Tag: celiac

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Gluten Free Blinis

I don’t think that there is anything that goes better with a glass of bubbles at a party or on a special night in than a freshly made, gluten free blini. Of course the gluten free variety are impossible to get hold of at the supermarkets but fear not, I have the perfect recipe for y’all here. It’s one I’ve whipped out for special occasions for years and no one can even tell they are gluten free. I like to top mine with smoked salmon, crème fraiche, lemon and freshly chopped chives. These are very versatile party snacks however, and so can be topped with whatever you fancy. Give them a whirl and let me know what you think!

Ingredients

1 x Cup Gluten Free Flour
1 x Large Egg
1 x Cup of Milk/ Dairy Free Milk
½ x Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda
½ x Teaspoon Gluten Free Bouillon Powder
Cracked Black Pepper
1 x Teaspoon Vegetable/ Sunflower Oil

For the topping:

1 x Small Tub crème fraiche
50g x Smoked Salmon
Freshly Chopped Chives
½ Lemon

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, Bouillon powder and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and the milk. When combined, add gradually to the dry ingredients and mix into a smooth batter.
3. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and use a small spoon to create small blini discs in the pan.
4. When bubbles form in the blinis, they are ready to turn over. Once turned, cook for 2-3 more minutes before removing from the pan.
5. Leave to cool and then top with ½ a teaspoon each of crème fraiche and chopped salmon.
6. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the plate of blinis when armed and then sprinkle generously with chopped chives before serving.

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Madrid: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

Spain has always been a great destination for anyone gluten free and the Spanish capital of Madrid is no exception. One of the first places I ever travelled as a gluten free person and the home of notorious bakery Celicioso and tapas galore, Madrid will have you spoilt for choice. Just take note that most restaurants in Madrid still take bookings, especially at peak times on weekends, so call ahead to make sure you secure your spot!

Sana Locura Gluten Free Bakery

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By far my favourite bakery in Madrid, Sana Locura boasts one of the most impressive cake, pastry and bread counters I’ve ever seen in my life. The bakery has a family business atmosphere and is always buzzing with people either buying treats to go or sitting down for breakfast and lunch. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Sana Locura’s croissants or red velvet cake. And if you’re dairy free order a delicious soy or rice milk latte and ask the staff to point you towards any dairy free sweet treats for the perfect afternoon combination. Closed on Mondays.

Where?
Calle del Gral Oraá 49
28006 Madrid

Celicioso

The original gluten free bakery in Madrid, Celicioso has branched out to four different locations across the city, and now even has branches in Malaga and Marbella. Picture anything you miss since going gluten free and I can guarantee you that Celicioso offers the gluten free version. Perfect for brunch (order the legendary avo toast!) or lunch with an epic sweet and savoury selection of goods to pack in your bag to fuel your sightseeing around Madrid, Celicioso is somewhere you will want to visit over and over again.

Where?
Calle de O’Donnell, 4
28009 Madrid

Plaza del Callao, 2, 9º planta
28013 Madrid

Calle de Hortaleza 3
28004 Madrid

Calle del Barquillo 19
28004 Madrid

Maestro Churrero

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Lo and behold – a place that has finally answered all our gluten free churro prayers! Maestro Churrero prepares its gluten free churros separately so there’s no chance of cross contamination and you can even dip them into lactose free hot chocolate. A perfect spot for in between meals or even to start your day because is there ever a bad time for churros?!

Where?
Plaza de Jacinto Benavente 2
28012 Madrid

Pasteleria La Oriental

Another winner on the gluten free bakery scene in Madrid, La Oriental is packed almost to the ceiling with gluten free cakes, cookies, tarts and pastries that will make you do a double take. Their traditional Roscon cake is something else and keeps well for a few days if you want to stash one away in your hand luggage! Better yet, La Oriental is open seven days a week!

Where?
Calle de Ferraz 47
28008 Madrid

Solo de Croquetas

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Croquettes are a special part of the Spanish food scene and sadly one that we’re rarely able to indulge in. So you will be delighted to know that Madrid is home to a 100% gluten free croquette restaurant where you can sample the whole menu and wash down your selections with an icy gluten free beer. Perfect for lunch!

Where?
Calle de Echegaray 5
28014 Madrid

Mercado de San Miguel

Well worth a visit, Mercado de San Miguel is one of Madrid’s oldest markets, with an array of food and drink stalls offering some of the freshest seafood, tapas and chilled cava I’ve ever had. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s on offer gluten free wise as the menus at various stalls can change. I hopped around sampling tortilla and fresh prawns at different stalls when I went but I have it on good authority that Tacos Margaritas y Punto is 100% gluten free and well worth a pitt stop for their outrageously delicious tacos.

Where?
Plaza de San Miguel S/N
28005 Madrid

La Tintoreria

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A traditional Spanish restaurant, La Tintoreria is a great spot for tortilla and a good platter of traditional jamon. The staff are very clued up when it comes to allergies and will take extra care when serving a gluten free customer. Booking advised, especially on Fridays and Saturdays if you want to ensure you are seated!

Where?
Calle Espoz y Mina 20
28012 Madrid

Emma y Julia

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In the market for some delicious Italian food while in Madrid? Well when it comes to the menu on offer at Emma y Julia I think it’s well worth a go! This restaurant makes almost every single item on its regular menu gluten free upon request and has some of the best pizza I’ve had in years. The portions are huge and the staff go out of their way to accomodate coeliacs and customers with dietary requirements. Another gem that is sure to set you up well for a night out on the town! Closed on Mondays.

Where?
Calle de la Cava Baja 19
28005 Madrid

Taberna La Concha

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By far my favourite tapas bar in Madrid, Taberna La Concha is small, traditional and offers an extensive gluten free menu upon request. What’s special about Taberna La Concha is the albondigas or meatballs which are so rarely gluten free and here they are huge and delicious! This restaurant is perfect for a late night dinner but be prepared to wait in line as it’s a popular spot!

Where?
Calle de la Cava Baja 7
28005 Madrid

La Gamella

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Finally, if you’re in need of a top notch brunch to start or end your time in Madrid on a high, venture to La Gamella for a gorgeous and gluten free friendly brunch. Most things on the menu can be made gluten free and can be all washed down with a mimosa with freshly squeezed orange juice and followed with an array of sweet treats to accompany a post brunch espresso. The Eggs Benedict here is incredible so don’t forget to call and reserve your table as this place gets packed during the day on weekends.

Where?
Calle de Alfonso XII 4
28014 Madrid

Burger King

Like the rest of Spain, Burger King in Madrid offers a gluten free bun for their burgers and cheeseburgers. Better yet, this option is available at the airport so in case you didn’t have enough pastries or tapas while in Madrid, you can grab a cheeseburger on your way out of the country. Check with each branch if the chips are fried separately as sometimes they are not. P.S. McDonald’s has gluten free options in Spain too!

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Gluten Free Oaties by Nairn’s

Where From? Nairn’s
Available in Waitrose & Partners, Morrison’s and on the Nairn’s Website

I am on a permanent quest for a dunkable gluten free biscuit. Cue Nairn’s, the oatcake masters, who have just brought out a biscuit that is perfect with a cuppa and contains 45% less sugar than the average teatime treat. Oaties come in handy packs of four so they are also perfect for on the go. Totally coeliac safe and delicious, Oaties are also great for use in cheesecakes and homemade cookie bars or millionaire’s shortbread. Give them a whirl and let me know what you think! Oaties are available in Waitrose & Partners, Morrison’s, independent health food stores around the UK and the Nairn’s company website.

This post has been sponsored by Nairn’s.

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Ardiciocca: A 100% Gluten Free Trattoria Experience in Fulham

London’s ever-expanding gluten free scene is full of Italian food. Pizzas, pastas and more can often be found in gluten free form at restaurants across the city. Italian restaurants that cater entirely to gluten free diners are however, still a novelty. 100% gluten free trattoria Ardiciocca opened up shop three months ago in Fulham and has since remained a hidden gem – well until now.

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Ardiciocca is the latest project from Roberto Costa and the group behind Macellaio RC, which owns four other Italian restaurants in London and one in Milan. The goal for the new Fulham eatery was simple – Costa wanted to make the “comforting, homely” recipes of his childhood available to everyone – not just gluten eaters. The menu lends itself to simple and delicious flavours, many of which will instantly make you feel like you’re on vacation in Italy, as opposed to southwest London.

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With a chilled glass of Prosecco in our hands, we took our pick from the eclectic selection of starters, settling not on one, but three small plates to share between us. The mussel and potato croquettes instantly caught my eye in the typical way that a gluten free person is drawn to breaded, deep fried treats after lengthy periods without. While the croquettes were crispy, warm and bursting with flavour, I couldn’t help but think how a light aioli would have completed the dish. We also chose the salami, broad bean, pecorino cheese and fresh bread plate – the star of the show of which was most certainly the salami, dominated by a strong truffle flavour. I was incredibly impressed by the homemade bread, which was served warm from the oven. My dinner date Mateja also insisted on trying the brain – a delicacy which came fried in light crispy batter.

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Ardiciocca has a wide array of main dishes to choose from, which go way beyond the traditional pizza/pasta offering of many Italian eateries. These range from pickled fried mackerel to sausage stew and homemade hearty minestrone. However, we simply could not resist giving the Sardinian gnocchi and sausage ragú a go, as well as the Nduja pizza – the dough of which is made with gluten free flour and Ferrarelle water before it is left to rise for 72 hours. The ragú was perfectly seasoned and incredibly moreish, leaving me wishing for a second bowl. The pizza crust was thin and light, and topped with flavourful passata, creamy mozzarella and spicy sausage, the kick from which was neutralised softened slightly by the addition of fresh lemon and rocket.

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While we had next to no room left for dessert, I could not pass up the opportunity to sample the basil infused panna cotta – a flavour combination I had never seen on a menu before. It was tangy and refreshing, served with a drizzle of Italian honey on the side. The homemade chocolate torte is also definitely worth a try, only lacking in a side dollop of creme fraiche or gelato, which I’ll be sure to request next time I go.

Anyone in Fulham and beyond must not miss out on the opportunity to eat here for a meal full of flavour, tradition and excellent service to boot. Don’t forget to try a different glass of Italian wine with each course – you won’t be sorry!

Ardiciocca

461-465 North End Road

Fulham

London SW6 INZ

020-3848-6830

(Tables Bookable via email or telephone)

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Scarlett Green: Home of the Gluten and Dairy Free Aussie Brunch

Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, so much so that I have been known to go to sleep already looking forward to a feast the next morning. When I discovered I couldn’t eat gluten I feared that this love of all things breakfast might quickly go down the drain as so many options became unsafe for me on restaurant menus and in supermarket aisles. I am therefore on a constant quest to find the perfect breakfast spots that cater to people with gluten allergies, intolerances and coeliac disease.

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One of those spots has got to be Scarlett Green – the newest addition to the Daisy Green Collection, which most of you will know for their hefty Aussie brunches and boho decor. My friend and fellow journalist Bryony and I ventured there recently to try out their brand new gluten and dairy free menus and boy, were we positively overwhelmed. Not only are diners with dietary requirements immediately given a number of user-friendly allergen menus to look at (and I’m not talking about the dreaded allergen books guys!), they are given a mound of options too. Most gluten free dishes can be adapted to be dairy free and vice versa, which meant that Bryony and I took more time than usual to make up our minds. From fritters to full Aussie breakfasts, granolas to french toast – the world at Scarlett Green is basically your oyster, and the staff will help you with any questions you have and immediately put you at ease.

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A couple of almond lattes and flat whites down, Bryony and I opted for the Smoked Salmon Royale on gluten free bread and The Bondi Breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, avocado, mushrooms and avocado. After much perusing of the smoothie and fresh juices menu, I decided to pair my breakfast with a Raspberry and Lime cooler which is made using fresh lemonade and could not have been more refreshing. The breakfasts arrived speedily and the generous portion sizes immediately caught our eye – it is not every day that you venture to a gluten free friendly spot where servings are ample enough to keep you going until lunch. Nor were we disappointed by the flavours – Scarlett Green’s use of fresh, honest produce and ingredients really shone through during our meal.

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Despite what I say about portion size above, Bryony and I could not possibly resist something sweet. As we wanted to share, the chef kindly prepared us a beautiful gluten and dairy free coconut bread plate, topped with a coconut yoghurt and soy milk mixture, raspberry coulis, fresh berries and mango. Maple syrup is optional here but I would highly recommend a drizzle, as would I the turmeric lattes which we washed the whole meal down with. I came out feeling not only well-fed but relaxed, and that’s all down to the kitchen and wait staff at Scarlett Green. They made us feel welcome and taken care of, which are both so important for anyone dining out with dietary requirements. I could not recommend this place enough, and urge you to head into Soho to start your day there. Equally, the Daisy Green Collection has eight more locations so take your pick and rest assured that you will eat well!

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The Daisy Green Collection Restaurants are all open for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner from Monday to Sunday.

Scarlett Green
4 Noel Street
London W1F 8GB
(Tables Bookable via the company website)

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Low FODMAP and Dairy Free Gnocchi Alla Marie

One of the best things about starting my gluten free blog has definitely been meeting and making such lovely new friends, who have taught me so much about diets, allergies and intolerances way beyond my own knowledge and personal issues with gluten. As a way of saying thank you for being so awesome, I decided to have a crew over to my new house for dinner to celebrate. I put myself to work to create the ultimate low FODMAP and dairy free version of my classic gnocchi dish that so many of you have been able to enjoy.

With coaching and advice from the lovely Lottie aka The Tummy Diaries on the do’s and don’ts of the low FODMAP diet and top dairy free tips from the amazing Alice aka Gluten Free Alice (who also took this lovely al fresco photo of our meal), I put together the following dish so that everyone can enjoy my Gnocchi Alla Marie. I am still learning about the FODMAP diet, and as getting your hands on appropriate seasoning or stock can be difficult, I decided to feature pancetta in my dish to add extra flavour and depth. For vegetarians, the pancetta can be replaced with black olives, which can be thinly sliced and added to the dish just before baking. Happy eating!

Low FODMAP and Dairy Free Gnocchi Alla Marie
(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients

For the Sauce:
3 x Tablespoons FODMAP friendly garlic infused olive oil
1 x Carrot (peeled and finely chopped)
1 x Red Pepper (finely chopped)
800g Chopped Tomatoes
1 x Cup Red Wine
30g Fresh Basil
80g Smoked Cubed Pancetta
1 x Teaspoon Dried Chives
Salt and Pepper to Taste

For the Gnocchi:
500g Gluten Free Gnocchi
200g Vegan Mozzarella Style Cheese
30g Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
1 x Medium Courgette (diced)

Method

  1. Heat the FODMAP friendly garlic infused oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the pepper, carrot and cook until soft.
  2. Add the pancetta and cook through, stirring the mixture frequently.
  3. When the pancetta is cooked, add the chopped tomatoes, wine, dried chives, salt and pepper and let the sauce cook on a medium heat for 20 minutes.
  4. While the sauce cooks, preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  5. Boil water in a separate pot. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for two minutes, draining immediately.
  6. Place the partially cooked gnocchi in a good sized baking dish and add the vegan mozzarella style cheese (saving a handful for garnish), chives and courgette.
  7. Add the torn basil to the sauce before transferring it to a blender, or a bowl and then using a hand blender, liquidise until smooth.
  8. Gently pour the cooked down sauce over the gnocchi mixture and stir evenly. As the sauce tends to cook down even further during the baking process, I tend to use all of it but depending on preference, some sauce can be held back and either refrigerated or frozen for later use.
  9. Evenly sprinkle the remaining vegan mozzarella style cheese over the top along with some more black pepper.
  10. Place in the centre of the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  11. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5-8 minutes before serving. Accompany with mixed leaves.