Mango Guacamole

Last weekend we tried a new restaurant, Pam's Patio Kitchen, that offers a variety of GF options.  When we sat down to look at the menu, we noticed everyone had bread at their tables. Before we even had the opportunity to deny bread, the server noticed that I had a gluten free menu and offered us chips and salsa.

It was not just chips and salsa. There was pico and mango salsa guacamole. While all three were amazing, the mango guac was a fresh take on guacamole.

It was difficult to choose what to eat for dinner. I decided to pick something that I don't have that often or can't really make on my own. I ordered the beef curry and while it doesn't look that appetizing, it was meaty, sweet, and succulent.

This all leads to me to last night's dinner which was inspired by the mango guacamole. We never really measure anything when we make guacamole, but I diced tomatoes, onions, and a jalapeno. I mashed the avocado first and mixed in the veggies. I added about 3/4 of a finely chopped mango as well as some salt, garlic, and a little lime juice.

We made chicken nachos with black beans, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, cheese, and of course mango guacamole. We used Mrs. Dash southwest chipotle to season the chicken. While I won't add mango to guacamole every time, it was a nice addition on a 70 degree plus weather day!

A Rare Find

As I've mentioned in other posts, GF foods can be expensive. Last week we decided to try out a different HEB called Fresh Market. I was hoping they would have a variety similar to Central Market but would be less expensive. This particular HEB was in the process of remodeling and I spotted a note that read, "We are in the stages of incorporating new types of specialty foods." They had a decent amount of GF foods, definitely not as much as Central Market but the prices were cheaper! I picked up some Fruity Pebbles treats, HEB brand GF noodles to try, Cupcake Pebbles, Larabars, and some sale items!

Justin spotted Chebe mixes in a discount shelf for only 89 cents each! We haven't tried any yet, but we picked up focaccia mix, bread mix, and an all-purpose mix. We only bought one of each, in case we didn't like the way they tasted. We also bought two containers of brown rice bread crumbs. I like to use those for breaded chicken tenders or chicken cordon bleu.

Great Urban Race

Today I walked 28,000 steps on my pedometer. Justin and I made the hour and a half trip to Austin for the day to compete in the Great Urban Race (GUR). This was our second year, and we were determined to do better. Last year, we finished a half and hour after the closing time. This year we solved our clues first and planned out our route. Everything seemed to be more spread out this year and we didn't take the bus once. We walked/ran all over the city of Austin. It was coming down to the wire again this year, but we made it in with four minutes to spare! We'll find out our exact place in a few days, we're not expecting anything high. Like I said, we were proud to finish. My body aches and it feels amazing to be sitting down on the couch. If only our crazy little monster, Iivana, wouldn't be so hyper!

Here's a few highlights from the day:

Mustaches!

Keeping Austin Weird

Diving In

Pretend feeding fried pickles and shrimp, of course I didn't consume the gluten filled treat.

Before the race, we needed to grab a quick bite to eat. I researched before our trip and found Snap Kitchen.

The place was a perfect stop because everything was pre-made and ready to eat. You chose what you wanted to eat from a cooler. There were numerous choices.

Some of our choices in the bag. The Quinoa Muesli was a little sweet. It was more of a breakfast food, than a lunch item. The curried chicken salad was awesome.

Justin bought some deviled eggs that were also GF. I didn't try any since I don't like eggs, but he said the hummus was spicy and delicious. 

The best part though was the chocolate chip cookies. They were soft, chewy, and flavorful. It really makes me want to get back into baking. I need to start experimenting more with GF flours.

Hot Tamales Jelly Beans!

I'm an avid fan of candy, especially chewy candy. The Mike and Ike family of flavors ranks high in my book. Tonight we stopped at the store quickly to get some popcorn. We passed the candy section and I decided I wanted some. I first chose a theatre box of Hot Tamales. As we walked to check out, we noticed the Easter candy out. We skimmed through the section and to my surprise I saw Hot Tamales jelly beans. I've been a fan of Just Born jelly beans for years but have never seen the Hot Tamales. I quickly grabbed the bag in exchange for my theatre size box.

I scanned the pack of the bag and of course, gluten free!

Of course, they are only smaller Hot Tamales, but that is what I enjoy the most. I love the little bean size.

Love Me Some Larabars

Wednesdays are long days for me. I teach all day, tutor, and then I have class. On these such days, I don't arrive home until almost 9:00. Often more than not, I don't have time to warm up any dinner before class. The time is usually cut too close, with making sure kids get picked and preparing for the next day. I have to jet over to class. On these long days I truly rely on Larabars because they are filling. They tide me over until I get home! Recently I was able to try some new flavors, well they aren't really new...just new to me.

My review on each:

• Lemon Bar - I feel like my mother because she loves lemon flavored foods. These had a powerful lemon flavor, but that was what I enjoyed. Try them!
• Cinnamon Roll - It doesn't really taste like an actual cinnamon roll at all. But I still enjoyed it.
• Ginger Snap - I was expecting it to taste like fresh ginger. Wrong, there was a strong presence of cloves. I was able to finish but not as good as others.
• Tropical Fruit Bar - My personal opinion is that this one was disgusting! I know it is because I don't really like coconut flavored things unless they are Samoa Girl Scout Cookies. If you enjoy coconut, then you'd probably like this one.

In other news:

• I'm a proud new auntie to the awesomely adorable Maren Jean Rusnak! I can't wait to meet her. Hmm, sounds like she's named very closely to her Aunt Karen Jean.

Pei Wei

I've been to PF Chang's a few times. There was that memorable time in East Lansing for my 22nd birthday. My family came up to take me out to dinner, but my birthday fell on the same weekend as homecoming. Every restaurant was crowded. While I was not diagnosed with celiac at this point, I wanted to badly try PF Chang's. The wait was ridiculous, more than 2 hours. We killed time at the bar area, sipping a few drinks that my dad treated us to. After a few complaints because people who arrived after us were getting seated, the manager treated us to a free round of drinks. By the time we were seated, one sister who shale remain nameless, was a bit tipsy. The food was definitely not as memorable as my sister's quotes.

Justin and I visited a PF Chang's down here in SA. I'm not sure what ruined this experience, the hot Saki, the saltiness in the food, or the overpriced menu. Again, this trip was pre-celiac diagnosis. Since then we have not had much of a desire to go back.

While we do not like the "big brother" PF Chang's we adore the "little sister" Pei Wei. The price is much more affordable, the service reminds of us our times at Noodles so we often reminisce, and the service is fast. I love the Pei Wei Spicy Chicken. I always ask for the gluten free menu when I arrive to make sure it is still an item and that they are sure to make it GF. It has a little kick to it, but an amazing meal! 

Waffle Obsession

After making pancakes using the gluten free Bisquick, I was ready to try Belgian waffles. A couple of Fridays ago, we were searching for something quick for dinner. Justin agreed so I followed the directions on the box.

• 1 1/3 cups Bisquick GF mix
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil (I used EVOO because that is all we had.)
• 1 egg

The batter was a little runny, and I was nervous it would flood out the sides of the griddle. 

I fed Justin his waffles first. He hollered from the table, "These are the best waffles we've had in a long time!" How funny! Before I was diagnosed with celiac we were on a mission to find the best waffle mix.  You know it's always a good thing when a gluten eating person thinks something GF is yummy.

The waffles were so cakey. In the picture you can see the moist, crumbliness in them. Justin said they're the best artificial Belgian waffle.

Then came the best idea ever by my husband...Take the Cake ice cream.

The ice cream was even more amazing than the waffle itself. It tasted like a waffle cone/funnel cake with ice cream. I wish I had some now!

I ended up making a double batch of the batter so we could enjoy the dessert waffles. I put the extras in the fridge. I would put two quarters in the toaster for breakfast and frost them with peanut butter and honey.

Sunday Newspaper

To be honest, I like getting the Sunday newspaper for the ads and the coupons. Occasionally I'll flip through and something will catch my eye to read. In this instance that didn't happen. Justin was the one who spotted the article about "Living Gluten Free" on the front page of the Taste section. I waited to post about this because I had been trying to find the article online to link, but have not had much luck finding it.

So here is a picture...

Here's the rest of the article.

Okay, okay I know you're thinking how in the world are we supposed to read that?  I will bullet a few interesting points taken from the Sunday, February 13, 2011 San Antonio Express New's "Living Gluten Free" article.

• Celiac disease is common but it is difficult for people to be diagnosed. (p. 1H) It took a long time for me to realize I might have it. You did not hear much about it in the 90s. 
• "It's often overlooked or misdiagnosed because it can manifest itself in different ways, including anemia, fatigue, intestinal problems and vitamin deficiency" (p. 1H). Hello!  I've been anemic since I was 8.
• Recent studies show that about 1 in 100 Americans have celiac disease, but 97 percent are undiagnosed. (p. 1H)
• It discusses resources in San Antonio including the Little Aussie Bakery, Sun Harvest, Whole Foods, Central Market, Alamo Celiac group (which I still need to join but I've used many resources from their website), products at the Pearl Farmer's Market. I need to make another trip to the Farmer's Market soon to check out HGD Foods. (p. 1H - 3H)

I also had two people at school ask me today if I saw the article!

Happy Valentine's Day

This morning I took a shower to a cinnamon scented candle light. You might be thinking this was some romantic ploy by my husband. First off, I'm not really a morning person. Secondly, the power was out! I could handle a shower in the dark because normally I can barely see much anyways without my contacts. If you have ever tried getting dressed to a dim light, it is not an easy task. It took the third pair of nylons to find one with out a hole. While I sported a red dress to school today, my hair was like a wet noodle, wrapped in a pony with a head band. As I was lighting the gas stove with a lighter, ah ha! The power came on. Luckily I was able to toast my usual morning waffles and drink my cup of joe.

Having a holiday such as Valentine's Day land on a Monday is not ideal for teachers. The whole day is chaotic and by the end of the day you realize it is only Monday. My students kept questioning, "When is the party? When is the pizza getting here?  Can I take this Valentine to ________." My kiddos devoured pizza, cookies, cup cakes, soda, hot Cheetos, and candy. Being my first GF Valentine's Day I was glad I wasn't going to regret numerous gluttonous foods. I did consume a few pieces of candy, but that was about it.

Arriving home, I felt exhausted. Justin was starting dinner, our version of an old time favorite from a discontinued Noodles and Co. menu item: Sweet Chili Chicken. We sauteed broccoli, red bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, green onions, and chicken. It was served on rice with a side of sweet chili sauce.  

A closer view of a pepper he cut like a heart for me.

Iivana enjoyed a new teddy bear on this <3 day.

I made a few chocolate covered strawberries for dessert too!

Lounge Story

Last Thursday, I heard a knock, knock on my door at school. "Mrs. Mendoza, have you heard about the great deal going on in the lounge?" a man asked me. Unaware of happenings in the lounge, I responded with a no but wondered who this man was and why was he soliciting in my classroom. He went through a spiel about Anchor glassware, showed me a long list of teachers who already bought it, and proceeded to explain how he had been selling it for over 25 years to the district. I agreed to walk down to the lounge to take a look at the potential purchase. A 20-piece set for only 26.98! Hmm, I thought I already have two Pyrex sets and Corningware which rarely gets used, do I really need more glassware? In my head I debated about it. For those of you who know me, I love deals! I usually never have my checkbook in my purse and that day I had it. I took it as a sign to buy a set. While the new set is still sitting in the box on the table three days later, when the day comes for me to make 3 pies I'll be glad I don't have to go buy another pan!

Asia Kitchen

At the gym yesterday, Justin and I looked at each other and said, "What are we going to have for dinner?" I responded saying I was in the mood for either Asia Kitchen or pancakes, too completely opposite things. We agreed upon Asia Kitchen which offers numerous GF items. While they have a variety of dishes, I still always get Pad Thai with chicken.

My to-go container clearly labeled Celiac.

I think we eat Asia Kitchen at least 1-2 times per month.  Everything is so amazingly delicious.

I Heart Donuts, Sometimes...

As I went through the mail today, I noticed an ad for Dunkin' Donuts. They were advertising heart shaped donuts filled with creme for Valentine's Day. Mmm...I thought to myself, what I wouldn't give for one of those. Not even two seconds later, my mind fluttered full of flashbacks of stomachaches, diarrhea, and of course rancid smelly farts!

This past weekend, Justin and I made our monthly trip to Whole Foods to stock up on specialty gluten free items. A month ago I had tried some kinnikinnick donuts that tasted amazing. I wanted to try a different kind, so I picked out glazed original donuts. I actually didn't realize until now that I had not bought the same brand. Glutino has some great products though, so I would have expected more.

At first, I thought the box was clever, opening similar to gluten filled donut boxes. But now I think all it does is allow for freezer burn to occur more quickly. Plus right after I opened the box for the first time, one of the sides ripped in the wrong spot.

I was utterly disappointed that I had spent $5.99 on this box of donuts. After heated for the 15 - 20 seconds that the directions called for, the donut was not heated evenly through out. In fact many spots were mushy. There was not much flavor at all, maybe completely doused in icy would have made a tasty treat.

While these did not make my taste buds dance, of course I'll still finish the box of them. I can't bare to waste the dollar per donut. Next time I will make sure I buy kinnikinnick donuts.

Good News!

I finally got a hold of my doctor a week or so ago.  My iron levels and ferritin levels are rising!  No more iron infusions for this girl.  She didn't tell me the exact count because I missed the call and she left a voicemail, but good news regardless.

Lettuce Wraps

A couple of Saturdays ago, Justin and I were raiding the refrigerator for something to eat for lunch. We had some lettuce, which we had bought with the intention of making lettuce wraps, but with lunch meat turkey. There was some chicken defrosted in the fridge so I thought chicken would be prefect in lettuce wraps.  Hmmm, I wondered what else did we have on hand that I could quickly mix in the wrap? San-J peanut sauce! I shredded the chicken with a fork, marinated it in the sauce for a few minutes, and then began to saute it. Once the chicken was cooked, I simply put a little with a few carrots in a piece of lettuce. They were quick, easy, and delicious.

Edamame-Black Bean Salad

I always receive emails from Betty Crocker, one featured this Edamame-Black Bean Salad.  I figured it could be gluten free as long as I checked all the ingredients.  Its basis included fresh products like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and beans.  I forgot to buy green onions, so I used red onions instead.  I took some time on Sunday to make it, so it could last through out the week as a healthy snack.  It had lots of fiber and protein; it tasted pretty good too.

It was a colorful salad.

EEk Pancakes!

Pancakes were ruined for me early in my journey of eating gluten free.  Justin and I usually made big breakfasts on Saturdays and Sundays, which usually consisted of pancakes or waffles since I don't really like eggs.  We grabbed a box of gluten free pancake mix from the commissary, to make a big breakfast one Saturday.  The mix smelled like angel food cake mix.  The pancakes were a bust!  They weren't fluffy, didn't taste like pancakes, and required the whole box for 10 pancakes!  I knew it would require trying different brands to find a good one.  But in the back of my head, I thought maybe all pancake mixes taste that horrid.

I knew Bisquick came out with a gluten free mix.  I never liked pancakes from Bisquick as a kid, but wanted to give the mix a try anyways. The majority of the time we shop at the commissary to get our groceries because it's cheaper and closer. We'll make a Whole Foods, Sun Harvest, or Central Market trip about once every month to stock up on specialty items.  Since Bisquick was a newer product of course the commissary didn't carry it.  

Last weekend we went to Houston to celebrates Justin's grandpa's 79th birthday. I was ecstatic when grandma gave me some GF Bisquick that she had found at Walmart. It's an amazing thing when people think of you and get something GF for you!  I couldn't wait to get home to try it.

Yay, my own GF Bisquick to try!

In fact, Sunday when we returned home I insisted that we try pancakes for dinner made by the GF Bisquick. I added some blueberries to the mix.

Ready to eat.

When I took my first bite, I instantly fell in love.  Pancakes that taste like pancakes!  Since I've been completely gluten free for 5 months, I always wonder if my taste buds have changed.  Justin is there to keep me in check. While he eats GF with me at home, he'll occasionally have some gluten at work or if we go out somewhere. He didn't think they were amazing, but he did think they were definitely better than the other ones we tried.  

Monday night we ran to the commissary to get a few groceries for the week. What do you think they had there?  GF Bisquick! I squealed to myself in the aisle with excitement.  I threw a box in our cart, because I've seen other recipes that use Bisquick that I want to try out.  

Muddy Buddies!

An oldie, but a goodie!  Muddy buddies aka puppy chow takes me back to after high school dances.  It seemed no matter which house we were at, the temptuous snack always appeared.  I decided to make the snack because I was craving something sweet.  Being the end of the week, our stock of food was depleted and nothing was seeming to fill the hole.  Late Friday night I whipped up some muddy buddies in about 5 minutes.

Of course I had multiple boxes of Chex on hand.

The recipe from the back of the box, only requires peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and Chex.  Quick and easy, with use of the microwave.

The final product!