One of Key West’s cuter street “performers”
I’ve been trying to write this post since I returned from Key West, but I’m having “re-entry” problems. You know the issues you have when you come home from vacation and you just can’t get into the home-work-every day life groove again? This transition is not being helped at all by the weather. Only a few days ago I was in Key West wearing short sleeves and skirts, and walking bare legged in sandals. Now I’ve got the wood stove roaring, I’m sitting here in a thick turtleneck sweater and pajama pants, with big fuzzy socks on. Plus, I’m under a Scottish wool blanket (properly called a rug I’m told), and I’m still freezing. It really wasn’t that cold here before we left. What happened?
Anyway … while we were away, a significant milestone passed here at gfe. I celebrated my one-year anniversary of blogging. It still sounds funny to even say I am a blogger. But, on December 30 of last year, I wrote my very first post, Waiting, and nervously hit the Publish button. After months of planning and pondering starting my blog, I had actually done it! That was a great moment. I’m still proud of that post, this blog, and the gfe mission. Just over a year later, it’s 95 posts (rats, why didn’t I plan ahead so I could have had an even 100?) and 2,900 comments later. Okay, about half of those comments are mine (as Mr. GFE always says, I really do like to have the last word), but even that number makes me happy. I love chatting with my gfe readers.
From the comments readers leave and the emails I receive, I know that there are many who find the typical guidance on eating gluten free to be sorely lacking for their needs. Some initially are not even sure why they feel that way; they just know the traditional gluten-free approach is not working for them. This blog will continue with a focus on real food that is naturally gluten free (and recipes made using real gluten-free food), some mainstream processed foods that are gluten free, and few gluten-free specialty foods. Discussions will continue on who should get tested for gluten issues, who should consider a gluten-free diet, how to live gluten free with grace and ease, and everything in that general realm. The approach can keep our gluten-free lives simpler, less expensive, and, most importantly, healthier. But, if you’re a regular gfe reader, you already know about the gfe approach, so let’s turn the focus to you. Thank you for being here at gfe. I appreciate your readership, subscriptions, and I greatly appreciate all of you who take the time to comment and email me. It’s both heartening and humbling to know that gfe is truly helping you to live gluten free easily. Any blogger will tell you that the feedback we receive makes a huge difference in being sure that we’re going down the right path. Just knowing that someone is listening—i.e., someone cares and finds what you, the blogger, are sharing is of value—well, that’s huge! So, again, thank you so very much for being here! Really, my only regret this year with gfe is that I have not been able to share all the recipes, information, and discussions that I would have liked. I am never short of ideas and words (sometimes there are about 10 posts at a time rattling around in my head), but I am often short of time to properly share them all. So now you know I have enough material to last a few more years!
Many of my blogger buddies are posting 2009 wrap-ups and 2010 “launch” posts. I have really enjoyed reading them. Some have shared their Top 10 recipes of the year. Karina, the Gluten-Free Goddess, shared her Top 10 here and has graciously invited others to leave a link to their gluten-free top 10 post in comments. She’ll update her post to include them all! Check them all out. (Some of gfe’s favorite bloggers already have their lists included.) Iris, of The Daily Dietribe, even included a recipe shared here at gfe, Crustless Pecan Pie, in her list of favorite 2009 recipes—thanks, Iris! I like that she also listed the top 10 recipes that she wants to try this year, too. Who doesn’t have a list like that? Write it down, make it happen, right?
Here are my Top 12 Posts (10 Recipe Posts Plus 2 Discussion Posts) from Year One at gfe. Of course, tomorrow or next week, I might choose a different set depending on my mood, the weather, etc. (You’ll notice that I couldn’t bring myself to include an ice cream recipe, even though I purchased an ice cream maker this summer and made some amazing ice cream and sherbet, like POMerdoodle and Honeydew.) In no particular order, the top posts are as follows.
Top 10 Recipe Posts:
~Crustless Pumpkin Pie—Every bit as good as any pumpkin pie with a crust. Some folks say they like it better because it’s not as “wet” as other pumpkin pies. I get that.
~Flourless Pizza—The crust is made from eggs and cheese, then topped like a regular pizza. It’s a well-loved recipe. One of my son’s favorite.
~Flourless Chocolate Cake—Still the cake that can take any event up several notches. No unusual ingredients required. No separating of eggs or folding in of egg whites. Heavenly death by chocolate. (Those who don’t do sugar or dairy will want to check out the Flourless Chocolate Banana Honey Walnut Cake instead.)
~Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies—Not the recipe that’s everywhere on the interwebs. These cookies contain brown sugar versus white, plus baking soda and vanilla extract. These three ingredients makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. These are my “go-to” quick cookies, which everyone loves.
~Crustless Apple Pie—A recipe that will make anyone a baked apple lover, as well as a tribute to my mom on Mother’s Day.
~Popovers (titled Better than Sliced Bread for a reason)—Popovers, muffins, and biscuits will always have my heart … and stomach. Everyone loves these popovers.
~Volcano Pancake—This one is in my Valentine’s Day party post, so you can skim until you get to the recipe. It’s one that everyone erupts over. Sorry, but it’s true—in a good way. People are always telling me that they make this recipe for special breakfasts, dinners, or just a decadent afternoon snack.
~Special Turkey Breast—Unusual ingredients to make a very tasty turkey breast in your slow cooker. By the way, I also liked Erin Elberson’s (Gluten Free Fitness) take on this recipe.
~Surprise Stuffing—The easiest way I’ve found to make gluten-free stuffing. Those who’ve tried it have found it very tasty. It can happily serve the whole family or you can adjust to make enough for one or two. By the way, I can’t wait to tell you what I made with my leftover stuffing.
~Go Ahead Honey It’s Gluten Free for July—Make Me A Happy Camper—I’m a big fan of Naomi’s (Straight Into Bed Cakefree and Dried) gluten-free blog carnival, so it was a great treat to host last summer. We had quite the event on our riverside property in the mountains. You’ll find a wide variety of recipes in the roundup!
Plus Two Discussion Posts:
~Stop the Madness!—This post still captures my feelings on one of the biggest benefits of eating gfe. Sadly, the madness continues in my opinion. This post inspired some lively discussion in the comments section. I’m sure the discussion isn’t over, and I welcome comments, but ask you to consider the gfe approach to stop the madness.
~Educate, Not Eviscerate—Another discussion post. I still believe we have a long way to go in this area to ensure that our needs our best met when dining out.
To continue with this year’s plans for gfe, certainly there will be more of the same type of simple recipes that satisfy everyone in the family. My recipes will always be gluten free, but I’ll continue to share many that will be dairy free as well. Hopefully, there will be more recipes that are refined sugar free (certainly one of my own goals for healthier eating), soy free, and more. So many readers have those needs. As a support group leader, I get to actually “field test” these recipes while allowing my members with additional intolerances to still enjoy favorite dishes and baked goods. (I love that.) And, of course, there will be more discussion posts. Some of the other posts that I have wanted to share (and have not had an opportunity to yet) are ones presenting information from some great speakers that I have heard this year. I’ll plan to catch up on those. I won’t worry that I won’t be able to do them justice. I’ll just put out as much information from these individuals as I can, as best I can.
Heads up … there will be some housekeeping type changes here at gfe. I’ll be adding a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, accessible as a “tab” below the gfe header. (Most of you who read gfe regularly will know the answers to those questions before you even read them.) I’ve already updated my blog listings on the side bar. Some of my favorite bloggers have moved on to other endeavors, or their blogs have not been updated for a long time. I feel it’s my responsibility to my readers to provide links that are current. If your blog is in that inactive state and I’m a fan, I’ll gladly reactivate the link once I see that you are posting again. (Hope you understand. I would expect you to do the same if I went on hiatus.) I’ll be going back to earlier posts and tweaking them as needed (e.g., ensure that all recipes on gfe are printable). Unfortunately, these changes may trigger them to go out via my feed again. So, I’ll apologize ahead of time in case that happens.
Again, thanks for a very exciting and fulfilling year here at gfe. I’m looking forward to spending 2010 with you all!
Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!
Lauren says
Very cool hun! Can’t wait to see what 2010 brings =D.
Shirley says
Thanks so much, Lauren! We’re having a grand time with all of this, aren’t we? 😉 Looking forward to seeing all your efforts. I see you’ve been tweeting on your Project 365 progress. Must check that out!
Shirley
Lauren says
Oh yes! It is simply fantastic =D.
Yes, I’m loving the 365, if only 5 days in. I can’t wait to see my evolution a couple of months from now!
Ali @ The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen says
Fantastic post Shirley, despite all of your “re-entry” problems! I am always amazed at all of your “less” recipes….crustless, flourless. This is the gfe way for sure!
Looking forward to your 2010 recipes! Happy new year! 🙂
Shirley says
Aw, thanks, Ali! Really once one starts thinking the gfe way, it becomes second nature. It’s like buying a yellow car and starting to see all the yellow cars on the roads … ones you never noticed before. 😉
I’m looking forward to sharing my recipes and seeing yours and everyone else’s as well … so much amazing cooking, baking, and just “concocting” going on. 🙂
Shirley
Lizz says
Whoa! Love what you said about the yellow cars! Way to make a point — EASILY!
Shirley says
Hi, Lizz–Welcome to gfe! So glad you appreciated my point and love your easily take on it. 🙂
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment,
Shirley
Iris says
Thanks for mentioning me Shirley! I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this for a year…your blog looks so professional, I assumed you’d been at this for years! Congrats on your blogiversary!
Shirley says
Hi Iris–Oh, you’re welcome. You mentioned me first and it made my heart flutter to know that a recipe shared at gfe had made your Top 10. 🙂 Special thanks for your congratulations and very kind words on my blog! I’m really still just a baby. LOL
Shirley
Pam says
Congrats my blogger Friend! I toast to many more happy gf blogging experiences!
Hugs and Enjoy!
Shirley says
Hey Pam–Thanks so much, dear. I appreciate it. I had several of those toasts in Key West 😉 , but that’s my first one since returning home. LOL
Hugs,
Shirley
Chaya says
I love your top ten. Most of them, I have already come across but I missed the pizza and I am very excited to try it out.
I think your plans for the future look and information of the blog will be a service to all of us. I am continually learning new information about gluten free living, a lot of it, from here.
I thank you, for all your admirers, for all you do for us by having this blog.
Shirley says
Hi dear Chaya,
Thank you–I so appreciate your ongoing kind words and support! We’re really all in this together trying to make our gluten-free lives (or our loved ones’ lives) easier and more delicious. 😉 Sorry you missed the flourless pizza post before. I think it’s been on my sidebar under the most popular posts since it debuted. 🙂 Good pizza is always the #1 things that folks miss the most. I like this recipe just the way it is, but if you make it and decide you’d like the crust thicker, see Nance’s comment below. I’d actually like to try that myself soon to see the difference.
Hugs,
Shirley
Linda says
Thanks for a great blog, Shirley. You contribute so much to the gf community.
About the snickerdoodles, mine are pretty crispy, but once I put them in a plastic container that didn’t get closed tightly and the next morning they were soft. You might give that a try.
P.S. I played handbells my senior year of high school. We had a great music director at that time.
Shirley says
Hi Linda–Thank you very much. I consider that a huge compliment coming from you with your own great blog. 🙂
Thanks for the snickerdoodles tip. I think I did that before and it helped, but it didn’t quite solve the problem. Still have to find my recipe and compare it to yours. Might be an easy adjustment.
Good thing you are not local … Mr. GFE would be recruiting your for the handbell choir! They are always looking for new members. But, he did just report that they had some new folks there tonight and there was almost a fight over your Coconut Cashew Clove cookies. He didn’t even get to eat one there. LOL Guess I’ll need to remember to send more cookies next time!
Shirley
Gluten Free foods ROCK says
Great blog and post. I will be making the pizza with my children this week. Happy New year
Shirley says
Hi April–Thanks very much! I think you’ll enjoy the pizza. My personal favorite is a pepperoni version. As I was sharing with Chaya earlier, if you make my version and decide you’d like a thicker crust, you may want to modify it per Nance’s comment below. 🙂 Either way … we’d love you and your family’s feedback!
Shirley
Nance says
Shirley, this is my favorite blog of all and the one I recommend most often to friends and family. Keep up the good work!
The pizza recipe has been a favorite of the Hubs and I since my low carbing days, but I do it a bit differently. ORF’s complaint was the ‘crust’ was not thick enough so I doubled those ingredients, lined a 12″ pizza pan with parchment paper and baked it until it was done. Took about 30 minutes. Bingo! A 3/8″ thick, wonderful crust that even my gluten eating family cannot resist. We no longer buy pizza. Smile.
Shirley says
Hi Nance–We have another Nance who comments here from time to time, a dear friend of mine, but it looks like it’s the first time you’ve commented at gfe. Welcome! And, oh my goodness on your very sweet words—thank you! I’ll do my best to keep you and your friends coming back. 🙂
You are the very best kind of gfe reader, Nance. Not only do you give recipe feedback, but you offer an improved version! I’ve been happy with the crust as is, but now I am going to have to try your thicker crust version. Can’t wait!
Thanks again,
Shirley
Kelly says
Woohoo Shirley! Keep up the good work! XOXO, Kelly
Shirley says
Hi dear Kelly–Thanks so much! Your support means a lot. Your blog, The Spunky Coconut, was one of the first blogs that I came to know and love! I still do. 🙂
Hugssss,
Shirley
Erin Elberson says
Happy Anniversary Shirley!
What an awesome milestone. I have enjoyed reading so many of your posts and continue to get inspiration from your recipes. Thanks for mentioning my “not really a recipe version!) Here’s to another year!
(And I totally agree on the cold. I’m visiting family in Philadelphia and just want to drink hot tea and watch movies. Headed back to FL tomorrow!)
Shirley says
Hi Erin–Thank you, dear! That means a lot. Now you realize by calling your version “not really a recipe,” you’re also calling my version a non-recipe because I think yours might have a few more ingredients than mine. LOL Just because it only has a few ingredients doesn’t meant it’s not a recipe. Heck, there are whole cookbooks devoted to recipes with only three or four ingredients. 😉 So, give yourself some credit for your variation!
Oooh, Philly vs FL … that’s a change! I guess it depends on where you are in FL though … I’ve heard it’s even pretty cold in some parts of FL. We were lucky that it was warm in Key West. Not as warm as in the past, but it made us happy. I know you’ll be glad to get home to warmth and activity (although the hot tea and movies sounds pretty relaxing).
Enjoyed your latest post on eating less expensively gluten free by incorporating naturally gluten-free foods. Yep, that’s one of the tenets of gfe. 🙂
Thanks again!
Shirley
Diane-The WHOLE Gang says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I really hadn’t realized it’s only been 1 year of blogging for you. You’re such a pro! I really enjoy your stories, recipes and great information I find here. So glad I found your blog and found you. You’re the best!!!
Shirley says
Aww, Diane, thank you! I’m so glad I found you, too. Connecting virtually is good, but when is our next real-time adventure? 🙂
Shirley
glutenfreeforgood says
Shirley,
Welcome to Colorado weather. As we “speak” I’m wearing a fleece turtleneck, jeans, and thick fuzzy socks. Once I finish working for the day, I’ll grab my Scottish blanket and curl up with my book. I might even build a fire, it’s supposed to snow later tonight and into tomorrow.
Enough about the weather — CONGRATULATIONS! One year and a lot of work later, you have a loyal following of readers who love you. Way to go, girl. Count me at the top of that list.
Here’s to another wonderful year of GFE! And of course, Shirley’s creative take on flourless recipes.
Love you!
Melissa
Shirley says
Melissa–My Scottish rug is Antique Dress Stewart pattern. I love it! How about yours? I don’t think we come close to your weather, but we’re not used to this much cold. It makes people want to hibernate. I’d like a little more sunshine and warmth, but I heard snow is in the forecast again. I don’t think it’s anything big though and how can I complain when I love snow?
Now, your comments make me blush, but thank you! Truly! You know you were one whose blog (Gluten Free for Good for everyone else’s benefit), I followed before I started my own blog. You set a fine example by being yourself and sharing what you cared about with passion. That’s all I’m doing here at gfe. 😉
xoxoxo,
Shirley
Kim says
What a great list!! 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Kim–Thanks so much, dear!
Shirley
Lisa says
Congratulations! Your blog is my “go-to blog” when I need a GFE recipe or if I have a question. Which is another point, I LOVE how you answer comments. I’ve posted on other blogs and never see a comment back. I love your top 10! Most of my favorites are on there! I would add the turkey pot pie (just had leftovers from last nights supper) and the baked potatoe soup. I wasn’t feeling well a couple of days ago and soup sounded good, but not the kind from a can. Went to your blog, within minutes found the recipe and within 1/2 hour I was eating and feeling much better! Best of luck to you in 2010 and Keep up the great work! 🙂
Shirley says
Lisa–Thank you so much for your lovely words! I like to treat folks the way I want to be treated. I know there are blogs where it is impossible for the blogger to reply to all those who comment and still maintain a normal life, but often that’s not the case. Like you, I like to get some feedback and have my comment acknowledged.
I had to leave some of my new favorites out of that Top 10, like the pot pie. I’m so glad that you are still making it and enjoying it! Great comfort food for this time of year. 🙂 I didn’t include the potato soup because that’s not my original recipe, but you’re right, it’s a winner. Quick and delicious, with goodness you won’t find in a can–you’re so right about that. I’m so glad it made you feel better!
I’ll do my best in 2010 with the support of great gfe readers, like you! Thanks again,
Shirley
Jean Layton says
Congratulations on your anniversary! Love to follow your journey and thriving gluten-free.
Here is to a healthy happy 2010.
Dr. Jean
Shirley says
Hi Jean–Thanks so much for the congratulations, kind words, and 2010 wishes! Happy New Year to you as well! I’ve been checking your blog (Gluten-Free Organics and More for other’s benefit), but I know you’ve been busy with your great Bellingham Gluten-Free Kids support group. Hope your meeting where you made baking mixes went well this past weekend! 🙂
Shirley
noble pig says
Congrats on your blogiversary!!!!
Shirley says
Thanks so much, Cathy! Hope the youngest hooligan’s birthday went well. 🙂
Shirley
Alta says
Shirley, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and your blog, and what you bring to the gluten-free world! The gfe approach is THE way to go. When I went gluten-free 6 months ago, so many people asked me “won’t it be hard? It seems like you can’t eat anything!” I had to explain to them that I didn’t eat any of that stuff already (processed cookies, soups, crackers, granola bars, etc), so it wasn’t that much of a switch. I had already made the difficult changes – to eat foods that are wholesome, unprocessed, and naturally gluten-free. (It also helped that some of my family members are also gluten-free – I knew what to look out for in certain processed foods.) I love how much help you’ve given the gluten-free community in your recipes and discussions. Great job, and I look forward to more in 2010!
P.S. I shared that pizza recipe with my brother and sister, who both complain that eating gluten-free is expensive and difficult. (They don’t really cook, but have been gluten-free for longer than I have.) I made them each a “cookbook” of easy GF recipes for Christmas. I shared your blog with them in this cookbook – I hope they become regular readers as well!
Shirley says
Hi Alta–What very kind words—thank you so much! I admit that I ate a good amount of processed foods before going gluten free. I was great in the kitchen and cooked most of our meals and baked often (always one of my favorite activities), but we’d still have soups, some mix-type meals, sandwiches, crackers (oh, I lived on crackers) and processed treats often. But when faced with going gluten free, after the initial shock, I just had to consider all the dishes I already made and loved that were gluten free and then which other ones could easily be made gluten free (e.g., by subbing gf pasta for regular pasta in my lasagna). Going gluten free was a blessing in so many ways, but certainly one of them was getting off the processed food bandwagon. Your evolution probably did make your transition to gluten free much easier. Like I shared with you before, for someone who was fairly new to being gluten free, you seem like a pro! Taking in that info over time, like learning to read labels, certainly helps because we can’t necessarily process it all immediately. Looking back, it does seem amazing though how quickly reading and speaking the gluten-free “language” becomes second nature.
That was such a sweet, thoughtful gift you gave your brother and sister! I sure hope they’ll use your cookbook and start figuring out that it’s not difficult at all. There’s a discussion post in my head on that topic, too. Often the difficulty is all in our head. 😉 As that Henry Ford quote goes, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” It’s really either as easy or as hard as we make it. 🙂
Thanks again, Alta. I am truly so glad I found you and your blog, Tasty Eats At Home, through Amy and her blog, Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free.
Shirley
Lisa A says
Shirley,
Congratulations on a full year of blogging! Wow, that year passed quickly.
Even though I’m not gluten-sensitive, I still love your flourless peanut butter cookies. So simple, so fast, and good with or without the chocolate chips. Keep it up, GFE queen, you are the bomb!
Lisa
Shirley says
Hi Lisa–Thanks so much! The “GFE queen” and “bomb” part of your comment made me laugh out loud. I’ve been the queen of things before (and Mr. GFE might say too many things LOL), but never the bomb. Well, maybe Son has called me the bomb before when I’ve made his favorite dishes and/or he wanted to sweet talk me. 😉 Anyway, the encouragement of friends like you helped me start blogging and continues to help move me forward on new gfe endeavors. 🙂 I so appreciate it!
Love and hugs,
Shirley
Shirley says
P.S. BTW, I’ll add that I wouldn’t be so sure on the gluten-sensitive statement … some experts, like Dr. Rodney Ford, say that as many as 1 in 10 is gluten sensitive; others say that gluten affects and damages everyone. It’s hard to recognize one’s own gluten issues even IF there are symptoms (many are asymptomatic). Often the symptoms those of us with gluten issues experience, seem completely unrelated to eating particular foods.
Hugs,
Shirley
Amy @ Simply Sugar and Gluten Free says
It’s neat to see what people like the most, isn’t it? You are the Queen of Flourless, aren’t you?? I still haven’t tried my hand at any of your recipes yet…not sure what’s keeping me. Off to check out some I missed.
BTW – Your blog really blessed my life in 2009 and I am so looking forward to more of that in 2010!
Shirley says
Hey Amy–Yes, I was thinking that asking for readers’ input on favorites next year would be a really fun post. 😉 LOL on being the Queen of Flourless. If you see Lisa’s comment before yours, you’ll see that Queen thing keeps coming up. 😉 I do love flourless, crustless, and anything that smacks of easy and delicious frankly. 🙂 Look for more flourless recipes in 2010 for sure! Hope you’ll try a few even if you add your own signature steps or ingredients … we all do that really, and it’s a good thing!
Thanks so much for your last statement! You know I feel the same way about you and Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free. Looking forwad to another year “together”!
Lots of hugs (naturally gluten free LOL),
Shirley
Sandy says
I’ve placed your blog in my Favorites Bar. I’ve enjoyed reading through it. I haven’t missed sandwiches or toast either but I do miss biscuits and muffins. I have been trying different recipes to find some I really like and can make over and over. I have not been disappointed as there are more recipes than I can keep up with with just 3-4 favorite sites. I am delighted to find a recipe for Popovers on your list of Top Ten! I adore Popovers! I plan to make them with soup tomorrow. Thank you.
Shirley says
Hi Sandy–Good to see you again here at gfe! I’m so happy to make your Favorites Bar—thank you! 🙂 You’re my kind of woman … biscuits and muffins … soooo much better than basic bread. You raise a great point. We tend to find our favorite recipes and repeat them … often. I hope you enjoyed the popovers. Most folks find them to be super delicious … hope you did, too!
Shirley
Chelsey says
Happy 1 year anniversary! I would have never guessed that you have only been doing this for a year. You do an amazing job. I love reading your wisely advice and especially can’t wait to try that (grand marnier?)ice cream recipe of your as soon as I get an ice cream maker…And the popovers too. Gotta try those. I’m so glad to have met you via your blog.
*Hugs*
Shirley says
Hi Chelsey–You say such sweet things. I’m so honored by your words. Hope you will keep enjoying all that’s here at gfe! 😉 Yes, the Cinnamon Honey GM ice cream is exquisite. I need to buy some coconut milk and make some again soon myself. 😉 Now is a great time to make some popovers, too.
Looking forward to getting to know each other and our blogs more! Definitely something to look forward to. 🙂
Hugsss,
Shirley