Tender at the Bone

Interested in being a foodie?  Read Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl.

I can’t get enough of the way her stories intermingle food and relationships. It’s like divine chocolate or wine, both sensual and seductive. Her addictive voice leaves the reader aching for a mouth-watering experience. My heart feels warm after even a few words. Her words seem to pour out of her so smoothly and food is a key component. I’ve floated into another world for a chapter.

Food is a daily part of life and an important piece of who we are, where we came from, and how we cope. My memories of meals bring up traditions, gatherings, and scents. Oh, the scents. The smell of mom’s peach cobbler, BBQ chicken in July, and onions sizzling in butter all make me smile.

As I savor a warming glass of wine, a steamy bowl of soup, or a buttery bowl of popcorn, a sun expands in my core. Pure love expands. This is what being a foodie is about. Not needing to go to the fanciest restaurants, but truly enjoying good food.

A ferry ride and an ice cream cone

A gluten-free ice cream cone at Mora Iced Creamery


Each time I pass the ice cream shop, there’s a line out the door. All ages gather here and smiles are big and genuine. Who doesn’t love going out for ice cream? My grandpa used to take us out for ice cream, no matter what time of year. It is one of my fondest memories of our visits. He would pack my two sisters and me into the car and we would head over to the ice cream shop, arguing about which flavor we’d choose and who got to sit in the front. I was a sneaky negotiator and slipped my way into the front seat for more than my share.

Chocolate chip mint usually won me over. Chocolate was my passion and the light, fresh minty finish was heavenly. My middle sister, who loves simplicity, chose vanilla, a creamy basic favorite. Our littlest sister usually wished for something exciting and colorful. In the form of ice cream, this was bubble gum or blue raspberry, the ones that colored her tongue pepto bismol pink or smurf blue for the remainder of the day.

As I stood in line at Mora Iced Creamery on Bainbridge Island, I was giddy. I was anticipating the experience and debating which flavor to choose. The gluten-free ice cream cones were golden. I hadn’t had an ice cream cone for years. I ordered a gluten-free cone with lavender ice cream and sat out on a wooden bench, licking it up before it melted. My heart was beating fast as I was devoured by the thought, “I’m eating an ice cream CONE.” Watching family and friends enjoy ice cream cones and feeling deprived seemed normal over the past few years, since my celiac disease diagnosis. But, today was different. I took my last bite and hopped up, licking my lips, and grinning.

At Mora, they make old-fashioned ice cream in small batches that you won’t be able to get off your mind. The ice cream is made on Bainbridge Island, and the owners moved here from Argentina. They have created over 70 flavors, although some are seasonal. Mora means “blackberry” in Italian and Spanish, which is quite fitting since blackberries are plentiful on Bainbridge Island. Their ice cream and sorbets are made with only the purest ingredients.

Named “Best Ice Cream Innovators” by Seattle Weekly in 2006, this is a place you won’t want to miss this summer. For more about Mora, click here.

Spring up gluten-free!

It is spring. People seem to be feeling quite sunny and relieved that winter has come and gone. Everything seems fresh and green and tulips seem to be popping up all around us.
The other thing that seems to be springing up around here is anything gluten-free. Grocery stores are labeling items gluten-free, bookstores are highlighting gluten-free books, and there was even a piece about being gluten-free on The Today Show recently. It is such a relief that businesses, restaurant, and shops are cluing in to offering gluten-free options. I even went to a local pub near my home this week that now makes gluten-free burgers and pizzas. You can imagine my surprise as we entered and I saw the big GLUTEN-FREE sign on the wall. I nearly jumped for joy right there. Thank you to all who have decided to integrate gluten-free into their world. I for one am extremely grateful.

coffee shop pastry cases

I went to one of my favorite coffee shops today. I had heard that they would begin carrying gluten-free baked goods from a new local bakery. I was curious. I asked about it and the barista smiled, held up a plate full of moist, voluptuous treats and exclaimed, "These are...vegan. And maybe gluten-free? Is that the same thing? I am not sure what it means."
Bummer. I knew that there was no way in hell I was going to try those treats. I am pretty sure they weren't gluten-free. I tried to explain the difference to her and then walked away with my cup of coffee. Maybe next time.

poisonous pancakes

Every morning I poisoned myself with banana pancakes. I frantically drove to work, stepped into the office, and microwaved my pre-cooked banana crispy goodness. But I felt tired already. I couldn’t stop yawning even when something was exciting. Listening to the clock tick, I would count the hours until I could lie in my bed, sinking into the mattress. I would daydream of diving into my flannel pajamas, playing slow jazz music, and hugging a cup of mint tea. Lying in bed, the headache, migraines, sore muscles, and ongoing queasy stomach all would drift away like little clouds. In my pre-gluten-free days, bedtime was my favorite time of day.

I met BOB!

Bob! I have often dreamed of meeting the jolly old guy on all of the Bob's Redmill bags that I often purchase. This weekend, my dream finally came true. As part of my family vacation to Portland, we took the short drive down to Milwaukee to check out the unforgettable Bob's Redmill. As we drove up, excitement began to leak out of my pores. The cherry-red building was adorable and welcoming, and I rushed inside to check out the gluten-free products. Bob's Redmill is pretty much a necessity to gluten-free folks. Some of my favorites include the gluten-free cornbread and the gluten-free pancake mix.
I toured around the store, thrilled as could be. We enjoyed lunch at their cafe; eating soup, sandwiches on gluten-free bread, and even scones. We sat out by the fountain with other small groups huddled around tables enjoying the full Redmill experience. To our delight, we caught a glimpse of Bob thru the window as he made his rounds to tables chatting it up with his wife at his side. He looked just like he does on the bags, hat and all. We followed him and tapped him on the shoulder hoping for a photo. It is funny how much I felt like I was in the presence of someone magical and important. He has made my gluten-free life so much easier and more delicious that I can't help but respect him. Two thumbs up to Bob and his magical Redmill.

Coconut Bliss

I am lazing on my bed this Saturday afternoon spooning mounds of Coconut Bliss ice cream into my mouth. Should I feel guilty about this? I can't decide. I tried weighing myself to see if that would answer the question for me, but it didn't. I have weighed the same amount for months, I can regretfully report. It is sunny out, and I had a full day in the sunshine at the Ballard Seafood Festival. I am exhausted from the crowds, the music, and walking in the heat for hours. It is sticky warm outside. I feel like taking a nap, but instead I choose to blog and indulge in a small dish of Coconut Bliss. It's creamy, gelato-like texture makes it a blissful dessert that also happens to be gluten-free. It sinks into your tongue and coats your mouth with sweet goodness. For now, it is my favorite dessert.