Gluten-Free Fest

How often do you get 10% off your gluten-free purchases? Probably rarely. If you live in the Twin Cities I recommend that you check out Fresh and Natural Foods Gluten Free Fest in Shoreview, Minnesota.  This Saturday, October 12th from 9am to 9pm the whole store is 10% off!  From 11am to 3pm they will have an assortment of gluten free food samples. This is a great opportunity to sample some new foods before spending too much. Did I mention the 10% off applies to the whole store!?!

Quick Dinners

It has been way too long since I have posted and it's definitely time I try to catch up.  We have been busy just like everyone else but it's time I share some gluten free meals that get us through the crazy busy times.  People often think that gluten free cooking is time consuming and expensive but that doesn't have to be the case.  Here are seven simple gluten free meals to get you through the week. These are quick and don't require any "special" ingredients.

1. Tacos - We also have corn tortilla shells on hand. Tacos are great for picky eaters - you can use chicken, beef, pork or veggies and everyone can customize their own toppings.
2. Nachos - We like to cover a tray with tortilla chips and sprinkle chicken and cheese. If we don't have chicken we'll use black beans and corn. After the cheese is melted we add tomatoes, onions, lettuce, salsa and sour cream. It's a bonus if we have guacamole.
3. Quesadilla -  Are you noticing a theme? We almost always have tortillas, cheese, tomatoes, etc on hand. I love adding olives in my quesadilla. This is a great meatless option.
4. Eggs & Hash browns - Typically we make scrambled eggs and add mushrooms, green peppers and onions.  Serve with hash browns and fruit.
5. Breakfast Burritos - Again, those tortilla shells come in handy. Cook some scrambled eggs (feel free too add some sausage) and add your favorite toppings. Serve with fruit.
6. Chili - I rarely follow a recipe for chili.  Keep your favorite ingredients on hand so you can make it in a pinch. We like to make a large batch and save the leftovers to make chili fries.
7. Baked Potato - Bake your potatoes in the oven or microwave, I know some people wrap them in foil and cook them in a crock-pot. We often serve these with a medley of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.  Then add cheese, sour cream, butter or salsa.  Everyone can customize it to their liking. I like to make an extra for lunch the next day.

If you don't have the time or energy to "cook" a meal pick up a Rotisserie Chicken. Make sure to check the ingredients, I know the ones at Sam's Club and Cosco are gluten free. If we happen to be out we'll pick one up and serve it with salad or mashed potatoes and warm veggies. The leftovers are great for nachos, tacos, quesadillas or making chicken salad sandwiches for lunch the next day.

I hope these ideas serve as a reminder that it doesn't have to be complicated to eat gluten free. Don't be afraid to keep things simple. I'd love to hear your quick go to meals.