Macaron Cookies

These Macaron Cookies came as a happy mistake, when I tried to make peanut butter cookies but realized I only had almond butter. They aren't as beautiful as their French counterpart, but they're simple to make and have a light almondy flavor that's reminiscent of the popular colored cookies.

Macaron Cookies





1/2 c. canola oil
1.5 c. almond butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 c. almond milk
1.5 c. rice flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350
Combine oil, almond butter, sugars, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until dough forms
Scoop cookies onto baking sheet, leaving plenty of room between cookies b/c they will spread
Press fork into tops of cookies
Bake 9-11 minutes

Strawberry Coconut Icecream

- 1 can of coconut cream
(If you can't find coconut cream, refrigerate two cans of coconut milk, and scrape the cream of off the top)
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 c. frozen strawberries
- 1c. non dairy milk

 
Blend ingredients in high powered blender until smooth. Pour into ice cream maker, and follow manufacturer's instrcutions. 

Franchia- NYC

On our weekend trip to New York, we also tried Franchia, an Asian fusion vegan restaurant. We tried the Veggie Bibimbap and "Chicken" Curry, both in a hot stone pot, and a Gluten Free Black Forest Cake for dessert.

For us the cake was the highlight, and the curry was quite good. Ambiance was great, but overall we thought it was a little over priced for similar dishes that you could find for half the price in Chinatown.

Peacefood Cafe- NYC

A weekend trip to my sister's place in New York meant visiting some of our favorite free-from joints, as well as trying some new places. We happened upon Peacefood Cafe in Union Square and will definitely be returning next time we're in town!

As an all vegan restaurant, you can rest assured whatever you order will be free from meat or dairy, but they also had a great number of gluten-free and raw options.

Favorite Potato Salad

Summer is in full swing, and this free-from Potato Salad has been a hit. While this recipe is sans mayonnaise, it does not lack in creaminess and taste.

Small bag of potatos

1 medium red onion

4 stalks of celery

2.5 tbs Olive Oil

1tbs white vinegar

Half a bunch of flat parsley

1 tbs. of whole grain mustard

Sea salt to taste

Pepper to taste 

Cut and Boil potatoes until softened, but still firm. Let chill.

Slice onion, celery, parsley, and set aside.

Mix mustard, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in small bowl

Mix potatoes, celery, onion, and dress with liquid mixture. 
Add parsley and season to taste. 

You can serve immediately, but I prefer to let potatoes sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Clover

You know what I miss about Oregon? Food trucks. You know what I like about Boston? In the warm weather I'm starting to notice a lot of food trucks popping up. 

Today we tried Clover's Fried Eggplant and Chickpea Fritter in a bowl. Topped off with a free sampling of rosemary fries and tall glass of hibiscus tea, it made for a perfectly filling lunch.

My Thai Vegan Cafe

A funny little spot on the second floor in the heart of Chinatown, Boston, My Thai Vegan Cafe has a large menu filled with Thai and Chinese dishes.

Pad Sew with tofu and my favorite wide rice noodles

Panang curry...

It's not the best thai food, but the vast menu and coconut-milk boba tea, make it a great late-night bite. 

Rule #1 of Living Free From- Failure is OK!

The one thing I miss most from my pre-gluten days is pizza- homemade pizza in particular. Pizza is the perfect, "clean out your fridge, make everyone happy meal," and it's so versatile, you can literally top it with whatever you like. 

I used to buy pre-made, raw pizza dough to save time and clean-up, but I haven't found a gluten-free dough that I like yet. So I decided to set out and make my own.

I followed a simple recipe from the Better Homes cookbook and replaced the flour with an all-purpose flour. Seemed like a great idea at the time, but something went terribly wrong.

This is the first sign that the dough was destined to be disastrous- it resembles Play-Doh.

Going with it anyway...

 I figured great toppings could save the pizza.

After some red sauce, Daiya, and time in oven, it looks the pizza will be delicious after all.

 

Admittedly, the crust might be one of the most disgusting things I have ever put in my mouth.

 
 I suspect the flour was too dense, and it had a real beany flavor that was very unappetizing. Lesson learned? Free from dishes won't always turn out the way you'd hoped, but scrape off the toppings, call it a day and try again next time.

Today's Eats

Today was busy and left me little time for food preparation...actually most days are like this.

 

Breakfast was a smoothie of Kale, Spinach, Spirulina, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Almond Milk, and a piece of Gluten Free bread while running out the door.

Lunch was a simple gluten & dairy free enchilada from Trader Joe's

For supper I made a tofu scramble with spinach, zucchini, bell pepper, and GF toast.

London Eats

It's been a while since I've last posted, and a lot has happened in our lives since. The biggest being that the Queen would not renew our UK visas, and we had to leave London. It still pains me. We've settled in Boston, and are still exploring the food scene, but I'll surely post my food adventures.

In the meantime, let me share some of our favorite free-from-friendly cheap eats in London.

Vitao, which is no longer an all you can eat buffet and has therefore lost 5 points in my book, would serve up hot tasty Indian multi-ethnic dishes with a small cozy ambiance. 

Cost: $$; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !

A small cozy joint that's equally satisfying and light.

Cost: $$; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!

An international chain that is great on a budget, on a cold day, or just when you want some high calorie noodles. Opt for the rice noodle or veggies, and hold the egg to make it vegan & gluten free.

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!!

Another chain, but some of the best falafels you'll find outside of Paris (you read that right, Paris)

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!

My former place of part time employment. Extremely quick, delicious salads, hot bar, smoothies, and juices. Expert tip: Muswell Hill location has the best food, by far.

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!!

Oh how I love and miss Indian Veg Buffet. When on a strict budget, you can't beat all you can eat, pretty great quality, Indian food for only £5. Exper tip: embrace the vegetarian propaganda smattering the walls, it's quite entertaining.

Cost: $; Vegan Friendly: !!; Gluten-Free Friendly: !!