Easy solution for accommodating a gluten-free diner, part one.

Rule number one: The headline is an oxymoron.  This isn't easy at all, we know that.

But let's face it, there are so many great products on the gluten-free market, sometimes it's just stupid for a major restaurant not to look a little bit.

For instance:  Take the presence of a gluten-free cracker in a major restaurant that serves salads, dips, and crackers.

Exhibit A:  The Crunchmaster Cracker .

If you're gluten-free, you know these. I absolutely love them. They are a staple in my kitchen, in my office, and when I travel. They are delicious, affordable, and accessible. When you can buy them by the CASE at Costco, why not use them to enhance your menu. Check the products here. 

I brought this up at Kyma , a very nice Buckhead Life Group restaurant a few weeks ago. While they were more than willing to tell me what was gluten free, they saw nothing wrong with serving me a gluten-free eggplant dip with NO cracker or #gf bread, (And no crudite or anything. Good Dip, bad attitude about GF.)  Seriously? Seriously? I'm sorry, but that is not acceptable. This is not rocket science any more, restauranteurs.  THIS isn't even 8th grade earth science.

So here's how you do this, ok?  

1.  Get a case of these delicious crackers and a fresh package of zip-top snack bags.

2. Clean off a workspace and put down a tablecloth or fresh napkin.

3. Pick a kitchen helper who can count to six. Have him or her wash hands.

4. Have said person open the box and packaging and take out the snack bags. Wash hands again. 

5. Don service gloves and put six crackers in a snack bag. Seal. 

6. Place in a metal container and cover with plastic wrap. Place adjacent to other crackers.

When a gluten-free diner wants crackers, pick out one pack (hey, they're sealed) and deliver. Kinda like dressing on the side. 

There are other crackers I could recommend that are readily available, but these cracker are the best. They are affordable and stay fresh.  In Atlanta Saturday they were 99 cents a bag! I can get them HERE in Kroger and WalMart!

Six crackers have 50 calories, 1.5 grams of fats, 1 gram sugar, 9 grams carbs, and under 1 gram of fiber and protein.  

On Weight Watchers,  ONE point.

Dairy Free. Soy Free. Gluten Free.  Egg free. Vegan. Not corn free. 

Don't think it could be any simpler. 

Much love, and THANK YOU CRUNCHMASTER for the sample of one bag and one box of your crackers.  But I kinda loved you before you sent them.

Ging

Happy Birthday to the Gluten-Free Bloomin' Onion at Roswell Outback

 

Cue the music!

Friday, June 17

Happy Third Birthday

to the

Gluten-free Bloomin' Onion

Outback Steakhouse

655 Crossville Road, Roswell, Georgia, 30075 

(770) 998-5630 (for call ahead seating)

The Gluten-Free Bloomin' Onion at the Roswell, Ga., Outback will be three years old this Friday, June 17. Come by and help celebrate this delectable treat!

During the hours of operation Friday, each table with gluten-free diners will receive one free Bloomin' Onion for the table.  And we can munch and reminisce about the fun we've had at The Roswell Outback enjoying this and other gluten-free treats.

I remember my first pilgrimage to this store in 2008 -- I couldn't wait to try this delicacy.  This blog post holds the history.

The mantle has passed to Jenn Obrofta, who continues to keep this special gluten-free menu at this location. We partied with her and originator Tom Propp last year! 

No other Outback in the United States has this expanded gluten-free menu! This Outback is the home of the GIG of Atlanta *formerly Atlanta Metro Celiacs*  Holiday Thanksgiving, The Atlanta GF Meetup's Holiday Goodie Swap, a great dinner before the GIG of Atlanta Vendor Fair.  I have so many fabulous memories of meals here, thanks to this Outback's devotion to those of us who are gluten free.

Some things should be celebrated!  So join Jen and her magnificent crew (shoutout to Kelly and Victor!) to celebrate this great addition to our gluten-free lives!  

Much love, and see you Friday Night!  (Kelly, save us a booth in your section!)

Ging  (oh yeah, we also want donuts!)

‎

Announcing a contest (and a giveaway from me!) from MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker

Hold the gluten, grab your apron and start your ovens! Betty Crocker is hosting its first-ever gluten-free recipe contest, the Baker´s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest, and we want you to be a part of it!

I am pleased to share the word about this contest from Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark (who provided me with a sample of the prize).  I am excited to share some of the products with one of my new gluten-free friends. But I'm also going to use them to try to create a winner in this contest.

Details?  Here you are!

We know baking in a gluten-free world poses its own challenges - as well as sweet rewards - so we want to give you a chance to show off the creative solutions and tasty treats that you´ve created for your family and friends. 

Now through June 30th, visit www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge  for the chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000. The grand prize winner will also have the chance to be featured on a Betty Crocker^® Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick^®Gluten Free baking mix package and/or be featured in a Betty Crocker publication! All you have to do is submit an original gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread or dessert recipe, using any Betty Crocker Gluten Free dessert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix. 

Recipes will be judged on five key categories: taste, creativity, ease of preparation, consumer appeal and appearance. Plus, we want you to keep baking deliciously, so if you´re one of 10 selected finalists, you will receive a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket filled with baking items and Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes. Even more exciting, finalists´ recipes will be featured on www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge and voted on by the Gluten Freely community to determine the Grand Prize Winner! 

For great recipe tips, ideas, and suggestions, visit www.glutenfreely.com to help get you started and learn more about the Baker´s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest. 

In addition, through the end of June, you can save 20% on the purchase of any of the five Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes. Visit www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore to buy yours today! www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge  www.glutenfreely.com/ourstore 

I can't wait for the recipes to be posted, and I also can't wait to see the winners!

Are you entering? Leave me a comment below before with category *don't give away your recipe, ok?* by the June 30 deadline.  I will pick a random winner who will receive a choice gluten-free cookbook from the real "Mom" of gluten-free cooking and baking, Bette Hagman. The book is from my own personal collection!

So let's do this, people.  It's gonna be GREAT.  And you KNOW how I love a contest and a giveaway. 

Much love, and bake away!

Ging