It was so fun walking about chatting with new and old friends.  The music was playing from some local musicians.  It was so festive and fun to know that everyone made the effort to come out and support the island's market in spite of the construction.


Just off to the side from the main market is the Youth Market.  I was so impressed with the artistic talents within my community.  I spoke to all of the artist and learned that their market is in high demand and thus the need for a separate space from the main market as to not distract from the adults ... eh um! Their work is that good! I spoke to June, 12 years old who told me she has been selling her jewelry for 3 years. She decided to make jewelry after taking a class. Her parents help her get supplies but otherwise this young entrepreneur is multitasking and not sitting still or idle by any means.  June continued to make the jewelry as I talked to her about her passion for jewelry making.  You can also find some absolutely gorgeous wood carvings and more crafts as the season gets into full swing in the coming weeks.  The Youth Market has student musicians scheduled throughout the season as well. 
Please be sure to shop at the Youth Market and select some treasures and gifts for your family and friends.

Just in case you are needing the details check out this page on how to get points for the launch today of @Foodcaching

I was recently sent some samples of Think Thin Products.  These bars come in a variety of flavors.  I tried the Brownie Crunch, Chocolate Fudge and the White Chocolate.  I must say they are a tasty way to curb a craving and give you a good snack - No Sugar, High Protein - 20 grams and the best part, they are Gluten Free! The protein comes from soy, almonds and whey. One bar will keep you satisfied for hours.

I like these, not because they promote weight managment, but because they are a healthy snack for people with Celiac Disease and Diabetes when you are on the go and need to keep your energy up.

You can buy the bars on the web site in so many more flavors such as; Chocolate Strawberry, Lemon Cream Pie, Tangerine Cremesicle and more. Click on this link to see Think Thin promos - and let them know you heard about them on the Gluten Free Foodies blog.  You can also find them at Whole Foods Markets and Trader Joes.

Grab and go ... Enjoy!
Lisa
glutenfreefoodie@gmail.com

I love love love to find good deals and Gluten Free food!  FOODCACHING is the latest and greatest way to go out with your friends to find good deals and food that everyone can eat and enjoy!
What is FOODCACHING?

It is the latest in Social adventures with food and geocaching to find great deals and new restaurants for your favorite foods including Gluten Free food!

Just download the FREE APP  for iPhone and Android users at
Foodcaching.com

Sign up by creating a user name and password, add your preferences to find the foods that you like - YES! there is a VEGAN and GLUTEN FREE option! Put in your locations or favorite neighborhoods that you frequent and your done. 

You will get real time info on deals happening at participating restaurants! So you may be thinking ... what kind of deals are we talking about ... How does this sound? "Five tables open at 6 PM.  Make a reservation for one of the five tables and get 30% off the total bill!

All you need to get deals like this and more is to sign up, hunt and go!  Share the deals with your friends, brag about it and participate in the game if you want and get Food Cash Points.  How fun is that?!?!



Have fun on your Foodcaching adventure ...
GO FOODCACHING NOW!

Lisa
glutenfreefoodie@gmail.com

This week Huffington Post posted an article from the Dailymeal.com
asking the question of 13 Chef's 5 Favorite Kitchen Tools.  It made me think about my tools, my drawers and shelves of tools that I love in my kitchen.  What tools would be on my list?  Well, oddly enough over the weekend I realized what my top 2 favorite things are in my kitchen.  One was almost taken away from me.  I have a deep love for my iphone and my laptop.  I love them because they make my life fun and easy.  I can take notes about recipes or food easily on my iphone or laptop, easy Internet access wherever I go and when I discover something awesome I can take pictures instantly.  Of course, I also write my blog on my laptop and thus the story ...

Well, Saturday morning was not good from the start.  I woke up feeling as if I had been tossed about and beaten. It was a cold, grey ... extra dreary day ... not sure why I got out of bed but I did.  I made my coffee and crawled over to my computer.  I had just a sip or two and BOOM!  I dropped my cup of coffee all over my laptop! I acted quickly and turned the computer over...screamed...and said a few words that a lady should not say in public but since I was in my own home .... $#@+!!!! ... took the battery out ... grabbed towels and coddled it as if it were a screaming baby. 
All I could do was sit in front of it ... looking and wanting to sob but my body hurt too much.  I was in shock and then began to think of everything that was in that laptop ...

When I turned over and placed it in a safe spot away from sun and other elements, I propped it up on a bunch of microfiber extra absorbent towels hoping to draw any moisture out of it ASAP! I called and texted a few people to ask .... What the heck do I do?1? Can it be saved?!?! People suggested putting it in a brown paper bag with rice.  Rice in a Gluten Free kitchen, I've got that! The computer guy said, don't do it because it will make it worse.  I ended up putting a small dish of the rice below the computer,
not touching it, hoping that maybe it would just do something to help draw any last few drops of the coffee out.  It was suggested to me to wait at least 48 hours - Do not touch it or turn it back over!
 ... walk away from the laptop. 

Now ... I am not a patient woman when I want something to happen.  I prefer to say that I am a passionate woman because when I feel connected to something that is so near and dear to my heart I want it NOW... not wait and see what may happen in 48 hours!

Let's just say it was a very hard 48 hours to pass ... but all is sort of well ... the screen has a few blemishes ... the keyboard lost a key ... I had to give it CPR of sorts with compressed air ... the keyboard also got a good swabbing with alcohol  and Q-tips several times while the battery was still out to take away the stickies and stains. Even now as I type I have a sudden urge for a great big cup of coffee ... where is that aroma coming from as the whooshing sound of my fingers hit the keys ... grrr ...
and yet I am thankful that I still have my old friend of exactly one year and twenty two days!


My Gluten Free Kitchen Favorites ...
This list is in no particular order.  Probably more than 5 ... I can't bother to count them because I love them all equally ... all purchased over many years and at various stores across the country.

Offset spatula for decorating cakes, cupcakes, unsticking the sides of cake pans ...

Scoop measures to pour the exact amount - mini, medium or mega muffin. I use them to make waffles or pancakes or anything that has a batter or dough.

A good set of measuring spoons, I also have (not pictured) the rectangular ones that are great to get into spice jars.

Drizzle spoon - not sure if that is the real name but it is the spoon that looks like someone cut off the tip, great for ... drizzling chocolate or sauce on a cake or plate.


Parchment Paper is a MUST in a Gluten Free kitchen because the dough and batters are so sticky ... and it is so much easier to clean up! Toss in the trash, although I use mine a few times if I am making batch of cookies and there isn't a much of crumbs.

Spring scoops! Love them! As many sizes as you can find.  I would suggest at least a small, medium and large.

I am absolutely amazed that this Gluten Free Key Lime Cake is from a mix.  So much flavor, so moist! Unbelieveable! 

I love that Solterra Foods are - Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, without the added saturated fats, preservatives and sugars. You will not believe how moist this cake is and the flavor.  Nobody will know it is Gluten Free or that is was made from a box! Our little secret ...
Elaine Valenza-Opdahl started making the products for her son who was diagnosed with a wheat allergy.  Her son has been living Gluten Free and has seen dramatic health improvements without missing his favorite foods thanks to mom!  Lucky for us she is now selling these products and will hopefully be in a store near you soon.

Chef Fernanda makes the absolute BEST MOLE!
Ole!
Lisa
glutenfreefoodie@gmail.com

If there is one thing that I highly recommend you do this weekend ... make some Gluten Free King Aurthur Pancakes or Waffles!

Ok, I know I say this all the time but ... I love waffles!
I tried the new King Arthur Gluten Free Pancake Mix (same mix and recipe to make waffles) today.  King Arthur sent me a package to try.  I couldn't wait to heat the griddle and mix up the batter! The recipe is very easy for both pancakes and waffles, just follow directions on the back of the box. Please note you will need - 2 large eggs, butter or oil and 2 cups of milk.
 I used grapeseed oil and coconut milk.  Once you mix all ingredients, you set the batter aside for 10 minutes to thicken.  I usually add, vanilla and cinnamon to my batter but this time I wanted to see what the batter tasted like on its own.  I wanted to see if the batter had any flavor, most mixes don't.
All I can say is ...
Wow! I love the flavor of this mix, it doesn't need anything added! They have the perfect amount of sweet creamy vanilla flavor and the edges crisp up nicely. It is so easy to make for your family and guests. They will love them!  (I won't tell them you used a mix if you don't.)

Get some today for the weekend!

Enjoy!
Lisa
glutenfreefoodie@gmail.com

Slow Cooked Aji Limo Pork Roast and Gluten Free Beer! This is so easy and since the winter weather is not giving up it is perfect to warm you up. Make several meals out of it – shredded pork tacos, with rice and beans or just eat it as a hearty shredded pork soup! Ingredients 2 lb pork roast shoulder ¼ cup Spanish Olive Oil 1 large yellow onion 1 Tbl garlic or 2-3 cloves, chopped 1 bottle of Gluten Free Beer ½ cup your favorite peppers – peperocinis, poblano, green or jalapeño ¼ tsp cumin ¼ tsp Matiz Smoked Sea Salt ½ tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp smoked pimenton 1 1/2 cups Lime juice 1 Tbl Aji Limo Paste Coat the bottom of the slow cooker with the Spanish olive oil and turn it on high. Dice the onion, garlic and peppers and start to sauté them in the slow cooker about 10-15 minutes, cover. Add the Pork Roast to the slow cooker, cover and let it brown for 15 minutes. Use tongs to turn the pork roast over to brown the other side for 15 minutes, move the onions, peppers and garlic around and put some on top of the roast. When both sides of the pork are browned, add the bottle of Gluten Free beer, I love New Grist!          Make sure you like the flavor of the Gluten Free Beer because it will be the base of the flavor of the meal. Add the lime juice and the rest of the spices, the Aji Limo in the sauce and on top of the pork (see picture). Cover and cook on high for one hour then reduce to low for 5 hours. The pork will be done when the juices are clear and the internal temperature of the meat is between 160 -170 degrees. When the pork is done, use 2 large forks to shred the meat to the size that you prefer, large chunks or smaller shreds or pieces. I like a combination of both – large and small pieces! I add a little extra Aji Limo to the mix as it cools and marvel at the aroma, flavor and color! Enjoy! Lisa glutenfreefoodie@gmail.com