Easy Applesauce

This applesauce is so yummy and easy to make too! I like to make it when I've bought too many apples and they are starting to go a little soft - still good, just not as crunchy as I like my apples to be. I came up with this no sugar version as we find the apples to be sweet enough on their own. You can always add 1/2 -1 cup sugar if you feel that your apples aren't sweet enough.

Crock-pot Applesauce

8-12 apples peeled, sliced, & cored (peel them and use an apple slicer/corer to do the rest)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Put the sliced apples in the crock-pot and sprinkle with cinnamon. If you like a thin applesauce you can add 1/2 cup of water. I like mine thick so I don't add any. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Mash up the apples depending on how chunky or smooth you like it. We like it warm, but it's good cold too. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Enjoy.

Frontera Grill

We went to the Frontera Grill and called ahead for reservations, which is a smart idea, since it is a popular spot. When making the reservation, I explained that my wife had Celiac Disease and asked if they could accommodate a gluten free diet. They noted this on our reservation. When ordering, the waitress asked the chef what menu items are gluten free, or could be made as such, since they change their menu every month, it is important to ask the chef. Most of the appetizers are not gluten free (including the tortilla chips) so we got the guacamole with jicama and cucumber slices. For dinner I got the only entree that wasn't gluten free, the Chicken with red chili sauce and a chorizo & pineapple tamalon. Meredith ordered the tacos al carbon with steak, which came with guacamole and 2 kinds of salsa (the tomatillo salsa was awesome). The meal was fabulous, although a little on the pricey side. But hey, we were on the way to see Phantom of the Opera, so why not? The link to Frontera Grill and other restaurants by Rick Bayless is http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/grill.html

Ted's Montana Grill

Last night we ate at Ted's Montana Grill in Naperville, IL. They specialize in bison and are very Eco-friendly(cardboard straws) and fresh (no freezers or microwaves). They have a gluten free menu available upon request and it is really quite extensive. I ordered the New Mexico style burger (beef) with no bun. The menu said the fries were gluten free but not cooked in a dedicated fryer, so I ordered the garlic mashed potatoes instead. Shane ordered George's Cadillac burger(bison) and got a baked sweet potato for his side. We really enjoyed our food at the restaurant has a fun casual atmosphere. We will definitely go back again! here's the link if you want to check out their menu http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/nutrition_gluten_free.html