Saturday, July 27, 2013

Nothing about nothing.....

Hi all. Today's post is basically nothing about nothing....I would be doing a product review today but my car was rear ended on Monday while I was sitting at a red light, and I am just not up to it. It is another rainy day here in Ohio and it would normally be one of my favorite days to tinker in the kitchen baking and such, but today is just not one of those days.

I don't know how long it will take for me to be back on top of things, but I promise to try my best to be testing products for review again very soon. Until then I can say that the blueberry cooler recipe I last posted is absolutely delicious.  And I am so glad I do have a few gluten-free cupcakes stored away like a squirrel in my freezer just for days (weeks)  like this.

Chores will have to wait until the stiffness goes away...and meals will be pretty much from the crock pot, or the nearest restaurant! Glad I have several easy recipes on hand.

I have several bread mixes to review, along with cheese snacks, soups, and a few other products, so please bear with me through this transition. I am sooooo in the mood to try a new bread mix sent to me from Charles Luce but am just not up to the task at the present. Darn!!! I am so in the mood for a great slice of warm homemade bread...

I hope your week is going well and you are becoming more accustomed to a gluten-free lifestyle. Until next post....be safe, and enjoy your gluten-free week.

Sharon

 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Next On the List - is Blueberry Bliss!

I am definitely not a big water drinker, and with the hottest days of summer upon us I needed to find a way to keep myself  hydrated...I find water tasteless, so it does nothing to satisfy my taste buds, or quench my "mental" thirst. I do however realize it is something my body needs to survive. So when I came across this delicious recipe for a blueberry soda I decided to give it a try.

Everyone knows blueberries are not only an excellent source of fiber, but they also contain vitamin C, as well as manganese, potassium, and vitamin K. I figured this way I would be getting the much needed water which I seem to avoid to keep my body healthy, along with quite a few added benefits. I found it was not only refreshing, but quite delicious, and satisfied both needs. With blueberries at the peak of their season it is a drink that is not only good for you, but also cost efficient.

As "Mikey" use to say in the cereal commercial from years ago..."Try it, you'll like it". Oops...did I just give away my age????? The directions are quite easy, and it is well worth the few minutes it takes to prepare. I hope you enjoy...


Ingredients:
 
1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
9 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
 
Directions for making Syrup:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Slowly bringing to a simmer over medium heat, stir constantly until all the berries have popped, about 10 minutes. Remove pan from the  heat and let cool.
  2. Pour syrup into an airtight container, like a mason jar, and refrigerate overnight.
  3. To use, take out of the refrigerator and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (in the refrigerator)
To make the drink you will need ice; blueberry syrup from the above recipe; and sparkling mineral water.

Directions:
1.  For one drink, fill a tall glass with ice. Add 3 Tbsp. of the Blueberry Syrup and then top with seltzer water. Stir gently and enjoy!  It is so refreshing and great for hot summer days!
 
Enjoy your gluten-free week!
Sharon
 

Buckwheat - Gluten Free -- Grass Free

 Buckwheat, which is actually not in the wheat family at all, has somehow gotten a bad rap over the years. I personally have avoided it basi...