Review: The Salt House – New Hope, PA

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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

I went to New Hope, PA, for my cousin’s birthday, and we decided to dine at the Salt House, a charming, historic restaurant nestled in the heart of the town. Built in 1751, this stone landmark exudes old-world character with its cozy, intimate interior that feels like stepping back in time.

The Salt House offers seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients, described on their website as “creative and elevated pub fare served in a 1751 stone building that feels straight out of a fairytale.” My cousin and I are both Celiac, so we asked plenty of questions and appreciated how patient and accommodating the staff were. We both ordered the Maine Salmon with Mango, Bell Pepper, and Haricot Verts green beans, but requested it without the Mango/Bell Pepper chutney since it contained bell peppers, which I have a major sensitivity to.

I have to say, kudos to the chef since I’ve never had restaurant salmon cooked so perfectly before. Crispy edges, tender center, and incredible flavor. The portion was generous, and I left completely satisfied.

I gave The Salt House 4 out of 5 stars because the gluten-free menu options were limited, but what they do offer for those with dietary restrictions delivers big, bold flavors that make it worth the visit. It was a lunch to remember, and if I ever find myself back in New Hope, the Salt House will absolutely be on my list again.

📍 Location:
Salt House
7 East Ferry Street, New Hope, PA 18938
📞 (267) 740-7908
📧 info@thesalthouse.com

Review: P.F. Chang’s – Christiana Mall, Newark, DE

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Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My daughter and I had a full day of errands and found ourselves near the Christiana Mall. Back when we lived in Tahoe, we had several favorite restaurants — one in particular made an amazing Gluten Free Pad Thai that became our go-to dish. Since moving to the East Coast, though, finding good gluten free Asian food has been a real challenge.

We tried a restaurant back in February that left us unimpressed — the Pad Thai was just “meh.” So the search continued… until now.

I recently discovered that P.F. Chang’s offers a dedicated gluten free menu, and to my surprise, Pad Thai was on it. That alone was enough to convince us to give it a try. From the moment we sat down, the staff was patient, kind, and knowledgeable about gluten free dining. They made sure to answer all of our questions and took great care of us throughout the meal.

The Pad Thai itself was absolutely delicious — perfectly balanced flavors and just the right texture. It was everything I’ve been searching for since leaving Tahoe. While I had originally hoped to find a small, local spot that could satisfy my craving, I’m perfectly happy knowing I can count on P.F. Chang’s whenever the craving strikes.

Menu Description:
A classic approach to rice noodles wok-tossed with egg, tofu, green onion, peanuts, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Protein options include Vegetable, Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, or Combo.

📍 Location:
P.F. Chang’s
331 Christiana Mall
Newark, DE 19702

🥖 My Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread (Short-Proof Version)

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After successfully bringing my gluten-free sourdough starter to life, I was beyond excited to finally bake a loaf of bread that actually worked — soft inside, golden crust outside, and completely gluten-free.

I based my recipe on Joanna Overly’s Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread but made a few changes to fit my ingredients and schedule. I used Namaste Foods Gluten Free Organic Perfect Flour Blend, filtered water, Celtic sea salt, and olive oil. And instead of an overnight proof, I proofed mine for just two hours — and it turned out beautifully!

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🌾 My Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter Journey

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This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue to share gluten-free recipes and tips!


When I lived in Lake Tahoe — at 6,250 feet elevation — baking gluten-free bread never turned out right. The altitude always seemed to fight against me. Every loaf came out dense, dry, or flat. After moving to Maryland, closer to sea level, I was excited to start dabbling in bread making again — this time hoping for better luck.

That’s when I discovered Captain Sourpants Gluten-Free Sourdough Starter — a 100-year-old dehydrated heirloom-style starter that you bring back to life using gluten-free brown rice flour and filtered water.

My first batch didn’t take off (I think my house was too cold due to the AC), but my second attempt came to life beautifully thanks to the Sourdough Starter Warmer with Glass Dome I ordered from Amazon. The mason jar I used was too tall for the dome, so I just used the warming base — and that extra warmth made all the difference.

For my setup, I used a mason jar with cheesecloth and tightened the ring around it. I didn’t use the jar lid, just the cheesecloth, so the starter could breathe while still staying protected from dust or bugs.

To stir my starter, I used the Skinny Spurtle, Teak Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set. It is so perfect for reaching the bottom of my large mason jar without scratching the glass. It’s become one of my favorite tools for mixing in general.

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Review: CAVA – Newark, Delaware

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Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Walking into CAVA instantly gave me a Chipotle vibe, but with a Mediterranean twist. The setup is similar, but the flavors are all their own. I decided to build my own Grain Bowl to keep things gluten-free and started with Saffron Basmati Rice as my base. From there, I added their Tzatziki and signature Crazy Feta® dips, chose the Grilled Steak for protein, and topped it off with Fiery Broccoli, Pickled Onions, and Cherry Tomatoes. A drizzle of Garlic Dressing tied everything together beautifully. The flavors were aromatic, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

Most of CAVA’s menu items are naturally gluten-free (with the exception of the pita bread and falafel), and they offer plenty of gluten-free sauces, dressings, and toppings to choose from. You can even check their website or ask a team member for their gluten-free list.

Overall, the food was absolutely delicious, and the experience was easy, fast, and flavorful. I’ll definitely be back to try one of their salads and probably the lamb next time.

Homemade Lasagna

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Last night I pulled the heaviest pan of lasagna out of the oven, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it had to weigh at least five pounds. This isn’t just a dinner, it’s a full-on event — the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing and leaves plenty for the next day. My cousin is the one who hooked me on ZENB pasta, and I instantly fell in love with their Yellow Pea Lasagna Sheets. They bake beautifully, hold up to all the layers, and my kids absolutely love them. Best of all, they’re oven-ready, which means no boiling required. Sadly, ZENB has decided to stop all sales to the United States. Their website says products are still available in some retail stores while supplies last, but it’s only a matter of time before they’re gone. Luckily, I can still find the lasagna sheets at Ocean State Job Lot here in town, though who knows for how long. Even if you can’t get your hands on them, don’t worry — just use any lasagna noodles you have on hand. If you’re using regular noodles, you’ll want to start by cooking them in salted water until they’re just tender, then toss them with a little olive oil so they don’t stick.

The best part about making lasagna is that it’s two dinners in one. I always refrigerate the leftovers overnight, then the next day I cut the lasagna in half. One half goes back in the fridge for quick lunches or second helpings, and the other half I wrap up and freeze for another night. It’s like having a homemade meal ready to go on a busy evening — and that makes all the effort of layering and baking feel even more worth it.

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Review: Great Experience with Stone’s Garage!

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I recently drove 2,700 miles from Tahoe to Maryland with my utility trailer in tow, a long journey that completely wore my trailer tires down to bald spots. When I got to Maryland, I knew I needed a pro to get them replaced safely, and that’s when I called Cody Stone from Stone’s Garage, a Mobile Mechanic here in Elkton Maryland.

Cody came out, mounted my new tires, and made the whole process super easy. He was friendly, personable, and really knew his stuff. The pricing was fair, and he did an excellent job. After that long drive, it was a relief to have my trailer ready to roll safely again. I’d definitely use him again!

If you’re looking for someone reliable, skilled, and easy to work with for your trailer or vehicle needs, I highly recommend Stone’s Garage.

Stone’s Garage
cell: (410) 920-1217
email: stonegarage1999@gmail.com
Facebook

If you need to get tires for your utility trailer, I got mine from Amazon and it was easy to order and more affordable than most of the tire shops. These are the tires I purchased on Amazon: eCustomrim Trailer Tire On Rim ST205/75D15 F78-15 205/75-15 Load Range C 5 Lug Wheel White Spoke: https://amzn.to/46GnktT

Review: Maryland Italian Festival 2025 – Gluten-Free Finds & Family Fun

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This weekend my kids and I attended the Maryland Italian Festival at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, thanks to SIAB. We went with one goal in mind: to see what gluten-free options the festival had to offer—and to my delight, there were plenty! From pizza and cupcakes to gelato and even grilled lamb, we found so many delicious things to try.

The festival itself is lively and family-friendly, with carnival rides, craft vendors, bocce tournaments, and of course, a huge lineup of food booths. My kids skipped the rides this time and instead browsed the craft stalls before we all made our way to the food area. Here’s what we sampled:

  • Di Pasquale’s Lamb Kabobs – The aroma alone drew us in, and once I confirmed the kabobs were gluten-free, we ordered a generous platter. The lamb was tender, flavorful, and almost steak-like—definitely not gamey. It came out looking like a bouquet of skewers, and every bite was satisfying.
    📍 Brewer Hill Location – 3700 Toone St, Baltimore MD 21224 👉 Di Pasquale’s
  • Nino’s Food Distribution’s Gluten Free Pizza – Based out of Baltimore, Nino’s was serving up 10″ gluten-free pizzas that are also corn-free. My kids tried veggie, pepperoni, and cheese varieties. The crust, made from rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, and olive oil, was soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They loved it so much they’re still talking about it. I’ll definitely be looking into more of Nino’s gluten-free, keto, and cauliflower crust products since they are a Food Distribution company.
    📍 1710 N Elwood, Baltimore MD 21213 👉 Nino’s Foods
  • Love.Crust.Pizza Lemonades – To wash it all down, we grabbed giant 32 oz lemonades. They weren’t overly tangy, with just the right balance of sweetness and fresh lemon flavor. Super refreshing after walking the festival grounds! Love•Crust•Pizza
  • Mangia Baby Cupcakes – Gina Cicatelli from Annapolis was one of the sweetest vendors we met. Her mini gluten-free Vanilla Cannoli cupcakes were bursting with flavor, with a frosting that really did taste like authentic cannoli filling. Perfectly bite-sized, they were a must-try treat.
    📞 202-270-5118 | 👉 Mangia Baby Cupcakes
  • Gotta Lotta Gelata – To finish things off, we stopped at this Pennsville, NJ-based vendor. All their gelato is gluten-free, and we tried Cappuccino, Chocolate, and Mango Sorbet. The cappuccino was light with chocolate chunks, the chocolate was rich and creamy, and the mango sorbet was bright and refreshing.
    📍101 N. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ | 📞 732-800-1747 | 👉 Gotta Lotta Gelata

My oldest son was hoping to join the bocce tournament, but all the slots were filled. Still, between shopping, sampling treats, and filling up on gluten-free eats, we had such a fun and flavorful afternoon.

If you’re near Aberdeen, the festival runs all weekend—open until 10 PM tonight (Saturday) and from 11 AM to 7 PM tomorrow (Sunday, September 28). Tickets are $12 for adults (kids 12 and under are free with a parent), and parking is free on-site or at shuttle lots.

👉 You can buy tickets online at marylanditalianfestival.com or at the gate.

This is definitely a festival worth checking out—whether you’re looking for family fun, cultural entertainment, or just some seriously good food (yes, even gluten-free!).

Getting Back to Canning and Sourdough: My New Kitchen Adventure

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I’ve recently found myself wanting to dive back into two of my favorite kitchen pastimes: canning and sourdough bread making. There’s something so satisfying about creating something from scratch, whether it’s preserving fresh fruits and veggies or crafting a perfect, tangy loaf of sourdough.

To make this journey a little easier—and a lot more fun—I’ve started collecting some gadgets and kits to help me along the way. One of my first purchases was the M11 Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer Kit. It comes with wide and regular mouth mason lids and makes vacuum sealing my jars a breeze. Perfect for keeping my canned goods fresh for longer.

For my sourdough adventures, I grabbed the Gluten Free Sourdough Starter Kit. This is a 100+ year old dehydrated heirloom-style starter that promises to give my bread that authentic, tangy flavor I’ve been craving. To help manage and stir the starter, I got the Skinny Spurtle Teak Wooden Kitchen Utensil—perfectly crafted for sourdough enthusiasts.

And for shaping and proofing my dough, I invested in the Wood Pulp Banneton Bread Proofing Basket Set. This set comes with everything I need: a 9” 2.2LB round banneton basket, proofing bowl, cover, dough whisk, lame, and scraper.

Now that I am no longer living at high altitude, making gluten-free sourdough should be a lot easier at sea level here in Elkton, Maryland. Here’s hoping that having the right tools—and a little lower altitude—helps me achieve the best sourdough bread yet.

Here’s to getting back to the joy of canning and baking, and to a kitchen filled with the warm smells of homemade goodness!

Review: SNAP Pizza – Newark, DE

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My daughter and I stopped into SNAP Pizza in Newark, Delaware for lunch today to give their restaurant a try. SNAP is a local mini-chain known for its customizable pizzas, with a wide selection of sauces, proteins, and veggies. Their setup feels a lot like a sandwich shop assembly line—you move down the counter choosing exactly what you want, and before you’ve even had a chance to sit, your pizza is baked and ready. The quick turnaround was impressive.

Positives: Fast service, fresh/local ingredients, flavorful sauce, good gluten-free crust option, fully customizable.

Since my family and I avoid gluten, I asked about their crust options. I was told the cauliflower crust contained cornstarch, so I opted for their regular gluten-free crust, which is also vegan. It turned out to be a great choice.

I built my own pizza, starting with a Crème Fraîche base, then added shredded mozzarella, feta cheese, sweet Italian sausage, chopped red onions, and fresh local mushrooms. Once baked, they topped it with fresh basil. The crust was thin and crisp, holding up nicely under the toppings, and the flavors came together perfectly. The Crème Fraîche sauce was light and mild, balancing everything without being overpowering.

My only minor complaint was that the pizza wasn’t sliced all the way through, so I struggled a bit cutting it with the plastic knife provided. That aside, the meal was delicious and very enjoyable.

Final Take:
SNAP Custom Pizza is a great spot if you’re looking for fresh, fast, and fully customizable pizza in Newark. Their gluten-free crust is a tasty option for those with dietary restrictions, and the variety of toppings makes it easy to create exactly what you want. Quick service, quality ingredients, and bold flavor combinations make this little pizza shop worth a visit.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Here’s why:

Negatives: Pizza not sliced properly (which impacted the eating experience), plastic knife not strong enough to compensate.

Snap Custom Pizza & Salads
44 E Main St
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 737-6766
https://www.snapcustompizza.com