Delays

I tried to see if I could go in and do a blood draw prior to my appointment next Friday with my PCM, but they called me this morning to say no. I am disappointed, but trying to just rationalize that the day is coming when I can make a switch to GF eating. Until then, I am trying to use up foods in my home that aren't GF. I have a ton of panko and regular bread crumbs.

Going Gluten-Free

So I have been blogging for a few years now...but going Gluten-Free? That's new for me. In fact, I haven't begun eating GF yet. That starts in a week. As of now I am gathering recipes, learning about all things GF, and scheduling that appointment to be tested for a gluten allergy. This blog is meant to chronicle my GF journey. It's nice to have you along. Feel free to share advice, encouragements, recipes (!), but hold off on the criticism. Life is hard enough when you are starting something NEW and you don't know what you're doing. You can at least be kind, right? Glad you're here with me.

Horchata (Mexican Rice Drink)

I discovered Horchata about 12 years ago in Utah. There was this fabulous 24 hour Mexican restaurant called BETO'S. I asked about a white drink in the fountain and they said it was Horchata. I tried it and I was in love! Since then, it has been difficult to find a restaurant to buy the drink - so I started making my own. Big thanks to Martha Stewart for sharing it in her magazine this month! :)

Horchata
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup rice or almond flour
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks
• Milk – add to taste (I added quite a bit – I thought it was too sweet, otherwise)

HOW TO PREPARE:
1. Bring whole milk and cinnamon stick to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and transfer to a bowl. Whisk in condensed milk, flour, and vanilla. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Strain mixture through a fine sieve. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks.

Photo found here.

Slushy Punch

This is a recipe from a friend in OK. Once I tried it - I had to have the recipe! Now I'm sharing it with you!


Photo found here.

Slushy Punch
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups unsweetened pineapple juice
1 ripe medium banana, cut up
½ cup sugar
½ of a 6oz can (1/3 cup) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 1-liter bottle carbonated water or three 12-z cans lemon-lime soda, chilled
Finely shredded orange peel, optional

HOW TO PREPARE:
1. In a blender container combine pineapple juice, banana, sugar, orange juice concentrate, & lemon juice. Cover and blend until smooth. Stir in 1 1/3 cups water. Transfer to a 1 ½ or 2 quart glass baking dish. Cover and freeze overnight.

2. To serve, let mixture stand at room temperature about 20 minutes. To form slush, scrape a large spoon across frozen mixture; spoon the slush into a punch bowl. Slowly pour soda down side of bowl; stir gently to mix. If desired, garnish with orange peel. Makes about fourteen 4oz servings. Can double for a shower or party.

Hot Chocolate Mix

My mom made this hot chocolate mix for us when we were growing up. I can drink this all year long! It's easy to put together and stores well in a tupperware container.

Photo found here.

Hot Chocolate Mix
INGREDIENTS:
16 oz non dairy creamer (creamora)
1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar
16 cups or 4 quarts dry milk
1 can or 2lbs nestle quik

HOW TO PREPARE:
Mix together well. About ¼ cup per mug of hot water.

Orange Julius

I remember the first time I had an orange julius at the mall - so delicious! I came up with these recipes (somehow!) when I was a teenager - enjoy! :D

Photo found here.

Orange Julius
INGREDIENTS:
Orange juice or can (1 cup water)
Milk-1 cup
Vanilla-1 tsp
Sugar-1/2 cup
Ice cubes
HOW TO PREPARE:
Blend in blender

Or

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water
1 cup milk
6oz frozen OJ
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Ice cubes
HOW TO PREPARE:
Blend in blender

Delicious Orange Punch

I made this for a Halloween Party - it was a huge hit! Delicous AND super easy to make! I found the recipe here.

Photo found here.

Delicious Orange Punch
INGREDIENTS:
1 gallon orange sherbet, softened
1 quarts pineapple juice, chilled
1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled
Gummy worms (optional)

HOW TO PREPARE:
Combine sherbet and pineapple juice in a punch bowl; stir well. Add soda; stir until sherbet is almost dissolved. Decorate bowl with gummy worms. Serve immediately. Yield: 20 (1 cup) servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 212 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 7 mg cholesterol, 61 mg sodium, 48 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein.
20 Servings
Prep/Total Time: 10 min.