Monday, December 31, 2012

Gluten-Free Mi-Del S'mores

I have to admit that I have not tasted these little s'more cookies, but, considering the number of times my 2 youngest kids have asked for these, I have to believe they are super yummy!  I ordered these on-line as a lunch box treat.  
The S'mores are manufactured by Mi-Del, are peanut-free and packaged in 90 calorie snack packs.  Mi-Del is a large manufacturer of gluten-free foods, however their foods are produced in a facility that also processes wheat.  Mi-Del routinely employs the ELISA testing method to ensure that their products contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.  
Both kids have been begging me to order more!  So, I just placed a new order for the new year.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Tu-Lu's Gluten-Free Bakery



My hubby and I hosted Christmas dinner this year.  My brother and his fiance brought gluten-free treats from Tu-Lu's Gluten-Free Bakery in New York City!  My hubby and my little guy were thrilled!   So, the next time you're in the big apple - check them out.  Tu-Lu's also has locations in Dallas or you can order on-line!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Gluten Free Reindeer Food


Ingredients

2 TBSP Gluten Free Oats
2 TBSP Flaxseed
2 TBSP Sanding Sugar(we used blue ice)

Gather your children measure and mix together all ingredients.

At dusk, head outside and sprinkle on your lawn.  The reindeer can smell the oats and see the sparkling sugar.

Merry Christmas!



Sunday, December 23, 2012

Gluten Free Molasses Cookies


Ingredients
1 cup Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup + 2 TBSP Bob's Red Mill Brown Rice Flour
1/2 cup + 2 TBSP Bob's Red Mill Sorghum Flour
2 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1 t xanthan gum
1 t bround cinnamon
1/2 t ground nutmeg
1/2 t ground ginger
1 cup organic granulated white sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter - MELTED
1 large brown egg
1/3 cup molases
small bowl of sanding sugar

makes 24 delicious cookies

THIS DOUGH MUST CHILL FOR 4 HOURS BEFORE BAKING

In a medium bowl mix all dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine melted butter and sugar.  Blend in the egg and then the molasses.  Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Scoop out a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball and roll in the the sanding sugar.  Repeat with remaining dought.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies are crackled and set.
Let the cookies cool fro 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy

Friday, December 21, 2012

Simply Shari's Gluten Free Lemon Shortbread Cookies

I picked up a bag of Simply Shari's Gluten-Free Lemon Shortbread cookies at our local T.J. Maxx for $4.00 for a 6 1/2 oz bag.  I love hitting the Maxx to see what g-free treats I can find.  Sometimes they have a better selection that the grocery store!
Created by a mom with a Celiac dad and an Autistic daughter, Simply Shari's is a made in the USA company and all products are GMO free!  So you can truly feel good about supporting this company.  The Lemon Shortbread cookies are a bit crumbly and slightly gritty in texture.  However, they have a nice lemon taste with bits and pieces of real fruit sweetened lemon.
Simply Shari's website is full of helpful information ranging from lifestyle tips, healthy eating suggestions, links to blogs and articles about Celiac Disease and even a teen blog!
These shortbread cookies would be fantastic with some sparkling lemonade or a warm afternoon white tea.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Product Review: Gluten Free Funky Monkey

Well, I ordered an entire case of these Funky Monkey MangOJ snacks thinking they would be a great lunch-box item for my kids and my Celiac hubby.  My hubby works a lot, gets little time for lunch, and has a bit of a commute, so I thought these would be great for him leave in his car or desk.  
Unfortunately, not one of the five of us enjoy these fruit snacks.  The Funky Monkey fruit is 100% real fruit, no sugar added and gluten-free, but it's also freeze-dried.  It's extremely dry, crispy, and brittle.  Each piece is oddly shaped, hard and just feels odd in your mouth.  I told my kids it was astronaut food thinking they might think that was so cool it would be worth eating, but my innocent ploy is not working.  
My oldest daughter is performing in a high school band concert tomorrow night and the band is collecting donations for our local food pantry.  I'll be donating the entire case!  I hope someone else can enjoy these nutritious yet odd little snacks.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Gluten Free Jackpot

I hit the gluten-free jackpot at T.J. Maxx yesterday!  Dr. Lucy's cookies in a variety of flavors for only $3.99 per box!  If you can't find them, buy them in bulk!  They're delicious and my kids love them!

Who knew I could get so excited over a few boxes of gluten-free cookies:)

Monday, December 17, 2012

Favorite GF Product: GoGo Squeez Fast Fruit

Three new fast fruit flavors from GoGo Squeez!
I serve whole fruit every morning with breakfast and after school every day as a snack.  But it's great to have "fast fruit" to toss in a lunch box, throw in a back pack, or stow in the car for "emergencies".  This time of year is incredibly busy with school performances, classroom celebrations, holiday parties, winter concerts.....  So, it's nice to have a quick, easy and healthy snack - that won't get bruised or turn brown and turn off little taste buds.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Holiday Madness

Shopping for family, shopping for friends, shopping for teachers, gluten-free baking, picking out the "perfect" Christmas tree, decorating the tree, decorating the house, decorating gingerbread houses, creating Christmas cards, creating handmade holiday gifts, mailing envelopes, gluten-free baking, school performances, school concerts, school classroom parties, wrapping gifts, hiding gifts, managing a slightly naughty Elf on the Shelf, did I mention all the gluten-free baking....
Not much time left for gluten-free blogging.  But I still have a lot to share, so more to come after I catch up with the rest of my life!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Product Review: Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcake Mix

 
I recently came across Heartland Gourmet Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcake Mix in my local T.J. Maxx. The mix was simple to use, I only needed to add eggs, oil and water and cost $4.99 to make a dozen cupcakes.  Heartland Gourmet Lemon Cupcake Mix is also dairy free, all natural and organic.  
Heartland Gourmet is a family owned American company producing a variety of all natural, organic products in Nebraska.


Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

Sadly, Hershey's Kisses Candy Cane are not gluten-free:(  
Here is the direct link to Gluten Nutrition information for all Hershey's candy products.
Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake

My food critic just turned 10!  Double digits:o)  She requested an angel food cake with a blue swirl.  Angel Food has long been a family favorite for Mother's Day, Easter, graduation and birthday events. We've always served it with fresh whipped cream and fruit.  
Finding a gluten-free angel food cake mix was no easy task.  So, I ordered one online directly from Kinnikinnick.  The mix is dairy free, casein free, lactose free and nut free.
I was surprised that I had to add 12 eggs whites to the mix as "regular" angel cake mixes only call for the addition of water!  So, be prepared if you plan on using a gf angel cake mix - don't foret to buy a dozen eggs too!  Egg whites that come already separated in a carton are not recommended for baking.

Our gluten-free angel food cake wasn't quite as light and airy as a traditional angel food cake, but it look fabulous and tasted delicious!  Most importantly, my food critic was thrilled and enjoyed every birthday bite.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Elf on the Shelf Eating Holiday Marshmallows

Apparently our Elf decided to dive right in to a bag of Kraft Jet-Puffed Holiday Mallows!  The good news is that the Holiday Mallows are gluten-free so our little Elf shouldn't get a tummy ache - unless he eats too many of course:)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Adam's Gluten Free Surprise

To provide full disclosure, Debbie Simpson, author of Adam's Gluten free Surprise, sent me a copy of her book for review on my blog.  I have to admit, I felt so honored at the request and was delighted to receive an autographed copy.
During the Thanksgiving holiday, I read Adam's Gluten Free Surprise to my 10 year old food critic and my 7 year old gluten-free guy.
Adam's story was all to familiar for my little guy.  He identified with Adam immediately.  Adams journey actually brought a tear to my eye as this story immediately reminded me of certain aspects of my little guy's own journey.
When reading how Adam couldn't eat the cupcakes or pizza at a school party, my food critic, who is very close with her little brother, declared "Wow!  That happened to Sawyer too!".
Adam's Gluten Free Surprise is a great story for kids with Celiac who are in the 2nd-5th grades.  Perhaps even more significantly, I think this book should be read by classroom teachers, teacher aides and assistants, school nurses and cafeteria personnel who work with students with Celiac Disease.  I'd love to see this book shared as a read-aloud during elementary school faculty/staff meetings to help those adults working with children better understand the daily struggle and disappointment kids with CD face.  The impact of Adam's story provides valuable lessons for adults who are responsible for creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for their students.
We're going to keep our autographed copy of Adam's Gluten Free Surprise.  But, we're going to pay it forward by purchasing a copy to donate to my little guys school library.
Thanks Debbie!




Thursday, November 29, 2012

McCormick Vanilla Extract

Thanks McCormick

I don't know if you can easily read the side of the box in my photo - but it clearly says:
A Gluten Free Food

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free

If you're looking for a way to simplify your gluten-free baking, The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free by best-selling baking author, Anne Byrn is perfect for you.  With over 50 recipes from layer cakes to wedding cakes, bundts to bars, cupcakes to cookies, Byrn provides a variety of ways to "doctor" boxed gluten-free cake mix.


The cookbook provides basic information regarding gluten, baking equipment and accessories, helpful tips for gf baking, recommendations for substituting ingredients, and even information on high altitude baking.
The recipes are simple and easy to follow, but some are extremely sugary and high in fat.  Many recipes call for the addition of instant pudding mix, sugar, brown sugar and sticks of butter to a boxed gluten-free cake mix.  However, many recipes also call for the addition of naturally gluten-free ingredients such as fresh berries, shredded coconut, almonds, lime zest, and cocoa powder. They are desserts after all and as an occasional treat, you can enjoy guilt free.
I like the format of the book, the advice sprinkled throughout, the space for notes included as a side-bar for each recipe, the reminders and the dairy free options.  

The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free is a fantastic gluten-free baking guide and cookbook.  Happy Baking!


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Barrett's Unusual Ice Cream Party

"Mom, I love that book!" exclaimed my little guy as we finished Barrett's Unusual Ice Cream Party by Michelle L. King.  "Can you get one for me?" It was a copy our local library purchased at my request.  "Of course!", I replied.  "Can we make the ice cream recipe at the back?  It sounds so good!"  My little guy continued.  I can't begin to tell you the joy I felt to see him smiling with such enthusiasm for this story.
The story is about Barrett, a first grade boy with Celiac Disease and a milk allergy.  Barrett is felling left out at school, a little embarrassed, and a little jealous as he gets teased by his classmates. Until, he gets a new classmate, Regan, who has a milk allergy and a positive attitude.  Reagan serves as a wonderful role model for Barrett and Barrett learns to think differently about what makes him special. 
As my little guy and I were discussing the book he declared, "I'm so lucky I just have Celiac!  I'm so glad I'm not allergic to milk too!"  Imagine that - lucky to have Celiac.  I asked him, "If there's one thing you would want everyone to know about having a food allergy or Celiac, what would that one thing be?"  His reply, "Not to be embarrassed about it."

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

bionaturae gluten free pasta

Over the last 18 months, our family of 5 has tested an awful lot of gluten-free pasta.  The first several tastings failed to please anyone.  So, we gave up pasta for several  months, but then the cravings for spaghetti and meatballs, pasta primavera, pasta with pesto, ziti... were too difficult to ignore.  After a few more failed attempts we discovered bionaturae and haven't looked back.  We can all agree, without a doubt, it's our absolute favorite.

Bionaturae, roughly translating to mean organic nature, is produced in Italy in a dedicated gluten-free facility. 
Find some bionaturae and enjoy the ziti, lasagna, pesto, garlic and olive oil, white wine sauce...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Progresso: Recipe Starters

Progresso Recipe Starters cooking sauce: Fire Roasted Tomato
As a busy mom of 3, working part-time teaching 8 kids yoga classes per week, and traveling roughly 25 miles to do our grocery shopping - I'm usually pressed for time.  During my last visit to our "local" grocery store, I quickly picked up a can of Progresso Recipe Starters: fire roasted Tomato.  The label was appealing and I thought it would be useful adding flavor to one of my sauces.  Imagine my surprise when I when to use it and checked the back of the can label to find CONTAINS MILK AND WHEAT.  Ugh!  Why, why, why is it necessary to put wheat in fire roasted tomato sauce?  I'm thankful I checked the ingredient list before ruining a perfectly tasty meal - without any unnecessary  wheat!

Lundberg Organic Jubilee Rice

Lundberg Organic Jubilee Rice is nutty, hearty, wholesome and satisfying.  
The Jubilee blend is nice change from either plain white or brown rice with a variety of delectable rice grains.  I also love that Lundberg rice is organic, vegan, whole grain and Non GMO.  Their packaging is bpa free and the Jubilee Rice has a surprisingly cool Velcro closure!  Lundberg Organic Rices test at 95 ppb of in-organic arsenic and their website is full of information relating to arsenic levels in food, testing for arsenic and product facts regarding arsenic.  
Try some and let me know what you think!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Gluten-Free Living Magazine

I just received my first issue(Fall 2012) of Gluten-Free Living Magazine.  This issue features a newly re-designed, reinvigorated Magazine.  Gluten-Free Living features departments such as:  Quick and Easy - highlighting a simple recipe; Family Matters - a series covering children's issue; Savings - offering both money and time saving tips and more; and Beyond Gluten Free - featuring other dietary concerns and restrictions.  A yearly six issue subscription costs $34 a year.
As helpful as the articles and recipes are, I always like the advertisements because I'm always on the lookout for new gluten-free products!

If you don't want yet another magazine cluttering your coffee table, Gluten-Free Living is also available as a newsstand app for your iPad or iPhone.  

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Organic Coffee Soymilk

Coffee infused Pearl Organic Soymilk by Kikkoman is a rich, creamy delicious way to satisfy your coffee craving.  Pearl Organic Soymilk is certified organic, lactose free, preservative free, cholesterol free and is as high in calcium, and vitamin A & D as whole milk.  One serving provides 6 grams of soy protein.  Better yet, Pearl is made from Non GMO soybeans so you can enjoy worry free.  My teenage daughter and I have a slight obsession with this coffee infused soy delight.  Pour over ice or heat it up as an after dinner treat. 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Agave Cinnamon Roasted Squash

Ingredients

1 large Butternut Squash
2 TBSP Grapeola Oil or Olive Oil                            
1 TBSP butter - diced
1 TBSP light Agave Nectar
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t nutmet
1/4 t ginger
fresh ground salt & pepper as desired

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Lightly butter a casserole dish
Better yet - line your casserole dish with foil lined parchment paper!  I love the stuff!
Peel, remove the seeds and dice a butternut squash.
Place squash in a large bowl and toss with all ingredients.
Pour squash into your casserole dish.
Bake for 1 hour.  Stir every 20 minutes to ensure even roasting.
You'll love the aroma this creates in your kitchen almost as much as tasting this savory dish!


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Roasted Chicken with Fancy Potatoes

Ingredients
3 chicken breasts - bone in, skin removed
3 chicken thighs - bone in, skin removed
1 small vidalia onion
6 large carrots
3 parsnips
1 lb. fancy potatoes
4 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
a pinch of salt, crushed black pepper, thyme, dried rosemary, dried ginger

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Serves 6
Measure 2 TBSP EVOO into the bottom of a casserole dish to coat.

Peel, cut and mix all veggies and spices with remaining EVOO.
Place chicken top side down in casserole dish to coat with oil and then turn right side up.
Pour veggies and spices over chicken
Bake for 1 hour, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
I had guests for dinner when I served this dish and never got a photo of the finished product:(  It's a wonderful casserole to make for a casual dinner party as you can prepare and refrigerate the dish several hours ahead.  That way you can enjoy your guest.  We enjoyed this casserole with baked butternut squash, roasted mushrooms and steamed haricot-vert on the side(and several bottles of wine too)
Everyone enjoyed the meal and there weren't any leftovers!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Amazingly Delicious GF Choco-Chip Cookies Recipe!

These cookies are seriously the BEST gluten-free cookies I have tasted in over a year!  Don't be overwhelmed by the 3 different flours - order them on-line or find them in your favorite market.  You'll be happy you did - I promise!

Ingredients

1 cup(2 sticks) butter softened
1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
1/2 cup organic granulated sugar
2 t gluten-free vanilla extract
1 t sea salt
2 large brown eggs
1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Sorghum Flour
1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Garbanzo & Fava Bean Flour
1/3 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free All Purpose Baking Flour
1 t xanthan gum
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

*Please note - this batter must be refrigerated for 1 hour before baking

Beat the butter, sugars, vanilla and salt until creamy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Whisk together the flours, xanthan gum, baking powder and baking soda.

Beat the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.  Blend in the chocolate chips.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour, or for up to 2 days.
Preheat the oven to 350degrees.  Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon sized balls of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Makes approximately 3 dozen amazingly delicious cookies

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Favorite Gluten-Free Product: Chocolate Pudding Cups

My kids and I absolutely love these puddings - even my toughest food critic!  Not only that, my food critic has a bit of a panda bear obsession - so the panda bear images make these pudding cups irresistible.  
I have to completely agree with the ZenSoy company statement "deliciously indulgent".  These little pudding cups satisfy my chocolate cravings without all the fat, calories, cholesterol, guilt, etc...  AND, ALL ZenSoy products are Gluten-Free, Certified Organic, Certified Vegan, Kosher, Nut Free, Dairy Free and have NO GMO's!  Seriously, what's not to love?!
The ZenSoy website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and is full of information about their company and causes.  Through their Pandas Against Pesticides program, ZenSoy pledges 5% of all profits to international wildlife organizations and to promote organic farming.
A healthy snack to fill hungry bellies! 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Celiac Boutique

11370455-103393294
11448306-103561291

Book Review: Real Life with Celiac Disease

Anyone looking for a deeper, more thorough understanding of Celiac Disease will appreciate this book.  Real Life with Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten Free by Melinda Dennis, MS, RD, LDN and Daniel Leffler, MD, MS explore the causes and presentation of CD; information regarding diagnostic and genetic testing; gluten intolerance and dermatitis herpetiformis in great clinical detail.  Next comes an in-depth look at gluten free life:  a healthy diet; supplements; the g-free vegetarian; inadvertent exposure; labeling; medications; Celiac Disease with Diabetes; nutrition for children and depression and anxiety with CD.  Each and every section provides exceptional clinical medical and nutritional detail.  The third section of Real Life pertains to the obstacles: non responsive CD; mal-absorption; colitis; probiotics; refractory CD; cancer risks and realities; anemia; fertility and neurologic manifestations.
Although Real Life is written in great clinical detail, it is well organized, comprehensive and easy to comprehend.  It is an invaluable resource for anyone living with CD and for anyone who loves someone with Celiac Disease.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

WOW!  I'm not sure I have words.  The picture above is a block from my house!  Thankfully our power has just been restored after 4 days.  We managed well using a lantern for light and our gas grill for cooking.  Luckily we had a house full of fruit, plenty of veggies, and were able to secure enough gas to run a generator on and off to keep the food in fridge relatively fresh. When life returns to "normal" I will begin blogging regularly once again.
Best wishes to all those affected by 
Hurricane Sandy!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Gluten Free World

Check this out - Gluten Free World!  It's like Pintrest except it's entirely gluten-free!  How amazing is that?!  GF World provides a format for quickly and easily sharing information on gluten free products, books, cookbooks, resources etc.  Be careful - once you get started it's dangerously addictive:o)


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Celiac Momma Boutique

11302238-103257284

Carmelized Parsnips with Fancy Potatoes


 Ingredients
1/2 vidalia onion
3 large parsnips
1/2 lb fancy potatoes
2 TBSP crushed garlic cloves
2 TBSP minced ginger 
2 TBSP olive oil





Peel, slice & saute the onion in the olive oil over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the onion is slightly caramelized.
While the onion is sauteing, peel & slice the parsnips into rounds.  Add to the onions and continue to saute for another 20 minutes.
Wash, dice and boil the fancy potatoes for 20 minutes until just tender.
Reduce heat to low and add the garlic and ginger to the parsnip mixture.  Saute over low heat for 5 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and add to parsnip mixture.
Saute for another 10 minutes.
Season with freshly ground sea salt and black pepper.
Because this recipe has a lengthy cooking time, I typically prepare it late afternoon as the kids are doing their homework.  The kitchen fills with a sweet aroma and I can supervise the cooking and the homework at the same time.