Muffins, chocolatey yummy muffins

I have been having a diversion in the grocery store for the gluten-free section. I do not have Celiac disease, thankfully. It's a challenging disease that is popping up more and more in the general population, it affects 1 in every 133 persons. And it's the type of disease that will completely change your life, because wheat is in EVERYTHING. You would probably be surprised how often wheat is used in all kinds of products; from ones we consume to cosmetics. Not to mention, a person with celiac disease cannot eat rye, barley, triticale, and some oats. You might be asking: Lish, why are you on the gluten-free kick? Well, we consume a lot of wheat in America. So, I figure it's a great way to try and round out the intake of wheat versus all of the other wonderful grains that are out there. I am into baked goods this pregnancy, and the Udi's brand gluten-free muffins have been hitting the spot. I have tried them all: Lemon Struessel, Blueberry, and Double Chocolate (as well as their bagels & cinnamon rolls, two thumbs up on all Udi's products). The double chocolate is soo yummy. We've been warming the chocolate muffins, putting vanilla ice cream and sliced strawberries on them and eating them for dessert. Yes, that is how yummy they are. The only problem, they are a bit expensive. They're not outrageous, but I know how much money I could be saving if I'd just make them myself. Thus, this is my first (probably of many) attempts at a gluten-free muffin that tastes as good as my new friend Udi's. I used Bob's Red Mill Quinoa flour and Bob's recipe found on the back of the Quinoa flour package for the "Sour Cream Fudge Muffins".

The verdict: I am not in love with the strong taste of the quinoa flour; but blending a couple of different types of grains is probably the best way to go. So, if you do want to try making these muffins, maybe do a 50/50 mixture with another grain.

If you'd like to give the recipe a try, you can find it here.

Don't worry, I have no plans of completely abandoning you Udi, I am happy to support a local business (Udi's Bakery is located in Denver) and will grow increasing lazy about baking as my belly expands over these last 10+ weeks. But for today, I give myself an "A" for effort!

On a more serious note about Celiac disease, it can be extremely debiliating to a person who has it, but doesn't know it. It is very hard on the body and makes them feel miserable each time they eat, which is a lot of a person's life. If you know someone who has been "perpetually sick", you might be doing them a favor to mention getting tested for a gluten allergy. It goes un-diagnosed in about 97% of people.

My new find!

I am so excited, I found a new treasure at my favorite local coffee shop. We, as a family, often enjoy a leisurely walk down to Dog Tooth Coffee (the joys of living downtown), and Garrett and I share one "bottomless" cup of joe; taking turns watching Bodhi while the other enjoys a hot cup of coffee while perusing through the little community-style library offered at the coffee shop. You can take a book home to keep, but it's common courteousy to bring one back in its stead. Well, I found a treasure, a new cookbook! I am so excited about this book, and here's why: it is naturally focused, the recipes are truly healthful, calling for ingredients that are good-for-you and wholesome. Also, there are a great variety of recipes; with many new ideas for cooking with and consuming various types of grains and legumes. Just in case you're interested, you can get one too -- for only $4.15 on amazon.com. In my opinion, that is a super-bargain. Welcome, Brand Name Light & Natural Cookbook, to my kitchen, we are going to have lots of fun together!

Why I love my Microplane...

This kitchen tool is seriously amazing. It can do it all, I find myself reaching for my microplane time and time again. Thus, I have brought it before all of you to ponder the wonders of the mircoplane. Perhaps I can encourage you in your culinary skills, or inspire you to go out and get your very own microplane! Or, remind you to dig it up out of your drawer if you already own one. Here's why:

The microplane is extremely versatile. It serves as a very efficient zester, as well as an effortless grater. Let me just run you through some of my very common kitchen scenarios that involve the use of this excellent tool: zesting an entire orange peel (quickly!) for baking up some cranberry orange muffins, grating a hard cheese, such as parmesan reggiano, over a bowl of steamy tomato soup, grating some fresh nutmeg over silky, smooth & seasonal Soy Nog (yum! there's really nothing quite like fresh nutmeg), maybe the zest of a fresh lemon over your foil-baked salmon, and of course chocolate shavings over.......um, everything? Hot cocoa, whipped cream, cake, ice cream, my toothbrush. Who doesn't love chocolate shavings?

The stainless steel zester/grater is sturdy enough that you can hold it over a bowl or dish or even lay it on top of your bowl or dish and grate away, directly into your food. Bonus, the classic microplane zester/grater now comes in five fun colors.