GF Cosmetics I Love This Company

Who would have thought that when I found out I had Celiac that would mean I had to trash all my makeup. For years I have struggled with rosasea so natural healthy cosmetics have always been a priority of mine. Never in a million years would I have thought about checking my makeup bag for gluten. Sure enough after a thorough check almost every product I used had gluten in it. So here I was again on yet another G-free search. I tried all kinds of companies but didn't like the feel of many of the products. Most were to heavy or chalky feeling and the lipstick was pretty much a chap stick. If I'm going to take the time to use a product how about giving me some great colors, a light airy natural feel, and all day coverage. Well here you go people I found a company I LOVE. Drum roll please......and the company is AfterGlow Cosmetics. I love their products they have great colors and my skin hasn't felt so calm and healthy in years. My rosacea has calmed down and most would look at me and never know I struggled with painfully sensitive skin. Check out their website they have some great stuff http://www.afterglowcosmetics.com/

DIY Marshmallows

I have had several requests for this recipe so here you go. Don't be intimidated to do

it yourself. These are so easy and you'll never go back to store bought marshmallows again. All you need is an electric mixer (a stand mixer works best) with whisk attachment and a candy thermometer.

Homemade Marshmallows

1/2 cup water

3 packets unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

dash of salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract (use a really good quality vanilla)

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup corn starch

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer add the gelatin and 1/2 cup water together.

2. In a sauce pan combine 1/2 cup water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cover and heat on med/high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover mixture, stir a couple times then clip the candy thermometer to the side of the of the pan. Heat mixture to 240 degrees when the mixture hits 240 immediately remove from heat.

3. Using the whisk attachment turn the mixer onto low and slowly pour the hot sugar mixture down the side of the mixer bowl into the gelatin water mixture.

4. Once combined turn mixer onto high and allow mixture to whip until lukewarm about 10-15 minutes.

5. While mixture is whipping use a separate bowl to combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 corn starch together. Whisk until well combined. Go ahead and prepare your 13x9 inch dish. Spray with nonstick spray or butter the dish, then coat pan with the sugar corn starch mixture. Shake out any extra sugar mix back into the bowl to use later.

6. Add the vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture for the very last minute of whipping.

7. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan and spread out evenly. Use the sugar/corn starch mixture to dust your spatula to help spread the mixture. Evenly dust the top of the marshmallows with the sugar/starch mixture. Allow the marshmallows to set up for at least 4 hours before trying to turn them out of the pan.

8. Once the marshmallows have set up gently turn them out of the pan onto a lightly dusted cutting board. Use the extra sugar/starch mixture to dust your knife or cutters. Once the marshmallows are cut roll them in the powder mixture to evenly coat all side. This will keep them from sticking together. For large or small square marshmallows I use a lightly dusted pizza cutter to cut 1-2 inch strips.

Note: I have found that I enjoy the marshmallows best the next day. They are a little firmer and work better for roasting after a day. You can easily change things up a bit by adding cocoa powder to the dusting mixture to make coco marshmallows or add other candy flavors. At Christmas I add a couple drops of peppermint flavoring when I add the vanilla. Then roll the marshmallows in a cocoa & powder sugar mixture to make mint chocolate marshmallows. Super yummy in Hot Chocolate!

Favorite GF Pasta Brand

Ahhh, the search for a good GF pasta. I don't know about you guys but my daughter and I were quite upset at the thought of giving up pasta. We have tried all kinds of gluten free pasta, brown rice, white rice, spinach, and corn, you name it I've tried it. Much to my disappointment the pasta always seemed to fall short either in taste or texture. Needless to say when I stumbled across this Ancient Harvest Quinoa pasta I was a little sceptical. Much to my surprise it held up to my standards both in taste and texture. Livy was so excited the first I made mac & cheese. The pasta held together without getting slimy and gross, believe it or not it held up like the "real" stuff. Ya, as if our food isn't real but that's another rant for another day:) You can buy it in bulk online or at most health food stores. I have even found it a Kroger a couple times. For more info check out their website www.quinoa.net