A Celiac in the City

    Franky Beans always seems to have bananas on his brain! Every time I go in to the kitchen or even close to the kitchen where the bananas are he stares at me with a look that says “give me that banana!” This boy has loved bananas ever since he was a pup. Bananas and apples and carrots – the BEST treats for your doggies! They’re good for us to eat and just as good for them. As I’m standing there looking at these two very ripe bananas and one funny pup, I think banana cookies! Franky happily agreed.   On another note, which leads to why I chose these specific ingredients, I have been feeling not my best and most recently been dealing with my eye lashes falling out. Which is always wonderful… I went to a few...

  As some of you have probably noticed I have not posted in a few weeks. Some of you may have come to the sad conclusion that something was wrong. Yes it is so, my beloved Troop, Betty Boop has passed away. It happened a few weeks ago and I just needed some time to breathe. She went quickly and in my arms as I said goodbye to my sweet wonderful friend. I thank you all for your kind words and prayers. She was an awesome dog and a better friend.   I have written previously that in her last months she ate like a Queen. Her favorite meal being a juicy well seasoned Filet Mignon. Her eyes would light up as the smell would take over the apartment. Towards the end though she really wasn’t very interested in food. Except when would I sit next to her on...

First a BIG THANKS to everyone who shared your stories for What Do You Miss, not only telling me what foods you miss the most but WHY. It’s amazing how the simplest things can bring back the happiest and vivid memories.   While going through all the entries and reading all the food stories I got so hungry I had to get in the kitchen and make something!! I ended up creating this cookie that has something for everyone. And while it tastes AMAZING it is also packed with all sorts of good for you ingredients – it’s healthy and called a Yum Ball!!     Yum Balls preheat oven to 350, bake for 18-22 minutes (depending on oven)   Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup almond flour 1/2 cup arrowroot flour 1/2 cup quinoa flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbls...

You might have noticed my posts have slowed down and even stopped as of recent. No, I did not give up on our crusade for speaking the truth about celiac disease and my endless quest to make delicious nutritious gluten free foods to share with you. Sadly, one of MY TROOPS unfortunately has become quite ill. It has been a hell of a time to say the very least but I MUST believe that with every dark spot there has to be some light. RIGHT? Well I was in the dark and having a rough time finding it. I knew my pup would pass one day, I just wasn’t ready for it now. Until my beloved 65lb Bernese Mountain dog, Betty Boop, showed me a valuable lesson one day. One I will never forget and I wanted to share it with you, especially at this time of year – of new...

Just in case you missed David Letterman last night you can check it out from the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSH0geNdyOo “A side of gluten to make things taste good”, said Letterman!  WHAT?? Well he hasn’t tasted my gluten free dairy free treats!  Something had to be done!  My Troops and I had our challenge and were ready to go.  We whipped up some of my delicious carrot cake cupcakes with maple vanilla cream frosting and my “Toll House” soft chocolate chip cookies and sent them over first thing today!!  NO Side of gluten needed here Dave!!...

Thanks for all the support today on Dr. Oz!! For a personal behind the scenes interview click on link below: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/oz-exclusive-jennifer-esposito

Be sure to check out Dr. OZ on Monday October 17th!  I will be making my gluten free blueberry walnut scones and talking about celiac disease. Grub Street also snagged some gluten free life snippets… click here to enjoy. Ever...

My friend Ralph. He actually is one of two. He is a twin with his brother Joey. I’ve been friends with them since I was 17. We have seen each other through a lot of life. When my diagnosis hit me and hit me hard they were there. In different ways and at different times but they were there. When I was too weak to go from the bed to the couch my friend Joey would come over and make me just walk around the block to get some air. It always helped in more ways than he ever knew. As far as my friend Ralph. He recently opened up his home to me and my two big hairy pups for 2 months when I suddenly discovered I had a serious MOLD problem in my beloved apartment and had to leave my belongings and evacuate. Not only did I lose some sentimental and personal belongings...

The troops who have helped me make this venture possible AND made my life happier during this time are as follows: MR FRANKLYN DELENOR BEANS In charge of taste testing anything with banana and carrots. Also oversees all floor clean up before, after and during baking adventures. Has a keen sense of style and often wears my hats.   MISS BETTY PRINCESS BOOP Works in the floor clean up department. Also biggest critic of what tastes good and what doesn’t. She is often in charge of down time, reminding me that its nap time quite often. She doesn’t enjoy dressing up as much as her Franklyn but does it for some extra banana or carrots. Of course there are others and – love and thank them all. It was these two that wanted the recognition. Laughter....