Mexican Flan

Since I am a big fan of Mexican food, I was sure I would like this flan. I got the recipe from Wheat-Free Recipes & Menus book by Carol Fenster. It said it is an almost foolproof version to make in the microwave. Well, I made it and it was good but I am still laughing because I did so many things wrong and it was still good. I did not have a 2-cup glass measuring cup, so I had to nuke the sugar and water in 2 batches. I did not have large eggs, so I used extra large and jumbo. I think I burned the sugar a little for the first batch. I ended up with a lot of extra mixture so I filled the ramekins all the way and they over flowed in the microwave. Maybe custard cups are bigger. I also was not sure what power level was medium. Anyway, I ate one while it was still warm. Oh, and I added nutmeg (good move on my part). I took a What Celebrity Chef Are You quiz on FaceBook and I am Rachel Ray so my strength is cooking with extra virgin olive oil and garlic, not baking.

gluten-free girl

I just purchased Shauna James Ahern's book gluten-free girl and although I am only on page 45 I feel compelled to comment on it already. She is a teacher of writing and it shows. She is so prolific. Reading her work is such a treat. Even if you are not into cooking, the book is amazing. It is such a good example of good writing, it draws you in and compels you to want to read more. I had thought about purchasing it when it came out but never did and now I was able to use a 40% off coupon at Borders Book Store. Her blog has the same quality of writing as the book. She really puts her "voice" into it as we teach children to do when they are learning to write.

Betty Crocker

Just as I thought, when I went to the Met Food supermarket on my corner, they did not have the GF Betty Crocker mixes. It is a small store, so I expected as much. Next, I'll check my local Key Food but I'm not too hopeful there either. I'll have to go to Stop and Shop or Shop Rite.
I was going to make pancakes with canned sliced pears and melted chocolate this morning but it turns out I had used all the chips for cookies. So I improvised. Since I had already opened the can of pears and just put the pears and a little syrup. It was fine, in fact I find the chocolate a little to sweet lately for my taste buds.
I have been eating Activia yogurt for lunch at work and it is very good. I really do think that it helps my stomach.

Cinco de Mayo

I really do love Mexican food and enchiladas are one of my favorites. However, I have not attempted to make them at home. So I went with tacos. I use Goya pink beans (canned is quick and easy). I cut up a green pepper, white onion and garlic. I saute the pepper, then add onion, last garlic. Next, the sofrito and seasonings. Throw in the beans and tomato sauce and 15 minutes later-done. I use corn tacos, salsa and extra sharp cheddar cheese. It is so good, I enjoy it so much. I did not have a margarita but that would have been a very nice addition. I wish I had remembered to take a picture.
I also bought the Starbucks gluten free orange cake and it was very good. Perfect, in fact.

Lasagna

Today I made lasagna. I did not have to make the sauce, that was already made and it had sausage and fresh basil in it. And it was a homemade sauce, I do not use jar sauce. I used Tinkyada lasagna, and it was good. It will taste even better tomorrow when all the flavors come together even more. It is always a little messy the first day. I can not resist picking while I'm preparing it, so it is a little bit of a dairy overload. I guess I should have thought to take the photo before we ate!

Lunch was chickpea salad with onion and cucumber, salsa and the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to taste. Of course, pepper and a little oregano. I was going to serve the salad over arugula but I got my manicure and did not feel like stopping at the store on the way home.
Desert was Pamela's chocolate chip and walnut cookies. Two are more than enough for me.

Stomach Woes

As usual, I have good days and bad days with my stomach. However, this past week was not fun. I notice that if I over eat I feel really, really bad. Also butter bothers me, soy seems to bother me now too and I can not drink much coffee. Alcohol is just about out of the picture too. I suppose it is a combination of my sensitive stomach and being 57 but some people seem to be able to eat like horses and drink like a fish with no problems.
While I'm complaining, I might as well also say that not being exposed to computers until middle age also seems to put one at a disadvantage. My skills do not seem up to par when I go on blogs and see what others are able to do. I still have to learn how to make a tiny photo for Gluten Free Living. It is almost like having a second job to learn new things.

Muffins

I was going to attempt date nut bread sans a recipe but decided to go with date nut muffins using my Pamela's Mix. As usual the results were excellent. The dates made the muffins moist with a very nice flavor. I had 2 after dinner and I'm looking foward to breakfast as well.