Bourbon Chicken - just like at the mall!!

It has been FOREVER since I last posted! I have actually tried to post something a few times but either had technical problems or got sidetracked etc. That said I several things to share - starting with BOURBON CHICKEN!!

We were driving home from vacation and stopped at an outlet mall to go in just one store. (insert voice from Sponge Bob) Two hours later... Sam was STARVING and couldn't hold it together for another minute so we stopped by the food court. The choices were VERY limited - we couldn't find any "meal" that was gluten free. We walked by the lady with the samples of Bourbon Chicken (which is a weakness of ours) and took one - then Troy, Sam and I preceded to get it for lunch. Gracie said "I wish I could have the chicken - do you think it is gluten free?" I told her it was made with soy sauce so it was not. Gracie was a trooper and had plain white rice and a Dr Pepper - it really was pitiful.

A few days later I was playing with "Stumbleupon" and I came across a recipe for "Bourbon Chicken...Yes, like at the mall!" I looked at the recipe - hmmmm - I could do this gluten free!

Sam woke up at the crack of 10:30 am and wanted to help cook - he did a lot of the prep. He would also like me to add that "Sam is Gracie's brother" :)

I used WalMart brand soy sauce (which WAS labeled gluten free) (SEE BELOW!!!) as well as Marukan Rice Wine Vinegar and Evan Williams Bourbon which states it is Gluten Free on their website. More on Bourbon later... I used dried ginger and green onions since I had it on hand. We served it with white rice and a salad - but it would have been good w/some steamed veggies thrown in.

It was good - REALLY good! I threw it together in the morning and cooked it in the evening in the same dish. Everyone ate it up! It is easy, easy and something you could prep the night before - the longer it sits the better.

I will be making this one again, and again, and again...

CAUTION ABOUT WAL MART SOY SAUCE!

After making this again today (w/the GF Wal Mart soy sauce) I was at the store and needed to get some more. The label has changed so I checked it - it is now NOT gluten free!! Regular wheat filled soy sauce!! So... Make sure that you use a gluten free soy sauce if you make this!! Wal Mart's is no longer gluten free.

Gluten free at P.F. Chang's China Bistro

My friend Darin emailed me this info today. P.F. Chang's has had a gluten free menu but today they added 5 new beef dishes!

I have to say it has been years since I have been to P.F. Chang's. No reason why - we just haven't been. I do remember it fondly. You know I always love it when a restaurant is accommodating to a gluten free diet. They even have gluten free soy sauce.

P.F. Chang's gluten free menu is LOVELY! Many favorites and new things to try. They even have dessert!

I called the Grapevine location and spoke to a manager (I am sorry I didn't get his name - he was very helpful.) I asked how they prevented cross contamination with their gluten free items and he stated that the gluten free area - like the vegetarian area - is separate from the main cooking area. They have separate woks and utensils and a shelf that is earmarked for these things. The manager invited me to call back anytime with any questions.

The last time I went to P.F. Chang's it was just Gracie and I. She had an appointment in Grapevine and she wanted to go because they had Magnadoodles (magnetic write on toys for kids.) We shared a dinner and a fun evening - just Mom and daughter. Gracie was about 6 at the time. We need to go back.

Check out the menu. It looks awesome, the food at P.F. Chang's is fresh and not expensive (lunch is about $9, dinner goes up to about $18) and it is a great place to go to dinner with friends and family.