The Price Chopper Gluten Free Food Seminar Has Been Postponed!

Linzer Tart Macaroon Bites.
Find this recipe and Amy's Deal of the day below.

The Price Chopper Gluten Free Food Seminar that was to be held this Wednesday, February 2, 2011 has been postponed, due to the major snow storm that is expected to hit the Northeast this Tuesday and Wednesday. Projections are that this storm may be one of the largest storms in recent memory. The forecasters say it will effect up to 29 states, bringing them heavy snows, dangerous ice, winds, blizzard conditions, and in the south possible tornadoes.

The good news is that Price Chopper has rescheduled! From their website:
"Due to the inclement weather predicted, our Gluten-Free seminar scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 2 has been postponed until Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 6 - 8 pm. If you were planning to attend and have additional questions, call our Guest services team at (518) 379-1617 or 1215." ~ http://www.pricechopper.com/ January 31, 2011 at 1:14pm. I will keep you updated as any new information becomes available.

In addition, the storm has also postponed The Glens Falls Regional Celiac Support Group February 1st meeting. This meeting will now be held March 1, 2011 at 6:30pm and will feature Dr. Anita Burock Stotts, MD. Dr. Anita will address the issues of Celiac Disease and shares her own perspective, as she also has also has Celiac Disease.

If you can, take advantage of this "snow day" to cook up a few of your favorite comfort foods to enjoy while watching the snow fall. Wishing you a safe and warm Tuesday and Wednesday!

Nadja Foods Organic Macaroons are on sale at Price Chopper Supermarkets until February 19, 2011 with your Price Chopper Advantage Card!  The delicious organic macaroons are found in the natural foods freezer section.

It's time to stock up on my favorite dessert to keep on hand! They are all natural, gluten free, USDA organic, and extremely versatile. Here are a couple of quick and easy recipes I created using Nadja's  "Outrageously Delicious" Organic Macaroons.

Quick Recipes:

Magic Bar Macaroon Bites
 2010, Amy Rota-Poulin, All Rights Reserved.

1 package of Nadja’s Macaroon Cookie Dough

½ cup chocolate chips

½ cup walnuts

1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the Nadja’s Macaroon dough on the cookie sheet one inch apart. Using your index finger and thumb make a well in the middle of the macaroon. If the cookie splits apart simply mold it back together. Crush walnuts. (I place the walnuts in a food storage bag and crush with a rolling pin). In a bowl mix the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and half of the crushed walnuts together. Fill the well of each macaroon to the top with the magic bar mix and top with the reserved crushed walnuts. Place cookies in the oven for 10-14 minutes. Remove cookie sheet from oven and let cool. Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy these dinner party worthy cookies at home or on the go!  

*Always read the ingredient labels of each individual ingredient you are using to make sure that, that particular brand is completely gluten free. If you are unsure call the manufacturer or visit their web site, they are usually more than happy to answer your questions. *

    

For more information Nadja’s Gluten Free Organic Macaroons please visit: http://www.nadjafoods.com/organiccookiefrozendough.html

Linzer Tart Macaroon Bites

2010, Amy Rota-Poulin, All Rights Reserved.

1 package of Nadja’s Organic Macaroon Cookie Dough

1 cup of premium raspberry jam or raspberry preserves

½ teaspoon almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the Nadja’s Organic Macaroon dough on the cookie sheet one inch apart. Using your index finger and thumb make a well in the middle of the macaroon. If the cookie splits apart simply mold it back together.

Mix raspberry jam/preserves and almond extract together until combined. Fill the well of each macaroon almost to the top with the Linzer tart filling.  Place cookies in the oven for 10-14 minutes. Remove cookie sheet from oven and let cool. Serve warm or chilled. These delectable little treats are perfect for serving at your finest cocktail party, yet simple enough to enjoy anytime.

Linzer Tart Macaroon Bites are easy and absolutely delicious without all of the work of a traditional Linzer Tart.

*Always read the ingredient labels of each individual ingredient you are using to make sure that, that particular brand is completely gluten free. If you are unsure call the manufacturer or visit their web site, they are usually more than happy to answer your questions. * 

For more information Nadja’s Gluten Free Organic Macaroons please visit: http://www.nadjafoods.com/organiccookiefrozendough.html

You can find more delicious, healthy, quick and easy, gluten free recipes, in my cookbook, Cooking Gluten Free With Amy. http://www.northshire.com/siteinfo/bookinfo/9781605710839/0/

Compliments To The Chef!



John Reardon, owner of Compliments to the Chef

 Recently, on a beautiful snowy day I had the wonderful experience of walking into the Saratoga Springs, NY, shop Compliments to the Chef.

It all happened quite unexpectedly. My good friend and I were right in the middle of testing my newest recipe. As I read my check list, it seemed as though I had every thing needed for the new recipe: brown rice flour.....check, Stewart's Shops Buttermilk.....Check.....etc. However I still felt that I must be missing something, which of course I was, my digital food scale that I had left at home. In a panic I called Compliments to the Chef. When John picked up the phone I learned that he had only one food scale left and he gave me a fabulous deal (thank you, John). I jumped in the car, drove through the snow storm, and carefully parked on Broadway.  Little did I know what a wonderful shopping experience I was about to have.

From the moment I walked in the door I was impressed. Although the downtown Saratoga Springs shop is a modest size, it is chock full with great tools for anyone who loves to cook, who wants to learn how to cook, who needs a gift for a cook, and/or who wants to have fun in their kitchen while cooking.

Owners John & Paula Reardon have stocked their shelves with an extensive collection of quality brand name products such as: WÜSTHOF Knives,  J.A. Henckels knives, Le Creuset cookware, All Clad cookware (one of John's favorites), Staub Cast Iron cookware (one of Paula's favorites), Harold Import Company bakeware, Jura-Capresso Coffee machines, and many more.

What truly makes this shop unique is the proprietors' attention to detail and their strong awareness for the environment. In fact, you will find that there are many "green" products for you to choose from. One of the green products that made an instant impression is the Lawson & Goodnow PaperStone Cutting Boards. These boards are dishwasher safe, knife friendly, stain resistant, and renewable/sustainable.

After speaking with John and Paula you can feel their deep connection to the community, also displayed on their shelves by carrying local crafters hand-made creations. Among the home-grown products are Adam Celiski's "Cut & Serve" hand made cutting boards and wooden spoons made exclusively from all natural New York State hardwoods and Lesperance Tile Works' ornate spoon holders (shown below).

Gadget Enthusiast?  Look no further, John & Paula's walls are lined with plenty of useful gadgets to choose from. The one that caught my eye is the Utensil Max utensil holder. This nifty little gadget fits onto the side of almost any pot or pan and holds your utensil of choice (shown below).

The next time you find yourself walking down Broadway in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY, stop at Compliments to the Chef and be prepared to shop...and with a special bonus of 10% off!
Simply mention this blog, "Gluten Free With Amy" and you will get 10% off non-sale items within the store. (discount may exclude certain items.) Compliments to the Chef is located at 488 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY  12866 and online at http://www.saratogachef.com/. Happy Shopping!



John showing off WÜSTHOF Knives        Red Utensil Max untensil holder            Lesperance Tile Works' spoon holder





Mention our Gluten Free With Amy Blog and receive 10% off your next purchase at Compliments to the Chef! (discount available on non-sale items only. Certain items may not apply.)

Price Chopper Gluten Free Food Seminar To Be Held This February

Gluten free community of New York's Capital Region Rejoice! Price Chopper Supermarkets is holding a Gluten Free Food Seminar and Cooking Demo on February 2, 2011 in Schenectady NY.

Along with quick easy gluten free cooking demos and helpful baking demos there will also be gluten free food product representatives on hand who want you to try their products! Among the representatives is one of my all time favorites, Nadja Foods with samples of their fabulous Organic Macaroons for you to taste.

 There will be door prizes, samples, recipes and much more! Price Chopper's Corporate Nutritionist, Ellie Wilson, R.D., M.S. will be there too! 

Below is all of the information you need to know. Come join us for an evening dedicated to a healthy, happy gluten free lifestyle! I hope to see you there!

GLUTEN-FREE SEMINAR & COOKING DEMO

Wednesday, February 2 • 6-8pm
Price Chopper/Golub Corporation • 461 Nott St., Schenectady, NY

We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth Barbone, author of Easy Gluten-Free Baking, and Amy Rota-Poulin, author of Cooking Gluten-Free with Amy. Elizabeth will be demonstrating the art of baking gluten-free breads that taste great and Amy will demonstrate quick, easy and flavorful dishes.

There will be samples, recipes and door prizes!
Ellie Wilson, R.D., M.S., Price Chopper's Corporate Nutritionist, and gluten-free food product representatives, will be available to answer questions.

$10 per person
Proceeds donated to the Local Celiac Chapter

Call 1-800-727-7423, Ext. 1617 to register or see in-store for details.

Quick Tip: Gluten Free Shopping:

There are many naturally gluten free products in any grocery store. Price Chopper Supermarkets has an excellent selection of gluten free groceries and a comprehensive gluten free product list.

  While shopping for your gluten free pantry you must read the labels carefully. Shopping with a gluten free grocery list can seem overwhelming, however once you know the "rules" it is a breeze. First find a reputable list of ingredients to AVOID which definitely contain gluten such as wheat, rye, & barley. Contact your local Celiac Support Group, they are probably more than happy to help.

Knowledge = Power. If you are unsure if an ingredient has any hidden glutens or has been contaminated during manufacturing call the company or go on their web site. I call the 1-800 numbers on the label of food products all the time right in the grocery store. I always ask: What are your allergen procedures? Is this product gluten free? Are there any ingredients in your product that are derived from wheat, oats (because oats are usually contaminated), rye and/or barley? Last but not least, Is your product manufactured on the same/shared equipment with wheat, oats, rye, or barley? and if so do you do any kind of batch testing to ensure your product is gluten free? Five minutes later I have the answers I need to make an informed purchase. Most companies are more than happy to answer your questions. Remember that the person picking up the phone is there to help you and answer YOUR questions. Please always be polite.

Saratoga Spring's Gluten Free Lifestyle is Up and Coming!

If tonight's dinner at the Circus Cafe, located on Broadway, is any indication of Saratoga's gluten free lifestyle, than it is thriving. As many of you know from experience, finding a good gluten free meal at a restaurant can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Sure, you might come across a place that has a gluten free menu. However, a piece of paper does not mean much if the staff is not knowledgeable about what that menu actually means. Never mind cross contamination issues. Tonight, I am absolutely elated to report that this was not the case at the Circus Cafe!

The moment we entered the fun, festive restaurant a friendly face welcomed our family. Immediately I asked if they had a gluten free menu. To our delight Jason, who would be our waiter this evening, said yes. Jason was more than happy to answer my questions and took my husband's food allergy seriously. My six year old nephew loved the over sized velvet curtains, bright colored lights, and of course his favorite was the painting of a unicorn on the wall. My mother loved the menu and the friendly service. My husband, Pierre, and I loved the extensive gluten free menu, the restaurants’ proactive approach to gluten free cuisine and, of course, the reasonable prices.

Within seconds of being seated at our table, we each had a glass of ice water in front of us. Jason quickly took our order ( if you have a six year old with you, that’s  priceless!). Pierre ordered the Shrimp Marinara Pasta (gluten free), I ordered the Pasta a la Panna (gluten free). My Mother ordered the Pasta Primivera and my nephew the Bear's Bite (a generous grilled cheese with curly fries). I also took the liberty of ordering a ginger martini which was absolutely fabulous! Per request, the Circus Cafe offers Chopin Vodka which is distilled from potatoes rather than from grain. The meal far exceeded my expectations. Maybe it was the long day of shopping, going to the movies, & walking through downtown Saratoga Springs in winter weather. Yet in that moment, digging into a more than generous bowl of pasta never tasted so good. While we were all diving into our dessert, decadent chocolate lava cake (also gluten free), it hit me. This is a great moment. In fact the for the first time in a long time the focus of the meal was exactly where it should be, on spending quality time together as a family.

My compliments to our waiter, Jason, the bartender, the Chef , and the proprietors for making your establishment truly and deliciously gluten free. We will be enjoying many more meals at the Circus Café.  I highly recommend that if you are looking for a family friendly restaurant with an extensive gluten free menu, including a kids menu, that you check it out too.

The Circus Cafe is located at 392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Phone: (518)-583-1106
For more information on the Circus Cafe please visit: http://circuscafe.com/index.htm 

Quick Recipe: For a fabulous Ginger Martini: Add 1 1/2 parts good vodka made from potatoes or one of my favorite Vodkas, Core Vodka, which is made strictly from apples, 2 parts good ginger liqueur, and a touch of Grand Mariner. Shake with ice, strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger for the ultimate presentation!

Quick Tip: To add a hint of sweetness to any beverage, you may add a small amount of agave nectar. It has a low glycemic index, and dissolves easily in cold liquids.

*Always Read the ingredient labels of each individual ingredient you are using to make sure that, that particular brand is completely gluten free. If you are unsure call the manufacturer or visit their web site, they are usually more than happy to answer your questions. *