Gluten-Free Gourmet Burgers

Happy Monday!  The weather is supposed to be pushing 90 today, which means, let the BBQs begin!!  Summertime (well, just about anytime for Crosby, my hubby) means time for some finger-lickin' BBQ. 

We were definitely inspired by the sun yesterday and decided to BBQ some burgers.  Now, in honor of Celiac Awareness Month (which starts tomorrow), we couldn't just make mediocre burgers.  We had to go all out, and we did!

Gourmet BBQ Burgers
Ingredients:

• Grass fed ground beef (anyone find this for less than $6.99 lb.?!?!...if so PLEASE share!)
• Mas Guapo organic seasoning
• Sharp cheddar cheese slices
• Red onion slices
• Applewood smoked bacon (love Trader Joe's!)
• Tomato slices
• Udi's Gluten Free whole grain hamburger buns
• Condiments (we like mustard, ketchup and relish)

If you haven't tried Mas Guapo seasoning, trust me, you are MISSING OUT!  Since buying this seasoning for my hubby for Christmas we have been addicted to this stuff (I think he's even added it to our eggs! Ha!). 

Directions:
Pretty simple (just like we like it!).

1. Sprinkle the ground beef with Mas Guapo (as much as desired), mix together and form into patties.
2. BBQ that mess (I'll have to ask the hubbs to chime in here with any tips...this is his department!).  Add sliced cheese towards the end, if desired.
3. Slice the onions and BBQ those too (man did this transform our taste for onions!  Delish!).
4. Meanwhile, the Mrs. is cooking the bacon so it's ready when hubbs is done BBQin' (or visa versa...whatever your strength in the kitchen, or on the grill, go with that!  We like to cook together, but that's just us).
5. Pile it all together and enjoy!

We paired our burgers with a simple salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, & sunflower seeds) and potato chips. 

*Note: One thing we forget was our yummy, ripe avocado that was just sitting on the counter waiting to be sliced!  Shoot...don't make that same mistake. :)

And now...for the reveal!  Trust me, it was as delicious as it looks. 

I can honestly say, that was likely the BEST burger I have ever eaten!
Thank you Mas Guapo for transforming the flavors in our kitchen.  And most important, thank you Crosby for being the best BBQer around!!!

Brain Fog

Have you ever tried to write when your head is congested?  Man is it difficult. 

This Food Free Friday post is dedicated to Kleenex...my saving grace this week! :)

*Image from stampedpapercoblog.com

I've had this cold/flu business off and on for a few weeks now and it's totally clouding my brain.  I've got all these great posts I want to write (like a recap of Nourished, A Food Blogger Conference, and the GFAF Expo) yet I can't pull my thoughts together.  Even worse, I've got some great recipes I want to try, but I'm so exhausted I can't even consider it. 

I've felt like the posts I have written were painfully compiled and just not quite where I'd like them to be...  Can anyone relate?  Does the snot in your head cloud your thoughts too?  Ha...I know that's disgusting, but it just made me giggle!

However, the positive side of this is I've been napping like crazy, so I'm beginning to feel like I'm catching up on my sleep! Yay! Even better is I've been able to see even more how loving my husband is. His work has been crazy, yet he's been taking care of me as best he can when he's home. 

So, I want to know.  What do other writers/bloggers do when their minds are clouded by illness?  Do you all just squint your eyes at the blaringly white computer screen and write what you hope to be something legible? 

Please share...just not your germs! ;)

My Gluten-Free Monday

Anyone else suffering from a "case of the Monday's" today?  It's only 9:30 and I'm already ready for a nap.  Granted, that's likely due to being sick all weekend (lovely congestion just doesn't want to permanently leave...we're going on a few weeks here! Come on!), but regardless of being sick or not, Monday's are usually lazy cooking days in our house.  Are we the only ones?

Doubtful, considering the above famous coined phrase from Office Space ("case of the Monday's").  If we're feeling that way I work, I doube we gain crazy energy when facing making dinner at home.  Side note, if you have not yet watched the movie, Office Space, you should add it to your list ASAP! ;) 

Anywho, as I sit here with my clouded brain, I can't help but be grateful for...quick, easy, and delicious meals!  On today's menu, quesadills and layered bean dip! 

Check out the layered up quesadilla...
hubby made these! Fat & delish!

Quesadillas
Ingredients:

• Brown Rice Tortillas (we prefer Trader Joes brand)
• Mexican Shredded Cheese Blend
• Turkey Lunch Meat (sliced) or Cooked Chicken (shredded)
• Butter

Directions: (just in case)

1. Coat the outside of a tortilla, lightly, with butter.
2. Turn the tortilla over, fill half with desired amount of cheese and meat.
3. Fold in half and place on a nonstick pan over medium heat.
4. Cook until both sides are crispy.  And...done!  Make as many as you need.

Layered Bean Dip
Ingredients:

• Refried Beans
• Guacamole (again, we prefer Trader Joes brand)
• Plain Yogurt (or sour cream if you don't like yogurt)
• Salsa (Trader Joes garlic salsa is delicious!)
• Shredded Cheese (optional if you want to cut down on your dairy)
• Sliced Olives
• Tortilla Chips (I know I reference Trader Joes A LOT, but we are addicted to their organic tortilla chips with no salt!  Seriously, no salt on the chips and they're delish.  We get plenty of salt from the rest of this dinner, and you don't even miss the salt on the chips.)

Directions:

1. Heat refried beans, in a small pot, over medium heat. 
2. Use a small glass dish to layer your dip in (bread pan size tends to work for 2-3 people, a larger 8x8 square dish or pie dish for 4 or more).
3. Layer following the above ingredient list: beans, guacamole, yogurt, salsa, cheese, olives.  And...done!  Dip in your chips and enjoy!  You may want to dish some up into containers for lunch tomorrow before you dig in, or you may eat it all tonight! :)

Dinner is served!
*Don't forget tortilla chips.

This dinner is a fail safe guaranteed to go quickly and keep your tummies happy. 

*Note: Whenever Crosby and I make this (or any other dish) we always make enough for lunch the next day.  I don't know about you and your family, but we definitely don't get up early enough to make lunch in the morning.  I barely give myself enough time to make some toast and slap almond butter on it! :)

So, what's your fail safe, quick dinner?  We'd love to add it to our menu, so PLEASE SHARE! :)

Beauty Routine Made Easy-Food Free Friday

Time for Food Free Friday! 

Today I wanted to take some time and highlight some gluten-free beauty products that I am loving.  I don't know about you, but I spend maybe fifteen minutes getting ready for work. For me, the longer I can sleep in the better.  My typical morning goes as such:  alarm goes off, hit snooze 2-3 times, fly out of bed, brush my teeth, do my make-up, do something with my hair, throw on some clothes (ok, I do have to pause and say I am one of those crazies who spends 10-15 minutes picking out my outfit the night before!), grab breakfast and lunch (again, night before packing is a MUST for this gluten-free gal) and run out the door!  That being said, I am always excited for ways I can shorten my beauty routine.

Enter in these two gems.  I came across both in just the last two weeks and they have already trasformed my day! :)  Don't you just love a good product that you can trust and that seems to make your life easier?  I do!

Nars Eyeshadow base

Eyeshadow base-This smudge-proof eyeshadow base from Nars is amazing!  Seriously, since using this primer it seems like my eye shadow has just improved dramatically.  I'm just obsessed with how much longer my eye shadow stays on.  Usually, by the end of the day my eyes are a bit irritated and my eye shadow is creased and wearing off.  Well, no more!  I was impressed when Love, my trusty Sephora employee, recommended it as the one thing in Sephora she would most DEFINITELY buy (can I just say though, that comment leads me to believe she recieves free products...summer job at Sephora!?!?Hmm...not a bad idea!).  Now, after two weeks of use, I would have to agree.

RAL Nude Peppermint Lipgloss

Lipgloss-I know I've spoken a lot about my friends at Red Apple Lipstick and how amazing their products are.  Well, I'm here to do it again because I just can't get enough!  I recently got my hands on their Nude Peppermint Lipgloss (thanks for the recommendation Jay!) and I'm hooked.  This stuff is incredible and again, going with today's theme, shortens my beauty routine.  This lipgloss has the perfect hint of color to make you feel like your look is "done," AND because it's a lipgloss you've got that awesome lipstick/lipgloss look acheived in one easy step.  To add to that, this stuff is peppermint flavored...added bonus baby!

So, now that you knows what's got me tickled this week, what beauty products make you happy?  I love learning for others and trying out what they like (that's how I came across the above, people!). 

Also, if you're curious about certain products, let me know.  I'm always down for an excuse to try something new! :)

Slant Shack Beef Jerky

What's the best thing about beef jerky? Why the beef of course! :)

Ha, ok I must apologize for the cheesiness! I'm a little loopy today. Must be Spring Fever coupled with the taste of an ever closer summer vacation (about 30 school days left...not that I'm counting!). I must admit though, as the weather warms up I just start getting ancy. It's funny because I start to do silly things in my class, like take them outside to read (I teach high school English), just because the sunshine makes me happy! Or get REALLY excited about Romeo and Juliet and make them memorize the Prologue! Ha, this time of year is just so fun!



Anyways, back to the beef in beef jerky. While my initial statement may be cheesy, it's true. Who wants to eat beef jerky that's made out of some kind of "meat-like" substance?

That's where Slant Shack Jerky comes in. This group of friends created a quality jerky out of sustainably raised grass-fed beef. With the hubby and I being avid organic food eaters you can imagine the excitement! We just want to make sure the bulk of our food is top quality (just a personal choice).

And oh my goodness, you can taste the quality in this jerky! I was extremely impressed from the first bite! They have a slogan on their information card that reads, "We're confident you'll love our jerky as much as we do - just make sure you get some before we eat it all." Ha, I need to make sure I save some for the hubby to try! Must not open the second package! ;) So stinkin' tasty!

As soon as I opened the package I was impressed by the smell of the jerky alone! It smelled a little sweet, almost like maple syrup, which got me excited! I don't like many powerful favors of jerky, so the slight hint of a flavor excited me. The taste proved even more impressive. It's hard to describe (I think I need to go to food critic school to improve my "food tasting" repertoire of words), but for now I'll go with delicious, while a mix of spicy and sweet. Overall, definitely something worth trying!

Now, I do have to say, it did seem to be a little extra chewy, but the extra little jaw workout is totally worth it. I'll have to wait and see what the hubby's thoughts are...maybe I just have a wimpy jaw!

Let me leave you with some cool facts about this neat company as posted on their site. Check out the info below...they have an AWESOME option where you can customize your own flavor! So cool!

Make sure you leave us a comment telling what flavor you tried, or created.

Info from site:
<i>SlantShack's Build-a-Jerky feature offers customers the choice of either 100% grass-fed or USDA Choice beef, and a variety of unique marinades, spice rubs and glazes. For jerky like you’ve never tasted before, mix and match flavors including Maple Syrup, Garlic Powder and SlantShack’s signature Jerk McGurk’s Wild RubDown to create your own customized meat treat.
Since we opened for business, we've been named one of the Top Ten Jerkies in America by Maxim, given 5 stars by Best Beef Jerky, featured in The Atlantic, Serious Eats, The Village Voice, The Wall Street Journal, and Food Republic, and generally adored by customers throughout the land. </i>

2012 Chicago Gluten Free & Allergen Expo Pictures

We luckily got early access to the GFAF expo in Chicago and were able to walk around and take some photos before the crowd of over 3,000 people rushed the ballroom on April 14, 2012.

More photos to follow. I've got a lot to edit and upload!

Our Gluten Free Weekend...Chicago!

This weekend is going to be packed with gluten free goodness and we are SO excited!

That may sound silly to some, but really, we can't wait!

I, Rachel, have been gluten free for almost four years now ("offically" diagnosed for two) and have learned SO much. This lifestyle change turned into a passion as I struggled through how to completely live a gluten free life. Crosby and I began this blog to help encourage others as we continue on this gluten free journey in our "gluten filled" world! :)

This journey has led us to our upcoming exciting weekend.

We are headed to Chicago in a few days to attend two amazing events.

First up, Nourished-A Food Blogger Conference. At this event, I'm going to be soaking up all the food blogging wisdom I can. The presenters are some of the top food, photography and g-free people in the business! Woohoo!

Second is the annual GFAF (gluten free, allergy free) Expo. We can't wait to see what exciting products we find and the great vendors we'll meet.

To top it all off, we'll finally be able to meet (in person) some of the great people and companies we've had the privilege of working with and eat at some of Chicago's fabulous restaurants!

We can hardly hold in our excitement!!!

And don't worry...you'll get to hear ALL about our fabulous weekend away!

HERSHEY'S official gluten free list is OUT!

Chocolate...mmm.

Really, need I say more? Ha, can you tell what my weakness is?

I am fittingly writing this post as a Hershey's Kiss from my Easter basket melts in my mouth. Delicious!

And now, to help better feed this weakness, Hershey's has come out with a wonderful gluten free list! LOVE...love...love!

Being gluten free, you know the risks we run each time we take a chance with anything that is not on a gluten-free list.

Well, fret no more as you safely enjoy everything from an Almond Joy (YUM!) to York Peppermint Patties (we love these so much, I made my own!)) and everything in between.

Here's a few of my other favorite gluten-free Hershey's treats:
Hershey's Cocoa
Hershey's Kisses
Heath Bars
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (*ALL, except seasonal shaped items--thanks again Laura for sharing this info on our Easter candy post!)

You can find the full list of Hershey's gluten-free food here!

Rudi's NEW Products

Yesterday I told you about the GFAF Expo we're attending and announced a GIVEAWAY!

Today, I wanted to tell you about the new products from Rudi's Gluten Free Bakery.  They've made tortillas and they're supposed to be fabulous!  I'm definitely looking forward to trying these babies!

Gluten-Free Tortillas

Here's a little bit of information about these new tortillas.

   

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery is pleased to announce a new line of gluten-free tortillas, providing those who are eating gluten-free with three delicious alternatives to corn tortillas that will keep the whole family happy, including Plain Tortillas, Spinach Tortillas and Fiesta Tortillas, made with 5 grams of fiber per serving. The tortillas are made with whole grain flours and have a soft, pliable texture, that’s ready to be loaded up with goodness. Like all Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery products, the tortillas are made with only the highest quality, wholesome ingredients, carry the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) seal and are soft and delicious just like real tortillas.

Woohoo!!                                

      

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery Tortillas will be available nationally starting this May at select stores nationwide. The MSRP price is currently set at $5.99.  To find specific locations where tortillas and other Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery products can be purchased, visit www.rudisglutenfreebakery.com.

GIVEAWAY for...Rudi's Gluten Free!

The giveaway has ended.

WIN RUDI'S GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS!!!

What are you doing this weekend? 

Hopefully, like us, you'll be at the GFAF Expo in Chicago on April 14 & 15!  It'll be our first time attending the expo and we are SO excited!  We'll be able to sample many goodies and talk with local and national allergy friendly vendors.  I can't wait to see what products we'll find and the information we'll be able to bring back to you, our readers. 

Here's some info about what to expect at the Expo (from their site):

• Sampling and purchasing from over 100 vendors
• Free lectures about gluten & allergen-free living
• The best cookbooks and the ability to meet the authors and get a signed copy of your book
• A free gift bag to carry all of your loot
• You have the ability to sample hundreds of products
• All products are labeled by allergen
• Get coupons for future purchases
• Take home samples of all of your favorite and new products
• Purchase hard-to-find products
• Shop at the new Expo Store – featuring gift products that can only be found at the Expo
• Kids area with crafts and activities
• Healthy living spa area with free services

NOW, are you as excited as we are?!?!?  Talk about a great opportunity!  WAHOO!!!

But first...

As a way to help you get ready for the Expo (whether you'll be attending as well, or living vicariously through our posts!) we wanted to offer you a great GIVEAWAY. 

That's right! One vendor that we're excited to meet at the Expo is Rudi's Gluten Free bakery.  We've talked/worked with Rudi's a couple times and we're so happy to finally be able to put some faces to the names! 

If you haven't heard of Rudi's before, just think for a moment, what's the thing YOU were most afraid of missing when you first went gluten free? Likely, it was bread.  Most Celiacs (or those with gluten sensitivity) believe that they will be forever without good bread when they learn they must adhere to a gluten free diet.  However, that is not necessarily the case. 

To help you along your quest for tasty gluten free bread, we've partnered with Rudi's to offer you a chance to try their bread products, by entering our giveaway below.

The giveaway will feature:

• TWO...yes two, free product coupons
• and a Rudi's reusable tote bag

Right now, at Rudi's, you can try three types of bread (original, multigrain, and cinnamon raisin), a pizza crust, multigrain hot dog buns, and multigrain hamburger buns.  They're also unveiling some new products which you can check out in tomorrow's post.  So, which products will you pick if you win?

Take advantage of this chance to try Rudi's bread for FREE!!  The giveaway begins April 9, 2012 and will end Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

REQUIRED

You have to fill out the form below to be entered into the contest. We will not share your information with anyone.

There are FOUR EXTRA chances to enter the giveaway:

1. "Follow" Gfree_gal and Rudi's Gluten Free on twitter and retweet this - "I just entered to #win Rudi's Gluten Free coupons AND a tote bag! http://bit.ly/rudigiveaway @gfree_gal @rudisglutenfree #giveaway"
2. "Like" Gfreegal and Rudi's Gluten Free on facebook.
3. Subscribe to our blog.
4. Leave a comment below telling us what gluten free bread product you'd most like to try!

Please note, this giveaway will be available to U.S. residents only.  Winners will be chosen at random on April 18, 2012 and will be notified via email.  Winners have until April 25, 2012 to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. 

Good luck and I hope YOU have the privilege of winning these products!

Gluten Free Easter Candy

Looking for some gluten free Easter candy options?
Here's some of my favorites!

#1 is definitely Peeps!  I have loved Peeps since I was a little girl (long before discovering my gluten allergy), so you can imagine my excitement when I learned they were gluten free! :)  With so many different varieties you can enjoy Peeps year round, but they are definitely a MUST for Easter time.  

#2 would have to be jelly beans!  Another favorite, and I just discovered Gimbals jelly beans.  They're sweetened with real fruit juice!  Ohh yeah...AND all Gimbal's candies are free of some major allergens!

• No dairy
• No gluten
• No fish
• No shellfish
• No soy
• No eggs
• No peanuts
• No tree nuts

#3 is chocolate!  Whether the delicious Reese's peanut butter egg, Dove eggs (dark or milk), Butterfinger eggs, or the amazing Cadbury creme egg...all things chocolate, Easter and gluten free are WONDERFUL! The Reese's would be my hubby's absolute favorite, but I'm a little torn between that and the Cadbury creme egg.
Overall, though, nothing beats some tasty Peeps!
What's your favorite Easter candy? Please share! :)
For a more thorough list of options, check out this extensive list by our friends at G-Free Foodie.

Here's another thorough list that's been more recently updated. Easter Candy List 2012

Major League Baseball Celiac Awareness Nights

Attention all baseball fans...the Arizona Diamondbacks are not the only team hosting Gluten Free Awareness nights! Three other teams have joined in the fun!




Find Me Gluten Free and Gluten Free Frenzy have teamed up to bring some pre-game gluten free fun! “We are creating pre-game expos for people to be able to check out local vendors and products,” said Darin Alpert, business development director for Find Me Gluten Free. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Read the rest of the scoop from New Hope 360s blog.

The participating teams and game dates are:
Arizona Diamondbacks, May 25
Colorado Rockies, June 9
San Diego Padres, July 7
Los Angeles Dodgers, August 25 (Yippee!!)

Can you guess which game I'm hoping to attend?