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So, valentine's day with no chocolate? That is probably one of the hardest things about a restricted diet, holidays and special events. I am a HUGE lover of sweets, especially chocolate, so that has been quite a test for me. It took me a while to figure out some alternatives, but there are some great ones!!! First off, I prepare. I know that everyone is going to be eating candy and goodies, so I make sure that I have something on hand that I can enjoy too. For me, I bought a cake mix from the store, and it is made by Gluten Free Pantry. They make delicious mixes!!!! I got chocolate of course, but their brownies are excellent too. On the back of a lot of the gluten free mixes it gives you options for dairy free and egg free too. I love that, I don't have to think about it!! I then made my variation of Betty Crocker's Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, and I have a super yummy treat for me and my family!!!:) Betty Crocker also is starting to make a few gluten free mixes that you can find almost anywhere. I can get brownie and yellow cake mix at Walmart. They are nice in a pinch, but I prefer the Gluten Free Pantry mixes, they taste less "gluten free"!!!:) I think preperation is key, that way you don't feel like you missed out, and you aren't tempted to cheat.

I also have been seriously craving Chinese food, but I'm just not willing to risk an allergy attack with Eloise, so I can't bring myself to go to the resturaunt. I'm not sure what they use in there batters for the fried dishes, and I'm not sure if butter is used. I love Mar Far Chicken though, so we compromised. I found a really great recipe online, and we altered it. We have tried this with three different flours (white rice, brown rice, and quinoa), and have made it for ourselves, and both our parents. It is a winner!!! I'm sure it is not low fat, but I am also sure that it is gluten and dairy free. It is definetly one to try!!!:)

Mar Far Chicken

• 1lb Chicken breast meat cut into chunks (uncooked)
• 3/4 Cup White Rice Flour
• 1 tsp.Baking Powder
• 1 egg
• 2 to 3 tsp. Soy Sauce (we found gluten free soy sauce @ Food 4 Less)
• oil for frying
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Rice Milk
• Extra White Rice Flour, for dipping chicken in before battering

To prepared batter, measure white rice flour with salt and baking powder into beaten egg, rice milk, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly. Dip chicken in flour first, then dip into batter.
Add more milk to batter if it seems too thick on chicken.
Fry 365° F. on thermometer in deep fry.
Drain on absorbent paper

SO YUMMY!!!!:)