Gluten Free Bed and Breakfast

I have always wanted to experience staying at a bed and breakfast, but it seemed to be an unlikely option for a gluten free diet.  This past weekend proved me wrong.  We found The Looking Glass, a bed and breakfast run by Cari Meltzer in Rhinebeck, NY.  This Victorian style B & B is so cozy and they offer a four course gluten free breakfast option for guests who give advance notice.  Saturday AM we had gluten free banana muffins, fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, and mini gluten free pancakes, plus juice, tea, and coffee.  Sunday AM was gluten free blueberry muffins, fresh fruit, sausage patties, crustless quiche, and diced potatoes.  Cari was even so kind as to stock the guest snack pantry w/ soy yogurts and soy milk for us too.  What a find!  You can also ask her about gluten free restaurant options nearby….a gluten free gnocchi pasta at Gigi’s was mentioned, though we didn’t get to try it.

We chose to indulge in another dining experience on our weekend adventure: lunch at American Bounty, one of the student-run restaurants at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in nearby Hyde Park.  (Note: must call weeks in advance for reservations!)  We tried the mussels, smoked salmon salad, Hudson valley duck w/ polenta and grilled Hanger steak w/ potato fries.  And guess what else?  They had gluten free bread available!  Apparently the CIA has incorporated gluten free baking into their student class repertoire, and here’s one of their secrets: use carbonated water for extra leavening to create a lighter, airy texture.  We bought the CIA’s Gluten Free Baking book at their gift shop, so I’m very excited to experiment with some new recipes soon!