Gluten free bread is expensive. Given the size of the loaves, it is very expensive. So, what are we supposed to do about those things we think have to be served on bread? We find other ways. Here are a few of my favorite bread substitutes I think even my non-gluten free readers will enjoy.
1. Corn Tortillas are a good way to make tuna melts or grilled cheese. Specialty tortillas are also available from other gluten free grains.
2. Lettuce Wraps are one of my favorite ways to do sandwiches. I love biting into crisp, crunchy lettuce.
3. Pancakes and Crepes are easy to make at home with gluten free flour and may be used to wrap around either sweet or savory fillings for desserts, main courses or even snacks.
4. Salad makes a healthy replacement for bread. Put your sandwich toppings on a bed of lettuce.
5. Homemade Muffins or Biscuits can be used as a replacement for toast or split and topped with your favorite fillings to make sandwiches.
6. Homemade Bread is always an option. With the cost of gluten free flours this is still a bit pricey but less than buying bread, since you are supplying the labor.
7. Rice Cakes have helped Bob still be able to have his peanut butter sandwiches he loves so much. Check the label for gluten status. With something yummy on top, they aren’t at all bad.
8. Waffles aren’t just for breakfast. I have made waffle pizzas, waffle tacos, waffles and gravy, waffle sloppy joes and even ice cream sundaes on a waffle raft instead of in a waffle cone or bowl. I try to make extra waffles and freeze the leftovers for the convenience of having “toaster waffles” later.
9. Load a Baked Potato with all your favorite sandwich fillings and toppings.
10. My absolute all time favorite is the Pepperwich, a halved green pepper shell cleaned out and filled with sandwich fixin’s.
You really don’t have to spend a small fortune on gluten free bread. Put your thinking cap on and I’m sure you can come up with even more ideas. Anyone want to share?
Joy is one of those words that is hard to define, but Merriam-Webster tries. Two of the definitions for Joy are: state of happiness or felicity and a source or cause of delight. Well they tried. I think joy is one of those things you just have to experience and you recognize when you are experiencing it.
Joy is the wonder of the miracle of life at the birth of a baby.
Joy is the excitement as couple start out in life together at a wedding.
Joy is also (and this is my favorite) that unexplainable and unstoppable burst of happiness that starts as a little giggle down deep in your soul and then explodes all over everyone.
Joy can also be that feeling of quiet contentment that feels like a warm blanket wrapped around you.
To experience joy you have to be open to it. Singing also helps.
“The world needs dreamers and the world need doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach, [Soucre: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, 1996]
“What can separate us from the love of God? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And as we share God’s love with our brothers and sisters, God’s other children, there is no tyrant who can resist us, no opposition that cannot be ended, no hunger that cannot be fed, no wound that cannot be healed, no hatred that cannot be turned into love, no dream that cannot be fulfilled.” — Desmond Tutu [Source: God Has a Dream]
“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” —Luke 12:27 The Bible (KJV)
What I love about this is that we all came up with recipes that are naturally gluten free. Yes, even gluten eaters will love these dishes that include lots of naturally gluten free whole foods. How good is that?!
I am hosting the entrée and we are having fajitas. This is an easy way to serve a group and accommodate various dietary needs. I serve buffet style with corn tortillas (you could also purchase special gluten free tortillas), grilled beef, chicken and veggies and lots of lettuce (Bob likes to make a salad and skip the tortillas) along with salsa, sour cream and guacamole. Everyone can then choose ingredients to make their own. Fajitas are also traditionally served with rice and refried beans, but you can choose to serve them with something else if you wish.
Beef, Chicken or Veggie Fajitas with Corn Tortillas
Serves 4 to 6 but is easily converted to a larger recipe to serve more.
Veggie Fajitas Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
The Marinade: 2 Tablespoons lime juice ¼ cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 cloves garlic minced Pour marinade over the steak and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You are using a tougher cut of meat so this is necessary. Pour marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours. If you marinate chicken too long it will turn to mush.
The Meat Steak (skirt steak is traditional but you may also use round steak) — allow 1/4 pound per person Boneless skinless chicken breasts — allow 1/4 pound per person If you are going to grill the meat leave it whole and slice thinly against the grain after it is cooked. You may also cut your meat into strips against the grain first and pan fry on top- of the stove in a little oil.
The Veggies 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced 1 onion, sliced thin 1 yellow squash sliced (if squash is large cut slices in half) 1 zucchini squash sliced The peppers and onion are traditional. I like to add the squash for a vegetarian fajita. I like to marinate my veggies for about an hour. The veggies may be grilled using a special grill pan or stir fried on top of the stove.
The Tortillas I use corn tortillas. Of course flour tortillas are traditional but will not work for a gluten free diet. You may also purchase specialty gluten free tortillas. Keep in mind that these are going to be a little pricey so you offer them only to your gluten free guests if desired.
The Flair Shredded lettuce may also be used to make a salad by those who prefer to skip the tortillas, so be sure to have plenty on hand. This is one tasty gluten free option that Bob usually chooses. Sour cream is a nice addition for differences in texture as well as to cool down the heat if you make your fajitas spicy but it can be left off. If you know you have a guest who does not eat dairy you may provide a dairy free substitute if you wish. Guacamole may be found in the refrigerator case (read the label), but guacamole is really easy to make. Just remember the lime juice and don’t make it too far ahead or it will turn black.) Salsa or Pico de Gallo may be homemade or use your favorite from a jar. Be sure to read the label.
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Don’t forget to check out the other courses of our progressive dinner.
“The greatest miracle on Earth is the human body. It is stronger and wiser than you may realize, and improving its ability to self heal is within your control.” ~Dr Fabrizio Mancini
espirational.com 
