Norwish Recipes

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Gluten-Free status is based on information from the manufacturer, the current Cecelia's Marketplace shopping guide and personal experience, and may change if the company changes formulation or manufacturing processes. Land-O-Lakes Butter Land-O-Lakes is a brand that should be available in almost any U.S. grocery store, and it is gluten-free, generally reasonably priced, and comes in options like half-sticks.  The salted and unsalted versions are gluten-free, but note that the light butter contains gluten.  If you have questions about other Land-O-Lakes products, see their website at http://www.landolakes.c...

A rich, creamy rice custard perfect for a cold winter day or a holiday dessert.   Ingredients: 3 cups milk (whole milk will make it richer) 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup raisins (optional, and mix up with dates, almonds, pecans, and/or coconut as it suits you) 1/3 cup butter 3 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup raw white rice 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp (approx) nutmeg, or one whole nutmeg for grating. Combine rice with 2 cups of regular milk in the top of a double-boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook over hot water in double-boiler or in microwave on high until rice is tender (approx 30-45 minutes, could be longer depending on heat). Add raisins/dates/nuts/etc. and butter, stir until butter melts Combine eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, 1 cup of regular milk and sweetened condensed milk and whisk until blended. Stir into hot rice mixture. Pour into greased cake pan (9" square pan for single batch, 9"x12" rectang...

You might have seen a sneak picture of this recipe on another post ....This really is a versatile recipe and it's taken me a while to figure out how to post it because we've made so many variations of this since we first started making it. So here's kind of a formula type recipe for you so you can make it however you would like. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables with Sausage Printable Recipe *You can leave out the sausage and this becomes a wonderful side dish or a vegetarian meal. We make it that way too and it is also delicious. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. uncooked sausage links (I like mild Italian - Johnsonville's brand), optional 10 Cups of chopped vegetables (approximately) - use veggies that you like. Make sure you chop the vegetables to about the same size - that way they will cook evenly. *Note: Below I'll list a couple of examples that we've done 3 Tbsp. olive oil (add an additional Tablespoon of olive oil if you are omitting the sausage) 2 cloves garlic, chopped, op...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Gluten-Free status is based on information from the manufacturer, the current Cecelia's Marketplace shopping guide and personal experience, and may change if the company changes formulation or manufacturing processes. Nutella Really.  'nuff said :-) I have found so many uses for the chocolate hazelnut spread of the gods.  It is fantastic on gluten-free pancakes, as a dip for Glutino pretzels, or any other desert application you can think of.  In Berkeley there's a gelato place that had Nutella gelato while we were there, and I think they deserve a public medal for it.  I found a recipe for Nutel...

Creamy Yam Soup 1 T olive oil 1 C diced onion 8 C yams, peeled and diced 8 C vegetable or chicken broth 8 oz cream cheese 4 C yams, peeled and diced (optional - my preference) In a large pot, heat oil and cook until onions are translucent.  Add yams and broth.  Bring to a boil and cook until yams are very tender, approximately 20 minutes.  Turn off heat.  With an immersion blender or potato masher, smash yams to give the soup a nice thicker texture.  You can blend until smooth or leave a bit chunky. Stir in cream cheese until dissolved.  Can be served at this point or you can......Turn heat back on.  Add 4 C optional yams and cook until yams are tender (an additional 10 minutes or so) for a nice thick soup with yummy yam bites. *Can't believe how sweet this soup is, I love it!  It is even great with no cream cheese or just half a block.

Lip balm was a pitfall we missed when going gluten-free.  We spent endless time searching for something that was reasonably priced and didn't try to slip through the gluten-free net by using wheat germ oil.  While I have been assured by businesses that processing the wheat germ oil removes the gluten protein, there is debate as to whether it removes enough for those who are gluten sensitive below 20 ppm. Also, those sensitive to wheat itself in addition to the gluten protein can still react badly to wheat germ oil. As a bonus, most companies don't mention if their vitamin E oil is wheat-derived. So we finally gave up and made our own. You can buy your own fillable lip balm tubes online, but I found it cheaper to buy a big pack of cheap lip balm, twist the bottom to get all the balm out of them, and scrub them out with hot water, dishsoap, and cotton swabs.  When they were clean, I turned the base until the inner screw was back down to the bottom so that it coul...

With gluten free product lists scattered here and there, you may find yourself piling up bookmarks, clippings and notes on the back of receipts as you figure out how to live gluten-free.  You can help yourself put it all together by starting your own guidebook for shopping. For a pen and paper version, pick up a phone and address book with alphabetized tabs from an office supply store.  Try to get one without the entry labels that say "phone, e-mail" etc., but you can ignore them if that's the only kind available. You can use the alphabetized tabs to sort items.  I prefer to sort by item type (i.e. C for Cheese) but think about what makes sense to you.  If you'd rather look under S for Sargento instead, go with your own system! Write down the brand, specific type or flavor if not all are gluten-free, where it is available (name of store or website) and where you found the gluten-free information (online, package label, phone number).  Re-verify pr...

Breanna's Granola - adapted 3 C old-fashioned rolled oats 1 C shredded coconut 3/4 C chopped almonds 3/4 C chopped pecans 1/2 t cinnamon 1/2 t salt 4 T butter 1/3 C honey 1 t vanilla   Preheat oven to 325 degrees.   In a large bowl stir together oats, coconut, almonds, pecans, cinnamon, and salt.  In a small saucepan melt butter with honey over low heat, stirring.  Add vanilla and pour butter mixture over oat mixture and stir until combined.   On a large baking sheet, spread the granola evenly in a thin layer.  Bake, stirring every 5 minutes to keep from sticking or burning, until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes.  (Do not overcook; the granola will crisp more when cooled.)  Cool granola on the pan.  Granola may be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. *The only thing I do differently, is Breanna likes walnuts...she adds 1/2 C of each kind of nut. Check out her original blog post here . *I usual...

 Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus 1 whole head of garlic 3 T olive oil (maybe more to change for consistency preference) 1 can white or  cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (15 Oz.) 1 whole small lemon, juiced ½ t cumin salt and pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice the head of garlic in half horizontally to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and wrap in foil. Bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant and cloves are golden in color. Then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Into the bowl of a food processor, pour in beans, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper. Squeeze both halves of the roasted garlic head into the food processor. The roasted cloves should pop right out. Turn machine on and drizzle in 3 Tablespoons of olive oil, processing until desired consistency has been reached. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking-more salt, more cumin, more lemon juice, etc. Spoon onto serving platter. Top with another drizzle of olive oil,...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Gluten-Free status is based on information from the manufacturer, the current Cecelia's Marketplace shopping guide and personal experience, and may change if the company changes formulation or manufacturing processes. Tom's of Maine Bar Soap One thing that slips through the cracks when most people avoid gluten is skin-care products.  Gluten can be used as an emollient in lotions, soaps, shampoos, shaving creams, etc.  Any of these can enter the mouth or be left on the hands after use, putting you at risk.   Tom's of Maine bar soaps are gluten-free, and reasonably priced compared to small-market...

Fresh Salsa (Pico de Gallo) This is better if made at least an hour in advance, and best if made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. That gives the lime juice and salt time to draw the juices from the tomatoes and onions and really temper the flavors. 6-8 fresh roma tomatoes 2 medium red or yellow onions 3 limes 1 bunch fresh cilantro 2 jalapeno peppers (optional - more if desired) 1 tablespoon coarse (sea) salt Cut tomatoes in half and scoop out (fingers or a spoon) the seed pulp (or as I call it: the nasty slimy bits) Chop tomatoes into medium chunks (approx 1/4-1/2 inch) Slice jalapenos lengthwise and carefully remove core and seeds. Rinse to remove all seeds. chop jalapenos very finely Peel onion and chop into medium chunks remove cilantro stems and chop/shred leaves (approx 1 cup) Juice the limes; you want about 3-4 tablespoons of juice Mix all the ingredients well together. Cover bowl tightly with wrap or lid and let sit in refrigerator at least an hour, prefer...

I believe everyone needs some kind of craziness in their life.....well......my craziness is my gorgeous baby sister Neetu who turns 20 today.....she is my sometimes  'loner sis'..... 'totally zoned out sis'.....' Poser sis'.... 'zombie sis'..... 'repeat the same clothes over and over again sis'.... 'Hugh Jackmans wife sis'........'CHONKS sis'......'My granny sis'.... 'Singing "hello doctor..dil ki chori ho gayi" in middle of the night sis'.....but most of the time 'Crazzzzy sis'.....and I am totally in love with her.                                                     Wish you a very Happy Birthday Neetu Neetu goes totally crazy when she sees strawberries....this one is for you Neets......I am glad you are in my life to drive me crazzzyyyy.....keep posing ....and dreaming......and zoning out....you are one in a billion.... Ingredients 1 packet Straw...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Gluten-Free status is based on information from the manufacturer, the current Cecelia's Marketplace shopping guide and personal experience, and may change if the company changes formulation or manufacturing processes. Bertolli Olive Oil This is a good all-around reasonably priced cooking oil that works reliably for me, and it's what I generally have in my cupboard for everyday stuff.  Of course I have a stash of the fancy stuff, but I save it for the fancy cooking or where it will make a significant difference in taste (such as dipping oil for GF bread).  Bertolli is Gluten Free per the Cecelia's Marketpl...

I set a goal at the beginning of the year to not eat sugar six days a week. How's it working? Great. But one problem I've run into is that treats are comfort food, especially for kids. I like to make a little snack for them after school and sometimes it is fun to have a sweet treat. But when sugar is in the house, I eat it too...and too much of it. Here's a recipe that I've created that helps solve this problem. These honey oat cinnamon rolls are comfort food at it's finest, but they contain no sugar. So now I can make a healthy, sweet after school snack for the kids and if I sneak a little taste (which I always do...), I'm still sugar free... :) I know there are some of you out there trying to control your sugar levels this year as well. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we have. Honey Oat Cinnamon Rolls Printable Recipe *Makes 12-15 rolls *Note: I realize that most of you probably don't have a 1/6 cup measuring cup lying around (I don't). I ju...

The Gluten Intolerance Group operates The Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program, a restaurant certification program for gluten-free dining.  Their website has a finder for their participating restaurants that lists participating restaurants by state or within a radius from a zip code. http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/ The participating restaurants are guided through the process of setting up a gluten-free facility by GiG, including how to set up the kitchen and train staff to avoid cross-contamination.  The GiG also does spot audits of participating restaurants to ensure compliance.  Of course, nothing is an absolute guarantee when you're at the mercy of someone else's kitchen in a non-dedicated facility, but these should be at least a safer bet than the "gluten-free friendly" tag on Urban Spoon. You can learn more about their program and what they require from the restaurant by clicking on their FAQ under Site Resources near the bottom of the screen...

This is a party-size recipe and can expect to cover a dozen or more people at the "dab on a plate with chips" size serving. These ingredients are all "to taste". Personally I like to overload it with spinach, but your mileage may vary. 16 oz cream cheese (or neufchatel) 2 cups of milk 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 cup frozen spinach (or 8oz fresh, cooked down until well wilted) 1 cup coarse-chopped frozen or bottled artichoke hearts Extras (optional)* Heat the cream cheese and milk together in the microwave at one-minute intervals, stirring between, until softened. Use a whisk or fork to whip the cream cheese and milk together until smooth Add the rest of the ingredients and stir together* Heat again at 1 minute intervals, stirring between, until hot. Serve with corn chips, Nut Thins, GF pita, celery, or whatever else makes a good scoop. Note that if you're looking for a good tapas, you can hard-boil some eggs, cut them in half, discard the yolk and fi...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Gluten-Free status is based on information from the manufacturer, the current Cecelia's Marketplace shopping guide and personal experience, and may change if the company changes formulation or manufacturing processes. Edy's Fruit Bars These are a fantastic frozen snack, as they contain real fruit and aren't over-sweetened.  My partner goes through the Coconut bars like crazy, while I like the lemonade and strawberry best.  The Coconut bars have shreds of coconut, and while the underlying flavor is delicious, there is a texture problem for me.  According to their website, the following flavors are glut...

Flourless Chocolate Cake An extremely rich, dark chocolate concoction with the consistency and taste of a truffle. It sounds (and tastes!) much more complex than it is, and the result is something that will wow the crowd. This is best served with a topping to off-set the intensity of the chocolate. Fresh whipping cream is my choice, but for a potluck fresh berries may be a better pick because the cream may fall unless it is kept well-chilled. Even fresh fruit like sliced bananas would be an interesting twist and complement the chocolate well. cream-cheese frosting or fruit dip may be too sweet for your taste, but try it and see! The liqueur does not entirely bake off, so if alcohol is an issue try substituting another liquid. Water will give a more basic chocolate flavor, while coffee would add a touch of mocha. A chocolate-compatible fruit juice such as orange, cherry or pomegranate would do interesting things as well. Use water and add 3/4 tsp peppermint extract...

I have no affiliation with the companies or organizations I review, nor do I receive any compensation for my reviews. Simply Gluten-Free This recipe and informational website is the source of my all-time favorite gluten-free recipe.  The author has actually found a way to successfully bake gluten-free french bread !  It is crusty and chewy and everything I've always loved in wheat-based french bread.  It is our go-to bread at home, when we have bread at all.  It makes a perfect toasted french dip sandwich, and this past Thanksgiving I actually managed gluten-free stuffing that only needed a little extra liquid to be perfect (add another 1/2 cup of broth when using GF bread for baked stuffing).  My other favorite on this site is the gluten-free pie crust .  We used it for pumpkin pie this Christmas, and it was as flaky and tasty as the pie crust I grew up with.  It is rather delicate and hard to handle.  I recommend rolling it between ...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Gluten-Free status is based on information from the manufacturer, the current Cecelia's Marketplace shopping guide and personal experience, and may change if the company changes formulation or manufacturing processes.   Argo Corn Starch (may be Kingsford Corn Starch in your region, in similar packaging) Yes, you can buy corn starch in specialty stores that are specifically made by gluten-free manufacturers and marketed to people on a gluten-free diet....or you can buy Argo/Kingsford from your regular grocery store for half the price.  It can be substituted for tapioca, arrowroot, or potato starch in gluten...

Pecan Crusted Chicken Strips (Gluten-Free)   Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (less than 2lbs) 1 cup pecan meal (you can crush pecan halves in the blender or food processor if you don't have meal; process until coarse crumbs) 3 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley pinch black pepper 1 egg 2 tablespoons water 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (+ as needed) Instructions: Pound chicken breasts until less than 1" thick and cut into strips. Pat dry with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium heat Whisk egg and water together in a bowl Mix other ingredients thoroughly in a separate bowl to make pecan coating, making sure starch is evenly mixed in and there are no lumps Dip each strip of chicken in the egg/water mixture, then immediately dredge in pecan coating. Place in heated skilled. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additi...

I have no relationship with the companies or organizations I review, nor do I receive any compensation for my reviews.   The Gluten Free Registry Restaurant Finder This web resource (including an android app option) offers a geographical search for restaurants that claim to offer gluten-free dining options.  The most useful part, however, is the user reviews.  While Urban Spoon reviews are handy for finding good food, this registry focuses on SAFE food for the gluten-sensitive. In order to make it a better resource, please add reviews of both your favorite gluten-free restaurants and those that made you sick so that others can make good decisions.  It is generally also helpful to include your sensitivity level in your review (i.e. whether you just need to avoid bread and breading, or if even trace exposure to gluten makes you horribly ill).  If you are only mildly sensitive, you may be able to eat safely at a place that would make someone with ...

These are perfect for gatherings that offer a grill, or they can be done in the broiler. Mix up the fruits and vegetables however you like! For kebabs: skewers (8 large (15") or 25 of the little wooden ones 1 pound sweet Italian sausages 1 small pineapple 1/2 pound sweet peppers 1 medium zucchini or summer squash 6-8 oz whole mushrooms (min. 1" diameter) 1 red onion For Marinade/Glaze: 1 large naval orange 1/2 tsp dried ginger or 1 tsp minced fresh 1/4 cup olive oil 1 Tablespoon red wine or balsamic vinegar 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Set wooden skewers to soak in water (this prevents them from scorching while cooking) Chop veggies and meat into 1.5" chunks if using the small wooden skewers or 2" chunks if using large metal skewers. Mushrooms and peppers may need to be in larger pieces because they have a tendency to split, but it will depend on the type and ripeness. Try a few pieces on the skewers before cutting up the whole container. The Italian sausage...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and is available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses On their website, Boar's Head says "All of our meats, cheeses and condiments are gluten free."  In addition, just in case you have a question, they have a complete list of their gluten-free products.  Best yet, I've found them in almost any grocery store that has a "fancy cheese" cooler in the produce section.  I was disappointed by their gruyere, but their hard sausages are fantastic on a cracker and would be a great addition to a lunch or a wine and cheese party.  Best of all, since all their products are GF, you don't have to stop and look anything up.  

This is the mother and father of all gluten-free resources!  I don't even know how I managed to feed us before we found this book.  It is an annual publications (with updates posted on the website as information changes) that simply lists every gluten-free store shelf item they could get information on.  It tags items that are manufactured on shared equipment, in "also processes" facilities.  Getting this book means no more long Google sessions trying to track down gluten information on products, or hours on hold waiting for customer service to say "what's gluten?".  The guide includes pet foods, toiletries (shampoos, soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc.), and over the counter medications and supplements as well as thousands of food products.  It is compact and fits in a purse or glove compartment for accessibility.  The down side is that the guide is produced in and aimed at U.S. products.  Some companies have different gluten guidelines and man...

I suck at coming up with a name for a dish....when I came across this recipe.....from my neighbor...who got it from her ex neighbor....who got it from her ex neighbor(figure that out) , it was known as Kashmiri Prawn.....I get it....Kashmiri chilli powder ----extreme north......but.....Curry leaves-------extreme south, so I totally refused to name this dish Kashmiri Prawn......for a second I was so fed up I even thought of naming this dish "Some Prawn"....but that's just me being silly.....I settled with Tomato chilli prawn...you can name it whatever you want. Recipe Source : Neighbors - ex Neighbors- ex Neighbor (whoever you are....thank you ) Ingredients Print this recipe 1kg Prawn , shelled and de veined (you can use chicken ) 1/2 cup Curds / Yogurt 1 1/2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste 3 Green Chillies , chopped 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Turmeric powder 3 medium Tomatoes ,ripe 3 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder / Red chilli powder pinch Red colour ,optional 1 tbsp Lemon juice 4 tbsp Oil 15...

Makes about 3 dozen. Ingredients: 9 and 1/2 ounces semisweet baking chocolate 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar) 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter (unsalted) 3 Tablespoons white granulated sugar 3 Tablespoons Grand Marnier 1 pound ice cubes Prep: Measure out Grand Marnier into a small cup and set it within reach (but not where you'll tip it over). Fill the bottom of a large bowl with ice and add several inches of water.  The bowl should fit the top of your double-boiler.  Cover two cookie sheets with wax or parchment paper and make room for them in the refrigerator. Break chocolate into chunks, either as pre-scored by manufacturer or approx 1/2" to 1" pieces. Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water Note:  you can improvise a double-boiler by setting a metal bowl in a pot of boiling water so that it floats.  Make sure the bowl is large enough that it can not tip over in the pot, but small enough to allow steam to...

Calico Beans (baked beans) can be oven baked or cooked in the crock pot. Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs lean hamburger 1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces 1 cup chopped onion 1 large can (min 20oz) lima or pinto beans 1 large can (min 20 oz) kidney beans 1 large can (min 20 oz) pork and beans Sauce: 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup catsup 1 tsp mustard 1 tsp salt 2 tsp wine vinegar Note: This makes a sweet sauce.  If you're looking to make it a little more savory, omit the white sugar and add 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, and 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.  Fry 2 minced cloves of garlic with the onion. Preheat oven to 350 F (if not using crock pot) Fry the hamburger and drain off the fat. Fry the bacon and drain off all but about 1 tablespoon of fat. fry onions in the 1 tablespoon bacon fat and fry until translucent. Drain all the canned beans well and add to drained meat. Combine sauce ingredients. Stir into meat and bean mixture.  Bake ...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Ancient Harvest Quinoa-Corn Pasta Out of all the gluten-free pastas available at the local grocery store, this one is absolutely the closest in flavor and texture to wheat-based pasta.  The quinoa doesn't turn gummy and pasty the way rice flour has a tendency to, and the flavor is closer to wheat than corn pasta. I have used it successfully as stand-alone pasta, as well as cooking it into chicken-noodle soup (I used the spaghetti noodles broken into thirds).  The soup froze and re-heated well without the pasta breaking down in the process.  I keep pestering my local store to stock their lasagna noodles...

These are gluten-free, fat-free, very cheap to make, and are great if you need something to keep fresh for a long while before the potluck. You will need an electric mixer. Whipping egg whites by hand is a test of endurance. Even one of the $20 hand-held mixers from Wal-mart will work, even if it takes a little longer than a stand mixer. 4 egg whites 2 cups confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar) 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 200 degrees and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or foil. Beat eggs until they turn white and frothy. Add cream of tartar and vanilla, then add sugar gradually as you beat until it is all incorporated. Beat on high (or gradually up to 8 on a Kitchenaid stand mixer) until stiff peaks form. When you lift the mixer, the resulting point should stay sharp instead of folding over. Spoon mixture into a pastry bag with a large round or star tip. In a pinch you can cut a corner out of a gallon ziplock and...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and are available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Thai Kitchen Instant Noodles I like to think of these as "Ramen for grownups" but really they're Ramen for gluten-intolerant people.  Just like Ramen noodles, they cook up in three minutes with boiling water, you add seasoning packets, and enjoy.  Unlike Ramen they use gluten-free rice noodles and offer more complex flavors.  My absolute favorite is the lemongrass and Chili.  These are available in most grocery stores.  Thai kitchen also has other offerings, including sauces, plain rice noodles, and pre-cooked lo-mein dishes in vacuum packs.  They label gluten-free on their gluten-free ...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and is available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Ore-Ida Frozen Fries Gluten-free fries are hard to get.  Restaurants rarely have a dedicated fryer, and so their fries are generally unsafe due to cross-contamination from breaded products.  That's why the Ore-Ida fries have been a great find for us.  I particularly love the sweet potato fries, while my partner's partial to the waffle fries. the parent company, Heinz, offers a full list of their gluten-free products , including regional variations.

One of the highlights of spending Christmas with my parents in Florida (besides the salt-water swimming pools and the Siesta Key drum circle) was the visit to Katy Rose Olive Oils in Sarasota.  Before any real foodie gets condescending about it, let me say that in southwest Michigan the idea of an oil and vinegar bar is pretty damn exotic. Update: 5/20/14:  There are half a dozen of these in the Atlanta area, and I picked up red apple balsamic vinegar at Oli + Ve in Roswell for another batch.   You walk into this place and it is rows of "casks" of olive oils and vinegars.  You can taste each one, and/or they will fill bottles for purchase.  Everything they have is gluten-free, and they stock other gluten-free items, such as pastas and candies, elsewhere in the store. The foodie impulse, of course was "one of EVERYTHING!" I ended up with a large bottle of an herbed olive oil, a medium bottle of a fig balsamic vinegar (so delicious on fruity salads!) a...

GLUTEN FREE FEATURED PRODUCT A regular postings of gluten-free products that I use myself and is available in my local grocery store.  You can check your local store for these items, order them online, or ask your store to stock them. I do not have any relationship with the companies in question, nor do I receive any form of compensation for these reviews. Herdez Salsa Casera I was first introduced to this when my parents lived in Mexico for a few years.  It was in cans there, but my local store (Publix) has it in bottles as well.  Look for it in the store's dedicated section for imported Hispanic/Latino foods, not the generic salsa/chips section.  It's a very fresh-tasting salsa, with minimal ingredients.  It's more watery than we're used to in the U.S., but it also isn't cooked into mush.  You can actually tell the tomato from the onion when you take a bite.  It runs mild, so if you generally like medium salsa, go for the hot. The parent...