Lost all Emails, Hard drive bit the big one

Just a quick note to those who have sent me emails since the beginning of December:

My hard drive is gone, and I lost all emails and email addresses. If you did not get a reply to your email, please write again, I respond to all emails.

Also, any friends or family that check this site...send me an email so I can try to reestablish my address book.

Thank you!!

(Great bread recipe post coming soon!)

Marinated Flank Steak for Fajitas

I chatted with my mother briefly the other day, and she told me she was asked what her motto was for the new year. Without any forethought, she said, "Embrace life." She didn't have time to think about it, it just slipped out. That's why I think it is such a good one.

I haven't come up with one yet. Maybe by the time I finish my post one will work it's way out.

I like the idea of a motto for the new year, versus a resolution. Something to live by, versus constantly trying to accomplish.

Whew. After the whirlwind of the holidays, hosting company, parties, presents, meals..all kicked off with a 5 day power outage, I am ready to get back into the routine of everyday life, as I am sure you are too.

It's been a month here at my household. Things have been busy, computers have been dying, camera's have lost their batteries, and just the pace of life has been crazy for us. I have a great recipe for when life gets like this, and one night during the business of it all, this meal was a comfort food for me.

I don't have any photos today, just a quick recipe that I like to go to when I really want some delicious steak fajitas. I do not have exact measurements, you have to taste and see with this marinade. Add other spices or delete as you see fit.

I love using the Food For Life Brown Rice Tortillas, but you could use corn ones, or even make a steak fajita salad using corn chips.

( I am thinking my motto for this year is: " Life is what happens, when your busy making other plans. " John Lennon "Beautiful Boy"

Do you have one? )

This is so good on the grill, but seeing how frigid it is outside, we aren't going anywhere near ours. Here is my indoor version.

Marinated Flank Steak for Fajitas

1 Flank Steak
juice of 3 limes (can use lemons, I prefer lime)
one crushed garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon (or so) cumin
1/2 teaspoon (or so) chili powder
dash salt
dash pepper

Mix marinade in zip lock bag. Put in steak and marinate overnight or up to 2 days.


Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Preheat cast iron (or other oven safe pan) on stove, medium high heat. Cut up peppers and onions for fajitas. When pan is heated, take flank steak and brown on one side 3 minutes, flip and brown other side 5 minutes. Flip steak again and put pan in oven and bake approximately 12 minutes, or until desired doneness. I like mine a nice pink in the middle.

While the steak is in the oven, heat up a skillet, add olive oil, then stir fry the peppers and onions.

Take steak out, slice on the diagonal and serve on tortillas, topped with the peppers and onions, & guacamole, cheese, and all the other fun stuff!

Cheers!!
Danielle

Happy Holidays...Let's Be Thankful

NH Ice Storm, December 2008
Originally uploaded by doortoriver

I live in New Hampshire, and you may have heard about us lately in the news. "Ice Storm...2008." I didn't have any power, running water, or heat, except for our gas fireplace, (and a borrowed generator for part of an evening that gave us a heat boost, Thank You!) for 5 days.. And there are still people without power now. I hope they get it soon.

The last night without power, we packed up some clothes, and went to my parent's house in Massachusetts. The luxury of a light bulb was amazing. I admit it. I am a spoiled princess, I like flushing toilets, running water, light, and heat, all on demand. I had never been without power for so long before.

One night we all jumped into bed together, 2 children, husband and wife and dog, all snuggled under the blankets to keep warm. And we all went to bed at the same time, and got up at the same time. One woman I talked to said she kind of liked living like this. It was simple. Go to bed when dark. Get up when light. Do what chores you can. Eat. Start over.

People came together more to help each other. My neighbor gave up time with that borrowed generator to let us have itthe whole time, since his family was staying somewhere else. And I am sure his pipes would have liked that heat. People visited each other and checked on each other. Many people called offering help, a shower, or a place to stay since they had power, or a generator.

One day I sat in my friend's kitchen, keeping her company and watching her bake her Christmas cookies while my children played in her heated, lit home. If it wasn't for the power outage, we never would have taken the time to visit with each other for an entire day during the Christmas season. Relaxing and chatting in her kitchen, I realized just how comfortable our friendship is, and what a gift true friends are.

Sometimes it stinks being gluten free, not at home, but when I go out. Going to a party and not being able to eat anything, having a new neighbor bring you a baked good, not yet knowing you can't eat, explaining yourself at a restaurant again and again, or finding yourself hungry and unprepared, without anything safe to eat.

There is the other side, we live in a country with faults, but we have freedoms. More and more restaurants are becoming gluten free savvy. We have access to all different kinds of gluten free foods, things that other gluten free eaters couldn't even fathom 10 years ago. There are countless cookbooks, and gluten free blogs, and support groups. So much information literally at our fingertips to stay healthy.

And most of all, we know what was making us sick.

Count your blessings, I am counting mine.

Happy Holidays!
Cheers,
Danielle

PS Since I have not been able to cook much, I do not have a recipe for you. If I get some time after cleaning up after the power outage mess, and Christmas fun, I will post.

Gluten Free Dining in New England: New Hampshire, Boston and In Between

I am a New England girl, born and raised. I grew up in Massachusetts, and have settled here in New Hampshire. I have a few, not many, restaurants that have gluten free menus, or are very amenable to gluten free eating, that I love to go to. That I count on when I need to get out. I thought a list here would be great for people driving through, or traveling to this part of the country. I am also keeping this list for myself, it's nice to have a full reference compiled.

I would also recommend to call ahead if possible. Even though a lot of these places I say that I don't need to call ahead, I do if I am making plans ahead of time. If we have a last minute plan, I know I can still eat there.

Here goes:
Concord, New Hampshire Gluten Free Restaurants

The Common Man (various locations in New Hampshire) ~ There are a string of the Common Man restaurants up and down Route 93, usually right off a highway exit. They make it an easy place to stop when traveling. I have a good time at these restaurants, there is always something to eat. I find the dinner menu more comprehensive than the lunch menu, and the wait staff attentive. Actually, there isn't a printed gluten free menu, you ask the wait staff for a printed up list as to what is currently gluten free on the menu. If you go to the Italian Farmhouse restaurant up in Plymouth, NH, call ahead so they can prep your pasta ahead of time for you, otherwise you may have to wait just a bit extra for your food to be served.

Centennial Inn ~ The Granite Room Restaurant ~ This is an upscale restaurant located past the center of town in Concord, near where the old state hospital used to be. It is contemporary cuisine, with a flourish. There isn't a gluten free menu, but again the wait staff knows about gluten free eating, and cal tell you what you cam have. I usually have a few great things to choose from.

Nonni's ~ I have not yet gotten a chance to eat here. I am planning on going soon. I met the head chef at a fundraiser, and asked if they had any gluten free offerings. They do!! I have heard wonderful things about this restaurant, so I was so pleased the hear that they have gluten free pasta, as well as gluten free pizza crusts.

Uno Chicago Grill ~ I had heard that they were testing out gluten free pizzas, cheese or pepperoni, as certain locations. I don't know if that is true, but the one in Concord does have them, and I did run out and try one. It is a thin crust, and tastes great, although a bit expensive..it was about eleven dollars. The opportunity to eat pizza out with my children? Priceless.

Outback Steakhouse ~ There is something a little special about the Outback Steakhouse in Concord, NH. And, it is a bit of a secret. You see, the manager has worked out something with a local gluten free baker to supply bread for his gluten free customers. That means you get your own gluten free loaf to eat before dinner, and buns for hamburgers

Manchester, New Hampshire Gluten Free Restaurants

Z's ~ The decor and food make me feel like I am somewhere hip and happening, which sometimes in NH..it gets hard to feel that way. The food is excellent and the staff attentive. The chef (shout out to Tom!! Hi!!) makes some great food. There isn't a gluten free menu, but they all know about gluten free eating, and are willing to make some modifications to make dishes work for you. I always have a few things to choose from.

Gauchos ~ I have not eaten here since I have been gluten free. I did make a call when I was planning on going (plans fell through), and they told me all their meats were gluten free except for the sausage. The food was delicious, and it is a fun restaurant. I plan on calling and trying it as a gluten free eater. If you go, or have gone, let me know how it went!!

Cotton ~ I went here with friends. You don't have to call ahead, and the wait staff is very well informed. There isn't a gluten free menu, but with all restaurants that prepare their own food, they can modify as needed. This restaurant has gotten some great reviews and is worth a visit.

CJ Sparks~ I hate to say 'ditto', but I will have to in this case. CJ Sparks service was akin to Cotton. (see above)

Bedford Village Inn ~ I went to this restaurant with my husband and a work party. Again, no gluten free menu, but a great gluten free meal was prepared for me. I did not have to call ahead, and the wait staff was great.

Boston, Massachusetts Gluten Free Restaurants

Marco's, North End (the Italian section of Boston) ~ I just heard about this, but have not been yet. I am so excited to try this out with my husband. We had our first date in Boston and the North End. I heard that if you notify them a day ahead of time, you will even have gluten free bread to dip into the olive oil at the table.

Wagamama, Fanueil Hall, Boston ~ I went here once. they only had 2 or 3 meals that were gluten free.But it was delicious. I had it to go and sat outside with my family. (They got pizza!)

Legal Seafoods (various locations) ~ They have a gluten free menu. Good seafood, good locations.

Joe's American Bar & Grill (various locations, in various states) ~ It has been awhile since I have been here, and I cannot remember if they had a gluten free menu. I got a salad, and it was good. This restaurant has a great location on the water. Nothing beats eating outside on a beautiful day here.

P.F. Chang's (various locations, various states) ~ I think everyone already knows about this restaurant!! :)


Other towns in Massachusetts

Burton's Grill - (various locations) I went to the one in Andover, MA with my parents and children. I had calamari. Fried. Delicious. Even my Mom thought it was wonderful. I also ate a delicious gluten free pasta here, and enjoyed every bite. They have an entire menu here for gluten free eaters, not just an entree or two.

Life Alive (Lowell, MA) ~ Great little cafe. Vegan. Health Food. Gluten Free options. Need I say anymore? But I will. I had a lovely soup from this cafe. Thick creamy broccoli soup. I do not remember the other options offered, so there may be more than soup available.

Not Your Average Joe's (various locations) ~ I visited the location in Newburyport, MA. It was delicious. There was a menu printed out for gluten free eaters, with modifications that were needed right on the menu.

Other towns in New Hampshire

Flatbread Pizza (various locations) ~ Portsmouth, NH is where I first went out for pizza with my family. To be able to eat pizza with my children out, was an amazing experience, I had tears in my eyes.

Polly's Pancake Parlor (Sugar Hill, NH) ~ I have not eaten here. I would like to, but have not yet made my way there. If you have had a gluten free experience here, please leave a comment and let us know how it was!!

Rafferty's Restaurant and Pub (North Conway, NH) ~ An entire gluten free menu. I was able to have gluten free onion rings with my daughter. I salivated over the entire menu, it was so difficult to choose. If you are craving gluten free pub grub and you are near here - GO!

Bellini's (North Conway, NH) ~ An Italian restaurant. I have never been here, but know they have a gluten free menu. Enjoy!

Cheers!!!
Danielle

Sauteed Apple Pumpkin Oven Pancake, Gluten Free

I got the original recipe from a New Hampshire newspaper, The Concord Monitor. It was adapted from A Harvest of Pumpkins and Squash, by Lou Seibert Pappas. This looked too good, I had to try and make it gluten free. Apples and pumpkin, the perfect fall foods.

The kid comments were amazing on this recipe, my daughter gave a double thumbs up (highest praise possible), and they even forgot to ask for syrup, at first. After the second helping they realized that they were eating pancakes, so they decided some maple syrup was needed.

This is a great recipe for brunch, or a weekend morning meal, or even a breakfast for supper night. At least these have a vegetable in there!!


Sauteed Apple Pumpkin Oven Pancake, Gluten Free

5 large eggs
1 can pumpkin
⅔ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup sweet sorghum flour
1/3 cup brown rice flour
2-3 tablespoons golden flax meal (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon, divided
pinch nutmeg (optional)
4 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, divided
3 tablespoons butter
4 large apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch slices

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, & vanilla. Add the can of pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Mix in the flours, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, set aside.

In a large oven proof skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the apples and sauté until just tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Pour the batter over the hot apples, then bake until puffed and golden brown, set in the middle, about 25 to 35 minutes. We served ours with maple syrup and a small pat of butter on top.

Cheers!!

Some tips:

• You could probably get away with using 4 eggs, if you don't want to use 5. The pancake will probably be a little flatter, but still taste great. I might reduce the pumpkin by 1/3 if you do.
• If your pancake seems to be getting a bit too brown before the pancake is set, reduce oven to 375, cook a few minutes longer.
• I love adding a bit of flax seed to my cooking, especially baking. If you haven't tried it yet, you must. The golden flax meal is light, no one really knows its in there, and it adds some nice nutrition.
  

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes

I have it easy this Thanksgiving, I am making a couple of side dishes and a pie. My mother is in charge of the rest. She found a turkey, Shady Brook Farms, from her local grocery store that says gluten free right on the package, she was so excited!

There are so many posts about eating gluten free at Thanksgiving, look at the links to other blogs in my sidebar, and you will find many more options and ways of cooking. Here are a just a few things that I have made for that would be great for Thanksgiving.



Desserts ~

Rustic Apple Pie with Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe
Maple Pecan Pie with Gluten Free Oat Crust

Side dishes ~

To Die For Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze
Gluten Free Popover Recipe

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Cheers!!
Danielle

Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup Glaze

I love brussels sprouts. I crave them. I know, some people think that I am weird in that way. Judge after you make this recipe, and you will join me and start craving brussels sprouts too.

This is a great side dish for any meal, Thanksgiving, holiday, or weekday. ( I am making this as a side dish for our Thanksgiving meal.) If I am running to the grocery store, and the sprouts look good, I will pick them up and make these for my lunch. Don't cut out the garlic, it seems like it wouldn't go with this recipe, but it isn't as good without it. I just had them (again!) yesterday, and just typing and talking about them makes me want to have them today...

Update: There was a query about how to make a bunch of this for a holiday party without having to make several batches in a skillet. I experimented today, and the alternate cooking method is below.

Pan-Browned Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup and Walnuts

15 brussels spouts, washed and sliced in half
3 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tablespoons butter (to make dairy free, omit and use more olive oil)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter (omit for dairy free)
walnuts, optional to taste (I use a small handful)
salt, optional, to taste

Warm olive and and 2 tablespoons butter in skillet over low heat. Add sliced garlic cloves. Stir the garlic and remove as they are turning light brown and reserve. Lay brussels sprouts in pan, cut sides down and cover. Cook approximately 15 minutes or until tender.

Mix maple syrup and tablespoon of butter, melt on stove or in microwave. Add walnuts. Add syrup mixture and garlic to brussels sprouts in the pan and toss to create a glaze, OR remove brussels sprouts, add the cooked garlic and maple syrup mixture and toss in bowl.

Alternate cooking method for larger batches, and making ahead:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. As oven is warming up, put butter, olive oil and garlic slices (make sure to up the amount of each depending on how many brussels sprouts you are using), on a cookie sheet to melt the butter and to lightly cook the garlic. Remove the cookie sheet when the garlic just starts to turn golden brown. Put the brussels sprouts cut side down on pan on middle shelf. Cook approximately 10 minutes, checking to make sure the tops don't burn. Add the cooked garlic back in and stir. If making the night before, after you lightly rewarm, mix maple syrup and the additional butter, melted, pour over the sprouts. Add the walnuts right before serving.

Cheers!
Danielle