Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Very few things make us feel quite so nice as warm cookies. When those cookies happen to be our giant Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies? Well, let's just say I've never seen a plate of vegetables disappear so fast as when one of these are on the line!

What is gluten and why is gluten-free so special, you ask? Gluten is the product of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, found in some cereal grains (like wheat). It causes the chewy/elastic texture we love so much in our breads. For someone with gluten-intolerance (celiac disease) or gluten-sensitivity, eating gluten can cause a range of problems - stomach discomfort, trouble absorbing nutrients, and intestinal damage to name a few.

But you aren't gluten-intolerant or sensitive? While a completely gluten-free diet is not recommended for those who don't have trouble with the proteins, there's no harm in enjoying some of the fun flavors and treats made with gluten-free foods! Check it out for yourself with the information and recipes below.

Did you know:

-One in 141 people (or less than roughly 1% of the population) have celiac disease.

-Gluten-intolerance and wheat allergy are not the same thing, and, luckily, many children (about65%) outgrow a wheat allergy by age 12.

-North American varieties of wheat contain more gluten than those grown in Europe

Breakfast:

Pear and Bacon Casserole

Lunch:

Chicken Salad Pita

Dinner:

Cookie-Crusted Beef

Dessert:

Strawberry Cookie Parfait

Gnocchi

Gnocchi

What is Gnocchi, exactly? Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings, usually made of potato, and served as a traditional starch or pasta. They've been around for hundreds of years (even before there were potatoes in Europe) and have been made out of everything from bread crumbs or semolina, to mashed vegetables. What can you make with gnocchi, one might ask? Pretty much anything, because they're just that awesome. They go well with pasta sauces, in soups/stews, or they can be prepared just as you would regular diced potatoes. Check out these recipes and fun facts below for more gnocchi news!

Did you know:

-The ridges in gnocchi (how they get so much yummy sauce to stick to them) were traditionally made by rubbing the dough against a cheese grater.

-One to one, potatoes have more potassium than bananas.

-Potatoes were originally domesticated in Peru and Bolivia, they didn't make it to Europe until Spanish explorers came across it in the 1500's.

Breakfast:

Gnocchi Bowl

Lunch:

Roast chicken with pesto and gnocchi

Dinner:

Hearty Chicken and vegetable soup with gnocchi (add some ground red pepper or minced serrano for a little heat!)

Dessert:

Baked apples and gnocchi

Pasta's Predecessor: The History of Gnocchi. Retrieved from http://www.saveur.com/article/food/history-of-gnocchi

Potato History | The History of Potatoes | Potato Fun Facts. Retrieved from https://www.potatogoodness.com/potato-fun-facts-history/

 

 

 

 

Blueberries

Blueberries

Blueberries are known as Little Blue Dynamos, and for good reason. These tiny berries can fulfill nearly a quarter of your daily vitamin C needs, and provide more than 3g of fiber, in just one 80 calorie serving. They are also high in manganese, which is thought to promote healing and bone health in addition to helping your body to better process certain nutrients - cholesterol and carbs watch out!

With all of the awesomeness that is the blueberry, you're probably wondering how you might fit a few into your already busy day. Try these recipes and tips below to experience your own day with blueberries!

Did you know:

-While blueberries are grown in many places around the globe, North America grows 90% of world's supply.

-Native Americans used blueberries to soothe a cough.

-July is National Blueberry Month

Breakfast:

Blueberry Coconut Scones & Lemon Blueberry Parfait

Lunch:

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

Dinner:

Blueberry-stuffed Pork Loin - great with green beans and fruit salad!

Dessert:

Easy Blueberry Napoleons

Thompson, C. (n.d.). The Health Benefits of Blueberries. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/blueberries-nutritious-things-come-in-small-packages_  

Health Benefits of Blueberries - U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. (n.d.). http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/healthy-living/health-benefits-blueberries/