Eat Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, & Low Sugar

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, Low Sugar French Toast

2008-06-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings are my favorite time for making a big breakfast. During the week, I nosh on granola and fruit or a Cliff bar, but on the weekend's I try to make something special.

Try this French Toast recipe for a nice weekend treat. Pair with fresh fruit--strawberries or raspberries are a great choice during this time of year.

6 stale slices of wheat-free bread (I can eat sprouted grains, and choose Ezekiel bread)
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vanilla almond milk (unsweetened)
1T ground cinnamon
1 t vanilla extract

Leave bread out overnight. Next morning beat eggs, almond milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Soak each slice of bread in the mixture for 1-2 minutes and then turn over and soak for another minute. Place on skillet on medium heat for 1 minute, flip over and cook for one more minute or until golden brown.

Top with Smart Balance Light butter and maple syrup (I love Springtree brand!).

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Eating Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free & Low Sugar in Las Vegas

2008-06-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Traveling always provides the perfect opportunity to eat wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar. But, in a place like Las Vegas (where anything and everything you can ever imagine is available) maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult. Fortunately, I'm vain and didn't want to be bloated in my bikini, making me extra motivated to eat right. :)

Here are some tips for eating wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar while vacationing in Vegas:

-Asian food is a perfect option for travel eating. I got to dine, not once, but twice at my favorite Asian restaurant, Chin-Chin Cafe inside New York New York. I noshed on eggplant with tofu -- one of my absolute fave dishes and chicken lettuce cups. Yum!

-Salads, baby. Add some protein and your golden.

-For breakfast, an egg white veggie frittata with hashbrowns is a delish choice.

-When on Vegas time, there are typically only two meals a day (due to rising around 11am!), so a a Luna or Cliff bar with a piece of fruit will always suffice.

-For drinks, stay away from juices (packed with refined sugars) and keep it simple. For me that means, sipping on a glass of Chardonney or my new drink--coconut rum and club soda (see photo). It's refreshing and simple. FYI - Rum does not contain wheat, but is made from molasses.

-Ask about the ingredients of food - you may be surprised. In the picture above, I was enjoying a pecan bar made with almond flour. Hooray!

-Mexican food can be another great option--always be sure to ask that corn tortillas are used. We got our fill at Diablo's Cantina.

-Sugar-free chocolates are a great treat and were readily available at a casino cafe.

-Bring bars, nuts and dried fruit for easy airplane travel.

Eating wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar while traveling isn't as tough as one would expect. Even in Vegas!

Have any tips for eating out while living it up in Vegas? Leave your comments here.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Win Big Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Prizes with Go Dairy Free

2008-06-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Free Yummy Food Alert!

Go Dairy Free is holding a special June promotion to win 3 gluten-free and food allergy-friendly baking mix packages:

-The Cookie Assortment (chocolate chip, vanilla sugar, cocoa mudslide, cranberry-apple spice and fudge brownie)
-The Deluxe Assortment (12 mixes)
-The Speedy Bake Assortment (6 gluten-free mixes for kids)

All you have to do is sign up to receive their free e-newsletter.
If you win, let us know -- especially if the products are really delish!

Happy Eating!
Heather

New Gluten-Free Bakery in NW Portland

2008-05-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Often I dreamt of a gluten-free bakery, filled with yummy pastries and tasty bread. And it seems that someone else too was also dreaming up the same thing.

New Cascadia Traditional - The Gluten-Free Artisan Bakery opened recently in the heart of NW Portland on 21st and Glisan sandwiched in between Trader Joe's and Urban Fondue.

I've sampled their French Bread, apple galette and chocolate peanut butter cookie. YUM! The French bread is pretty hard, but once you saw it into slices, it's a great addition to soup and salad, or dipped in hummus. And get this - it actually tastes like real French bread. Imagine that!

One tip: get there early or place advanced orders for bread and such. They sell out early and I've visited twice only to find they were out of virtually everything. Apparently, gluten-free goods are in HIGH demand. :)

Happy Eating!
Heather

New Cascadia Traditional Bakery in NW Portland

2008-05-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Often I dreamt of a gluten-free bakery, filled with yummy pastries and tasty bread. And it seems that someone else too was also dreaming up the same thing.

New Cascadia Traditional - The Gluten-Free Artisan Bakery opened recently in the heart of NW Portland on 21st and Glisan sandwiched in between Trader Joe's and Urban Fondue.

I've sampled their French Bread, apple galette and chocolate peanut butter cookie. YUM! The French bread is pretty hard, but once you saw it into slices, it's a great addition to soup and salad, or dipped in hummus. And get this - it actually tastes like real French bread. Imagine that!
One tip: get there early or place advanced orders for bread and such. They sell out early and I've visited twice only to find they were out of virtually everything. Apparently, gluten-free goods are in HIGH demand. :)

Happy Eating!
Heather

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, Low Sugar Zucchini Bread

2008-05-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

I love baking this bread for get together's with friends. It also goes fabulously well with hot tea. Enjoy!

2.5 c quinoa
1 1/3 c no sugar applesauce
1/2 c Smart Balance butter
1 c Splenda
3 cage-free eggs
3 small zucchini, grated
2t baking soda
1/2 t vanilla extract
1/2 t salt
1 T cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F. Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs in, one at a time. Stir in applesauce, zucchini and vanilla. In separate bowl, stir in remaining dry ingredients. Add dry mixture to wet, and stir until completely combined. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Gluten-Free Walk & Faire

2008-05-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here's the scoop -- you don't want to miss this!

Gluten Free Food Fair & 1- or 3-mile Awareness Walk

When: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Venue: All Saints Catholic Church
3847 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, Or.

Registration: 9:00am-9:45am
Walk: 10:00am-11:30am
Food Fair: 11:00am-1:30pm

Walk registration and info here.

Hope to see you there!
If you go, please let us know what you loved the most, as well as any new discoveries.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Enchiladas

2008-05-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Make this tasty wheat-free, dairy-free dish on Monday and eat all week long. Or prepare it when you have guests over for dinner. Either way, you can't go wrong with this delish enchilada recipe. Top with salsa.

1-pkg. organic corn tortillas
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 can mild enchilada sauce
1 can hot enchilada sauce
2 c grated soy cheese
1 c refried beans
3 T green chilies
1 bunch green onions, set aside a handful
13x9 baking dish

Preheat oven 350 degrees. In skillet, cook ground turkey until brown. Drain and set aside. Heat refried beans on stovetop. Heat enchilada sauce on stovetop. Spoon enchilada sauce on corn tortilla. Add a spoonful of ground turkey, refried beans, handful of cheese, green onions, and green chilies. Roll up and place in baking dish. Repeat until baking dish is full. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top of the tortillas. Sprinkle remaining soy cheese over tortillas. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil, add set aside green onions and bake 5 more minutes.

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Nutty Crunch Bar

2008-05-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Coffee shops are the worst! Biscotti, scones and pastries, but rarely gluten-free treats. Today, while having tea at Vivace Cafe in NW Portland, I made a new discovery--Angeline's Nutty Crunch Bars. Gluten-free, organic and dairy-free--it's a perfect compliment to an iced peppermint tea (just tell the barista to brew a cup of peppermint tea and then pour over ice-yum!).

Have you tried these bars? Have another favorite cafe treat? Leave your tips here!
-Heather :)

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Veggie Quiche

2008-05-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Inspiration comes in a variety of forms. So imagine my surprise when, while watching the Waitress (for a class on Domestic Violence), I became inspired to make a quiche. I heart quiche, but typically it's loaded with dairy and made on a thick Bisquick kind of crust. Well, not this one. It's delicious! Even my super picky (and processed food lovin' sister) loved it!

1 Wholly Wholesome spelt 9" pie crust
4 cage-free eggs
1 c soy cheese (or Lisanatti almond pepperjack)
1 c unsweetened soy milk
1/2 package of frozen spinach
1.5 c chopped asparagus spears
1 small onion
1 T garlic salt
1 T olive oil

Preheat oven to 350. Mix eggs, cheese and soy milk in medium-size bowl. Set aside. Saute spinach, asparagus, onion, garlic salt and olive oil until cooked through. (Roughly 5 minutes.) Pour veggies into egg mixture and stir well. Pour combined mixture into pie crust. Bake for 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center of quiche. Season to taste. Enjoy!

P.S. You can eat this for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Pair with a green salad or soup for lunch/dinner.

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, Low Sugar Cupcakes

2008-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

For my recent 30th birthday bash, everyone ate cake.

Cupcakes that is.
They were moist, rich and decadent. To top it off, they were wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar. It doesn't get any better than that!

Use the Cherrybrook Kitchen chocolate cake recipe to make yummy cupcakes. Maximize the recipe (and consume less calories) by making them in mini-muffin tins. OR make gi-normous cupcakes (like the one on top in the picture) for a big special occasion indulgence.

If you're okay with indulging in some sugar - for special occasions only! - try out the Cherrybrook frosting. I can't say it's good for you, but for a once-a-year treat, it's not bad.

I loved these cupcakes - and so did everyone else, even those who don't eat wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar.

Do you have a good wheat-free, dairy-free, low sugar cupcake recipe? Tried other Cherrybrook products? Leave a comment here.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Low-Sugar Breakfast Cereal

2008-04-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is one of those meals that I have to change up routinely. I get burnt out on the same granola or eggs and toast meals. But, one breakfast I never burn out on is Barbara's Bakery Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Puffins. Puffins rock!

Slice an organic banana and pour vanilla (unsweetened Blue Diamond) almond milk over top. Enjoy!

What's your favorite wheat-free cereal?
Leave a comment here.

Happy Eating!
Heather

Wheat-Free Zing Bars

2008-04-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I love bars. In fact, I like to think of myself as a bar connoisseur.

Recently, I stumbled upon Zing Bars. Yum-a-saurus! Not surprisingly, these tasty treats were created by genius nutritionists from the Pacific Northwest.

The all-natural bars come in three flavors - Blueberry Almond (gluten-free), Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (wheat-free) and Chocolate Peanut Butter (gluten-free). While I'm not a huge fruit bar fan (it usually doesn't taste much like fruit!), the Blueberry Almond is one of my favorites and perfect for a late morning snack.

None of the bars affected my sensitive tummy, despite containing some whey protein. If you have a very strong allergy to dairy and react to most dairy items (I can handle yogurt and some cheeses), I would proceed with caution. If you don't have a dairy allergy and are looking for an organic, wheat-free and all-natural bar - then Zing Bars are for you.

I'm so pleased to have discovered a tasty addition to my bar collection. Yay!
Unfortunately, Zing Bars are only available in one Portland store, but I hope that will change soon...

Have you tried Zing Bars? What did you think? Have a yummy bar recommendation? Post it here.

Happy Eating!
Heather

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Tuna Casserole

2008-03-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the crock pot - it's the best way to "cook," so I was thrilled to create this wheat-free, dairy-free dish. Feel free to experiment with seasoning on this one (not my specialty).

10 oz. brown rice pasta, boiled for 8 min. (so not fully cooked) and drained. (Try Trader Joe's.)
1 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 T garlic salt
3 T Tofutti cream cheese
8 oz. rice milk
2 cans Albacore tuna

Boil rice pasta for 8 minutes, drain and place in bottom of crock pot. Saute onion, celery stalk and olive oil. Add 1 T garlic salt. Once golden grown, add rice milk and Toffuti. Stir until Tofutti is mixed in. Add tuna. Mix well. Pour mixture on top of pasta in crock pot. Add 1 T garlic. Heat on low for 3.5 hours. Season as necessary.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Travel Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free and Low Sugar

2008-03-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had to fly into the Windy city to cover a tradeshow. Long hours and a long flight typically equals no possible way to eat wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar. Especially on the airplane. You're lucky if you even get water when you're at 30,000 feet.

So, this time I decided to be prepared. I packed snacks, snacks and more snacks, and guess what? I survived both the flight there and back, and had food left over. Since eating while working the show was out of the question, my snackage also came in handy. One tip: make sure you pack enough Odwalla or Cliff bars, I didn't anticipate that there would be no time for breakfast, so I could have used more of those.

Here's a list to get you started for your next trip:
-Cliff or Odwalla bars for breakfast or meal replacement
-Luna or Larabars for snacks and "dessert" :)
-Trail mix - I make my own since I'm picky. Go to the bulk foods section and get a fruit mix and then add the nuts of your choice.
-Almonds or other heart-healthy nuts (cashews are another fave!)
-Corn and flax chips - discovered these in the bulk food section of Winco. The best! Any type of small corn chip (no trans fats though) will do, these had a healthier punch with the flax.
-Apples
-Homemade chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

Do you have a "must" when it comes to travel food? Leave your comments here with tips for our readers.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Gluten-Free Culinary Summit April 5-6, 2008

2008-03-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe someday we'll have a wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar summit, but until then there's the Gluten-Free Culinary Summit April 5-6 in Denver. Can you imagine - two days filled with new recipes, gourmet dishes and hundreds of like-minded souls? Sounds like a lot of fun to me (esp. the eating part). If you attend, please let me know how it was. And bring back yummy recipes.

Check out this recipe for gluten-free fruit muffins (from the chef at Canyon Ranch!).

2008 Essential Gluten-free Restaurant Guide

2008-03-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just received my copy of TriumphDining's The Essential Gluten-Free Restaurant Guide. It's in its 3rd Edition! How cool is that?

Besides the listings - which do clue me in on gluten-free offerings I didn't know about - there's also helpful information about eating out gluten-free. Even for those of us that have been eating this way for years, there are some great reminders and checklists included in the guide.

There's also a beautiful four-color section of ads from gluten-free vendors. But, I'd love to see coupons in the back next year! Hint, hint. Wouldn't it be cool to have an entertainment book filled with gluten-free, dairy-free and low-sugar coupons? Someone needs to get on that...

I also received some of their cool dining cards, for eating out internationally. You can hand your server or hostess (upon entering the restaurant) a card explaining - in their native tongue - that you cannot eat gluten-free. I'm headed to Paris in September and can't wait to use my French card. Have you used the dining cards - what's been your experience? Leave your comment here.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Trader Joe's Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Brownies are DELICIOUS!

2008-03-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

I'm a girl who loves her brownies. In fact, forget about the birthday cake, I want a stack of moist brownies with vanilla rice ice cream on top.

So imagine my glee when I discovered Trader Joe's gluten-free brownies. Yummy! And the best part, they're super easy to make - only add 1 egg, oil and water. One note - be sure to make them in an 8x8 pan, otherwise they're pretty thin. Oh, and don't be afraid to add walnuts or carob chips.

BTW - if you live near a Trader Joe's, always go there first for wheat-free, dairy-free and low sugar foods. You'll get the best deal and the staff is always uber helpful.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Gluten Freeda Online Cooking Magazine for Wheat-Free Eating

2008-03-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Just discovered this handy resource and wanted to share it with you - Gluten Freeda. While, wheat intolerance foodies can still enjoy spelt and sprouted grains (unlike Celiacs), we can still benefit from gluten-free resources. Check this out and let me know what you think. I dig the site design, but I'm still trying to figure out what "freeda" means. Maybe it's Greek for something. :)

Enjoy!
Heather

Win a $50 Gift Cert to Namaste Foods!

2008-02-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Go Dairy Free has an awesome giveaway this month - a $50 gift certificate to Namaste Foods. Indulge in delicious gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free treats, at no cost to you.

Love Namaste Foods!
Enjoy and let us know if you win.

Happy Eating (and shopping)!
Heather :)

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Cheesy Quesadilla

2008-02-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have a crazy quesadilla fetish. I love them! I eat quesadilla's at least once a week. They're an easy wheat-free, dairy-free (and no sugar!) meal. Have it for lunch or dinner.

2 corn tortillas (I love Mission White Corn tortillas)
1/4 c Lisanatti Almond Jack Cheese
1 small organic chicken breast, grilled & sliced
3 T black beans, drained
3 T salsa (love Chachies)

Grill chicken breast in George Foreman or on stove top. Top one tortilla with cheese, chicken, black beans and salsa. Place in skillet on medium heat. Place additional tortilla on top. Grill for 1-2 minutes or until cheese begins to melt and then flip over to other side. Grill an additional 1 minute or until cheese and salsa are completely melted and warm. Cut into pieces and top with salsa and guac.

Even Goldie Hawn Eats Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free & Refined-Sugar Free

2008-02-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

When stars are asked how they maintain their super hot bodies, most respond with the names of their personal trainer and in-home chef. But, not the fabulous Miss Goldie Hawn.

The starlet shared her tips for a rockin bod - a wheat-free, dairy-free and sugar-free diet. Who knew we were in such good company?!

Love ya Goldie!
-Heather :)

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free & Refined Sugar Free Cranberry Apple Cobbler

2008-02-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

You are going to L-O-V-E this recipe. I made it for Valentine's Day and it was a BIG hit! BTW - I'm in love with crock pots now...

Wheat/Dairy/Refined-Sugar Free Cranberry Apple Cobbler

1 pkg. frozen cranberries
3/4 c Splenda (or raw sugar)
3 T corn starch
1 T cinnamon
1 c organic, no sugar added cranberry juice
5 sliced apples (Pink Lady works well!)

Place all of these items into your crock pot. Mix well to combine.

Cook on low for 6 hours.

Then, combine the following:
1.5 cups spelt flour (or other non-wheat flour blend)
1/3 c Splenda (or raw sugar)
1 T baking poweder
1/4 t salt

Cut in:
1/2 cup cold non-dairy butter (Smart Balance Light or I Can't Believe Its Not Butter!)

Mix in:
2/3 c vanilla almond milk (Pacific Natural Foods)

Stir mixture until thick.
Pour over top of cranberry apple mixture in crock pot.
Cook on high for 30 minutes.

Dish up and top with vanilla rice ice cream and cinnamon!

Do you love this? Or do you have another fabulous crock pot dessert recipe? Leave a comment here.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)

Wheat-Free,Dairy-Free Valentine's Day Goodness

2008-02-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I'm looking for goodies beyond heart-shaped milk chocolate (lame!) that add a bit more zest to my V-day sweet tooth.

Recently I discovered a yummy dessert - Purely Decadent Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Cookie Dough soy cream. Scoop up some of this goodness and add 1/2 a sliced banana and a handful of carob chips for an indulgent V-day treat.

In the meantime, I'll be a cooking up a lovely V-day dessert...so stay tuned for pictures and the recipe.

What are you making for Valentine's Day (or for the week)? Do share! I purposely avoid this commercialized holiday and stay in and feel the love...what are YOU up to?

Happy Eating & Cooking!
Heather

Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Breakfast Crepes

2008-02-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day. And because I can't nosh on a chocolate croissant from the local cafe or enjoy decadent pancakes while dining out, I create my own fave breakfast - crepes. In preparation for my upcoming trip to France, I created this yummy breakfast recipe:

Crepe:
1 cup spelt flour
2 vegetarian fed eggs
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup purified water
1/4 t salt
2 T melted butter (try Smart Balance Light)
1 T cinnamon

Mix together spelt, eggs, milk and water. Add salt, butter and cinnamon and mix until smooth. Then, use a skillet (make sure to coat with non-stick cooking spray!) on medium heat and pour 1/2 cup of batter into the pan. Tilt pan until mixture is spread evening throughout. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden, flip over and cook an additional 1 minute, or until golden.

Filling:
1 mango, chopped
1 banana, chopped
1 peach, chopped
1 T cinnamon

Saute fruit and cinnamon in small skillet until cooked through and hot.
Serves 4

Add filling mixture to crepe and roll up like a burrito.

Like this recipe? Have suggestions for other breakfast fillings? If so, leave a comment here.

Happy Eating!
Heather :)