Dear Sweet Tea, where have you been all my life??

With summer quickly approaching (it's already been over 100 degrees F this week where I live, at least once), I thought it was high time I posted another beverage to this blog, as it seems I've neglected this department ;) When I first went gluten-free, refined sugar free, I thought that I'd said goodbye forever to sweet tea...I used to love making it when friends came over, and I'll never forget the first time I discovered how to make "sun tea"! :) Well, now, thanks to inspiration from one of my friends, I have discovered the art of making sweet tea with agave nectar (or honey). You can do it for individual servings, or for a whole pitcher--though ultimately, you can sweeten (or not sweeten) to taste. A perfect addition to your next cookout or picnic!

Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip

This recipe was what I would call a success! I especially think that when I take it to a group gathering, and the non-GF eaters are enjoying it and asking for the recipe! :)

Pâté á choux--Not as hard as it sounds

When I first heard about April's "Go Ahead, Honey, It's Gluten Free" challenge, I knew I had to be a part of it this month. Z's Cup of Tea is hosting. For the month of April, the challenge is to make some kind of food from a favorite children's book--whether from when you were growing up, or one that you may have discovered more recently.

Six months :)

Yes, I have made it gluten free for six months :)

As a celebration, of course I had to do something having to do with tea...Although it's spring, and some may be transitioning to drinking more cold tea, I think hot tea is still good in the early morning chill, or as a calming ritual before bed.

Rice Crispy Treats, dairy free

Happy Saturday to you! Here's a simple, kid-friendly recipe, perfect for lazy weekends, or even for a quick treat in the middle of the week :)

These rice crispy treats were adapted from this post. Here, I used juice-sweetened dried blueberries, mainly because I've been wanting to try them (they are expensive, though!). You can eat these plain, or substitute the dried fruit of your choice.

Fruit & "Granola" Nut Cereal

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook:

"Pecan chips + almond slivers + banana & strawberry slices + almond milk + cinnamon + coconut sugar = an amazing breakfast cereal!" I have to agree :)

An inspiring miracle story...and a recipe

"The practice of giving thanks...this is the way we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes. We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see" (One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp, p. 135).

We've been discussing this at my church..."practicing the presence of God"....Keeping our eyes open to His presence in our everyday lives. I like what is said here: it's not about changing what we see, but how we see it. Looking for joy, even in the pain, tears, and heartache--looking for God. Knowing that He is for me, and feels my pain, sees my tears, and still speaks His kind words and brings healing...even if it's different that I thought it would look like.

Nutmeg Blondies

Continuing to learn about cooking by ratios...If you are new to cooking with ratios, check out my summary in this post. Each month, a group of GF bloggers join forces to create their own unique baked goods using the ratios of one ingredient to another--the collaboration of these forces in the blogsphere is known as the Gluten Free Ratio Rally.