Lisa’s Simply Delicious Granola

Gluten Free Living in A Gluten Filled World

The single most common excuse or argument for not following a Gluten Free Lifestyle is a reasonable one: I don’t have time! Well, I believe that through research and education, you can do this, your whole family can do this, and you will be glad you did it. Luckily, I’ve already done some of the research for you. I know from experience that one of the hardest battles that we had to overcome was tackling ‘restaurant eating.’

I will never forget it. We were in Chicago in June 2008. My youngest daughter had just been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity, and we thought it would be a special treat to go to The Rainforest Café! It is such a fun place, great atmosphere, kid-friendly, what could go wrong? It was a disaster! EVERYTHING was fried with breading or IN the fryer with breading and we ended up leaving; frazzled, frustrated and with many tears.

When we go to restaurants now, we are prepared. I have called the restaurant to make sure that there are items on the menu that we can eat! This makes for a successful outing and everyone is happy. While doing my research I found many restaurants in the Boulder and Denver areas that have Gluten Free menus. I am convinced that more and more restaurants will jump on the bandwagon to accommodate their ever growing clientele of gluten free customers. Here’s my top 10 list (in no particular order):

1. Outback Steakhouse
2. Carrabba’s
3. Maggiano’s Little Italy
4. Turley’s
5. Mimi’s Café
6. Chili’s
7. Red Robin
8. Beau Jo’s Pizza
9. Islands
10. P.F. Chang’s

If you know of other restaurants in the area with gluten free options, please let me know – leave a comment! Next time, some advice on how to stick to those New Year’s Resolutions. And here is a gluten free recipe that is sure to make your mouth water and keep your tummy satisfied.

Lisa’s Simply Delicious Granola

5 ½ cups Gluten Free Certified Rolled Oats
2 T cinnamon mixed with 2 t sugar
2/3 cup honey
1/3 cup grapeseed oil
1/3 cup olive oil
2 t vanilla

Pour oats into a 9 X 11 glass baking dish. Sprinkle and mix cinnamon/sugar mixture. In a small pot, over low heat, mix honey, oil and vanilla. Pour warmed mixture over the oats until evenly coated. Don’t mix! Bake at 325 degrees for 12 minutes. Take out of oven and mix to evenly coat the oats. Store in an airtight container after it has cooled. Tastes great on yogurt, ice cream or with milk for breakfast, snack or anytime!