Pizza and Smores, for Passover, Oh My!

Passover... a time for family, Seders, remembrance, but, for Celiacs, a somewhat difficult time to eat! Passover isn't meant to be a comfortable and delicious experience. We're remembering when we were slaves and were freed, and had no time at all to cook, so we eat matzoh - unleavened bread, as our ancestors did (for 8 nights).

During Passover, many products are made with matzoh, or matzoh meal - for Celiacs, its a problem, as they have gluten. Thankfully, we live in such an advanced wonderful time, and there are amazing alternatives. This year, I've been LOVING Yehuda's gluten free matzoh style crackers. They are made with potato starch, not gluten based ingredients (and really are reminiscent of a pringle).

This year, my two favorite snacks were.... Matzoh Pizza and Matzoh Smores!!

Matzoh Pizza is really SO easy to make (as are the Matzoh Smores). Seriously, the prep time is all of 3-4 minutes. I line my disposable pans with aluminum foil (makes for easy clean up). You do not have to spray the pan for either recipe. Lay a sheet of Matzoh (your preferred gluten free version). Add your sauce, I was pleased to see different options at my local market that were kosher for Passover and gluten free. Then, I love cheese - so I add a LOT of delicious shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in oven for 10 minutes at 425 degrees, and then pump the oven up to broil - to get the top nice and brown, for just 2 minutes.

Crazy that it looks like real pizza, actually tastes AMAZING as well. I made 2! (just for me!)...

Next up, Matzoh Smores, my specialty (it's easy, and very chocolaty, so its very me)!

Add one sheet of Matzoh. My secret trick I'll share with you is this. I break up the Matzoh when it is in the pan (this is a messy delicious treat, it helps when the Matzoh is already in pieces, makes it easier to break apart later - you'll see!). I typically put a little bit of butter on top of the Matzoh, before I add the marshmallows, I did find that the butter tastes better with regular Matzoh, with the gluten free Matzoh I'm not as big of a fan of the butter - up to you. Add marshmallows to cover the Matzoh - they do spread and become about 1 1/2 times the size - so spread them out. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. When brown on top - like below, take them out of the oven.

My favorite part is next, add MANY wonderful chocolate chips, try to cover every marshmallow, none should be neglected!

Bake for 2 minutes at 350 degrees.

Now, this is my favorite part, you know they are ready when you can smear the chocolate with ease (with your finger of course!). You can spread it over the marshmallows, like I did above, or leave the beautiful chocolate chips in place - either way works just fine. Now, you enjoy. YUM!! Thank me later.

End your Passover with these great treats and tell me how wonderful they were!!

Was thrilled to find a Kosher Celiac Passover guide on Amazon, if you've heard of it, or recommend it, please let us know! HAPPY PASSOVER to those celebrating!

Gluten Free Chicken Tenders That Plain & Simply ROCK!

S' Better Farms, a family owned company, makes wheat free, gluten free, KOSHER and absolutely delicious chicken fingers. The chicken is not fed hormones, and is able to roam - isn't caged.  It's remarkable, they taste just like I remember them tasting - when they weren't gluten free. You don't taste a bite and say, ehh - they're ok, I still feel like I'm missing out. You say, seriously, did I just cheat on my gluten free diet??

Had to share them with you because I was so excited to finally get to try them. They were difficult for me to find. (As you can see here, they are only available in a few U.S. states - they are also available online here - but, beware of astronomical shipping costs).  Also exciting to note, is they make gluten free beef CORN DOGS and four other types of chicken.  My local publix only carries Bell & Evans gluten free chicken tenders/nuggets - which are great, but... not kosher.  For those of you in Dade or Broward County in Florida --Aroma in Coral Springs has them.  



They look like the real thing, and taste like the real thing, YUM

All ready, add ketchup and enjoy!

I am SOO happy when I find quick meal ideas.  For those of us that are exhausted coming home from work, and have no desire to cook - delicious frozen meal ideas are a great fix.  I'm happy to have found S'Better Farms, and hope it helps you as well!

THUMBS UP!!

Food Allergy/IntoleranceTesting, To Do or Not To Do?

While I'm studying up on food allergies and food intolerance's, I'd like to hear what you think on food allergy/intolerance testing. Have you, or anyone you know been tested to deduct what your food intolerance are?

 

First - I've come to learn there's a big difference between a food allergy and food intolerance.

 

WebMD defines both: 

• a food allergy "is an immune system response. It occurs when the body mistakes an ingredient in food -- usually a protein -- as harmful and creates a defense system (antibodies) to fight it. Food allergy symptoms develop when the antibodies are battling the "invading" food. The most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds), fish, and shellfish, milk, eggs, soy products, and wheat." 
• A food intolerance on the other hand is "a digestive system response rather than an immune system response. It occurs when something in a food irritates a person's digestive system or when a person is unable to properly digest or breakdown, the food. Intolerance to lactose, which is found in milk and other dairy products, is the most common food intolerance."

Thus far, I've only been told about Alcat, which claims to:

"accurately and objectively measure leukocyte cellular reactivity in whole blood, which is a final common pathway of all mechanisms. The test utilizes electronic, state of the art, hematological instrumentation. Standard allergy tests, such as skin testing or RAST are not accurate for delayed type reactions to foods and chemicals. They measure only a single mechanism, such as the effect of mast cell release of histamine or the presence of allergen specific IgE molecules. Delayed reactions to foods and chemicals are NOT IgE mediated.

The ALCAT Test also differs from standard IgG tests in that they rely exclusively on one immune pathway, serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG). In fact, high food specific IgG titers are indicative only of exposure, not necessarily intolerance.

The ALCAT Test reproducibly measures the final common pathway of all pathogenic mechanism; whether immune, non-immune, or toxic. It is the only test shown to correlate with clinical symptoms by double blind oral challenges, the gold standard."

I've recently started reading "Your Hidden Food Allergies are Making You Fat,"

 (written by co-founder of Alcat, Roger Deutsch) and reviewing the Alcat testing system, but, I've also read Dr. Weil's claims that the only way to verify food intolerance testing is by eliminating foods and testing your reactions. The food rotation/elimination process is also part of Alcat's system. 

 

I'm intrigued and tempted - but, cautious nonetheless. I've listened to the DVD that comes with Alcat information for potential customers, where Roger Duetsch the co-founder, and Dr. David Brady, an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at the University of Bridgeport discuss Alcat testing.  During their interviews, they admit the food testing is 83% accurate, but, claim this is the best percentage out there.

 

Who's right?

What do you know about the subject?

Appreciate you shedding some light!

Scorch Grillhouse

I recently visited Scorch Grillhouse and Wine Bar, on 137th and Biscayne Blvd in North Miami. The owner and staff are as nice as they come. I explained my gluten issues and was accommodated to the tee. We sat outisde, and thankfully, were oblivious to the biscayne traffic going by. To be honest, the menu does have many tempting non gluten free items, so make sure you bring monster will power with you. As for the starters, I'm a huge spinach and artichoke dip lover, and was really happen when I was told its made fresh and gluten free! Unfortunately, the chips are not gluten free (they are not in a dedicated fryer) - but, to show you how accommodating they are, they provided me with veges to dip (very similar to accommodations made at Yard House).

Next, I had the churrasco with mashed potatoes. I have to say, I was disappointed. The mashed potatoes were nothing to write home about, and neither was the steak. It was just ok, not as memorable as I would have hoped - being such a meat lover. It would not be something I'd order again. Perhaps a burger is a better option.

All in all, the accommodation is A+, the food is a B-. Would I return, sure. Would I get the dip again, absolutely. The churrasco - not a chance. So, its a THUMBS UP for gluten free accommodation, and a Thumbs Sideways for the food I've tried.

Cantina Laredo @ Gulfstream = YUMMY

If you're in South Florida, you've heard of Gulfstream. A racetrack turned casino, mammoth shopping center with restaurants and bars. I was excited to try Cantina Laredo and even more excited to know they had a gluten free menu as part of their regular menu!

Looking at the menu (a picture is below, the bottom of the menu page indicates that all items marked with a grey circle are GLUTEN FREE!!). They also have vegetarian items marked with a green circle.

Since life's short, I would typically start with dessert first, but, the only gluten free option is flan - not my thing, personally, but, if you're into it, enjoy!

The corn chips are incredible! They are fried separately and assured to be gluten free and are oh so worth it! I really can't wait to get them again, they may be my absolute favorite chips. They come with 2 salsas, one mild and one spicy - if you read my Chipotle post, you know I'll stick to the mild. P.S. - The chips are refillable!

I ordered the chicken fajitas with only grilled onions ($15.29), I'm not into the peppers.

The fajitas also come with rice and refried beans, and best of all, corn tortillas.

I made delicious fajitas and was REALLY happy with my meal - it was perfection.

I can't wait to return! BIG THUMBS UP FOR CANTINA LAREDO!!

Chipotle Mexican Grill - the Good, the Bad & the Spicy

I have mixed feelings about Chipotle Mexican Grill.  I was SO excited to try this place because I've continuously heard how great and gluten free accommodating it is.  Another plus is its a fast food joint, so it would be an ideal place to grab a quick bite.

Well... I finally had the chance to try it -- here's my opinion:

The Good:   

• There are MANY gluten free options.  They are VERY accommodating.  It was so nice to have the option to have tacos in a taco shell and chips and salsa (with confirmation that the were fried in a dedicated fryer with no chance of cross contamination).  The only thing us gluten free folk can't have is the flour tortillas. 
• I ordered the three tacos and thought it was great that I got to choose exactly what I wanted in my tacos.  I choose white rice, beans, chicken, corn and lettuce for two, and switched to beef for the third taco.   I also ordered a side of plain chips.

The Bad:

• No one had warned me - I took the first bite and my mouth was immediately on FIRE!  I'll admit that I have no tolerance for spice, but, I was so surprised nonetheless.  No where on the menu does it say all of the meat is spicy, none of the staff say a certain protein is more spicy than another.  I was under the false impression it would just be the spices you added that would make your dish spicy... well, guess again.  Don't say you haven't been warned!

My 3 tacos, and my side order of chips, some of which are on the right

The Spicy:

It's not a joke, these peppers in the meat were HUGE.  I spent WAY too much time digging through my tacos for peppers to remove.  These tacos were WAY too spicy for me.  Not enjoyable at all.

I wanted simple delicious tacos, and was really disappointed at Chipotle.  I couldn't enjoy any of the tacos, it was just WAY too spicy for me.  If you have a great tolerance for spice, then go for it.  For me, Chipotle is a Thumbs Down - I expect chicken to be chicken, and only spicy chicken when I am forewarned that it's spicy chicken.  I won't be returning.

Fast & Good Gluten Free Friendly Food Options

Boston Market masters fast, filling, comfort food, typically under $10. I'm in love with their corn and garlic dill new potatoes. Those are an automatic for me. They have a detailed allergy page that lists all items that have gluten. The two ok proteins are turkey and chicken, both pictured below.

What's also a big plus is Boston Market always has some sort of special -- right now, they have a coupon for $1 off of a $10 purchase. (What's also nice is you JUST need the offer code, you don't need to bring in the actual coupon - I like green company's like this!).

Thumbs Up for Boston Market -

it's always a quick, but also satisfying and delicious meal, for a decent price!

Five Guys Fries, Oh My!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a fast food joint serving.. you guessed it, burgers and fries. It was reminiscent of Roadhouse Grill to me, as they have bulk peanuts you can grab and eat. It's a very chill restaurant, fast food like as you order at the window, but, a step up in quality from typical fast food joints (and a small step up in price as well).

The peanuts are free, which is a very nice touch!

The portion size value for your money is REALLY nice. The fries are ridiculous, they are fresh (they have about 6 fryers going at once, with JUST fries) are fried in peanut oil and are overflowing. I love the skin that's left on the potatoes. The fries are actually rich, they're decedent, even me, a french fry lover, couldn't finish the huge stack of fries in my small order.

The hamburger was the regular burger, I'd really consider a small next time, the regular has 2 pieces of meat, which for me was one too many. What I liked a lot is ALL toppings are FREE! I added onions and lettuce, and obviously did without the bun (which contains egg, dairy, gluten and soy).

It was very cute to see a wall of Five Guys love - where all could praise what they loved about Five Guys.

All in all, it is great to have another fast food option, especially one with fries us gluten free folk can enjoy!

Thumbs Up!

If you care to meet the guys behind Five Guys founder, read Inc. Magazine's tell all to the left!

Benihana - Where Entertaining and Gluten Free Accommodating Meet!

Benihana is one of my favorite restaurants. Rocky Aoki, Benihana's founder, had the brilliant idea to combine entertainment with dining. Benihana has great chef's that also bend over backwards to make sure you enjoy your dining experience, and Benihana is always an experience. P.S. - they have locations all across the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean!

I was thrilled to hear the chef's would also bend over backwards to accommodate my gluten free needs! I brought my own gluten free soy sauce in hand as well as a table full of friends. For those of you that haven't been to Benihana before, you share a table with 8 people, if you don't come with a party of 8, you will be seated with strangers, and sit around an open grill. For us gluten free folks, my recommendation is that you bring 7 other gluten free folk with you (lessens chances of any cross contamination). Your meal is cooked to order, just the way you like it!

I started with a glass of plum wine, one of my favorites! It's a very sweet wine, which is what I love most about it!

Next, I had the famous Benihana soup. I was assured there is no gluten in my version (typically there are breaded onions, but, they are put in right before serving, make sure you ask for no breaded onions). The broth is a beef broth, and I was informed its marinated for a very long time to get the rich savory taste it has. I love scallions, and they are a perfect addition to the soup.

Salad is the next course, it typically comes with a ginger dressing, which us GF folk cannot enjoy, no fear, Benhiana will provide oil and vinegar, which does just fine with this salad.

The chef begins by making chicken fried rice (for those that order side orders of it, I say it's a MUST, it's my favorite part of the meal). As I said before, the chefs are really there to make sure you enjoy your experience, here, are our chef made a bunny for us out of the fried rice.

Our chef was great, he continued by making a volcano out of the onions! Many, many years ago, Benihana would make REAL FIRES out of the onions, it was really cool. Now, they don't take on the liability and you just get some smoke out of the onion, still cool.

The main course, Hibachi Steak! Benihana was running a special 2 for $37, which includes the soup, salad, white rice, veges, steak and dessert. Not a bad deal!

Last up, for desert, I had fruit, the pineapples were delicious!

Benihana always hits a home run with me, and the fact that they used a special spatula just to cook my food, cooked it on a separate side away from everyone else's, and used my soy sauce proves just how accommodating they will be! THUMBS UP!!

For those interested to learn more about Benihana's founder Rocky Aoki, this book is all about him and his journey.