An Evening Of Gluten Free Burgers and Brew

It has been two days since the amazing dinner and New Planet Beer tasting at Kim Klopstock's 50 South Restaurant in Ballston Spa.

Now, let's discuss soul food for a moment. Soul food nourishes your body and mind all the way to your soul. Soul food feels like home, comfort, and pure contentment.

On Tuesday we experienced the full meaning of soul food and much more. The dinner was in an intimate setting. When we walked through the doors of 50 South, we were greeted with a smiling hostess, and taken to the bar area. Here, we greeted our friends, as fabulous hors d' oeuvres, including dates stuffed with chevre wrapped with bacon and parmesan toast made on a potato crisp, were passed about. A very nice gentleman handed us a tasting glass of New Planet Beer's Blonde Ale. The New Planet Blonde Ale was light, cold and crisp, the perfect compliment to the sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates. Kim's in house Sheldon Farm potato chips and her Solively tapenade were awaiting us at each table as we took our seats.

Kim greeted everyone with such love and happiness. She made everyone feel as if they were part of the family. On a quick side note, it is obvious that everyone who was working there that evening was happy to be there and is part of Kim's 50 South Family. Kim is one of the most authentic, passionate people I have ever met. She genuinely cares about her guests, transforming ingredients into soul food, where she sources her ingredients from, local farmers, the planet, and sustainability.

Where to begin with New Planet Beer. Every course was paired with a different New Planet Beer. All of the appetizers were paired with New Planet's Raspberry Ale. My Dad and I enjoyed the Spicy Calamari topped with Shaved Parmesan Cheese with a Sweet and Spicy Asian dipping sauce. The heat of the Calamari paired beautifully with the smooth and slightly sweet finish of the New Planet Raspberry Ale. Pierre loved the Raspberry Ale Poached Pear Salad and my Mom raved about the  Cold Strawberry Soup with Raspberry Ale. 



Jeanne & Maryanna
From Saratoga Gluten Free Goods

Brian, was great! You could not have asked for a more attentive, knowledgeable, charismatic waiter. When the main courses arrived with a glass of ice cold New Planet Pale Ale it was time to dig in. Kim's menu was inspired to say the least. Pierre ordered the Long Lesson Farm Grass Fed Beef Burger topped with Beer Battered Onion Straws, Local Cheddar Cheese, Local Bacon, Grace Cheese, and House Made BBQ Sauce.  All of this burger goodness was served atop a toasted Saratoga Gluten Free Goods Multigrain Roll! DELICIOUS! I ordered the Pan Seared Line Caught Tuna Burger with an Asian Slaw and an Asian inspired Brown Rice! BRILLIANT! One of our friends, Robin, ordered the Portobello Mushroom Burger stuffed with Chevre served with a side of loaded potato skins. Robin, who is very much a "foodie," said her dinner was absolutely fabulous. The combination of rich and bold notes of New Planet Beer's Pale Ale paired seamlessly with all of Kim's burgers.

Now for the big finale, all I can say is that I am still thinking about that dessert course! Brian delivered to our table the decedent Espresso Bombe with a  Fresh Light Whip Cream and the first glasses on the entire East Coast of New Planet's BRAND NEW Brown Ale! The Brown Ale was rich, with notes of cocoa and coffee which highlighted the rich chocolate and espresso bombe. When I tasted the fresh whip cream, then sipped the beer, I almost detected a hint of vanilla in the Brown Ale.

Everyone went home wanting to know when the next exclusively gluten free dinner and beer tasting will happen at 50 South featuring New Planet Beer.  All I can say is, not soon enough!

For more pictures and to see the full menu please go to my Facebook Page.



Robin and Marty enjoying the evening.

Thank You to everyone who made this event possible, and to everyone who supported all of us. We are looking forward to the next time we all get together again over a special meal.


For more gluten free tips, fun ideas, and delicious recipes log on to www.glutenfreewithamy.com , like us on FaceBook, and follow us on Twitter.



Warmest Regards & Happy Cooking,



Amy

Burgers & Beer with a Gluten Free Twist!

 This Tuesday, June 18th, Kim Klopstock, the owner and chef of 50 South Restaurant, New Planet Beer, The Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs Celiac Support Groups, and I are teaming up for one GREAT event!

We are bringing the gluten free community a Burgers and Beers culinary adventure! Juicy burgers paired with a selection of craft New Planet Beers that are all amazingly gluten free!

Since June is national beer month, 50 South is achieving GREAT Kitchens Status with the NFCA, New Planet Beer makes superb gluten free craft beers, and I love fabulous food and fantastic people..... Burgers and Beers it is!

The menu is Outstanding! Please click here to read the entire press release and full menu *including three courses, and three different gourmet burgers (featuring a grass fed beef burger, a wild line caught tuna, and stuffed portabella mushroom burger) with delicious gluten free beer pairings with every course, even dessert!*

Be sure to RSVP as space is limited, Kim's menu is outstanding and the beer is cold!!!!!

To RSVP, ASAP by calling 50 South Restaurant at 518-884-2926 or by email. For more information on Kim Klopstock's 50 South please visit their website and Facebook pages.

We hope to see you there! For more gluten free tips, fun ideas, and delicious recipes log on to www.glutenfreewithamy.com , like us on FaceBook, and follow us on Twitter.

Warmest Regards & Happy Cooking,



Amy
www.glutenfreewithamy.com

 

 

 

 

The Little Things

Farm Fresh Hardboiled Eggs

As Pierre and I are busy preparing for our trip to Whiteface Mountain, it is clear that it is all of the "little things" that can make a trip extra special.

We have many things planned such as when to pick up the race packet, where to stay, what other activities we would like to do, now it is time for our most favorite planning.....what to eat!

We all make many seemingly "little" choices every day, especially when it comes to what we choose to eat. This planning process starts with what I like to call the "must" list. For us our food "must" be completely gluten free, and "must" be delicious.

We have decided to have hard boiled eggs on hand as a quick snack for the big race day. They are packed with protein and a great gluten free finger food to have on the go.

These little eggs have a story all of their own, found of course in the "little" details. Every week Pierre and I drive to a lovely family farm in Vermont, The Larson Farm.  Simply turning up their driveway is a sight to be seen. You can often see the chickens happily roaming free in the fields, the cows grazing on bright green grass with the majestic Vermont mountains as the cinematic backdrop.

The chickens that lay these humble brown eggs eat only the best! The Larson's feed them an impressive diet of gmo free, organic, soy free chicken feed. The chickens also enjoy all the food nature has to offer while roaming in the rolling fields. Ok, back to the eggs. These eggs are healthy and delicious.  We have chickens too, and believe that happy chickens = happy eggs.

A few cool attributes of these eggs are a thicker harder shell, bright deep orange colored yolk, sit higher in a pan, and have a rich delicious taste.

Here is a recipe that we are planning on making on our trip to Whiteface Mountain, we hope you enjoy it too!

Avocado Egg Salad
Copyright 2013 Amy Rota-Poulin

8 hard boiled eggs, peeled
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (we like Hellman's)
1 teaspoon horseradish mustard
1 stalk of organic celery
1/2 small Vidalia onion
1 ripe avocado
ground sea salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and mustard. Grate the celery and the onion into the dressing. Add the peeled hard boiled eggs mix into the dressing by mashing with a potato masher or a large fork. Peel the avocado and remove the pit. Cut the avocado into bite size pieces. Fold into the egg salad. Add ground sea salt and pepper to taste. Our favorite way to serve this delicious recipe is on a toasted gluten free hot dog roll, topped with fresh sliced tomatoes and organic baby greens. Enjoy!!

Remember, to catch all of the action of the GFreeAthletes race up Whiteface and live pictures here are our direct links to twitter: GFREEATHLETE and GLUTENFREEAMY.

For more gluten free tips, fun ideas, and delicious recipes log on to www.glutenfreewithamy.com , like us on FaceBook, and follow us on Twitter.


Happy Cooking and Happy Training,



Pierre & Amy

The GFree Athlete Is In Training!!

The GFree Athlete In Training!

One thing about living a full and happy gluten free lifestyle is there is never a dull moment!

The GFree Athlete, as you might have guessed, is my husband Pierre. He trains all year round for many different athletic events, and loves every moment of it!

His favorite events are called Hill Climbs. It is a road bike race up an incredibly steep mountain. Thankfully my part is to be supportive, drive our car to the top, and pack a delicious nutrient full picnic for us to enjoy after the race.

Pierre and I both support The National Foundation For Celiac Awareness (NFCA) and their cause. He is racing in the Whiteface Mountain Hill Climb on June 15, 2013 to raise awareness for celiac disease, gluten intolerance, the NFCA, and living a healthy happy gluten free lifestyle!

Our family will be there with us, cheering him on as he attacks the great Whiteface Mountain one week from today! If you would like to be there with us, we will be tweeting live from on top of the mountain! To catch all of the action and live pictures here are our direct links to twitter: GFREEATHLETE and GLUTENFREEAMY.

Pierre and I would like to share one of his favorite smoothies with you:

The Chocolate Power Up Smoothie
Copyright 2013 Pierre Poulin All Rights Reserved

1 frozen banana, peel removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
2-3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons of organic unsalted creamy peanut butter
1 cup of fresh organic baby spinach (you get the nutrients but not the taste)
3 cups of cold milk ( we use organic 2% milk. You can substitute pure almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy free version)

With the blender off, place all ingredients into a large blender. Place the lid on the blender and turn blender on. Blend on high for approximately for 2 minutes or until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the smoothie is smooth. Turn blender off and Pour into chilled glasses. Enjoy the rich chocolate goodness!

Nutrition Facts based on using 2% organic milk. Makes 4 servings.

If you would like to support The NFCA and the GREAT work they do please visit their website. Donations to them are always welcome, much appreciated, and a great way to show your support. www.celiaccentral.org

For more gluten free tips, fun ideas, and delicious recipes log on to www.glutenfreewithamy.com , like us on FaceBook, and follow us on Twitter.


Happy Cooking and Happy Training,



Pierre & Amy