How to make a tasty gluten-free meal using only a hotel microwave

Last weekend my dad and I drove an hour and a half down to Rochester, MN to visit the Celiac Center at the Mayo Clinic. Being my first "vacation" (if you can call it that) since starting a strict gluten-free diet in February, I was a little apprehensive about what I would eat. I still won't dare set foot in a restaurant, no matter how gluten-conscious it claims to be, and the thought of three straight days of peanut butter sandwiches on that dry crumbly gluten-free bread made me quite sad (and a little nauseated).

But with a little culinary creativity, I came up with a solution to this cooking conundrum:

Mexican-style black beans and rice with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes

Cooked in five minutes using only a hotel microwave and refrigerator (though you could easily make due without the refrigerator). This is also makes a good "OMG I just got home from work/school and I have to eat something NOW!" recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 can Eden Organic Black Beans and Rice (Caribbean or Mexican style). A statement on their gluten status can be found here.Want to make your own black beans and rice? Here's my favorite recipe.
• Grated Mozzarella cheese* (if you don't have access to a fridge I bet string cheese could also work!).
• 1/2 Tomato, diced
• ~1/4 teaspoon Cumin
• Salt to taste

*If lactose intolerant, avocado would also make a nice addition to this recipe.

You will also want to bring a can opener, plates/knives/spoons, and of course your gluten-free toaster.

Ok, ok, a gluten-free toaster isn't really required for this recipe, but really, no Celiac patient should ever leave the house without one!

Instructions:
Empty about 1/2 to 2/3 of the rice and beans can onto a plate. Stir in the salt and cumin. Sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes on top and enjoy!

BONUS: What to do with that gluten-free toaster you dragged all the way out here!

Open-faced tomato and cheese on toast

Ingredients:

• Gluten-free bread of your choice
• Good quality hard cheese (I used my most recent obsession, Gran Queso from Whole Foods)
• The other half of that tomato
• One clove of garlic (optional)
• Olive oil (optional)

Instructions:
Toast the bread. Cut the garlic clove in half and rub a small amount into the toast. Add a bit of olive oil to the bread and assemble. Yay!