Sunday, July 23, 2017

French Onion Dip

I was craving chips and dip yesterday, but didn't feel like going to the grocery store to pick up a dip so I decided to make it myself! It didn't take too long, and allowed me to control what I wanted going into the dip. Sometimes it's easier to make the food yourself instead of going out to buy it! This dip was the perfect accompaniment to potato chips and a good Netflix marathon. 

Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise 
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure
1. Caramelize the onions in olive oil and set them aside to cool.
2. Mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and cooled onions.
3. Add in your salt and pepper.

That's it! Now you have a delicious dip for your potato chips that didn't take too long from your Netflix marathon (staying inside is the best way to beat this 100+ F heat).

Enjoy!
-Sema

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Summer Blackberry Refresher

An excessive heat wave is about to hit my neck of the woods, which means another week of grueling summer heat! What's the best way to cope? A delicious summer drink of course! This easy drink will help you stay hydrated while adding a touch of blackberry goodness!
Enjoy!
-Sema

Saturday, July 8, 2017

4 Years of Blogging!

Today marks my four year anniversary of blogging! Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past four years, I honestly couldn't have done it without you all. I started my blog to create a positive outlook on the gluten-free lifestyle, because I truly believe that gluten-free does not mean taste-free. I want you all to know that I am your gluten-free friend, and you can count on me for recipes and tips to help you navigate through the gluten-free lifestyle!

The gluten-free world has come a long way since I was diagnosed (as seen in this video), and it's a wonderful feeling being able to ask for a gluten-free menu at a restaurant as well as being able to implement a gluten-free lunch program at school. All of this is possible with the awareness of the diet and the emergence of gluten-free products at mainstream grocery stores. All we have to continue to do is make delicious food and reverse any negativity surrounding the diet!

I am very honored to be included in Healthline's Best Gluten-Free Cooking Blogs of the Year! Check out the other winners to gain insightful tips and awesome recipes!

I am excited to continue to share recipes and tips as I navigate through my college years. Cheers to many more years of blogging!
-Sema

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

4th of July Pavlova Cake

Happy 4th of July! While it is pretty cloudy in my neck of the woods, nothing can put a damper on today's festivities. If you are in a pinch and wondering what to make last minute, I highly recommend this pavlova cake! Nothing screams the 4th of July like a cake that includes the necessary colors of red, white, and blue.

Cake Ingredients
6 room temperature eggs
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Dash of white wine vinegar

Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.  
2. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks, we will only need the egg whites for this recipe.
3. Place the egg whites in a food mixer. That way you don't have to beat it by hand, because trust me, that would take a while.
4. Set the mixer on high, and start mixing until it turns into a creamy white substance.
5. SLOWLY add in the sugar in a thin stream, as to not clump anything up.
6. Add the vanilla, cornstarch, and vinegar.
7. Let it mix until it because so thick that it doesn't run out when you tilt it over.
8. Place parchment paper over a round oven pan. (I used a pizza pan and cut out a sheet of parchment paper to fit it.)
9. Evenly distribute the batter over the pan.
10. Set it into the oven for 1 hour. 


Topping Ingredients
1 pint of whipping cream
3 tablespoons of sugar (or however much you want to sweeten the cream)
Fruit of choice (I used blueberries and strawberries)

Procedure
1. Whip the cream, adding in the sugar. You want to whip it until it becomes spreadable.
2. Wash, cut, and dry the fruit. I cut strawberries into little bits, and added blueberries.

Once your cake has cooled down, add the whipped cream, and top it with the fruit. The cake will be crispy on the outside, but creamy on the inside, and once paired with the fruit and whipped cream, it creates a delicious treat.

Voila! You have a 4th of July dessert!

Enjoy!
-Sema