In case you missed the controversy that began last week the introduction of Domino’s new gluten free pizza crust, that is not gluten free enough for celiacs, here’s a quick synopsis.

Domino’s partnered with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, a celiac advocacy group, to “craft their disclaimer,” and provide “front of house” training, and check to see if ingredients are gluten free before they are opened and handled in the restaurant. Turns out this training is to teach those who don’t make the pizza, the phone staff and cashiers, basically, to tell you that your gluten free pizza is not safe for you if you may get ill when you consume gluten.

When many first saw that the NFCA had put their name on this product, they assumed that some sort of real cross contamination training was happening, and that some sort of process was put into place to protect those who MUST eat gluten free for health reasons. Yes, there are many who choose to eat gluten free for a variety of reasons, but a pizza that’s safe for the most highly sensitive gluten free eaters, would certainly be good for them as well – not so much the other way around.

Domino’s has no designated gluten free prep area, no designated cooking area, no designated gluten free tools or toppings, yet the NFCA has given Domino’s a seal, perceived as approval, called their Amber Designation, which is for restaurants who AREN’T doing gluten free right. Huh? Rumor has it that the NFCA gets quite a bit of money for handing out this designation, while doing nothing to require the restaurants to improve their processes or even try to provide a good product for the gluten free consumer. (Note: Some are noting in the comments on this post that their Domino’s location handled the pizza well. That’s happy news, but not the point of this petition. If you cannot recommend your products for celiacs, then should a celiac advocacy group have their name associated with it? This is not an anti-Domino’s petition – they are not mentioned in it. NFCA is.)

Expect more restaurants turning out “sort of gluten free” meals to gain this Amber designation unless you help to tell the NFCA that you want restaurants to actually learn what it means to provide a good and safe product for all gluten free consumers. Why not partner with them to teach them how to do it instead of putting their stamp of approval on those who seem as if they are just attempting to profit from the growing gluten free market?

1 in 133, a celiac advocacy group started last year by Jules Shepard and John Forberger, has posted a petition to ask the NFCA to stop handing out the Amber designation to those willing to pay for it, but not willing to provide safe, gluten free food. This benefits all gluten free consumers, whether you are gluten free for serious health issues or not. Let’s ask the NFCA to use their position to educate restaurants that want to jump into the gluten free market.

SIGN THE PETITION

READ MORE and SIGN THE PETITION here.

LISTEN to Jules’ Radio Show from last Thursday with Alice Bast, director of NFCA.

Thanks for entering!
Our contest winners are: Susie Hartvigson, Tim (marshy), Kris Vaughan, Enez Pancioe, and Rhonda Y

Convenience doesn’t have to be void of nutrition or taste! The KIND Combo Cube contains dairy free and naturally gluten-free KIND whole nut and fruit bars (8 bars), KIND Healthy Grains (2 pouches), which blend gluten-free oats with 100% whole grains like amaranth and quinoa, with health-promoting superfoods like blueberries, cinnamon and more.

As the number of people with Celiac Disease and gluten-sensitivity continues to rise, KIND aims to provide on-the-go food that people can enjoy – while still meeting their unique dietary needs. More importantly, KIND’s healthful ingredients provide its consumers with nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B-12 that most gluten-free foods and diets often lack.

Here’s what you’ll find in this special KIND Combo Cube:

• One Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters Package (Just won a place in Prevention’s Healthy Food Awards for Best Packaged Foods) – This crunchy bag is packed with whole gluten free grains like amaranth, quinoa, and millet and a hint of peanut butter. Unlike other granolas filled with fat and sugar, these contain just 3.5 g of fat per serving and 5 g of sugar. Enjoy it by the handful or with milk or almond milk.
• One Maple Walnut Whole Grain Clusters Package – Maple Walnut Clusters with Chia & Quinoa are a heart healthy blend of walnuts, chia and whole grains amaranth, quinoa, oats, millet and buckwheat with a sweet touch of maple. These palate-pleasing clusters contain 300mg of omega-3 fatty acids and provide 17g of whole grains per serving.
• Two Almond & Coconut Bars – Almond & Coconut is a guilt-free way to satisfy any sweet tooth with a hearty blend of almonds and coconut, 4g protein and 4g fiber.
  
• Two Fruit & Nut Delight Bars – Best-selling Fruit & Nut Delight is a crunchy, classic blend of heart healthy mixed nuts (Almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts and walnuts), dried apricots, raisins and a drizzle of honey. Each bar contains 5g of protein, 4g fiber and only 180 calories. (As seen in SELF Magazine).
  
• Two Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter + Protein Bars – New Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate is a decadent blend of peanuts and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate that delivers 7g of protein in each bar. This is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth with only 200 calories!
  
• Two Cranberry Almond + Antioxidants Bars – Top-selling Cranberry Almond + Antioxidants is a delicious complementary blend of tangy cranberries and dry almonds. A delicious way to get 50% DV of Vitamins A, C, & E, 3g fiber and only 190 calories.
  

Thanks for entering!
Our contest winners are: Susie Hartvigson, Tim (marshy), Kris Vaughan, Enez Pancioe, and Rhonda Y

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has come to symbolize a celebration of Mexican/American heritage, music and food.

For those on a gluten free diet, Mexican Food is indeed something to celebrate, not just on the 5^th of May, but everyday, since many of the foods native to Mexico are naturally gluten free. For people like me, always looking for a reason for a celebration, this is certainly a good one!

Here is a tried and true collection of gluten free Mexican recipes that were submitted by YOU, the wonderful Chefs of Gluten Freeville, so they must be great! There were quite a few, so I decided to put them all in one place. Most of these can be made dairy free by substituting for dairy free cheese.

• Susan H’s Mexican chocolate brownies (gluten free)
• Pam Chick’s Simple Enchiladas (gluten free)
• Susan’s tacos (gluten free, can be dairy free)
• Ann Nicholson’s Terrific Taco Meat (plus kid-friendly pasta dish)
• Nancy’s Flan (gluten free)
• Chris’ Mexican Lasagna (gluten free)
• Trish’s Mexican Lasagna (gluten free, vegetarian)
• Lisa Renshaw’s Mexican Beef Rice and Bean Bake (gluten free, egg free)
• Barbara’s Mexican Casserole (gluten free)
• Melanie Hoffman’s Enchilada Sauce (gluten free)
• Brenda Vogsland’s Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Nancy’s Impossible Taco Pie (gluten free)
• Nancy’s Mexican Quiche (gluten free)
• Michael Sedano’s Mexican Guisado (Stew) (Gluten free, egg free, if dairy free cheese can be dairy free)
• Erin Swing’s Tortilla Española with Spicy Aioli (gluten free, vegetarian)

May is Celiac Awareness Month!

Most Celiac organizations, Celiac Research Centers, & the Association of European Coeliac Societies, representing 26 European countries all recognize May as the official Celiac Awareness Month. In some years past, October has been recognized as Celiac Awareness Month, but most now recognize the month of May as the official date. If you prefer the October date, why not try to raise awareness both months?! Here are a few ways you can and here are a few ways you can help those around you become more aware of celiac disease and commemorate in a meaningful way.

Know the Stats

What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Three million Americans have celiac disease, yet 95% of those who have it are undiagnosed. (From National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) You may read numbers from 1 in 133 Americans have celiac anywhere to 1 in 100. Know the symptoms of facts.

Learn more:

• Celiac Disease Symptoms
• Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist
• Testing & Diagnosis

Tune in to a Live Chat

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is hosting the State of the Union: a Live Chat with Experts on Gluten-Related Disorders

Top experts break down the latest research into simple terms and need-to-know pointers.

When: Thursday, May 3, 2012
Time: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
Where: Your computer
Register: Visit the Event Page

Attend a Celiac/Gluten Free Baseball Night

Celiac Disease Awareness Night with the NY Mets
Friday, May 27 @ 7:10 p.m.
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

“Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend with a baseball game at Citifield. Enjoy gluten-free food and beer while watching the NY Mets play the Philadelphia Phillies.”

• Sit together with fellow members, friends and family in our Left Field Landing & Promenade Reserved seating.
• All participants will receive a Mets Ticket Holder and Lanyard (with advance purchase through this offer).
• A portion of each ticket purchased through your promo code (CELIAC) will directly benefit R.O.C.K. Long Island and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA)!

To buy your tickets visit: www.mets.com/celiac

Celiac Awareness Night with the Arizona Diamondbacks

Friday May 25, 2012 at 6:40 pm

Gluten Free and Celiac Awareness Night with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday May 25, 2012 at 6:40 pm. The Udi’s Gluten Free sponsored pre-game party will be taking place from 4-5:30 pm at Coach and Willies, which is a short walk to Chase Field. With many local and nationwide gluten free vendors sampling and selling their amazing products, gluten free cash bar, raffles and even the opportunity to win upgraded seats to the game, this is going to be a party you don’t want to miss!

You are invited to the FREE Arizona Diamondbacks Gluten-Free and Celiac Awareness Night Pre-Game Party at Coach & Willies!

Tons of gluten-free giveaways!  Local and nationwide gluten-free goodies to sample for FREE!

We will have a raffle, DJ and an opportunity to upgrade your tickets for the game!

Friday May 25th vs. the Milwaukee Brewers (they have wheat in their logo!)

First pitch is 6:40pm!

Discounted tickets are available for this game and include entry to the party!

A portion of the proceeds will be split between;

• Celiac Disease Foundation
• Celiac Sprue Association
• Gluten Intolerance Group
• National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

For DISCOUNTED tickets to the game use promo code celiac and click HERE

Join a Celiac Walk, Volunteer or Sponsor a Walker

Making Tracks for Celiacs

Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland sponsors many walk/run opportunities in their general region of the US. If you don’t walk or run, volunteer to help at one! (Most of these have online registration available)

Arlington, VA
Sunday, May 6, 2012
5K Fun Run/Walk
Check-in & Registration begins at 8:30am
Fun Run/Walk kicks off at 9:30am
Bluemont Park, 329 N. Manchester Street, Arlington, VA 22203

Baltimore, Maryland
Sunday, May 20, 2012
5K Walk/Run & 10K Run • Gluten-Free Vendor Fair • Silent Auction
NEW LOCATION! University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
University Center, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250
Registration begins at 8:00am
Races begin at 9:00am (USAT&F CERTIFIED)
Vendor Fair opens at 9:00am
Registration, Vendor Fair and post-event activities will be held inside the University Center, 3rd floor ballroom

Buffalo, NY
Saturday, May 12, 2012
1.5 or 3 mile walk conducted by the WNY Gluten Free Diet Support Group, Inc.
Clarence Town Park
10405 Main Street
Registration begins at 9:30am
Walk begins at 10:30am

REGISTRATION FEES:
Adult $15
Child $5 (age 5 to 12)
Under 5 are free

Free Walk T-shirt to the first 200 participants who pay the registration fee online OR who register with a minimum of $15 in donations.

Long Island, NY
Sunday, June 10, 2012
5K Walk/Run

Craig Pinto, from the Kicking 4 Celiac Foundation, has teamed up with the Center for Celiac Research to bring a Making Tracks for Celiacs to Long Island, NY!
Registration begins at 8:00am
Race begins at 9:00am
Theodore Roosevelt Park
Oyster Bay, NY

REGISTRATION FEES:
by June 1st
5K Walk/Run $30 (13 & up), $15 (under 13)
Race day registration
5K Walk/Run $35 (13 & up), $20 (under 13)

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Registration begins at 7:45am
5K Run begins at 8:55am
2 Mile Walk begins at 9:00am
Gluten-Free Food Expo begins at 9:30am
FOOD FAIR…MUSIC…KIDS EVENTS…PRIZES
Holy Family Catholic High School, 8101 Kochia Lane, Victoria, MN

Syracuse, NY
Saturday, May 12, 2012
1 Mile Walk & 5K Cross Country Run
at Jamesville Beach Park

Registration begins at 10:00am
Walk & Run begins at 11:00am

Tri-County, MI
Sunday, May 20, 2012
5K Walk/Run and Silent Auction
Registration/Check-in begins at 8:00am
Run begins at 9:00am
Walk begins at 9:30am

**Gluten free food and refreshments will be served following the event**

REGISTRATION FEES:
$20 if pre-registered by May 7th, $5 for children under 10 [includes a t-shirt]
$30 event day registration [does not guarantee a t-shirt]

Win a Free Meal at Beau Jo’s in Colorado

All Beau Jo’s locations in Colorado will be giving away two free meals on the first and third Wednesday in the month of May care of The Gluten Free Bistro. Get more information here.

Attend the Gluten/Allergen Free Expo in Charleston South Carolina

Reasonably priced event with speakers, 70 gluten free vendors with products for you to try.
May 5
Check out all the details here.

Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery Spread the Bread Campaign

To help spread the love, and the bread, visit the Rudi’s Gluten-Free Facebook page and click on the Spread the Bread campaign to get $1 donated to one of four organizations that support celiac education and awareness. You can choose from the Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Sprue Association, Gluten Intolerance Group or the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness to help these amazing groups continue to support the celiac community. Plus, you’ll get a $1 coupon to use on your next Rudi’s Gluten-Free product purchase. It’s as easy at Get a $1. Give a $1

Encourage Friends & Family to Take the Gluten Free Challenge

You are invited to take the Gluten-Free Challenge – live one weekend gluten free: May 21-22, 2012. All who register and complete the challenge will receive a certificate. The Gluten-Free Challenge is a joint project of: Gluten Intolerance Group of North America and Pamela’s Products.

Go to www.gogfchallenge.com to sign up.
Connect with them on Facebook us at The Gluten-Free Challenge

Buy and Wear Celiac Awareness Stuff

Zazzle.com has over 600 Celiac Awareness shirts, hats, mugs, buttons, tote bags, aprons, bumper stickers, etc. Buy something and wear it or pass it on to a loved one.

CFCR Wristbands & Magnets Raises Awareness and Funds for Celiac Disease Research

Over 40,000 Celiac Disease Awareness Bracelets have been sold!!

The Center for Celiac Research is selling celiac awareness bracelets (like the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong wristbands) in children and adult sizes for $2.00 each, as well as celiac awareness magnets for $3.00 each, to raise funds for celiac research and to continue their efforts in increasing the awareness of celiac disease.

The magnets are another great way to increase the awareness of celiac disease. They can be displayed on your car, refrigerator, file cabinet and/or given to your doctor to remind him/her of the celiac disease diagnosis. The magnets have the Center for Celiac Research website imprinted on them, so the doctor can easily access our information quickly.

Please continue to spread the word about the bracelets – they are making a difference! Please remember to order a bracelet and magnet for your friends, relatives and colleagues. Children and teenagers love these bracelets and magnets!!!!

Buy and Share Books about Celiac

There are many great books about celiac disease, but there are 2 specifically that I would highly recommend for giving away.

The Gluten Effect, by Drs. Vikki & Richard Petersen

The Petersen’s recommend that you buy a copy of this book for yourself and one for your doctor. Sounds like a great idea to me! I can’t tell you how many different types of doctors I have visited who have said that I have taught them something about gluten sensitivity/intolerance that they didn’t know. This comprehensive guide is great for you and your doctor or library!

See my book review here.

Mommy, What is Celiac Disease, by Katie Chalmers

I love this little book written for children, but great for relatives, neighbors, classmates, church classrooms, school classrooms and libraries, pediatrician’s waiting rooms, etc. It’s an upbeat look at a celiac diagnosis for a child with just enough medical information to clearly explain, yet not so much that children will not be able to face their new life as an adventure with optimism. Cute illustrations.

See my book review here.

Know of any more great Celiac Awareness Events in May?
Please add them below!

GLUTEN FREE HAM LIST 2012

Many newly gluten free folks may wonder why a list is needed for gluten free ham. Ham is meat and meat is gluten free, right? Well, yes and no. Hams usually have a yummy, crunchy, sweet glaze atop them that often contains wheat.

If your ham comes with a glaze packet for you to add, it’s simple to leave it off and make your own. Each year I notice more companies who used to include wheat in the glaze, now make it gluten free. ALWAYS check your glaze ingredients.

CHECK HERE for the Gluten Free Ham List.

EASTER RECIPES

Here are some of the best Easter recipes I’ve found from around the web. I’ll be using many of these myself.

Cooking Light Deviled Egg Recipes (use gluten free bread in the French-Style Stuffed Deviled Egg Recipe)

Deviled Egg Chicks & gift ideas from Squidoo

Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns (Can be dairy free & egg free, too!) from Living Without

Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns from About.com

Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin

Creamy Cheesy Potatoes

Easter Basket Cupcakes from Jules Gluten Free

Robin’s Nest Treats (Use Gluten Free Rice Krispies)

Gluten Free Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Eggs (plus 4 other Easter Recipes from Glutenista)

Carrot Cake Balls (Raw, Vegan, Paleo) from Urban Poser

Meyer Lemon Pie with Shortbread Crust from Andrea Meyers (Use Pamela’s Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies as the crust)

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing from Jules Gluten Free

COLORING THE EGGS

You may be wondering if coloring eggs is safe if your children are gluten free. The answer is yes! The traditional Paas kits mixed with Distilled Vinegar have no gluten ingredients, so feel free to decorate to your heart’s content.

50 WAYS TO FILL AN EASTER EGG (without food)

Here’s a great list – About.com’s list of 50 fun fillers for those plastic eggs to get you started in case you are hunting for some non-edible treats. Click here.

GLUTEN FREE CANDY LIST 2012

Co-founder Denis Robinson sent me the 2012 My Gluten Facts’ Easter Candy list because they wanted to be sure that YOU know about all their work on behalf of those on a gluten free diet.  They put tons of time into researching, confirming ingredients and how products are manufactured so you can be assured that every product they list is safe for your diet.

This site labels which products are made on a (CL) Cleaned Product Line, a (DL) Dedicated Line, or a (DF) Dedicated Facility. They also report on the gluten free certification and the brand statement of each product.

Visit their site for a print version of the US Candy and Jelly Bean lists as well as the Canada Candy and Jelly Bean lists.

Visit MyGlutenFacts for all the details.

Since they are constantly updating the candy list – head on over there to see the most up-to-date information!

Here’s a cool idea from my friend and gluten free expert Jules Shepard: Jules Cupboard New-To-Gluten Free Pack. She’s gathered some great information and products for the newly gluten free.

Jules sent me this box of goodies so I could report to you how great it is – and it really is! I would have loved to have a collection of gluten free starters like this when my family began our gluten free journey! You could waste hundreds of dollars trying to find items you like as well as Jules’ favorites that she’s included here.

First included in the collection is her book The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten Free, a 275 page step-by-step guide to making a successful transition to living gluten free; from setting up your kitchen and shopping, to social occasions, raising gluten-free kids and taking vacations, to baking foods no one would suspect are gluten-free, and even gluten free dating.

In addition, you’ll get some of her most successful products and ebooks specifically geared for the newly gluten free. By the way, Jules’ Gluten Free flour mix is my favorite go-to flour that works well in all my favorite recipes!

What’s more, Jules has rounded up a few of her favorite gluten free products that are in her own cupboard for you to try – and all at a huge discount. Many of these are my favorites as well, but some are even new to me!

Check out this video from Jules as she shows you EXACTLY what’s in the box.

Jules New-to-Gluten-Free Pack
This pack is going to be for people who are newly diagnosed with Celiac or are new to gluten free eating.

Jules’ book, The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten Free is the core of this pack.  Also included is information and/or full sized products from Jules Gluten Free and other companies.
See below for what is included in this pack:

•  The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten Free by Jules Shepard
• Full size 5 lb.bag Jules All Purpose Flour
• Jules Cookie Mix
• Jules Certified Gluten Free Oats
• Jules Nearly Normal Cooking E-book
• Jules Cookie-Mix E-book
• Jules Dinner-A-Day E-book

Also included:

• Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
• Glow Gluten Free Double Chocolate Cookies
• GoPicnic Hummus and Cracker Meal
• Enjoy Life Mini Chips and Mountain Mambo Seed & Fruit Mix
• TH Foods – Crunchmaster Sea Salt Multi-Grain Crackers
• Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels
• Le Veniziane Gluten Free Penne from Italy
• Flax USA – Stober Farms Golden Flax Seed Sprinkles
• Living Without Magazine
• Food Should Taste Good Cantina Chips
• Conrad Rice Mill – Konriko Wild Pecan Rice, Hol-Grain Rice Starch, Hol-Grain Chili Seasoning Mix, and Hol-Grain Chicken Coating Mix
• University of Maryland Center for Celiac Disease information
• Gluten Intolerance Group information
  (Products subject to change based on availability)

This is a huge box of gluten free goodies to get you started learning, cooking, eating, and enjoying gluten free life! You will not be disappointed in this pack!

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Jules Gluten Free is offering Gluten Freeville Readers FREE SHIPPING (a $12 value) in addition to their 50% off special on this pack!!
Coupon Code:  GFVSAVE12
Valid Dates:  March 26th – March 30th, 2012  (midnight – Pacific Time)

CLICK HERE to see more or order Jules Cupboard New to Gluten Free Pack.
Regularly $125 plus $12 shipping, and well worth it, you can get this pack this week for $62 with FREE SHIPPING. Use the code above.

Note: I receive no benefit for passing this information along. Just wanted you to know about it if you’re interested.

If your ham comes with a glaze packet for you to add, it’s simple to leave it off and make your own. Each year I notice more companies who used to include wheat in the glaze, now make it gluten free. ALWAYS check your glaze ingredients on a ham.

Most major grocery chain stores have a list of gluten free products at the customer service desk that applies to their location. Start there to find out which hams may be safe for you to buy.

Here is a list of some hams that claim to be gluten free. Again, check the glaze ingredients anyway, just to be sure.

Click the company name for a link to their website or gluten free information.

BERKSHIRE HAM
All natural and made with no added nitrites or nitrates, no MSG, no preservatives, uncured.
Spiral Cut Ham – Hickory Smoked – Bone In, Hickory Smoked – Boneless

BOAR’S HEAD
From their website: “All Boar’s Head Brand® Meats, Cheeses and Condiments, as well as Hans Jurgen® Pickles are Gluten Free.”

CELEBRITY
Boneless Canned Ham (Walgreens)

D’ARTAGNAN
Applewood-Smoked Bone-In Heritage Ham and Boneless Heritage Ham are gluten free and organic on their website.

FARMER JOHN
The Hams don’t contain gluten, but make your own glaze. Their glaze packets contain wheat. Farmer John® Boneless Hams – Golden Tradition Premium Original Whole and Half, Golden Tradition Black Forest Premium Black Forest, Pee Wee Half, Golden Tradition Premium Tradition Brown Sugar and Honey, Golden Tradition, Canless Honey Ham (glaze packets contain wheat)
Farmer John® Bone In Hams – Premium Butt and Shank Portions, Premium Gold Wrap, Premium Sliced Ham Steaks, Premium Spiral Sliced, Premium Half, Premium Spiral Sliced Half, Whole (glaze packets contain wheat)

FIVE STAR BRAND
Smoked Boneless Cottage Ham

HARRY & DAVID
Harry & David Hams list no gluten ingredients.
Here is their allergen statement: “Harry & David Operations, Inc. is in compliance with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (Title II of Public Law 108-282) as of January 1, 2006. Harry & David is 100% compliant with the new Act as currently defined.

We have contacted our ingredient suppliers to insure that all ingredients are declared on the label. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, our labels list all ingredients. For those with peanut allergies, we also include a disclaimer stating “May contain trace amounts of other nuts or allergens not listed in the ingredients”. Also, since Gluten and other allergens are found in wheat and some other grain products, we encourage you to read the ingredient information carefully and determine if the product is appropriate for your consumption. If you cannot locate an ingredient label on the product you received, contact us with the product name or item number and we will gladly research the information for you.”

HONEYBAKED HAM
“ Our ham and glaze do not contain gluten.” (Yes, they used to contain gluten, but it’s been out of the recipe for a couple of years according to the company rep I have spoken to.)

HORMEL
Black Label® Canned Hams
Cure 81® Ham and Ham Steaks
See the compete Hormel GF list here.

JENNY-O
Turkey Ham

JONES DAIRY FARM
Ham Steaks, Dainty Ham Hickory Smoked, Half Family Ham, Whole Family Ham, Old Fashioned Hickory Smoked, Whole Short Shanked Hickory Smoked, Whole Country Club Ham

KIRKLAND (Costco)
Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked Spiral Sliced Hickory Ham

KROGER
Private Selection Honey Ham
Private Selection Hickory Smoked Ham
Kretshmar Hams
Kroger gluten free list.

PUBLIX
Publix Ham, Hickory Smoked Ham, Semi-Boneless, fully cooked, Honey Cured Boneless Ham– with Brown Sugar Glaze, Honey Cured Bone-In Ham – Brown Sugar Glazed or with Brown Sugar Glaze Mix Packet

SAFEWAY
Safeway Brand Boneless Honey, Safeway Select ½ Boneless, Butcher’s Cut Shank Cut and Spiral Sliced Ham (glaze packet is not gluten free)

SMITHFIELD FARMS
All of their hams and their ham glazes are free of the top 8 allergens. (Via email from the company 12/11, Lauren David Style blog) I did find one source that says the HEB Private Label Brand from Smithfield is NOT gluten free.

WEGMANS
Wegmans Cracked Pepper Double Smoked Ham off the bone

WELLSHIRE FARMS
Semi-boneless Whole Ham, Black Forest, Glazed Boneless Half, Old Fashioned Boneless, Turkey Half Ham

NOTE: This information is meant as a guide only. Ingredients change, so always check labels before buying and consuming products.

Then there’s Vitacost. Their tagline is “taking the cost out of healthy living,” and they mean it. It seems as though they probably began with a nice selection of supplements and vitamins, and now their categories also include sports nutrition & diet, beauty & personal care, food & organic, herbs & homeopathic, sexual health, and home & pet.

The one that might interest you most is the gluten free product section. around 1,000 deeply discounted gluten free items are in this section! Most you won’t find cheaper anywhere, especially when you figure in shipping. These prices are much cheaper than what I find in my local stores as well.

Here are a few prices you’ll find on Vitacost:

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze® Almond Milk Vanilla — 32 fl oz
Retail Price $2.99
Vitacost $2.43 (18% off retail)

Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels — 14.1 oz
Retail Price $8.39
Vitacost $3.99 (52% off retail)
These are $5.99 at my local Whole Foods and $6.99 at my local health food store!

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour — 22 oz
Retail Price $4.79
Vitacost $3.93 (17% off retail)

Pamela’s Products Simple Bites Wheat-Free Gluten-Free Cookies Chocolate Chip — 7 oz
Retail price: $3.99
Vitacost Price: $3.19 (20% off retail)

When you search on “gluten Free,” you’ll see items including things like gluten free flours, breadcrumbs, crackers, vitamins, bars, energy drinks, snacks, breads, pasta granola, cookies – all at a discount.

Vitacost may not have everything you are looking for, but check back. They are constantly adding new products and what they currently carry is discounted.

Vitacost has also just announced that they will carry videos, blogs, advice and Q&A from industry experts ranging from chefs to triatheletes, including the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. “The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has partnered with Vitacost.com to provide original content about living the gluten-free lifestyle, including recipes and advice, and information about celiac disease.” Experts on varying topics will continue to be added throughout the year.

Jeffrey Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer for Vitacost.com adds, “In addition to great products at affordable prices, we are pleased to offer consumers the information they need to live a healthier life.” Even with the big changes at Vitacost, you’ll still find the crazy low prices that have made them so popular.
Read their press release here.

Visit Vitacost Here

Reasonable Shipping, including free shipping on orders over $49 in the contiguous United States
10% off for autoship orders.

International Shipping
Vitacost ships to many different countries at a higher cost to the consumer.

Facebook friend, Kristina Ford says, “I wanted to share this in case someone doesn’t know. I have been buying somethings online at vitacost, free s/h on orders of $49. I’ve bought Xylitol for $7 cheaper, Kind bars run around $1.25-1.29, Agave is almost $2 cheaper, and yesterday I found Glutino GF Pretzels 14oz bag for $3.99! That is half off! Hope this helps someone!”

The Food Lovers Make It Paleo
by Bill Staley & Haley Mason

A fabulous cookbook I’ve recently run across is The Food Lovers Make It Paleo. I’m not on the Paleo diet, and the thought of this book actually really intimidated me. It’s bigger and heavier than a college textbook – but what you get for your money is so well worth it! This is 443 heavy, glossy pages with over 500 beautiful photos.

Now that I’ve read through it, I could totally eat the Paleo way if I got to eat all this! Everything sounds and looks extremely appetizing, healthy and enticing. This is the perfect book for my gluten free family, and even my brother and his wife who are vegan, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, sugar free. It’s a great book for anyone!

The yummy desserts in here are sweetened with maple syrup and look amazing. When I first got this cookbook, I was intrigued by the “Infamous” Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies (p. 364), and had to try them out. The ingredients are: nitrite free bacon, maple syrup, almond flour, baking soda, salt, eggs, vanilla, coconut oil and dark chocolate chips. Those flavors do combine to make some deliciously interesting cookies, believe it or not!

All the categories in the book have tons of great recipes and there’s nothing in this huge book that I wouldn’t be thrilled to eat. I seriously LOVE this cookbook and anyone who is remotely interested in this type of food – or just a culinary adventure, would love this cookbook! (FYI: This cute, healthy looking couple on the front are the authors)

Click here to find out more about this book or to buy the book.

Check out Bill & Haley’s Great Blog, too.

Thanks to Bill & Haley for offering one of their excellent cookbooks for giveaway and thanks to all who entered! Lisa Schneider won the random drawing on Jan. 11, 2012. Watch for other cookbook and product giveaways to enter in the future!

The Italian side of my family prepares the Christmas dinner, so we traditionally have lasagna. We used to make the gluten free version and the “regular” version, but the gluten free version is so great, that we decided on just that one. We use Tinkyada gluten free lasagna noodles and gluten free bread crumbs and Udi’s gluten free bread for the meatballs. Against the Grain Baguettes are a must, along with Kinnikinnick Lemon Cheesecake (recipe on the back of their Graham Style Crumbs). It’s all delicious and doesn’t taste like we’re giving up a thing to make this feast gluten free.

If you choose the traditional turkey dinner for Christmas, here’s some great information for that meal.

Hosting a holiday celebration at your home makes it fairly easy to control the environment and the foods.

• Make sure each item has it’s own serving utensil.
• Keep gluten free items at one end of the table if serving buffet style.
• Serve naturally gluten free items such as veggie trays.
• Show your children what they can eat and don’t focus on what they can’t eat.
• Make sure to have some special favorites for young gluten free eaters.

Being a guest in someone else’s home can be a bit more challenging.

• Discuss the meal plans in advance with your host and confirm that they will not be offended if you bring many of your family’s altered favorites.
• Choose what is most important and bring a few dishes to share, and don’t forget a great gluten free dessert.

Dairy Free: If your household needs to be dairy free as well, remember that you can substitute almond milk, rice milk or coconut milk for regular milk in almost all recipes. I prefer almond milk when I need a substitute.

Let’s Talk Turkey

• Plain turkey is naturally gluten free, but read labels as some are injected with gluten containing broth or pre-stuffed
• SOME gravy packets are gluten free, but not usually. Read labels, make your own gravy from scratch, or by premade gluten free gravy
• Stuffed turkeys contain gluten

Gluten Free Turkeys

Here’s a list to get you started. Please add any brands you find that I’ve forgotten down in the comment section.

Butterball
From their FAQ: “Only two of our retail products currently contain gluten: Butterball® Frozen Italian Style Meatballs and Butterball® Frozen Stuffed Turkey. Our gravy has been reformulated to eliminate gluten, but certain gravy packets may still contain gluten; it will be listed on the ingredient statement. Give us a call or use the contact us form on this page if you’d like to check on a specific product.”

Empire Whole Turkey and Turkey Breast

Foster Farms
“Our fresh natural chicken, turkey and individually frozen chicken are gluten-free. “

Honeybaked Ham/Turkey
As of two years ago, their glazes are Gluten Free, and their meats have always been gluten free. They have many products with gluten – sides and gravies, etc, but not the ham and turkey.

Honeysuckle White
Honeysuckle White Turkeys are GF
“The majority of Honeysuckle White® products do not contain Gluten. [Terryaki flavored strips, tenderloin and meatballs, do contain gluten] Always refer to product packaging for accurate ingredient statements. We don’t use flour on the conveyor belts in any of our Honeysuckle White® processing plants.”

Hormel Foods
Cure 81 ham and Hormel Black Label Ham are gluten free. Click the link to see their GF product list.

Jennie-O
Their gravy packets “may contain gluten,” but most of their turkeys and hams are gluten free. Click link for complete gluten free list.

Perdue
“Many PERDUE® products are free of gluten. Perdue chickens, chicken parts and turkeys are all gluten-free.”

Plainville Farms
“Yes, our turkey is gluten free and casein free. However, our turkey gravy and our homestyle dressing contain wheat. Our marinated teriyaki turkey tenderloins contain soy. Please read the ingredients labels.”

Publix Brand Turkey Breast

Shadybrook Farms
“The majority of Shady Brook Farms® products do not contain Gluten.” Click the link to see their products that do contain gluten.

Gravy

I often talk to newly gluten free folks who think they have to give up gravy. Not so. Substitute cornstarch, arrowroot, or a gluten free flour mix in place of the wheat flour and your gravy is as tasty as ever. Personally, I usually avoid flour mixes with bean in them for gravy. They make the gravy taste a little pasty for me.

Buy some gluten free turkey gravy if you prefer. Here are some options. I find the Imagine brand at most grocery stores.

• Trader Joe’s All Natural Turkey Gravy – Gluten Free
• Road’s End Organics – Gluten Free Gravy Mix
• Imagine Foods Roasted Turkey Gravy

Gluten Free Condensed Soups

No need to skip that favorite Green Bean Casserole. Use Pacific Naturals Gluten Free Condensed Soups in your recipe and it tastes the same. For the topping I’ve heard of people using crushed FritoLay Funyons, or try almonds, gluten free bread crumbs, or crushed Rice Chex cereal. You can even make your own “fried” onions with thinly sliced and battered onions (in gluten free flour of course) and then broil in the oven or fry in oil.

Facebook friend Marcia Kridner claims to have reproduced the crunchy onion bits for the top of her green bean casserole. Here’s her secret:
“You take about 9 shallots and slice them in to 1/4 inch rings. and take 1/2 cup cornstarch, sifted. You heat about 4 inches of oil in a deep saucepan. Heat over medium heat until sizzling. Working in batches, seperate shallots into rings; toss with cornstarch to coat, shaking off excess. Add them to the hot oil Fry for about two minutes until golden and crisp. You can make these two days ahead and store in airtight container.”

Details of the Pacific Naturals Soups

Here’s a recipe for your own Casein free, Gluten Free Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, if you prefer. (From Gluten Free Cooking School)

Stuffing

Skip turkey that has been stuffed with non-gluten free stuffing while cooking – even if you skip the stuffing.

It’s easy to make gluten free stuffing! My family favorite used to be nothing fancy – Pepperidge Farms Herb Stuffing. Using Whole Foods bread stuffing cubes and this recipe, it tastes the same as we used to make it before! We used to make both versions, but all extended family members agree that the gluten free version is amazing, so we just make that one now. Click here for the recipe.

You can also make your own gluten free bread cubes by toasting a couple of loaves of cubed bread under the broiler in your oven – Or if you’re a corn bread stuffing person, Pamela’s makes a great corn bread mix.

Here are more gluten free stuffing recipes from last week’s New York Times blog.

Other side dishes

Here are a few others ideas if you are looking for more –

• Baked Apples
• Copy-Cat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole (gluten free, egg free)
• Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin (gluten free, egg free)
• Southern Corn Casserole (gluten free)

Pie Crust

Don’t be intimidated by making a gluten free pie crust! There are 3 pie crusts options that are my favorites. Kinnikinnick makes a new frozen fold out crust – just like the Pillsbury crust in the red box in the dairy case. Tastes flaky and great if you can find it. Here are the details.

My favorite pie crust mix is Inspiration. I’ve gotten this one at several stores in my area. Here are the details.

My favorite pie crust recipe is Grandma’s Pie Crust from Jules Gluten Free. Here’s the recipe.

If you have a Whole Foods store nearby, they carry several Gluten Free wonderful ready-made pies, Apple, Pecan & Pumpkin, as well as their own store brand pie shell in the freezer section, Gluten Free Bakehouse.

There are other desserts that are our family favorites that use other types of crusts. Here are some ideas for cookie crusts and graham cracker crusts. I’ve used all of these with much success.

• Pamela’s shortbread cookies
• Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies (like oreos)
• Honey Nut Chex
• Kinnikinnick S’morables or Graham Style Crumbs
• Crumbled Chocolate Chip Cookies – any gluten free brand.
• Nuts

Other Dessert Recipes

Here are our best pumpkin dessert ideas –

• Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (gluten free, egg free)
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cupcakes (gluten free)
• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Pumpkin roll
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (GF, DF)

Take Along Gifts/Desserts to Share

Cookies
Visit Jules’ Gluten Free Cookie Swap on Facebook! Get tons of great new recipes to put in a pretty box or tin and submit some of your own for a chance to win great prizes.

DIY Cookie Gift Jars
Gather some large jars and layer with dry cookie ingredients from your favorite gluten free cookie recipe. Print up a nice tag on the computer with the wet ingredients listed and baking instructions. You can do this nicely with a gluten free cookie mix if you have a favorite as well. Pour it in a jar and add the chips or M&M’s in as a layer and just leave out the wet stuff.

Rice Krispie Treat Snowballs
I found this fun recipe on a non-gluten free blog. All you need to do is substitute the regular Rice Krispies for the new Gluten Free Rice Krispies and it’s gluten free. The recipe calls for White Chocolate Candy Melts and Wilton assured me in an email that all their candy melts are gluten free. If you use sprinkles on the outside as they did in the photo, check labels to make sure your sprinkles don’t contain wheat.

Peppermint Stick Hot Cocoa
Cute gift! Can be made in individual jars or a few servings in a larger jar.

Root Deer
Love this fun idea – ½ craft, and ½ drink and easy enough to do with your little children and great for neighbor or friend gifts. All IBC products are gluten free by claims of the company, but you can do this on any drink, including gluten free beer for your over 21 friends.

Fudge
Here’s a whole web site of fudge recipes! Easy to make and mostly gluten free, fudge makes a nice gift! Check your ingredients to make sure none of the add-ins are gluten containing (such as cookies), wrap in a cool box or tin, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift.

Chex Mix
Put together a tin of your favorite gluten free Chex Mix or Muddy Buddies, or try an adventurous, new recipe. Here are a bunch.

Peppermint Bark
Here’s just one recipe of this great Holiday favorite. Here are 3 more variations that can even be dairy free: Pretzel-Pecan Bark, Dried Fruit and Pistachio Bark, and Candy Can Bark.

DIY Gift Baskets
Gather your own favorite gluten free products and grab a large basket from the dollar store or craft store and you’ve got a great personalized gift. Some good ideas are:

• Italian Food Lover’s Gift Basket – Various Tinkyada (my favorite) Pastas: Large Shells, Lasagna noodles, Penne, etc, Against the Grain Baguettes, Bottled Sauces, Bottle of Wine, Italian music CD
• Cookie Lover’s Basket – Some boxes of your favorite gluten free cookies and mixes, cookie scoop, mixing bowl, measuring spoons/cups
• Runner’s/Hiker’s Basket – Some of your favorite gluten free power bars, reusable water bottle, sport socks, gluten free trail mix with nuts, seeds, raisins, etc.
• BBQ Lover’s Basket – Rudi’s, Udi’s or Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free Buns, C-Dub’s Rubs (above), BBQ tools

Hostess Gift
The perfect hostess gift as far as I’m concerned: Pamela’s Products Gluten Free Coffee Cake or New York Cheesecake. Yum! Wrap it up in some pretty red cellophane with a festive bow. If you come to my house, bring them both!

As always, this information is to serve as a guide only. Please double check labels yourself before consuming and products if you must abide by a gluten free diet.

Have any other great holiday tips? Add them in the comment section below.