GF Pumpkin Muffins

This recipe is based on this recipe by Ellie Krieger on the Food Network. I used one less tablespoon of molasses and skipped the pumpkin seeds. For the two cups of flour in the recipe I used equal parts, brown rice, sorghum, tapioca, and teff flours along with 1.5t of xanthan. I think that blend is originally attributed to the Gluten-Free Girl. I love it! I am so excited to try it in other recipes. The muffins seemed totally "normal." They are best the day of, they do keep in the fridge but become slightly damp. Zapping them in the microwave gets rid of that. I bet they would freeze well. It made 60 teaspoon sized mini muffins or 20 Tablespoon sized regular muffins.

Maple Shade Dentistry

Maple Shade Dentistry in Peoria can suck it. This morning I called to make an appointment to have my teeth cleaned. I was informed that since it had been a year and 4 months since my last cleaning I was now considered a new patient and would have to have an exam and x-rays. The person who called me at home 4 months ago asking if I would like to schedule an appointment could have mentioned this deadline. Because your practice doesn't have early morning, evening or weekend hours, scheduling an appointment can't be done at home on the fly. Your failure to mention this one year deadline is the difference between $100 and over $200 to me. You know what Maple Shade Dentistry, I only picked you in the first place 3 years ago because you are a block from my house. I vividly remember my first new patient appointment. It was scheduled for 8am and I was finally sent on my way after 10am! Time that was actually spent on my mouth, about 30 mins. But you know what, I gave you another chance. I went back a year later, this time for an ordinary cleaning, and I was still stuck in your office for over an hour, actual time of cleaning, 15 mins. Unacceptable. I went a third time because I am very lazy and didn't want to get jacked with a new patient fee at a new dentist. Now that you are the one trying to jack me, bite me.

GF Peanut Butter Tart

Birthday Brunch preparations are underway. On tap for dessert tomorrow, Peanut Butter Tart from the October 2001 issue of Martha Stewart Living. I have had this recipe for 7 years and I am just now getting around to making it. That makes me a little sad. I have dozens of recipes that I will probably never make, schniff. These days Casa de Vanilla Bean Counter does not support the use of a graham cracker crust, as it is from the devil, or rather the family Triticeae. Crust substitute comes from Simply Gluten Free and her Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie. I made my tart in a 9in spring form pan. All was well except my ganache never really set up, but I just popped it in the freezer before spreading on the peanut butter mousse. All beaters that I licked were delicious. I think everyone will enjoy it tomorrow. It is very rich so there should be plenty of leftovers to send home to Brother in Law Bear, who loves chocolate and peanut butter almost as much as I do.

Who knew?

Bear: So have you turned on your heat yet?

Me: No, it isn't that bad right now. I have short sleeves on and I'm fine. But last night was a little chilly. But really, I like sleeping under two down comforters. I like the weight on top of me.

Bear: Because sometimes you are on the [autism] spectrum.

Me: Huh, really. I didn't realize two comforters was a sign.

Bear: Yeah sometimes the kiddos wear weighted vests for some sensory feedback. Maybe I will make you a vest. Then you can feel good and you will burn more calories because it is weighted!

Me: So I take it this isn't one of your special needs too.

Bear: No

Me: It isn't quite as funny when we don't share symptoms.

Pre Birthday Fun Begins

My mom sent some loverly flowers, as she does every year. All members of the family were on the card, including my brother in law and my youngest sister's new puppy. This follows last year's ugly scene where the sisters were unceremoniously booted off the family card without their knowledge. Apparently their cheap asses petitioned to get back on. You can't really see it, but there is a gold bow around the vase. One more week until my Golden Birthday. Oh 27 on the 27th, I never really thought you would be here.

I need to send some love to Beck's Florist. They do an excellent job. My mom is in the flower biz and has very high standards and we have both been very happy with their arrangements for the money. I love the ritual of calling Mom as soon as the flowers arrive and describing what they sent and if I think she got her money's worth. The one year in Champaign when I had to tell her $30 bucks got her 6 lame carnations in an ugly green vase about killed us both. Too bad I don't remember the name of that florist I could do my first internet slam. They would deserve it. Seriously 6 carnations.

Better late than never

I am happy to report that Rizzi's is no longer printing your whole credit card number on the merchant copy. It is about damn time.

Testing, testing, is this thing on?

Finally settled on a blog name. I am going to use this space primarily to keep track of my adventures in gluten free baking. A little about general life and Peoria will probably sneak in. But really in the end it is, Viva la sorghum!