Announcements Carol's latest book, Gluten-Free Cooking for Two, is now available. Designed for small households, each perfectly-proportioned recipe serves two people. You will eliminate unwanted leftovers and reduce waste when you cook right-size meals with the 125 recipes in this book. Enjoy!!
Celebrate with me!!! Gluten-Free Cooking for Two has won two awards: named one of ten "Best Gluten-Free Cooking Books in 2017" by Healthline.com and won a Silver Medal in the 2017 Living Now Book Awards in the "Natural, Nutrition, Organic, Vegetarian" category.
Where in the World is Carol? Carol's in the kitchen, cooking up recipes for her next cookbook and www.CarolFenster.com
Watch for Carol on "Creative Living with Sheryl Borden," a PBS-TV show airing on your local PBS station during 2017-2018.
Join Carol at the National Western Complex, Expo Hall level 2 in Denver on April 21,10:30 am during the GFAF Expo Conference. See you there!
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By Carol Fenster, on October 4th, 2016
Every fall, one “flavor” gets a ton of attention.
 Pumpkin Spice Latte Pumpkin.
In fact, one sure sign that Fall has arrived is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which returns to Starbucks with regularity. If you are a coffee fan—as I am— then this is good news since I love that Pumpkin Spice flavor. More about that word “flavor” later.
Pumpkin is Everywhere!
It appears that we are a pumpkin-loving society! That unmistakable pumpkin flavor shows up in pie filling, coffee, yogurt, milk, desserts—even dog food. (Yes, you read that right.) Pumpkin-flavored dog food fetched more than $12 million in 2014. If you would like to see where we spent our dollars on pumpkin-flavored food last year, see this Nielsen data. This might make good cocktail-party conversation, you never know!
History of Pumpkin Spice Latte
Do you know the history of the Pumpkin Spice Latte? When it was developed in 2003 by the Starbucks lab, they weren’t sure it would catch on. But it became an instant hit and by 2006 it was even available as pods (K-cups) for home brewers. By 2007, other coffee chains began offering it and the Twitter handle of #PSL appeared. According to CNN, today the Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has 85,000 followers on Twitter.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you want to make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte or PSL, we can thank the Food Network for this recipe. One of the things I like about making my own PSL is controlling the sugar, since I find the Starbucks version too sweet for my tastes.
Make Ahead and Keep on Hand
Using the recipe from the Food Network as a base, you can modify your homemade latte as you like. Certainly less sugar for me! And, while I love nutmeg, I prefer less than this recipe uses so I cut it in half. You may have other preferences, so try the recipe and see how you like it. Of course, your homemade version will be gluten-free because you control what goes into it.
Another great thing about making your own is that you can make a base (all the ingredients except the coffee and milk) and store it in the refrigerator. Then heat the milk and coffee (or, steam the milk if you’re lucky enough to have an espresso machine that also froths milk) and stir in as much of the base as you like. Using whipped cream on top is up to you (I don’t usually do that, except as an occasional treat). And, a final dusting of grated fresh nutmeg (or cinnamon) is the perfect touch. And, of course, your homemade version will be much cheaper.
Pumpkin Flavor without the Pumpkin?
Notice that the Food Network’s recipe contains real pumpkin. It may surprise you to learn that many “pumpkin-flavored” items don’t have any pumpkin in them at all. Of course, foods such as Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Bread contain real pumpkin, but most commercial coffee drinks do not. Have you ever tasted pumpkin by itself? It is actually quite bland and not necessarily that inviting. In fact, it’s awful. However, when blended with all those wonderful spices it is absolutely divine.
Wondering what to do with the leftover pumpkin? If you make a lot of lattes, you will use up a 14-ounce can in a few days. Store any leftover pumpkin, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to a week and use it to bake gluten-free Pumpkin Bread.
Happy Pumpkin Spice Latte!
By Carol Fenster, on June 28th, 2016
If you are gluten-free, grain-free and on a low-carb diet, you may have heard of Cloud Bread which is making the rounds on the Internet. I first saw it on the Dr. Oz TV show where it was demonstrated by famed chef Rocco DiSpirito and immediately realized that this recipe could fill an important void for some people.
 Cloud Bread What is Cloud Bread?
It is an extremely light, airy flatbread…hence the name Cloud Bread. It is as light as a cloud (if one could eat a cloud, that is!). If you are a fan of heavy, dense whole-grain breads like I am then this one might not excite you. But this bread is super-easy and only uses 4 ingredients, so it may be a life-saver for some families.
But if you are grain-free and gluten-free (and also dairy-free), then it might be a suitable substitute for traditional breads. It bakes up in 10 light rounds. If you put two of the rounds together, they resemble flat hamburger buns so you could make a sandwich with them. Or, you can eat them as flatbread as an accompaniment to a meal.
Find the recipe for Cloud Bread here
Nutrients per each round of bread: 37 calories, 3g fat; 2g protein, 1g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 61mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium
Carol’s Tips for Cloud Bread
Since I didn’t invent the recipe, I can’t reprint it here. But I can give you some tips for making it better:
[1] I followed the recipe exactly as printed online. Be sure to bring the cream cheese to room temperature, or it won’t blend into the eggs.
[2] The breads are not that flavorful, so you could toss in finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil into the batter. Or, sprinkle them with poppy seeds or sesame seeds…or whatever you like to make them more interesting. But if you like plain bread, then don’t add anything.
[3] If you are also lactose-free, use Green Valley cream cheese which has the lactose removed. It behaves the same as regular cream cheese in baking and measures the same.
[4] Some other recipes for Cloud Bread call for 1 teaspoon baking powder, which I haven’t tried. I would blend it in with the eggs, cream cheese, and sugar. It will probably make the bread rise higher, but I don’t think the breads need it.
By Carol Fenster, on June 14th, 2016
Antigua Inn
Imagine a beautiful 100-year-old adobe house—conveniently located near the famous Santa Fe square—that has been remodeled to preserve its heritage, but with every modern convenience imaginable. Then add in a chef who understands gluten-free cooking and offers the most fabulous breakfasts, and you have the perfect Bed & Breakfast. That’s how I spent 3 days last week in the Land of Enchantment, otherwise known as New Mexico.
 Antigua Inn kitchen We visit Santa Fe at least once a year, mostly to enjoy the fabulous food. This year’s visit coincided with our wedding anniversary so we chose a special Bed & Breakfast, the Antigua Inn. It was mentioned in Food & Wine Magazine so I knew it was good. But we were amazed at how special this place is.
Beautifully restored, this lovely house features every modern convenience despite its 100-year old heritage.
Notice the gorgeous kitchen in the photo.
But it was the warm hospitality and superb, gluten-free food that I want to tell you about.
Gluten-Free Breakfasts at Antigua Inn
The first morning we had gluten-free mini-Quiches made with non-dairy ingredients and it was fabulous. Baked in cupcake pans, the quiche had a hint of green chile (a must in New Mexico), accompanied by house-smoked bacon, fried polenta, and a lovely fruit salad. And, the coffee was superb—made from hand-roasted beans you can order at Antigua Coffee Company. They also offered gluten-free toast, but I already had plenty of food!
 Mini-Quiches The second morning, we ate Blue Corn Pancakes with blueberries and pine nuts (called pinon in New Mexico). Gluten-free and dairy-free, they were some of the best pancakes I’ve ever eaten. They were served with gluten-free sausage and a marvelous yogurt parfait topped with gluten-free granola. I was in heaven!
 Blue Corn Pancakes On the third morning (as if it couldn’t get better!!) we had gluten-free, dairy-free Huevos Rancheros—one of my favorite breakfasts. With bacon and fried polenta, and the usual fruit plate it was absolutely delicious. On top of these marvelous breakfasts, there were gluten-free treats such as Biscochitos (cookies).
 Huevos Rancheros Antigua Inn 2016 Other Gluten-Free Dining in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is known for its fabulous food, so finding gluten-free options was easy. One of our favorites is La Boca with chef James Campbell Caruso, an 8-time James Beard Chef of the Southwest nominee. We love his tapas and always have a glass of sherry too since the restaurant’s theme is Spanish. Our favorite dish was Paella. But I also had house-baked gluten-free bread that I used to sop up the delicious liquids from a bowl of Mussels. An incredible meal; in fact, we went to that restaurant for lunch the next day, too.
Radish & Rye was recommended to us by the Antigua Inn and it was our second fabulous dinner. The menu features local, farm-to-table fare and it was upscale and superb. The staff was extremely well trained. I had salmon and a tossed green salad that was incredibly fresh and lovely. I would go to this restaurant again.
Our third dinner was a “dive” compared to the other two restaurants but a fun experience nonetheless. Called Tune-Up Cafe, it was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri. It features food with an El Salvadore-style touch, such as a Pupusa which was delicious. I also had a Tamale wrapped in a banana leaf. The ambience shouts “dive.” The café is very small, noisy and cramped. But we knew that before we went. The food is not fancy but delicious and I would go there again.
All in all, Santa Fe did not disappoint! I will be back next year!
By Carol Fenster, on May 24th, 2016
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. Eggs Are a Severe Allergen.
Egg allergies can be quite serious. I know from experience: My grandson is allergic to eggs. We carry an Epi-Pen at all times and watch his diet carefully. I prepare his food without eggs, including items like pancakes. But I find baking without eggs very difficult, much harder than baking without wheat.
So, whenever I read about replacements for eggs or egg- based foods, I listen.
Egg-Free Mayonnaise Made from Chickpea Liquid Called Aquafaba
The first time I heard of this idea I couldn’t believe it. It uses the liquid that surrounds a can of chickpeas which is called aquafaba. Really? Mayonnaise from the lowly chickpea (or garbanzo bean)? But then I tried it, and I liked it.
The idea comes from the Serious Eats website and its primary chef, J. Kenji López-Alt. Plus, I have read his book The Food Lab. He has a marvelous way of explaining what happens in a kitchen in a simple, easy-to-understand way. So, I knew that if he liked this egg-free mayonnaise, then I would too.
Kenji explains that aquafaba is the protein-rich liquid surrounding canned chickpeas. As he says, “It’s pretty amazing stuff—you can whip it into stiff peaks like a meringue, use it to leaven pancakes and waffles, or make light sponge cakes, all without any eggs at all.” This is good news for those of us who cook for people who can’t eat eggs.
I plan to try the meringue later, but I was most intrigued by the fact that aquafaba can also be used to make mayonnaise. So, below is the link to Kenji’s mayonnaise recipe. Enjoy!
Egg-Free Mayonnaise Recipe
You can find the recipe here:
Carol’s Tips
[1] Kenji uses SW brand of chickpeas, which has a milkier, thicker composition (more viscous) than the brand I used which was Simple Truth by Kroeger stores. The next time I make it, I would use SW brand.
[2] Two garlic cloves make this a very garlicky mayonnaise—which really limits its use to savory dishes. I often use mayonnaise in my Waldorf salad, where garlic is inappropriate. In fact, I think this mayonnaise is really closer to aioli, a garlicky Mediterranean sauce that resembles mayonnaise. So, I would either omit the garlic OR use only a portion of a whole garlic clove for a mild, but not overpowering flavor.
[3] Be forewarned, your mayonnaise might not thicken as much without the garlic. The recipe makes a looser, thinner mayonnaise. If that’s OK with you, fine. Or, add 1/8 teaspoon of guar gum to the finished product for a thicker consistency.
[4] Be sure to add the oil only AFTER you have pureed the other ingredients. This is necessary to create a good emulsion so the mayonnaise stays together.
By Carol Fenster, on May 17th, 2016
 Grain-Free Orange Cake with Chocolate Sauce Special Occasion Cake Without Gluten, Dairy, Grain
There are a number of special occasions in the Spring— Easter, Passover, Seder, Mother’s Day, graduations and so on— at which many of us will either host or be a guest at a meal in which the dessert needs to be grain-free, leavening-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
I have the perfect dessert for this occasion—a flourless cake made with almond meal and sweetened with orange marmalade. This cake turns out moist and flavorful and—when garnished with a drizzle of chocolate sauce—reassures those with food sensitivities or special diets that it is possible to “have your cake and eat it, too!”
Why Grain-Free?
There is a great deal of interest these days in grain-free baking, partly due to the Paleo diet. We also see interest during holidays where we celebrate with friends or loved ones who have special diets. Right now, we have graduations, weddings, bridal showers, etc. Other people simply feel better when they avoid grains. In this case, almond meal (or other nut meals made from pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts) is perfect for baking. It can also be called almond flour; if you can’t find it, grind 2 cups of blanched almonds in the food processor to make almond meal. If the almonds are whole, the skins will make the cake darker in color and not as pretty so it’s better to use blanched or slivered almonds, which have the skins removed.
How to Serve This Cake
To garnish it, I dust the cake with powdered sugar and eat it plain or garnish it with a drizzle of your favorite store-bought chocolate sauce/syrup, with some pretty raspberries and fresh mint for garnish. It is so moist that it keeps very well on the countertop for a couple of days, although this is dangerous since you will find yourself grabbing a slice throughout the day as you walk by. Trust me….it is irresistible.
Grain-Free Orange Cake with Chocolate Sauce
Adapted from 1,000 Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster (Wiley, 2008)
This is the perfect dessert for those occasions where guests have a variety of special diets; it’s fail-proof, gorgeous, and delicious. You can even bake it ahead of time, freeze (tightly wrapped) and thaw on the countertop before serving at room temperature.
1 ¼ cups store-bought orange marmalade
2 cups almond meal
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
5 large whole eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt (optional)
4 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
Store-bought Chocolate sauce, fresh mint leaves, and fresh raspberries, for garnish
[1] Place a rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350?F. Generously grease an 8-inch nonstick (gray, not black) springform pan and line it with parchment paper. Grease again; set aside.
[2] In a food processor, process the marmalade, almond meal, brown sugar, xanthan gum, eggs, vanilla, and salt (if using) for 30 to 40 seconds. Scrape down the sides with a spatula, and blend again 30 to 40 seconds or until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
[3] Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes. Cover with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to avoid overbrowning, if necessary. Cool the cake in the pan 10 minutes on a wire rack. Gently run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Remove outer rim. Cool the cake completely on the wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate and remove parchment paper. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, fresh mint, and fresh raspberries.
By Carol Fenster, on May 10th, 2016
Do you believe in serendipity? I do. Numerous times, events happen that—strange as it sounds—turn out unexpectedly for the best. The experts define serendipity as something that happens by chance, but unexpectedly turns out in a happy way.
 Sunset on Oregon Coast Here is what happened to me:
My husband and I were vacationing in Cannon Beach, a resort town on the Oregon coast that is famous for its unusual haystack rock formations. I was in Oregon because I taught a gluten-free class at Bob’s Red Mill Cooking School in Portland and we were enjoying a few days on the beach before returning home to Denver.
After a day of sightseeing near Astoria to the north, we were driving south on Highway 101 (the only main thoroughfare along the coast), hoping to have dinner in Cannon Beach and then a nice quiet night by the fireplace in our hotel room—with the sound of the ocean in the background.
Sadly, a fatal accident blocked the highway and we had no choice but to return north 7 miles to the next town—which happened to be Seaside, a community not exactly known for gourmet dining. We were frustrated, to say the least.
Google to the Rescue
I “googled” the term “upscale dining” and a few restaurants popped up, with Maggie’s on the Prom at the top. It is located within the Seaside Oceanfront Inn, with Maggie’s being the only fine-dining oceanfront restaurant in the whole town. We sat in our car outside the restaurant, read all the reviews of the restaurant, and finally decided we would give it a chance. I had my doubts, since the reviews were mixed.
Gluten-Free Serendipity at Seaside Oceanfront Inn
What a delight! The restaurant faces the ocean, with outdoor dining on a patio. But it was raining so we opted for a table indoors. Our waiter was fabulously helpful and I had my choice of delicious dishes that I rarely get to eat in a restaurant such as clam chowder, crab cakes, and calamari. Obviously, the chef understood the gluten-free diet.
 Chocolate Mousse at Maggie’s on the Prom, Seaside Oceanfront Inn But the best part was the Chocolate Mousse, three tiers of luscious chocolate heaven topped with a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Easily the best dessert of the trip! Thoroughly sated, we began our journey back to the hotel.
As it turned out, the highway was closed for 4 hours, we had to take a detour that added another hour to our trip, but we were happy campers at having found this little gem of a restaurant. I would return in a heartbeat!
The moral of the story?
Sometimes, especially when traveling, it’s best to just go with the flow and let events happen. In this case, our story had a happy ending.
By Carol Fenster, on April 19th, 2016
Lentil Underground? What is that, a crime organization? When I first heard of this book during an interview with author Liz Carlisle (a Michael Pollan protégé), on Splendid Table I thought I misunderstood. But since I’m a huge fan of pulses (which includes lentils, but also beans and legumes such as peas) I listened anyway. I am glad I did.
 Enjoy Beans in This Quick Main Dish (photo by Jason Wyche) The Story Behind the Book
The story behind the book, Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America, began forty years ago when corporate agribusiness told small farmers to “get big or get out.” But twenty-seven-year-old David Oien took a stand, becoming the first in his conservative Montana county to plant a radically different crop: organic lentils.
Why lentils? Lentils make their own fertilizer and tolerate variable climate conditions, so farmers aren’t beholden to industrial methods that require chemical fertilizers. Today, Oien leads an underground network of organic farmers who work with heirloom seeds and biologically diverse farm systems. Under the brand Timeless Natural Food, their unique business-cum-movement has grown into a million dollar enterprise that sells to Whole Foods, hundreds of independent natural foods stores, and a host of renowned restaurants. You have probably seen these legumes in stores and may have a bag of them in your pantry. Most importantly for us—they are gluten-free.
Why Lentils Are Good for You
While I support farming methods that restore the soil, I’m more intrigued by the importance of underrated legumes in our diet because they are so good for you. Here is a brief summary of these benefits; for more details read here and here:
*full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals
*facilitate weight loss
*reduce cholesterol (when eaten regularly)
*have a low glycemic index (they break down slowly in the digestive tract)
*help people feel fuller, sooner, and the fiber in these foods “may reduce the absorption of fat.”
How to Prepare Legumes
I will add another benefit to legumes: they taste good and are amazingly versatile. But the question most people have is: “How do I eat them?”
To answer that question, Pulse Canada (a Canadian industry association) asked noted dietitian Shelley Case, RD and me to write a booklet about the various ways to prepare them, ranging from using them in salads, main dishes, and ground into flour for baking. In Canada (and Europe), they use the term “pulses” to collectively include beans, chickpeas, legumes, and peas. So, Shelley and I produced this booklet, which is free here .
 Using Beans and Lentils in Gluten-Free Cooking Meanwhile, enjoy this quick, one-skillet dish that features beans:
Mexican Skillet Beef & Rice
Reprinted with permission from 100 Best Quick Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014).
This dish will become one of your go-to choices for those nights when you need dinner on the table pronto. You control the heat with the spiciness of the salsa (mild, medium, or hot), so choose accordingly. It is very colorful to serve it with avocado slices and sour cream.
8 ounces lean pork sausage
2 cups tomato juice
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup Mexican salsa, plus more for garnish
2 cups corn tortilla chips
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese or both, or cheese alternative
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small head iceberg lettuce, chopped
[1] In a large, heavy, deep skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until deeply browned, about 5 minutes. Pour off the fat and drain the meat on paper towels to remove excess fat. Return the meat to the skillet.
[2] Add the tomato juice, beans, and salsa and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and stir in the tortilla chips. Sprinkle with the cheese and cilantro, cover, and heat over low heat just until the cheese melts, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately over a bed of lettuce, garnished with a drizzle of salsa.
Per serving: 480 calories; 20g protein; 23g total fat; 14g fiber; 49g carbohydrates; 34mg cholesterol; 778mg sodium
By Carol Fenster, on April 12th, 2016
Maple syrup is one of life’s little pleasures. Most of us are familiar with this delicious nectar from maple trees, but we typically think of it only in relation to pancakes and waffles. But wait…. there’s much more to maple syrup.
 Gluten-Free Granola Sweetened with Maple Syrup Benefits of Maple Syrup
According to the Huffington Post, maple syrup is 100% natural, pure and free of any coloring or additives. Boiled down directly from tree sap, which is harvested from maple trees towards the end of winter, pure maple syrup is an unprocessed product of nature. White sugar, for example, is typically derived from sugar cane, and processed and purified before being sold. Because maple syrup is not as highly processed, it contains higher levels of potentially beneficial nutrients including calcium, potassium, sodium and copper, making it an excellent sugar alternative.
In addition, pure maple syrup does not contain high fructose corn syrup, a modified sugar substitute commonly found in processed syrup brands that may also contain additives like artificial flavorings and coloring agents. So, I always look for pure maple syrup so I know I’m getting the real thing.
Other Uses for Maple Syrup
Besides pancakes and waffles, maple syrup can be used in other ways, such as
-sweetening sauces on meats, such as BBQ sauce
-drizzled over roasted or cooked vegetables such as carrots or squash
-replacing honey in baked goods; replacing white or brown sugar in baking is harder because sugars are dry and maple syrup is liquid so use a recipe that calls for a liquid sweetener for best results.
-sweetening smoothies or puddings
Maple Syrup in Granola
In addition to the above uses, one of my favorite uses for maple syrup is to sweeten homemade granola. It leaves a hint of maple flavor, but lends a lovely texture to the granola and it also browns beautifully. Try this easy recipe from www.GfreeCuisine.com, my weekly e-cookbook that is only $7 a month. And, this recipe can be tinkered with to suit your taste, so feel to change out the raisins for dried cranberries or blueberries. Instead of sunflower seeds, try pumpkin seeds and the pecans can be replaced by almonds or walnuts. Sometimes, I add dried banana chips because I like how their crispy texture contrasts with the oats. Feel free to experiment!
Maple Pecan Coconut Granola
Reprinted with permission from www.GfreeCuisine.com, a weekly online recipe and menu planning service
We keep this granola on hand everyday at the Fenster household. I like it with sliced bananas and soy milk. It is also a great breakfast when you have overnight guests, because they can just help themselves whenever they like.
7 cups GF rolled oats*, such as Bob’s Red Mill
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2/3 cup coconut flakes (the large size, not tiny shredded coconut)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
6 tablespoons butter or buttery spread, such as Earth Balance
1 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/4 cups raisins
*Check with your physician about whether oats are approved for your diet.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
[1] In a large bowl, stir together the oats, pecans, coconut, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the maple syrup and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
[2] Spread the granola mixture evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent overbrowning. Remove the oven (even if it doesn’t appear crunchy, it hardens while it cools.)
[2] Cool the granola for 20 minutes. Mix in the raisins. Store for up to one week. Makes about 20 small servings.
per serving: 301 calories; 7 grams protein; 14 grams total fat; 5 grams fiber; 4 grams saturated fat; 41 grams carbohydrates; 9 mgs cholesterol; 64 mgs sodium
By Carol Fenster, on April 5th, 2016
It’s been a long, cold winter in Denver so we were vulnerable.
 Sedona, AZ Snowstorms, the death of my father-in-law, family discord, and cabin fever weighed heavily upon us. Advertisements for warm, sunny skies beckoned on TV and in magazines, so hubbie and I eventually caved in and booked a last-minute trip to Scottsdale, AZ. We arrived at the Phoenix airport late at night, so we couldn’t see much but we could feel the warmth and it felt good.
 Bougainville in Arizona But the next morning, wow!! Brilliant red bougainvillea was everywhere, birds were singing, and the grass was green. Surrounded by all this beauty and sunshine, I still wondered: How was I going to eat for the next 4 days?
Well, as it turns out, in the greater Phoenix area it is as easy to dine gluten-free as it is in my hometown of Denver. Of course, I checked GlutenFreeTravelSite.com and Findmeglutenfree.com before I left home. However, we were not always near the recommended restaurants, so I just “winged it” much of the time. Yet, I had some great meals. Read on for details.
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
This was our home for 4 nights and I was bowled over the first morning when the chef offered to order in gluten-free pancake mixes, etc. for me. As it turned out, I declined his offer because we had other breakfast plans but I was impressed at the customer service.
Tonto Bar & Grill, Cave Creek
The hotel concierge steered us to this restaurant, located on a golf course in Cave Creek, AZ—about 25 miles north of Phoenix.
 Tacos at Tonto Bar & Grill Cave Creek is an old mining and ranching town and embodies the wild, wild west; it’s worth a visit. Tonto’s is famous for their “al fresco” dining, right on the golf course and the food was terrific. Both of us ordered the Puerto Nuevo tacos, with Mexican shrimp. The filling came in a sizzling-hot cast-iron bowl and we assembled our own tacos with corn tortillas that were gently steamed in a waxed paper so they stayed warm and moist throughout the meal.
 Chocolate Cake at Tonto’s Bar & Grill But they blew me away with dessert: Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake with Coconut Ice Cream.
Bink’s Kitchen + Bar, Scottsdale
I searched for James Beard-nominated chefs and found this restaurant just blocks from our hotel. Chef Kevin Binkley was a finalist for the “Best in the Southwest” award. Lots of vegetables on the menu, so I chose a Beet Salad for my first course, followed by Brussels Sprouts for my main course—both were divine.
 Beet Salad at Bink’s Kitchen + Bar
 Brussels Sprouts at Bink’s Kitchen + Bar Of course, I was feeling very virtuous after eating all those vegetables. A Starbucks latte for dessert, and I was a happy camper!
Picazzo’s Pizza, Sedona
Sedona is magical, mystical, and beautiful. If you are anywhere close, take the time to visit. It is about 2 hours north of Phoenix, but worth the drive. We had pizza at Picazzo’s; frankly, I like my own pizza crust better but it was fun to see what restaurants do with gluten-free pizza crust made in-house. But the real winner here was dessert: a huge Chocolate Brownie baked in its own cast-iron pan so it’s still warm when they bring it to the table. Wow!
 Chocolate Brownie at Picazzo’s
 Gluten-Free Pizza at Picazzo’s
Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House, Cave Creek
While at Tonto’s the previous day, we learned of this sister-restaurant just a mile away. So, on our way home from Sedona, we stopped there for dinner. It is named after a famous ranching family that settled in this area in the late 1800’s.
The restaurant was gorgeously decorated and offered an extensive gluten-free menu, but I was most impressed by the house-made 3-seed bread: quinoa, flax, and sunflower seeds. It was fabulous and I ate the whole loaf myself. I was still full from my huge pizza lunch in Sedona, so I just ordered a salad… but the bread completed my meal!
 Cartwright’s Gluten-Free 3-Seed Bread
 Zinc Salad Zinc, Westin Kierland Shopping District, Scottsdale
We have eaten here before and loved it, drawn mainly by the Truffled French Fries which are drizzled in white truffle oil and dusted with Parmesan and fresh parsley. I could make a meal of this, but I complemented it with a light, crab salad which was perfect. Like most of the other restaurants we dined at in AZ, we ate outside because the weather was lovely.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Scottsdale
This was a last-minute decision, near our hotel, and easy to drive to so we took a chance. Well, it turned out to the happening spot….. packed so full that we had to wait 45 minutes for a table. But the tacos were great and I had no problem with gluten-free choices. I wouldn’t go here on a Friday night again (too busy and noisy) but I would go when it’s less busy.
What is the Best Meal of the Trip?
“What is the best meal of the trip?” That’s the question I pose to my husband on each and every trip. We agreed, hands down, that Tonto’s won. The tacos were superb, the outdoor dining was perfectly situation right off the beautiful golf course, and the service was terrific. I would go there again in a heartbeat.
By Carol Fenster, on March 20th, 2016
Well, it’s that time of year again. Just like we want Irish Soda Bread on St. Patrick’s Day, we want Hot Cross Buns for Easter. For some people, it just isn’t Easter without Hot Cross Buns, although history suggests they were traditionally baked and eaten on Good Friday. According to Wikipedia, sharing a hot cross bun with someone else is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if you recite this poem while sharing:
“Half for you and half for me, between us two shall goodwill be.”
 Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns from Carol Fenster The “cross” of frosting on each bun is supposed to ward off bad spirits as well as mold. Chances are good, however, that mold won’t be an issue since you’ll gobble these treats soon after they are baked.
Hot Cross Buns
adapted from 1,000 Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster (Wiley, 2008)
A tradition at Easter, these delectable lightly-spiced buns can also be enjoyed year-round.
Buns
3/4 cup warm (110°F) milk of choice
1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs (about 2/3 cup), at room temperature
1½ cups potato starch
1½ cups Carol’s Gluten-Free Flour Blend (see below)
1 ½ teaspoons xanthan gum
1 teaspoon guar gum
¾ teaspoon table salt
¼ teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice
1/8 teaspoon each ground cloves and nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter or buttery spread, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
½ cup dried currants or cranberries
Brown rice flour for dusting
Egg Wash
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk of choice
Frosting
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk of choice
Drop of lemon extract (optional)
[1] Generously grease 11×7-inch nonstick (gray, not black) pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving 2-inch overhang on two ends for easier removal.
[2] Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in warm milk and set aside to foam for 5 minutes.
[3] In large bowl of heavy-duty mixer, beat eggs on Medium speed until thick and foamy and then reduce speed to Low and add yeast-milk mixture and remaining sugar, potato starch, flour blend, xanthan gum, guar gum, salt, spices, melted butter, and vinegar. Beat in ingredients until blended, then increase speed to medium and beat one minute or until mixture is thoroughly combined and slightly thickened.
[4] Use 1 ½-inch metal spring-action ice cream scoop to measure 15 equal pieces of dough. Dust pieces of dough with rice flour and with very lightly oiled hands, gently shape each into round ball. Place balls very close together in prepared pan in 3 rows of 5 each for a total of 15 rolls. To make the egg wash, whisk together the egg and milk until very smooth, then brush it on the tops of the rolls. Cover lightly with foil (don’t let foil touch dough), and let rise in warm place (75°F to 85°F) until dough is just level with top of pan.
[5] Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until tops are lightly browned, then brush rolls with egg wash again and bake another 10 to 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 200°F when inserted into the center of roll.
[6] Remove pan from oven and cool 10 minutes on wire rack. To serve on platter, use edges of parchment to lift rolls from pan (discard parchment) and cool another 10 minutes on wire rack then transfer to serving platter to cool completely.
[7] To make frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon extract (if using) until very smooth; it will be fairly thick. Transfer glaze to heavy-duty plastic food storage bag, cut 1/8-inch hole in one corner, and pipe an “X” or “cross” on each roll. These are best eaten on same day they are made. Makes 15 rolls.
Carol’s Gluten-Free Flour Blend
1 ½ cups brown rice flour
1 ½ cups potato starch
1 cup tapioca starch/flour
Whisk together thoroughly and store tightly covered in a dark, dry place.
Carol’s Kitchen Notes
[1] Be sure to cool the buns completely before adding the frosting “cross,” or it will simply melt and slide off into oblivion. The buns can be reheated in a Low microwave, but they are best eaten on the same day they are made.
[2] The reason that you tightly pack these buns into the pan is so they rise higher rather than spread out. But this also means that the sides of the buns don’t brown. I have tried it both ways and believe me, arranging them tightly in the pan works better for our soft gluten-free dough than trying to create individual buns that brown on all sides but spread out too much while baking.
[3] The dough may seem impossibly soft, but dusting the balls with brown rice flour makes it easier to shape them with your hands into a smooth ball.
[4] My favorite place to let dough rise is my warming oven, which has a setting for this. You can also use your microwave oven: place 1 cup water in a glass Pyrex measuring cup heat on High for 1 minute. Leave water in the oven and place the pan of dough inside (no need to cover since it is a moist, airtight enclosure). The nice thing about using a microwave is that you can see the bread rising through the window. Other places to let bread rise are the top of your dryer (while it is running, the metal frame heats up a little), or on a heating pad, but be sure to cover the bread with foil to avoid drying out, which is an especially big problem for me in dry Colorado. You can also use your regular oven by turning on the light which generates some heat, but don’t let the temperature rise above 85°F or you will dry out the crust and the buns won’t rise.
[5] The reason that I use both xanthan gum and guar gum is that there is a natural synergy between these two gums that produces a better texture. Gum experts (yes, there is such a specialty in the baking world!!!) verified this fact. If you can’t find guar gum in stores, order it from Bob’s Red Mill. If you prefer to use xanthan gum only, use 2 teaspoons.
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