Gluten Free Pancakes and Pure Maple Syrup

Well folks, it just doesn't get any better than this!  Gluten free pancakes (Trader Joe's Brand) and maple syrup harvested by my Aunt Vicki and Uncle Paul from trees on their own land, boiled down in their own sugar shack, and bottled for my tasting pleasure.  Awesome!

Trader Joe's has the least expensive GF Pancake Mix (around $3), but Pamela's and Bob's Red Mill also offer great GF Pancake Mixes.  Although I've heard that "Caramel Color" is made from corn in the USA, I don't trust anything unless it specifically states No Gluten, No Wheat, No Barely, etc.  Every single non-maple syrup on the market contains Caramel Coloring; for that reason, I'll only use pure maple syrup despite the steep cost.

My boss just found out he has to eat GF.  Since switching up his diet, he's already feeling better.  Knowing him, and knowing that he's a beer lover, I don't think it's hit him yet how much of what he used to enjoy will be eliminated from his list of options.  I went through some serious "beer mourning" when I realized that I'd never again be able to sip on a tall, cold pint of Guinness Extra Stout.  It still makes me sad thinking about it now.  Granted, Green's makes some pretty amazing GF beers, but I be fibbing if I said they were as good as the average gluten filled micro-brew on the market.

Gluten free living is all about getting back to the basics and appreciating simple foods more than one has ever had to.  It means savoring every last bite of well-made GF baked goods, slowing down the pace when enjoying a bottle of GF beer, and appreciating the simple pleasure of hot, steamy GF pancakes with Pure Maple Syrup drizzled on top.