Make a list of all the foods, real foods, that you either do not like or have not tried. You can even do this when you go to the grocery store. Walk around the produce area and make a note of those foods. Don't forget to check out the seafood counter or meat counter. Now remember if you are looking at foods without labels, this will be a fast and easy thing to do.
By doing this at your grocery store or farmers market where you can shop, I won't have to hear you complain you would like to try x,y, and z but they don't sell it where you live. No excuses, just opportunities.
I have a new name for foods I don't like. If they are gluten, dairy and rice free then I can eat them. If I can eat them then I call them foods I don't like yet. Maybe there is another variety of that food I can try or maybe I need a different recipe.
For instance I thought I didn't like Brussels sprouts. Well I found out I didn't like them boiled but I love them roasted with a little bacon.
I also found out the more foods I try the more open I am to trying foods I never would have in the past. There are so many great foods out there, go find some new ones and give them a try! Give yourself as many choices as possible. You're not scared, are you?
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients:
Note: If you don't have a cast iron skillet or any oven proof skillet you can use a cookie sheet for the Brussels sprouts. Just cook the bacon in a regular skillet pouring the bacon over the sprouts on the sheet and then bake.
If you are looking for a little different twist try White On Rice Couple's version with Balsamic Vinegar. It's really good too. Or you might like Elise's Simply Recipes version with garlic
and lemon.
Benefits of Gathering with Other Gluten Free Foodies
This month I was lucky enough to travel to San Francisco for the BlogHer Food Conference. I went to learn how to be a better blogger and to gather with other food loving folks. I also was lucky enough to hang out with many gluten free bloggers. That meant when we all were looking to eat, we all had the same starting point.
At home I have to admit I don't hang out with other gluten free folks. I've not joined in any of the local groups and now I'm wondering why. It's such a great opportunity to share and learn from each other. You can also share plates when you go out to eat which doesn't happen with my other friends.
So what groups gather around you? Is there a Yahoo group, GIG, or a CSA chapter you could join? How about other local support groups? Why not start a Meet Up group in your area?
I have to say it is so much fun to meet up with my friends from all over country and I hope we get to do it more often. As for my fellow local gluten free foodies, I'd love to hear from you.
If you belong to a group from any area, please let me know and I'll start a list to include in an upcoming post on this topic. Please share how they can contact the group, where it is and what is the focus.