Gluten free eating

Many people are sensitive to gluten, the mixture of proteins and starches found in wheat, rye, and barley, that allows for the elasticity in bread dough. For some the sensitivity is light, for others, particularly those with celiac disease, the symptoms can be painful and severe. There are many people blogging gluten free recipes, see below for a few:

• Gluten Free Goddess is written by Karina in the Northern New Mexico. Karina is an artist, and she brings an artist's palette (and palate!) to the presentation of beautiful gluten-free meals with stunning photographs. Karina's recipes are always inspiring, and not just because they are gluten-free.
• Gluten-free Girl comes from Shauna James in Seattle, Washington. Shauna is a writer and a teacher who has not only appeared on the Food Network because of her blog, but now has a book contract as well. Shauna's blog mixes in mouth-watering recipes with stories about her life and loves.

Here at Chartwells we are aware about concerns that many of our students are facing with regards to gluten free eating. We have gluten free options available in all our dining locations! You may have visited our gluten free area in Mather YOUR S.P.A.C.E. Also be on the look out for our new "Bready" oven that will be available in the deli area of Mather. This oven will be baking gluten free breads fresh daily, right here on campus!  
If you have a concern with your allergy and find it difficult to navigate meal options in our dining halls, please feel free to come talk to our Executive Chef, Keith Edwards, he's more than happy to help. We also have a Registered Dietitian on staff that can help as well.
Happy Eating!
- Chartwells Management Team 

Dorm Friendly Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes
Ingredients
1 large potato
1 tablespoon of butter
2 slices of bacon
3 tablespoons of sour cream
Directions:
Take the potato and use a fork to poke holes in it. Place it in the microwave and cook for five minutes on one side then flip it over and cook for another five minutes. Once the potato is soft, cut down the length of the potato and scoop out the inside while leaving the skin intact; the skin will be used as a bowl later. While the potato is cooling slightly, cook the microwaveable bacon according to the directions on the package. Mix the potato’s insides with the butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture back into the potato skin, and cook until the cheese is slightly melted, and the potato is warm. Sprinkle with bacon and enjoy.
Even though this treat is a bit of a splurge, it’s okay to spoil yourself once and awhile. This hearty meal is so simple and easy on the wallet, what’s not to love?
Calorie Count:

  large potato= 278 calories
·      1 tbsp of butter= 67 calories
·      ¼ cup of cheddar cheese= 110 calories
·      2 slices of bacon= 80 calories
·      3 tbsp of sour cream= 150 calories
·      Total calories count=685

Welcome Back!!!

Welcome back to the Spring 2012 semester! Now, I know there is snow and ice on the ground, but I have been hankering for a smoothie all day - which got me to thinking - can't you just make one in your dorm room?  It's simple, really.  All you need is a blender, some frozen fruit and yogurt and you are good to go.  The recipe is simple:

   1.  fill a blender half way with yogurt or soy milk or apple juice ( your choice)

   2.  add a handful of any of the following frozen fruits ( or all of them):  strawberries, peaches, bananas, pineapples  ( you get the picture)

   3.  If you have it handy, add a shot of honey

   4.  Blend until smooth

 It's inexpensive and easy to make... Let me know how it turns out

Top food trends for 2012 from Food Channel

Top food trends for 2012: Food Channel

Baked Acorn Squash with Apples recipe

I came across this recipe on a website and thought I should pass it along. Great time of the year for this recipe, and you could use all locally grown ingredients!! - Chef Keith

Ingredients

1 acorn squash 2 apples, chopped 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon margarine, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 deg F and either grease a cookie pan or cover it with tin foil.

Mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, and melted margarine. Set aside.

Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash cut side down on the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.

Turn squash right side up and fill each half with apple mixture. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to apple mixture (nutritional info does not include walnuts).

Number of Servings: 2
 

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 2
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 314.3

• Total Fat: 5.6 g
• Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
• Sodium: 66.2 mg
• Total Carbs: 70.3 g
• Dietary Fiber: 7.0 g
• Protein: 2.0 g

Chef Keith is at it again....

More dorm friendly recipes:

1. Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill medium-sized mushroom caps with a mixture of bread crumbs, butter, green onions, and parmesan cheese. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot.
2. Pita Pizza: Top one whole pita pocket with marinara sauce, pre-grilled chicken, and some bagged veggies and cheese. Microwave for 60-75 seconds. Enjoy with ranch dressing.
3. Apple Crumble: Combine apple pie filling, a handful of granola, and a crumbled cupcake of choice in small bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds, and enjoy with some vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
4. Peanut Butter Fudge: Melt 12 oz. semisweet chocolate and 12 oz. peanut butter on high for 3 minutes. Add milk to mixture, and combine thoroughly; pour into 8 x 8 baking pan, and chill overnight.

Dorm friendly recipes

'Cooking' with a microwave takes some practice, but creative opportunities are endless when you combine pre-made food with some of your traditional favorites. One-bowl dishes are the easiest, especially if noodles or rice are already made; just add some veggies, grilled meats, and other 'toppings' to create some unique combinations for variety. You'll never tire of dorm room food with the right approach! Below we list a few to get you started:

1. Nacho Haven: Assemble a plate of your favorite baked chips or French fries from the Cave, Bistro or Mather, add refried beans, zesty salsa, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.

2. Easy Quesadillas: Layer one oversized tortilla with a handful of cheese, pre-grilled chicken strips, diced peppers, and canned corn. Cover with 2nd tortilla and microwave for 60 seconds. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

3. Chili Fiend: Heat up a can of chili according to directions. Add a sprinkle of cheese, diced onions, and sour cream for a gourmet version.

4. Scrambled Egg Sandwich: Whisk together 2 eggs, 2 tbsp. milk, and salt and pepper; microwave in a custard cup for 60-90 seconds. Layer in an english muffin with cheese and ketchup to taste.

Try them out and have fun!

Chef Keith Edwards