Category: Blog

Cauliflower Ideas to Make Believers Out of Doubters

It’s no secret that cauliflower has finally attained favorite veggie status in many households, mine included. After my success with Brussels sprouts, a food my husband eats like candy when I make it, I decided to give cauliflower another try.

Way back in the day, when I was a devotee of the so-called Mediterranean diet, I’d substituted cauliflower for potatoes to make, well, faux mashed potatoes. They weren’t the worst thing in the world, but I didn’t embrace the recipe. Probably because the recipe I tried was on the bland side. I’ve bookmarked this recipe for mashed cauliflower the next time I’m ready to try this idea again. The only thing I would add is some roasted garlic. Continue reading “Cauliflower Ideas to Make Believers Out of Doubters”

My Favorite Weeknight Side

I confess to a chickpea (or garbanzo bean, if you prefer) addiction. I also like lima beans. Or pretty much all beans. But chickpeas are definitely my favorite. Maybe because they are perfect for all kinds of things, from salads to hummus.

Oh, hummus! Talk about a perfect gluten-free taste treat. Continue reading “My Favorite Weeknight Side”

Yes, Gluten-Free Hairspray

A friend of mine once tweeted about the absurdity of gluten-free hairspray (his spin, not mine). I politely, with the gritted fingers, tweeted back “Yes, gluten-free hairspray. And shampoo, too!”

Here’s why: if your hands touch it, it can get into your mouth. Oh yeah, you wash your hands, no question there. But you run your hands through your hair, often without realizing you’ve done it. You get soap or shampoo in your eyes, or your mouth, while showering. Things happen. Continue reading “Yes, Gluten-Free Hairspray”

A Radical Notion (or, Stop with the Cake)

As I walked this morning, I started thinking about gluten-free bread. And cake. And dumplings. And all the other gluten-free foods that people spend a lot of time trying to make taste “just like the real thing”.

These foods will never taste like the real thing, and I think it’s time we stopped pretending they will (or can). In fact, I think it’s time we stopped trying to recreate a past that, for most of us, is gone forever. Frankly, I don’t think that’s such a bad thing. Continue reading “A Radical Notion (or, Stop with the Cake)”

Baked Potato Ideas

Since we started on the carb-cutting journey, my body has adjusted to a lower volume of foods I used to devour. I am happy to say that the increase in fruits and vegetables — particularly leafy greens — in my diet has really helped my diet get back on track, and I feel satisfied after every meal.

That doesn’t mean I don’t indulge in carby foods sometimes, particularly after a long run. My body demands a mix of protein and carbs to get itself back in balance. Who am I to argue with myself? Continue reading “Baked Potato Ideas”

Slawing It Down

My first exposure to cole slaws was in the form of a container that came with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. My younger sister dubbed it “cold slop”, and, frankly, her name was fairly accurate. It was…fine from the perspective of an eight-year old palate, but not anything that would make me actively order cole slaw if I encountered it on a menu.
Times change, tastes mature, and I discovered that I love the stuff. But I never really made it for myself. It always seemed…complicated. I mean, you had to shred cabbage, then make a dressing, then, you know, toss the cabbage and dressing together.

Continue reading “Slawing It Down”

They’ll Never Guess It’s Gluten Free

When I feed people, I like to cook up a wide variety of foods (except desserts, a food group I haven’t mastered…so I generally hit our local ice cream shop, or let the guest who offers to bring something take on the dessert task!). Obviously, if it comes out of my kitchen, it’s gonna be gluten free.

But I don’t advertise that fact. Continue reading “They’ll Never Guess It’s Gluten Free”