Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan February 17-21, 2014

This weekend is Family Day weekend here in Ontario, so Monday is a holiday. On Saturday night my husband and I went out for dinner to celebrate Valentine's day, and as a result the whole cooking for the week thing got pushed back a little. This morning I'm getting ready to watch some Olympic hockey and spend some quality time with my family. Have a great week!

Monday: Baked Chicken Tacos (Bake or fry 4 chicken breasts, then flake with a fork. Mix in 1/2 jar of black bean salsa, and heat through. Place in corn tortilla shells with more salsa & grated cheese. Line a casserole dish with tacos and bake at 350F for about 15 min. Serve with condiments like guacamole & hot sauce)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Delectable Gluten Free Ice Cream Brownie Cupcakes

Looking for a sophisticated yet simple dessert for Valentine's Day or other special occasion? This dessert idea can be put together in no time, and can be dressed up for fancier gatherings or served as is for a simple but elegant dessert.

I made these using a brownie mix from Bob's Red Mill that is both gluten and dairy free, but if you wanted to use pre-made brownies or soft, chewy cookies the prep time could be cut down even more. My son can't tolerate much cow's milk, so I used a goat milk ice cream from a company called Hewitt's, but a non-dairy ice cream could be an easy substitute.

This is the perfect activity for kids to help out with. 

February's Cookbook of the Month: Let's Eat Out Around the World Gluten Free and Allergy Free

Let's Eat Out Around the World Gluten Free and Allergy Free

Kim Koeller and Robert La France

Eat safe gluten free and allergy free meals in your home and at any restaurant around the corner or anywhere across the globe.

Packed with everything you need to know to prepare meals or navigate a menu in any eating establishment, "Let's Eat Out Around the World Gluten Free and Allergy Free" is an easy-to-use resource that helps you to: Confidently avoid meals with gluten, wheat, corn, dairy, egg, fish, peanut, shellfish, soy, and tree nuts Discover 175-plus dishes across seven ethnic cuisines including French, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Steak and Seafood, Chinese, and Thai Understand ingredients, food preparation, hidden allergens and cross-contact Ask the right questions and order safe meals with or without gluten free menus and allergy charts Plan trips, holidays, and business travel with detailed checklists for snacks, airlines, hotels, and cruise lines Explore overseas destinations with chef translation cards and international travel tips.
Publisher: Demos
Publication Date: January 16, 2014

Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan: February 10-14, 2014

Monday: Veggie Kebabs & Savoury Quinoa  (Quinoa: 2 cups broth, 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup frozen mixed veggies. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 12-15 min. Season. Simple.)

Some Gluten Free Athletes to Watch in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

For all the debate surrounding the benefits and drawbacks of the gluten free diet, there are several athletes competing in this year's Sochi Olympics who are gluten free either due to Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance, or by choice. 

I personally find these athletes to be an inspiration to kids who must eat gluten free, showing them that anything is possible, regardless of their food restrictions. 

Giveaway: Win a Last Snowman Prize Pack Including Gifts from Boiron & Dot and Lil!

This book isn't a gluten free or Celiac related bookk, but instead is a great children's book that both my 4 year old and my 17 month old enjoyed. Although most posts on here have to do with food, I also love writing about products that my kids love or other fun stuff.

I'm very happy to be part of the blog tour for The Last Snowman. This book is such a fun and touching story about a girl just on that line between childhood and becoming a young woman. Written in the form of a children's book, it celebrates a mother's love for her child and those bittersweet moments when you realize your baby isn't a baby anymore.

I enjoyed this book because although it's enjoyable for adults, the illustrations and short bursts of text are great for kids too. The theme of growing up went completely over my four year old's head, but the fun of making a huge snowman and watching it tumble over were right up his alley.

Product Review: Pinty's Gluten Free Chicken Breast Fillets

Source

If you watch any tennis in Canada, you've probably seen the Pinty's commercials that play during the tournaments featuring Canadian phenom Eugenie Bouchard. I even know the slogan by heart: Pinty's-Eat well, live well, be well.

That's what I call effective advertising.

After I'd watched the ad for Pinty's gluten free breaded chicken breast fillets several times, my husband said Why don't you pick up a box and see if they're any good?

Gluten Free Weekly Meal Plan February 3-7, 2014

Monday: Sloppy Joes (Recipe)

Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Sloppy Joes

My son loves Sloppy Joes (what kid doesn't?), but for some reason we don't make them very often. I had originally planned on making some turkey ones, but ground beef was on sale so I went for the original, classic version. These are just as saucy, messy, and delicious as I remember them being when I was young.

This recipe has some vegetables mixed in, to increase the total amount of the recipe, add a bit of texture, and also add some extra nutrients. I used bell peppers and carrots, but celery, parsnip, or any other vegetable that can hold up to the sauce would be perfect. If you're looking for an alternative to chilli on Super Bowl Sunday, these would be a great substitute.