PULLED PORK ON A BUN. GF FROM SCRATCH

On the weekends I read other people's Blogs and lately I shifted to European based Blogs a bit more. In one particular  french based Blog, (http://ckenb.blogspot.com/2010/02/pulled-pork-mustard-greens-and.html ) I read a post about pulled pork ( the guy is from NC) and really wanted to make it. So, a couple of weekends later, I finally had time and attacked my own chunk of Boston Butt.

It's supposed to be made on a smoker or BBQ, but when you live in Alberta, well, it's a bit too soon for that. Dutch Oven had to do. And did it ever. Since Victoria does not digest onions that well anymore either, I made a rub from scratch as well.

I found a video from one of those BBQ champions and it turned out pretty good. Not that I am going to enter a BBQ competition any time soon, but this summer I really am looking forward to more outdoor cooking.

Weather permitting that is.....Calgary is famous for crazy weather patterns.

For dessert I really lucked out, Victoria had an order set aside for those Gluten Free Callebaut Chocolate Brownies and the customer forgot to pick them up. That square of sweetness was the perfect offset for the pork sandwich.

Heather T., where were you? A plate was set for you....

MADE FROM SCRATCH. ON A GF BUN

THE FINEST FLAVORS

5HOURS 45 MINUTES

COVERED IN SPICE RUB

THE RUB FROM SCRATCH

THE BEST DESSERT - GF CALLEBAUT BROWNIES

GLUTEN FREE AT TANGO BISTRO

I found this place, Tango Bistro, via Chowhound a while ago. Judging by the concept, I thought it might be a good possibility to get some good GF options there, as all seemed to be prepped fresh and served in small portions.

So I went last week, to check it out by myself and buy some fries for Isabella and this Sunday, the whole family went and we very much enjoyed the place.

The waiter was very patient with Victoria's instructions and brought back a list og gluten free options, plus item they could modify if we want them. The Tuna for example came without soy sauce and was excellent.

My favorite dish, short ribs sliders are unfortunately not suitable for you to eat if you are gluten sensitive. However, the excellent beans that come with the sliders are GF!.

Victoria had a short discussion about her flatbread since som eof their dishes are served on regular flatbread. So wait and see if this is another restaurant that might pick up GF PATISSERIE'S bread for your improved dining experience. But even until then, you can safely go and enjoy the place.

Heather, a regular ready pointed out that she passed on the fries at TANGO, as they use the same fryer for their Won Tons. Victoria took the risk and had no reaction. She is very sensitive to gluten.

The Yam Frites were excellent. Your call on the fryer issue.

INSIDE SMUGGLER'S ON MACLEOD TRAIL

BARELY SEARED TUNA SANS SOY = GF!

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS WITH FRIED BOCCONCINI = GF

BACON CHORIZO DATES = GF!

BEEF TENDERLOIN SKEWERS = GF!

BEANS (SIDE TO THE SLIDERS) = GF!

EXCELLENT MUSSELS = GF!

SLIDERS......NOT GF

ROASTED VEGETABLES= NATURALLY GF!

NOT A BAD BILL FOR A NICE EVENING OUT

INTERESTING FINDS AT SUPERSTORE

While hunting for some ingredients today at Superstore I went down my favorite isle, the one with all the imported goods and found some interesting things to buy.

Not that most exciting items, but I had to check them out. After all, I like to try new things.

Authentic, free of preservatives refried beans from Mexico. These will be perfect for the Tacos we are having for dinner. No other ingredients, beans, salt. Love it.

Pickles from Iran. Huh. How did a company from Iran get listed at Superstore? I really want to know. If you are working in the purchasing department at Loblaw, please email me. I have the in with some premium gluten free baked goods you could make a fortune with.

The pickles are good, flavored with Tarragon, a herb that you do not associate with pickles. A whole glove of garlic floating in the jar give them an extra kick as well.

And from their own brand, I bought these Praline Pecans, which are covered in cinnamon. Not my favorite, but I know Isabella and Victoria will like them.

Funny, I tried all three things almost simultanously, a weird combination but how else am I going to tell you about these things?

BLUSH LANE ORGANIC MARKET

Many Calgary readers I am sure are familiar with Blush Lane's giant booth at the Calgary Farmers' Market. This organic focused company now also has a fixed store in Calgary, over on the West Side in Aspen Woods.

We went there the other day, after Sandra kept telling me that she has switched to buying her beggies and other main ingredients tehre instead of other grocery stores around town. Personally I am not so much a health focused foodie, but maybe I should look after my family's food intake a little more.

Fairly large for a single store operation, the first thing that impressed me was their cheese selection when you enter the place to the right. So many artisanal cheeses. A lot of Canadian ones too. Wow.

Throughout the well lit (compared to the darkish look of Community Health) store we found some real gems of local and international producers that are fairly unique.

Spoon Fed, a Calgary based company that makes tiny batches of good soups, is represented here. They only deliver in the inner city core, so if you are a suburban like most of us, this is the only place I have seen their jars of soup.

Plenty of gluten free choices as well, from Judy G Pizza, all the way to some lesser known brands from Australia.

I think I should aproach them about Victoria's breads and baked goods. What do you think?

If you are headed west of the city, go check this place out:

http://www.blushlane.com/index.html

 

GLUTEN FREE GNOCCHI IN A HURRY

Victoria is really busy at the bakery. My gig is picking up steam as well, something has to give. More often than I care for, it's dinner. We really enjoy our home cooking, simple or complex, but it has suffered since Victoria went back to the bakery.

My last appointment of the day was in the north east today and I took the spare time I had to go shopping at the Italian Store. Always a treat, always a feast.

http://theceliachusband.blogspot.com/2009/05/italian-store-calgary.html

They had Rice- and Corn Gnocchi that are gluten free! Dinner, almost home cooked. A couple of Tomato Sauces, mild and no onions for Victoria, spicy for the rest us. Fresh Basil, to give the sauce a nice finishing touch, it was a "home made" meal in less that 12 minutes.

Now, they do not compare to Gnocchi you make yourself, Victoria's were five times better, (http://theceliachusband.blogspot.com/2008/04/gnocchi-carbonara-warning-ugly-pictures.html) but they were good for those of us who are too busy to cook .

VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS

February 14th. Way too close to Christmas. Isn't it? We just bought gifts. Loads of them.
Anyway. Be smart, forward this post to your spouse for some ideas.

Gift Certs are always easy.

So are flowers.

Fondue from scratch? A bit more challenging.

Some BLING from the auction? Not a bad idea.

Gluten free cookies. Your favorite!!

Or an antique Valentine's card, hand written? That's different.

EASY!

Make it from scratch. Ask Victoria for Callebaut chocolate.
Flowers are a given.


CHOPARD NECKLACE

www.hallsauction.com

Auction, Tuesday Feb 9th, 5.30pm

BVLGARI NECKLACE

ROSE GOLD RING

Butter Cookies!!

Hand written card!