I’ve reconnected with a childhood friend, which feels wonderful. We looked so much alike with blue eyes, blonde hair and fair skin speckled with freckles that people thought we were twins. We loved making concoctions in the kitchen, and one of our favorites was corn chowder. I recently hosted a party and had loads of leftover corn on the cob. Messaging back and forth with my old friend reminded me of our corn chowder creation days. This recipe is for you, dear friend!
Read MoreTurmeric & Orange Smoothie, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
Now that we are a gluten-free and dairy-free household, I’m reinventing the way we eat. Breakfast is one of the hardest changes to make. Our standards of whole-wheat toast, oatmeal (we don’t eat oats either), cream of wheat, or cereal with milk have been replaced with other options like eggs, bacon, Paleo pancakes, and smoothies. My daughter is the best recipe taste tester, and here are her comments on this turmeric and orange smoothie: "That's delicious! I love the hint of spice! Is there more?!!" With relief, I now have another successful breakfast item to put on my evolving menu.
Read MoreBam Bam Gluten-Free Bakery in Portland, Maine
A visit to Bam Bam Bakery in Portland, Maine always puts a smile on my daughter's face. This fun photo reflects the City of Portland down by the waterfront where Bam Bam Bakery invites you into their space. The smell of fresh baked gluten-free goodies lures you through their tall doors, past several tables, and a cushioned window seat and sofa area that reminds me of the 1980s TV show Friends. The hustle bustle of the open kitchen gives confidence that the products are going to be fresh.
Displayed behind the counter is a large assortment of tempting treats like whoopie pies (chocolate and blueberry), cupcakes and cookies in many flavors, coffee cake, cinnamon buns, cakes, pies and breads. They also offer many items that are dairy-free, vegan, soy-free, and nut-free. This is a great place for lunch with options of pizza, soups, shepherds pie and daily specials. Plan an easy night and take supper home!
One of our family's favorite Bam Bam treats is their coconut bread. My mom slices this into squares and serves fresh strawberries on top with dairy-free whipped cream. This is our new delicious Strawberry Shortcake!
The very day my daughter was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity three years ago, my mom rushed down to Bam Bam Bakery before they closed and selected whoopie pies, cookies, and bars that she then shipped to us all the way across the country...Maine to California. We were thrilled to open a care package a few days later filled with our Bam Bam treats. This was a tasty introduction into our new gluten-free lifestyle.
Each time we travel to Portland, Maine, Bam Bam is on our list of places to go. Thank you Bam Bam Bakery for another great visit!
Maine Blueberry Crumble, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
It's wild blueberry season here in Maine, and I'm so lucky to be visiting family at this time of year. Maine blueberries are tiny, blue gems that grow on low bushes and are bursting with iconic flavor and antioxidants. I was brought up reading Robert McCloskey's classic story, Blueberries for Sal, and I experienced my own version of the tale where I tagged behind my mother picking blueberries on the hill and eating more than my fair share. I remember Mom making blueberry crumble with our bounty using a cherished recipe shared by the local market owner.
Now it's time to update the blueberry crumble with a gluten-free and dairy-free version, but first I must find the old recipe.
Read MoreFruit Smoothie Pops, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
Smoothies are a great way to start the day, and summer is a fun time to enjoy smoothie pops for breakfast—when there is an abundance of fresh fruit, the temperature has already reached 80 degrees, and the air is heavy with humidity. When the weather report says a heat wave is coming, make these fruit smoothie pops the night before to allow them to freeze solid overnight.
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