REVIEW: Urban Angel Edinburgh - Gluten Free & Dairy Free Cafe

An amazing spot for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or just some cake in Edinburgh has got to be Urban Angel. It not only serves delicious food, it also has a wealth of gluten free options. Urban Angel Edinburgh is the place to go for great grub! Urban Angel Edinburgh is also featured in my Guide of the Best Gluten Free Destinations in Edinburgh, click here to check it out.

Urban Angel, Edinburgh

Earlier this year Mark & I, had a week away in Edinburgh. We explored a whole host of different restaurants that were suitable for those following a Gluten Free Diet (me!) as well as those following a Dairy Free Diet (Mark!).

We had some amazing meals out, & I would highly recommend Edinburgh for anyone on a gluten free diet, I didn’t struggle anywhere. Whilst we were in Edinburgh, we started to form a list of places we had heard were great for those on a gluten free diet and chose a few to visit. We decided that for our final meal before our train journey home we would go out for lunch to a place called Urban Angel.

We popped in to Urban Angel a few days before we went for lunch to check it out (I always like to do this if I’m close by). It was heaving with people & the staff were incredibly helpful. One lady explained that nearly everything is or can be adapted to be gluten free, as well as dairy free. She also told me where they get their gluten free bread from. They get it from Archipelago Bakery run by the lovely Caroline Walsh. It is a local bakery that you might like to visit in Edinburgh too, they have plenty of gluten free options. 

So of course after seeing Urban Angel so busy a few days previous, on our final day in Edinburgh, we made sure we had booked a table to ensure we got to enjoy our lunch! (This is something I would highly recommend, it was only a Tuesday lunch time when we visited!)

Urban Angel have a brunch menu (which runs all day!), a lunch menu, cakes (always delicious gluten free options) & a specials menu each day. They also do amazing juices & smoothies.

Breakfast Smoothie

As brunch enthusiasts, we both chose off the bunch menu. First off I got a Breakfast Smoothie which was almond milk, blueberries, banana, honey + almond butter. It was delicious, & a perfect accompaniment to my food. 

I couldn’t wait to try the gluten free bread. So I ordered Scrambled Eggs, Avocado & Smoked Haddock on toast. I guarantee this bread will blow your mind. It was so flavoursome, I can’t actually think of any bread I have had that beats this. If I lived in Edinburgh I would be down Archipelago Bakery all the time buying it for myself! The scrambled eggs were actually amazing too, who would have thought something so simple can be made so amazing. I felt like I was eating the best eggs around. The avocado sliced on top was a really nice touch, I really liked how it was presented. Oh, & avocado is one of man’s greatest creations! Finally, the smoked haddock… insane! I have never had smoked haddock within my brunch before. I often have it in a fish pie but rarely any other time. It had a delightful strong flavour & flaked to perfection. 

Mark went for poached eggs, smoked salmon & avocado on toast… another brilliant choice. Those poached eggs had lovely runny yolks when broken in to! The smoked salmon was amazing too, and plenty of it! Needless to say he devoured the whole plate!

From looking around Urban Angel I could see some amazing food being eaten by other people too. The presentation of every plate was perfect. Urban Angel manage to take simple classic dishes to another level. I have no doubt that everyone who visits will want to visit again! 

I cannot wait to next visit Edinburgh, I will definitely be heading straight for Urban Angel again! I would highly recommend it to everyone & anyone. It is a great experience, perfect location, helpful staff & delicious gluten free food – what more could you want?!

Let me know if you do visit or if you have any other recommendations of places I should visit for tasty gluten free food! Just leave a comment below, or on Facebook/Twitter. 
Urban Angel is located 121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ.

Thanks for reading,

Becky xxx

REVIEW: Urban Angel Edinburgh - Gluten Free & Dairy Free Cafe

Ed"s Diner - Gluten Free Menu

So I’m sure by now a lot of you folks have heard that the amazing american style diner… Ed’s Diner, now has a completely gluten free menu that is accredited by Coeliac UK. Well here it is!

So for some reason Manchester doesn’t currently have an Ed’s Diner… what a joke! I used to love visiting the original Ed’s Easy Diner in Soho back when I did eat gluten. I’d enjoy milkshakes & burgers all day long! Nowadays I thought such places were out of bounds for those of us who have to live gluten free. However, this is anything but true!

Ed’s Diner have created an extensive menu filled with everything you could ever ask for in an American Diner… ALL GLUTEN FREE & ALL ACCREDITED BY COELIAC UK!

From Hot Dogs (in Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns) to Juicy Burgers (in Gluten Free Burger Buns), & all with a range of delicious toppings. For once we don’t just have to go for the plain burger or the plain hot dog… hows about a Pulled Pork covered Hot Dog?! Yes!

Such a range of delicious fries too. Sweet Potato Fries, Chilli Fries, ‘Wet’ Fries, Cheesy Fries, even Atomic Fries! There really is fries for everyone.

Ed’s Diner Breakfasts are also not a problem being Gluten Free. Breakfast Rolls & Breakfast Burgers are all good at Ed’s!

Oh & don’t think that Ed’s Diner have forgotten about Gluten Free desserts, cause they haven’t. Ice Cream Sundaes feature strongly! Oh & the MILKSHAKES!! 8 different single flavour shakes, 4 double flavour shakes & the amazing Nutella Shake too. I really am getting very hungry talking about this!

With well over 30 Ed’s Diner scattered across the UK, if you haven’t been already it is definitely time to get down to one. Click here for locations. I am trying to think when I will be close by one next, & scheduling it into the diary!

Have you tried out the Gluten Free (Coeliac UK accredited) menu at Ed’s Diner? If so what did you think? If you haven’t, does the menu make you want to go? Let me know by leaving a comment below. Or on Facebook/Twitter.

Thanks for reading,

Becky xxx

Ed"s Diner - Gluten Free Menu

REVIEW: Lizi"s Gluten Free Granola

I love it when popular supermarket brands jump aboard the Gluten Free Train! & That’s exactly what Lizi’s has done by providing Gluten Free Granola!

*** Keep your eyes peeled on Twitter (http://twitter.com/gfcuppatea) tomorrow (15th May) for a special #FreebieFriday… 3 Chances to win something delicious & gluten free from Lizi’s! ***

For so many years I have seen Lizi’s down the cereal aisle of my local supermarkets. Not only that I have seen it in other family members bowls & craved it. The packaging is inviting, but seeing it piled high in your brothers cereal bowl really does bring the cravings & jealously to a whole new level! However, no longer do I need to feel like this. Lizi & her team have listened to a huge amount of consumer nagging & thus demand, & created a healthy, delicious gluten free granola!

With Coeliac Disease affecting one in 100 people (Although only 24% who have the condition have been diagnosed), it is great to see some of the nation’s favourite brands creating gluten free versions of their already popular products. Lizi’s Gluten Free Granola is not just gluten free either, it has been fully approved by Coeliac UK. This is definitely very reassuring for many, as I have found many companies becoming very confused with what passes as ‘Gluten Free Oats’.

It is also really nice that Lizi’s Gluten Free Granola isn’t just really standard like so many gluten free products. It is often the case that a brand provides a gluten free alternative & it’s just really plain. All the gluten eaters get exotic, different flavours yet we just get bland alternatives. Lizi & the team don’t think like this… the gluten free granola is filled with all my favourite nuts & plenty of seeds too. ‘Desiccated Coconut, Cashew Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Golden Linseeds, Almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts’ - irresistible, hey?!

I am a massive fan of breakfast time & decided to have my first bowl of gluten free granola alongside some fresh fruit & almond milk. It smelt great & it tasted even better. I will definitely be trying this again. I did find it quite filling but not, uncomfortably so. It definitely kept me going until a late Saturday lunch out! Similarly to when I eat gluten free porridge, this gluten free granola seems to gradually release it’s goodness; but its full of even more fibre & good fats!

Though I had my gluten free granola, simply alongside almond milk & fresh fruit there are definitely so many other ways you can try it. For example it works really well alongside fresh yoghurt & berries. I am a big fan of coconut yoghurt. Both Coyo & The Coconut Collaborative are brands that I would highly recommend… I buy both depending on what supermarket I am in! They are both dairy free as well so if you are looking for a delicious Gluten Free & Dairy Free Breakfast using these alongside Lizi’s Gluten Free Granola is definitely a great idea!

I love Granola so much I would happily eat it for dessert, sprinkled on top of ice cream, frozen yoghurt or even with pancakes! I really think this gluten free granola could work really well in a recipe too. Maybe some on-the-go cereal bars or flapjacks… you never know until you try!

Lizi’s Gluten Free Granola is music to my ears & heaven to my tastebuds. It’s full of flavour, texture & just makes you feel really good whenever you eat it! I will definitely be buying this again as one of a few cereal options I have. (I love cereal!!) It’s going to be available initially this summer in both Asda & Sainsbury’s (June & July 2015 respectively), so hopefully you can hold on till then!

Are you a granola fan? Have you got any other ways you eat your granola? & also let me know what you think of Lizi’s Gluten Free Granola! Drop a comment below or on Facebook/Twitter.

Don’t forget the #FreebieFriday Competition this Friday 15th May over on http://twitter.com/gfcuppatea for 3 Chances to WIN something tasty & GLUTEN FREE!

Thanks for reading,

Becky xxx

REVIEW: Lizi"s Gluten Free Granola

RECIPE: Gluten Free McDonalds - Egg McMuffin

Now I live incredibly close to a McDonalds (as most of the world does). Not a Gluten Free McDonalds though!

I often walk past & look back to my childhood, when I enjoyed some of their meals as a treat after swimming lessons! But living a Gluten Free diet in the UK means McDonalds is not an easy ‘Fast Food’ option. So I’ve decided to recreate one of the Big Daddy’s of McDonalds… A Gluten Free Egg McMuffin. Homemade Gluten Free McDonalds tastes so much better!

Gluten Free McDonalds – Homemade Egg McMuffin Heaven.

I must admit I was never much of a McDonalds breakfast eater. I think I may have only had it a couple of times & that was many, many years ago, probably at an airport! But I know of many folk who do love a cheeky Egg McMuffin on a semi-regular basis… most of them don’t get what they want with breakfast stopping at 10:30am. However with this tasty little number you can:

1. Get a McDonalds style Breakfast all day long

2. You can guarantee it is Gluten Free!

3. So… it’s suitable for Coeliacs!

4. You can make it with whatever bacon you wish, whatever eggs you wish.. animal welfare folks!

5. You can choose any cheese.. So for the Dairy Free eaters amongst us, using a tasty slice Violife is perfect!

6. You can serve it with whatever you like, I grilled my hash browns, no frying thanks!

What a Genius Gluten Free treat!

What made me crave the idea of making my own Homemade Gluten Free McDonalds Egg McMuffin was finding Genius Gluten Free English Muffins in my local Sainsbury’s. I’ve never really eaten English Muffins, & the thought of being able to eat a Gluten Free McDonalds Style Egg McMuffin seemed a good reason to try a one out!

The Genius Gluten Free English Muffins (which are also Dairy Free) actually taste amazing. I’ve since used them to have a Gluten Free Bacon Muffin & one lightly toasted with some margarine. Both of these were delicious; however, nothing will ever beat my very own… Homemade Gluten Free McDonalds Egg McMuffin! 

The recipe below gives you all the details of how I made mine. I used a poachette ring to make my egg perfectly round, this ensured it fit perfectly into the english muffin. If you haven’t got one, they are really easy to find, I just bought mine in the supermarket on the day I had my craving! Another thing, I actually used 2 eggs. As you can see from the picture the egg was really thick, which was exactly how I wanted it; one egg would work fine too though! In terms of bacon, use whatever you fancy! I chose to use bacon medallions as they were fairly round and wide – perfect to fit in the muffin! I think turkey bacon would work really well too, if you are looking to go a little healthier! Finally, I decided to make my Gluten Free Egg McMuffin Dairy Free too! I did this by using Dairy Free Cheese. My cheese of choice was the delicious Violife. Violife do a range of different Dairy Free flavours, but for me, I had to choose the cheddar as it tastes amazing & it’s the perfect colour!

Well enough gluten free waffle… here’s the recipe you’ve been waiting for! The Gluten Free McDonalds Egg McMuffin! I highly recommend using Genius Gluten Free English Muffins for this… I’ve been ensured by a Gluten eater that they taste incredibly similar and the texture is on point too. You can grab them in nearly all supermarkets across the UK in the Free From section. So if you haven’t before, keep your eyes peeled. They are well worth it!

Gluten Free McDonalds Egg McMuffin

2015-05-08 09:09:16

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Ingredients

1. 1 Gluten Free English Muffin, toasted (I recommend the Genius Gluten Free English Muffins)
2. 1-2 Eggs (2 eggs works great for a really thick egg!)
3. 1 Slice of Cheese (For Dairy Free, I recommend Violife Cheddar Slices)
4. 1-2 Bacon Medallions (I chose Medallions as they are a better shape & less fatty)
5. Butter or Dairy Free Spread (optional if you like to butter your muffin!)

Instructions

1. Turn your oven on to ensure you can keep everything warm as things might finish at different times!
2. Get your bacon medallions and grill them for a couple of minutes on each side (or however long you cook your bacon for!) & Place in the oven to keep warm.
3. Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan (I used a spray as you really do not need a lot)
4. Once the pan is hot place your poachette ring in the centre of the pan & crack your egg(s) into it.
5. Break the yolk of the egg(s)
6. To ensure a fluffy egg, add a small amount of water to the outside of the ring mould.
7. Cover the pan with a lid to allow the egg to steam a little, this will ensure it cooks on both the top and the bottom. (I didn"t have a lid for my frying pan, instead I used a saucepan lid that rested on the poachette ring, this worked fine)
8. Like cooking any eggs this won"t take very long, slightly longer if you are using two eggs, but not much.
9. Once the egg is cooked take it off the heat and carefully remove the poachette ring, you might need a knife to lightly ease it from the sides of the ring, although mine was non stick.
10. Get your toasted muffin and lightly butter it.
11. Place a slice of your preferred cheese on the bottom of the muffin.
12. Place your "egg patty" onto the cheese.
13. Then place your bacon on top of that!
14. Finish it off by placing the other half of your toasted gluten free english muffin on top.
15. Serve with some grilled hash browns (you could have cooked these when you grilled your bacon)
16. Enjoy!

Notes

1. Poachette Rings are the best way to make sure the egg comes out McMuffin style!
2. I like to serve mine with a couple of hash browns, grilled in the oven & a large glass of fresh orange juice.

Gluten Free Cuppa Tea - by Free From Food Blogger, Becky, UK. http://glutenfreecuppatea.co.uk/

Have any of you guys tried to make your own Gluten Free Egg McMuffin? Let me know by leaving a comment below, or on Facebook / Twitter. Also if there are any other Gluten Free McDonalds meals you would like me to attempt to make… you can also leave a comment below or on social media!

I am now incredibly hungry!

Thanks for reading,

Becky xxx

RECIPE: Gluten Free McDonalds - Egg McMuffin

REVIEW: Loudons Edinburgh - Gluten Free & Dairy Free Cafe

Loudons Edinburgh is an exciting & delicious cafe situated in the heart of the city. It has an amazing, vibrant atmosphere; and of course, has a menu stacked full of gluten free & dairy free mouthwatering options.

This is the first of a collection of posts documenting gluten free in Edinburgh, make sure to check back & follow me on Twitter / Facebook to keep up to date

I had been given numerous recommendations from fellow gluten free foodies to visit Loudons whilst I was in Edinburgh. Seeing as it was the Easter weekend, & most people were enjoying time off work I was worried we wouldn’t easily get a seat. Fortunately, Loudons is really open and spacious & there is plenty of room for everyone! It is definitely a suitable destination for everyone whether you have kids, want a relaxing place to do some work, a chill out place with friends or a great gluten free foodie experience during Edinburgh Fringe.

Upon arrival at Loudons, I asked our lovely server whether they had many gluten free options. She told me ‘I had come to the right place’! She went on to explain that everything on the menu can basically be made gluten free – plenty is naturally gluten free too. I even went downstairs to discover they have their own onsite bakery where they make all their own gluten free bread and cakes.

On our first visit to Loudons we were overwhelmed by all the choices. However, the environment in Loudons makes you feel so relaxed & happy, that it was nice to take our time perusing the menu. The menu is extensive with a lengthy brunch and lunch menu. Brunch is all about Eggs, Pancakes, French Toast, Quinoa or a Full English (All available Gluten Free). Whilst the lunch menu contains Gluten Free Gnocchi, Gluten Free Quiches & Gluten Free Pizza amongst a range of other delicious delights! Click here for the Loudons’ Menus.

Gluten Free & Vegan Banana & Coconut Pancakes

After much deliberation we chose the Gluten Free & Vegan Banana, Coconut Pancakes as well as the Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs on freshly baked Gluten Free Toast. It was so hard to decide, so we thought one sweet and one savoury dish to share would be perfect! When the food arrived I was blown away. The presentation made the food look so appetising & the smells coming off our plates were incredible.

The Banana & Coconut Pancakes came warm with a chopped up banana, slices of fresh strawberry & lots of maple syrup. I have never had gluten free pancakes out before and these were beyond insane. They were really fluffy and flavoursome. I loved the strawberries on top and of course the maple syrup just rounded the dish off to heaven. I can’t believe the pancakes were both gluten free and vegan… anyone who tries these pancakes will not of had any better anywhere else!

Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs on freshly baked Gluten Free Toast

The Smoked Salmon and Poached Eggs on fresh Gluten Free Toast was equally to die for. The bread was soft and full of delicious seeds. The crust on the bread was like nothing I have ever had from a gluten free loaf before. I just wanted more of the bread! As always smoked salmon & poached eggs is a winning combination. The eggs were cooked to absolute perfection. We finished our lunch feeling mighty satisfied, yet slightly sad that it was over!

Before we left we decided to go to the front counter and gawp at all the delicious cakes. Of course we didn’t just gawp at them, we grabbed a couple to take back to the apartment to eat later on. I went for a gluten free lemon & raspberry cake, whilst Mark went for a vegan fudgey chocolate cake. Loudons had so many cakes I wanted to try out. The Gluten Free Lime & Coconut Squares and Gluten Free Scones looked beyond delicious. There were at least 7 different gluten free cakes amongst their wide selection on our visit. Best of all, they are all made in the bakery literally just below the cafe!

Gluten Free Lemon & Raspberry Cake

Not even 2 days had passed since our last trip to Loudons & even with so many delicious gluten free options in Edinburgh, we found ourselves craving more from Loudons; so we returned again for lunch! Mark & I both decided that on this trip we would both have something different to last time on the menu. This time I opted for one of my all time favourite dishes… Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Eggs with their delicious gluten free toast. Mark decided to try the french toast with maple syrup and bananas on their regular freshly baked bread. (You can always have this dish gluten free if you like, Mark just wanted to try what their gluten bread tasted like too!)

Smoked Salmon, Scrambled Eggs & amazing home baked Gluten Free Bread!

Now I feel like I might be starting to give Loudons a big head with this review, but they thoroughly deserve it. My smoked salmon and scrambled eggs was by far the nicest I have ever had & I have travelled to a lot of amazing restaurants & had this dish before. I loved the idea of mixing the eggs and salmon together. There was definitely no lack of smoked salmon by having it this way & it was seasoned perfectly. The bread was again amazing and was an absolute pleasure to eat!

French Toast with Banana & Maple Syrup – this CAN be made Gluten Free too!

I apologise for posting the above picture as this bread definitely contains gluten but I just couldn’t resist as Mark enjoyed it so much! The best French Toast he has ever had… & to think that they can use their freshly baked gluten free bread to make this dish gluten free makes me want to get the train up to Edinburgh immediately!

Knowing this was our final trip to Loudons this Edinburgh adventure definitely made me a little down. We both decided this is one of the best cafes we have ever been to, possibly the best. The staff are some of the friendliest I have met, they are incredibly knowledgable and very efficient too. Nothing is too much for the staff of Loudons, we felt very welcome!

Freshly Baked Gluten Free Bread to take home

I am very pleased to say I managed to bring a little bit of Loudons Edinburgh home with me in the form of a loaf of their Gluten Free Bread. As I mentioned, it is freshly baked downstairs and you can buy it to take home with you. Most of the loaf is gone now, I have been enjoying it with every single meal! 

So if you are based in Edinburgh or are thinking of visiting in the future I would put Loudons at the top of your agenda for a place to go. Whether you fancy breakfast, brunch, lunch or just a slice of cake, it is the perfect destination. The menu delivers on every level for those with intolerances and for those without. They are incredibly understanding of coeliac needs so any coeliacs can rest easy when they visit.

Let me know if you get a chance to visit Loudons Edinburgh & what you think!

Thanks for reading,

Becky xxx

 

 

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REVIEW: Loudons Edinburgh - Gluten Free & Dairy Free Cafe