When the man retires- head to cooking classes!

When it was first suggested that I try a gluten free/wheat free diet, all I could remember was a previous doctor assuring me that I did not want to be diagnosed with celiac as that was clearly the most difficult diet to maintain. He painted a pretty dismal picture and let me know just how lucky I was that nothing came up with my test results. His advice was a diet of immodium as he chuckled me out of his office. Fast forward to two years later- and at this point I was in crisis. And then... the "dreaded" diet suggested by my GI specialist. I was desperate to try anything- if food was no longer to be a pastime in my life- then so be it. I felt badly for my hubby- whose passion is cooking, especially pizza. I'd learn to deal- but I didn't want to spoil his hobby either.

And... as it is always said- out of bad comes good. If not for celiac, I wouldn't be writing this blog, I wouldn't be about to retire my teaching career and I wouldn't be researching the opening of a health food store with a GF bakery. And yet- I am pursuing all of these things and more. And since one of us is now retired- the one with the culinary skills, the most likely past time for him is to take cooking classes. Just this past weekend he took a class in Vietnamese cooking. Tonight we had Lemongrass chicken and it was completely gluten free and delicious. So here's the recipe- you can substitute shrimp or veggies in place of the chicken. The smells that generate throughout the kitchen while this is cooking are fraagrant and wonderful!

Lemongrass Chicken

Canola oil- 2 Tbl.
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
6 cloves of garlic
3 inch pieces of ginger, peeled and finely minced
4 stalks of lemongrass (white inner portion only) sliced thinly into rings
2 Tbl. fish sauce
2 Tsp. sugar
1 1/2- 2 lbs. of chicken or shrimp or veggies -sliced thin
Cilantro leaves as needed


Heat wok over high heat until nearly smoking, add oil and swirl wok to coat sides.

Add onions, garlic, ginger and lemongrass and stir- fry about 30 seconds- 1 minute until fragrant- be careful not to burn them.

Add chicken and stir fry until done (about 6-7 minutes)

Garnish with cilnatro.

That's it! We ate this with rice noodles- can be served with rice as well. Just goes to prove- the GF diet with a little creativity can be delicious. I think back on that doctor now and instead of getting angry I just shake my head in amazement at how little he really knew!