Being intolerant to dairy (rather than being full-blown allergic or, god forbid, even anaphylactic), means that I still indulge in a piece of cake or ice-cream a couple of times a week. However, if I over-do it, then oh boy, I cop the consequences.
For example, I grew up with Milo, and to this day, the little child inside me still loves that Vitamin B goodness. I have even been known to do a Nutella on the Milo by sticking the teaspoon in the tin and eating it just like that, even risking Milo-stained teeth.
Because I have the willpower of an ant, I even resort to hiding it in the very back of the pantry so I don’t gorge on it every day. I strongly adhere to the ‘out of sight out of mind” philosophy and it usually works, until I spy a bit of green sticking out from behind the container of buckwheat flour.
Well, the other night, I caved. I felt like something sweet and there it was – that little bit of green with shiny silver lid poking out from behind the buckwheat. I had eaten a piece of cake at a friend’s house a few hours earlier so thought, what the hell, I might as well eat more dairy since I’ve stuffed it already.
I poured a bit of rice milk in my favourite mug, and opened the tin. The waft of cocoa and barley and all that low GI goodness hit me like the aroma of a good coffee, and I started piling it in.
We’re not talking about a modest, sensible scooping of the sweet, brown powder. We’re talking about a helping backed up by Milo-entitlement, you know, that feeling of being entitled to Milo just like every other dairy-consuming being on the planet.
As my mouth was watering, I was pretty sure I piled in about five heaped teaspoons, with an extra added tin-to-mouth manoeuvre.
Within five minutes, I felt ill. I was sure it was going to come back up. Instead, I lay on the couch for the next three hours groaning and clutching at my stomach, with the other half looking on with either pity or disgust. But it's only Milo, I thought to myself!
I went back to the pantry and checked out the ingredients because I was sure it hadn’t contained that much dairy and I’ve had it before on the odd ‘treat’ night and felt ok? There it was – “contains milk AND gluten".
The barley. The wheat. The double whamminess of it all!
The Milo Moral was as clear as day – just because I had it every day after school when I was younger doesn't mean my now intolerant self can scoff it with a vengeance today. Also, I shouldn't let those health messages fool me into a false justification of consumption (“low GI”, “contains six Vitamins and Minerals”, “Nourishing”, “Rich in Protein”, "Source of Energy" etc). I could also do a much better job at hiding it and stop placing it behind the buckwheat container which I confess, makes it easily visible and, if I’ve already eaten a piece of cake with cream earlier, acting out a justified dairy continuation is just not worth the stomach ache afterwards.
The Milo is now strategically placed out of sight, with a massive pack of Natural Confectionary Snakes in front. Hang on, I better go check the label.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My love affair with a Spanish cookie
GF/DF/EG/NF
Ok yes, once AGAIN I am praising Aldi... and the Spanish.
While dragging the trolley this afternoon during my weekly shop at my new favourite supermarket, I was convinced my eyes were playing tricks on me when I stumbled across a white box with the words "Gluten Free" smack in the middle of it. A gaze north of the title were images of devine-looking chocolate chip cookies, made in Spain.
EVEN better news? They're dairy-free. I almost cried with joy. I think I made some sort of noise. Maybe it was a happy whimper.
I'm even HAPPIER to report that they are EGG-FREE and NUT-FREE. Yes, you read right. I was immediately thrilled for my sister whose eldest son is highly allergic to both egg and nuts and resolved to share the news with her quickly. I was instead side-tracked by opening the box immediately and stuffing my face with them while I was packing bags at the Aldi 'bag-packing section'. No doubt, she'll read about it here.
Oh, happy days.
Each cookie only has 1.2g of fat and 1.4g of sugar per cookie. Granted, they are little cookies, but I had about six and didn't feel bloated or like a gluttonous cow afterwards. Dunked in warmed rice milk (or soy) and - yum.
While I'm on the subject of heavenly choc-chip cookies, I should also mention that Leda Nutrition - ledanutrition.com - also makes a heavenly gf/df choc-chip cookie although I can't remember if they're egg or nut free. I bought them from "About Life" organic supermarket/cafe in Rozelle.
Freedom Foods make choc-chips cookies too, but they're way too soft and many experienced cookie-philes could mistake them for being out-of-date. They need to find the crunch gene and work on them a bit.
They now have stiff competition.
They say Spain is the country of love. I have officially fallen head over heels for their biscuits.
x
Ok yes, once AGAIN I am praising Aldi... and the Spanish.
While dragging the trolley this afternoon during my weekly shop at my new favourite supermarket, I was convinced my eyes were playing tricks on me when I stumbled across a white box with the words "Gluten Free" smack in the middle of it. A gaze north of the title were images of devine-looking chocolate chip cookies, made in Spain.
EVEN better news? They're dairy-free. I almost cried with joy. I think I made some sort of noise. Maybe it was a happy whimper.
I'm even HAPPIER to report that they are EGG-FREE and NUT-FREE. Yes, you read right. I was immediately thrilled for my sister whose eldest son is highly allergic to both egg and nuts and resolved to share the news with her quickly. I was instead side-tracked by opening the box immediately and stuffing my face with them while I was packing bags at the Aldi 'bag-packing section'. No doubt, she'll read about it here.
Oh, happy days.
Each cookie only has 1.2g of fat and 1.4g of sugar per cookie. Granted, they are little cookies, but I had about six and didn't feel bloated or like a gluttonous cow afterwards. Dunked in warmed rice milk (or soy) and - yum.
While I'm on the subject of heavenly choc-chip cookies, I should also mention that Leda Nutrition - ledanutrition.com - also makes a heavenly gf/df choc-chip cookie although I can't remember if they're egg or nut free. I bought them from "About Life" organic supermarket/cafe in Rozelle.
Freedom Foods make choc-chips cookies too, but they're way too soft and many experienced cookie-philes could mistake them for being out-of-date. They need to find the crunch gene and work on them a bit.
They now have stiff competition.
They say Spain is the country of love. I have officially fallen head over heels for their biscuits.
x
Monday, May 23, 2011
My Mamma's Minestrone
GF/DF/EF/NF
My mother takes full credit for this simple, but damn tasty, Minestrone. We grew up with it in winter, and with gluten-free pasta and parmesan cheese for those who can eat dairy, it's so heavenly and tasty, you'll want to make it every week!
Here it is....
INGREDIENTS
Water
2 large potatoes, diced
2 large carrots, diced
1 medium sized zucchini, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1-2 cans of mixed beans, kidney or borlotti (whatever type or amount you prefer)
1 small onion, diced
1 small head brocolli, cut into small florets
2 cloves of garlic, cut in half
Half a can of peeled tomatoes
2 handfuls of baby spinach
Gluten free pasta
Massell Vegetable stock cubes (gluten free brand)
Salt and Pepper
METHOD
Half fill a large pot with water - put it on a medium heat.
Add all the vegetables except the spinach, onion, garlic, squash in the peeled tomatoes, about three stock cubes (even four if it's a huge pot, taste-test after 15 mins and decide) and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil then reduce to a nice, rolling boil (reduce to simmer if the liquid is reducing too much). After about 50 minutes, break up the gluten-free spaghetti into about 4 cm sticks soup pasta, and throw in. When pasta is cooked, it's ready to eat!
Gluten-free peeps: toast some of that yummy "Has No" gluten free bread and scoop in or make croutons.
People who can eat dairy - it's orgasmic with freshly grated parmesan cheese!
Add more salt if needed.
Freezes very well - for up to a couple of months. Just defrost, heat up and enjoy. I make loads so it's on hand when I don't feel like cooking.
Write and let me know how you went! About to scoff mine. Just blow on every spoonful so you don't burn your tongue!
x
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Crumb Factor
Breadcrumbs are no longer out of reach for Coeliacs or Gluten Intolerant types. I mean, good breadcrumbs, that is.
I've tried the multitude of GF breadcrumbs out there, but they're more like flavourless, crunchy flakes than breadcrumbs. Not only that, but no matter how much the egg is supposed to bind them, they end up falling off!
Since, I've resorted to pan-frying my fish as is (while my other half enjoys his fully-crumbed... no point in depriving him!) or just going without my beloved chicken or veal snitzel. Hey, I'm Italiana! I can't put up with that!
But, Aldi again comes to the rescue (still promise they're not a client). "Has No Rice Crumbs" are not only gluten-free, they have ONE ingredient - 100% natural baked brown rice. Nothing more! It's comforting to know there are no added preservatives or any intimidating ingredients only scientists or chemists know the meaning of.
Tip Top Krummies has 28 ingredients with many not drawing from the bread or wheat family! Too creepy for breadcrumbs!
I cooked up crumbed coated pan fried dory tonight, and it was just yum with my new Rice Crumbs. They are ground really, really fine so they stick really well to the protein, and don't flake off, and they've got a yummy crispy crunch. But, next time, I'll remember to up the flavour factor by adding some fresh finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Snitzel is now on next week's menu. Yum!
I've tried the multitude of GF breadcrumbs out there, but they're more like flavourless, crunchy flakes than breadcrumbs. Not only that, but no matter how much the egg is supposed to bind them, they end up falling off!
Since, I've resorted to pan-frying my fish as is (while my other half enjoys his fully-crumbed... no point in depriving him!) or just going without my beloved chicken or veal snitzel. Hey, I'm Italiana! I can't put up with that!
But, Aldi again comes to the rescue (still promise they're not a client). "Has No Rice Crumbs" are not only gluten-free, they have ONE ingredient - 100% natural baked brown rice. Nothing more! It's comforting to know there are no added preservatives or any intimidating ingredients only scientists or chemists know the meaning of.
Tip Top Krummies has 28 ingredients with many not drawing from the bread or wheat family! Too creepy for breadcrumbs!
I cooked up crumbed coated pan fried dory tonight, and it was just yum with my new Rice Crumbs. They are ground really, really fine so they stick really well to the protein, and don't flake off, and they've got a yummy crispy crunch. But, next time, I'll remember to up the flavour factor by adding some fresh finely chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Snitzel is now on next week's menu. Yum!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
My favourite risotto recipe
Gluten Free/Dairy Free/Nut Free/Egg Free
This is my absolute FAVE risotto recipe, right out of one of my most adored cook books, "Culinaria Italy".
It's ridiculously easy to make, and oh so easy to eat (you'll be guaranteed mmmm'ing and ah'ing while you eat). Here we go:
Risotto Alla Maranese (Seafood risotto)
Ingredients
200g prepared squid
100g prepared shrimp
6-7 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3-4 tbspn chopped flat leaf parsley
500g mussels
1 glass white wine
300g arborio rice
3-4 litres of vegetable stock (I make this with boiled water and Massell Gluten-free stock powder, it does the job)
Salt and Pepper
Method
Wash and slice the squid, not too finely. Wash shrimp. Saute both briefly in half the olive oil, with the garlic and parlsey. Wash and clean mussels, discarding any that are open. Cook them in the remainig oil until the shells have competely opened. Discard unopened mussels. Remove the flesh from the shells and add it to the shrimp and squid. Strain the cooking juices from the mussels through muslin or a fine sieve, and add it to the seafood. Pour on the white wine. Add the rice, and simmer until tender. Add vegetable stock from time to time to prevent drying out. Allow the risotto to stand for a few moments before serving.
Enjoy (quite possible with the rest of the vino bianco :)) and, if you give it a go, write to me and let me know how it went.
x
This is my absolute FAVE risotto recipe, right out of one of my most adored cook books, "Culinaria Italy".
It's ridiculously easy to make, and oh so easy to eat (you'll be guaranteed mmmm'ing and ah'ing while you eat). Here we go:
Risotto Alla Maranese (Seafood risotto)
Ingredients
200g prepared squid
100g prepared shrimp
6-7 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3-4 tbspn chopped flat leaf parsley
500g mussels
1 glass white wine
300g arborio rice
3-4 litres of vegetable stock (I make this with boiled water and Massell Gluten-free stock powder, it does the job)
Salt and Pepper
Method
Wash and slice the squid, not too finely. Wash shrimp. Saute both briefly in half the olive oil, with the garlic and parlsey. Wash and clean mussels, discarding any that are open. Cook them in the remainig oil until the shells have competely opened. Discard unopened mussels. Remove the flesh from the shells and add it to the shrimp and squid. Strain the cooking juices from the mussels through muslin or a fine sieve, and add it to the seafood. Pour on the white wine. Add the rice, and simmer until tender. Add vegetable stock from time to time to prevent drying out. Allow the risotto to stand for a few moments before serving.
Enjoy (quite possible with the rest of the vino bianco :)) and, if you give it a go, write to me and let me know how it went.
x
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Bread Moment, Pt 2
I am now convinced that my other half is going to be a touch jealous that my bread is fluffy like a doona. Yes, Aldi’s Gluten free bread mix is heaven (or, could it just be that I’ve eaten so many rubbish versions of so-called GF bread that this tastes AH-MAY-ZING? Suspect it could be that).
Anyways… I'm still eating, all in the name of research of course. Had to force myself to stop because I'll be eating dinner in three-and-a-half hours.
And, HAPPY, to report that it’s yummy toasted and, if you slice it to a normal toast thickness, it retains its fluffiness on the inside and develops a slight crunchiness on the outside (the creme brulee' of breads?). Be careful however, because for some reason the top crust burns so just keep an eye on it when toasting.
Oh, AND, unlike other GF breads, you don't have to toast the hell out of it for it to taste like toast.
So, I had all my toppings ready in the GF test-kitchen (hehe), and tried it toasted with nuttelex and vegemite (tick. Yum), and then with avo and tomato (yum, again), then finally, hummous and tomato. Aldi hummous – de-vine.
Finally, before I conceded that I had to stop pigging out, I tried it cold and untoasted and – yum again.
The final test is – will it freeze well? Details on that, soon.
x
PS. I swear, I don’t do PR for Aldi!!
Anyways… I'm still eating, all in the name of research of course. Had to force myself to stop because I'll be eating dinner in three-and-a-half hours.
And, HAPPY, to report that it’s yummy toasted and, if you slice it to a normal toast thickness, it retains its fluffiness on the inside and develops a slight crunchiness on the outside (the creme brulee' of breads?). Be careful however, because for some reason the top crust burns so just keep an eye on it when toasting.
Oh, AND, unlike other GF breads, you don't have to toast the hell out of it for it to taste like toast.
So, I had all my toppings ready in the GF test-kitchen (hehe), and tried it toasted with nuttelex and vegemite (tick. Yum), and then with avo and tomato (yum, again), then finally, hummous and tomato. Aldi hummous – de-vine.
Finally, before I conceded that I had to stop pigging out, I tried it cold and untoasted and – yum again.
The final test is – will it freeze well? Details on that, soon.
x
PS. I swear, I don’t do PR for Aldi!!
The Bread moment
This post is: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-free and Nut-free (always double check ingredients in case of error though!)
I am excited beyond belief and I am declaring my love for Aldi Supermarkets. After trying several different types of Gluten free bread, and even attempting to bake it from a recipe (failed, miserably!), I just baked a loaf which took about mmmmm... less than five minutes to put together and only 40 minutes to bake.
All hail 'the Aldi'. Not only did I recently save $40 on my weekly grocery bill by shopping there for the first time on the weekend, within a minute of pushing my trolley into the store, I found "Has No Gluten Free Bread Mix".
Skeptical I was, but I just made it today and did the taste-test before it was barely out of the oven. I was hungry, and curious. It's no wheat bread, but it's DEFINITELY the best GF bread I've tried. It has that delectable crusty outside, and an inside that's seriously soft-as-a doona. I can report that it's delish hot, fresh out of the oven with nuttelex (great dairy-free alternative) and vegemite. Yum!
I haven't even let it cool down yet, toasted it or tried it as a sandwich but I will, and I'll report back very soon!
Oh, btw, it cost all of about three bucks, if that? (rather than the ridiculous $8 a store-bought loaf would cost).
x
I am excited beyond belief and I am declaring my love for Aldi Supermarkets. After trying several different types of Gluten free bread, and even attempting to bake it from a recipe (failed, miserably!), I just baked a loaf which took about mmmmm... less than five minutes to put together and only 40 minutes to bake.
All hail 'the Aldi'. Not only did I recently save $40 on my weekly grocery bill by shopping there for the first time on the weekend, within a minute of pushing my trolley into the store, I found "Has No Gluten Free Bread Mix".
Skeptical I was, but I just made it today and did the taste-test before it was barely out of the oven. I was hungry, and curious. It's no wheat bread, but it's DEFINITELY the best GF bread I've tried. It has that delectable crusty outside, and an inside that's seriously soft-as-a doona. I can report that it's delish hot, fresh out of the oven with nuttelex (great dairy-free alternative) and vegemite. Yum!
I haven't even let it cool down yet, toasted it or tried it as a sandwich but I will, and I'll report back very soon!
Oh, btw, it cost all of about three bucks, if that? (rather than the ridiculous $8 a store-bought loaf would cost).
x
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