Felicity's First Cooking Demo

Tonight marked the first cooking demo event I offer through my business, Felicity: Creating happiness, a cancer survivor's resource. It was a fun and successful experience. The group I demo'd for had requested instruction on how to make a gluten-free, lactose-free and casein-free macaroni and cheese. The dish I created was delicious and got the thumbs of some very picky eaters! It hit the comfort food spot. The cooking demos I offer consist of a pre-planned menu (client input encouraged), prepping and cooking demonstration (for those interested), followed by a group dinner enjoying the food that has just been prepared. It is a fun and interactive way to learn how to make whole food, nourishing and delicious dishes. Tonight the group helped with some of the prep work and sat drinking wine as I instructed on how to make the mac and cheese. Contact me if you are interested in hosting a cooking demonstration at jmattson@felicityallergenfree.com. I hope you enjoy this recipe for classic comfort food! Macaroni and Cheese GF and Casein Free 1 pound gf macaroni 3 Tbs grapeseed oil 2 Tbs earth balance 1 medium onion, finely diced 2 Tbs miso paste 6 Tbs rice flour 5 c milk, mix of coconut and almond 4 c goat or sheep cheese of choice - recommend gouda and a pecorino mix 1/2 tsp sea salt optional: 4 tsp whole grain mustard topping: gf breadcrumbs are extra pecorino Cook the pasta to al dente, rinse well and set aside. In a large sauce pan, heat oil and earth balance until earth balance bubbles. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Stir in miso paste. Add flour and whisk until well combined. Continue whisking to prevent clumping until aromatic. Slowly add the milk, coconut first. Continue whisking to prevent scalding until the mixture becomes thickened. Add the cheese, salt and pepper and stir until the cheese has melted. Once the cheese has melted, add the pasta and stir to combine. Place the pasta and cheese mixture into a 9x11 pan. Top with cheese or bread crumbs and broil until the top is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Bob's Red Mill

Took a fun trip with my Dad who is visiting from Spokane to Bob's Red Mill

. I have been using his gluten-free products ever since I realized I was intolerant of gluten but had not made the trip out there until today. The selection was impressive! Two rows of packaged gluten-free products and an entire section of dedicated gluten-free bulk. All of Bob's products labelled gluten-free are prepared in a separate part of the mill to ensure they do not become contaminated by gluten. There are also multiple organic products available and the beans, seeds, grains, etc. are non-GMO!

We had lunch at the restaurant; a delicious turkey salad on gluten-free bread with vegan cheddar, turkey bacon, tomato and fresh spinach. The serving was substantial and came with baby carrots and a deli pickle. It was a great value! We refrained from trying the bakery items such as the wheat-free blueberry cake and sweet potato corn bread muffins, but there is always next time!

I am so grateful that Bob has expanded his business to provide wholesome and delicious gluten-free products. The fact that Bob's Red Mill is a locally run, employee owned business makes it even better! Make sure you check out his products if you haven't already or stop by the store if you are ever in the area!

Gluten-free Store

Had the opportunity to visit an entirely gluten-free store in Vancouver, WA today, Lingonberries Market. It was so relieving to not have to read the labels or be worried that I might have a bad reaction to a new item I found. The shop also carries some items for corn, soy and lactose intolerances. Items included an extensive selection of flours, baking mixes and pastas as well as sauces, seasonings, etc. There were lots of quick grab and go snack options as well. My favorite find were little bunny cookies by Annie's that taste like Teddy Grahams (I've really missed those!). The shop owner and the staff were so friendly and helpful. It is definitely local business that deserve support. I hope you have the chance to visit it soon!

Grain, nut and dairy free carrot cake

I haven't tried the following recipe by Nourishing Foodways, but it will definitely be made this weekend! It is a challenge to find good whole food, gluten-free baked goods that do not contain tree nuts or dairy as some of you have mentioned. The success of the grain, nut and dairy free brownies I took to the Magic Wand Collective event has me hopeful about this carrot cake. I will be sure to post the results. Happy baking!