Monday, March 29, 2010

Bacon-Cheddar Scones






Oh yes you read the title correctly! People say bacon makes everything better and I would have to agree (well for the most part).  I try my hardest not to eat too much bacon, but I love it and its really hard to restrain myself when its around.   Being gluten free one of the hardest things for me is breakfast foods.  I can't eat first thing in the morning so I usually eat at my office.  Lately its been yogurt, but I was craving something else.  Eggs are good but I don't always want to make them before work and then put them in a container to heat up a little later on. I'm always on the hung for breakfast type recipes.  I need to build my recipe bank with more of these of recipes.

So I did some searching online for some gluten free recipes.  Even though its not gluten free I found a recipe online for these Bacon Cheddar Scones (check out this blog - Buns In My Oven for step by step photos and the non-gluten free version!!!) scones and tried to create them to the gluten free recipe that I had posted on here.  They just came out of the oven and they look, smell and taste fantastic!  You really have to try these!

Gluten Free Bacon-Cheddar Scones- (adapted from Bun in my oven's Bacon Cheddar Scones)


Ingredients:
3 C. gluten-free flour mix (see below)

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 tsp salt

8 slices of bacon (cooked and chopped or crumbled)

1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

4 green onions, sliced thin

6 oz cold butter cut into small cubes

1 C. milk (or gluten-free soy milk) mixed with 4 T. vinegar–I used apple cider vinegar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons water

Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Mix (mix together and store in fridge):
1 1/4 C. brown rice flour
1 1/4 C. white rice flour
1 C. tapioca flour
1 C. sweet rice flour (also known at Mochiko)
2 scant tsp. xanthan gum

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with a Silpat sheet. In a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper.  Mix until blended well.  Add butter and keep mixing with your hands until it is crumbly and your butter is in small pea size pieces.  You can also use a pastry cutter or two knives. Add the cheese and mix until well blended.

Slowly pour in the milk mixture–do this carefully, because you might not need it all. I used about 7/8s of the milk. The dough should be just barely wet. Use your hands to carefully mix in the last bits of flour. The dough should be extremely light and fluffy. Handle carefully.

Turn out only a floured board.  I use tapioca flour to lightly flour a large cutting board and lightly press out the ball of dough until it is about 1/2 in thickness (you can also follow the original recipe and use a rolling pin and cut the scones according to Jeanne’s instructions).  Cut in half and depending on how many scones you want to make cut each half in third or quarters.  Place the scones on the baking sheet lined with the Silpat sheet.

In a small bowl beat egg and water together.  Lightly brush the tops of the scones and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.  Cool on a rack and enjoy warm!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

A few of my favorite blogs



[caption id="attachment_31" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="I Blog Gluten Free"][/caption]


I love finding new recipes, trying them out and altering them (if not gluten free).  I own too many cooking magazines and cookbooks (to some peoples standards, but not mine).  I read cookbooks like some people read novels.  I love them.  Now, with technology I find myself reading tons and tons of blogs.  Getting new ideas, new recipes to try and of course continually learning more and more about this gluten free world.


Here are a few of my favorite blogs (you can also find these and a few more on the blog roll tab)


101 Cookbooks


Heidi has some amazing recipes on here, and plenty of gluten free options! Here is a little blurb from her site:

Hi there, my name is Heidi Swanson. 101 Cookbooks is my recipe journal. It's where I write about the recipes that intersect my life, travels, and everyday interests. Often the recipes are from my cookbook collection, sometimes not - they might come from a friend, or I might write about a recipe I created myself.

I focus primarily on natural, whole foods and ingredients - vegetarian recipes that are good for you and for the planet. Welcome!

Elana's Pantry


After finding out I had celiac disease this is the first blog/site that I came across and it is by far one of my favorite ones.  I am continually going here for idea, trying her recipes and sharing it with others.  I find Elana's knowledge and creativity amazing.  (I still need to buy her cookbook!!) Here is a little blurb from her site:

In my 20’s I studied ayurvedic cooking. When my son and I were diagnosed with celiac disease, this three-year study came in handy. Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten. Out of necessity my cooking took on an entirely new dimension as we both went on a gluten-free diet.

Unwilling to cook two separate meals each night for my family, I needed to make gluten-free food that tasted like regular food. Would I be able to do this well enough to convince my husband to come home for dinner?

I threw myself into this culinary challenge and my husband, a tough critic, held nothing back. With much trial and many errors, I developed a gluten-free repertoire that tastes delicious. Friends and family now ask for my recipes, even those who are not on restricted diets!

While my cooking might not be complex, I appreciate that my food brings people together –those who eat regular food and those who can’t –to break bread in the warmth of my kitchen. I love to make food that is not only good for you, but actually tastes good. This has become a passion for me.

If you are interested in buying her cookbook you can get it on AMAZON

Four Chickens


I absolutely love this blog.  Jeanne has some tasty tasty recipes.  I've made her doughnuts and her scones...both are wicked good!  I'm very excited to try her new puff pastry recipe hopefully in the near future.  You should defiantly check out her blog and recipes.  Here is a little blurb from her site:

I have 1 daughter, 1 husband, 5 chickens, 1 organic garden in a constant state of disrepair, 100 million books, 10 million skeins of yarn, 5 million cookbooks, 2 million projects in progress rolling around the house, and 1 PhD in theatre history/theory.

I am gluten-intolerant. I also have a life-threatening allergy to wheat. My daughter has a life-threatening peanut allergy. This combo platter keeps life interesting, to say the least.


I make fabulous gluten-free baked goods and it's my goal to help others do the same.

Adventures Of A Gluten Free Mom


This is my latest obsession.  I was drooling looking at all of her recipes tonight.  I came across Heidi's blog the other day because she had posted a link on my Creative Cooking GF Facebook page.  I can't seem to get enough of her site right now. Sadly I don't have a little blurb from her page about her.

I hope you take some time and check these out and the others listed on the blog roll tab.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Balsamic Steak



Adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine (issue  #43 - June 2007)  This recipe is so simple and is already gluten free!  The original recipe calls for skirt steak, however I had a little bit of a hard time finding that so I used flank steak the first time and the next time I made it I filleted a piece of tri-tip (a cut that is native to California)  in thirds and used that.  I also had the meat sit in the marinade over night.  Again, another really simple recipe yet very tasty!!  Its great for those busy nights, you are going to love it, I promise.

Balsamic Marinated Skirt Steak (see note above)

1/2 Cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

coarse salt and ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak

oil for grates

- In a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, combine vinegar, sugar, garlic, rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.  Pierce meat all over with a  fork; add to marinade and turn to coat.  Let marinate at room temperature at least 15 minutes (or over night in the refrigerator and then let sit out for 20 minutes or so before grilling).

- Heat grill to high; oil grates.  Remove steak from marinade, allow excess to drip off.  Grill steaks 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.  Transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest 5 minutes.  Slice against the grain and serve.

- A nice side for this is mashed or bakes sweet potatoes.

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies with Orange Glaze





I adapted the following Bob's Red Mill recipe - instead of raisins, I added some dried cranberries and topped them with an orange glaze.  This recipe was really quick and makes about four dozen cookies.

Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
Contributed by Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods
















Ingredients

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat butter and sugars together until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. In a separate bowl, blend flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and Xanthan Gum. Stir flour blend into wet ingredients. Add oats and raisins and mix well. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto un-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool one minutes then transfer to wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

*Eggless Option: Mix together 2 Tb. Flaxseed Meal with 6 Tb. of water and let sit for a minute. Add to recipe as you would the eggs.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Gluten Free Products from General Mills

General Mills now offers over 250 Gluten Free Products!!!  Check out the list at Live Gluten Freely

Gluten Free Cosmetics

I have been on the hunt for the past month for some new gluten free cosmetics and I never thought it would be so difficult to get an answer.  It started with going to the store to hopefully find something...anything but sadly it didn't work out that way.  Most of the brand name cosmetics that you find in the stores have a laundry list of ingredients in them.  Who has the time to sit there and read all of these ingredients, plus have the ability to know all the technical names of ingredients that contain or are derived from gluten/wheat?  I surely do not so instead I decided I would start e-mailing and calling companies instead.

I started by looking at their websites only to find that just one company had the information listed on their website...just one (I sent them and e-mail just to double check)!  All the others I had to fill out the "contact us" forms online.  Some responded with the ingredients they use that contain gluten and wheat, however they would not list which products were free of them.  And again I ask, who has the time to read all the ingredients, especially in small print....not me.  Finally only two places got back to me.  Neutrogena and Bare Escentuals.

It took several days and a phone call later to hear back from Neutrogena, but bottom line, they responded and yes they have GF products!!!  Bare Escentuals responded in less than a half hour.   Below are the responses from both companies.  I think I will start out with trying the Neutorgena products because: 1) they are a bit less money and 2) they are pretty much everywhere.  Bare Escentuals look great but a bit out of my price range for now.

As for skin care I currently use Burt's Bees and LOVE it.  I think for now I will stick with them, however on the Neutrogena list they have a good number of options for you in this area also.

NEUTROGENA GF(WF) LIST (Not available online)


Dear Jenny:

Thank you for contacting Neutrogena Corporation.  We appreciate your interest in our company.

Neutrogena Gluten Free (Wheat Free)
Updated 06/29/06

Active Breathable Sunblock SPF 30 (Discontinued)
Active Breathable Sunblock SPF 45 (Discontinued)
Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Eliminating Peel
Advanced Solutions Acne Therapy System
Advanced Solutions Facial Peel is now Ageless Restoratives™ 5 Minute Facial (2009)
Advanced Solutions Lip Rejuvenating Treatment SPF 20 is now Ageless Intensives Lip Plumping Treatment SPF 20 (2009)
Advanced Solutions Skin Transforming Complex Daily SPF 15 Moisturizer (Discontinued)
Advanced Solutions Skin Transforming Complex Nightly Renewal Cream  (Discontinued)
After Sun Treatment  (Discontinued)
Age Fighting Moisturizer SPF 15
Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30
Age Shield Sunblock SPF 45
Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 55 (2009)
Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 70 (2009)
Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Moisture SPF 25
Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Night
Ageless Intensives Lifting Treatment Eye (2009)
Ageless Intensives Lifting Treatment Night (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Booster Serum (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Detoxifying Cleanser (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant  Eye (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Moisture SPF 20 (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Night (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Energy Renewal Brightening Minerals- Eye (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Energy Renewal Exfoliating Cleanser (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Energy Renewal Moisture (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Energy Renewal Moisture- Night (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Instant Eye Reviver (2009)
Ageless Restoratives Total Skin Renewal Puffs Refill (2009)
Alcohol-Free Antiseptic Cleanser (Discontinued)
Alcohol-Free Toner
Anti-Cellulite Treatment (Discontinued)
Anti-Residue Shampoo
Blackhead Eliminating 2-in-1 Foaming Pads
Blackhead Eliminating Astringent (Discontinued)
Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub
Blackhead Eliminating Treatment Mask (Discontinued)
Blackhead Eliminating Warming Cleanser (Discontinued)
Body Clear Body Lotion (Discontinued)
Body Clear Body Scrub
Body Clear Body Wash
Body Emulsion
Body Lotion
Body Oil
Build- A- Tan
Clean Conditioners- All
Clean For Color- Color Defending Foam (Discontinued)
Clean Replenishing Instant Shine Detangler (Discontinued)
Clean Shampoos- All
Cleansing and Makeup Removing Towelettes
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Clear Pore Oil Controlling Astringent
Clear Pore Shine Control Gel (Discontinued)
Clear Pore Treatment (Discontinued)
Combination Skin Moisture
Conditioner for Permed/Color Treated Hair (Discontinued)
Comforting Butter Body Cream is now called Deep Moisture Body Cream, Butter Cream (2009)
Comforting Butter Hand Cream  is now called Deep Moisture Hand Cream, Butter Cream (2009)
Deep Clean Astringent
Deep Clean Body Scrub Bar
Deep Clean Cleanser
Deep Clean Gentle Scrub
Deep Clean Invigorating Cleanser/ Mask
Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub
Deep Clean Invigorating Self Foaming Cleansing Pads
Deep Clean Mask
Detangling Conditioner (Discontinued)
Energizing Body Wash
Energizing Sugar Scrub
Extra Gentle Cleanser
Foot Cream
Fresh Body Herbal Body Wash
Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 30
Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 45
Fresh Finish Loose Powder/Healthy Skin Loose Powder
Fresh Finish Pressed Powder/Healthy Skin Pressed Powder
Fresh Foaming Cleanser
Hand Cream
Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30- All
Healthy Defense Eye Cream SPF 30
Healthy Defense Protective Powder SPF 30
Healthy Defense Sheer Bronzer SPF 30 (Discontinued)
Healthy Defense Sheer Makeup SPF 30 (Disctontinued)
Healthy Defense Sunblock Spray SPF 30+ (Discontinued)
Healthy Defense Sunblock Stick SPF 30+
Healthy Defense Trio
Healthy Defense UVA/UVB Block SPF 30 + / SPF 45
Healthy Radiance Exfoliating Wash
Healthy Radiance Eye Cream
Healthy Radiance Moisturizer SPF 15
Healthy Scalp Shampoo
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Anti Blemish Cleanser
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Anti Blemish Cream
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Anti Blemish Scrub
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Intensive Eye Cream is now Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye (2009)
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream is now Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Night (2009)
Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Intensive Serum is now Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Serum (2009)
Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer
Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush
Healthy Skin BlendsTranslucent Oil- Control Powder
Healthy Skin Cream Powder Makeup SPF 20
Healthy Skin Enhancer
Healthy Skin Eye Cream
Healthy Skin Face Lotion
Healthy Skin Face Lotion Sensitive Skin/Delicate Skin
Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15
Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20
Healthy Skin Rejuvenator
Healthy Skin Smoothing Stick
Healthy Skin Visibly Even Daily SPF 15 Moisturizer
Healthy Skin Visibly Even Exfoliating Body Wash
Healthy Skin Visibly Even Exfoliating Cleanser
Hydrating Eye Reviver
Instant Lip Remedy
Instant Nail Enhancer (Discontinued)
Intensified Day Moisture SPF 15
Intensified Eye Moisture (Discontinued)
Invigorating Hair and Body Wash
Light Night Cream
Lip Boost Intense Moisture Lipstick SPF 20
Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy
Lip Moisturizer SPF 15
Lip Nutrition- All (Discontinued)
Liquid Neutrogena
Makeup Correcting Stick
Makeup Correcting Stick
Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Maximum Strength Oil Controlling Pads
Mineral Sheers for Eyes
Mineral Sheers for Face
Moisture Boosting Body Wash (Discontinued)
Moisture for Sensitive Skin
Moisture Rich Sunless Tanning Lotion SPF 20
Moisture Shine Tinted Lip Balm- All
Moisture SPF 15
Moisture SPF 15 Sheer Tint
MoistureShine Lip Gloss
New Hands (Discontinued)
Oil Free Acne Mask/ Scrub
Oil Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub
Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover
Oil-Absorbing Acne Mask (Discontinued)
Oil-Free Acne Wash
Oil-Free Acne Wash pink grapefruit facial cleanser
Oil-Free Acne Wash pink grapefruit foaming scrub
On the Spot Acne Patch (Discontinued)
On the Spot Acne Treatment Tinted
On the Spot Acne Treatment Vanishing Formula
On The Spot Blemish Wand
Overnight Lip Therapy
Pore Refining Cleanser
Pore Refining Cream
Pore Refining Cream SPF 15
Pore Refining Mask
Pore Refining Mattifier (Discontinued)
Pore Refining Toner
Pure Glow Daily Cleansing Cushions (Discontinued)
Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+
Pure & Free Baby Stick SPF 60+
Radiance Boost Eye Cream is now Ageless Essentials Continuous Moisture Eye Cream (2009)
Rainbath Dry Oil Spray (Discontinued)
Rainbath Moisturizing Body Mist (Discontinued)
Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel- All
Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
Rapid Clear Gel
Rapid Clear Treatment Pads
Razor Defense Daily Face Scrub
Razor Defense Face Lotion
Relaxing Overnight Moisturizing Body Cream (Discontinued)
Sensitive Skin Solutions Alcohol Free Toner (Discontinued)
Sensitive Skin Solutions Cleansing Wash - Combination Skin (Discontinued)
Sensitive Skin Solutions Cream Cleanser - Dry Skin (Discontinued)
Sensitive Skin Solutions Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser - Oily Skin (Discontinued)
Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+
Shimmer Sheers (all shades)
Skin Clearing After Shave (Discontinued)
Skin Clearing Compact Foundation
Skin Clearing Concealer
Skin Clearing Face Bar (Discontinued)
Skin Clearing Face Wash
Skin Clearing Liquid Makeup
Skin Clearing Moisturizer
Skin Clearing Pressed Powder
Skin Clearing Targeted Acne Treatment (Discontinued)
Skin Smoothing Body Lotion (Discontinued)
Skin Soothing Eye Tints
Skin Soothing Under Eye Corrector
SkinClearing Clean Tint
SkinClearing Shave Gel
SkinClearing Trio
Soft Color Blush
Soothing Relief Anti-Itch Moisturizer
Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20
Sunless Tanning Lotion- All
T/Gel Conditioner
T/Gel Overnight Dandruff Treatment
T/Gel Shampoos- All
T/Sal Maximum Strength Shampoo
Transparent Facial Bars- All
Transparent Sunblock Gel SPF 30 (Discontinued)
Triple Moisture Active Soothing Conditioner
Triple Moisture Active Soothing Shampoo
Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo
Triple Moisture Deep Conditioner
Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask
Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum
Triple Moisture Pure Strength Oil Therapy
Triple Moisture Sheer Hydration Leave- In Foam
Triple Moisture Silk- Touch Leave-In Cream
Triple Protect Face Gel
Triple Protect Face Lotion SPF 20
Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 30/ SPF 45
Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 55
Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 70
Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 100+
Ultra Soft Hydrating Sunblock SPF 30 (Discontinued)
Ultra Soft Hydrating Sunblock SPF 45 (Discontinued)
Under Cover Concealer Stick
Visibly Even Natural Look Makeup (Discontinued)
Visibly Firm Eye Cream
Visibly Firm Eye Treatment Concealer
Visibly Firm Face Lotion SPF 20 is  now Ageless Intensives Firming Moisture SPF20 (2009)
Visibly Firm Lift Serum
Visibly Firm Moisture Makeup
Visibly Firm Night Cream
Visibly Younger Hand Cream
Wave Power-Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads Refills
Wave Deep Clean Gentle Exfoliating Pads Refill

Again, thank you for your interest in our company.  Should you have any comments or questions in the future, please contact us via our website  www.neutrogena.com or by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-582-4048.  Our specialists are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m. EST and will be happy to assist you.

BARE ESCENTUALS - Gluten Free

Dear Jenny,

Thank you for contacting Bare Escentuals. I would be happy to assist you! I certainly understand your concern regarding gluten in our products!

The only products that we carry containing gluten are the 100% Natural Lipcolors, 100% Natural Lip Glosses, RareMinerals products, and the Skin Rev-er Upper contains Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract. The 100% Natural Lip Liners contain barley lipids but it has been tested to be gluten free.

While the list below shows the Wheat, Oat, Rye and Barely free products please keep in mind that these products may be made in an environment that handles Wheat, Oat, Rye and Barley derivatives.
bareMinerals:
All-Over Face Colors - all shades
bareEyes Eye Makeup Remover
Blush - All shades
Blush (SPF 20) - all shades
Brushless Mascara
Body Minerals - all shades
Eyecolor - all shades
Extreme Glimmers - all shades
Faux Tan
Faux Tan Body Moisturizer
First Base Lip Balm
Flawless Definition Mascara - all shades
Foundation (SPF 15 Original) - all shades
Foundation (SPF 15 Matte) - all shades
Gossamers - all shades
High Shine Eyecolors - all shades
Hydrating Blush - all shades
Liner Shadow - all shades
Lip Rev-er Upper
Makeup Remover Wipes
Mineral Veil - all shades
Mineral Veil (SPF 25) - all shades
MultiTasking Minerals - all shades
On the Spot Swabs
Prime Time Eyelid Primer
Prime Time Foundation Primer
Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer
Quick Change Brush Cleaner
Radiance Rocks - all shades
Soft Focus Colors - all shades
SPF 15 Lipgloss - Fiji
SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen - all shades
Weather Everything Liner Sealer
Well Cared For Brush Shampoo

BUXOM:
Buxom Insider Liner - all shades
Buxom Lash Mascara
Buxom Lashliner - all shades
Buxom Lip Polish - all shades

RareMinerals:
Blemish Therapy
Moisture Burst Facial Mist

When I find more I'll be sure to post it.