Delicious {and Easy} Gluten Free Treats for Summer

Have you ever walked into a friend’s Summer BBQ and died a little bit inside as you realized that there was absolutely nothing there that you could eat? If you are gluten intolerant, this has probably happened to you on more than one occasion. And summertime events are the biggest culprits of all when it comes to stealing your poolside snacking fun! Don’t you worry though; there are plenty of delicious (and super easy!) gluten free summer treats that you can enjoy and bring with you to your next get-together. Here are two of my favorite dips and two delicious desserts for you to try:

{Taco Dip}
Love all things Mexican but can’t handle complicated recipes? This dip is perfect for you!
  What you need:
        • 1 8 oz. tub of sour cream
        • 1 stick of cream cheese
        • 1 packet of Taco Seasoning (Gluten Free)
        • Shredded Cheese
        • Salsa
First, melt the cream cheese in the microwave. Then, add the sour cream and taco seasoning, stirring to eliminate any “chunks”. Grab your nearest pie-sized serving dish. Spread the mixture along the bottom of the dish. Pour a layer of
salsa followed by a layer of shredded cheese on top and presto! Your dip is completed! All you need are some gluten
free corn tortilla chips and you are ready to party!

{Bacon Ranch Dip}
When I first discovered this recipe on Pinterest last fall, my heart leapt. Bacon, ranch and cheese combined with sour
cream goodness... Just writing about it makes me hungry!
   What you need:
        • 16 oz sour cream
        • 1 packet Ranch dressing mix
        • 3 oz bacon bits (in the bag – not the jar)
        • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Simply mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate overnight. It is best served with chips or veggies. Trust me
when I tell you: this dip is so addicting you will not be able to stop eating it.

{Rice Krispie Treats}
This easy, gluten free treat, is so simple that you can quickly whip a batch together for any occasion. Plus, I’ve never met a person who didn’t love Rice Krispies so they are sure to be a hit anywhere you go!
   What You Need:
        • 1 stick of butter
        • 1 bag of jumbo marshmallows
        • Rice Krispies (Gluten Free)
Melt the stick of butter on the stove on low heat. Once it’s completely melted, add in the bag of marshmallows, stirring
until completely melted. Take the pot off the burner before adding in rice krispies. Pour cereal in slowly, stirring as you
go. Once the cereal is completely covered in marshmallowy goodness, you’re done! Spread evenly in 13” x 9” baking pan. Cut when cooled.

{White Chocolate Covered Strawberries}
Even though these are delicious treats year-round, there is something about summertime that makes the combination
of fresh strawberries and white chocolate extra special. Not to mention, they could not be easier to make!
   What you need:
        • 1 bag white chocolate chips (or white chocolate bark)
        • 2 cartons of fresh strawberries
To start, melt your chocolate in the microwave in thirty second intervals, stirring between each interval. Once melted,
dip each strawberry to coat in a glorious layer of white chocolate. Once covered, place on wax paper to dry. Refrigerate
before serving.

Want to mix this classic recipe up a little bit? Instead of covering your strawberries in chocolate, try filling them with
it for a chocolate filled treat! First, cut the stems off your clean strawberries and carefully scoop out the top of the berry. The deeper you scoop the more chocolate it will hold. Melt your chocolate or white chocolate, just as if you were dipping them. Then, to keep your strawberries upright while you fill, place them in an egg carton. Spoon the chocolate into each strawberry. Refrigerate before serving.

Don’t spend your next BBQ wishing there was something there that you could eat. Just whip up a simple snack or tasty
dessert that both you and the other guests will enjoy!

{Guest Blogger} Lindsay Martin-Nez