Carol's Culinary Cues May 2008

(c) Carol Fenster, Ph.D. - President, Savory Palate, Inc.

8174 South Holly St., #404, Centennial, CO  80122

800.741.5418

ISSN 14244

 


IN THIS ISSUE:


-"Creative Living with Sheryl Borden" on PBS

-New Line of Gluten Free Granola Snack Bars from Bakery On Main.

-Health and the Gluten-Free Diet


Much to my delight, I was invited back to film more segments for "Creating Living with Sheryl Borden", a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) show aired in 118 markets across 40 states. If you don't get the show in your area, ask your local PBS station about it. The shows will air in 2008-2009, but air times will vary.

 

My friends, Genevieve Potts and Virginia Schmuck, were my assistants and helped me assemble all the ingredients and props for each of the three segments. I couldn't have done it without them. Thanks, ladies.

Left to Right : Genevieve Potts, Carol Fenster, and Virginia Schmuck

Here is a brief summary of the information covered in each segment:

Bread

I showed homemade French bread from my latest book, Gluten-Free Quick & Easy (GFQE). You assemble my easy bread mix ahead of time, then--when you're ready to bake---it's only 45 minutes until you place a hot, crusty loaf of French bread on the table. I often bake this bread so that it comes out of the oven just after my dinner guests arrive. They are so impressed! I also discussed store-bought breads (such as Whole Foods) which are a real time-saver for those who don't  want to bake.

 

I showed how to easily make bread crumbs by pulsing torn bread in a food processor. Fresh bread crumbs freeze nicely. Crisp, crunchy croutons are a cinch to make. Simply trim off the crusts (they brown too quickly) and then cut the bread into cubes (I like 1/2 to 3/4-inch). Toss in olive oil, salt, and freshly-minced garlic and then brown at 300 degrees, turning often, until they're they are browned to your liking.  I store mine in the freezer and reheat in a 300 degree oven to restore crispness before adding to salads.

 


Breakfast

I discussed many hot cereal options such as  gluten-free rolled oats, buckwheat flakes, quinoa flakes, cereals (such as Bob's Red Mill Mighty-Tasty) made with blends of sorghum, corn, buckwheat, and brown rice---and brown rice itself. I often cook extra whole brown rice (not instant) at dinner so I have leftovers for breakfast the next morning.

 

Cold cereals are growing in number and Rice Chex is now gluten-free. Look for the new boxes that say "gluten-free" on the front. Molasses replaces the barley malt syrup. See http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=19919&CategoryId=342 and then click on the gluten-free tab for a variety of sweet and savory recipes using the cereal.

 

I focused on the new gluten-free oats, both as a hot cereal and as a cold cereal in the form of granola. You can use your favorite granola recipe or one from GFQE. For fancier brunches or just to delight your family, layer granola with yogurt in a parfait glass and top it with a fresh strawberry. It's a pretty, yet nutritious treat. Buy gluten-free rolled oats from Bob's Red Mill, Cream Hill Estates, Gluten-Free Oats, Gifts of Nature, and Only Oats.

 


Appetizers/Snacks/Little Bites

This was truly a smorgasbord of ideas for kids, parties, and traveling. Bars by Lara, Think, and Enjoy Life travel great, as does raw or toasted pumpkin seeds. Toast the raw ones yourself in a 300 degree oven until they start turning brown. Salt lightly.

 

Vegetables are always a great snack, especially when teemed with guacamole, hummus, or ranch dip. I discussed many crackers including the highly nutritious Mary's Gone Crackers (which the TV crew loved) and the Glutino crackers and bread sticks, as well.

 

For a sweet/savory combination, pit whole Medjool dates and stuff them with cheese, then stick sliced almonds in the slit. I've seen these served at fancy cocktail parties with blue cheese and it was absolutely delicious.

 

Many people eat cereal as a snack, so I discussed a sweet cereal snack mix that incorporated the new Rice Chex (see Breakfast above) with a light caramel glaze and dried tropical fruits of apricots, mango, pineapple, and coconut. It was a winner!!

 


New Line of Gluten Free Granola Snack Bars from Bakery On Main.
This company, known for its specialty Gourmet Premium Granola (which I love), has launched a new product line of Gluten Free Granola Snack Bars. The Gluten Free Granola Snack Bars are available in Cranberry Nut, Extreme Trail Mix and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. These products provide consumers and the celiac community a healthier and tastier lifestyle choice.
www.bakeryonmain.com

 


Health and the Gluten-Free Diet

The first installment of the "Art & Science of Gluten-Free Gastronomy" was held Tuesday night at the elegant Phipps Mansion in Denver. One of the speakers was Lisa Lanzano, RD, who has a wonderfully informative web site at www.eatwellfeelgood.com.

 

Also, Shelley Case, RD, has a new web site with lots of excellent information at www.glutenfreediet.ca.

 


Food for Thought

The philosophy of one century is the common sense of the next."---Henry Ward Beecher

 


Where in the World is Carol?

If you live in Denver, don't miss the Food Fair on June 14, sponsored by the local Celiac Sprue Association. Last year's event was a huge success with nearly 400 attendees visiting the booths of local gluten-free companies with lots of foods to taste. It is from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at El Jebel Oasis, 4625 West 40th Avenue, Just west of Tennyson on 50th Avenue. Enter on the southeast side and down the stairs or at the Northeast corner, lower level, off the parking lot.

 

I'm the keynote speaker at the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Annual Conference in Dallas, TX on June 6. This is always a wonderfully educational conference, so go to www.gluten.net now to register and learn more. I will be talking about how to get more whole grains in your diet.

 

The third annual Gluten-Free Summit will be held in Providence, RI on September 19-21. I am a guest speaker,  along with many notable gluten-free chefs. Go to www.theglutenfreelifestyle.com for more information.

 

Although it's months away, I will be speaking at the Gluten-Free Lecture Series "Art and Science of Gluten-Free Gastronomy" at the final lecture on November 11 at the Phipps Mansion in Denver, CO. For more information, go to www.theglutenfreelifestyle.com.