Eating Out Gluten Free

Are you on a gluten free diet? No matter what the reason, eating gluten free when you are eating out can pose a problem. But some restaurants are taking the hmmm... out of making menu choices and are offering a gluten free menu. The Cheesecake Factory is one of the latest restaurants to offer a gluten free menu to it's guests.

The Cheesecake Factory tested their new menu choices with more than 80 dishes that are gluten free. Not just a couple of choices, but 80 delish choices for you. So far only 1 cheesecake is offered gluten free. Some are reworked existing dishes that have subbed gluten free buns and pasta. So head to the Cheesecake Factory (my closest Factory is in King of Prussia PA but check their web site for your closest restaurant.

The menu cautions: "We prepared this menu for our guests with sensitivities to gluten. While we strive to provide accurate information, our menu items are freshly prepared in our kitchens, which are not gluten-free. Cross-contact with other food items that contain gluten is possible. This is especially true for fried items, which are cooked in shared fryer oil." A good thing for anyone who needs a gluten-free meal who is eating out.

Ask the host or your server for the gluten-free menu. Cheesecake Factory managers reported that gluten free dishes are one of the top requests by guests, so these new dishes should be popular.

Other restaurants offering gluten-free menu items? Applebees, Chili's, Burger King and Olive Garden all have lists of their gluten-free offerings on their web sites so head on over and check them out!

Acorns Aren't Just For Squirrels Anymore

Pumpkin Acorn Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Yes, it's true, acorns aren't just for squirrels. They're for people too. I was reading a cupcake blog the other day and came across a recipe for acorn cupcakes. Yes, that's right, acorn cupcakes. Must admit I'd never heard of them.

Out of curiosity I googled the term. It seems that some of the cupcakes are simply decorated with acorns on top (fake ones of course) like the photo above, while still others are make using acorn flour. See the photo below.

Acorn Cupcakes With Honey Buttercream Frosting

Acorn flour? Hmm... guess it adds a nutty flavor, sure to please all the squirrels if your family doesn't like them. Also acorn flour is that great buzz word "Gluten Free." Aficionados suggest mixing it half and half with another type of flour to get the best taste.

Seriously though, it seems you can grind your own acorn flour using acorns from your yard that you wrest from the paws of those rascally little rodents before they can bury them in your front yard. You grind them between two rocks. Too primitive for your?

Actually according the cupcake blog, Cupcake Project, acorn flour was originally made by Native Americans and is the best way to eat acorns. It has a walnut-like flavor, a nice change from your white flour. Unfortunately, it can take three days to grind your own.

However the good news is you can also purchase it in your local Korean supermarket, this would be my option. Or you can buy it online at Sue's Acorn Cafe and Mill.

But if you are looking for a long term family project that your kids will enjoy, let them help you gather and grind the acorns, perfect for little Pilgrims and Indians at Thanksgiving. Learn how to make your own acorn flour here. It will make great family photos of all of you working together to create part of your Thanksgiving feast.

Cupcake Project is one of the most creative blogs out there. If this project doesn't appeal, they have dozens of other great ideas that are fun for bakers at every level. And even if you don't bake but just like to read about food, it's a great read.

Let me know if you decide to make some acorn cupcakes. Would love to know how your grinding turns out. I'm going to go the easy way, and order the flour online.