. Slice leek thinly, sauté in same skillet with oil or butter. Once browned, add a little chicken stock, scrape off brown in pan, then let juice cook off (optional step).

In large saucepan, pour milk, water, salt and pepper. Slowly bring to simmer over medium heat. Gradually pour in polenta while whisking the entire time (3 min). Remove from heat, add cheddar cheese, 3/4 of cooked sauteed leeks and herbs. Immediately pour into pan, cover and put in refrigerator for 30 min or until firm.

Set oven to broil. Cut polenta into perfect squares, then in half to form wedges. Broil on both sides till golden brown. (Broil when ready to serve otherwise gets soggy)

Mix together remaining leeks and zucchini. Salt to taste. 


Serve with zucchini mixture in center bowl with wedges around (like chips and salsa).

Where to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Bellino-Polenta-Instant-17-6-Ounce-Pack/dp/B001SB1TEQ