Gluten Free From Texas to California

Rockwell Kent, 1882-1971
Afternoon on the Sea, Monhegan, 1907
Oil on Canvas, 86.4 x 111.8 cm
Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, de Young

In my quest to get down to the roots of how the gluten free revolution is affecting the rest of the country, I’m going on a quest to see what I can find by way of a road trip. Beginning July 14th I’m driving from Austin to Santa Barbara and I’m going to document what gluten free things that I happen to find (and not find) along the way…Here’s my route:

Day One: July 14th:
From Austin to Marfa, Texas

Day Two: July 15th:
Marfa to Tucson, Arizona

Day Three: July 16th-17th:
Tucson to Palm Springs, California

Day Four: July 18th:
Palm Springs to Santa Barbara

It have a feeling it’s gonna be both strange and exciting with a little of the go between filling the empty spaces, so stay tuned so you can catch the play by play. No one will be spared.

Gervasio W. Mackie
Road Sign, Hondo, Texas, 1937

In the meantime, while I pack up my car, here is the “NO SUNBURN” smoothie recipe I mentioned on facebook last week. Whip one up and hop into your bikini! I know I will be the moment I hit the beach.

The No Sunburn Smoothie

What makes this smoothie work, according my my friend Audrey who gave me the recipe in the first place, are the fats. This recipe was handed down to Audrey from her dear friend Monica, who lives in Brazil.

“The combination of the fats is the key to the magic of this no-sunburn smoothie. Fresh avocado, a tablespoon of raw almond butter, almond milk, coconut milk, a banana and a tablespoon of honey—it’s a perfect balance of unsaturated and mono-saturated fats—which are not only crucial for any healthy diet, but ideal for your skin. Drink it 20-30 minutes before you go out into the sun and you will be amazed. It really does work.”

I was a bit suspicious, of course and asked if you should put on any sunscreen. “Absolutely,” she said. “Because the UV rays are so damaging, always put on a baseline sunscreen of 15 with UV protection, a habit you should have every single day, no matter what you are doing. In this day and age, this is basic environmental protection.” Coupled with the smoothie, she attests that you get a gorgeous tan while keeping those pesky carcinogens at bay.

Monica’s No-Sunburn Smoothie

1 frozen banana
1/2 fresh avocado
1 tablespoon raw almond butter
3-4 tablespoons almond milk

3-4 tablespoons coconut milk

1 tablespoon honey

In a blender, combine all the ingredients until smooth. The size of the fruit will determine the thickness of the smoothie, so if you are using large bananas or avocado, add either more coconut milk or almond milk to your taste.

Serves 1