Catalyst Cafe in Missoula

I just heard about another restaurant in Missoula that offers gluten free items.  The Catalyst Cafe & Espresso Bar has their GF items marked on the menu and they offer GF toast and english muffins.  I can't wait to give them a try the next time in Missoula.

The Catalyst is located at 111 N Higgins Ave and can be reached at 406-542-1337.

Gluten Free Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins

I've been a bit lazy on the cooking front lately.  Everything I make has been old stand-by's even though I have piles of recipes I want to try.  Maybe the spring weather will get me a bit more driven to try some new things.  Maybe.

I needed to whip together some muffins for the kids' lunch and after a quick search for flavor ideas I settled on PB&J muffins.  I was nervous that they were not going to work out because I really just threw things together but a miracle happened and they were delicious. 

PB&J Muffins - GF/DF

This made 9 muffins for me

1 1/2 C gluten free flour (I used Gluten Free Mama's Almond blend)

1/2 T xantham gum

1 1/2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

1/3 C granulated sugar

1/3 C brown sugar

1/3 C butter - use Earth Balance sticks if DF

1 t vanilla

2 eggs

1/3 C peanut butter

1/2 C soy milk

Your favorite jelly, I used elderberry

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a bowl sift together the flour, xantham gum, baking powder, and salt.  In a mixed cream the sugars and butter.  Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing thoroughly then add the peanut butter and milk mixing thoroughly again.

Add the flour mixture until well combined.  Fill 9 muffins tins 1/2 full then place a dollop of jelly in the middle.  I used about 2 teaspoons of jelly for each muffin.  Top each muffin with the remaining batter and smooth the edges to make a seal.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until done, the tops will be nice and set.

Cupcake Mountain Cupcakery Update

Well it was short lived but Cupcake Mountain Cupcakery no longer offers gluten free cupcakes.  I'm not sure if there were cross contamination issues or what.

Gluten Free Cupcakery, Smiling Moose Deli, and MSU options

We can add more locations to get gluten free foods to our Bozeman area list and I can't wait to give them a try.

Cupcake Mountain Cupcakery is Bozeman's first Cupcakery.  They offer gluten free cupcakes and have delicious looking cupcakes on their web page.  I don't know if they always have GF options on hand or not so you may want to call before stopping in.  You can find them at 218 Nth 7th Ave or call at 406-577-2787.

Smiling Moose Deli offers gluten free sandwiches served on a 7" Sweet Escape's GF hoagie roll.  It does cost an additional $1.50 for the GF option but we're used to that by now.  They have breakfast and lunch sandwiches plus the tomato basil and vegetable soups are GF along with the SMD Meat Chili.  If you want something lighter they have a create your own salad with chicken salad or tuna salad or the Ty Cobb and Italiano are also GF options.  The GF dressings are ranch, blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, and low-fat orange rosemary.  Ask for their GF menu and you'll see at the bottom they state they practice extreme caution when preparing GF foods and to allow a few extra minutes.  They are located at 2631 West Main.

MSU also has some GF treats that are popping up.  The Sweet Shop has GF cookies that are prepackaged and not from the Fat Cat Bakery on campus.  Avogadro's has GF cookies and brownies for sale and the Union Market has a shelf near the cashiers that has prepackaged GF options like Veggie Bootie, Glutino pretzels, soups, and kind bars.  It's slowly getting better on campus.

And last I need to share some sad news to those who don't already know, Neptune's Brewery is no longer offering their GF beer at The Dock because well The Dock is no longer there.  It's now a gaming parlor.  Last time I tried you can still get their GF beer on tap at Neptune's Brewery in Livingston, call ahead to make sure they have it on hand.

A Run for Sherry Arnold

I'm sure all of my readers in Montana have heard about Sherry Arnold, her story hit home with me in a couple of ways.  I started running two years ago and being alone when running does put me at risk, my awareness of that is even stronger now.  I'm also from eastern Montana and it's an area where you just feel safe and trust others.  It's the way of life there and incidents like this rob us of our safety.  It's not right and it's not fair.

I have been praying for Sherry and her family since I first heard she was missing and when I saw the blog post for a Virtual Run for Sherry on Februrary 11th I knew a run would be in order come snow (rain this year I guess) or shine.  Please read the post, like it on Facebook, share with your friends, and most importantly get out on Saturday the 11th to walk or run for Sherry.

Wheat Free Day at the Co-op in Bozeman

Mark your calendar for January 21st from 1-5 to stop by the Co-op on West Main and sample gluten free products, pick up recipe cards, and talk with Janelle (the Gluten Free Life Coach).  This should be a great time to try some new products and inquire about a store tour.  If you're new to being gluten free or know someone that is that would be a nice way to ease them into shopping.