Staples

Today I am here to talk about staples (the ones in your pantry not in your office) because you never know when a gluten free gal pal will drop by for an unexpected happy hour, or when that long day of work leads you to a glass of wine or two. I always try and be prepared to entertain last second, so today I share with you a few staples that I keep in my pantry and fridge. You can impress in pressing time with the following:





• Cheese
  Sharp Cheddar
  Gouda
  Marble Jack
  Pepperjack

• Hummus with Raw Veggies
   I like making my own hummus but store bought tastes great too!
  Carrots, celery, or brown rice tortillas to dip
  Pretzels (try Glutino’s)

• Chips and Salsa
  Corn chips (read labels!)
  Any brand of salsa or make your own

• Fruit (all fruit is GF but these I think look great on a plate for happy hour!)
  Grapes
  Apples
  Raspberries (place chocolate chips in their center for an elegant and tasty version!)

• Chocolate
  Dark chocolate or milk chocolate squares are great!

• Gluten Free Crackers
  Marys Gone Crackers
  Nut Thins (I love the hint of sea salt flavor!)

Throw any of these together on a plate and you are good to go!

Some great gluten free brands:

o Udi’s
o Rudi’s
o Glutino
o Marys Gone Crackers
o Nut Thins
o Tinkanyada
o Enjoy Life
o Gluten Free Pantry
o Erewhon

My Current Favorite Gluten Free Beers:

o Redbridge
o Greens
o Bards

Wine is gluten free. Check out these vegan wines:

o Charles Shaw
o Frey Vineyards
o Four Chimneys Organic wines
o Hip Chicks Do Wine
o Mountain Cove
o Orleans Hill Winery
o Red Truck
o Yellowtail

Happy Friday to you readers! Enjoy your weekend!

Warning: Curves Ahead

There is a lot of newness around here. New season, new house, filled with new furniture… I am currently claiming (or trying to convince more so) that my newly sprouted spontaneous curves are the purposed result of adopting fall’s 1940’s look rather than the seven months of binging on lunches and to-go orders. I am sticking to my guns for now.

So, I am in my new place and ready for a newly organized weekly regime. My hour lunch will be blissfully spent at home, prepping dinner and indulging in healthy portioned meals. Nothing wrong with “curves” but curving outward in the belly region is a call to curb my cravings. I digress.

All that fluff (and hopefully a little flub soon) behind, a healthy and delicious recipe for you! I prepared this yesterday morning and let it simmer slowly all day. There is nothing better than coming home to the delicious aroma of roasting vegetables, and a giant hug from your kiddo.

Wild Rice & Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked wild rice

• 2 cups butternut squash (fresh or frozen), cubed

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms

• 2 cartons vegetable broth (I used Pacific)

• 1 large yellow onion, half mooned
• 3 small carrots, diced
• 3 tbs Italian seasoning
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 tbs earth balance
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbs red pepper flakes
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place all dry ingredients ingredients in your crock pot then add your broth. Let simmer on low for 6-8 hours. I started mine in the morning and let it cook all day on low.

When ready to serve, turn off remove lid and let cool for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mine turned out much more like a stew then soup but it was cooking for a while. It was hearty and delicious!

This made a lot of stew so I am excited for leftovers! It soothed my husband and my tired bones from moving all weekend! This recipe is gluten free and vegan.

Enjoy!!

Morning Breakfast Memo

As a food blogger who is writing and snapping away photos on a daily basis in hopes to capture the next perfect post, I often forget to share the everyday go-to meals. The quick, unfancy shmancy meals that don’t necessarily photograph beautifully but taste dare I say close to go-to gourmet? Maybe I can toot my own horn a bit when my breakfast takes 5 minutes to prepare the night before and magically materializes into scrumptious homemade bliss during the night. I love getting home from my early work out knowing that I won’t be frantically fumbling through the cabinets to produce a filling meal. (I can be quite ravenous after a good run, you are warned!) I have enough on my plate during the mornings before the kiddo is whisked off to school as it is, so my own hunger pains most often take a back seat. And, let’s be honest, sometimes cereal just ain’t cuttin’ it.

I make overnight oats every week. Well, okay I will admit it, practically everyday. When my mind jumbles into goo after a long day and I forget to make them the night before, I throw it together quickly before I leave for work, let them soak for an hour or two, and enjoy a bowl before nine.

I usually dig in to the oats cold, delectably dipping into their dough-like texture but today it is rainy. And cold. And icky. So I popped them into the ‘wave for a minute and poof! Warm comfort before me. I can tackle the day now.

I buy oats in bulk because I use them for breakfasts, grind them into oat flour, and of course can’t resist making cookies with them! I am the crazy lady with the 3 pound plastic bagged giant in my shopping cart and proud of it! Oh and if you want to know exactly, I buy gluten free old fashioned oats.

Please excuse my to-go bowl and spoon...

As a constant snacker I can vouch that these tykes keep me satisfied until lunch! It is a low calorie breakfast that brags oodles of nutritional value. This staple of mine stabilizes my blood sugar, and gives me a substantial dose of fiber, vitamin B, fiber and protein. Studies report that oats help keep your heart healthy and boost your immune system too!

So let me make your already bopping about to solve world peace and still get out of the house with your thinking cap and knickers on morning easier by making these yummy to your gluten free tummy oats!

Staple Overnight Oats
serves one

Ingredients

• ½ cup gluten free old fashioned oats
• ½ cup almond milk (or milk of choice-I use soy milk too)
• 1 tbs chia seeds
• 1 tbs flax seeds
• 1-2 tbs ground cinnamon ( I love the stuff!)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbs agave nectar (or honey if you prefer)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and place in the refrigerator overnight. If you forget to make them the night before (guilty) you can make them the morning of and let them seat for at least an hour. To enjoy warm, place in the microwave for 1 minute.

I top mine with almond butter usually or whatever fruit is in season.

Lunch in the Gluten Free Cosmos

The gluten free stars have aligned in the Cosmos. Well, they have aligned at Cosmo's…on Brookside! I arrived late as usual fashionably late to meet my girlfriend Abby a couple days ago and was pleasantly surprised to see a gluten free menu waiting for me. Yes, you read that right. Not a gluten option list, or a gluten free teeny tiny section hidden under the scrumptious sounding, flaky breaded, gooey dough dishes, but an entire gluten free menu. Out. Of. This. World.

The only thing difficult about dining here gluten free was deciding what to order! After much deliberation I finally decided on the Vegetarian Sandwich: Avocado, garlic-dill cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, alfalfa, tomatoes, cucumbers & honey balsamic dressing piled high on a toasted gluten free bagel. ($9.49) The combination of smooth and crunchy textures burst through the flavors of the fresh cheeses. All sandwiches come with a side and I myself can never refuse chips and salsa if it is offered.

I had to catch myself a few times during my midday feast realizing that I was not contributing much to the conversation. I think I was overwhelmed with joy that I was enjoying a sandwich at lunch without a lot of diatribe allergy hoopla I usually have to go through with my waiter.

The service was fast and friendly, just what I look for in a work lunch. One hour can hardly be truly enjoyed if you are worried that your food may not make to the table with ample time to eat. The atmosphere was bubbly, and boasts artistic and local vibes.
A great meal awaits you anytime at Cosmo, and I think I may have to return for happy hour and see if the its name holds true to that long listed menu of cocktails…Gluten free appetizers anyone?

To view the entire gluten free menu click the link below:
Cosmo Cafe Gluten Free Menu

Cosmo Cafe
3334 South Peoria Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74133-2061
(918) 933-4848
http://cosmo-cafe.com/

Comfort through the Yo-yo's

Yo-yoing weather, early morning work-outs, and an upcoming move into our new house has left me with pretty pooped! When I am constantly whiplashed from one thing to the next, I turn to comfort in the kitchen and sink into the calming coma of fresh herbs, rich olive oil, and garlic.


I love coming home from a long day at work and cooking meals with my husband. Even if by cooking I mean sitting with a glass of red wine and a smile while my husband helps by prep. Team work right?

This pasta cozies up to the fresh vegetables perfectly to your tummy on a brisk fall evening. My son had two helpings and was begging for more of the mushrooms. He said they tasted like the “fire place mushrooms” (his favorite hibachi grill restaurant). Food that warms my soul and a child's words that warm my heart.

Perfectly Simple Pasta

Ingredients

• 3 cups Brown Rice Pasta (I used Tinkanyada)
• 2 cups spinach
• 1.5 cups crimini mushrooms
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Vegetable Broth (I used Pacific Low Sodium)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup pasta sauce
• Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

Prepare your pasta according to the package and set aside. I cooked mine in vegetable broth for extra flavor.

Heat the olive oil in a medium sauce pan and add garlic. When you begin to smell the garlic aroma add your mushrooms and stir to coat. The mushrooms should soften after about 7 minutes. Add a heavy amount of Italian seasoning and stir. Turn your heat down to low and add cherry tomatoes, basil, sauce and spinach. Toss to combine and let warm for a couple minutes.

Remove from the heat and add to your pasta. Toss and Serve!

Leon's on the Restless Ribbon

There are many different kinds of sports bars. Some are constantly crowded within a shoebox of a space, with the regulars slugging dollar drafts at 10:00 in the morning on a Tuesday. Some are large and spread out with so much to explore you cannot focus on the game. And then there are those few that you frequent because they are exactly the medium you want in a sports bar and restaurant. The place where you walk in and get goose bumps from the sounds of football whistles and the savory smells of homemade pizzas and wings. The place where you are likely to run into fellow football worshippers that will join you for a cold, local brew or two. The place that although raves restlessness in it’s name, is comforting and makes you feel as at home as you would be in your living room with friends over …without the clean up.


Leon’s on the Restless Ribbon.

I have been going to Leon’s since they opened their doors and have enjoyed everything from their lunch and dinner to their vast bloody mary bar (game day recovery right?). A first partaker of their pizza, I have since chosen many gluten free options and have determined all to be a great gluten free meal game plans.

 There is a weekend item that I do crave quite often that I feel would be the perfect option to boast about today. Leon’s Egg White Tacos (7.95): two white corn tortillas filled with a fluffy egg whites, peppers and onion scramble, pico de gallo, freshly sliced avocado and a choice of side. I never pass up the breakfast potatoes. Simple, yet bordering on rich, these tacos combine breakfast flavors with Mexican flair. Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my keyboard…

Leons is great for lunch, happy hour on the patio, dinner, or to mosey into on a lazy Sunday for an NFL game.

Not feeling gluten free breakfast food? Check out these other gluten free menu options I have tried in the past:

• Jerry’s Jalapeno’s
• Hummus with Vegetables only on the side
• Field of Dreams Salad
• Mediterranean Salad with no pita
• Build Your Own Omelet (no toast) potatoes on side
• Buffalo Fries with Ranch


Leons
http://www.eatatleons.com/

3301 S Peoria (Brookside) Tulsa, OK 74105
3301 W Kenosha (Broken Arrow)Tulsa, OK 74012

Mon-Thurs: 11:00am -11:00pm
Fri- Sat: 11:00am – 1:00am
Sun: 11:00am – 11:00pm

Indie's Insalata

I only got pictures before the dressing and seasoning as I prepped early!

Summer has unofficially ended my dear readers and to be quite honest, I am thrilled! I do love the summer days and nights, lounging by the pool with a margarita in hand but nothing is better in my book than cool breezes, the drifting smells of a chiminea, the constant background noise of football, and a glass of pinot noir on a patio. AH, I feel my skin and bones relaxing from the past three months of scorching heat just writing that.


Labor Day weekend is always jam packed and bursting to the brim with family fun affairs. We fit in as much as possible which usually leaves me pretty run down by the end. Hence the short post and sheer lack of writing creativity in today which I do apologize.

A bit of recap event that I must share because it involved the food highlight of my weekend was Saturday night’s family rendezvous over pizza and football. My alma mater TU played OU and we had my husband’s side of the family over to my in-laws to take in the game. The menu? Pizza, a fare that used to make me faint because I may be limited to my options. But no fear my dear, since Tulsa now has a few pizzerias offering kind pizza to gluten free tummies, I was able to stuff myself not just with new family on-goings but also a delicious homemade Italian style salad and a few slices of pie. Pizza pie that is of course! We ordered out from Hideaway pizza who most recently adopted gluten free pizza options on their menu! I won’t have to shy away from Hideaway anymore! Honestly now, who can resist their enormous choices of toppings and combinations?!

My mother in law asked me to make a salad for the meal and I decided it was only fitting to make it Italian. Pizza…Italian salad…see the dotted line connection….It was scrumptious and received many compliments from the fam! I didn’t mind shoving pizza into my mouth eating an extra piece of pizza since I had my fill of greens on the side.

Alas, my college team didn’t win. However, this salad is most certainly a winner and will be repeated! Add any protein and you could easily make a meal out it. The following recipe was made to satisfy a crowd so it is quite large, but you could always half it if you aren’t entertaining a country like I was on Saturday!

Indie’s Insalata

• 2 heads romaine, cleaned and chopped

• 1 can artichokes, drained and rinsed

• 1 can sliced pepperoncinis, drained and rinsed

• 1 package of fresh cherry tomatoes

• 4 tbs Italian seasoning

• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

• Italian dressing, store bought or use the homemade one below!

Toss first 5 ingredients together in a large salad bowl. Add dressing right before serving.


Italian Dressing
adpated slightly from All Recipes

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1-2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cloves fresh garlic

Place all ingredients into a blender, vitamix, or food processor and blend until smooth!