Gluten-Free Blog

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”

Blue Diamond Nut-Thins

One of the first gluten-free crackers I discovered was the Almond Nut-Thins from Blue Diamond. Made with almond and rice flours, these crunchy crackers are perfect with just about anything from cheese to hummus. Oh, and there is one flavor made from pecan flour!

Of course, you don’t have to be gluten free to love these crackers. Every time I serve them at a party, guests keep reaching for more. The Nut-Thin bowl is almost always the first one that empties. Continue reading “Blue Diamond Nut-Thins”

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”