M&S growing range

Everytime I visit M&S I find some new gluten-free products. It is fantastic that the cater for us, but why not advertise it a bit more?

Most of their products are very nice, so it's a pity that we don't hear more about it, maybe more twitter photos would encourage even more of us to visit? Just an idea.

So, what did I find this time? A lovely quiche Lorraine (£3, 522 kcals per 1/2 quiche), chicken & mushroom crispbakes (£1.25 on offer, 214 kcals per bake), fishcakes (£1.80), cheese puffs (£1.70, 445 kcals per bag), green olive ciabatta rolls (£2.10, 214 kcals per roll).
I've been eating most of it over the last week and I'd say they are all very tasty and deserve recommendation.

chicken crispbakes

It is a pity that their gluten-free sandwich range is not as good. In my opinion the filling is ok (egg and crest, ham and pickle, chicken salad), just the bread is quite dry.
Of their gluten-free breads my favourite is the white boule, so maybe they could swap the bread for this one?

I read on twitter that many of their normal products are also gluten-free, although not advertised as such, so I had a bit of a label-check-fest while I was there.

Of their sausages, most of them do not have any gluten containing ingredients so one could presume they would be ok? Does anyone know if there is a chance of cross-contamination?

Also most of their fresh sauces do not have any gluten containing ingredients, so it might be an idea to get your own gravy sachet from M&S if you are going out for a Sunday roast so that you can have gravy too!

Hummus Bros New Book: Levantine Kitchen

I had been thinking of visiting Hummus Bros soon as I've been hearing a lot recently about their gluten-free options, so I was very happy when I received a complimentary copy of their book Levantine Kitchen. Thanks Pavilion!

The book has a nice and manageable format and most recipes have some amazing photos so that you know how each dish is supposed to look like.

In the introduction you also get to know a bit more about Ronen and Christian, the Hummus Bros, who are not related, and why did they start their company, and for each recipe you can also read how it came about and the best ways to serve it.

Most of the recipes are suitable for a gluten-free diet, but in case you are in doubt, there is a useful table at the back with all the dishes listed, indicating if they are gluten-free, lactose-free and nut-free, which is very helpful if you are not familiar with some of the ingredients.




Which recipes can be found in the book?

Hummus
Yes, there is quite a good explanation on how to make a good hummus and a few options for toppings.

Falafel
There are four recipes for falafel, with unusual ingredients like sweet potato and beetroot.

Soups
With chickpeas, lentils and even Jerusalem Artichokes

Breads and sauces
All sauces are ok for gluten-free and most dairy-free too, but not the breads, although it is easy to get some gluten-free pitta bread nowadays from most supermarkets to go with your hummus.

Desserts
All gluten-free but not dairy free

There are also recipes for wraps (not gluten-free), salads, drinks and quick snacks

I love having a new recipe book and experiementing in the kitchen, even if the tidy up afterwards takes a year or two, so I read through the different options and decided to start with Falafels.
I've never made them before, but that has never stopped me!

My first two attempts with green Falafel and sweet potato Falafel were not too successful, but I can report a reasonable Spicy red Falafel ;)
What went wrong, I wanted to know? 
Nothing like good old google to get some tips from those who have been there before me.

The tips that helped me where:


Spicy Falafel,  result!
 

*Dry the ingredients as much as possible before mixing so that the mixture is not wet and can be shaped into a nice ball

*Check that the temperature of the oil is not too hot or the Falafel will disintegrate (I got some good results too by cooking them in the oven, just sprayed with a bit of olive oil)

Also, I think the consistency is more creamy if you use an extra ingredient like cooked sweet potato or beetroot, so I'd try those ones first if you are cooking Falafel for the first time.

I have also tried the roasted Aubergine salad which was very nice just with a bit of salt and lemon juice. And finally I am attempting Hummus later on today!

Overall it is an interesting book if you like Levantine cuisine, and it's mix of spices and flavours or if you just like to try new dishes and experiment in the kitchen.

Update: The hummus is Amazing!!! I was very surprised when I finished making it, it's so creamy and nutty, it reminds me a bit of peanut butter but so much nicer.
Never again Hummus from the supermarket, Hbros forever!!!
Just be aware of the amount you will get. I've only done half of the recipe and I got 3 full jam jars, so I might need to organize a hummus party ;)

Gluten Free Greenwich and New Cross

 This weekend I went to Greenwich with the Gluten Free London meetup group.

We started the afternoon in the market, visiting  Rubys of London's stall. I had been looking online at her products, and was looking forward to some GF donuts (although there were lots of other yummy cakes on offer too!)  and I was a bit shocked when there were only 4 left when I got there at 4pm on Saturday.



Oh no! I had to get a couple before it was too late, and so I did, although I could only try the chocolate ones, as all the others had sold out by then.
Obviously need to get there earlier next time for more choice.
As we were going to have some fish and chips I took them home for Sunday and they were quite yummy.

Were they like the gluten containing donuts of my past?

Well, that is a difficult question to answer, as there where no plain donuts left when I got there so I cannot compare like with like.

The chocolate ones I tried were very nice, and they were a nice flavour and texture eaten on the following day. They were slightly heavier than I expected, but quite good, so I would be very happy to go back for some more and to recommend them, obviously aiming for a morning visit.
Ruby's of London
http://www.rubysoflondon.com/
Visit their stall Saturdays&Sundays at Greenwich Market
Getting there: Cutty Sark DLR

We had a -not so- quick stop at Greenlands Health Foods, a proper shop in the market for some supplies. I have to say that although it looks small from the outside, it's extremely well stocked up for the Gluten Free eater. I just had to restrict myself as I would be carrying it around for a while, but I still managed to get some quinoa, Spanish paprika and tahini for my cupboard.
Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Greenlands Health Shops
http://www.allthingsgreenwich.co.uk/businesses/greenlandshealthfoods-id-386.html


Then we visited Maddy's Fish Bar in New Cross.
Ben had added quite a lot of information about it on meetup and it looked very promising.
(Read it here: http://www.meetup.com/Gluten-Free-London-Club/events/201270152/ )

Maddy seems to know a thing or two about fish and I certainly was not disappointed.

Fantastic fresh fish with some very light gluten free batter teamed up with some chunky chips and some tartare sauce.

IPA gluten free beer is also on offer, plus cider, wine and some interesting soft drinks.

Overall it was a really enjoyable Fish and Chips.  I can't remember the last time I had some, and I would be very happy to recommend Maddys to any gluten free eaters.
Maddys Fish Bar
https://www.facebook.com/MaddysFishBar/timeline?ref=page_internal
Getting there: New Cross train or overground

Gluten Free Profiteroles

OK, so this is not my recipe, but it is a great recipe for anyone feeling a bit profiteroly ;)

The recipe is from @nels3 on twitter, who also writes the blog: http://fabulouslyfreefrom.wordpress.com/

I changed the proportions for the choux pastry a little, as the first time I did it my mix was too runny and the result was not great, so I reduced the amount of water to 100ml instead of the 150ml in the recipe. And with that, the result was amazing, as you can see in the photos.

Here is the link to her recipe:
http://fabulouslyfreefrom.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/gluten-free-chocolate-profiteroles/

Also, I did not fancy cream for the filling, so I made some creme patissiere (very thick custard) using the recipe (also dairy free) from Glutoniana, here is the link to the recipe (in Spanish):

http://glutoniana.com/2014/03/11/crema-pastelera-sin-gluten-y-sin-lactosa/

The only thing that was a bit messy was the chocolate topping, I think I was just tired by then, so although it is not too pretty, it was very tasty ;)

Gluten Free Camden part 3: Cookies and Scream

 

After having one of the lovely Honest Burgers at the Camden restaurant, we managed to drag ourselves a few steps to Cookies and Scream so that we could enjoy a sweet treat.
My tummy was quite full, but how often do you find yourself surrounded by so many great looking and smelling cookies and puds that are also gluten-free?

Well, one is not made of stone and I got myself an Apollo cake. It might not look like much in the picture, but trust me it was very very yummy.

I shared it after dinner with my sister and followed the instructions they gave me: heat slightly in the microwave (40 secs is enough) and enjoy with some ice-cream.
I did that and was just sorry that I had not got any other treats from them.
All their products are gluten-free and vegan so no need to worry about what to pick.

Ben from the group got some cookie sandwiches that looked quite interesting (sorry no pic), so I might have to drag myself to Camden again and check that out. Fully recommended!

Check their website: http://cookiesandscream.com/index.html

Gluten Free Camden 2: Honest burgers



GF Honest Burger

After a fantastic Friday in Camden it was time for another visit! I met the Gluten Free London club (meetup) at Honest Burgers on Saturday.
I can't believe I had not visited yet, as it is the most talked about place for gluten-free burgers.

The burger can be ordered with a normal or gluten-free bun, and I have to say the bun was very nice. I ordered the Honest Burger without cheese and the flavours of bacon, gherkins and onion relish did complement it really well. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as much as the rosemary chips and the onion rings which were also gluten-free.


GF onion rings

I drank some of their homemade lemonade which I enjoyed, and they also have Daura Damm gluten free beer if you fancy it.

The restaurant is quite small but also quite casual which adds to the charm.
When we arrived around 12ish there was nowhere for us to sit together but some lovely ladies moved tables to accommodate us.
Who says London people cannot be kind?

After a much enjoyed lunch we moved just a few steps to Cookies and Scream for dessert (see review later), although it was a take home pud for me, as I was completely full.

Overall the burger was fantastic, much better than the one I've had before at Vorzars (meat just ok) or the one at GBK (bun a bit dry). I recommend it.
http://www.honestburgers.co.uk/

Gluten Free Camden 1: Camden Lock Market

On Friday 1st of August there was a Gluten Free Food Festival at Camden Lock Market. I had heard about it on twitter and it sounded quite exciting!

So there I was at 1pm with my friend Freddie checking out the lovely food on offer.
There was also a stall from Whole Foods with demonstrations through the day, so all in all, a busy Friday at Camden Lock.

 

@theCircusBros Stuffed Omelettes

We both had one of the stuffed Spanish omelettes from Circus Bros. The omelettes are cooked in a small pan so they are perfect for one. You can have them plain, but who could with the amazing leg of ham on display? I had some Serrano ham and red peppers as filling for mine, and I can say it's one of the best Spanish omelettes I've eaten in a long time, even better than the one I make myself.

www.cowboycottagepie.com American fusion

They told me they are at Camden lock regularly so definitely worth a visit.


And what about the lovely American fusion dishes from www.cowboycottagepie.com ?

The food looked also delicious, with those nachos, beans and corn bread, definitely one for future visits, as she is there from Thursday to Monday, and all her products are gluten free and dairy free.




    


@RomeosGFbakery

I also tasted the bruchetta from Romeos GF Bakery and I have to say I was impressed. I had already heard a lot of good things about them, and will have to arrange a visit soon.
They are based in Islington:
167 Upper Street, London N1 1US
http://www.romeosglutenfreebakery.co.uk/



Paleo Menu from @FeedmePrimal

 There was some Paleo food on offer by Feed me Primal, who are there regularly too. Their meetballs looked delicious, you can check all their dishes on their website:
http://feedmeprimal.co.uk/

 Overall a very enjoyable day, good food, good company and lots of sunshine!

I just had to get ready for another Camden day on Saturday when I visited Honest Burgers and Cookies and Scream, but that is a story for another post.
Camden is very gluten-free friendly!