Gluten Free in Kauai, Hawaii

My family just got back from Kauai, Hawaii!

As a devoted gluten-free-er, travel can be difficult.  Salads and grilled chicken get oh-so boring fast!

After doing some Googling, I was excited to find Sweet Marie's.  But that was it!  

Everywhere we went, I kept my eyes and ears open.  AND - asked lots of questions.  *smiles*

Here's a list of what I discovered!

Sweet Marie's
 

Sweet Marie's shows up all-over Google.  Their website isn't exactly user friendly, but I was able to find an address and Google the location. 

Right after we arrived in Kauai I made a trip here.  Excited to find a designated gluten free bakery, I bought three of her muffins, a pack of chocolate chip cookies and a brownie.  That should do it for an eleven day visit.  *smiles* The small shop had a steady flow of customers.  Three were finishing up lunch when I walked in, two others came in behind me to get baked goods and as we drove away, another car full of people was arriving.  My daughter enjoyed playing with the toys in the corner of the shop!

Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the taste and texture.  Her muffins all tasted heavy of banana.  They also were extremely oily.  The chocolate chip cookies were very crunchy and tasted like baking soda with a grainy texture.  The brownie was very yummy - would get that again!

My daughter, who has been raised gluten free, refused to eat the banana chocolate chip muffin she picked out from the case!  I offered it to her several times over a 2-day period, but after that first bite she wouldn't touch it again.  

Banana Joe's Fruit Stand
 

During an afternoon drive, we stumbled up Banana Joe's Fruit Stand.  It's a treasure.  Banana Joe, in person,  whipped up a pineapple frosty for me - it's just frozen pineapple!  After about half of it, I'd had all the acid my tummy could handle, but for a cool and fresh, lightly sweet healthy treat it was fantastic.  

In their freezer they had gluten-free bread and tortillas to buy.  I spied gluten free fudge too.  *winks*

A handful of locals came through while we were browsing, to buy his frosties and to get produce.  The produce seemed to be a good price and good quality.

Common Grounds

Recommended by Banana Joe.  A bit on the spendy side, but they said their GF breakfast options were superb.

Kilauea Bakery

On that same afternoon drive, my husband and I stopped in this marvelous local bakery - we were looking for a bathroom.  (They're in a market place, but I cannot remember the name!)   They sell GF pizza (not cheap, but you are in Hawaii!) and GF baked goods.  All of their soups are GF and they even made me sandwich with the loaf of gluten free bread I purchased!  A refil of any coffee or tea is only $2.  *smiles*

While our meal cost more than soup, salad and sandwich at home - the portions were generous and quite filling!

Kalaheo Steakhouse and Ribs

They do not claim to have GF options, but the staff was very understanding and made great recommendations.  Again, on the spendy side, but it was some of the best food we ate on our vacation.

The owner personally came to our table and chatted for a while. 
 

Shrimp Station

Their garlic shrimp is amazing.  There are other options, of course, but this was our lunch and/or dinner multiple times!  Quick service.  Very clean.

The Fish Hut

The Fish Hut is located in the Coconuts Market in Kapaa.  I was unable to find a website for them.  Their Hawaiian Shave Ice is the best value and quality we uncovered.  We were not disappointed with any our food choices either - fish, shrimp, rice, hot dog and fries.  Again, a good value!

Review - Gluten Free Favorites

When starting out on the gluten free path, it can be overwhelming.  Overwhelming AND expensive actually.  Baking those sweet treats and pasta are often the most difficult to give up.  (What DO you eat for breakfast other than scrambled eggs when you're gluten/dairy free, anyway?  *shrugs*)

Most local grocery stores and finally, even Wal-Mart, are carrying large amounts of gluten free products.  The only thing I'm not thrilled about with nearly all gluten free products is that wheat is replaced primarily by corn with rice as a close second.  "What's corn good for?" Our nutritionist will ask you, "Nothing, other than to make cows fat."  *smiles*

So even though these items are tasty, we still have to eat them in moderation.  Funny, at first all I could think was, "FINALLY, there's SOMETHING I can actually EAT that's not meat or vegetables!"

Well, here are some my personal favorites.  Hopefully this list can save you from a headache when you're out shopping.  And save you a few dollars too!  Oh, and don't forget to check the mark-down section of your grocery store.  Often it's tucked away in a corner on a shelf or tables.  Frequently, you'll find gluten free or organic products at a great price buried there!

• Udi's Chocolate Muffins - They freeze well!  Perfect for that chocolate fix.  Can be found at Amazon or your local store. 

• Udi's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - They also freeze well.  Taste like the "real" thing!  Certainly a comfort food.  Can be found at Amazon or your local store.

• Rudi's Multi-grain Bread - This tastes the most like "real bread."  Soft.  Toasts well.  Found online or at your local store.

• Hodgson Mill Pancake and Waffle Mix - We sweeten these with Agave and fresh blueberries!  Top with maple syrup and yum!  Can be found on Amazon or your local store.

• Hodgson Mill Apple Cinnamon Muffins - We sweeten with Agave.  These do not save for very long and tend to be a bit "heavy."  Can be found on Amazon or your local store.  

• Bob's Red Mill Corn Bread Mix - Even if you're not GF, you will LOVE this corn bread.  It's better than any other box mix - amazing.  Can be found on Amazon or your local store.

• Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta - This pasta is the BEST GF pasta we've tried.  (We've tried Tinkyada's other varieties as well, they're great!)  It cooks well - even if you over cook, it's just fine.  Taste is marvelous.  Can be found on Amazon or at your local store.

• Annie's Mac and Cheese -  If you're ok with including dairy in your diet Annie's will satisfy that quick mac 'n cheese craving around lunch time.  Taste really isn't far off from the traditional "Kraft" taste.  (And sometimes you can snag 'em for $1 each on sale!)  Can be found on Amazon or at your local store.

• Larabars - If you're a fruit lover, you'll enjoy these quick snack bars.  The flavors are subtle.  Ingredients simple and straightforward.  Can be found at Costco, Amazon or your local store!  (And do look for the sales.)

Romantic Valentine's Mood Setters

Is Valentine's Day going to surprise you this year?  Isn't 2012 flying past quickly?  Maybe you don't have the time, or are lacking the creativity right now to decorate you house...again!  (Me!  Me!)  If so, it's ok!  You can still get yourself into the Valentine's Day spirit!

This year I'm trying to keep it simple and sweet.  Nothing over the top.  Nothing that takes lots of planning or prep work. 

Enjoy your family.  Celebrate the loved ones in your life.  Give an extra hug and kiss to your child and husband today, and tomorrow!  And make sure you say, "I love you!"

And jump for JOY at the unconditional, forever love that Jesus has for you!

A romantic song -

• Johnny Mathis' Chances Are

A creative plate -

(Made with edible icing!  Too creative, How About Orange!)




A romantic movie -

• Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck

• Love in the Afternoon with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Cooper

• Casablanca, Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman




• Wives and Daughters (A personal, all-time favorite!)

A romantic dress -

Source: vintageadventurer.tumblr.com via Elisabetta on Pinterest

Source: shopruche.com via Tess on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Laura on Pinterest

A romantic hairstyle - 





Source: whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Source: thebeautydepartment.com via Tami on Pinterest

Source: ohthelovelythings.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

A romantic chocolate cake - (Great recipe for those gluten free-ers too!)

Flourless Chocolate or Cracked Earth Cake

Ingredients

• 1 pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1 stick unsalted butter*
• 9 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
• 2 cups heavy cream, cold
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan.

Put the chocolate and butter into the top of a double boiler (or in a heatproof bowl) and heat over (but not touching) about 1 inch of simmering water until melted. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar in a mixing bowl until light yellow in color. Whisk a little of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs - this will keep the eggs from scrambling from the heat of the chocolate - then whisk in the rest of the chocolate mixture.

Beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form and fold into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until the cake is set, the top starts to crack and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan.

While the cake is cooking, whip the cream until it becomes light and fluffy.

Serve at room temperature dusted with confectioners' sugar and topped with whipped cream.

*Cook's Note: Food Network Kitchens tested this recipe after this show was taped and determined that 1 stick butter is the correct amount.

Husband Clearance

Here's what happens when your husband stops by the grocery store...and wanders through the clearance isle.  Uh huh - 9 boxes of gluten free cookie mix.  Yes, they WERE 50% off.  But now what? 

My creative husband has discovered that sugar cookie dough makes for a marvelous cobbler topping, so that's what we're SUPPOSED to do with at least half of these boxes, so I'm told.  *smiles*  (You can use homemade, or the dough that comes pre-made in the tube!) 

So the top shelf in my pantry is now lined with these boxes.  A reminder of my man's thriftiness...just like all those canned goods on the OTHER side of the pantry.  *winks*

Kipper the Dog 2nd Birthday Party

Planning a feminine puppy party is no simple feat lemme tell ya!  Here's my best shot - and it was fun. 

(I have edited out my daughter's name in several of the pictures.  If there appears to be a "blank" spot in some of the decorating...there is...but only in the pic!)

Woof!



On the front door, this wreath welcomed our guests.  It took forever to curl that much ribbon, but I like the outcome. 



The cake was ordered from an awesome local bakery.  Unfortunately, there was a mix-up about the colors so when the cake arrived I was shocked to see coloring more along the "neon" lines than pale or pastel!  And instead of pale teal, there was blue!  *sigh*  It still tasted great. 

And the coloring ended up working just fine with the entry table...



The "Doggie Bags" were the take home favors for the kids.  Here's what was in 'em...

I put my daughter's picture at the front of a cellophane bag with the other goodies behind.  "With love and thanks" was written on the picture (designed quickly in Power Point and printed at Wal-Mart) and made for a great "Thank You" card.  (Stickers, bracelet, Fruit Leather and dog bone candy were included in the Doggie Bag.  Bone Cup and Bubbles were given out separately.)

Stretch Island Fruit Leather is kept on hand in my pantry.  We get it at Costco.  The dog bone individually packaged candies and stickers were from Oriental Trading Co. with the dog bone cups bought off of Amazon. 

The take home treat for the adults came in the form of this fun lollipop!  Also thanks to Oriental Trading Co.  Instead of using a letter for a monogram, I had them print the number "2" with her name underneath.  They turned out exactly as I had imagined.

The printable water bottle labels cost about $20.00 for 100 of 'em and they're not even water proof!  My husband actually had the idea of using the wider ribbon instead!  Cheaper AND it held up to the sweating bottles.  I whipped out my scissors and a glue gun and these were done quickly!





I affixed a floral wreath upside down, to the light fixture over our dining room table.  Then, hung this sign above the food!  Target had these great dry erase (double sided!) boards and strips in their dollar bin.

Pink and white marshmallows nod to the outer space "Bleeper People" from the Kipper show.  Iced shortbread cookies are one of my all-time favorites!

Who can resist puppy chow?  Yummy goodness.

Having big, awkward bags of chips just tossed on a table can be tacky at a "nice" party.  The table was quite full and didn't exactly have room for more bowls.  Instead, this basket housed the rolled-down chip bags nicely.

Strangely, I stumbled upon this nifty idea!  I made a magnet board full of pictures of our daughter - birth to 2 years.  The cut-out flowers I hot glued on the back of a basic round magnet (found at any craft store) and just "stuck" the magnet in the middle of the baking cup!  Just the little touch of color and creativity I was looking for.  (I also made a couple baking cup garlands which are not shown.)

Because we have chosen to be gluten, sugar and dairy free...all the time for our daughter, and some of the time for me...it's hard to find a "cake" she can eat!  (Last year we left out the whole "get all messy with the cake" thing and instead she had half of an avocado with a birthday candle.  *grins*) 

This year, I discovered and apple cinnamon muffin mix that fit our "standards."  She was thrilled to have her own special cake - with blueberries and strawberries on top. 

Thanks for celebrating our daughter's 2nd birthday with us!  Glad you could come. 

We have been blessed.

*All printables were designed by WithLoveGreetings found over at Etsy.  She was so easy to work with and helped me out with a last minute invite!

Snack Time - Products we use and love!

It was a lovely, scorching hot afternoon and my daughter and I were outside.  Snack time and water hose time came at the same time, and this is what she ate...

Bolthouse Farms Organic Carrot Juice
Watered down, mostly water.  Available at Costco, but not online.

Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Bread
While not gluten free, this is the only bread OR gluten our daughter gets!  All organic and sprouted, thus it makes me happy.  *smiles*

Lundberg Organic Brown Rice Cake

Hard Boiled Organic Brown Egg

Organic Apple

And don't forget the Desert Essence sunscreen!

For those out there who are saying, "Great food choices, but go all out and don't use plastic use glass or stainless steel!"  While I agree, prefer, and often chose those options, just how many spendy stainless steel sippies are we supposed to dent and bottles/plates are we to break?  Anyway, the practical, thrifty side of me always shines through, and I just can't risk destroying things on the concrete, therefore wasting more precious pennies!

AND THEN...there are those of you saying, "Those aren't kid snacks!  Where's the Fruit Loops, gummy worms, cookies and Yoplait?"  Well, ain't ya glad I'm not YOUR mom?  *BIG grin*

We TRY to be healthy around here.  It's a process, we are gradually changing.  If you want Oreos or ice cream, talk to her daddy.  *winks*

What kind of snacks do your kids eat on hot summer days?

Desert Essence - Natural Product Review

Wow.  That's all I can say about the Coconut Shampoo by Desert Essence.  I'm hearing this from friends and others who are branching out and trying another product.  But the buck stops here. 

All you really need is the shampoo too!  My hair was so soft and easily combed.  Having thick, curly hair, conditioner was always needed...but not anymore!  My curls are also more defined and bouncy.   No more massive tangles at the nape of my neck.

After years of trying 'el cheapo all the way to super expensive shampoos and conditioners (some natural, some not) I've FINALLY landed on something I am in LOVE with. 

100% Vegan, Wheat and Gluten Free.  No: Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, Phthalates, Artificial Colors, Silicones, EDTA, Glycol or Petroleum-Based Ingredients. 

Order from their site and get free shipping with orders over $50, plus free samples!  Also, sign-up for their email subscription and get 10% off your first order.

At $8.99 for 8 fl. oz. on their website, this is money very well spent for the Coconut Shampoo.  A dime sized dollop is about all you need!  Should last for quite a while unless you're like us...

This has been come our family shampoo.  Mommy, Daddy and little one.  Nice for traveling - we only need one thing for the whole family!


Their Tea Tree Oil and Neem Toothpaste, Tea Tree Oil Deodorant with Lavender and Daily Essential Defense Lotion SPF 15 also get five stars. 

The toothpaste tastes great, the deodorant actually works, (many natural deodorants fall short for me) with the daily lotion having a wonderfully light scent leaving my face feeling oh so supple. 



Other Desert Essence products have caught my eye such as their Thoroughly Clean Face Wash and the NEW! Coconut Lime Hand and Body Lotion. 

Have you ever tried Desert Essence products?  What's your favorite natural body care line?