Where is Mason Jar Cafe?

This past summer, we visited Michigan’s west coastlines. We explored St. Joseph, South Haven, and New Buffalo. Coastal towns that draw people vacationing from Chicago and others across the state. However, just a jaunt from the coastline lies Benton Harbor. This small town, the headquarters of Whirlpool appliances, presents its own unique finds. Enter, The Mason Jar Cafe.

How Long Have They Been in Business?

I forget when I learned of The Mason Jar Cafe. Sometime shortly after this eatery opened in May of 2014. Therefore, when I found ourselves in their neck of the woods, almost 3 hours from my home, it was time for a visit. Reviewers on Find Me Gluten Free leave great reviews about it. Indeed, it ended up being the perfect ending to our 15th anniversary vacation. I mean, how can one go wrong with gluten free zucchini bread waffles?! This MLive article states these are the best waffles EVER.

What Gluten Free Options are Available?

I mean, this is a thing of beauty, is it not? The Mason Jar Cafe prides itself on using the freshest, and most local, ingredients that they can. They proudly list on their menu all the farms and businesses from which they procure ingredients.

Before ordering, I verified with our server that they take precautions for those with Celiac Disease. Indeed, they prepare these gorgeous waffles in a dedicated waffle maker. In fact, i believe it is the ONLY waffle on their entire menu. The whipped butter tied it all together.

I LOVE grits. Like, I seriously could eat them every day and not grow tired. However, add goat cheese to them and fry them and top them with an egg? Oooh dang. The Mason Jar Cafe speaks my love language, y’all. However, this plate belonged to my husband. My wonderful husband who intentionally ordered it gluten free and let me try some! The awesomeness doesn’t stop there.

Does the Mason Jar Cafe Serve Lunch?

They serve more than just breakfast. The boast a complete brunch menu. (They close at 3 pm daily, so get there or be square.) Do you SEE what’s on this menu? Crab Cakes. Gluten Free Crab Cakes. I regretted not ordering any.

However, my stomach felt so full, I couldn’t squeeze anymore in my tummy. (And the hubs has a severe intolerance to shellfish. Doctors say it’s not a allergy, but we don’t take chances.) Just means I need to return on a girl trip and eat ALL the crab cakes.

Great Food + Art Gallery

The Mason Jar Cafe offers more than just food. You’ll find this unique eatery inside an art gallery. Sculptures greet you as you enter the courtyard. While waiting for your table (and expect a wait!), you can stroll inside and find art from various types of artists. Glass, paintings and sculptures keep you company while you smell all the aromas of the food they cook there. The surrounding neighborhood flourishes with local art as well. Make sure to not miss it!

So the next time you find yourself near Michigan’s west waterways, make the drive to Benton Harbor. Walk its streets and taste the eats at The Mason Jar Cafe. Do me a favor? Order those crab cakes and tell me how amazing they are!

Restaurant Location and Contact Information

Mason Jar Cafe
210 Water St
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Website | Facebook | Phone

Have you visited The Mason Jar Cafe? What did you order? Have you found other restaurants on Michigan’s west coast? If not, check out Silver Beach Pizza. Otherwise, please drop a comment of where I should stop when I venture there again! Find this listing and more on my Michigan Gluten Free Dining Recommendations. 

The post The Mason Jar Cafe – Gluten Free Benton Harbor appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

At first, I hesitated on what to call these. They’re not gluten free Pop Tarts. The phrase “Gluten Free Pop Tarts” invoke the idea of something sweet, not to mention that “name” is likely trademarked. I also hesitated to call them “toaster pastries,” as they require a more gentle touch. Alas, while they may not hold up well reheating in a toaster, one would likely call it a toaster pastry regardless. Therefore, I present my take on gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries.

The idea for these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries came to me like most others. It often starts with random ingredients in the fridge, and a dash of curiosity, wondering how they can be whipped into something unique. Turns out, my idea for these savory breakfast toaster pastries is not new. In fact, I used the recipe for these Savory Breakfast Pop Tarts from Go Bold With Butter as a guide. Like Solomon says, there is nothing new under the sun, am i right?

See, it all started when Bob’s Red Mill sent me some products to play with a while back. In that box, as requested, they sent me a package of their gluten free pie crust mix. My original intention was to reshoot an old recipe from years ago. However, I spent the week preparing food for my husband in advance of traveling to gluten free camp. Some people think I’m nuts for cooking my husband’s breakfast every day. Call it old fashioned or crazy, but we’re #TeamClegg. At this point, it’s tradition, and I’m not about to stop while he’s teaching his last week of school and proctoring final exams.

In theory, this recipe begins simply. Start with a pie crust recipe, cut it into rectangles, top with filling, and seal another piece of pie dough on top of it. However, pie crust rarely behaves “easily.” Especially gluten free pie crust. Truth be told, the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust dough took a few tries to roll out correctly. I’ve been used to creating pie crusts with Chebe Bread, which are a bit more sticky. But after a few attempts, I finally got the crusts down for these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries.

From there, fill it with whatever you desire. Scrambled eggs, scrambled tofu, sausage, bacon, chorizo, cheddar cheese, no cheese. I filled my gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries with sauteed red onions, sauteed red pepper, cooked chicken bacon, scrambled eggs and goat cheese. Because let’s be honest, just about everything is better with goat cheese. Once sealed, I brushed them with beaten egg and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Once out of the oven, I topped these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries with a healthy smear of goat cheese. Because what’s a toaster pastry without some sort of topping?

Now, these gluten free savory breakfast toaster pastries taste amazing fresh from the oven. They’ made a great highlight for an awesome brunch. However, most likely you’ll make a batch of these to freeze and warm up later throughout the week. Despite the name, I suggest warming these up in the oven or in the microwave. Not in the toaster. These tarts are delicate, and would likely fall apart in the toaster. And that would be a tragic shame, because you don’t want to waste a single bite of these!

Of course, if you crave something sweet, you can make fruit filled toaster pastries. Want them egg and dairy free? My pal Megan at Allergy Free Alaska has a wonderful recipe for gluten free vegan strawberry pop tarts. My favorite pop tart as a kid was brown sugar and cinnamon. Find this and 6 more Pop Tart Filling ideas at BraveTart’s website. Whether you try savory or sweet, try this baking idea with your kiddos this month, and watch their eyes light up!

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Gluten Free Savory Breakfast Toaster Pastries

Ingredients

For the crust

• You can use your favorite pie crust recipe. I used Bob’s Red Mill Pie Crust mix. Prepared according to the package you will need
• 1 pkg Bob’s Red Mill Pie Crust mix
• 12 tbsp butter
• 8 tbsp shortening
• 6 tbsp ice water
• rice flour for rolling

For the filling

• 3 strips AL Fresco Chicken Bacon diced
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• 2 eggs scrambled
• 1-2 pkgs 4 oz pkg Aldi Happy Farms Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese separated

For sealing

• 1 egg beaten
• salt and pepper

Instructions

• Prepare your pie crust according to directions. If using Bob’s Red Mill pie crust mix, combine mix, butter, and shortening in food processor. Pulse 10 times. Dump into bowl and knead in ice water. Separate dough into two portions, flatten into discs, and chill for one hour. 
• While dough chills, prepare filling. First, scramble eggs and then set aside in a medium bowl for later. 
• Next, saute red onion, chicken sausage and bell pepper. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, then add to previously cooked scrambled eggs. To that, add 2 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese. Stir to combine all ingredients together. 
• When dough is done chilling, remove from refrigerator. Generously sprinkle your surface with rice flour for rolling. Roll dough out, and cut into 3 inch x 5 inch rectangles. You should be able to cut out 16 rectangles total. 
• Top 8 rectangles with a few tablespoons of filling. Brush the edges of the pie crust with a bit of beaten egg. Top with another rectangle of pie crust, and use a fork to crimp around the edges. 
• Brush the tops of the toaster pastries with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. After toaster pastries have chilled, bake them for 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to slightly cool prior to spreading with remaining goat cheese. To cover all savory breakfast toaster pastries, you may need a second package of goat cheese. Cream cheese also works well for a topping.  

**Bob’s Red Mill gave me a package of their Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix free of charge. I have not otherwise been sponsored or paid to write this post. In addition, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. This page may contain affiliate links.**

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There’s something so comforting about gluten-free meatloaf. In reality it’s not much different than regular meatloaf. All it calls for is a few simple substitutions. Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is free of wheat. (We use Lea and Perrins.) 

Swap out your cracker crumbs or bread for gluten-free ones. I LOVE Breton’s gluten-free Herb and Garlic crackers. Their added savory flavor is a perfect compliment for a gluten-free meatloaf. Then add anything else you want. Sauteed vegetables. Goat cheese. I did! I used bison for this gluten-free meatloaf. Bison is traditionally leaner, so the cheese added a touch of needed additional fat.

My parents didn’t make meatloaf much when I was a kid. I don’t know why. It’s so easy. True, it takes a bit of forethought. It’s quick to mix together, but does take an hour to bake. Of course, one could make them in muffin tins and reduce the baking time. Either way it definitely calls for a heaping side of mashed potatoes. However a traditional gluten-free meatloaf equals slices. And slices equal the basis of a meatloaf sandwich.

Can I admit something? This may be the first time I’ve had a meatloaf sandwich. Can I also admit that I looked up a recipe? I’m such a rule follower. So it appears that a traditional gluten-free meatloaf sandwich has ketchup and lettuce on it. The use of mayonnaise appears to be optional. (I actually used Greek yogurt.)

I also added a bit of Isola’s Cream of Balsalmic from my October American Gluten-Free box. (And provolone. Because cheese makes everything better.) Verdict? AWESOME! When I made one for my husband’s lunch, he preferred his with mashed potatoes and cranberry chutney, similar to my waffled stuffing sandwich.

This would also pair well with baked potatoes. Go high tech and make these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes from Vegetarian Mamma. You may never want to make them any other way!

Print

Gluten-Free Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground meat I used bison.
• 1 egg
• 1 oz. goat cheese
• 1 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/3 cup gluten-free cracker crumbs You could also gluten-free bread crumbs.
• 1 small onion diced and sauteed (I also sauteed a scrap of green pepper and a handful of mushrooms.)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350.
• Saute onion (and any other vegetables) until soft. It’s important to cook out their extra moisture.
• Mix together ground meat, egg, cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire and spices. If you have other spices you want to add, put in a pinch of those too. Mix thoroughly. Then add gluten-free cracker crumbs.
• Shape mixture in loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
• Enjoy! I suggest serving with mashed potatoes. Make extra and use leftovers to make this mashed potato crust quiche!

What’s your favorite gluten-free meatloaf recipe? What comfort foods do you need remade to be gluten-free? Leave me a note in the comments and we’ll put our heads together!

**This post contains 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 Gluten-Free Meatloaf with Goat Cheese and Herbs appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Gluten Free Love At First Bite

In 2013, I discovered the most wonderful dedicated gluten-free bakery. I was returning home from vacation with my parents in South Carolina. On our last day of driving, we stopped off at Cherbourg Bakery, just outside of Columbus, Ohio. I’m so thankful for the Find Me Gluten Free App for listing places like this!

Based on their signage, I’m assuming Cherbourg Bakery is named after the quaint seaside region of Cherbourg in the north of France. The inside of the Cherbourg Bakery definitely had a French cafe feel to it. In addition to baked goods, you’ll also find pour over coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice.

Gluten Free, Nut Free, Gum Free

Cherbourg Bakery has so many delectable items. I wish I could have eaten them all! Their website  states that their products are “made with minimally processed ingredients, from as many local resources as we can muster.” Their baked goods are free from gluten, nuts and dyes. They also use no gums or starches from potatoes or beans.

During that first visit, I perused their wares. I was salivated at each of them, wishing I could buy the whole store. Luckily, the staff let me sample a few before I purchased them. Over the years, I’ve grown increasingly fond of their egg strata. They make is with “caramelized onion, chevre, basil and sun-dried tomatoes.”

On that first trip, I had trouble deciding what to buy. I ended up walking away that day with a S’mores bar, (which is make from gingersnaps), an Espresso brownie (which my husband adored), and a Cherbourg Bakery polenta cake. I’m so glad that the staff allowed me a sample of the polenta cake, or I may have missed it! It has a mild sweetness with a hint of citrus, and the savory flavors of the corn and rosemary.

The next time you are in the greater Columbus area, I HIGHLY suggest visiting Cherbourg Bakery. Whether you eat gluten free or not, your taste buds will greatly thank you. Try one of their famous double lemon bars!

Cherbourg Bakery – Columbus
541 S Drexel Ave
Bexley, OH 43209
(614) 725-4560
Webpage | Facebook | Instagram

Cherbourg Bakery – Cyprus (Cincinnati)
1804 Race St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 827-9767

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Other Columbus Favorites

Since this first visit, I’ve traveled to Columbus many times. Each year I drive to the GFFA Fest, and I often go to the Celiac Conference at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This city holds many great things to do!

Cultural Activities

• COSI Museum – This is THE most awesome hands on museum I’ve ever been to. With or without children in tow, this is an adventure you don’t want to miss.
• Franklin Park Conservatory– Imagine all of the world’s most amazing flowers all in one place. That, my friends, is exactly what Franklin Observatory has to offer. Go in the spring for the butterflies!
• Columbus Zoo – If you like Jack Hanna, this zoo is a MUST VISIT. Jack is the director of this zoo, and there are so many amazing animals here!

Other Gluten Free Food Finds

• Bake Me Happy – One of three dedicated bakeries in the Columbus area, I LOVE their scones. Wendy and her crew specialize in the Little Debbie type treats you love, as well.
• Portia’s Cafe– This 100% gluten free cafe offers many vegetarian options. Read about Portia’s Cafe more on Vegetarian Mamma’s website.
• Bareburger – Hands down, my absolute favorite restaurant in the Columbus area. I could eat here every night!

Have you visited Cherbourg Bakery? What’s your favorite item there? Let’s reminisce about our favorite bakery together!

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