About

I’m Bailey and I’ve been living the celiac life since 2010.  You can find me in my kitchen, on the back of my horse, or playing with my dogs… when I’m not working my day job. I strongly believe that living a gluten free lifestyle doesn’t mean doing without, going hungry, or staying home. People who eat gluten free shouldn’t be the butt of jokes, or feel like second class citizens.  Life revolves around food, and it is possible to eat safely and live an adventurous life.  I’ve created The Cowgirl Cooks to help people feed themselves or their gluten free loved ones.  It truly is possible to eat well, eat safely, and live your adventure.

I grew up helping my mom in the kitchen. We even joked about writing a cookbook before I graduated from high school.  Life got in the way of that adventure, but my love of sharing good food has never left me.  As a college student I honed my cooking skills, because making my own food was the economical thing to do.  Soon after I graduated from college I learned I needed to eat gluten free.  Suddenly many of my favorite restaurants and meals were no longer an option.

Fortunately I had the skills to re-create those foods, gluten free, in my own kitchen. Thanks Mom!

Today I embrace the challenge of making restaurant classics and family favorite foods gluten free.  I especially pride myself in serving great meals, that you wouldn’t know are gluten free. Some of my favorite things to cook are heirloom family recipes.

My kitchen is one of my havens in this world.  It is located on a small ranch that makes it easier to pursue another passion – riding, and competing with horses.  My current favorite activity is Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Basically, I shoot a pistol, loaded with blanks, at balloons while navigating my horse through an established course.   It is an amazing adrenaline rush! My main mount is Holly, a sassy little paint horse who always gives 120%.  I can’t imagine a better team mate.  She has carried me to numerous awards in the arena and inspires me to be gritty and tough in everyday life.

Traveling and competing has made me realize that there aren’t always gluten free options available to travelers. This can be frustrating, especially to someone new to the gluten free lifestyle.  There is nothing worse than being hangry, then not being able to find safe food. Living gluten free does not mean staying home and being socially isolated.  Get out there andexperience the world! TheCowgirlCooks.com exists so I can share all of the tips and tricks I have picked up over the years. Other people don’t have to make the same mistakes I have.  Believe me, some of my mistakes should not be repeated!   No one should have to leave their job, or sacrifice their education to manage a gluten free diet.

So saddle up, and come along for the ride as I cook up a storm and chase my dreams. If you don’t like to ride, I could sure use a hand with these dishes!