Living Gluten Free: Cookbooks, Restaurants, & Resources

Now that I covered the basics of my gluten free life and what's in my pantry...I figured it's only appropriate to share where I find all my delicious recipes and where we go when we feel like a night on the town : )

First off let's start with cookbooks and my other recipe sources.

Cookbooks: 

• Against All Grain: My current favorite cookbook. Although it is based on the Paleo diet which I don't follow, it does have some of the most amazing grain free, dairy free recipes I've tried so far
• Eat Clean Diet Cookbook: Fabulous clean eating ideas using non-processed foods. Though this is based on a specific diet concept, I use the book mostly for the recipes
• Plenty: A gorgeous coffee table book with amazing veggie recipes. Nearly everything is gluten free in this book and while I am certainly no vegetarian, it offers super tasty ideas for side dishes or main course meals
• Wheat Belly Cookbook: This has fabulous gluten free and low glycemic recipe ideas including pizza crusts, breads, etc. It's a nice book to look to if you're trying to step away from buying the pre-packaged gluten free products
• Make Ahead Paleo: I actually don't even have this cookbook yet but I have heard rave reviews and it's next on my list to buy : )

Blogs:

• 100 Days of Real Food: This was the blog that initially got me thinking more about giving up processed food. Though this family doesn't restrict gluten or dairy, there are a lot of really great ideas on incorporating real foods into your diets. It's very non-pretentious and, well, real!
• Against All Grain: Same woman that wrote my currently favorite cookbook, this blog offers amazing paleo recipes...which of course means being gluten and dairy free
• Deliciously Ella: I just recently came across this blog thanks to my friend Katie, and I'm pretty sure I have already pinned every recipe on her website!
• Gluten Free Girl and the Chef: This is the blog that first made me realize I might have an issue with gluten. When I read her 'About Me' section, I cried. I felt very similarly and it confirmed that I was not alone. I don't refer to her website as much for recipes, but there are some great ones on there!

I know there are thousands of blogs out there with tons of fabulous recipes but those are my main go-to sites. I also use Pinterest a lot. So feel free to check out my Whole Food Recipes board and my Gluten Free board. I also have several gluten free recipes on this blog, granted many are from several years ago when I used more processed food...they are still great recipes!

Books: 

• In Defense of Food: This is the book that made me question all of the processed food I was eating. It's a very important and informative book and I would highly recommend it.
• Women, Food, and God: A great guide to open you up to mindful eating. I would not consider myself a religious person...more of a spiritual person so don't let the God part freak you out if that's not how you roll...it's really more about connecting with your higher power, whatever that is for you.
• Wheat Belly: Though I don't necessarily agree with every idea in this book, it is another great look at what wheat can do to do the body, and what high glycemic foods in general are doing to your body. It made me rethink how I was incorporating certain carbs into my day. I started noticing a crash with cravings after certain foods. Since changing things around, I rarely have those peaks and valleys anymore.

And last but not least...restaurants! I have to say, since I started to listen to my body more, I find I feel the best when we cook at home. There is really no way to know what kind of oil your food is being cooked in and whether or not they are using butter or frying something in oil shared with gluten products. I used to just say screw it and go out and eat what "should" be gluten free like fries and certain salad dressings...but I quickly learned that the feeling I get after eating those things is not worth it at all. There are a few restaurants we've eaten at where we've had good luck so far. If it's a independent, non-chain restaurant and you order a salad with simple olive oil dressing or the meat with veggies and potatoes, it generally seems to be safe. I always ask about gluten free options when I get there and most places have special menus too.

Restaurants: (around the Twin Cities, MN)

• Chipotle: I would die without this staple. If I am out running errands or don't have time to cook, the burrito bowl is my savior. I usually order brown rice, fajita veggies, double chicken, corn salsa, and double guacamole. This will last me at least 2 meals with the extra chicken and guac...and it's damn tasty!
• French Meadow: Great gluten free menu items! Thanks Megan for finally getting my booty there! (Mpls)
• Ecopolitan: Everything is raw, organic, vegan, and gluten free. They have amazing juices and dessert...I can't wait to go back and try more! (Mpls)
• Namaste Cafe: Great Indian/Nepalese food with many gluten free options...thanks to Katie for this recommendation and also Ecopolitan (Mpls)
• PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory: Both chains but both have great gluten free menus (Edina)
• Good Earth: Great cafe with great gluten free options (Roseville)
• Dolittle's Woodfire Grill: I'm a sucker for rotisserie chicken...and this place has a gluten free menu as well (Eagan)
• San Pedro Cafe: Worth the drive to Hudson! Amazing Caribbean food, jerk chicken, mango salsa...you name it! Most of the menu is gluten free : ) (Hudson, WI)
• Cafe Levain: Cute little place in south Minneapolis, great food and many gluten free options. We went there with friends a few weeks ago and the chef made me a small plate of cornmeal crusted onion rings since he knew I was gluten free...it was so sweet and they were tasty as heck! (Mpls)
• Dominos, Pizza Luce, and Davanni's for gluten free pizza. I have also heard great things about Pizzeria Lola and Punch's gluten free crust but haven't been to those places yet.
• Supatra: Amazing thai food with tons of gluten free options...so dang good! (St. Paul)
• Brasa: So good! Most everything is gluten free! (St. Paul & Mpls)
• Happy Gnome: Great patio atmosphere, cider beer, and a gluten free menu! (St. Paul)
• Moto-i: Great food, another great patio, and a gluten free menu : ) (Mpls)
• Pei Wei: Good option for chinese food to go, good gluten free menu (Woodbury & more)
• Buon Giorno: Best salad bar ever. (Mendota Heights)

This is just a small selection of restaurants but it's a great place to start. Here is another resource for other twin cities area restaurants. I will be sure and share other great places to eat as I discover them!   : )

Hope this post was helpful! As always, let me know what questions you have! 

Chipotle Burgers with Honey Caramelized Onions (Gluten and Dairy Free)

When I was over at my friend Dana's house a month or so ago, she told me she still refers to my old blog posts for recipes she makes. This made me feel so good and it encouraged me to start posting recipes again. Though the recipes you will find now will be gluten free and often dairy free as well...I promise they are still delicious! You can always doctor them up with whatever you want too!

In an effort to change up our same old hamburger recipes (tacos and meatloaf primarily) I decided to try to concoct a burger that tasted so delicious it didn't need a bun.

I was the gal that never thought she would eat a burger without a bun...but turns out if it's juicy and flavorful enough it doesn't need one!

I made this last week and I already want to make it again. Hope you enjoy it!

Chipotle Burgers with Honey Caramelized Onions

 Burger Ingredients:

-1 lb grass fed beef

- 6 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce

-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

-1/4 cup chopped green onions

-1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onions

1/4 cup finely chopped green and red bell peppers

-2 garlic cloves chopped

-1 tsp crushed red pepper

1) Combine all ingredients in a bowl (add an egg to help hold ingredients together if desired)

2) Form into patties with a burger former or by hand

3) Cook til reaches desired temperature

4) Add onions (listed below), and if you want cheese add some organic grass fed cheddar or your cheese of choice and enjoy!!

Honey Caramelized Onions

-2 large sweet onions, chopped 

- 2 tbsp coconut oil

-sprinkle of sea salt

-1 tsp raw local honey

1) Melt coconut oil in fry pan, add sea salt to cut coconut flavor

2) Cook onions til soft and starting to brown on edges

3) Add honey

4) Cook until onions appear light brown

5) Add to burger and enjoy!

And of course don't forget...find a good, new gluten free cider to enjoy with the burger!!

The Famous Pistachio Granola

I made some granola recently that has been quite the hit.

I keep promising to share the recipe so here it is!

I got it from a mom of a patient I took care of. It's amazingly delicious. I saw her the other day and told her how popular the recipe has been and she said..."it's your recipe now...spread the love!".

And spread it I shall!

Fabulous Pistachio Granola

3 Cups Rolled Oats (Trader Joe's sells a great gluten free bag of oats)

1.5 Cups Shelled Pistachios

1 Cup Mixed Nuts

1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes, chopped (again, Trader Joe's)

3/4 Cup Maple Syrup

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

1/3 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Tsp Kosher Sea Salt

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1/2 Tsp Cardamom

1) Mix all ingredients in large bowl

2) Spread on baking sheet

3) Bake at 300 degrees stirring every 15 minutes for a total of 45 minutes

4) Stir on pan and let cool

*if you like fruit in your granola, dried cherries are a great addition...add them after baking the granola  : )

 5) Let cool, break into chunks and enjoy!

Clean Eating Pasta : )

A few people asked for this recipe so I thought it was a perfect time for a blog post! I have some more recipes and stories to share but the current to-do list won't allow for all of that to be shared right now : ) Hopefully soon though!

I have been working hard to eat a gluten free (have been eating gluten free again for almost 3 months now!) and keep my diet as clean as possible. I have had my moments of weakness in the clean eating department....(french fries and milkshakes are my vices this summer apparently) but I have remained gluten free. At the advice of my trainer I have also started cutting dairy out of my diet to see if I feel different. I had a bit of a cheese obsession that I needed to reign in so I thought cutting it out of my diet would be horrible but to be honest, it's really not that bad. I do feel different when I don't eat it...no congestion, less bloating. We will see how I feel long term...I am not finding the gluten free thing to be hard at all this time around but cheese and I have a special bond : )

This pasta concoction just came to me when I was trying to find something to eat after the gym yesterday. I wanted some carbs but I wanted to have only one serving of pasta (I could easily eat 3 haha!) so I knew I needed mix in some veggies and chicken!

Clean Eating Spicy Chicken & Veggie Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 oz quinoa pasta, cooked (I used the Ancient Grains brand)
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1tsp avocado oil
• 1 glove of garlic, chopped
• 3 cups organic baby spinach
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks of fresh baby broccoli, chopped
• fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
• crushed red pepper, to taste
• sea salt, to taste
• lemon pepper, to taste
• fresh oregano, chopped, to taste
• 4oz grass fed, organic rotisserie chicken, shredded (or a chicken breast) (you can find organic and free range rotisserie chickens at Kowalski's and Whole Foods)

Directions:

1. Using a cast iron skillet or frying pan, melt coconut oil and spread throughout pan, add sea salt
2. Start cooking quinoa pasta
3. Add garlic, toast the garlic
4. Add spinach, peppers, broccoli, parsley, and fresh oregano...saute until reaches desired softness
5. Shred rotisserie chicken and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning 
6. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauteed veggies into one bowl, mix together. Add crushed red pepper and sea salt to taste, and avocado oil, mix once more and ENJOY!! : )

A Pinteresting Week : )

As I said in my last posting, I have had all this week off. That gave me plenty of time to plan out our meals and get back to cooking some good food : ) It feels so good to cook at home and not always spend money to eat out.

I had several recipes ''pinned'' on Pinterest that I've been wanting to try for a long time. So I took this week and went for it. And honestly, everything has turned out great! Not one nasty meal yet!! : ) Impressed?? I am. And Jason too I'm sure.

Jason often asks me if I find things ''pinteresting'' so that's how I got the title for this blog...FYI. What a nerd. 

One of the recipes I am sharing I made all on my own...a little Bri invention...otherwise the other  recipes are all from Pinterest...except for the last two...and I will explain that later.

So here we go...tested and approved!!
(and note: some of these meals are not gluten free...totally cheated this week...totally worth it! shhh..)

Monday

I started off Monday right with my own invention. Egg Bake Cups : ) Jason and I both like egg bake but we kind of got sick of it so I hadn't made it in awhile. I was thinking the other day...why not make single servings of it so you can have them quick and ready to go in the morning? Turns out...awesome idea! They are delicious and I'm pretty sure we are going to have to wrestle over the last one in the morning. : )

I just made 7 cups to start because I wasn't sure how they would taste but they ended up great!! So here's a recipe for approximately 7 cups : )

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs, whipped with milk
• 1/2 cup milk (low fat)
• 1/4 cup each of finely chopped red, green, yellow peppers, and yellow onions
• Simply Potatoes hashbrowns, enough to line the bottom of each muffin cup
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked
• shredded cheese, sprinkled on top of each cup

Approximate weight watchers points per cup: 3 (!!)

line the muffin cups with hashbrowns

chop peppers and onions, whip eggs and milk

chop up bacon

Fill muffin cups with egg mixture, top with bacon and cheese, cook on 350* for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through

enjoy!!

I'm super proud of this recipe...and will be repeating it frequently! : )

Later that night, I made ham and cheese sliders. I have made these before...so here's the link to the recipe...and here's the picture!!

these were yummy the first day and yummy as leftovers for lunch the next day!

Monday was a big recipe day...I also made these strawberry simple syrup cubes...you put them in lemonade to make it into fresh strawberry lemonade!! SO freaking good. Jason and I both loved them. You can use anywhere from 1-3 cubes in each glass. It does take a bit for them to melt but it's worth the wait!! We used Simply Lemonade and that was the perfect combo : ) They were pretty easy to make and we still have some left...here's the recipe : )

Tuesday

I don't know if this one can count as a ''new'' recipe since I have made it and posted about it before...but it was too freaking good not to and I did get it off Pinterest...so why not!! The best part is, Jason ended up not being able to come home for dinner that night but I was so excited about this meal that I made a single serving just for me!! SOOOO worth it!! So here's the link to the recipe and here's a picture!!

White Chicken Chili Enchiladas : )

Wednesday

Another yummy day. I made Tortellini Spinach Bake with Creamy Lemon Sauce...this was awesome. Jason said it may be his favorite thing I've ever made! I think that's how I felt about those enchiladas up there....but the tortellini was good too : ) : ) Click on the link for the recipe and here are the pictures:

so good!!

nom nom nom

Thursday

Tonight I made Asian Beef and Noodles...so freaking good. This was not a Pinterest recipe but it will be soon! It was actually something my mom made back when she did Weight Watchers when I was a kid. I always remembered it and meant to search for the recipe....and now I finally did. I found this blog posting from someone who knew the recipe and it tasted exactly as I remembered. It turned out super tasty and Jason was majorly impressed : ) It reminded me that I rarely cook with steak but I should do so more often. You for sure need to try this!! So easy and relatively cheap to make too.

and p.s. it goes really well with that strawberry lemonade I showed you way up top : )

And last but not least, I have been meaning to share something I made last week....so we will call this Friday....

Friday

I love Noodles and Company but was getting sick of paying nearly 10 bucks every time I went to get pasta fresca or pesto cavvatapi so I decided I would try to recreate pasta fresca at home : ) It turned out really yummy and I will definitely be trying it to see if I can re-create the pesto recipe soon! I found this recipe online and the only complaint I have is that it recommends making the ''fresca'' sauce in bulk beforehand....and that doesn't work out too well....the balsamic vinegar separates from the olive oil so it can make your dish much oilier and less balsamic-y than you'd like...so I'd recommend just putting a dash of each in there....turned out way better that way.  Also, we mixed in some shredded rotisserie chicken for the added protein...good call!
Here are the pictures...I stir fried one batch in regular noodles and the other in rice noodles for me : )

the toppings for the saute...yummmmmmmy

the sauce

both kinds of noodles...

stir frying it all together : )

my yummy meal!

So clearly it was a successful week in the kitchen. I am hanging up my proverbial apron and passing along the spatula to Jason for the weekend. We will be out on the boat and grilling it up this weekend. You can find me lounging in the sun with a whiskey ginger if you need me : )

Catch up

On Saturday when I flew home from Florida, I got some really horrid ear pain as we were coming in for a landing. I literally thought I was going to scream or cry. So it made sense yesterday when I found out I had a burst ear drum. Not to mention a bad infection and some other respiratory crud. My cough, etc. made it so I couldn't go to work today so I've been relaxing and started watching Revenge (which is addicting....I would like to have all of Emily (or Amanda's) dresses please, thank you).

So I'll take this opportunity to catch up on all the latest pictures/events that I've been meaning to blog about!

I've gotten some great feedback on the mini-sessions and I am looking forward to doing those throughout the next two weeks : ) Let me know if you'd like to schedule one too!

First off, a few weeks ago, Jason and I went to see the Black Keys concert. It was awesome : ) We grilled out a yummy gluten free meal beforehand and then headed to the Target Center for the show. It was a really fun night. Here are a few photos from my point and shoot camera from that night.

the stud in his new outfit

the sweet disco ball during 'Everlasting Light'

It was great people watching at Target Center that night. People of all ages and with all sorts of different styles. We loved it!

Like I said above, before we went out we grilled a yummy gluten free meal too : ) Chicken breasts with bacon and cheese melted on top and my all time favorite, sauteed peppers and onions...on the grill : ) Mix it all with some home-made guac and it was true delight.

Jason always has to have a moment of fame ; )

please don't forget the wine!

or the cute dress from the Target clearance rack! $5!

i love home-made guac

I guess I should say this particular guac mix was only semi-home made this time. It included:

• 3 ripe avocados
• chopped cilantro
• chopped onion
• lime juice
• Frontera liquid guac mix from Target (so yummy and not chemically ; ) )

And a little secret to keeping guac fresh is to keep one of the pits in the mixture when you store it (you can kind of see it in the picture)...totally works!

Another yummy meal idea came to me from my sister-in-law when I was in Florida. We had a little friend/family gathering and my sister in law whipped up an amazing little salad. Mixed greens, fresh blackberries, goat cheese, & walnuts with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and olive oil as the dressing. So fresh and summery! Definitely worth a try.

fresh blackberry drinks made by Nikki : )

the adorable drink bin at the gathering...yummy yummy root beer!

I love their back yard/land!

yummy!

Let's see, what else is new? I did a little mini front yard revamp and took some before/after pictures. That's always fun! If only I could afford to revamp my bedroom with some new decor...hmmm...that would be fun. But til then, this will do just fine!

front weedy window box...before

after! the front still needs to be painted but it's an improvement : ) (i like how louie is creepin' in the background of this pic)

back side of the garage before....

after...mulch is so helpful!

Now I love looking out, the yard looks so much better. Especially when the lighting is low and creepy just before a late spring thunderstorm! : )

Besides that stuff which isn't the most exciting, we've been spending all our free time on our new boat. Clarification: new to us, definitely not new. It's given us a run for our money but hopefully we have all the kinks worked out and we can officially enjoy it for the rest of the summer without any major catastrophes : ) I am sorting through all the pics I've taken on it so far and will make a blog post about our unnamed beauty soon.

Also...I got some of my new Brilicious swag in the mail which I have started using when I send of my photography discs to clients. It was so fun to package it all up and send it out to my first customer! Here's a little sneak peek at the stuff : ) Magnets, and stickers, and postcards...oh my!

Well, I better get back and focus on Revenge. Don't want to miss anything! : )