gfaf expo review.

It’s been two months since we got back from the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo and I can’t believe how many YUMMY samples we still have! We tried a ton of new brands, met some great people, and went home with a lot of good information.

Some highlights:

1. BREAD SRSLY is the best gluten free sourdough bread you will ever have. If you are ever in San Fransisco, you need to buy yourself 5 loaves. And if not, you still need to buy yourself 5 loaves. They’ll ship it to you! SRSLY amazing, right?

2. I met Pamela! THE Pamela from Pamela’s Products. She’s so sweet. And her microwavable brownie mix packets are divine! My (gluten and dairy free) 6 year old nephew came to visit and he was thrilled that he could make brownies (that he could eat) all by himself!

3. There were so many great gluten free products at the expo—many of which we buy on a regular basis: Glutino, Udi’s, Kind, Barilla, Van’s, Glutenfreeda and Crunchmaster. But it was also refreshing to discover some new brands that Joe and I weren’t familiar with! One of the snack bars I’ve been enjoying the most is Betty Lou’s. We brought back Nut Butter Balls and Just Great Stuff Bars (both link to my favorite flavor). We also got to try Smart Flour pizza and it’s our new favorite! We find them in the freezer section at Whole Foods. My nephew was excited that we saved him a pack of HomeFree chocolate chip cookies. They are great snack for kids and adults!

4. I splurged and bought myself a cookbook FULL of yummy gluten free desserts—I couldn’t resist! Kyra Bussanich, winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, was there signing her cookbook. If you need a gift for a gluten free friend (or yourself), pick up Sweet Cravings: 50 Seductive Desserts for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle.

5. Talk about specialists. Both Dr. Amy Burkhart and Nadine Grzeskowiak had so much knowledge to share. There is still so much unknown about celiac disease, but they are experts in what we do know about it. I highly recommend reaching out to one or both of them if you suspect someone in your life might have a gluten intolerance. Here is their information:

Dr. Amy Burkhart: Integrative MD [theceliacmd.com]

Nadine Grzeskowiak: Gluten Free RN [glutenfreern.com]

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If there is a Gluten and Allergen Free Expo coming to your area, I highly recommend you check it out! It was definitely worth our drive to the Bay Area.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

gluten and allergen free expo.

It seems like so long ago that I first discovered the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo—and it’s already here! Joe and I are headed to San Francisco next weekend to taste, learn and explore.

I am so excited for the GFAF Expo to discover new vendors and products, but also to attend the awesome lineup of classes on Saturday. Check out the schedule here. I promise to bring back any helpful information and share it with you all.

The list of vendors include all of our trusted brands we use on a daily basis, such as Udi’s, Glutino, Van’s and Earth Balance. One of the booths I’m most excited to visit is Pamela’s Products, where THE Pamela will be. How cool.

Check out the GFAF Expo on Facebook or Twitter to see if there is an expo coming near you this year!

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

new gum for the new year.

It’s New Year’s Eve and it seems appropriate to post about one of my resolutions for 2014—cutting out aspartame. I consume very little aspartame already, but one source of aspartame I haven’t been able to kick is gum. Until I found PÜR Gum.

PÜR Gum is completely aspartame-free. Sweetened instead with the natural goodness of Xylitol, PÜR Gum gets its great taste from Mother Nature herself! A substance produced by corn, Xylitol has been found to aide in digestion, and even prevent tooth decay.

Not only does this gum taste good and have cute packaging—it is completely free of chemicals like aspartame. Instead of worrying what you are digesting between meals, you can be confident that you are actually helping to stop the growth of bad bacteria. Read more about the health benefits of Xylitol here.

It also makes a perfect gift for just about anyone because it is vegan, gluten free, non-gmo, nut free, diabetic friendly and dairy free. My favorite gum is wintergreen, but PÜR Gum also has three other tasty flavors: pomegranate mint, spearmint and peppermint. Currently you can find PÜR Gum on amazon, or check out their website to search for locations by zip code.

I’m looking forward to going into the New Year with aspartame-free gum to rely on. Cheers to a healthy 2014!

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

[gf] turkey pot pie.

I’m a little late in posting this turkey leftovers recipe, so you’ll have to try this next Thanksgiving—or after Christmas dinner if you make a turkey. This gluten free turkey pot pie is a great alternative to the normal turkey soup or sandwiches.

We actually didn’t have any leftover turkey this year. We had a misfits Thanksgiving and almost everything was eaten up by the end of the night. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, our good friends called and asked if we wanted to come over for Thanksgiving Part II. Well, duh. We got to enjoy yummy food all over again, PLUS we got to leave with a tub of turkey. We scored.

Since I had recently came across a gluten free pie crust recipe that my sister sent me, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try it out (recipe below). I couldn’t have been happier with how it came out. Joe was so excited about the turkey pot pie that the turkey soup went uneaten. We will definitely be making one of these after Thanksgiving every year!

Gluten Free Turkey Pot Pie

Ingredients
1 recipe for a double crust pie (below)
4 tablespoons Earth Balance (margarine)
1 small onion, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
2 cubes vegan chicken bouillon
2 cups water
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
3 tablespoons gluten free flour mix
1/2 cup almond milk

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425. Roll out bottom pie crust, press into a 10 inch pie pan, and set aside.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add the onion, celery, carrots, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.

3. Cook and stir until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the bouillon and water. Bring mixture to a boil. Stir in the potatoes and cook until tender but still firm.

4. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the turkey and flour.
Add the milk, and heat through. Stir the turkey mixture into the vegetable mixture, add the peas and cook until thickened. Cool slightly.

5. Pour filling into the unbaked pie shell (see gluten free recipe below). Roll out the top crust and placing on top of the filling. Pinch edges and make 4 slits in the top crust to let out steam.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 and continue baking for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

Serves 8.

See the original recipe here.

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This pie crust could be used for a variety of different pies—including a Chicago style deep dish pizza (that one was Joe’s idea). Can’t wait to make it again!

Gluten Free Pie Crust (can be doubled)

Ingredients
1/2 cup dairy free shortening (or margarine)
1/2 cup potato starch
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup almond flour (or extra cornstarch)
1 teaspoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons xanthan gum
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon almond milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400. Combine all ingredients so there are no lumps. If you have a food processor, it makes the mixing very easy! Roll out dough on floured surface or between two sheets of waxed paper. Used the paper to transfer dough to the pie pan.

2. If you’re using a filling that will be baked, follow the direction on the recipe. If you need a cooked crust, prick all over with a fork. Bake 10-14 minutes until golden brown.

Credit: My sister sent me a photo of this recipe from a friend so I don’t actually know what book it came from. Let me know if you recognize it—I’d love to give the credit!

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

[gf] cornbread and pumpkin chili.

When I opened my mailbox and saw the cover of October’s Food Network Magazine, I rushed in the door and immediately flipped through it. New Soup Ideas. Yes, please. In addition, the insert was 50 Things to Make with Canned Pumpkin. I carefully read through the booklet and found a chili recipe I had to try. Delicious, spicy and totally worthy of your next Soup Sunday.

The original recipe calls for ground beef, but I substituted ground turkey to make it a little healthier. I didn’t have adobo sauce, so I used an adobo paste I had on hand. Needless to say, it was a little too concentrated—making the chili SUPER spicy. My husband loved it, but next time I will have to tame it down a little bit. The can of pumpkin adds an amazing fall flavor without overpowering the chili. What a fun secret ingredient—pumpkin!

The best part about this recipe is how EASY it is. It was the fastest and best tasting chili I’ve made. Of course, you can’t have a bowl of chili without cornbread to go along with it. Make sure to scroll down to see my gluten free cornbread recipe.

Gluten Free Spicy Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can pumpkin, 15-oz
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes, 15-oz
1 can black beans (drained), 15-oz
2 cups water
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from can of chipotle chiles)

Instructions:

1. Add oil to a large pot and cook ground turkey until pink is gone. Add in chopped onions and bell peppers and saute for a few minutes.

2. Stir in pumpkin, tomatoes, black beans and water. Then add chili powder and adobo sauce.

3. Simmer 30-45 minutes and serve with freshly baked cornbread.

See original recipe on Food Network.

My favorite cornbread recipe comes from Gluten-Free Goddess. However, when I made chili last Sunday it was one of those days that needed a quick alternative. I picked up Pamela’s gluten free cornbread and muffin mix and made a few changes by substituting olive oil for butter and brown sugar instead of regular sugar. I also added a teaspoon each of chili powder and cinnamon. It turned out great!

If you do have the time to make cornbread from scratch, I highly recommend trying my go-to recipe (below) or Karina’s original recipe on Gluten-Free Goddess. I guarantee you’ll make it again!

Gluten Free [and Dairy Free] Cornbread with Chiles and Cinnamon

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup very warm water (plus extra tablespoon if needed)

1 cup gluten free cornmeal
3/4 cup gluten free flour blend
1/2 cup Pamela’s baking mix
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 small can chopped green chilies
chili powder and cinnamon for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 and oil a round skillet or square pan.

2. In another bowl, combine the eggs and olive oil. Beat for one minute.

3. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and add to wet mixture. Add chopped chiles if you are using them, and add more water if it’s too dry.

4. Pour batter into skillet or pan and sprinkle with chili powder and cinnamon on top.

6. Bake for 25–35 minutes.

For a sweet cornbread, leave out chiles chili powder and replace with 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

See original recipe on Gluten-Free Goddess.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

[gf] crepes.

During a work trip last April, we discovered Flip Crepes at the Chicago French Market and indulged in a delicious breakfast treat. Joe ordered their gluten free crepe with eggs and bacon, and I ordered Nutella and banana (YUM). Equally delicious, we decided crepes needs to be something we experiment with at home.

Within days of returning home, I found this gluten free crepe recipe and it is still a hit every time I make them! It could be Tuesday morning and Joe will suggest that we have crepes on Saturday morning. Talk about motivation to get through the week! Even better, the batter can be made ahead of time so you could really have them on weekdays, too.

Joe’s favorite filling is eggs, bacon, pepper jack rice cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup. I usually have a hard time deciding what to put in my crepe, but my all time favorite combo is Nutella, strawberries and bananas.

The best part is you can fill these thin crepes with savory items (leftover chicken, veggies, spinach, asparagus, etc.) to make a great dinner. I think it would be fun to invite people over for crepe party and let people make their own!

Gluten Free [and Dairy Free] Crêpes

Ingredients:

½ cup gluten-free flour blend (I use Trader Joe’s, Baker Josef’s)
½ cup almond milk
¼ cup warm water
1 tablespoon honey or agave
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon/sugar mix
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil + more for pan

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth (but don’t over-mix).

2. Pour batter into a pitcher, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.

3. Using a paper towel, wipe the inside of 6- to 8-inch cast iron or non-stick skillet with a small amount of coconut oil. Place pan over medium heat.

4. Stir the batter and pour small amount into the pan, tilting to coat the bottom with a very thin layer of batter. Cook until the top is set and edges are slightly browned. Turn crepe over and cook the other side. Cook remaining crepes, stirring the batter before each one.

5. Place finished crêpes between sheets of waxed paper. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

6. Quarter, fold or wrap your crêpes with desired filling. Our favorites are Nutella, banana and chocolate or eggs and bacon.

Have fun experimenting with different types of crepes and don’t be afraid to use your imagination! You can see the original recipe here.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

[gf] pumpkin donuts.

My inspiration to start this blog comes from the amazing collection of recipes on Gluten-Free Goddess. It seems only fitting to start with one of my favorites recipes from Karina. If you aren’t already following her, do it now. Seriously.

Since it’s now officially fall, that means it’s time for PUMPKIN. Everyone’s favorite, right? I think Starbucks jumped the gun a little early this year, but no one was complaining with a PSL in their hand. What’s better than a pumpkin spiced latte? A gluten free mini pumpkin donut to go with it.

I discovered this recipe last fall and immediately went out to buy a mini donut pan. My husband, Joe, was super excited with this kitchen investment because donuts are one of the things he misses most about living a gluten free lifestyle.

Karina’s original recipe uses several different flours, but I usually squeeze my baking time in between items from the weekend’s to do list—so it helps to take a short cut or two. I substituted her sorghum flour, potato starch and hazelnut flour for a gluten free flour mix I had in the pantry. Bob’s Red Mill makes a great all-purpose gluten free flour blend, and I like using the Trader Joe’s brand (Baker Josef’s) as well.

My modified recipe for Karina’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts is below, or you can see her original recipe here. Be careful who you share these donuts with—they’ll be asking you to make them again and again!

Mini Gluten Free [and Dairy Free] Pumpkin Donuts

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups gluten free flour mix
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup cane sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon xanthan gum*
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3 free-range eggs, beaten
1/2 cup oil (coconut or canola)
1 (14-oz) can pumpkin
2 teaspoons (gf) vanilla extract
* omit xanthan gum if it’s included in your gf flour blend

For sugar dusting:

Granulated cane sugar
Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly oil a donut pan and set aside. You can make regular sized donuts or mini donuts—you pick! But, fair warning, I made mini donuts and you can’t have just one.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cane sugar, baking soda, xanthan gum, sea salt and spices.

3. Add in the eggs, oil, pumpkin and vanilla. Beat well for two minutes. The batter will be smooth and a little sticky.

4. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling almost to the top (roughly 5/8 full). Smooth the tops. Bake in the center of the oven for 18 minutes, until firm but slightly springy to the touch.

5. When the donuts are cool enough to handle, loosen the sides and remove from the pan. Place the donuts on a cooling rack.

6. Pour about a half cup granulated cane sugar into a sandwich bag and sprinkle in some cinnamon, to taste. Shake to mix.

7. When the donuts are still a bit warm, sugar the donuts one at a time, by placing them in the bag and turning it to coat the donut on all sides. Place the sugared donuts on a cooling rack.

Repeat the process for the remaining batter. Makes 15 regular sized donuts.

See the original recipe on Gluten-Free Goddess.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper

inspirational kitchen.

I love to eat. More importantly, I love to cook. The kitchen has always been a calming and creative place for me. When my husband discovered his gluten intolerance in 2009, my fascination with altering recipes grew tenfold. This blog is a place to gather my kitchen creations and share with others who might need some inspiration. Check back for some delicious gluten free and dairy free recipes with a pinch of design.

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Find me on twitter: @tevahopper