Perfect Picnics

Outdoor dining can be a challenge on a gluten-free diet because many of the foods associated with picnics are typically gluten oriented. Gluten-free foods generally do not keep as long and can suffer quality if made too far in advance of your outing. The trick to great gluten-free picnics is to choose the right foods that will keep and travel well.

Here are a few ideas:

Snacks:

• Gluten-free corn chips with Bean & Cheese Dip: Dip should be warm
• Robert’s Snack Foods: Many flavors and varieties, most are gluten-free
• Ener-G Foods Pretzels
• Barbara’s Natural Potato Chips: Arguably the best gf potato chip on the market!
• Fresh vegetables
• Fresh fruit

Breads and baked goods:

• Chili & Fresh Cornbread Muffins: Bake the morning of your picnic
• Strawberry Bread: Bake the morning of or the night before
• Carrot Spiced Muffins: Bake the night before

Salads:

• Cherry Tomato and Fresh Corn Salad
• Tropical Fruit Salad
• Chicken Pasta Salad w/Tomatoes & Kalamata Olives
• Fresh Corn & Black Bean Salad
• Summer Coleslaw
• Pasta Salad w/Corn & Chipotle Dressing

Main Dishes:

• Grilled Half Chicken with Abodo Recado
• Grilled Brats with Onion Marmalade: Marmalade can be made the day before
• Barbecued Pork Ribs with Blackberry BBQ Sauce: Make the day before and rewarm
• Chicken Burgers with Pesto: These are great if you can grill on your picnic
• Fried Chicken

Desserts:

• Blueberry Sour Cream Pie: Make the day before
• Lime Cheesecake Pie: Make the day before
• Decadent Brownies: Make the day before
• Cookies Make the day before
• Lemon Squares: Make the day before

We hope these ideas have enticed your taste buds and have you looking forward to your first summer picnic.

Have a great summer!

Perfecting GF Coffee Cakes

The secret to a great, moist gluten-free coffee cake is in following a few simple tips that you can apply to any ‘gluten’ coffee cake with terrific results.

A great coffee cake recipe is wonderful to have in your repertoire. Coffee cakes are easy to make and perfect to serve for breakfast, as a snack or for dessert.

Tips for a perfect gluten-free coffee cake:

1. Use no more than 2 cups of gluten-free flour.
2. We use the Gluten Free Pantry’s Country French Bread Mix as a straight substitution for flour with great results.
3. Use 1 teaspoon baking powder AND 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to give your cake lift.
4. Use 1/2 cup vegetable oil instead of butter.
5. Use 3 large eggs
6. Use 1 cup gf yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk

For Crumb Topping:

1. Use no more than 2 Tablespoons gf flour in the mixture
2. Sprinkle the topping over the top of the cake after 40 minutes of baking, then continue to bake for the remainder of specified time.

Try one of our favorite recipes this month, ‘Cranberry Nut Coffee Cake’ . This coffee cake is truly delicious and will hold its moist texture the next day.

Springtime Dinners

Light & Satisfying Meals for your Busy Spring Nights

This time of year always seems to be a blur. Most families are busy with the kid’s extra-curricular activities, their own commitments, work, school, yard work and so much more. This spring keep your energy up by enjoying light & satisfying meals. Here are some simple, delicious meals that you and your family can enjoy during this busy time of year.

Vietnamese Shrimp & Chicken Rolls served with Simple Cucumber Salad with Rice Wine Vinegar

Salmon & Dill Quesadillas served with Romaine Salad with Oranges & Strawberries

Grilled Tuna with Herbed Cream served with steamed rice and sautéed asparagus or green beans.

Grilled Herbed Porterhouse Steaks with Fresh Herbs & Olive Butter served with Braised Potatoes and a simple green salad.

Linguini w/Fresh Tomato & Basil served with Lettuce & Fennel Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Broiled Salmon w/Ginger & Scallions served with Lemon Rice