Ginger Lemon Girl

Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:06:00 PDT

Summer screams strawberries to me! The early summer strawberries are now available in eastern nc... and normally I have to make a pie. My great-grandma P's best strawberry pie, as a matter of fact. And really, you should make that too. But if you're not up to making a pie, you can make this cake. This soft, light, white cake filled with fresh strawberries! We served this cake on Sunday for my awesome mom-in-law Carol. To make things easy, and to have a less-heavy dessert after a cookout, I simply frosted the cake with Cool Whip. But I know many MANY of you are not "fake" whipped...

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Gwynnie Bee: Nygard Splattered Brushstroke Tunic and Igigi Alma Top

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:26:00 PDT

Peter Nygard Splattered Brushstroke Tunic The fun part of using Gwynnie Bee thus far, has been figuring what styles and colors of clothes work for me as a "plus-size cutie-pie"! Yesterday I received these two shirts that I had been very excited to try on. Both of the shirts ended up being too big (even though it was my usual size of 18W), and they were both extremely long on my short torso. First, I was sort of annoyed and frustrated... "Well great, here are two more styles that don't fit my body type..." but after emailing my friend Clara she encouraged me to...

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Arugula Sprouts Garden Burger

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:43:00 PDT

(Let's try this again spelling "ArUgula" correctly! lol) My husband loves sandwiches. Seriously, he could eat them every day for every meal. Squeeze in a bowl of cheerios and he'd say he's had a "well-rounded" day of meals! When the weather gets warmer I really love sandwiches too... along with more veggie-based meals. Salads, raw veggies, and veggie sandwiches. My favorite gluten-free veggie burgers are Sunshine Burgers. They are gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free as well. They are based from brown rice and carrots with different herbs and seasonings. My favorite is the Garden...

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Product Review: Smart Ones Cheesy Scramble with Hash Browns

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:47:00 PDT

I'm always hesitant to post reviews of processed meals... I know people tend to love 'em or hate 'em and many in the gluten-free, whole foods, paleo-ish communities wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. I get that and I applaud those who are able to make all of their meals from scratch! But in my life.. time is often short. I'm trying to work on my time management skills so that we can eventually eat most of our meals from scratch. However, I don't have a problem with shortcuts when you can find them and they work for you! And (in MY opinion) this "Smart Ones" meal is...

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Gwynnie Bee: Fashion for Plus-Size Cutie-Pies

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:35:00 PDT

Spotted Osprey Boat Neck Top from Gywnnie Bee So I'll be the first to tell you I don't know a darn thing about fashion-sense. When I was growing up I overheard something about you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day and that fat girls shouldn't wear stripes. Yep... that's all I know (and apparently both of those rules have been completely thrown out the window these days...) so when it comes to fashion, my favorite thing to wear is a black t-shirt and jeans... I'm not sure that will ever really change. Oh and then there's the weight thing... yeah.. I'm a plus size girl, always have...

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Gluten-Free (Paleo-ish) Carrot Cake Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:12:00 PDT

Sometimes it's amazing what you can come up with in the spur of the moment! We needed some additional pictures for my upcoming baking cookbook and we needed something colorful... an editor suggested a bread with carrot flecks. Carrot flecks? Who makes bread with carrot flecks?? So I strummed my fingers for a while... what can I make? What can I make? And then it came to me... why not make a very lightly sweetened version of a carrot cake... put it in a loaf and make it a bread! Why not? One of my favorite aspects of this new book is that it will include a chapter of lower glycemic...

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A Weekend for Gluten-Free Expos!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:00:00 PDT

Like free stuff? Like GLUTEN-FREE free stuff? Want to know more about how to live a healthy gluten-free lifestyle? Want to try different gluten-free foods and meet companies who are helping the gluten-free community? Well you have a really awesome chance THIS weekend at two Gluten-Free Expos: one in Charlotte NC and one in Roanoke VA! I WILL be at the event in Roanoke, so if you are in the SW VA area, I'd love for you to stop by and say hello! The Charlotte NC Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event: April 13, 2013 10 am - 4...

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Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes (A Master Baking Mix Recipe)

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:00:00 PDT

One of the best recipes that I've shared over the years is my Gluten-Free Master Baking Mix. I created it in 2008 before Gluten-Free Bisquick was available. It's the same concept, but my homemade version is a bit more versatile than the store-bought brand. The homemade Master Baking Mix works really well in a huge variety of recipes because it already has shortening in the mix, along with protein from blanched almond meal. The mix also has ground flax seeds in it for additional fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Along with biscuits, pancakes, cookies, and muffins... it also turns out you can...

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Gluten-Free Book Review: The Everything Guide to Gluten-Free Living

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:31:00 PDT

This is another book review I've been meaning to share with you for months! My good friend Jeanine Friesen, creator and author of "The Baking Beauties" a wonderful Canadian gluten-free food blog, has written a brand new book called, "The Everything Guide to Living Gluten-Free." (...and I know I'm biased, but I'm thrilled this book is published by Adams Media, the publishers I work with as well and who also published my gluten-free slow cooker cookbook!) In the very beginning of the book Jeanine states, "...a gluten-free life isn't all about loss and restrictions. It is also about...

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Take me out to the ballgame...

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:11:00 PDT

Just about mid-March the "spring" itch begins.. some people just get itchin' to plant something... to get outside, to dig their fingers in the dirt, and add annuals to their spring beds. But for me... spring means baseball! Ever since we were dating my husband and I have gone to see the Mudcats battle it out around the pitch at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. There's just something comforting and "All American" to make it back to the stadium every spring. To hear the National Anthem being sung by local talent. The 13 year old boy who sang it on...

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Gluten-Free Book Review: Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: A Whole Food Starter Guide & Cookbook

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:34:00 PDT

Back in December my friend Hallie Klecker asked me to review her newest e-book. A wonderful collaboration written with Alisa Fleming, author of Go Dairy Free. This book, "Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: A Whole Food Starter Guide & Cookbook" is exactly that: a perfect place to start when you go gluten-free and dairy-free. What I love about this amazing little book is that it not only gives you a full description of what gluten-free and dairy-free REALLY means... it also gives you list after list of foods you can eat, foods you should avoid, shopping lists, a menu planner, etc... this...

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2 Hour Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Meals: Jambalaya

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:02:00 PDT

One thing I learned when I wrote my slow cooker cookbook was that people have very strong opinions about their slow cookers. They can love them or they can hate them. There aren't many 'tweeners. Well one thing I love about them (especially newer "Crock Pot" slow cooker models) is that they actually cook pretty fast, especially on high heat. And yes, I know that's a contradiction. Why in the WORLD would you want a "slow cooker" to cook FAST? Because I'm never home. That's why! I'm out of the house over 10 hours a day during the work week, which unfortunately is...

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Cat Shaming #1 - No Leftovers...

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:49:00 PDT

Thanks for no lunches tomorrow Whiskey Jack... And from now on, the leftovers will go in the fridge AS SOON as we've plated our food... All Rights Reserved. COPYRIGHT © 2011 Gingerlemongirl.com Do not republish any part of this article without permission from Carrie Forbes @ gingerlemongirl@gmail.com

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Gluten-Free Review: Three Baker's Bread - Part 1: 7 Ancient Grain

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 07:36:00 PDT

Three Bakers Bread is a small company in Moscow, Pennsylvania that makes all different kinds of gluten-free breads. The company started as a regular bakery, but several years ago the owner's daughter discovered she had celiac disease. Realizing that she could no longer eat the bread that provided her family's income, they decided they needed to learn how to make gluten-free bread. After many tests and trials they came up a number of products that are now available in several grocery stores across the US. Three Bakers also ships many of their products nationwide, so if you can't find them...

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Ginger Lemon Girl Featured in The Roanoke Times

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:35:00 PST

I am thrilled today to be a featured story in the Extra Section of The Roanoke Times today in an interview with Lindsey Nair, Food Writer. Lindsey asked me a bunch of questions about why I wrote the cookbook, how I started the blog, and how I became interested in cooking and writing. I really enjoyed answering Lindsey's questions and I'm really excited because I grew up in the Roanoke area, so to be featured in the local paper there is a true honor. Not only does Lindsey share a fun interview with me about the book, but she shares two of my favorite recipes in "The Everything...

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Gluten-Free Review: Real Simple Delicious Soups

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:13:00 PST

A few nights ago I got home from work and really had no intention of cooking dinner. I figured we'd probably graze from the fridge again or have scrambled eggs and toast (a no-cooking night staple!)... and then I remembered we had 3 soup samples delivered to us earlier in the week. One of the definite perks of food blogging... free food! Cook! San Francisco is a small company that creates homemade gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free soups and stews. They also have a detox meal service that delivers healthy gluten-free meals nationwide for those following Dr. Mark Hyman's...

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Gluten-Free Quick Meals 101: What to cook when you don't feel like cooking

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:12:00 PST

Let's be honest... life is just BUSY. Our current lifestyle and culture thrive on busy-ness and often once we've gotten home from work or school or it's the end of the day for homeschooling or stay-at-home moms & dads... we're just tired. We don't want to cook (okay, make that CARRIE does not want to cook.) Maybe you don't feel quite the same way, but you also have times when you just don't have much energy or you feel frustrated or burned out with the gluten-free diet. Well here you go. Over 100 super fast and easy gluten-free recipes just for you. With the help of some dear...

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Enough, 100 Words

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:20:00 PST

I found this writing prompt through the blog "LouCeel" today and I was intrigued and challenged! It's a weekly writing challenge that is prompted by simply one word. This week's word is: enough. While I love to cook and bake... I feel like my real gift is writing. And sometimes it's just fun to use a creative prompt to get the "literary juices" flowing. So here is my entry for this week's 100 Words. Enough: He’s been there 12 years. Through 11 “ Saint Valentine’s Days.” In the beginning I needed reminders. I needed the reassurance, flowers, and...

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RAK - Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 11-15

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:26:00 PST

The college campus I work at has made a point to celebrate this special week the past few years. I think it's such a great idea. So often around Christmas we have feelings of giving, the awesome charitable love for others and just wanting to help... but then as the holidays fade, those kind thoughts can often get lost in the shuffle of getting back to everyday life. I speak from experience. We just seem to sort of "forget" to be nice sometimes... and I'm probably more guilty than most. So I hope to find ways of being a little kinder this week! I'm hoping to bake some gluten-free cupcakes...

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This Week's Gluten-Free Menu: Back to a Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:58:00 PST

Okay, admittedly it has been MONTHS... really MONTHS since I stuck a menu plan. It's so easy to get out of the habit... and then it kills our grocery budget when we do! So it's time to get back in the habit. The meals we have cooked over the past few weeks have been mostly pantry meals. I'm trying to clean out my freezer and our cabinets and rotate out foods that are getting close to date! I'm going to continue that this week, although I probably will stop by the grocery store to pick up a few things like eggs and milk (almond for me, organic dairy for hubs). Our meals will also be very...

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For Mitten

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:17:00 PST

I'm sitting in the small community college library. I've been reading the latest issue of Good Housekeeping and Southern Living. The entire issues mind you. I can't tell you the last time I've done that. Just sit down in a quiet space with magazine and read it cover to cover. No worries, no work... just the quiet hum of the air conditioning and the occasional ring of someone's cell phone (despite the mute-it sign.) It's peaceful here and I've needed these quiet hours for weeks. Weeks. Libraries are in many ways my "church", my safe place... I seek them out constantly even though I work at...

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Gluten Free Moravian Chicken Pie Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 07:15:00 PST

(This was a post I found in the archives that I meant to share months ago and it somehow was never published... I think it's perfect for January and for those who love serious comfort foods! Enjoy! -- Carrie) Before I went gluten-free one of my favorite places to eat lunch was this little place called "The Sugar Plum Shop." Actually you never ate there, you just picked up your food and went on your merry way. At Sugar Plum you had the choice of three items: a pimiento cheese sandwich, a chicken salad sandwich, or a slice of Moravian Chicken Pie. More often than not, I had the...

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Carrot Apple Curry Soup Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 09:30:00 PST

For the past few weeks I've had this soup swirling through my thoughts. I've been trying to eat a lot more vegetable based meals lately. My tummy hasn't been super happy with meat proteins the past few weeks, I'm not sure why (no, no kids on the way, you don't have to ask!) I just have times when my body craves more vegetables and other times I crave more protein. Right now though, veggies are the bee's knees. I am a comfort food junkie. I love mashed potatoes... mac and cheese... baked beans... anything creamy and warm, and I love pureed soups. Michael isn't such a huge fan of them, he...

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Gluten-Free, Vegan, Cane Sugar-Free, Chocolate Chunk Cookies -- Adapted from Real Sustenance

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:00:00 PST

YUM, right?! They really are. I rarely get so excited about making SOMEONE ELSE'S recipe... but this time I genuinely am. And well, like with nearly all recipes, I have to tweak them and change them along the way. I'm not really sure why... I think it might have something to do with having a rebellious personality... my grandmother always called me defiant... so maybe these are defiant chocolate chunk cookies.. who knows! At any rate, Brittany Angell... the amazing author of the blog "Real Sustenance" and books: "The Essential Gluten-Free Baking Guides" (Part 1 and Part 2) shared these...

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Giveaway & Cool Stuff: How to store Victoria's Gourmet Seasonings

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:23:00 PST

A few months ago when I received sample seasoning blends from Victoria's Gourmet, I was overwhelmed! There were so many of them! The seasoning blends came in super cute little tins, but I couldn't figure out where in the world I was going to store them. I have a TINY kitchen and my spice/seasoning shelf space is minimal and completely full at the moment! I also knew if I didn't keep the spices in sight, I probably wouldn't use them. So where in the world to put them... And then it dawned on me... I remembered seeing stores sell little tins with a magnet on the back of...

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