What Are Some Quick Dinner Ideas That Are Gluten-Free?

Not only will this be ready in less than 25 minutes, but the taste will leave you stunned! A Steak With Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Feta dish can be prepaid in less than 25 minutes and only using one skillet. This amazing dish can serve up to 4 people and will be sure to leave every last one of them breathless!

Directions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Photo by Dana Gallagher, http://www.realsimple.com/
food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/steak-chickpeas-tomatoes-
feta-00000000006978/index.html. Accessed 22/02/14

Step 2: Cook the steaks to desired doneness, 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Pat the chickpeas dry with paper towels and add them to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the tomatoes, cilantro, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Transfer to plates and sprinkle with the Feta. Serve with the steak.”

How did this recipe turn out for you? What would you recommend to others trying this recipe for the first time?

Let us know in the comments section below!

Steak With Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Feta. (n.d.). <i>Real Simple</i>. Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/steak-chickpeas-tomatoes-feta-00000000006978/index.html

Reasons You Should Choose Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

Are you interested in light desserts? Do you have a sweet tooth? I know I do, and I love chocolate cake. Eating chocolate cake can be addicting. Did you know there are tasty gluten free chocolate cake choices?

Figure One – Photo Source: Candice Eisner/2010

Comfort food, dessert, a craving. Whatever you refer it to, it’s the same sweet taste we
want. There are many alternative gluten free delicious dessert choices. You can find a countless number of recipes online. Not to mention, the gluten free bakeries around Toronto carry an endless amount of scrumptious desserts. I think replacing your normal chocolate cake with a gluten free chocolate cake because it is still delicious and from experience I believe it doesn't make me feel groggy afterwards.

Do you think gluten free choices changes the way your body feels afterwards? Are you interested in choosing gluten free desserts?

Let us know in the comments section below!

Top Gluten Free Desserts

Here we have a list of gluten-free desserts that you are sure to enjoy and will be able to use to impress your friends and family as well.

topwithcinnamon.com, accessed  22/02/14

1. Gluten-Free White Chocolate, Coconut And Banana S’mores Bars: To top the list of desserts we have a creative and tasty white chocolate, coconut and banana s’mores bar. This is a great way to be able to enjoy the snack for all those times you’ve missed out around the campfire when everyone is trying to keep their marshmallows from catching on fire.  It is quick and easy to make and will have your taste buds jumping!

2. Gluten-Free Rich Dark Chocolate Brownies: This delicious treat will be sure to satisfy any chocolate lovers tastes. This tasty recipe is quick to make but will be even quicker to be ate. Don’t say we didn’t warn you if you have a chocolate overload!

3. Gluten-Free Apple Tart: For the apple lovers out there this is for you! The sweet treat is not only gluten-free but it is also vegan too. This is another really easy recipe to make and will not only trick your guests into thinking they’re eating unhealthy but is visually appetizing as well. You can’t go wrong with this for homemade healthy dessert tarts

4. Gluten-Free Chocolate Old-Fashioned Cupcakes: For the more traditional dessert, we got a treat for you! These delicious little snacks are sure to satisfy any dessert lover. These pretty looking snacks will take you no time to make and still able presentable for anyone’s birthday. Another dessert you will not regret trying!

5. The last but certainly not least item on our list of desserts is the Gluten-Free Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Cookies. I am certain that this dessert speaks for itself and will light up anyone’s taste buds.  A perfect presentable snack for bake sales, housewarming gifts or even just to have around your house these will never fail!

Which one of these desserts sound appetizing to you?

Let us know in our comments section below!

Top Ten Gluten Free Places to Eat in Toronto

Do you love going out to eat? Are you worried about having a healthy lifestyle? Do you have an interest in gluten free choices? Here you can find out what are the top ten gluten free places to eat in Toronto. 

Figure 2 – Photo Source: Araka Restaurant 2012

These are some of the best gluten free restaurants in Toronto:

·         Hibiscus Café

·         Arepa Café

·         Cardinal Rule

·         Feel Good Guru

·         Live

·         Kupfert &Kim

·         Monarch Tavern

·         Fresh

·         Rawlicious

·         Riz Pan Asian

Have you ever tried any of these restaurants in Toronto? 

What Is Gluten Free?

The term “gluten free” is used by many food companies and has gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years. What is gluten free though?

Well, first of all gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible for the elasticity in dough.

Some are sensitive to gluten, have celiac disease, or just prefer not to eat gluten as part of a healthy diet. In people with celiac disease, gluten causes damage to the lower intestines, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. This can cause bloating, weight loss, and diarrhea. Over time, as the damage gets worse, the effects may become more serious and could affect your brain, nervous system, bones, liver, and other organs.

  

Wheat. [Photograph] by jayneandd, 2010, 

Adapted from http://www.flickr.com/photos/8180853@N07/4876028771/

There is no known cure for celiac disease, but damage to the intestine can be prevented from eating gluten free food. This is one of the main reasons why gluten free alternatives are popping up everywhere.

Do you know any other reasons why people prefer gluten free products? Please let us know!

Gluten Free Restaurant Reviews

There are plenty of places to eat that offer gluten free menu items, but which ones got the best restaurant reviews based on what others had to say? We’re about to find out!

  

Some of the best local restaurants that offer gluten free items, based on restaurant ratings, include:

Riz Restaurant

www.rizrestaurantandcatering.com

Two locations:

·         1677 Bayview Ave, Toronto

·         3321 Yonge Street, Toronto

With a 100% gluten free menu, Riz Restaurant is one of the few restaurants in Toronto that offer certified gluten free Asian cuisine. Their extensive menu goes to show that you don’t have to sacrifice flavour to eat gluten free!

Google:

4.3/5 (6 reviews)

Annick David

5/5 a year ago

My husband and I went there for Lunch and it was a great experience. The gluten free food was served on plates marked Gluten free so no mix ups. A lot of choice and great tasting. Service was excellent and friendly. We will definitely go back.

Facebook Page:

4/5 (17 ratings) 

28 likes

Urbanspoon:

76% (262 votes)

Rawlicious

rawlicious.ca/canada

Toronto locations:

·         2122 Bloor St. W, Toronto

·         20 Cumberland St., Toronto

With a philosophy like, “Raw food can take your health, your emotional happiness, your energy & vitality to a whole new level and be unbelievably delicious.” Rawlicious is providing healthy delicious food in comfortable atmosphere.

Google:

3.8/5 (12 reviews)

A Google User

5/5 2 years ago-

Loved it! Food was delicious, Atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, incredible "zen room" in back that is candle lit with seating on cushions on the floor. Great Service! Great vibes throughout, definitely would go back!!

Facebook Page:

3,109 likes

Urbanspoon:

Yorkville - 83% (74 votes)

Bloor - 73% (138 votes)

Arepa Café

www.arepacafe.ca

Located at 490 Queen St. W, Toronto, this cozy little café is serving mouth-watering gluten free Venezuelan food. They are especially known for their arepas (hence the name).

Google:

3.6/5 (27 reviews)

Ralph Uy

4/5 9 months ago-

An excellent restaurant, specifically if you are a gluten allergen. Prices were fair, and felt a very welcoming vibe from this restaurant. I will definitely be coming to this place fairly often, due to a friend who has celiacs.

Facebook Page:

4/5 (154 ratings)

835 likes

Urbanspoon:

90% (243 votes)

Steak Arepita. [Photograph] by Steven Depolo, 2010,
Adapted from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4930354933/

Which gluten free restaurants have you been to and how would you rate them? If you've visited any of these restaurants, do you agree with their rating?

Gluten Free Beer in Toronto

Want to maintain a healthy diet and drink beer at the same time? Gluten free beer is a great alternative that allows you to enjoy the smooth crisp taste of beer, while being gluten free at the same time! (Consumed in moderation of course) 

Eating gluten free can be a challenge, especially if you love to drink beer. Luckily, gluten free beer can give you the same feeling as regular beer, without the guilt and bloated feeling. (By guilt we mean the feeling that your belly has doubled in size, not what happens while you are drunk from drinking gluten free beer!) This list of gluten free beer is sure to keep your healthy diet in check:

New Grist

Lakefront Brewery

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This pilsner style gluten free beer can be found at:

·         Get Well - 1181 Dundas St. W, Toronto, for only $5.25 a pint

·         The Rhino - 1249 Queen St W, Toronto, for $5.00

Ingredients: sorghum, rice, hops, yeast, and water.

Figure 1. Beer at Restaurant. [Photograph] by Paul Joseph, 2009, 

Adapted from http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashafatcat/3467735884/

Taste: crisp and refreshing, fruity and smooth, hints of green apple.

Nickel Brook: Gluten Free

Better Bitters Brewing Co.

Burlington, Ontario

This classic Pale Ale style gluten free beer can be found at:

·         Victory Café - 581 Markham St. Mirvish Village, Toronto, for $4.87

·         The Rhino - 1249 Queen St W, Toronto, for $4.50

·         Prohibition - 696 Queen St E, Toronto, for $7.00

Ingredients: sorghum, Demerara sugar and pear juice.

Taste: crisp and refreshing

Bard’s

Bard’s Tale Beer Company

Minneapolis, Minnesota

This malt style gluten free beer can be found at:

·         The Rhino - 1249 Queen St W, Toronto, for $5.00

·         Unlovable - 1415 Dundas St W, Toronto, for $6.00

Ingredients: sorghum malt, yeast, hops and water

Taste: bold flavour

How will you incorporate gluten free beer into your healthy diet? What other brands of gluten free beer would you recommend?