Tag: gluten free

Gluten Free… Favorite Sweet Treat

Published on by Jenna HutsonLeave a comment

I have a sweet tooth.. no, no…I really do! I know that I haven’t made this obvious here on my blog what with the lack of commentary on Top Pot doughnuts and utter silence about Snickers. So if this comes as a surprise please forgive me… my sweet tooth is sooo gnarly that it cannot be contained by my inability to eat gluten…right now.

So I GIVE YOU…all 10 readers…my favorite gluten-free (to my knowledge) treat!

THIS STUFF...this is it.
THIS STUFF…this is it.

Avalanche Bark*

1 package (12 oz) package Nestle White Chocolate Chips

1/4-1/2 cup peanut butter of your choice

3-5 cups Rice Krispies

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips*

*Feel free to manipulate the ratio of ingredients based on your inclinations; I think the only real rule here is that there is a chocolate-peanut butter base and rice cereal. Everything else is up to you, be brave; add sprinkles at your own peril.

It really doesn’t get much easier than this recipe, seriously. Ready?

Low heat is key, white chocolate melts easily.
Low heat is key, white chocolate melts easily.

1. Melt white chocolate with peanut butter on low heat in a small saucepan until smooth

Smooth...so smooth
Smooth…so smooth

2. Pour over Rice Krispies

3. Toss in marshmallows

4. Stir

Like 75% done
Like 75% done

5. Plop into whatever receptacle strikes your fancy for cooling. I use a large, rectangular glass baking dish. This is the part where you would add the semi-sweet chips if you’re into that. I love chocolate, but it hates me so I abstain…don’t be like me…and please don’t tell me how great it is. I know it’s awesome.

Get in my face!
Get in my face!

6. Lick everything…

7

It only takes a few minutes to cool to a reasonable temperature so there is really very little waiting here. You can see why I’m obsessed.  Want > Make > Eat in like 15 minutes > Dangerous!! You have been warned.

Nom.

Gluten Free… Doughnut Replacement

Published on by Jenna HutsonLeave a comment

I am in a long term, deeply passionate love affair with fried dough covered in frosting and sprinkles. I know it bad for me and I should say ‘no’ but…but..I just can’t! Nobody understands me quite like Maple Bar does. Which is why this gluten-free diet has been absolute torture.

I should also mention that there is a doughnut shop across from where I work. Some cruel genius figured out that tech zombies and healthcare nerds have lots of spare cash and an inability to get up early enough to prepare a healthful breakfast.  That rich, rich bastard. $$$

Despite the taunting call of my lover every morning (and a freaking work pizza-party…where do I pick up my medal?), I have maintained my gluten free heading! But I don’t think I could have done it without these guys;

Yes I took this picture with my smart phone. Impressed? I think not.
Yes I took this picture with my smart phone. Impressed? I think not.

I call them my doughnut replacements because they hit all the same flavor notes that make my brain light up like a rat tasting that first bite of maze completion prize cheese. Nothing tastes quite like saturated fat on the tongue (i.e. bacon and butter), nothing!  Warning: they taste awesome but remember they are still full of calories, so take it easy.

More Gluten-Free nonsense to come…

Gluten Free…dammit, I ate a cracker.

Published on by Jenna Hutson2 Comments

Alright, soooooo…I accidentally ate a cracker a few days ago. I say ‘accidentally’ because I was so focused on not eating a sandwich that I shoved this in my face

So so buttery
So so buttery

After promptly swallowing the gloriously golden beauty I realized it was made of butter…..and Gluten. DAMMIT!

Sooooooooo ooo oo o o o o o ….. I popped one more in my mouth. What? I had already eaten one! What was one more?! ..and then I stopped. I swear.

To my knowledge, I have been gluten free since.

Damn you Ritz!

Gluten Free…Really? Seriously?….crap

Published on by Jenna HutsonLeave a comment

Pasta? love it. Bread? loove it. Dounts? I would battle Homer Simpson to the death over the last sprinkle. Migraines? Bain of my existence. They cause vertigo if I don’t my preventative medication daily…yes, daily…for 3 years. Though, in general, the side effects from my meds stay sidelined; occasionally they get in the way of living like a regular person.  Also, if I ever want to have kids I have to ditch the meds cuz I can’t take them while prego. Major downer reporting for depression duty.

….So, I am going to try to abstaining from the church of wheat for 2 weeks. A zillion friends have heard my migraine woes and immediately ask if I’ve tried giving up gluten to which I reply “Nah, I’d have to get my shit together for that.”

Well hold your breath peeps, it’s time…shit gathered (Ew. Did I just type that? Sorry…the imagery.)

Today, November 1st is the first day of my gluten-free life (aka the most boring sitcom ever) and I am glad to report that I have managed to stay gluten free despite being tempted by mountains of my favorite candy…

You're only 2 bites away from a kick-ass candy straw!
You’re only 2 bites away from a kick-ass candy straw!

Granted I ate like 15 ‘fun size’ packages yesterday in prep for today and I also ate a maple bar from Top Pot. What? It WAS HALLOWEEN!?

*Note: I have a sensitivity to caffeine so I can’t eat chocolate (I know, I should probably just kill myself. Living without brownies is not really LIVING, is it?) so I cannot eat my real favorite candy, aka Snickers…so many Snicker. I love you. *drool

I want to cuddle you so hard, with my face!
I want to cuddle you so hard, with my face!

Anyhoodle…gluten, I will try to keep a log of my thoughts about gluten and any tips or tricks I pick up…also any gluten free snacks I dig. Like these!!

lemon almonds
Like those lemon Girl Scout cookies w/o all the evil gluten

6/8 of my co-workers agree that they will take a lemon yogurt coved almond from me, 5/8 agree that they would redily consume them if available. 0/0 care that they are gluten free. 7/8 think that the stories I tell about my cats are great. 8/8 are sure I’m a cat lady and 100% of Jenna’s are fine with that.