Spring! Breathe Deeply!

        I don't know how the weather is where you are, but here, it is the blushing, bashful child, against whom you cannot hold the slightest grudge, even for the most abominable offense. The whole atmosphere, here is watching its toe drag through the dirt, in a cosmic " Aw shucks!- sorry about all the ice, and snow, and wind chill- but here are some chirping birds and little green things poking their heads out! "  


      New England, as does any place, has its own peculiar beauty. On the other hand, the harsh extremes one must endure to appreciate those windows have never really seemed a fair trade to me. 


     But, I love my kitchen, my bright teal oven mitts and, even my new allergy panel!


     If you follow me on FB, you'll know my food list has gotten smaller. Now, before you all exhale a collective sigh of pity, DON'T! This is fantastic news. That's not just sour grapes, or putting on a sunny face, no, no, no...


     This is what I wanted. See, I know how good I feel without the wheat. I wanted a more complete list, to further my healing!


     Okay, so there are some things I'll have to forgo,  former staples in my pantry, but all I can think about is how this will feel so much better. 


    Goodbye tomatoes and peas and nuts and beans and eggs, garlic, sesame and watermelon. I will love you all from afar, but I do not miss you more than I want to be well and happy and balanced.


    There were somethings I was not having at home, but indulging in whilst out and about, although I KNEW I should not. In those areas ( Soy and Dairy) I knew seeing it in print would bolster me against the temptations out here in the real world. 


    Is it okay to say I will miss that certain chain of coffee shops where I would get my weekly Soy Chai?  


     Plus, I'm Dana B, I can make hummus without sesame, I can make potato chips without safflower oil... I forgot to mention that one. And ginger?- at that there was a gulp... but then a release, okay, and a sigh when I saw my beautiful pickled ginger all pink and ready for my next sushi adventure, and my ginger tea, spicy and hot. What ev's! I laugh at you all now,  ( the allergens, not you my dear friends) as I breeze through the isles at the grocery store. 


     My list is so much simpler now. 


    And really, isn't that what we all want? Simple?


     I don't have to read labels on 'energy' bars, (I'll miss you LARA! - you're still the best!) or s'getti sauce, lunch meat, or chips... the few, minimally processed foods we did occasionally buy, are now off the list, SIMPLE is BETTER!


    This also challenges me to reach out into the realm of these other allergies, to gift you with whatever I discover and create along the way.


     So, cheers to us all for our limitless imaginations and creativity!


                                                                                  
     And, Keep those pictures coming in... only a  little time left!


     Ooh, Ooh, I almost forgot, look out for the "Hundred Bag Challenge" It's going to be a blast!




    




    

Ah, those little cheese crackers!

You know which ones I’m talking about.

For me, they were the staple treat at my Grandmama’s house. 

 That quaint white paper bag, 

                     The little farm on the outside,right?

After months of trials and perfecting 

( I know, this is where I am to say ‘trial and error’, but really, every attempt was so delicious, and quickly devoured, 

failure was never the case.), 

we came up with the perfect answer to your cravings.

Thank you for the prompting and patience!

So, here’s what they looked like.

And here’s how it went.

  -Evidence that yours truly, truly needs a food processor! See the lovely bits of cheese? ( In their own quarantined section of the world) 

Dana B, herself chopped it all down to microscopic, by hand. 

That is love!

If you have a Cuisinart, and a Kitchenaid, this project will take you about half the time it did in our test kitchen, but then you may not have time to get through War And Peace on audio before you crunch into your first cracker.

Crackers in the raw...

And, nicely toasted…

So, you decide which  you need most: time, or a bowlful of tiny crackers and a head full of classic Russian literature. 

I guess we know where I stand on it!

These did not last long…

X's n O's, because, 'You’ll love being free '™

I am not ready to post my own recipe, but I am happy to connect you to a fabulous site, from which I modified this recipe... 

and by 'modified' I simply mean 

I replaced the flour with DB's Best! 

Cup for Cup!


http://www.familyfreshcooking.com


Be sure to tell her Dana B sentcha!

I will be making theses again, so fun!

  I was just talking to a dear gluten free-er, the other day about how well the mixes are going, how everyone loves them and how it’s just now dawning on me how unusual my life is.

Not everyone wants to spend days on end working out a single, perfect brownie, cracker, or cookie.

Here, I thought I was giving you all this huge gift by sending our flour blend out into the world, but so many of you would love it all to be even simpler, to go from pantry to plate bypassing the cookbook, and only making the slightest ripple in your kitchen before mouth watering aromas begin to waft through your life.

I get it now, maybe. I am continuing to make eclairs, teeny crackers and loaves and loaves of bread (you won’t get that mix until perfection is achieved), and encourage you all to try it too,

 BUT, when something really fantastic comes along, something you’ve been missing and I can get it down to a science, for you to dump mix, bake and fall in love with, you will be the first to know.

And, if there’s something you see here that you simply cannot live without, just write. We can ship almost anything, almost anywhere.

We want you to love being free as much as we do!

What’s available? I keep forgetting to tell you!

Pancake/ Waffle mix, you know,

But did you know you can order:

Focaccia Mix?! One package makes two loaves of Herbed Focaccia.

(available unherbed, as well)

 This goes from the cutest little bag to hot from the oven in less than an hour.

One bowl, one pan!

About 5 minutes of mixing!

No mono or diglycerides!

If you ever made a pan of brownies from a mix,

You can make-

Dana B’s moist, light, incredibly delicious focaccia, for toast and sandwiches!

Yup! It holds together in the toaster!

My testers have been known to get a little misty and spontaneously hug me after their first bite.

The Best scone mix, anywhere!

We are selling this to Glutenistas (Gluten munching foodies)!- they love the product for being natural, simple, easy and fantastic!

I recommend the Cranberry Chocolate Chip, but the Back to Basics mix leaves room for you to go crazy with flavors of your own inspiration and gives you a place to start for my seasonal recipes!

Pizza Crusts, soon to be served at a restaurant near you! – but available in your home kitchen, now!

This is, hands down, the easiest pizza crust, well, ever! If you haven’t made a GF pizza crust yet, you may be surprised at how easy it is!  

This is another one being gobbled up by anyone and everyone, because it’s easy, fun, and a great introduction to the kitchen for kids, because no matter what, it comes out great!

Each package makes two 12-14 inch crusts.

 Make one for now and one for the freezer.

Available in classic and herbed.

So, here’s the update on the business front. The two co ops in our area are extremely interested in carrying our line. Imagine walking into the deli section and ordering a sandwich and having it served to you on tender, rich bread!

Want Dana B’s Best at a co op or specialty store near you?

Ask for it by name.

You can be a Gluten Free Foodie, without compromise!

Easy Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets!

                   Fried Chicken!

    After years of watching the rest of the family’s vigilant avoidance of anything with even the teeniest possibility of being contaminated by any of our allergens… (Yes, we are those people who, if invited to a lovely meal, bring the food… it’s just easier than explaining the list, the rules of quarantine, etc.) our tweeny has gone Completely GF!

    Now, she was sweetly, generously, gluten free at home, ( she is my official taste tester and chocoltier) but would indulge while away, pizza at school, beautiful focaccia at Keene Fresh Salad Co… Gorgeous sandwiches as Fritz The Place To Eat (each of these establishments now offer several GF options, so, if yer in Keene, Check’m out!), but, she was feeling more and more reactive, and although her allergy test results aren’t yet in, she feels so much better sans gluten.

    I have to say, she seems brighter at the end of a long day at school. It used to be a droopy puddle of a girl oozing into the backseat, sullenly gazing out the window. She has noticed a ‘more awake feeling’ without the wheat. When she slipped, accepting a cracker from a classmate during lunch, , she felt quite sleepy for the rest of the day, deepening her commitment to this lifestyle.

    Thanks to a recent copy of Living Without, I was able to quickly explain ataxia as a reaction to wheat gluten.

    It also brought home, anew, the pressure to feel like we are eating the same things as everyone else; like we can still have treats!

    Some switch flipped, when she realized how her life was about to change if she wants to keep feeling well. The little bits of crunchy crackers & cookies, the hot lunch options of pizza, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets…well, it all seemed out of reach.

    So, like anyone on a new food plan, she began to lament what is not on the list.

    She turned down an Oreo after being assured I would make her some fresh ones at home.

    She cheerfully passed out our home made tiny little cheese crackers to all her tablemates.

    These are middle schoolers, tweens and teens, picky, skeptical, wary. They loved all the ‘experiments’ and you will, too.

    I’ll get back to all that later.

    This is supposed to be about the chicken nuggets! We are not fryers. We do not buy fried things, do not own a fry thingy, we do not generally cook that way.

    It just so happens that this was a month with two frying experiments. Two Fried Successes!

    Dana B’s fried chicken is so easy, and it does great in the oven, too. SO, you don’t have to fry it at all!

    Here’s all we did:

    All I did was dredge pieces of fresh, local chicken in Drew’s Salad Dressing and Marinade. We love Ranch (contains Dairy) and Italian (dairy free). We were using Drew’s even before we were Gluten Free-ers, it is just so lovely. It‘s dressing, but it’s still food, not goop! Tangy, honest flavors to please anyone’s tastes, and the perfect first layer for chicken nuggets!

    Then, lift each piece out of the dressing into a pan of Dana B’s Best Flour Blend. Seriously, that’s it.

    I like to set out two pie plates, one with dressing, one with flour blend, so we can assembly line the process, ending in the big pan of frying oil, or, as is more often the case, a cookie sheet lined with parchment.

    Our gas stove heats the oil nicely set pretty low, on 2-3 and I can keep up with the batches that way, as you don’t want to over crowd them.

    For oven ‘frying’ set the oven to 450, and keep an eye out. Ours were done in about 20 minutes. I like to flip them about half way through.

    We made a bunch.

    You know I love a fully loaded freezer!

    This is all stuff anyone can do. I do not spend every day behind an apron from dawn to dusk slaving over stove and cooling racks.  

    I do not own any cookbook other than that old Fanny Farmer I always mention.

    Although, as a treat, last weekend, we borrowed a few disks of The French Chef from the library. Funny, I think it was the first time I’ve ever watched any cooking show, ever.

    How can that be?

    They are ubiquitous!

    Do I live in a cave?

    Well, we thoroughly enjoyed each episode and it pushed me into perfecting the bread mix you’ve all been asking for. You will love it! Easy, light, moist, AND, it holds together in the toaster!

Remember to keep sending those Pictures in.

We love to see what you all are doing with

Dana B’s Best Flour Blend!

   

Our Biggest Order, Yet! 15 LBS! 

Someone REALLY loves Being Free!

Short and sweet!

     We have had several of you asking for egg free options, corn free status and the latest request has been for a waffle mix!


     Good news for you all.  


     The egg free pancake  mix will be available in April. Our test kitchen is running full steam ahead!


     We are now offering gluten free/corn free confectioner's sugar, yay! 


     Dana B's Sunday Best Pancake Mix works brilliantly as a waffle mix! 
     
     Here's how you do it


     Separate 3 eggs


     Whip whites up until nice and fluffy... to soft peaks, set aside
    
      In medium bowl add to the yolks: 


     1tsp Vanilla

     1/4 c. gently melted butter... you know we use Soy Free Earth Balance.... gorgeous!


     3/4 c. Milk ... we use Rice Dream, because it is soy free, too!


     Get this all well blended


     Add: one packet of Dana B's Sunday Best Pancake Mix


     Once that is all mixed well, 


     Get those fluffy whites ready, and gently fold them in, so you keep the loft. 




    Now you're ready to make perfect, golden waffles!


    Enjoy!


   Remember, 


  Keep sending those pic's of your creations made with Dana B's, or wearing your favorite Dana B's gear ( see the cafe press link to the right, or make something yourself! )... best pic wins a Month Of Sundays Best Pancake Mix!


  All entries due May 2 2011, winner announced May 16, 2011!

  By sending pic's, you are agreeing to have them published here, on bloggy and on Face Book.


  Thanks again for all your support and great feedback. 


   If you want to be able to buy Dana B's Best near you, ask for it by name!


   P.S. I heard rumors of a daffodil blooming through the snow yesterday!


  


     
      

March Madness?

     Hey all!
        So, I am feeling painfully ready for crocuses and robins. 
        I hear you all just a bit south are already seeing evidence that, yes, there will be a Spring!
        On the menu this week, will of course be Irish Soda Bread. 
        The Test Kitchen will be perfecting Hot Cross Buns, too. 
        I'm sure you are all looking forward to the contest and the new pics. 
        Email for details, in case you haven't already seen'm on FB.  (Dana Batch)
        Thank you for your patience as we expand our technical capabilities!
        Remember, got out there and get some fresh air!




        




        
         

Ahhh, Beignet!

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Happy Fat Tuesday!
This is turning into a holiday blog, which was not the intent. I thought I’d be on here every few days or so, BUT, life is so grand!
Thanks for all your payers. Keep them going, we are really seeing business pick up, and although we did not accept the spot at the Winter Farmer’s Market in Brattleboro, it felt good to be able to say, “No thanks, that just doesn’t fit with where we are going.”
It seemed to be a lovely venue, and of course, we will be supporting the locals in every way possible, just not the right fit for us.
Okay, Fat Tuesday? What’s this?  It is the day before the season of Lent begins, a day of indulging before the 40 days of Lenten Observance. This is not something I personally adhere to, but any excuse to make donuts.
So, today, to bring smiles to all those I hold so dear at the little School our daughter attends, I brought in fresh beignet. Gorgeous!
Delicate little puffs of eggy, fluffy goodness drizzled with glaze.
Hey, if you’re going to be up at 3a.m., make it worth it, right? Wait ‘til you see these photos!
We did have a film made so you all could take a look into our kitchen. We also had a photographer come in, to take some photos. All the set up takes time. The next thing we need to barter for is web design help… I think I’m Steve Jobs when I can change the font without getting my 6th grader involved.
The flour blends and mixes are taking off like crazy. It is so fun to drop the samples in the mail, or at a co op, knowing it will bless someone to have something they’d have thought impossible.
Okay, here’s the real stuff. I am really seeing the Hand of God in my life of late.
Ever had one of those seasons when everything you hear or see, on the radio, in conversation, on billboards, seems like a beckoning from somewhere, pulling you into some new awareness.
In the past few years, my husband and I have been seeing our relationship with each other and with God solidify, reach levels we’d never have thought possible.
A year ago, when we went through one of those time splitting events, where nothing is quite the same again and you begin to measure time against it. We sat stunned, totally at peace, even while steeping in the adrenaline and chaos of the E.R.
Although unable to verbalize any of this, in the moment, simply making eye contact confirmed we were feeling the same thing. A deep inexplicable calm.
We had arrived! We were friends of God! We brought Him with us into that hospital and the joy spilled out onto everyone. We were absolutely effervescent. It was a delicious place to be, cradled in the womb of His perfect love in the midst of the unknown.
Oh, silly sophomoric woman.
The year following ‘the big event’ has repeatedly brought me to my knees, and my husband to his. It seems as though our Loving Father has tugged gently, albeit insistently, on the things to which I cling while claiming Him alone as my hope and salvation.
Take a minute to read here: http://www.motivateus.com/stories/pearls.htm… you may need to cut and paste… really needing that web help.
Perhaps, you have heard variations of this, maybe too may times, but for me, there is a never ending strand of junk I deem shiny, or pretty, or I think earns me a higher status in my social circle, but it is really just more junk to keep my hands full, unable to receive the genuine pearls He holds, tenderly, insistently asking me to give all to Love Him, not knowing what he will fill my emptied heart and hands with, but trusting His perfect plan.
I think of my sacrifice and pain, as so great, the loss of financial security, a dear friend dying suddenly, the pain of living in an imperfect body with so much healing still to do, people unexpectedly lashing out, wounding, disappointing…
Where is my comfort, who is my shelter, my haven in times of despair?
About 15 years ago, I realized I was living within the walls of fears, which may have served me at one time, but had become the core beliefs now holding me in a small life. You know what I’m talking about, I’m sure.
The process, once begun became a life journey, as one by one, or sometimes, section by section, I have been able to separate belief from reality, necessity from preference, leaving me, always, with a sense of bewilderment, baffled at how strongly I held to a given paradigm, and how tenderly, or eek, suddenly, blinders are lifted, letting the light come in, illuminating the freedom available as an alternative to my white knuckled tendencies.
Back to a decade and a half ago… I was terrified of several things; snakes and heights topped the list, though as most annoying. These had bumped up into the realm of phobias. So, I partnered up with a crazy rock climber, who refused to take my fear of heights seriously. It was like someone looked under the bed and said, “Nope, no boogie man here!” with a bit of an eye roll. Without giving me the chance to rethink my decision to beat this once and for all, a team of experts began strapping a harness, rope and carabineer to me, giving my stunned brain the bare essential instructions and safety precautions.
Before I could fully conceive of what I was about to do, I was scrambling my circa 1990’s spandex clad rump up a 40-50 ft wall. This was the girl who couldn’t stand a stool (no exaggeration), grabbing, stepping, and pulling myself up the wall. Terrified, but to the point of exhilaration, not petrification.
  I never froze up.
I just kept going.
That was my only job my ‘coach’ kept reminding me, he was, after all, on belay, if something gave out, or I missed a step, he would be ready to slow my fall, cushion me, keep me from real harm.
Now, watching the real life scaries rear their heads, the big and little tragedies and what if’s of life that can freeze me to the spot, am I going to relax, knowing He’s on belay? Will I just keep moving forward? -Know the fear is there and just look for the next grab or hold?
Isn’t this the key?
My friend who died last week, I still have books I borrowed from her years ago, always encouraged me to write, although she was quite brilliant, published, and in a writer’s group, she reached out to me, nudged me toward letting the music out.
If it weren’t for her, I’d not be writing. If not for her courage, I may not be doing any of what I do. Courage truly is contagious. Let yours spill onto someone today. You never know whose life it will change.
Thank you JDM. You were a mother to so many hurting souls even as your heart broke daily. You will be missed.