Can We Eat That?

Thinking about S'mores

 

Of the many things I've missed, and thus my kids don't even know about, is eating s'mores around a campfire. Such a simple and fond childhood memory that most of us take for granted.

Nearly every American child knows how to make one: Hershey's chocolate squares, 1 big roasted marshmallow, 2 graham crackers, and an open flame.

For a very long time there wasn't a way to do this easily and gluten free. Now Kinnikinnick makes a version of GF graham crackers that are expressly for this purpose.

You could also use them to make gingerbread houses during the holidays.

They taste pretty close to the original, slightly thicker, but it's been so long since I ate a graham cracker, I don't care.

On the way home from school today my daughter starting talking about going camping in the rain in a tent and making s'mores; an idea she saw on Nick Jr. And I have a way to make it a reality for her, in the summer....and hopefully not in the rain.

 

Gluten Free Daily Planning for the Unexpected

Sometimes I dream that I've been falsely accused of a crime and put in jail. And I have nothing to eat! 

I also consider very seriously about what could happen in a natural disaster or an accident. Point being, it's a good idea to have some supplies available in case of an emergency.

Additionally it's important to always have something with you that you can eat in the event that you get stuck for hours at a Red Cross shelter, on a subway train, in a traffic jam, at the airport, at a hospital or even someone else's house. 

I try to carry several Larabars or Kind bars with me at all times. Also I keep a box of rice crackers or Nut Thins and individual containers of applesauce in the car. Snack Pack pudding is a good choice, too because it doesn't require refrigeration. 

When I went into labor, I had a bag of non-perishable foods to take with me to the hospital, not relying on them to feed me; especially when you can be there for a long time and have nothing to eat for hours. The hospital menus were difficult and I don't remember being fed very well during my stays. 

So be prepared! It will surprise you how often you'll be grateful to have planned ahead for the unexpected.

 

 

The Best GF Belgian Waffle with Pamela's

 

During the recent snow and ice storm that kept us indoors for a week, I decided to break out my new Oster Waffle-maker. I surprised the kids by making them their first ever belgian waffles. 

As I've mentioned, I use a GF mix when I can because it takes the guess work out of all the substitutions and measurements. This time Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix came to the rescue. They were amazingly light and delicious. The trick is to use a good amount of GF cookings spray, even though it's a non-stick iron. You can also use regular vegetable oil judiciously. Turn the griddle up to the highest heat, and fill it about halfway with batter. The lid will rise slightly when they are ready. Top with confectioners sugar, maple syrup or fruit.

I was shocked at how great they turned out!

Helpful Hints from Pamela's

Pamela's Pancake Recipe Instructions via pamelasproducts.com

1 cup Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix 
1 large egg (or equivalent of liquid egg replacer) 
3/4 cup water 
1 tablespoon oil

Yield: six, 4-inch pancakes

Mix all ingredients together until there are no lumps. Batter should not be too thin or too thick; add additional water if needed. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto a preheated, lightly oiled griddle (medium-low heat). Cook until golden brown, flipping once. Serve immediately.

Extra pancakes can be cooked, cooled, then wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen. To reheat, remove wrapping and microwave wrapped in a paper towel until hot, approximately one minute per pancake.

Suggestion: Use a pizza cutter to cut pancakes up for small children.

Variation:

Apple Pancakes: Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 grated Granny Smith apple (about 3/4 cup) to pancake recipe above and cook as directed. Add additionalPamela's Baking & Pancake Mix if needed.