Adopt a GF Blogger: Flip Cookbook & Sunset Gazpacho (SCD, GFCF)

Shirley of Gluten-Free Easily is hosting "Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger" this month. It's a cool web carnival idea. You "adopt" a gluten-free blogger, then make and post one of their recipes. It's a great way to stop stalking some of these wonderful gf websites, and actually make the recipes.

My adoptees' are Raj and Sonia of Flip Cookbook. I was first aware of their site in May when I was hosting "Go Ahead Honey It's Gluten-Free". Raj submitted Mango Kulfi. I was thrilled to know there was a GF and SCD blog with an Indian flair. I adore Indian food. And the recipes and photos are absolutely gorgeous. Everything looks so crisp and flavorful. It was so hard deciding which recipe to make!

I couldn't resist this recipe for Sunset Gazpacho. I've been wanting to try a gazpacho and this one was so colorful, and mango is a favorite flavor in our home.

The ingredients were mango, orange juice, extra-virgin olive oil, cucumber, bell pepper (I used a red one), onion (I used green onion), garlic, jalapeno (optional), lime juice, basil or cilantro, salt and pepper.

I was surprised how easy it was to make...no cooking! This will be a great recipes to impress company as well, they'll never know you didn't slave over a hot stove. This gazpacho would also be a good first course to a grilled meat or seafood meal.

I'm a big fan of Flip Cookbook. I can't wait to try more recipes. Thanks Raj and Sonia.

A Good Excuse to Play in the Dirt

My son's health seems much more vibrant when he's had plenty of time to play outdoors. While the first thing that comes to mind is Vitamin D, I have suspected there's much more to it. I have tried supplementing his wintertime diet with Cod Liver Oil, but he's still not the same. It turns out playing in dirt offers health and brain benefits. There is an interesting article called "Breathing soil bacteria makes you smarter" on Mother Nature Network. After reading this, you may want to roll up your sleeves and join your kids (or someone else's) in the sandbox.

Busy Busy

I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to post the last couple of weeks. We spent a weekend cleaning out our five year old for a colonscopy, not a fun job. He was a real trooper. I'm relieved the procedure went well. We promised him a trip to Sea World the next weekend.



This is our 36 pound child going down a large water slide at Sea World. He loved it! All you could see was an inner tube with two little hands and a top of a head flying by.



And of course, Shamu, the big attraction at Sea World. We also had a fabulous gluten-free restaurant experience in San Antonio. I will post a restaurant review as soon as I get a chance. As for tomorrow, it's the first day of kindergarten.

Grain-Free Sandwich Bread (SCD, GFCF)

This is currently our favorite bread. It reminds me of a nutty whole grain bread without the chewy things that catch in your teeth. It's adapted from Elana Amsterdam's recipe "Scrumptious Sandwich Bread". The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook has been a great source of inspiration. Her suggestion for storing grain-free bread works well also. When the bread is cooled, wrap in a paper towel, put in a plastic bag and refrigerate.

This is also my submission for this week's Fightback Friday, a real food web carnival at Food Renegade

3/4 cup Almond Butter (room temp.)
4 Large Eggs
1/2 cup Almond Flour
1/2 teas. Sea Salt
1/2 teas. Baking Soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper (I used a 4" x 8", but a bit smaller might work better).

In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the almond butter with an electric mixer. Add eggs and mix. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Spoon into loaf pan.

Bake about 35 minutes until a toothpick test comes up dry. Cool and slice.

Zoe, of Z's Cup of Tea, has a similar recipe for Mini Almond Butter Loaves. I haven't tried them yet but the photo looks yummy.

Salade Nicoise with a Twist (SCD, GFCF)

Here's yet another adaption from Dana Carpender's "Low Carb Recipes", called "Nicer Nicoise". I did not add true Nicoise olives (our secret), Kalamata's did just fine. You can use any type of olive here. I also did not add any anchovies to the vinaigrette, but they would be a nice touch.

This is my submission for this month's "Go Ahead Honey It's Gluten-Free". Sheryl of Breaking Bread is the hostess and the theme is Ooh La La Bastille Day

Salade Nicoise with a Twist

1 Head Cauliflower, diced small
1 Bag Frozen Green Beans, thawed (I used a 7 oz bag french cut)
1/3 cup Red Onion, diced
Handful Fresh Parsley, minced
Handful Olives, sliced
2 or 3 cans Tuna, drained
1 can Artichoke Hearts, quartered (check for SCD/GF ingredients)
Hard Boiled Eggs, as many as you like
Tomato Wedges, as many as you like

Vinaigrette (or use 1 cup of your favorite):

3/4 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Vinegar (any kind)
1 clove Garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 to 1 teaspoon mustard (powdered or prepared)

Steam cauliflower just until tender. Rinse under cold water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower, green beans, onion, parsley, olives and tuna.

Prepare Vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients until combined. Toss with salad. Chill. To serve, garnish with tomato wedges, egg wedges and artichoke hearts.