Gluten Free Breakfast Idea!

Ok, I've thrown some interesting meals together during this GF journey. Today I thought of an interesting breakfast idea that fits the bill nutritionally and was a huge hit, despite it being a little odd. Breakfast Baked Sweet Potatoes! That's right! Just take away the roasted chicken and vegetables and you have the perfect breakfast food. Funny that it never occurred to me before. What are some of your favorite (but odd) breakfast foods? They don't have to be GF! Just share!

Bobs Red Mill Mighty Tasty GF Hot Cereal

So, expect to see a lot of reviews of gluten free foods for a while...

While at Whole Foods on Friday, I browsed the length of the hot and cold cereal aisle before making a decision. There are so many GF choices throughout the store and I didn't want to go home with a $300 shopping order. I decided that there are cold cereals I can purchase at other retailers, but that an actual gluten free hot one might be hard to find elsewhere. Bob's Red Mill is a manufacturer I have used in the past. Publix carries their steel cut oats and they're great. When I saw that they had a gluten free hot cereal called "Mighty Tasty," I figured the kids might like it.

I prepared it this morning. Yes, it's March 1st, but the temps outside are still calling for hot breakfast in the morning. The preparation time is very reasonable. Once the cereal is added to the boiling water, it's done in 10 minutes. Compared to 30 minutes for steel cut oats, this is an easy addition to my morning. The consistency seemed a little different than what I'm used to. It reminded me of a coarse farina or maybe polenta. I took the serving suggestions on the bag and added half and half, brown sugar, and I also added a pat of butter. The kids were a little skeptical and I was very nervous. Ford hates oatmeal and has more or less refused to eat breakfast for a couple of months. Well, they loved it! In fact, they said, "mmm, mmm, delicious!" Ford told me to buy some more - even before the first bag runs out! This made me so pleased. We could enjoy a hot cereal together on a cold day, without worrying about gluten. They ate all that I gave them. I liked the taste as well. I remember thinking how I wished my mom had given me that instead of watery, burned tasting Ralston cereal!

I feel like gluten free foods either get a bad rap for being gross and weird, or I've just chosen very well. So far, we like everything we've tried! Click Here to buy Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal direct. The price is a lot better than what I paid at Whole Foods.

Slackin' Off

The girl with the food blog is bringing cranberry sauce, rolls and booze to her brother's this weekend!? What a slacker I am!! No, seriously, I just have to take things that don't require fresh-prep on Saturday as we are going to Atlanta on Friday for a puppet show. Also, I am being kind to Jennie and trying not to overload her refrigerator with stuff before the big party. A good house-guest tries to keep out of the way! I have also decided to make a trip over to Trader Joe's on Friday afternoon and pick up some stuff to throw on a platter (relishes, pickled and roasted veggies - sort-of an antipasto plate, if you will). It will be my first time there and I'm sure I will have plenty to share about the experience.





I feel so guilty about the lack of homemade goodness this week that I thought I'd share a good breakfast recipe with you.

Pumpkin Pancakes

These are the perfect thing to make with half a can of leftover canned pumpkin! They turn a gorgeous golden color and are fabulous for breakfast or a fun snack!

Whisk together in a large bowl:

• 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1-3/4 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Combine in another bowl:

• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 can of cooked, pureed pumpkin (not pie filling)

Mix the liquid ingredients quickly into the dry ingredients. Cook on a hot griddle until the edges are dry, then turn and cook until golden brown on 2nd side. Serve with real maple syrup and cinnamon-nutmeg whipped cream*.

*To make cinnamon-nutmeg whipped cream, simply add a few shakes of each to your heavy whipping cream along with the sugar. This stuff rocks on coffee!!