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.

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:)

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!