This post is linked to Simply Hot Recipes and Gluten-Free Wednesdays.
Several years ago I was happy to discover the book, Buddy, Bagels, and Me. Lovingly written and beautifully illustrated by Melanie Krumrey, it’s her family’s personal story on celiac and gluten intolerance. This book is aimed at children, but reviews said it was great for adults as well because it was written in plain, simple terms. I ordered it immediately for my support group. I was so very pleased when I received it. It’s a totally lovely book that would be helpful to anyone, child or adult, who wants an inroduction to celiac/gluten intolerance. Then a little over a year ago, in my blog reading I followed one link and then another. Next thing I knew I was at the blog Gluten Free Krums. And, there on the sidebar was the book, Buddy, Bagels, and Me. It wasn’t an Amazon store, just the one book. Hmmm, I thought, someone else knows about this great book. I clicked on the link and it took me to the Buddy, Bagels, and Me website. I Finally, I realized that I had happened onto the blog of the author, Melanie Krumrey herself. Gluten-Free Krums is a cute and clever play on her family’s last name. I was so tickled to have found Melanie this way. I had to comment immediately and tell her how much I, and others, had enjoyed her book. I told her that my copy had “walked away” at some point and that I wanted to get another one. Well, next thing I knew Melanie had shipped me a new, complimentary copy. I admit that now I’ve “defaced” my new copy by writing our support group’s name on the front—in the hopes that it won’t walk away permanently next time.
I’ve adopted Melanie and Gluten-Free Krums this month as part of the monthly Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger event. Melanie’s blog is a mixture of tales from her full life; Christian discussions; and recipes. It’s warm and friendly, as is Melanie. She shares quite a lot on her blog … and there’s a lot to share. After all, she’s a homeschooling mother of two teenagers and a tween (yes, extra points are awarded there!), teacher to other children as well through a homeschooling program, minister’s wife, and chef for her gluten-free family. Melanie’s recipes tend to be what I consider “mainstream,” gfe-type recipes—great recipes that make everyone happy. That means that most of her recipes are naturally gluten free, or just require a gluten-free flour mix and/or a few other specialty ingredients. And, her blog offers a good variety of recipes, too, which I love.
We all know I have a sweet tooth and while Melanie has plenty of recipes in that category, I was looking for something in the veggie or entrée category. Perusing her recipe index, I came across Avocado Salsa. A recipe that she said she got from her sister, every ingredient is real food. I’ve been going through the after-work “I want something to eat now” malady of late. This recipe seemed like a great way to satisfy that need while keeping me away from sweets (even gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free ones). The fact is that when I eat good fats—the kind that make up avocados, nuts, olive oil, and such—my cravings are satisfied and the “ache” of the sweet tooth subsides.
As it turned out, I didn’t get to make this salsa until much later in the evening–for a very late dinner. I wanted to go the extra mile and add in another veggie, perhaps eating this salsa using some thick cucumber slices as my “chip,” but an actual tortilla chip was needed for proper scooping. Of course, I loved that little bit of salt and texture contrast the tortilla chips added. (Crackers would also work well with this salsa.) I ended up making a few other changes to Melanie’s recipe. First, my local store was out of canned green chilies, so I finely chopped a few artichoke hearts and added those instead. I skipped the apple cider vinegar, because I think the artichoke hearts, even unmarinated, add a slightly acidic taste. So the salsa wasn’t particularly spicy or strong in taste, except for the little bite imparted by the green onions, but it was definitely flavorful. Mr. GFE was devouring peel-and-eat shrimp beside me as I prepared this salsa, so I grabbed a few for a colorful and tasty garnish. (Shrimp makes just about every dish better, right?) I did really love this salsa. It’s gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan (when you don’t add the shrimp). Plus, it comes together quickly (no food processor needed) and it’s delicious and totally satisfying. We ended up eating our entire meal while standing at the kitchen counter and it was probably our best one this week!
Many other recipes of Melanie’s are calling my name, too. The top three (at the moment) are: Tropical Pops (including one called Chunky Monkey … hello! having an excuse to create those makes these 90-degree days worthwhile), Black Bean Dip (some goat cheese versus dairy feta and I’ll be in business), and Thai Chicken and Rice (such an easy dish, but you can tell it will be full of flavor).
Please head over to Melanie’s blog and see all that she has to share. You can check out her recipe index here.
Finally, remember that Iris (The Daily Dietribe) will be posting the roundup soon. She adopted Amy of Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free and made a wonderful chicken dish of Amy’s. You can check that out here.
You may be interested in my previous adoptions: Pete and Kelli Bronski of No Gluten, No Problem and Kate Chan of Gluten Free Gobsmacked. And, the person who got it all started for me was Alta (Tasty Eats At Home), when she graciously adopted me a few months back. You can see her tantalizing renditions of my pound cake and chicken tenders here. Of course, don’t forget that Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger is the brainchild of the adorable, Sea, over at Book of Yum. She’s juggling more food intolerances than ever these days with Baby Yum, but you’ll still want to make every single recipe she features on her blog. Consider joining in Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger next month. It’s a great push to make your favorite bloggers’ recipes and share with all!
Not exactly adoption related (although Amy is definitely always taking folks under her wing and giving them their moment in the spotlight) but Amy is one of eight finalists—and the only gluten-free blogger—in the Foodspring.com blogger contest! Each blogger had to write about his/her most exciting food experience. You can read all the entries and vote here. The deadline is Sunday, June 6. I hope you’ll decide that Amy’s entry is the winning contribution! Imagine all the celiac/gluten intolerance awareness Amy’s win could bring, and if you know Amy, you know she’s more than deserving of this award.
The 30 Days to a Food Revolution event is wrapping up today over at Diane’s (The Whole Gang). These bloggers have all greatly inspired me with their personal stories, tips, and recipes! Today’s featured blogger is Anna Helm-Baxter from Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution team. As Diane shares, Anna worked with Jamie on the Food Revolution show in Huntington WV, and has done freelance work for Jamie for several years. Anna also writes her own blogs, Sweet by Half and Londie Foodie in New York. Please check out her guest post over at Diane’s here. I hope you’ve been able to read every post for this event. If you’re behind on reading, please take the time to catch up. It will be time well spent; I promise you. Also, please don’t forget to sign Jamie’s petition if you believe that U.S. school children should be eating the best food; i.e., real food versus heavily processed foods laden with everything but nutrition. Jamie’s goal is 1 million signatures and, so far, 599,000 folks have signed the petition. You can sign the petition here.
Finally, the winner of the Carrabba’s gift card giveaway is up on my Out and About page. See if you were the lucky one here. 🙂
So much good stuff on this first Friday in June … enjoy!
Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!
Nance says
Just wanted to let you know…had a hankering for an unusual but healthful snack yesterday, and I was organizing my pantry. Came across a can of chickpeas, so I clicked up your blog entry and roasted them up with some cayenne, curry, and pink salt. Lovely! I decided that I’d make them again some evening accompanied by a chilled, oaky Chardonnay. (And I just noticed that your LinkWithin widget has the recipe post up with this post! LOL!!)
Shirley says
Hi Nance–Oh, that’s terrific that you made the roasted chickpeas and enjoyed them! Brilliant idea on pairing them with such a Chardonnay. 🙂 I can’t wait to make them again just so I can sample that combo. I just won’t be able to eat that meal for breakfast. 😉
The Linked Within function sensed it was you, Nance!
Shirley
Iris says
Looks delicious! I’ve been to Melanie’s blog, but I think I have to go check it out again now! I agree with you that when I add more healthy fats in, I find myself able to resist those sugar cravings more.
Shirley says
Hi Iris– 🙂 I do hope you will get a chance to check out Melanie’s blog some more. She really has some nice recipes that everyone can enjoy.
It’s good to know that I’m not alone as far as the healthy fats factor. I suspect that part of this has to do with really going for the fat in the sugary items as well as sugar. I know that many sugary items I have eaten contain a good portion of fat, too. And, certainly not the good kind of fat in those cases. So the healthy fat satisfies that craving, plus I don’t want more. Foods with unhealthy fat and sugar just make me want more of them.
Shirley
Alta says
I’m definitely going to have to check out that recipe! Looks great.
Shirley says
Alta–Thanks! 🙂 Melanie’s avocado salsa is terrific and so easy to make.
Shirley
Melanie says
Shirley! I already felt “adopted” by you – WAY before you posted this! 🙂
Thanks so much for featuring me and my book, and for making me sound so wonderful. 😉
I’m sitting here eating guacamole as I write! I gotta have those healthy fats, too!
Shirley says
Hi Melanie–Awww, that’s a nice thing to say. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post. It was certainly my pleasure to share your wonderful book and your blog that offers so much! And, hooray for avocados and their healthy fat!
I was so happy that I was able to share our bees’ honey with you—something that made you as happy as I was having another copy of your lovely book! 🙂
Shirley
Melanie says
And you forgot to mention the “homemade honey” you sent me in exchange for the book! SUCH a treat!
Peter Bronski says
Hey Shirey… Just seeing those shrimp made me crave seafood! They look delish! Conveniently enough, I’ve got a slow cooker tilapia going right now, with a spicy tomato broth over Jasmine rice. Can’t wait for dinner!
Cheers, Pete
Shirley says
Hey Pete–From one seafood lover to another, I think ALL shrimp look delish, don’t they? 😉 Slow cooker tilapia sounds fabulous, especially as you described. We ate out this evening and I had to decide between tilapia and salmon. Salmon won out … I was craving it, but tilapia is hard to resist. 🙂
Shirley
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says
I am so glad that you introduced me to Melanie! I have seen the name around (I think on Facebook…) but am thrilled to have the connection here. The dish you made looks fabulous. 🙂
And, thanks for mentioning the contest. Just a couple more days…it would be so neat to win. Regardless, your support means more than you’ll ever know.
Shirley says
Hi Amy–Melanie is a real dear. 🙂 I’ll be having more of this salsa as my lunch today and I’m really looking forward to it! I’d love to make a dairy-free version of her Chunky Monkey popsicles, too.
Tomorrow is the final day for the Foodspring contest–very exciting! I’d be having a hard time breathing I think. LOL I’m truly happy to be able to spread the word, Amy. Whatever the outcome (fingers and toes crossed LOL), I am so very proud of you!
Shirley
Chaya says
Hi Shirley, Where do I find information about the Adopt a Gluten Free Blogger?
Shirley says
Hi Chaya–You can always find the info on who is hosting each month over at Sea’s Book of Yum. Of course, this month, Iris is hosting. Her roundup should be up shortly and I expect she’ll also announce next month’s host. BUT, if you are looking for the basic gist and rules of the event, read here. It will be great if you can join in this event! 🙂
Shirley
Chaya says
Thanks Shirley. I will follow the links. Links make this so easy, don’t they? What did we do before the Internet besides having spare time?
Shirley says
Chaya–You’re welcome! Yep, links are very handy. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a thing as spare time … even before the internet. There’s just a tendency to fill up that thing called spare time with the “occupation” of the day: teaching (long ago for me), child rearing, support group leading, and blogging. 😉 Well, actually I remember a lot of magazine reading back in the day, but I don’t miss it. LOL
Shirley
Erin Elberson says
Shirley,
This sounds wonderful! I will definitely be adding this into my rotation. It’s very true that sometimes just a small amount of healthy fats can quell sugar cravings. (Other words-10-12 almonds or so, not a whole container 😉
I’m also a fan of thickly sliced cucumbers as “chips”-I find English cucumbers seem to hold up better.
Can’t wait to try this!
Shirley says
Hi Erin–I do find that when I’m eating healthy, the 10-12 almonds are just the right amount. I adore cucumbers and do prefer the English cucumbers. They are great for simply munching or dipping (they are firmer it seems being almost seedless), but I admit these cucumber libations look amazing).
Enjoy your avocado salsa rendition when it comes time! 🙂
Shirley
Linda says
That recipe looks delicious. What a great summer dish. Thanks for introducing us to Melanie. I visited her blog briefly and will go back when I have more time. It’s always fun to meet someone new.
Shirley says
Hi Linda–Thanks! Yes, it’s both quick and tasty. 🙂 Melanie is a sweetheart and her recipes are usually ones I want to try right away.
I plan on sharing this post for Gluten-Free Wednesdays. 😉
Shirley
Ellen (I Am Gluten Free) says
I am making this for lunch today! I bought an avocado yesterday with the intention of making guacamole – this recipe will be perfect! And thanks for the reminder about eating healthy fats. Our culture has given “fats” such a bad rap that it’s almost been brainwashed into us that avocados are fattening. Pshaw! They are a great source of healthy fat, not to mention delicious. And thanks for introducing us to Melanie at Gluten Free Krums. Good to make her acquaintance, too!
Shirley says
Hi Ellen!–I hope you made Melanie’s salsa and enjoyed it! It’s fun to have avocado in a non-traditional, but still delicious way, isn’t it? I confess, I normally just eat part of one with knife in hand, but I really enjoyed this recipe. 🙂
Glad you agree on the healthy fats. Nothing makes me run faster than a product that’s labeled fat free or low fat. Now if it’s a real food that’s naturally fat free or low fat, that’s a different matter completely but fat free and low fat products are similar to many gf products in that they are often not healthy for you. Real food always wins out in these categories IMHO.
It was my pleasure to introduce Melanie. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Ellen!
Shirley
Katie says
French Meadow Bakery is having a Gluten-free recipe contest And I thought you and your readers might be interested! The winner gets French Meadow Gluten-free products for year, plus a gift card!
http://www.frenchmeadow.com/submit-recipe
Shirley says
Hi Katie–I’m sure those who use French Meadow products will be interested in your contest, as one has to make a recipe using your products, correct?
Thanks,
Shirley