Being the Girlfriend

Tyler and I

We are the typical high school sweethearts, that are stumbling our way towards graduation together. We met a little over a year ago in 2012 and not long after that he was diagnosed with Celiacs Disease after suffering from a lot of other stomach problems for years. He was always sick and having trouble eating, and adjusting to everything. At first I was skeptical, but as time went on both of our families started to adjust to the changes in our lives and diets. 

I always thought that Celiacs was something that I would never be able to handle. I never even heard about it  until I met Tyler, and basically everything I ate on a daily basis was loaded with gluten and something he couldn't have. It was almost heart breaking every time we went somewhere and he couldn't eat, or would have to do without. Even if he did eat he'd get there horrible rashes all over his body, he'd be crippled over in pain from stomach aches, and out of school for days if he accidentally ingested gluten.

Finally, I felt it was time to take control. I was determined that I would learn to cook completely gluten free with no problems or pain resulting from it. Everyone I talked to made me feel like cooking and baking gluten free was nearly impossible and something that I couldn't do. I decided to ignore all of the outsider input and do what I could for this boy that I've grown to love. Together both of our families have successfully mastered gluten free recipes that we would love to share and make easier for all of the other gluten intolerant folks and families. 

Now that I know I can cook without gluten and without it hurting Tyler, it makes me feel so much better. I feel like we can accomplish anything that we needed to. After you feel confident in your cooking and overcome the adjustment it's as easy as cake, gluten free cake that is. :)

I hope that everyone can learn something from our blog. Whether it be how to help someone adjust to their disease, learn new recipes, learn about a disease you never knew existed  or even if you work at a food industry.. add gluten free products! This is a worldwide disease and it is becoming widely popular. It's been quite a journey for Tyler that I was lucky enough to be there for, now everyone else can learn and join in our journey together. 

Mini Peanut-Cookie Cakes

We tried out this recipe and it turned out amazing! It is completely gluten free, however if you have any peanut allergies I'd stray away. It is simple to make, the key to gluten free cooking is to not over-think it!

These are basically cupcakes that have an "Oreo" and peanut butter center. 

These are great for desert or party events. They are a good treat!

This recipe makes about 14 cupcakes.

Ingredients:

(1) Glutino Gluten Free Dream Cookies - Chocolate Vanilla Creme
(1) Jar of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
(1) Box of Betty Crockers Gluten Free Chocolate (or Devils Food Cake) mix.
(1) Betty Crocker Chocolate Icing (if you want but is not necessary.)
*You also need any ingredients that are needed to make the cake mix.*

Additional Supplies:
-Cupcake paper holders
-Cupcake tins
-An Oven
-Baking utensils

Let's break it down now.
Step by step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Read the instructions on the back of the cake mix and make it in a large sized bowl according as if you were making a cake.

2. Use a butter knife and spread the peanut butter on top of each individual cookie. 

3. Put one cookie covered in Jif in
each cupcake paper in the pan. Then pour
the cake mix in the paper about 3/4 of the way.

 4. Put the cupcakes in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes. They may look gooey on the top but that's okay, the peanut butter makes them look mushier then usual.

*Optional: 5. When the cupcakes are cooled and are taken out of the pan you can icing them with chocolate icing just like you would normal cupcakes. However, this makes them rather sweet. If you love chocolate like me, than you'll love it, but it can often be too much for some people. To be fair I icing half and leave half not icing-ed.

Your end product:
If all goes as planned, they should look something like this!

                                             "Good eating is one of life's greatest pleasures."