Gluten Free

Beef Wellington, 2,700 Miles Apart

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Christmas was already in motion when the universe decided to have a little fun with me.

I was in my kitchen making Beef Wellington when I called my brother to wish him a Merry Christmas. Mid-conversation, he casually mentioned that he was also making Beef Wellington for himself and our dad. We were 2,700 miles apart, yet somehow preparing the exact same meal at the exact same time. I couldn’t help but laugh. It felt like one of those quiet, unmistakable reminders that distance doesn’t really matter when hearts – and minds – are still connected.

This year’s Beef Wellington felt especially meaningful, not just because of that moment, but because it represented persistence, patience, and finally getting it right.

The Gluten-Free Redemption

I followed the Food Network recipe for Individual Beef Wellingtons as my guide. While I didn’t follow it exactly, it was the foundation I mimicked and adapted to fit my needs, especially gluten-free ones.

In the past, gluten-free puff pastry had been my downfall. The last time I tried making Beef Wellington with a gluten-free option, the pastry tasted terrible and honestly ruined the dish. It was dense, off-flavored, and disappointing after so much effort. I went into this attempt cautiously, hopeful but guarded.

This time, I used DUFOUR gluten-free puff pastry, and it was absolute perfection. Flaky, buttery, and everything puff pastry should be. It completely redeemed the dish and erased every bad memory of failed gluten-free attempts. I was beyond happy with the outcome, and even better, the kids loved the entire Christmas feast. Watching them enjoy it made all the effort worth it.

The Great Pâté Hunt

Then there was the pâté...

I never imagined that finding liver pâté would be the hardest part of my Christmas menu. I searched high and low – multiple grocery stores, multiple days – wasting far more time than I care to admit. It felt absurd that such a classic ingredient was so hard to track down.

Finally, I reached out to my cousin and his fiancée for suggestions. Without hesitation, Jen said, “Janssen’s Market in Greenville, DE.”

At that point, pâté was the very last thing on my list. I got in the car and drove 30 minutes, hoping they truly had what I needed because I didn’t have the energy for another dead end.

They had it!

The liver pâté from Janssen’s Market was exactly what I had been searching for, and it tied the entire dish together. Rich, smooth, and balanced, it elevated the Beef Wellington and brought everything into harmony. Janssen’s didn’t just finish my shopping list; they saved my sanity and my Christmas dinner.

Worth Every Mile

That Christmas meal ended up being more than just food. It was a connection across distance, a redemption story for gluten-free cooking, and a reminder that sometimes the last ingredient, the hardest one to find, is what makes everything complete.

Pure magic on a plate, worth every mile driven, and a Christmas dinner I won’t forget anytime soon.

Review: SouthHouse (Philadelphia, PA)

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A Gluten-Free Friendly Stop in South Philly

⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

After picking my daughter up from the airport, we made a much-needed dinner stop at SouthHouse in Philadelphia, and I’m really glad we did.

SouthHouse describes itself as a neighborhood dive-style sports bar, and that vibe comes through right away: casual, welcoming, and perfect for comfort food after a long day. What stood out to me most, though, was how thoughtfully they accommodate gluten-free diners.

Gluten-Free Options That Matter

We ordered cheesesteaks and burgers, and I truly appreciated that SouthHouse offers:

  • Gluten-free buns for their smashburgers
  • Gluten-free hoagie rolls for cheesesteaks
  • A dedicated fryer, which is huge if you’re gluten-free

Knowing that cross-contamination was taken seriously made the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable.

The Real Standout: Fries & Tater Tots

While the sandwiches were solid and filling, the real stars of the night were the fries and tater tots. Perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and fried in that dedicated fryer – they absolutely delivered. Portions were generous, too; we all ended up taking leftovers home.

If I’m being completely honest, I’d go back just for their app menu. Those fries and tots alone are worth the visit.

Service & Food Notes

Although the restaurant was not very crowded, the service was slow. We did take some time deciding what to order since we had so many gluten-free choices available – something that doesn’t happen often, but even factoring that in, the wait felt longer than expected.

The cheesesteak was a bit dry and definitely needed more Cheese Whiz. In hindsight, I should have asked for extra Whiz, as the portion provided wasn’t quite enough to balance the meat and roll.

Final Thoughts

SouthHouse earns 3 stars from me. While the sandwiches didn’t fully stand out and the service lagged, the gluten-free options, dedicated fryer, and standout fries and tater tots make this a place I’d still return to, especially for appetizers. For anyone eating gluten-free in South Philly, it remains a solid option, just not a must-visit.

SouthHouse
2535 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
📞 267-314-5937
📧 southhousephilly@gmail.com

🔗 Learn more: https://southhousephilly.com/

Restaurant Review: P.S. & Company (Philadelphia, PA)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

While in Philadelphia, I stopped by P.S. & Co. after a recommendation from Felim (@feedmefey), specifically to try their cinnamon rolls. Since I was already in the city that morning, it felt like the perfect opportunity to see if they lived up to the hype.

They absolutely did.

P.S. & Co. is a renowned organic, vegan, and gluten-free bakery and café in Philadelphia, and the care they put into their food is immediately noticeable. The cinnamon rolls were outstanding – soft, rich, and perfectly spiced with just the right balance of sweetness. The texture was spot on and satisfying with every bite. Even without being heated at the restaurant, the flavor held beautifully, which speaks to the quality and freshness of the pastry.

Because I had a 45-minute drive back to Maryland, I chose to take them home boxed rather than warmed. Reheating them myself was simple, and they tasted just as indulgent once warmed. The cinnamon flavor came through without being overpowering, and the icing was smooth and generous without overwhelming the roll.

What made the experience even better was the personal touch. The owner, Andrea Kyan, was at the counter helping me with my order, and she was incredibly friendly and genuinely enthusiastic. Her warmth and passion for what she does made the visit feel welcoming and memorable.

These cinnamon rolls also traveled surprisingly well, something not all pastries can claim. They held their structure and flavor beautifully and made for a perfect weekend treat at home. They were a hit with my kids.

If you’re in Philadelphia and looking for a cinnamon roll that delivers on flavor, quality, and experience, especially within the organic, vegan, and gluten-free space, P.S. & Co. is absolutely worth a visit.

P.S. & Co.
1706 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

https://psandco.com/

📞 + 1.215.985.1706
✉️ info@psandco.com

November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month 🌾✨

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Did you know November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month? For my family, this month is more than just awareness; it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come on our gluten-free journey.

My children and I were diagnosed with gluten allergies back in August 2013, and we’ve been living gluten-free ever since. At first, it felt overwhelming, reading every label, asking endless questions at restaurants, and trying to recreate all our favorite meals without gluten. But over time, it became second nature. We discovered new foods, learned how to cook differently, and realized that a gluten-free lifestyle can still be full of flavor and joy.

Living gluten-free isn’t a trend for us; it’s a necessity. It’s how we stay healthy, energized, and balanced. However, I also know how challenging it can be, especially for families just starting out. That’s why Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month is so important – to spread education, understanding, and support for those who are navigating this lifestyle for the first time.

Here are a few ways you can get involved this month:
🍞 Try a new gluten-free recipe via my blog — you might be surprised how good gluten-free recipes can be!
🍕 Support restaurants that offer safe, gluten-free options.
🛒 Read ingredient labels carefully — gluten can hide in sauces, snacks, and even vitamins.
💬 Share your story — your experience might help someone else who’s struggling.

Being gluten-free isn’t about what we’ve had to give up, it’s about what we’ve gained: better health, awareness, and the appreciation for the foods that truly nourish us. 🌿

From Garden to InstantPot: My Two-Day Pepper Dehydrating Journey

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I picked a batch of jalapeño, habanero, and cayenne peppers from my garden and decided to dehydrate them in my Instant Pot so they wouldn’t go to waste. 🌶️ It was my first time trying it with whole peppers, and I was curious to see how it would turn out.

The Instant Pot automatically sets the dehydrator to 125º for 7 hours, so I loaded all the peppers in together and let it run. When the timer finally beeped, the cayenne peppers were perfectly dried — crisp and ready to store. But the jalapeños and habaneros were still soft and far from done.

So, I reset the dehydrator and ran another cycle. And then another. It ended up taking two long days before the jalapeños and habaneros finally reached that perfect dry snap. The whole house smelled amazing — smoky, spicy, and earthy all at once.

It was definitely a slow process, but totally worth the patience. Now I’ve got a container of homegrown heat ready to crush or grind whenever I want to add some fire to my cooking. Nothing beats preserving your own peppers straight from the garden. 🔥

Review: Gluten Free Dining at Klondike Kate’s (Newark, Delaware)

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars for:

  • Food Quality: Excellent overall, with standout dishes like the Sweet Bourbon Salmon and the Margherita Pizza. Minor notes (slightly salty bisque, slightly overcooked broccoli) don’t detract from the overall experience.
  • Gluten Free Awareness: Outstanding – Jaime McCardell, the GM, ensures the kitchen takes every precaution for gluten free diners.
  • Service: Attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming from start to finish.
  • Atmosphere & Value: Generous portions, inviting environment, and fair pricing.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Klondike Kate’s, a Newark landmark located right on Main Street in Downtown Newark, Delaware. I was invited to review their gluten-free offerings, so I brought Alex and Evan along to join me for lunch. We were excited to see what this iconic spot had to offer – and we weren’t disappointed.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Alli, our server, and Jaime McCardell, the general manager. They were both attentive, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make sure our experience was smooth, especially when it came to gluten-free dining. That extra care immediately set the tone for the afternoon.

Crab Bisque

Cream-based, minced vegetables & fresh lump crabmeat, dusted with Old Bay

We started with the Crab Bisque, and it was a pleasant surprise. So often, cream-based soups are thickened with wheat flour, making them off-limits for gluten-free guests, but not here. The presentation was lovely, with a gentle dusting of Old Bay on top. The flavor had definite hints of Old Bay, and while it leaned a little salty, the overall taste was very enjoyable—rich, creamy, and not overly “fishy.” It felt indulgent and comforting without being heavy.

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Review: Del Pez Mexican Gastropub (Newark, DE)

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I was recommended to try Del Pez Mexican Gastropub while craving Mexican food, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Having grown up in the Bay Area of California, I’m very particular about Mexican flavors, and I found their gluten-free options to be limited and lacking the authenticity I was hoping for.

However, I ordered the Street Taco Flight (pick & choose 3) and went with Grilled Steak, Carnitas with salsa verde crudo, and Shrimp with chipotle aioli. Out of the three, the Shrimp taco stood out — absolutely delicious, full of flavor, and perfectly balanced. I honestly wish I had ordered all three as shrimp because the Steak and Carnitas just didn’t hit the mark.

The staff was absolutely attentive and very accommodating with us being gluten intolerant, which made the visit much more pleasant.

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub
501 Grove Ln
Newark, DE 19711
📞 (302) 273-3788

Note: This review was written before my diverticulitis diagnosis — which now means avoiding corn, so sadly most Mexican food is off my plate (literally). Whaaa!

Review: Pat’s Select Pizza | Grill – Elkton, MD

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Food & Staff)

We ordered gluten-free pizzas from Pat’s Select Pizza | Grill, and I’m so glad we did! They use a cauliflower crust as their gluten-free option, and it was cooked perfectly — not overdone or burnt, which can sometimes happen at other places. The pizzas came out in a timely manner, and they were delicious. My kids really enjoyed their orders, and I was happy to finally find a spot where we can all enjoy a good pizza together. Definitely a great option for families who need gluten-free!

Pat’s Select Pizza | Grill
224 S Bridge St
Elkton, MD 21921
Website

Homemade Gluten-Free Pasta on My Diverticulitis Journey

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Living with diverticulitis this past week has definitely made me rethink the foods I eat. I’ve had to cut out a lot of things I used to enjoy, and at first it felt like all the good stuff was gone, especially pasta. I’m gluten intolerant and also need to stay away from corn now, which makes finding store bought pasta that actually works for me pretty difficult.

The other day, I decided to try making my own noodles at home. I used a simple mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and a little psyllium husk for binding. The dough came together quickly, but I had to play with the water a bit until it felt right. In the end, it took about ½ cup of water to get the texture I wanted.

I rolled the dough out by hand, cut it into strips, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But when I cooked the noodles and served them up with sauce, my kids and I were surprised — we actually loved them. The texture was light, and they held together so much better than I expected.

For me, this was more than just about pasta. It was a reminder that even with diverticulitis and food allergies, I don’t have to give up comfort foods completely. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity and a willingness to try something new.

And I’ll say this — there’s something really satisfying about sitting down to a bowl of pasta you made yourself, especially when it’s something your whole family can enjoy together.

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We are going to Disneyland!

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While this isn’t our first time at Disneyland nor is it our first time there eating Gluten Free, I am quite excited to go and be there and see what they have going on for the 60th Anniversary!

My Husband, Kids and I have saved up our birthday and Christmas money to make this trip happen. And for the last 3 trips (over the last 6 years), my parents have joined us at the Happiest Place on Earth!

SO, it is official… WE ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND in 30 days! Total countdown mode now!!!!!

My son Aden is very excited cause we’ll be in the Happiest Place on Earth for his birthday… Yeah lucky kiddo! 🤗💓

I am thinking I will have to celebrate my son Arik’s birthday as well since his Birthday is only 5 days prior to Aden’s and well we are leaving for our trip 3 days after his birthday. SOOOO, I will have to see what I can do to make it special for Arik as well.

We didn’t plan ever to go on one of our kids birthdays… it just happens to fall on the week Disneyland is deemed to have the least crowds of the year. So we picked that week to avoid waiting in massive lines.

Now mind you the last time we went to Disneyland, we went on Christmas 2013 – THE BUSIEST DAY OF THE YEAR. And will NEVER do that again. Nevertheless, we used Touring Plans (touringplans.com) and the app mapped out our best wait times and stragedies for which rides at what times for us including meal breaks and fastpasses. So the most we waited in lines on the Busiest day was 20 minutes.

Even though we are heading there on a least busy day, I am still gonna use Touring Plans App again cause it was a snap to use and I rather get through the park with ease, especially with three kiddos!

I love everything Disney and wish I could live at the Happiest Place on Earth. I mean I wouldn’t starve there especially since they are up on their Gluten Free awareness and you can go to City Hall and get a listing of where to eat Gluten Free. AND we already have a Character dining reservation at PCH Grill for the night of my son’s birthday and they are making (for an additional fee) a gluten free birthday cake to bring him out after dinner. I can’t wait to see how they present his cake!!! I am just beside myself!

Anyhow, T-minus 30 days.

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