My husband has three foodie loves in life. Beer. Cheese. Coffee. We have a deal. When we check out a gluten free restaurant or bakery, he gets to visit the nearest coffee shop. However, I always lament that there are no safe gluten free “goodies” around. After reaching out to my baker friends, I realize Michigan baristas offer lots of options!

**Note– Please know that those baking under Cottage Law, from their home, are prohibited from selling their baked goods at a commercial business. Why? Because their kitchen has not been inspected by the health department. Only baked goods made in a commercial kitchen can be sold in additional locations. 

Rise Authentic Baking Products 

• Pour-d (Rockford)
• The Bradbury Cafe (Grand Rapids)
• Outside Coffee (Grand Rapids)
• Outside Coffee (Douglas)
• Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar (Grand Rapids)
• Last Mile Cafe (Grand Rapids)
• Mason Jar Cafe (Benton Harbor)
• Uptown Coffeehouse (Howell)
• Snake Oil Roasters (South Haven)

Please see comments below for additional location suggestions.

Wish that a coffee shop near you carried gluten free products? Show them my list of dedicated gluten free bakers, and help them connect! Know a coffee house serving 100% gluten free baked goods? Leave a comment below!

**Disclaimer – Offerings subject to change. While I try to keep this list updated, coffee shops sometimes stop carrying products.

Originally Published May 2019

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Super Simple – Just One Special Ingredient

So my aunt messaged me on Instagram wanting the recipe for these gluten free mocha donuts. The thing is, this recipe is super simple.  If you count this Better Batter Chocolate Cake mix as one ingredient, this recipe has 8 ingredients total. No dairy. Zero soy. No nuts.  So only 8 ingredients stand between you and gluten free mocha donuts. So let’s get started, shall we?

The trick from turning this chocolate cake mix into gluten free mocha donuts is one special ingredient. Coffee.(Duh, right?) You can use any coffee you like. Espresso. Dark Roast. Breakfast Blend. I used the Simple Truth Dark Roast Cold Brew Coffee my husband bought at our local Kroger. (Wow, that was a mouthful.)

The Better Batter Chocolate Cake mix calls for 1 and 1/2 cups of water. Instead, I used 3/4 cup of Cold Brew and 3/4 cup of water. (You can use regular brewed coffee.) Then I added the rest of the ingredients as directed, and mixed it in my stand mixer. Easy Peasy. Dump the batter into a gallon-sized plastic bag, snip the tip, pipe into a donut pan, and you’re in business.

Why You Should Never Add Liquid to Melted Chocolate

As you may have read in my Gluten-Free Mocha Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache recipe, my husband loves coffee. So when I made another batch of ganache for these gluten free mocha donuts, I again added espresso powder to the coconut cream. DO NOT ADD BREWED COFFEE.

Why? Because coffee is made with water, and water makes melted chocolate seize. Nobody wants that. Trust me. To keep my ganache dairy-free, I use Enjoy Life Foods Dark Chocolate morsels. Have you seen their new teal packaging in the store? I LOVE that they’re using the official color for food allergies for their brand. Bold and brave. Just like all of us living with food restrictions.

Ethically Sourced Chocolate

While I love talking about these easy gluten free mocha donuts, I want to take a moment to talk about ethics. When possible, I like to choose chocolate and coffee that are both ethically raised and cultivated. Coffee and chocolate are two crops that are notorious for using child and slave labor. My favorite ethically sourced chocolate is Guittard Chocolate. (It’s peanut free, too!)

That is why when I buy coffee I look for Rainforest Alliance or Fair Trade Certified. It makes what we buy a little more expensive on our end. However, by doing so we are investing in farms and families that are raising crops the right way. If we all use our dollars to support those that make the world a better place, imagine how much we can accomplish.

Ganache and Dairy Free Chocolate Truffles

Want to know what else you can make with the ganache you made for these easy gluten free mocha donuts? TRUFFLES. Deep, rich, dark chocolate truffles. The ratio of for the ganache for the donuts is one-to-one, in ounces. (4 oz chocolate to 4 ounces coconut cream) However, if you’d like to make truffles, you need double the chocolate. Therefore, I would recommend 8 ounces of chocolate and 4 ounces of cream for truffles. You can still add the espresso powder to the cream if you want mocha truffles.

So there you have it. A recipe for super easy gluten free mocha donuts, AND an idea for super easy chocolate truffles. If you’d like other donut recipes, you can try my two-ingredient pumpkin donuts or my mini donut muffins. If you’re looking for more creative donut flavors, I highly suggest checking out these from gluten-free gingerbread donuts from Gluten Free Palate.

Print

Gluten Free Mocha Donuts (Dairy Free)

Ingredients

For the donuts

• 1 box chocolate cake mix prepared according to directions
• EXCEPT subbing half of water/milk with coffee

For the mocha ganache

• 4 oz Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Morsels
• 4 oz Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream in a can
• 1/2 tsp DeLallo Espresso Powde

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Combine cake mix according to directions, substituting half of the water called for with coffee of your choosing. Mix well and dump abtter into a gallon size plastic bag. Snip the tip and pipe batter into a donut pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. 
• Bake donuts for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool in pan 3-5 minutes, and carefully remove to cooling rack. 
• While donuts are cooling, warm 4 oz of coconut cream in a small microwaveable bowl. (If you can only find coconut milk, i would suggest using 3 oz of full fat coconut milk instead of 4.) 
• Add chocolate chips to warmed coconut cream and allow to set for 5 minutes. (I usually cover the bowl with a small bread plate. Stir until all the chocolate is melted. 
• Dunk cooled donuts halfway into ganache and allow excess to drip off. Flip over and place on cooling rack or parchment paper. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired. 

Who would you share these gluten-free mocha donuts with today? Do you intentionally shop for products that are ethically sourced? Share your story below! 

**I was provided free product form from Better Batter. I was not otherwise compensated for this post. I highly appreciate the care they take to make products free of the 8 most common allergens, as well as powdered sugar free from corn. This page contains affiliate links.**

The post Easy Gluten Free Mocha Donuts (Dairy Free) appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

… to Push for Justice

Flint continues. There are so many words I can use to finish that phrase. For certain, living in Flint continues to present its challenges. It would take all my fingers and toes to count the number of times people have suggested that we move. I’d be lying if I say my husband and I haven’t discussed it. However, there is a remnant here in Flint who envisions a better future. Better water and schools. Better economy and community. For certain, it’s not going to be easy.

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not naive.  Six years after I shared about the “Flint Water Crisis”, our battle for legal justice continues. In the meantime, most of our water lines have been replaced. Our water quality has been restored.. This Politico article explains why we have clean water, but people still don’t trust it. Until all lead lines are replaced, we are encouraged to still filter our water. 

The previous mayor and city council canceled a previous agreement to get water from the Karegnondi Water Authority, because of concern of our inability to treat it properly. Instead, we agreed to pay Detroit for water for the next 30 years. Sadly, it may take 30 years to replace the trust our city has broken. A new mayor has us in negotiations to undo this.

… to Fight Crime

Flint continues to battle high crime. Police response times are terrible. Someone stole our central air a few summers ago. The police department never even showed up. Citizens have become apathetic in calling police for the crimes in their neighborhood. Therefore, statistics look like crime has diminished here in Flint. Flint continues to have its silence shattered by the gunshots of hateful violence. A few yearss ago, a gas station attendant was murdered in broad daylight, a victim of angry drug dealers. Only a block from my house.  It pierced my heart, and I shared about it in my gluten-free Pumpkin Chai Snickerdoodles recipe.

There are so many more negative things that I could highlight. To be honest, I have a hard time focusing on the good myself, sometimes. However, Flint continues to have bright shining moments, if you look for them amidst the darkness. New investment. Education expansion. Demolition of blighted houses, making way for new development. Sources of joy.

Flint continues to persevere.

There are people here with vision. Let me share a few, and bare with me if I run long-winded.

Communities First, Inc

Don’t pass this video by. PLEASE watch it. It makes me cry. It makes me cry, because the brokenness you see in this video is literally my neighborhood. The burnt out, abandoned apartments you see in the first 30 seconds were only half a mile from our house. But now they have been torn down. Natural beauty has now replaced ugly destruction.

We walk these streets. We volunteered at the abandoned, graffiti – covered Coolidge Elementary Glenn speaks of. However, it also makes me cry tears of joy. Of hope, because Communities First, Inc. has decided to take a stand. As Flint continues to rebound, it is non-profits like this that will change this city. If you want to help Flint rebound, invest in organizations like these.

St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center

The N.E.W. Life Center started when two nuns had a desire to see real change happen. What started as a concern to clothe the needy turned into a full scale sewing educational center and business. New Life Center started training women to sew and make scrubs for local hospitals. Now they clothe hundreds in Flint and beyond. Maybe thousands, as they now produce high quality vests for one of Michigan’s most iconic brands, Stormy Kromer.

New Life Center does more than job training. They house a food pantry, run a lawn care business run for men looking for jobs, and so much more. You can read more about their amazing accomplishments in this Flintside article. Want to invest in their vision? Visit their page to donate time, materials or money. Buy a tartan red and black Stormy Kromer vest,  which may allow them to employ and impact even more women.

Flint Crepe Company, Robb Klaty and Coffee

In my opinion, one cannot talk about downtown Flint without mentioning Robb Klaty. During a time when others were quick to leave Flint, Robb set up shop. Quite literally. Robb opened the Flint Crepe Company location in downtown Flint in 2011. He focused on great food with locally sourced ingredients. He also chose not to focus on himself. Every Tuesday a different charity is highlighted that receives a portion of the days tips.

Klaty’s investment continues to factor into Flint’s reconstruction. What started as one small business turned into a continuing downtown expansion. He now owns Tenacity Brewing, where he brews his own beer, and now Heyday Coffee. Klaty opened Heyday coffee when he realized he could provide an outlet for Blue Line Donuts, a business run by the local homeless shelter that used the project to teach men and women business skills.

Kettering University and the University Avenue Corridor Coalition

The transformation that Flint continues to experience along the University Avenue Corridor is astounding. Kettering University, formerly General Motors Institute, realized the positive impact they could, and should have on the community around it. Mobilizing surrounding businesses, they inspired the creation of the University Avenue Corridor Coalition. The result? Blighted, dangerous homes finally removed. A historic football stadium now resurrected to its former glory.

The change to the neighborhood is nothing short of breathtaking. Maybe breathtaking is the wrong word. Maybe the word is breath giving, as it restores hope. Want to help further the hope? Run in the CRIM that passes through this space. Attend a Flint City Bucks (USL league) soccer game. Did you known they’re national champtions for their league? Donate to Carriage Town Ministries, benefiting the homeless and the poor.

Uptown Reinvestment Initiatives

Flint continues to improve, partially at the hand of major investors. Uptown Reinvestment, wanting to “build a vibrant future for Flint,” invested big bucks into our downtown. With their help we have a new Flint Farmer’s Market, voted one of the best in the country. Uptown’s investment helped create the new Michigan State University campus downtown. This campus focuses on healthcare, training interns at local hospitals. Also, they use their resources to help mitigate the effects of the Flint Water Crisis

Most recently, Uptown’s passion for making old things new included the grand restoration of the Capitol Theater. Originally opened in the 1920’s, a new generation of Flint residents now appreciations the beauty of the past. Want to help in the reinvestment of Flint? Visit the Farmer’s Market. Take in a show at the renovated theater. Dine downtown, and enjoy the beauty of our city.

Flint City Art Project

In 2019, the Flint City Art Project started an ambitious goal. To paint beautiful murals across the city of Flint. Murals of chidren, the homeless, Beyonce, and so much more. Even Anthony Bourdain. Over 40 exist, and the Flintside website created amap to see all of the Flint murals, in less than an hour. It’s a perfect reason for a roadtrip.

And So Many Others

There are so many others investing in this city, more than I can possibly name. (Flintside strives to share many of them. I highly suggest subscribing to their online newsletter.) People and organizations and businesses that chose to stand up to fear and put down roots. Support them.

Come to a Flint Firebirds hockey game. Donate to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, as they feed over 330,000 people a year. That’s what Flint needs, people and businesses seeking out the good and encouraging it to grow.

As Flint continues to rebound, those of us living here will roll up our sleeves to help. You can invest in us too. Donate to those doing good. Visit our city. Run through our streets. Buy our goods. Join us for a cup of coffee. Quit using Flint on social media as a meme or potlical clapback.. And although some gave me flack for it four years ago, continue to pray for our city.

Pray that hearts and minds change, both for our citizens and our leaders. Most of all, stand up for us. When the media kicks us down, when memes make light of our stuggles, speak up for those who might be starting to lose their voice. Lend us a bit of your emotional strength, maybe your financial support, and let us show you just how amazing Flint can be.

The post Flint Continues: (Flint Water) Crisis to (Re) Construction appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

There’s so much beauty in this photo. There’s the visual beauty of the Falls for which the city Sioux Falls gets its name. Then there’s the beauty of a deep friendship of the two women pictured. We share a decade of smiles, hugs, tears, laughter and so much more.

My husband and I recently drove a 20 ft Uhaul, loaded with our friend’s possessions and treasures, 800+ miles from Michigan to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Traveling with a food restriction makes travel a bit tricky sometimes, but it should never stop you from enjoying life and spending time with those you love. Today I’m sharing some of my travel tips and finds from our recent Sioux Falls Gluten-Free adventure.

BYOB and Other Assorted Foods

BYOB. Bring Your Own Bagel. When traveling anywhere, I highly suggest bringing your own stash of food. When we set out for our Sioux Falls gluten-free adventure, we did so with a cooler packed with food and a bag of groceries. I even brought my own toaster, along with Udi’s Everything bagels. This way I knew that regardless of where we stayed, I could easily eat breakfast.

It would take a while for our friends to set up their kitchen, so I also brought a heavy duty large mug. I used it to microwave hot cereal for breakfast. I also used it to make Annie’s gluten-free macaroni and cheese. In addition, I  made sure to bring along a small plastic bag with a dish cloth and dish soap. I also brought along easy meals I premade at home, such as a pasta salad and calzones. Because of this, I made sure each hotel room we stayed in contained a microwave and refrigerator.

Hotel Fare

We stayed at Comfort Inn hotels throughout our entire trip. Each hotel had eggs for breakfast each morning, either hard boiled or scrambled.  They also had Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, which we made sure to load up on. I was the most impressed with the Sioux Falls location.

Do you see the sign above this toaster? It says GF bread! Of course, I didn’t notice this until our last day there. They stock Schar Artisan white bread that they keep in the freezer, and will thaw for you upon request. My last morning there I used one of my Toaster Bags in their toaster. These non-flammable, reusable bags allow you to put your gluten-free bread in any toaster and prevent cross-contact with crumbs from other breads. You can use them to make grilled cheese in your toaster too!

Pizza Ranch

Of course, the most intriguing part of our Sioux Falls gluten-free adventure involves eating out. Prior to leaving, I made sure to do my research. One of the restaurants listed on the Find Me Gluten Free app was Pizza Ranch. This pizza buffet chain dots the midwest landscape, with locations existing in the greater Grand Rapids area all the way to South Dakota.

They assured me that all gluten-free pizzas were made in their own prep space, with their own dedicated toppings. Pizzas were made in their own pans and served with their own utensils. While it is possible to have one made and placed on the buffet, they brought mine directly to our table.

The Pizza Ranch location we visited had an extensive salad bar, and the staff provided me a gluten-free menu to see which dressings and sides were gluten-free. They served Ken’s individual salad dressing packets, which provided less chance of cross-contact. I felt fine after eating there Monday night, so now I’m tempted to check out the locations in Michigan. The staff said that the gluten-free protocols should be available nationwide.

The Original Pancake House

Next on our Sioux Falls gluten-free culinary adventure, The Original Pancake House. When this location was first suggested to me by others, I admit my hesitation to believe them. However, I called the restaurant and felt pleasantly surprised to learn they cook gluten-free items on a dedicated griddle. Any flavor of pancakes or omelettes were open to me. When we stopped for lunch with our friends, I eagerly ordered the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of peanut butter. Pancakes also come with maple syrup, chocolate syrup and fresh whipped cream.

However, my husband’s breakfast really impressed me! While the picture may not be a show stopper, the food definitely was! He ordered the Souffle Irish Omelette. Loaded with “homemade corned beef hash and aged cheddar,” it blew my mind. Seriously, this omelette it the size of your head, and comes with 3 pancakes, all available gluten-free. I was also impressed with the care of the staff as we explained my husband’s pork intolerance. They took care to make sure to not cook his omelette where bacon or other forms of pork had been.

Culver’s

Culver’s isn’t really a new Sioux Falls gluten-free find. In fact, I’ve written about Culver’s and their individually wrapped gluten-free buns before on my blog. However, it does make for a quick and safe meal where everyone can find something that they love. Especially Levi, our friends’ middle child, who has a love affair with green beans. I love them too, which is good because the fries at Culver’s are not gluten-free. (They use a shared fryer.)

However, the custard at Culver’s IS gluten-free, and suitable for one of their Concrete Mixers. Instead of having them use the machine to blend mine, they layered my Andes Mint Chips in the ice cream and gave it a few pumps of chocolate sauce. Then I simply used my own spoon to stir it all up. (The Andes Mint Chips are made in a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free facility, and are perfect in these gluten-free triple mint brownies!)

Culver’s is one of only a handful of fast food establishments where I feel safe eating. Other safe finds for me include Wendy’s chili and baked potatoes, Chick-Fil-A grilled nuggets and fries, and BiBiBop Asian Grill which is 100% gluten free. One can also safely get fries at Five Guys, as they do not have a shared fryer.

Coffee, Coffee and More Coffee

Obviously safe food is paramount for me when traveling. My husband is gracious to allow us to try new restaurants based on my needs wherever we go. In return, I try to make sure he experiences his favorite thing: coffee. So while on our Sioux Falls gluten-free expedition, we made sure to visit unique coffee shops on our trip.

In Sioux Falls we stopped at Coffea Roasterie. This third wave coffee house roasts their own beans and makes their own syrups and concentrates. Coffee and I don’t like each other, so I enjoyed a chai tea latte. If you’re dairy-free, you can also get it made with soy or almond milk.

Hy-Vee

When attending multiple gluten-free food shows, people always rave about Hy-Vee. While Hy-Vee is not a restaurant, it was definitely a “must visit” for me during our Sioux Falls gluten-free adventure. Hy-Vee staffs almost every store with an actual dietitian, which is practically unheard of today.

I spoke to one as I tried to find the Heart of The City Bakery gluten-free baked goods, which are from a local dedicated gluten-free baker. She was so nice and generous with her time. Beyond that, the gluten-free selection at this Hy-Vee was amazing. Two whole freezer doors full of gluten-free bread?! You’ll find that and so much more, including Michigan-made Full Flavor Foods sauce mixes. If your travels put you near a Hy-Vee, stop just for the fun of it.

Other Gluten Free Bakery Options

Since our travels, a new gluten free bakery has opened in Sioux Falls. Sinless Sweets is a dedicated gluten free and vegan bakery. There you’ll find delicious gluten free pastries like apple turnovers, Cookies + Cream Cheesecake, layered cakes and more. Another new business is Gluten Free, Please, which sells gluten free mixes. They are made in a gluten free and peanut free facility, and are gluten free, soy free, dairy free, nut free and yeast free. Find them at local farmers markets. 

Honorable Mentions

Our trip focused mainly on our time with friends, so we didn’t have an extensive amount of time to eat out. We spent a morning wandering downtown, and stepped into The Cookie Jar Eatery. The Find Me Gluten Free app stated that they have gluten-free baked goods.

I briefly talked to the baker on duty and they explained that gluten-free baking takes place on a dedicated day after they have extensively cleaned everything. They also test all of their gluten-free baked goods to make sure they meet the definition of under 20 PPM. Not being a dedicated gluten-free facility, you would have to decide on your own level of safety. However, it may be worth a stop while on your own Sioux Falls gluten-free escapade.

Other Gluten Free Dining Options in Sioux Falls, SD

The Sioux Falls Visitors Bureau also suggested the following places, although I have not contacted them to verify their preparation methods.

Sanaa’s, Minerva’s, Phillips Ave. Diner, Camilles’s, and MacKenzie River Pizza

Other Gluten Free Eateries We Visited During Our Travels

On our way to Sioux Falls, we also stopped at Alt Brew in Madison, Wisconsin. This dedicated gluten free brewery has wonderful beer and a great atmosphere. We also stopped at Twigs Tavern and Grille in Rochester, Minnesota. This amazing restaurant has a separate gluten free kitchen, and a FOUR page gluten free menu. Including ravioli and dessert! 

So thus ends our South Dakota gluten-free adventure. Now we’re back home, fighting the good fight in Flint. Now Sioux Falls gains a family, fighting for grace, love and mercy in their community. From Michigan to South Dakota, may we all come to know how loved we are. And may we be the ones brave enough to love others with abandon, showing them the beauty they hold within.

I was not paid or compensated in any way by the businesses mentioned on this list. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you been to Sioux Falls? What gluten-free finds have you experienced there? What are your tips for traveling with Celiac Disease? Leave me a note in the comments below! 

The post A Sioux Falls Gluten-Free Adventure appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

A Slice of My Youth

What was your most memorable teenage job? For me, it may have been working at Mountain Jack’s. It was a fine dining restaurant in Lansing, MI, primarily known for two things. Prime Rib and Mile High Mud Pie. Ohhhh, that amazing Mud Pie. Sometimes after a long night of bussing tables, my fellow workers and I would chip in, order one for ourselves, and dig in with forks at the ready.

The combination of chocolate cookie crust, creamy coffee ice cream and decadent chocolate syrup was a welcome reward at the end of a long day on your feet. I imagined that the Mud Pie must have been difficult to make. Thankfully, this is not true! If you can crush cookie crumbs with a mallet and scoop ice cream, you too can make a dessert that you’ll enjoy sharing with your friends.

Homemade Dairy Free Coffee Ice Cream

I first wrote this recipe in 2o17, part of So Delicious’ Frozen Fridays contest. However, as the dairy free ice cream market expands and changes, the ice cream I used is hard to find. I kept the dairy free Enjoy Life Foods cookie crust. I also kept the So Delicious Coco Whip. However, I felt this was an optimal time to make my own ice cream!

It’s easier than one might imagine. I used Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk. From there, after consulting many dairy free coffee ice cream recipes, I came up with an easy base. From there, I put it in my Cuisinart Ice Cream maker, and 15 minutes later, I had creamy coffee ice cream! You can also use 3 pints of premade ice cream, instead.

Top 8 Allergen Free, Optional

As I often mention, my husband teaches at a school where nuts are not allowed in the classroom. Therefore, I always pack his lunches without peanuts or tree nuts. In addition, I try to only send treats without those ingredients. This gluten free and dairy free mud pie uses sliced almonds as a topping, but you can leave them off.

Speaking of toppings, my homemade dairy free chocolate syrup plays an important role in this treat. It’s a modification of an AllRecipes listing, which I first used on my Mexican unFried Ice Cream. It keeps well in a the fridge to use over ice cream or mix into milk.

Other Pie Recipes

My blog contains many other pie recipes, for your pleasure. Grain free pies, such as this grain free apple pie or grain free blueberry pie. This Dutch Apple Pie uses a standard crust, as does my Strawberry Galette. Looking for something smaller? Make these Jam Filled Hand Pies or these Creme Filled Moon Pies!

Previously I asked for your favorite type of pie. Top answers included lemon meringue, key lime, cherry and pecan. This Betty Crocker Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie uses Chex as  crust, and this Gluten Free Key Lime Pie from Healthy GF Family looks great. You’ll also love this Gluten Free Pecan Pie from Gluten Free Palate!

Print

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Mud Pie

Ingredients

For the Dairy Free Ice Cream-

• 1 can Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream
• 1 can Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk Full Fat
• 3/4 c sugar
• 4 tsp espresso powder
• pinch salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• If using store bought, you’ll need 3 pints

For the Crust

• 1 box Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Chip Crispy Cookies
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 3 tbsp sugar

For the Dairy Free Chocolate Syrup

• 1/4 c. Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/4 c. water
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• Pinch of salt

To Assemble Mud Pie

• 2.5 oz package thinly sliced almonds
• 1 tub So Delicious Coco Whip

Instructions

• To make homemade ice cream, combine all ingredients, except vanilla, in a medium pot. Warm on the stove until coconut fat solids melt, and sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and add vanilla. 
• Transfer to a glass bowl, and allow to cool to room temperature. Chill for 2-3 hours. Then churn in the ice cream maker for 15 minutes. Transfer to a large container to harden in freezer, at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) 
• To make the crust – First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Next, place all Enjoy Life Cookies in a gallon ziploc bag or food processor. If using a bag, seal it, making sure to remove most of the air in the bag. Carefully use a rolling pin, smash cookies until they become fine crumbs. Dump crumbs into a small mixing bowl.
• To bowl add 4 tbsp coconut oil (or vegan butter) and sugar. Next, mix thoroughly until combined. Transfer crumb mixture to pie plate. Press mixture firmly against sides and bake in 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.
• Once baked, remove the crust for Mud Pie from the oven and allow to cool completely.
• Once pie crust is completely cooled, remove ice cream from the freezer and let it soften. Spoon in softened ice cream. If desired, sprinkle with almonds and drizzle with chocolate syrup. 
• Place the whole pie in the freezer for a few hours (or overnight) to harden.
• Once pie is hardened, remove and top with Coco Whip, almonds and chocolate syrup. You can refreeze or serve immediately.

What’s your favorite kind of pie? Do you like fruit filled or cream filled? Leave me a note in the comments.  

**This remade recipe is not sponsored by any of the brands named within. This post does contain affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

The post Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Mud Pie appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

What is a Honcho? 

While many may think that the word “honcho” is related to cowboys and the southern U.S., it’s actually a Japaneses word that means “squad leader.” This newest restaurant is definitely a place that’s makes you leave your expectations at the door and opens your mind to an interesting world of flavors.

Honcho- Part Restaurant, Part Coffee Shop 

When you first walk in from Main street, you’re greeted by the quaintest of coffee stands. They roast their own coffee and serve pastries daily until 4 pm. (The pastries are not gluten-free.) To your right is a fully stocked bar. The bar chairs look similar to the ones on the lower level at their other location, Fenton Fire Hall. Then as you walk past these two libation stations, you step up into the restaurant section of Honcho.

What’s Gluten Free At Honcho?

Through my reviews of the other Union Joints, I’m blessed to have built a friendship with their executive chef, Aaron Cozadd. I messaged him that we were planning to visit Honcho, and I inquired about what was safe to eat there. He messaged that he would be in later that day and would personally walk me through the menu.

After we caught up with each other, my husband and I had a seat at the counter, where one can watch the cooks at work. I was excited to see San-J tamari at the ready. All too often any Asian food consumed at a restaurant is made with soy sauce that contains wheat. As they say, first impressions are everything, and I was pretty sure that seeing this was an indication that this was going to be a great meal.

The Honcho Menu is 90% Gluten Free

Chef Cozadd explained that the majority of their menu is corn based, and tamari is used in place of soy sauce in their dishes. All of their chips, arepas and tortillas are made from locally ground fresh corn masa. The few non-gf fried items they have are cooked in a separate fryer so there is no cross-contact.

The 5-6 items on the menu that contain gluten are marked with a small icon next to them. For instance, their miso black beans contain gluten, as well as their fried chicken. I was blown away about how much “safe” gluten-free food there was to eat!

The Best Guacamole I’ve Ever Tasted

We started our meal at Honcho which fresh chips and an assortment of dips. From left to right is their house made Union Salsa, their Peruvian green chili dip (which is crazy delicious), grilled pineapple pico de gallo, and their own unique sweet pea guacamole.

This guacamole is unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted, and I am SO in love with it. It’s a blend of avocado, scallions and cilantro, mixed with English sweet peas and topped with spiced pepitas. Totally nontraditional, but it blew my mind. I might be my new addiction.

What are Arepas?

It took my husband and I a long time to decide what to order. It literally all sounded SO good. We finally settled on two arepas, a side of shaved caramelized Brussels sprouts (flavored with garam masala), and their rice bowl.

Arepas can be served either open faced with meat and cheese on top , or served more like a sandwich. Honcho serves their arepas like sliders. I ordered the Korean BBQ arepa. It’s made with the pulled pork that they slow cook at the Union Woodshop, and it’s oh so good.

What’s on Their Rice Bowl?

The rice bowl at Honcho is inspired by Korean Bi Bim Bap, but with a tinge of southwest flavor. Their dish comes with Kimchi and pickled chilis. Instead of the traditional gochujang, it’s mixed with their Peruvian green chili sauce. And of course, topped with a fried egg. The kimchi was a bit too spicy for me, so I let my husband finish it.

Asian Cuisine Fusion Optional

Honcho is definitely a place of taste adventure. Chef Cozadd encouraged me to try their blistered shishito peppers. While the heat was a bit more than I could handle, my husband stated that these may have been his absolute favorite part of our meal.

My husband and I appreciated the Latin American and Asian flavor combinations. I think it’s important to expand your taste repertoire. For those who may not be super excited about the fusion of flavors, Honcho creates weekly specials that leave out the Asian touches.

I truly appreciate the care Chef Cozadd and his team take to craft such a Celiac Disease friendly menu. They understand the seriousness of cross-contact, and take other food allergies just as seriously. We’ll definitely be heading back for arepas and more of that sweet pea guacamole!

Restaurant Locations and Contact Information

Honcho
3 East Church Street
Clarkston MI 48436
(248) 707-3793

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**While I originally paid completely for our meal, Chef Cozadd was generous enough to later send us a gift card to cover part of our costs. All of my thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Honcho is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can view a list of them on my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

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