Delicious Gluten-Free Beer for 4th of July!!

Gluten-free beer? Why?
Sometime last year, I think it was in August so almost a year ago, I learned that I am allergic to a lot of things, gluten being one of them! Up until about 3 weeks ago, I thought this meant no beer...which wasn't too big a deal but when it's a hot day and the bbq gets going I do wish I could have a beer! Also since becoming aware of this common allergy I have learned a lot about celiac and other auto-immune disorders that require or at least are helped by a gluten-free diet.

Ain't where your from it's where you're at!
Fortunately I live in Seattle where there are a lot of very health conscious stores making great strides for those of us with a limited diet. One of my favorite places is a local bakery that actually makes cupcakes, bread and more that are not only gluten, but egg and dairy free as well! I am completely addicted to their maple cupcakes. I'm also lucky to be living in a house where I can have a garden and grow a lot of the vegetables for my family to eat.

What about the beer?
Right that's what I was talking about, so we recently found that there is gluten-free beer! Our favorite at the moment and the beer we will be drinking and that I recommend for the 4th of July is called New Grist which is made from Sorghum and Rice extract, Yeast, Water and Hops!

Anything else?
Of course! I recommend those cupcakes, and as far as drinks we have also been trying different kinds of cider! No, not the Martinelli's apple cider we all got as kids, but the kind with a little more kick to it! There are so many varieties, at a local restaurant in Ballard last night for example they had not only apple but dry currant and pear as well! If I can figure out where to get the pear cider that will definitely be at our house as well.

If all else fails...
There is always wine, when, or should I say 'if' considering the weather we've been having, it is warm then I love a good sparkling white wine. I think it goes well with just about anything and you can splash in some juice, I like pomegranate or pure cranberry juice, of course orange juice makes a good mimosa like drink as well.

Don't forget!
You will be needing food too! I love a good salad made out of kale, chard, and all sorts of non-dairy/egg/gluten ingredients, like this recipe minus the cheese for me, but maybe you can try it out and let me know! I will likely be eating chicken breast or fish on some good gluten/dairy/egg-free buns from my favorite bakery. Also some good melon, regular salad, and some baked yam fries!!

Have a Happy 4th of July!!!

http://www.greatharvestwestseattle.com/ -- makes the cupcakes!
http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/main.html -- makes the beer!