Gluten-Free at DIA - Pour la France Review

Over the past weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to make a quick trip out to Boston to spend some time with Dave (he’s working there for a couple weeks) and also visit friends.  As an inexperienced traveler who has only navigated the airport on my own a handful of times, I was understandably a bit anxious about my trip.  Add to that my dietary concerns, the stress of a couple short layovers, and I had myself pretty worked up!  Luckily, I planned ahead, allowed myself plenty of time, and was able to enjoy a lovely gluten-free breakfast before catching my plane.

Pour La France, Denver International Airport

We all know how stressful it can be to find appropriate gluten-free food offerings, especially when travelling, and this trip was no exception.  On this particular occasion, I found myself desperately in need of an early breakfast since I knew I probably wouldn't be eating a meal again until dinner time.  And so, I was quite pleased to find my departure gate right next to Terminal B’s Pour la France.

Not only was Pour la France open early enough for my 6:00 am meal time (they open at 5:00 am every morning), but I also knew from a prior Google search that they would be able to accommodate my gluten-free diet.  I approached the hostess and asked to take a peek at the gluten-free selections.  She promptly handed me their designated gluten-free breakfast menu.  Of course, it was much smaller than the regular breakfast menu and I certainly didn't see any of those delicious-looking croissants or cinnamon rolls on my menu, but, in all honesty, I didn't care!  

The gluten-free breakfast menu has four meal options, most of which are omelette dishes, but they also offer yogurt, fruit, gluten-free bread, and a few other items in the "sides" section.  I decided to go with the Omelette François (ham, mushrooms, and cheese) and was given a choice of tomatoes or potatoes on the side.  For airport food, my meal was definitely “good enough” and did the trick.  Most importantly, I knew I was eating a meal which would sustain me throughout my travels and NOT make me sick.

The wait staff were extremely attentive, service was quick, and everyone I spoke to seemed to have a basic understanding of “gluten-free. “  Pour la France does offer gluten-free menus for lunch and dinner as well, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to look at these menus.  However, if what I read online is any indication then it's worth a try in the future. All in all, I was pleased that my meal decision was much easier than usual when travelling and now have a go-to gluten-free restaurant at DIA!

Should We Really Save Our Best for Later?

The idea to save our best for later has been around for a very long time.  It wasn’t too long ago that many of the items which we take for granted today were cherished household possessions.  Manufacturing and technology simply weren’t where they are today, and so it was quite costly and fairly difficult to replace items that may have been broken or lost.

Times have changed and we have certainly become more of a “throw away” culture, thriving on inexpensive, short-lived products while our few quality items sit behind glass or tucked away in the attic.  Now, many of the reasons we save our best for later are different.  However, I don’t think the concept to use our best more often is foreign by any means.  Several books I’ve recently read discuss the idea, it’s been mentioned many times on some of my favorite blogs, and I’ve even had a few friends and family members chime in with their take on the topic.  Since I found the same example used again and again, I’ll share it with you all as well:

How many of us have three, four, or even five sets of dishware?   There’s that REALLY nice china set that was a wedding gift or has been in the family for years.  This particular set either sits carefully wrapped in storage or inside a china cabinet, only to be used for very special occasions (or, more accurately, not at all).  Then there’s a set that’s not nearly as fancy as the fine china, but is still nice enough to use when company is over.  Lastly, there’s the regular, everyday set, cracked, chipped, and probably missing a few pieces.  This is what most of us serve ourselves and our families with daily.  Why do we save our best for later (which rarely comes, I might add)?  Why not enjoy what we have, getting rid of those expired dishes and use the nice stuff instead?  If a piece breaks, then replace it with something similar.  While a dish may be beautiful or carry family history, it shouldn’t be treated as a burden or an artifact.  Consider your family, your friends and yourself worthy of enjoying the best.

It makes a whole lot of sense to think about using our best when de-cluttering.  Do you really need to hold on to all those dish sets when one or two will surely be enough?  If you truly love something, why does it sit untouched in a closet year after year?  Clothing, dishware, furniture – many items we own are sometimes considered to be “too nice” to use for most occasions, and then sit, unused, for years!  These items were created to be used and enjoyed, not collect dust!  Some may argue that if we are always using our best, then what do we do when a truly grand occasion comes around?  It’s my opinion that there are always ways to make a day or an event special and, most of the time, it’s simply the joy of that particular occasion that makes it most memorable.  I also firmly believe that in life, it’s often the small moments that are most precious, and so I aim to make each of my “everydays” special.  I challenge you to use your beautiful china for a mid-week meal, drink a glass of that wine you’ve been saving for a “special occasion”, and wear one of those nice outfits in the back of your closet.  What a lovely way to enjoy life!

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Along with whole chicken, beef brisket is another one of those meats that I had no desire to mess around with prior to about a year ago.  When it comes to red meat I tend to stick with the ground variety, largely because I just don’t like the texture of other steak-like cuts.  It wasn’t until I had regularly frequented the farmer’s market for about a year that I finally decided to try something a bit unfamiliar.  Dave suggested the brisket, and I, having no clue what to do with that two and a half pound cut, was understandably a little wary.  I forget how we cooked the brisket that first time, but what I do remember is that it was nothing like what I thought it would be.  Slow-cooking is really the best way to go and I find when properly cooked and served with a flavorful sauce, brisket can be moist and quite delicious.  While brisket isn’t a staple in my weekly menu, I do enjoy serving it from time to time, especially when I see a nice one at the farmer’s market.  Enjoy my recipe below!

For the barbeque sauce:

• 2 cups ketchup (use a corn syrup-free brand)
• 1 cup water, room temperature
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard

 

Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan.    

Place over medium-low heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.

For the brisket:

• 2-2.5 pound beef brisket
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 cups barbeque sauce (recipe above)

Lightly salt and pepper the brisket.  Place in a slow cooker.  

Smother brisket with barbeque sauce.  Turn slow cooker to low and cook for 2 hours, turning brisket after 1 hour.  

Remove from slow cooker and slice into ½ inch strips.  Serve with remaining barbeque sauce.

What's Your Resolution?

While I’m not too keen on making one single big New Year’s Resolution, I do appreciate the tradition of reflecting on the events of the past year and thinking about how to move forward in the year to come.  If you’re anything like me, you don’t need a special season to set high expectations for yourself; you’ve already got the goals set with a detailed plan in place to ensure they will be reached in a timely fashion.  Ahh, the joys of being a Type A personality! Maybe you have made a single resolution for 2013 or perhaps you’re in the same boat as me, but in any case remember to stick to your guns, regardless of missteps, temptations, and naysayers. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself when you aren’t perfect.  I’ll give you an example:  Dave decided he would start eating 100% gluten-free for the New Year.  Twelve hours into 2013 he grabbed a beer out of the fridge and drank half of the bottle before realizing that his beverage was not gluten-free (another reason to rid your home of everything containing gluten!).  Clearly, this was not intentional, but a misstep still the same.  Instead of throwing his hands up and declaring gluten-free to be an impossible feat, he told me about it, we both laughed and then decided to buy some gluten-free beer to make things easier for him.  Likewise, don’t give up when you make a mistake or feel bummed about making slow progress.  As my husband frequently tells me, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”  So true.

Temptation can present itself in many forms, but we are most likely to give in when feeling vulnerable.  Make a conscious decision to remove yourself from situations that may result in giving in to temptation.  Don’t make exceptions.  Constantly remind yourself of the big picture, whether through gathering with like-minded people once a week, posting words of encouragement in your home, or simply spending some time each day in quiet thought to stay focused. 

Do what you feel is right, regardless of those who may doubt your abilities or ideas.  Remember that we are all here to do the best we can with the time we’ve been given.  Others may not understand your goals, but as long as you can see the big picture and feel you are heading in the right direction then that is all that matters.  Maybe you have noticed that YOU are one of the naysayers from time to time (we all are, really).  In this case, try not to doubt others but instead provide encouragement and learn to appreciate we all have different paths that are waiting to be discovered. 

What are your goals for 2013?  I hope you are able to achieve them and much more in the months ahead.  Cheers!

**If you are thinking about going gluten-free for 2013, take a look at my step by step plan HERE.  

Roast Chicken – My Favorite One Pot Meal

For years I was under the impression that roasting a chicken was hard work.  Perhaps it’s because I haven't known too many people who prepared a whole bird or maybe I assumed there was more to it than there really is, but in any case, I stayed far away from whole birds for quite some time.  As I have more recently learned, roasting a chicken is actually very simple and is a great dish to make when you don’t have a lot of time or energy for food prep.  A roast chicken with a simple salad can be a lovely dinner to serve for company, allowing the host to focus on spending time with guests as opposed to overheating in the kitchen! 

I usually get my whole birds from the Denver UrbanHomesteading farmer’s market at the Ranch Foods Direct stand.  Not only are the chickens local and good quality, but the prices are also quite reasonable and much more budget friendly than purchasing chicken breasts or tenders.  There is also the added bonus of being able to make your own chicken stock with leftover bones, another great savings measure (see my tips for making stock here).

Roast chicken in its most simple form is obviously gluten-free; however,  keep in mind that some restaurants may serve roast chicken with a gravy or sauce that usually contains flour and is NOT safe for the gluten-sensitive folks.  For an easy alternative to what you may find in a restaurant (and equally moist, I might add), take a look at my gluten-free Lemon Herb Roast Chicken recipe below. Oh, and Happy New Year!

Lemon Herb Roast Chicken

·         1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds, giblets removed

·         1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

·         2 heads of garlic, cut in half

·         5-6 tablespoons butter, melted

·         2 lemon wedges

·         3 fresh rosemary sprigs(or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)

·         3 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)

·         Sea salt

·         Pepper

·         1 cup chicken broth or water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place onion slices and cut garlic in the bottom of a roasting pan.  Place chicken on top of onions and garlic.  Stuff the herb sprigs and lemon wedges into chicken cavity.  Brush 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter on the side of the chicken facing up.  Season with sea salt and pepper.  Pour broth or water into roasting pan, taking care not to pour directly on the chicken.  Place in oven and roast for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven, turn chicken over, and brush with remaining melted butter.  Season with sea salt and pepper.

  

Place in oven and roast for 45 minutes.  Chicken is cooked when juices run clear.  For extra crispy skin, broil on high for an additional 1-2 minutes after chicken is cooked through. 

 

Gluten-Free, Step by Step

Going gluten-free – how is it done?  After my own experience yo-yoing on a gluten-free diet, I now undoubtedly know that the best way to go about eliminating gluten from one’s diet is to do it cold turkey.  It may sound easier said than done, and to some extent, it is. Unless you have a plan in place, you’re almost guaranteed to fall off the wagon.  When I initially took gluten out of my diet, I didn’t quite understand the repercussions that “just a little” bit of gluten were having on my health.  I was under the false impression that indulging every once in a while couldn’t hurt as long as most of my meals were gluten-free.  As I later learned, gluten can stay in the system for weeks, and even the tiniest bit of gluten can wreak havoc on those with the most minor sensitivities.  This is why I advocate a 100% gluten-free lifestyle for those who have or suspect a gluten allergy.  If you are thinking about going gluten-free, even just for a short while to determine if you have a sensitivity, please take a look at my step-by-step plan:

1)      Change your outlook.  While many people view a gluten-free lifestyle as one that restricts and makes it difficult to dine out or attend parties, try looking at it a little differently.  Not only will going gluten-free be much easier on your body and quite likely heal some of your ailments, it’s also much easier to eat healthy when subscribing to a gluten-free diet.  Most fast food, bread, pasta, and desserts will be out of the question, resulting in a lower carb intake.   Sure, there are gluten-free varieties of many processed foods, but most gluten-free folks find that after cutting back on carbs, the cravings just aren’t there anymore.  Plus, if you frequently dine out, gluten-free pasta, bread, and dessert simply won’t be available at many restaurants. 

2)      Clean out your pantry.  As I said before, the best way to approach gluten-free eating is by making it a lifestyle and allowing no compromises.  Get rid of everything in your pantry and refrigerator that contains gluten.  Donate your canned and boxed items to a food bank, ask a neighbor or friend if they would like some extra food, make a pie for the local shelter – whatever you do, get rid of all of the gluten-containing foods in your house!  Trust me, it will make the process much easier.

3)      Begin to embrace your inner chef.  No, you will not need to become a gourmet chef, but be ready, willing and able to prepare the basics: steamed rice, baked fish, your favorite fruits and veggies, etc.

4)      Make a two-week menu for yourself and your family, replacing favorite gluten-filled foods with gluten-free options.  It’s ok to have the same things over and over, but preparing two weeks’ worth of food will help you see the big picture and make the process more manageable.  Include things that are simple and require little preparation.  Here is a sample menu for one day to get started:

Breakfast – Yogurt and berries with a hardboiled egg

Snack – Lara Bar

Lunch – CranberryWalnut Salad with chicken

Snack – Apple slices with almond butter

Dinner – Baked salmon with rice and sautéed vegetables

Dessert – Dark chocolate squares

5)      Make a grocery list.  Include all of the ingredients necessary for your first full week of gluten-free eating.  

6)      Review your favorite restaurant menus to determine what you can/can’t eat there.  As gluten-free is becoming more main stream, an increasing number of restaurants are expanding their menus to include options for gluten-free diners.  However, some restaurants just aren’t ready to expand their offerings.  I strongly recommend checking out restaurant menus online or calling in advance to ensure you will be able to enjoy a gluten-free meal.  In some cases, your favorite restaurant many not be able to offer you much more than a salad, so be prepared to become a fan of salad or find an alternative.  I’ve found it very helpful to have a list of restaurants offering various gluten-free menu items like pizza, Italian food, burgers, and sushi.  If you are in the Denver area, take a look at some of my recent restaurant reviews for ideas.

7)      Come up with a plan when attending parties.  I find there are usually very few (if any!) gluten-free options at cocktail parties, casual outdoor barbeques, and event celebrations (baby showers, holiday parties, birthday parties, etc.).  To avoid starving yourself all evening or indulging in something you will later regret, have a light meal prior to the party and keep a small snack with you, just in case.  If you are attending a more formal dinner party, you may want to chat with the host beforehand to discuss your limitations.  In some cases, this may not be appropriate so, again, I would suggest eating a light meal prior to the dinner.  If there are plenty of gluten-free options, then you will still be able to enjoy the food, but your portions will be a bit smaller than if you had not chosen to eat a bit beforehand.  If there aren’t many options, then you will be glad you filled your stomach!  Food is a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family, but it doesn’t have to be the main event.  Enjoy parties and time with friends without focusing on food and try not to view it as a limitation.

Any other suggestions from my gluten-free friends?  

De-cluttering the Suitcase

Whether going to Grandma’s for the weekend or vacationing on a 10-day cruise, many of us have travel plans of some sort this holiday season.  Of course, along with the anticipation of spending time with loved ones and making fun travel plans comes the inevitable question: “what should I pack???”  I, for one, have always struggled with this question and so, in an attempt to make things easier, I always end up packing half of my wardrobe, a coat for each season, my entire bathing suit collection, and MANY pairs of shoes (just in case).  After about the millionth trip spent lugging around multiple suitcases and still with nothing to wear, I’ve decided to implement my de-cluttering policy when packing for my next trip.  Following many of the same guidelines I used when clearing out my wardrobe clutter, I’m going to focus on packing versatile pieces of clothing, appropriate for a variety of occasions.  I’m also going to limit the size of my luggage and the amount of bags I bring.  Even though we are driving and I could potentially use a larger suitcase, I will be limiting myself to one carry-on size piece of luggage, plus a large tote to keep with me in the car. 

De-cluttering the suitcase can make things physically easier during travel, create a more relaxing home away from home environment, and make for a more pleasant unpacking experience back at home.  Here are some basic guidelines to get you started packing for your next trip:

1)      Consider the event.  Is the trip casual or formal?  Where will you be spending most of your time? Do not pack a special occasion outfit “just in case.”  If there’s no obvious reason to pack it, then don’t.  Speaking from experience, I find it very rare to be invited to a ball while on vacation J.

 

2)      Consider the weather.  Check the forecast about a week before leaving and then again right before you leave the house, adding or taking away items accordingly.  And, as I learned one stormy day in New York City, ALWAYS pack an umbrella.

3)      Consider your mode and length of travel.  Longer trips call for more comfortable clothing.  A road trip with several planned stops may require a more polished travel outfit.  Regardless of how I’m travelling, I like to wear a large scarf, dress in layers, and keep sunglasses on hand.   

4)      Consider your accommodations.  Are you staying at a hotel with lots of amenities or will you need to pack your own shampoo, soap, hair dryer, etc.? 

5)      A week prior to the trip, make a list of outfits for each day, keeping in mind the considerations listed above.  If you are a visual person, hang your clothing items on a separate rod to make things easier.  Then, go back through and edit the list to reduce the number of clothing items and save space.  For example, if you have two pairs of jeans on the list, instead bring only one versatile pair.  Don’t forget items like belts, socks, gloves, pajamas and the like.

6)      Now make a list of toiletries and “extra” items like books, laptop, phone charger, etc.

7)      Wash clothing as necessary and pack all items (or as much as you can) a day or two before leaving.  I find this to be a much more organized approach to packing than the alternative of throwing everything into a suitcase on the morning of the trip.  By finishing your packing ahead of time, you now have the opportunity to add items you may have initially forgotten, thus minimizing the chances of forgetting to pack your toothbrush.

Happy holidays and safe travels to all of you!