Author: Brynn Kimel

I am a student at the University of St.Thomas aspiring to practice law in the future. I am Brooke's older sister and have grown up within her journey of living with celiac. I have been gluten free at home since her diagnosis, but have recently gone gluten free due to my own medical reasons.

Categories
Favorite Recipes and Dishes

Philly Cheesesteaks

What better way to kick off 2021 than with a brand new recipe of this classic favorite. I have only had one other Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and it was long ago before I was gluten free. My sister has never had one before and asked that we attempt to recreate it. As far as substitutions go we just used our favorite Against the Grain baguette cut in the desirable sandwich sizes. For the meat we used thinly sliced ribeye steak, one can also use a thinly sliced cut of flank steak. To top our sandwiches we used white cheddar cheese and provolone cheese; and as far as vegetables go, we used sauteed onions and green bell peppers. With the sandwiches we kept it simple and served french fries as the side. For christmas this year we hopped onto the bandwagon and got an airfryer. To answer your immediate question, yes it really is as good as people say it is. Recently we have been making our fries in there and they turn out great every time. Stay tuned in the coming weeks, prior to my return to campus, for more posts regarding gluten free air fryer recipes. In the meantime, stay well and from my kitchen to yours I wish you the very best this week.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Living a Gluten Free Lifestyle

Ringing in the New Year

Cheers to 2021 Everybody, here’s hoping that by the end of this year we may slowly start returning to a version of normalcy. Thank goodness cooking and baking remains relatively stable from one year to the next. I often find that many traditions, whether intentional or not, are very food focused. Now that the holiday season has come to a close that has become very evident to me. Regardless of your background or culture, traditions are a beautiful way to join together in celebration and share in jubilation. As I mentioned above, the core of these events is food; food has a wondrous power to bring people together in joyful memories. Try for a moment thinking of some of your favorite memories of 2020, I know there might not be many, but think about where you were and who you were surrounded by. Some of my most fond memories from 202o were in the kitchen with my family or roommates, having frosting battles or experimenting with new recipes. It truly is the little things that can bring joy and light to unexpected circumstances. I hope that you were able to think of a memory that made you smile. Looking back I have appreciated my family’s traditions more than usual this past year, I think this is largely because they were a source of stability. The end of the year proved challenging, consistent with the rest of 2020. I have felt bad for having so few posts this month, but my hope was that many of you were enjoying the holidays and time with your loved ones. Final exams wrapped up about the second week of december, and consequently I returned home for the holidays. Before the festivities could begin I did have to undergo a minor surgery on my hand which slightly inhibited my ability to type the past few weeks. Now it is healed enough to type so I can finally update you all, and get going on some new recipes for the new year. Who knows maybe 2021 will bring new traditions or perhaps some new make again meals. I wish you all the very best and will be back with some great gluten free updates soon.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Favorite Gluten Free Brands

Schär Gluten Free Table Crackers

Good afternoon Everybody; I hope this post finds you well. As we continue on in the Holiday season I find myself reminiscing about holidays prior to the pandemic. In a normal year my grandparents would typically be arriving within the up and coming days and staying through the new year. When company comes to visit cheese and crackers are a must. No matter the occasion, a homemade charcuterie board is front and center on our table prior to the main meal. Our go to crackers are typically Blue Diamond Nut-Thins or Crunchmaster Multi-Seed crackers, but this year we found a new cracker that will be added to our cheese and cracker platter: Schär Gluten Free Table Crackers. Despite it being just the four of us for the holidays this year I have no doubt the cheese and cracker tradition will live on. I first tried the Schär Table Cracker when I went home for Thanksgiving. It was very light, buttery, had a good crunch, and reminded me of an original Club cracker. I especially enjoyed it paired with a cranberry goat cheese or Drunken Goat cheese. Writing this piece I smile thinking about my favorite holiday memories and I am so grateful for all of those wonderful moments of togetherness. As for this year we must embrace that which we have and remain grateful. I hope you all can enjoy your favorite holiday meals and traditions this season. From my kitchen to yours I wish you peace and joy.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Local Favorites

Dunn Brothers

It is not everyday that one comes across a delicious gluten breakfast sandwich at a coffee shop, so when my sister told me about the “Best breakfast sandwich I have ever had” I considered it to be a miracle. Usually if I go to get coffee it’s never casual; it’s always more difficult than it should be to decipher which drinks are gluten free, especially at chain coffee shops. The experience at my local Dunn Brothers in Eagan was much different-and in the best way possible. Not only did I have my first gluten free peppermint latte, but I ordered the breakfast sandwich my sister had been raving about. Sure enough it was amazing. More important than the actual taste; however, was that this location actually offered a gluten free breakfast option. It was well labeled on the menu, and didn’t involve cross-contamination. Needless to say I was very impressed and will be frequenting this location. I am not sure if all of the Dunn Brothers chains offer the gluten free breakfast sandwich, so if you live near a local Dunn Bros I would highly recommend inquiring about their gluten free breakfast sandwich. From my kitchen to yours eat well and stay safe this Holiday Season.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Living a Gluten Free Lifestyle

Pros and Cons of Gluten Free Diet

Hello All, I hope you had a rest-filled weekend. Some of you have reached out and inquired about the pros and cons of the gluten free diet so as promised, here is a post that hopefully clears up any questions you may have. First thing’s first, you should always consult your doctor or dietitian prior to starting a new diet. When you meet with your doctor or dietitian be sure to ask about how to maintain a well balanced diet that includes all of the key nutrients. When it comes to making the decision to go gluten free be ready to commit-there are no “cheat days”. The gluten free diet can be restrictive and isolating, for both adults and children alike. Educating yourself and the rest of the world on the seriousness of your needs can be exhausting; the importance of becoming your own best advocate cannot be overstated. I pride myself on being honest and to be completely transparent I would not have chosen the gluten free diet unless it was medically necessary. I love gluten as much as the next person, but I know that putting my health first is a must. I also feel so blessed to have grown up in an environment where anything and everything could be made gluten free-a big shoutout to my Mother for that. Financially the gluten free diet is not overly cost efficient. Often times gluten free products are up-charged at restaurants, and are always more expensive than gluten-filled products at grocery stores. Health wise gluten free products are also higher in sugars, fats, and complex carbs; because of this it is not a diet for weight loss. Now I know if you’re reading this it may just feel like a “cons” list, but I am just trying to lay foundation for the seriousness of this decision. The most obvious “pro” is if you are diagnosed with Celiac Disease or non-celiac gluten intolerance by going gluten free you will ge putting your health first, allowing your intestines to heal, and you will no longer be getting sick. Besides going gluten free will allow you to check out this awesome blog all the more frequently. Now i’m only half kidding of course. Being gluten free also allows you to tap into your creative cooking/baking side and have fun in the kitchen, while sharing sweet creations with those that you love. I sincerely hope this post provided some clarity and I wish you all the best in whatever your decision may be. I am so grateful for those of you who commented with questions-I started this blog to assist others within the gluten free community throughout their journeys, regardless of which stage of the journey they may be experiencing. Please continue to reach out with any questions and from my kitchen to yours, stay safe and be well.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Local Favorites

Crepe and Spoon

Sound the alarm bells Everyone! I tried a new ice cream place last night and my mind was blown. It was called Crepe and Spoon, and it is located in Minneapolis, MN. All of the ice cream flavors are dairy free and they had many gluten free flavors as well. But that is not the most exciting part. The most exciting part is that they make their own gluten free waffle cones! I had not had a waffle cone for years and was so excited to try one again. It was so delicious and I cannot wait to go back and bring Brooke. My roommate found this spot after we went to dinner last night and needless to say we will be go back very soon. I hope you all have a great week and from my kitchen to yours: share a smile a stranger and be well this week.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Favorite Recipes and Dishes

Million Dollar Cookies

Prepare yourselves Everyone to experience this showstopper cookie. Million Dollar cookies are one of my all time favorite cookies. They are rich, chewy, and so delicious. We were given the recipe from one of my mother’s coworkers about 10 years ago and have been making them non-stop ever since.

Here are the ingredients:

1 cup butter, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup light brown sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 eggs, 2 1/2 cups gluten free flour, 3/4 cup cocoa, 1 tsp baking soda, 48 Rolos, 2 Heath bars, and 1 tsp white sugar.

Here is how to make it:

Beat sugars and butter until fluffy, add eggs and vanilla and beat well. in a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa and baking soda. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture and blend well. Place the dough in the fridge to cool for about 30 minutes-this will make it easier to work with. While the dough is cooling to unwrap the Rolos. Crush the candy bars into small pieces with a knife, and mix in a bowl with 1 tbsp sugar. To assemble shape the dough into 1″ ball around rolo, covering completely. Dip the top of the dough ball into the crushed candy topping and place onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Keep a careful eye on the cookies; you do not want to over bake them, they will look quite soft. Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes, if you can wait that long and then enjoy. Be sure to add these delectable cookies to your holiday baking list. From my kitchen to yours please keep sharing kindness and be well.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Local Favorites

Agra Culture

This just in from St. Paul, MN: there’s a new local favorite to discuss. Agra Culture. Agra Culture has a broad menu that can be tailored to many dietary requirements; this includes gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, and paleo. My roomates and I represent a wide variety of dietary restrictions, so needless to say we were very excited to give Agra Culture a try. Here is a link to their menu: https://www.agra-culture.com/menus/. The food was light, fresh, and so delicious-we cannot wait to go back soon. I am thrilled to have such a great dining option just seven minutes from campus. If you all ever find yourselves in St. Paul, I would 11/10 recommend you make the stop at this delightful eatery. From my kitchen to yours be safe and eat well.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Favorite Recipes and Dishes

Candied Almonds

Hello Everyone! I hope you all are having a good week thus far. I know for my American followers this has been a trying week at best, so if anyone has been emotional eating I totally understand. This one’s for you. These candied almonds are just the right balance of sweet and spice. I am not kidding when I say that these almonds are addicting. I first started making these almonds about three years go and cannot resist the urge to make them all the time. When it comes to cooking them stay patient with the timing of the almonds as described in the recipe, they can take a little longer than the suggested times. Here is a link to the recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/spicy-sugared-almonds-4586603. The recipe is very easy to follow and always produces a perfectly sweet snack. Another added bonus is that these Almonds are gluten free and vegan, so all of my roomates can eat them. These almonds are so versatile and are perfect for the holidays or a Thursday. From my kitchen to yours please continue to spread a little sweetness and joy at this time of uncertainty, and remember to make time to take care of yourselves too.

Until next time,

Brynn

Categories
Living a Gluten Free Lifestyle

Halloween Pumpkin Bars

It’s spooky season Everyone and what better way to celebrate than with taste bud tingling pumpkin bars. My roomates and I were looking forward to a quiet evening in, watching movies and enjoying the seasonal tricks and treats. The bars were very quick and easy to make. To be honest, playing around with the presentation of these bars was my favorite part of making them. I safely burned the edges of the parchment, and used ketchup as “blood”. I tried a new recipe this weekend and the bars rose very well, had a great texture/consistency, and tasted delicious. I used a creepy cinnamon cream cheese frosting to top off the bars. To accompany the bars I brewed up a non-alcoholic ghoulish green potion. One of my roommates is vegan so this punch consisted of water, ginger ale, and lime juice. You could also include lime sherbert for an additional level of flavor. I know Halloween looked a little different this year, but if we continue to do our part to stay safe then we will be able to put an end to this nightmare. I hope you all had a happy Halloween filled with more treats than tricks, and as we enter into the Holiday season spread some peace and joy. From my kitchen to yours stay safe and be well.

Until next time,

Brynn