Sunday, May 16, 2010

A Night in Paris - Paris 66

Last night, we dined at La Paris 66 in Shadyside. I’ve been wanted to go there for a while now to try their gluten-free options! When we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly “bon soiree” by the owner and led to a quaint table on the back patio under the festive lights. The mood wasn’t stuffy or pretentious at all – simply a relaxed South of France atmosphere.

The restaurant was BYOB, so we brought our own bottle of red, Spanish Tempranillo/Shiraz mix (yes, I know what you're thinking...Spanish wine to a French restaurant). After it was corked, we made our first ‘chin chin’ to travelling to France in one year’s time.

Our first course was a shared La Paris 66 galatte, made from buckwheat and filled to the brim with ham, cheese and a sunny-side-up egg with mushrooms, tomatoes and salad on the side. It was absolutely delicious and reminded me of the months I spent in France.

My next course was the evening’s special, roasted lamb with potatoes and bacon-wrapped green beans (he had me at bacon). Now, before I ordered, I told the waiter of my gluten intolerance and he went to speak with the French chef. When the waiter returned, he said the potatoes on the side were not gluten-free, but the chef would be happy to prepare something else that would be gluten-free. The chef specially made me a second side of pablano peppers stuffed with a rice and rosemary blend which was more amazing than the original side. I had forgotten the aromatic and complexity of French meals!

We finished the meal with a shared a chocolate mousse made with 65% Belgian chocolate. I felt as though with each bite, I was dipping my spoon into the most delicious dark chocolate bar I had ever tasted.

Thank you Paris 66 for the fabulous tastes of France right here in Pittsburgh, PA.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day Cake

On Mother's Day, I was in charge of making the gluten free dessert.  So, naturally I went for a Betty Crocker Devils Cake.  I was feeling a little decorative after watching an episode of Cake Boss, and I added an extra flair with some strawberries.

Not the prettiest job icing, but it's an attempt. My favorite part is the strawberry flower in the middle.  I'll tell you how it tastes soon!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

All You Need Is...

All You Need Is Love Nutella.




Snacking can be hard when you're on a Gluten Free diet.  You always have to watch out for those "hidden" ingredients.  Today, I'm eating not only a delicious snack but one that takes me back to my months spent in the South of France.  

In France, people don't eat peanut butter.  They eat Nutella - a "creamy, chocolaty hazelnut spread"(TM).  In my opinion, Nutella tastes great on just about anything.  Before you try anything crazy though, I recommend spreading a dollup on Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins.  The combination of flavors tastes great! 

Enjoy!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Please Send Amber a Card of Encourgagement!

I just received this message from Jackie Russo of Pennsylvania's Perfect Pageant system. 

A dear friend of her, Christina, gave her this message. Her niece Amber is 13 years old. She has been fighting a severe brain disease for the past 12 years. Amber has been life flighted 110 times and has been in 17 commas. She is coming to the end of the road. There is nothing more they can do for her. They are now saying that she probably won't make it until next Christmas. One of her favorite things is getting mail. Christina and Ambers mother are trying to spread the word to see how many cards or letters Amber can get from different states and countries.. To read more about her please visit http://prayernet.geisinger.org/ name code damo56..


Please if you have just a moment in your day...send her a card of encouragement. And the little time it took you to read this email you could in return send this letter to everyone you know. Her address is Amber Dougherty, 2766 Bald Eagle Pike, Tyrone, Pa., 16686.

If this were your child or family member I'm sure you would encourage this as much as you were able. I do not personally know Amber but i think that every ounce of encouragement and happiness we can bring to Amber will help her with the time she has left on this earth.
Please pass this along. Thank you.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Making Gluten Free Pizza on a Grill


Alright I know it's cold outside, but I have to share this AMAZING recipe with you!  It tastes exactly like brick oven pizza -- and it's 100% gluten free!

Ingredients:
Chebe Cheesy Gluten-Free Bread Mix
GF Tomato Sauce of Your Choice (I really like Bertolli's Organic Sauce!)
Provolone Cheese (1 Pack)
1 Organic Green Pepper
Boar's Head Pepperoni
(Feel free to use any toppings of your choice!)

Preparation:
First, prepare the pizza dough as listed on the Chebe Bread Package. (I've noticed that I like making Pizza with the Bread, but Chebe also has a Chebe Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix.)

Spread the pizza dough out on a large piece of aluminum foil until it is in your desired shape (round, square, oval...or be creative!)

Then, place the pizza dough upside down on the grill, so the top side of the pizza gets nice and toasty.  (Make sure to move the pizza around the grill, so it does not stick.) After about 10 minutes, flip the pizza over and add your chosen pizza sauce.  Next, add cheese slices equally around the pizza dough and follow with other various toppings.  Cook the pizza approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill. 

Remove the tin foil, and enjoy you're wonderful pizza!

**Tip: Make sure to oil the foil before spreading out the dough, so it doesn't stick!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

October Celiac Awareness Dinner Success

This post has been a long time in the making! First of all, I would like to thank all of you who came out to Benjamin's Restaurant to be an advocate for Celiac Awareness! We wouldn't have raised the funds needed for a certified Gluten-Free restaurant without you! I would like to give another very special thank you to Patty and Julie Anne of Sisters Three Gluten Free (www.SistersThreeGlutenFree.com)for providing delicious gluten free bread for our meal! Finally, I would like to thank Chef Regis McGill for taking care of our gluten free needs and preparing a wonderful meal!

Our meal began with a fresh greens salad. Attendees had a choice of three gluten free dinner entrees: Cedar Plank Salmon, Chicken Lafayette, and Pork Othello. I choose the Chicken Lafayette which practically melted in my mouth! Following dinner we enjoyed a dish of mocha gelato -- the perfect ending to our gluten free dinner!

As a thank you, attendees received a "gluten free swag bag" full of gluten free goodies. The Pamela's chocolate cookies were definitely my favorite!

Check back very soon for more information on the first restaurant earning Gluten Free Certification in Indiana!! :)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Celiac Awareness Day with the Pittsburgh Pirates!

Great Seats!


Gluten-Free Burger (& Bun!!!)


A special thank you to Steve at Aramark for putting together a Gluten Free Concession Stand for the Celiac Awareness Day!



John Russell, the Pirates Manager




Meeting Donnie Veal



Me celebrating the first Celiac Awareness Day at PNC Park!