Herb Seasoned Rice

One of the most disappointing discoveries after going gluten free was that almost all flavored rice mixes contain wheat!  I'm not a fan of plain rice, but with it being one of the few inexpensive grains available to us, I knew I needed to find a way to incorporate it into our meal plans.  So I tweaked a recipe from one of my cookbooks and came up with this recipe which rivals, in my opinion, those little boxed mixes.  You can toss all the seasonings in the water while you wait for it to boil, so it takes no more time to make than the time the rice takes to cook.  Convenience food time and taste for a fraction of the cost!


1 1/2 T. chicken bouillon* (we use Better Than Bouillon)
2 tsp. dried minced onion
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3 c. water
1 1/2 c. long grain rice (brown would also work)
*If using low sodium bouillon, you may want to add some salt

Heat water to boiling in a medium saucepan.  While water is heating, add first 6 ingredients (plus salt, if using).  Add rice to boiling water and stir.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for 15 minutes or according to package directions if using a different kind of rice.  Fluff with fork.  Makes 6 servings.

Lagoon Amusement Park Gluten Free Menu Options

If you're heading down to Lagoon Amusement Park in Salt Lake City - one of our favorites, by the way - don't bother asking at the front desk for a gluten free menu.  They are clueless!  Guess Services sent us to the First Aid center where they, of course, had no idea what menu items are gluten free at Lagoon.  However, since you can bring in food and drinks and picnic right there in the park, I imagine that few people probably choose to seek out GF restaurant options there.  Nonetheless, I asked about a specific restaurant that looked like it would be safe, and they confirmed that the barbecue sauce and sides are gluten free.  They also tossed in some bonus information, as well.

Gluten Free Menu Items at Lagoon

Carousel Burger - The fries are dusted with rice flour and cooked in a dedicated fryer, so they're safe.  We didn't eat here, but I imagine you could also ask for a burger without the bun.

Old Mill Grill in Pioneer Village - The barbecue sauce is gluten free, as are the sides (except the mashed potatoes with gravy).  Your meat choices include barbecue ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.  The pulled pork normally comes on a bun, but we asked for it without a bun and it was delicious.  The meat portions are very generous.  For sides, you can choose from potato salad, BBQ beans, jello, and pistachio parfait.  You can purchase a $3 ticket for roasted corn on the cob, then order it at the roasting station.  (The corn must be ordered separately and can take awhile, so plan ahead.)

There are several price options, depending on how much food you want (2011 prices are available online).

• For $10 you can get The Wrangler, which includes 1 meat item and your choice of 2 sides, plus a 21 oz. drink.  
• The $12 Pony Express comes with 2 meat choices, 2 sides and a drink.  
• Since we had kids with us, we chose to order two $14 Trailblazer meals to split with the kids (they did give us extra plates and cups).  We had 2 meat choices and 2 sides, plus a roasted corn on the cob ticket and drink.  Each of us chose a meat and side dish, and we ordered 3 extra sides of roasted corn to round out the meal.  We tried the pork and chicken, plus jello, baked beans and potato salad, which were all good.  All 4 of us were so stuffed that we decided to wait until later to get our corn (which is worth the wait).  If you're trying to save money, I'd definitely recommend splitting a meal with someone because it's the cheapest way to eat gluten free in the park.

For more gluten free theme park menus, check out my other posts on Disneyland and California Adventure.

Dairy Free Frosty's, Frappes, and Shakes!

Nothing says summer like ice cream, and being dairy free doesn't mean you have to go without!  Since dairy free ice cream is super expensive, I came up with a shake using frozen almond milk.  We love Silk brand vanilla sweetened almond milk - the first time my son tried it he exclaimed, "It tastes like candy!"  So I decided to freeze some in an ice cube tray.

For my first shake, I added Hershey's chocolate syrup, and while trying to lick the drops surrounding the blades without injuring myself, I decided that it tastes just like a Frosty from Wendy's. After that, we tried making a mocha frappuccino, and it tasted like liquid awesome.  Dairy free has never been so good!

Chocolate Shake:
6-8 frozen vanilla sweetened almond milk cubes*
2-4 T. additional almond milk, not frozen
1-2 T. Hershey's chocolate syrup (it's dairy free)

*This recipe makes a small, child-size shake that works well in our little Magic Bullet blender.  You may want to double or triple the recipe for an adult if you have a larger blender.  

Put all ingredients in a blender.  Add enough almond milk to make it blend easily, and blend until smooth.  Serve with a spoon.  (Use extreme caution when trying to scrape all the yummy goodness off of the bottom near the blades with your finger.  It's not worth a trip to the emergency room...or is it?)    

Variations:

• Low Sugar Shake - Use original almond milk (with less sugar) and add a splash of vanilla for a low sugar treat, or to lower the sugar content when adding the yummy mix-ins below.
• Coffee or Mocha Shake - Replace additional almond milk with 1/4 c. cold coffee for a coffee shake, with or without chocolate syrup.  We tried it with chocolate syrup and it tasted like a Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks!
• Vanilla Shake - Omit the chocolate syrup and enjoy a vanilla almond shake.
• Banana Shake - Add frozen banana chunks and more liquid almond milk for a tasty banana shake.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake - Add a tablespoon of peanut butter with either chocolate syrup or banana - or both!
• Oreo Shake - Crumble a few Oreos in after blending almond milk, with or without chocolate syrup, and pulse a few times to distribute cookies throughout.  We also like our Oreo shakes with coffee instead of additional almond milk.  (Kinnickinnick's KinniTOOS are gluten free, dairy free, and fabulous.)
• Mix in your favorite candy pieces or fruit - the possibilities are endless!

Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

I love the sweet/tart combo of strawberries and rhubarb.  With both in season right now, it's a great time to try out these delicious muffins.  You can make them dairy free by using almond milk, like we did, or use buttermilk.

1 1/2 c. GF flour blend*
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. xanthan gum
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1/3 c. almond milk or buttermilk (I used Silk Original Almond Milk)
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. rhubarb, cut into 1/4-in. pieces (1 skinny stalk = about 1/4 c.)
1/2 c. fresh strawberries, diced (about 6 small strawberries)
Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling on top

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and stir just until blended.  Fold in rhubarb and strawberries.  Divide into 12 greased muffin cups.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

*Brenda's GF Flour Blend:
1 c. brown rice flour
1 c. white rice flour
1/3 c. tapioca flour/starch
1/3 c. potato starch
1/3 c. cornstarch
1 T. potato flour
1 T. sweet rice (or sticky rice) flour

For a little more fiber, you can try substituting 1/4 c. sorghum for 1/4 c. of the flour blend, or add 1 T. ground flax.

Disneyland Gluten Free Menu

If you're on a gluten free diet, Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth.  Not only do they offer many selections that are gluten free - including GF hamburger buns, pizza crusts, and pasta - the gluten free items don't cost any more than other food options.  So it's definitely worth the splurge to eat a couple meals at Disneyland, because nowhere else can we get a small GF pizza for $6.50!

We've been to Disneyland and California Adventure twice since going on the gluten free diet.  The information I'm posting is from the 2010 GF menu, but you'll want to get an updated menu when you arrive to make sure you have acurate information, since there were additional GF items available in 2010 that weren't offered the first time we visited.  You can request a GF menu at City Hall in Disneyland or Guest Services at California Adventure (click here for California Adventure GF options).  We haven't tried all the restaurants - mainly because it was such a treat to get GF burgers and pizza that we mostly ate at those places - but I'll list all the information I have and tips for our favorite places.

GF Disneyland Ordering Tips 
Be sure to specify that you're ordering off the gluten free menu before you place your order, since some restaurants will have a chef come to take your order.  You'll typically need to allow an additional 10-15 minutes cooking time for your food, so if you're eating with non-GF companions, try to order your food first.  Tip: We didn't bother with children's menus since the adult portion sizes are big enough that our children were able to split an adult GF meal - usually $6.50-$8 - for less than the price of 2 kids meals, which typically aren't a great deal for GF kids.

FANTASYLAND

Troubadour Tavern:

Tip: This restaurant is right next to the Princess Fantasy Faire, so you can grab a bite to eat while waiting for a show.  We grabbed a couple Kid Power Packs with yogurt, cheese stick, apples, and juice (we asked the server to substitute chips for the crackers, which she kindly did) so our kids could snack while my daughter waited to dance with the princesses.  The potato with barbeque chicken I had was good, but dry - not quite enough topping for the potato. 

• Bratwurst with Lays potato chips – no bun
• Corn on the cob 
• Baked potato with barbeque chicken topping 

Village Haus:

Tip: This restaurant is the only one near the kiddie rides in Fantasyland, so avoid it during peak lunch hours since it is very busy and hard to find seating.  Also, we noticed that you pay more for a burger and fries here than for the exact same meal at Tomorrowland Terrace, which is not far away.

• Hamburger or bacon cheeseburger with fries – request gluten free bun

TOMORROWLAND 

Tomorrowland Terrace:

Tip: If you plan your meal time around the Jedi Training Academy (check times online), which is near the outdoor seating area, you can get dinner and a show!  

• Hamburger or bacon cheeseburger with fries – request gluten free bun
• Grilled chicken breast sandwich with fries – request gluten free bun
• Grilled vegetarian sandwich with fries – request gluten free bun
• Grilled chicken salad with fat free raspberry dressing 

Red Rockett’s Pizza Port:

Tip: We LOVED their pepperoni pizza, which is a great bargain at only $6.50!  You pick up items a la carte here, so you'll have to ask for a chef to take your order.  They have lots of indoor seating, so this is a great place to cool off in the afternoon.

• Rice noodles with marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce
• Pepperoni or cheese pizza – request gluten free crust
• Planetary Pizza Salad – request a new base and bowl to avoid cross-contamination
• Romaine lettuce with chicken breast and raspberry dressing

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE  

Blue Bayou (the chef will come to the table and discuss customized GF options):

Tip: This restaurant requires a reservation during peak dining hours (call ahead up to 60 days in advance).  When we were there, my husband had some grilled chicken and rice pasta which was okay, but not worth the high price.  What you're paying for here is atmosphere - it's actually inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  If you have young kids, this is a great place to go around 2 p.m. because it's dark, cool and quiet.  When my daughter was 2, she took a much needed nap while we ate.

§       Five Pepper Roast New York

§       Blackened Cajun Spiced Salmon

§       Tesoro Island Chicken

§       Broiled Port Royal Mahi Mahi

§       Broiled Filet Mignon

§       Bayou Surf & Turf (after 4 p.m.)

§       Kid’s meal can be modified to include grilled chicken and rice pasta.  It also comes with carrots & celery sticks, and a drink - plus a cool pirate hat!

Café Orleans:

• La Salade de Maison (house salad)
• Crescent City Salmon Salad
• French Quarter Blackened Chicken Caesar (request either raspberry or orange-cilantro vinaigrette)
• Creole Ratatouille
• Kids chicken breast – request rice noodles
• Kids seared salmon fillet – request rice noodles

FRONTIERLAND

Rancho Del Zocalo:

Tip: This restaurant is a bit more expensive, but the food is fabulous.  We ordered 2 Fire Roasted Chicken dinners  ($13.50 each) and a side of chips and salsa ($4) to split with our kids, which provided plenty of food.

• Vegetable tacos – request corn tortillas
• Plain chicken tacos – request corn tortillas
• Cheese Quesadillas – request corn tortillas
• Cheese enchiladas in Cotija cheese – request corn tortillas
• Cheese enchiladas with carne asada, Cotija cheese – request corn tortillas
• Tostada salad, plain chicken or veggie, without the shell
• Fire Roasted Chicken – request corn tortillas (includes rice, beans, shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream)

TOON TOWN

Tune-Up Treats:

• Chef Salad – ask for dressing to check label
• Kids hot dog with applesauce – they may or may not have a GF bun

MAIN STREET USA

Plaza Inn:

• Omelets, bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon, ham, fresh fruit
• Gluten free waffles can be made (allow extra time for preparation)
• Baked chicken

Carnation Café:

• Scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, ham, fresh fruit
• Pan seared boneless chicken breast
• Three cheese veggie sandwich – replace bread with gluten free hot dog bun
• Oscar’s Choice Chef Salad – request no croutons and fat free raspberry dressing
• Steak melt – replace bread with lettuce
• Child’s hot dog plate – request gluten free bun
• Lunch/dinner items served with a pickle and choice of fresh fruit, sautéed veggies, or salad 

Coke Corner:

• John Morrel, 100% beef hot dogs – request gluten free bun

Outdoor Vending Carts (you'll need cash for these):

• Turkey Legs
• Popcorn
• Cotton Candy (made with a combination of vegetable and coconut oils)
• Mickey faced premium ice cream bars on a stick
• Nestle novelty ice cream bars are made in a plant that produces nut & wheat products.

Gibson Girl or Cone Shop:

Tip: When we eat a big meal in the middle of the afternoon, like at Blue Bayou or Rancho Del Zocalo, we  just have ice cream for dinner while we watch a parade ($4 for a double scoop in a cup).  We're on vacation after all!

• All ice creams are made by Dreyers (only Cookies & Cream and Tollhouse Swirl are not GF)

California Adventure Gluten Free Menu

The first time we went to Disneyland and California Adventure after going on the gluten free diet, I couldn't find any information online about what to expect.  If you're on a gluten free diet, you know how scary it is to just "wing it" when it comes to eating.  You can pick up a gluten free menu at Guest Services when you arrive (which I recommend, since the menus change a little each year).  But for those who are like me and prefer to plan their meals ahead of time, I'm posting the menu from 2009, along with changes we observed in 2010 (and the 2010 prices).  Scroll to the bottom for World Of Color picnic box information, and to find other theme park GF menus.

GF Ordering Tips at California Adventure

Always mention that you’re ordering gluten free items first, since the person taking your order will promptly go back and tell the manager or chef so that your order receives special attention.  In the more upscale restaurants, the chef will come to the table to discuss your gluten free options.  You’ll need to allow an extra 15 minutes or more for your food to cook, so if you’re traveling with others who don’t require GF foods, consider ordering your food before the rest of the group arrives.  There are more gluten free options available than what is listed below, but  only restaurants that offer gluten free alternatives are listed.  When you’re used to forgoing the bun or bread on a regular basis, part of the fun of gluten free dining at Disney parks is getting to have your bread and eat it too!

GOLDEN STATE

Taste Pilots’ Grill:

Tip: This is the only GF burger place, but its central location makes it a great place to eat.  The portion sizes are big enough that 2 kids can easily split an adult meal (around $7-$8). 

• Hamburger or cheeseburger with fries – request gluten free bun
• Chicken salad – request grilled chicken breast in place of the chicken tenders, no cucumber sticks
• Grilled chicken sandwich with fries – request a gluten free bun and ask for a fresh pan to be used

PARADISE PIER

Pizza Oom Mow Mow:

Tip: At $6.50 for a decent sized GF pizza, this is a great value.  We ate pizza 3 times on our last trip!

• Pepperoni or cheese pizza – request gluten free crust

Ariel’s Grotto:

• Ask to speak to the chef or manager to find out what gluten free offerings are available. 

PACIFIC WHARF

Cocina Cucamonga:

• Child’s chicken taco with corn tortilla
• Sides available – beans, peppers, onions, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, tomato

Golden Vine Winery – Trattoria:

• Request gluten free pasta with marinara sauce, butter or olive oil – (allow 15-30 minutes)
• Chicken Bruschetta Salad, Pizzetta Salad, or Tuscan salad without the bread or croutons

HOLLYWOOD PICTURES BACKLOT

Award Wieners:

Tip: Another great value at under $6 for a hot dog and chips (they have Lays potato chips).

• John Morrel, 100% beef hot dogs – request gluten free bun

SUNSHINE PLAZA

Burr-r-r Bank cones:

• All ice cream is Dreyers (only Cookies & Cream and Tollhouse Swirl are not GF)

Outdoor Vending Carts:

• Turkey Legs
• Popcorn
• Cotton Candy (made with a combination of vegetable and coconut oils)
• Mickey faced premium ice cream bars on a stick
• Nestle novelty ice cream bars are made in a plant that produces nut & wheat products.

WORLD OF COLOR:

There aren't any GF World of Color picnic boxes, but since we were with a mixed group of GF and non-GF friends, we ordered two different kinds and gave the GF options to those who needed GF food, and the folks who could eat gluten ate the rest - including all the desserts!  Since ordering picnic boxes in advance guarantees you a seat for this amazing show, and saves you from having to show up before the park opens to stand in line for a ticket, it's worth the work of juggling the different boxes and trading food.  Tip: If you're with a big group, ordering picnic boxes is a must if you want to all be at the same show.  Picnic boxes must be ordered online at least 48 hrs. in advance (as of 2010).  Pack a blanket to sit on because that will mark the area for your group and keep others from pressing in on you as the show starts.

• The GF folks ordered the European Antipasto picnic boxes and ate the meat, veggies and cheese, but gave away the crackers and dessert.  All picnic boxes come with a drink.  
• The non-GF folks ordered the All American picnic boxes and ate the fried chicken and coleslaw (and dessert), but gave their potato salad to the GF folks.  
• For the 2 GF little girls, we got a couple of the Little Squirts kids picnic boxes that came with yogurt, a cheese stick, apples and a bracelet (it's all about the bracelet).  They gave the crackers and cupcake away, so we brought some GF crackers with us to round it out.  
• Dessert:  We also discovered that the Greetings from California shop near the entrance to California Adventure carries gluten free chocolate chip cookies.  They were expensive ($7), but it was worth it to have a dessert for the kids that was "official," with a picture of Minnie Mouse on the front.  

Check the "Theme Park GF Menus" section to the left for past and future posts on menus at other parks like Disneyland, Sea World, Legoland, and Lagoon.

Easy, Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

You'll need a fork to eat these soft, moist rolls, since the texture (and taste) is reminiscent of coffee cake.  I modified a non-GF biscuit recipe that only calls for two ingredients to come up with these yummy rolls that can be thrown together in a snap.  Plus, they don't require cutting in shortening - one of my least favorite baking tasks - so they're a winner when it comes to easy/lazy baking.  The almond meal in the baking mix and almond milk provide a pleasant flavor nuance without screaming, "I taste like almonds!"

1 3/4 c. Pamela's Pancake & Baking Mix, divided
1 c. heavy whipping cream
Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for filling

Glaze:
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 T. milk (I used Silk Original Almond Milk)
1/8 tsp. vanilla (or add more to taste if not using almond milk)

Combine 1 1/2 c. baking mix and 1 c. whipping cream in a bowl.  Stir together until a stiff batter forms.  Sprinkle remaining baking mix on a clean surface and knead dough 10 times, until most of the flour is incorporated and dough is easy to work with.  Shape into a 6-in. log.

Roll out dough until it is roughly the size of a piece of paper and about 1/4 in. thick.  Spread with a generous amount of softened butter (I used Land O Lakes spreadable butter with canola oil).  Sprinkle brown sugar over top and smooth until the surface is covered, leaving 1/4 in. from the edge uncovered.  Sprinkle cinnamon over top.

Carefully roll up lengthwise, pinching together any gaps in dough.  Cut into 6 rolls and place in a round baking dish.  (Place 5 in the outer circle, about 1/2 in. from the edge, and 1 in the center.)  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

While rolls cool for a few minutes, mix together the glaze ingredients.  Drizzle glaze over top of rolls and serve warm to your husband who is clapping like a little child who's just been told he's going to Disneyland.