Family Day Fun

Window Shopping In Kleinburg

Gluten Free Weekly Menu Plan

My mother-in-law is visiting from El Salvador for my son's birthday, and she made a dish to contribute to this week's menu plan.  That's what we'll be eating Monday.

 

Monday:  "Salon con Limon" (Roast with Lemon, Herbs, and Salt) & Vegetable Soup 

Tuesday: Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetable Gratin  






Wednesday: Out for dinner (It's my mother-in-law's last night here)

Thursday: Lasagna 

Friday: Broccoli & Cheese Soup 

Birthday Party for a Gluten Free Three Year Old!

I was so tired last night after Etienne's birthday celebrations that I didn't write a blog post, so today there will be two posts- this one and the weekly menu plan. 

We decided not to invite a bunch of kids this year because my son wasn't asking for a party, and was only excited about the prospect of cake when discussing any form of party.  Instead, we opted to take him and his cousin to an indoor play place near our house for an hour or two of running around.

On the swing together

Later, we came back home for dinner. Roast chicken, quinoa salad, wild rice salad with apples and cranberries, bean salad, edamame and tomato salad, potato wedges, and Greek salad fill everyone up before the guests arrive for coffee and cake. 

We ordered his birthday cake (gluten and dairy free) from Augusto 33 Bakery, the same place we ordered from last year.  I picked up the cake earlier in the day, and it was beautiful!

The inside was chocolate, with a soft, vanilla icing, decorated with some trucks and cars we provided the baker.  As you can see, it was yummy!

Normally, we open gifts before cake, but he was so excited for the cake that we reversed the order.  He received some really cute toys- a mini golf game, some cars, a doctor's kit and a few sticker books.  His favourite thing to do though was pop the balloons.  Go figure!

Friday Five List

This is a long weekend in Ontario due to Family Day, and it's also the weekend of my son's 3rd birthday.  Today was a crazy day at work, and so my plans to post my cookbook review tonight went out the window.  I was so wiped out that I fell asleep with my son while putting him to bed, and slept for a good hour before waking up!  Here are some of my thoughts for today:

1- It's my son's birthday, so of course he's sick and I'm not sure that he'll feel well enough to celebrate his birthday the way I'd hoped.

2- My mother in law had never seen snow before, so although I hate the cold and snow, I'm happy we've had some flurries over the past couple of days.

3- For some reason, without fail, the Friday before a long weekend is always crazy at work.  Anything that can go wrong, does.

4- My mother in law makes great black beans.  YUM!

5- Can't wait to see my son's face when he opens his gifts tomorrow!!!

My Mother-in-Law is Here!!

My husband's mom is here visiting from El Salvador for the week, to celebrate my son's 3rd birthday.   My son's party isn't until Saturday and he's already been spoiled with gifts from his relatives in El Salvador.  A new backpack, cars, pyjamas, puzzles, a soccer ball and several other fun things that should keep him busy long after his abuelita leaves.

He spent the whole day home with her, playing games, singing songs, and trying to get better from the cough that's been plaguing him for the last two days.  I'm so excited that she's here for his birthday because it will be the first one he'll get to celebrate with her.  Can't wait!

Wordless Wednesday

At the Zoo

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Whether you're celebrating with someone special or enjoying your single self, take some time to do something special today.  And eat something delicious and gluten free :)

An Early Valentine's Day Surprise

My husband decided to surprise me tonight with an early Valentine's day dinner after my son went to bed.  My mother-in-law is arriving Wednesday night, so he figured we would be busy Tuesday.

He brought me flowers...

Set the table and served up some delicious sushi.  Vegetarian for me and the raw fish kind for him...

And some yummy cupcakes for dessert...

And now he's waiting patiently for me to finish this post so we can relax and watch a movie.

Before I go, here's a shot of the little treat bags I'll be handing out at my son's daycare tomorrow...

Stickers, Pencil, Bubbles and a Lollipop

For my list of gluten free candy and treats from last year, click HERE.

For some Valentine's day craft ideas, click HERE.
I'll catch you tomorrow!

Gluten Free Weekly Menu Plan

Monday:  Italian Style Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Mini Meatballs

Tuesday: Moroccan Style Quinoa Salad and Falafel Patties

Wednesday: Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Thursday: Rice Salad with Fresh Herbs and Vegetables and Leftover Falafel






Friday:  Greek Salad and Leftover Soup or Stew

Gluten Free at Augusto 33 Bakery

Last year we bought my son's birthday cake from a bakery in Maple Ontario called Terra Mia Bakery.   Click Here to see pictures of the cake and read about our great experience.  It was so delicious that my sister even bought her daughter's birthday cake there (and she's not gluten free).  So this year, we went back to place another order. 

Since last year, the bakery has changed names, but not owners.  It's now called Augusto 33 Bakery.  We went in today to place our order for next week, and were met by the same friendly people that were there last year.  I instantly felt guilty for not shopping there more often.  They have a variety of cookies, brownies and muffins that are gluten free, including carrot muffins and carrot cake.  Gluten free pizza dough is available for purchase.

What got use to sit down today though was the poster advertising gluten free waffles.  We ordered one for my son and sat down to wait.  When it came out, I couldn't believe how delicious it looked!  A huge plate of fluffy, warm waffle, covered in lactose free whipped cream and dairy free chocolate sauce with sliced strawberries and topped with a maraschino cherry.  To die for.  My son was so excited he dug right in with his fingers before I could remind him to use his fork.

Gluten Free Waffle (with Dairy Free Chocolate sauce and Lactose Free Whipped Cream)

Believe it or not, my son ate THE WHOLE THING!!!

The rest of their food is just as good.  My husband had a meal of porchetta (an oven roasted pork) with greens and a side of pasta.  I had some pizza.  Add two bottles of water, a coffee and a tea and the bill came to less than $30.

My husband's meal (not gluten free)

We left the cake order with the instructions to create a car/truck theme, and left behind some of my son's cars and mini tractors to use as decoration.  I can't wait to see what the baker will create.  I hope it's as great as last year.

Augusta 33 Bakery
9300 Keele Street
Maple, On L6A 1P4
(905) 832-2833