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

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!

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."