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The Food Lovers: Make It Paleo Review

Nancy — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:15:46 +0000

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 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.

Christmas Dinner Made Easy

Nancy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:43:13 +0000

If you have been gluten free for a while, you know that a great holiday meal is not as difficult as you thought it would be that first year. There is no reason to do without your old favorites. You just need to reformulate them. It may take some practice for some key items, so try out those important recipes before it’s time to serve them to your skeptical extended family.

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 –

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 –

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.

Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Nancy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:16:24 +0000

Here are some of great gluten free products and do it yourself ideas that make great gifts – either on their own, or as part of DIY gift baskets for your gluten free friends and loved ones. (Links are in purple type)

Gift Baskets (pre-made)

Google Gluten Free Gift Baskets and you get tons of results. Here are three.

Amazon Gluten Free Gift Baskets
Surprised that you can get these on Amazon? I was. Lots of options! Spend some time browsing for premade gift baskets if you’re not quite sure what to put together to make up your own.

I Can Have That! Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Gift Baskets
This site has great gluten free gift baskets and then search on other allergens you are trying to avoid. Check out their special holiday baskets and get free shipping for December:

Gluten Smart Gift Baskets
Order Gluten Free/Kosher by midnight December 9^th for Hannukkah delivery, and your Gluten Free gift basket by midnight December 16^th for Christmas delivery, including a Gluten Free/Casein choice for kids.

Gift Sets

Mariposa Baking Company
Mariposa Baking Company from the San Francisco Bay Area has some gorgeous and delicious gift sets. Their packaging is beautiful, but doesn’t promise more than it can deliver. These are some of my favorite gluten free and gift worthy baked goods!

C-Dub’s BBQ Rub
Here’s a fun gift set for that gluten free man in your life – or anyone who likes to BBQ. These award winning rubs are gluten free, all natural, organic, MSG free, and preservative free. If you’ve shopped for spice mixes or meat rubs, you know it’s difficult to find a healthy, gluten free version! They claim that many vegetarians use these products as an all-purpose seasoning, too. The combo pack includes 1-4 oz VooDoo Rub (BBQ Rub with a Kick), 1-4 oz C-Dub’s Original Rub, 1-4 oz C-Dub’s Hot Wang Rub (Hot)

Gluten Free Kookiez & Kakez (Canada Only)
My Canadian friends complain that too few companies ship to them – so here’s one just for you! These folks have some cool Christmas sample packs nice for stocking stuffers, kid’s gifts, or for including in your own gift basket. These would make great teacher gifts if you have a gluten free teacher, too! They ONLY ship in Canada right now.

Helping Hands Bakery
I love the mission of this gluten free bakery. Its founder is the mom of three boys with autism. She wanted to be sure her boys could be self reliant with meaningful work, and help others with special needs in the community to have training and jobs as well. They sent me each of their cookie flavors to try and my two favorites are the yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites and Snickerdoodles. They have several great gift sets that would be great for your gluten free friends. Find their Gluten Free Fresh Baked Goods at Whole Foods Markets CO, UT, NM, KS or order online.

Cosmetics

Daisy Blue Naturals
This is a natural skin care company, making gluten free cosmetics, lotions, bath salts, soaps and more. Here’s the Daisy Blue Promise, “No parabens or other artificial preservatives, No phthalates, No artificial fragrances, No sulfates, sulfites, or phosphates, No silicones, paraffin or mineral oils, Cruelty free products, Gluten free.” I’ve been told that this stuff is safe enough to be ingested, and it certainly smells good enough to eat – but don’t. The Shea Butter Soap is awesome, but they sent me 20 or 30 samples of different products that are all great . . . Stocking stuffers, gift baskets, or just a bag full of soaps or bath salts – it all makes fun gifts. Click the “Products” Tab at the top of their page to see all the available products.

HURRAW Lip Balm
Great Stocking Stuffers! Gluten Free, All Natural, Organic, Fair Trade ingredients, Certified Vegan & Raw, HURRAW lip balms are made in small batches and infused with things like raw seeds, pods, fruit zests, barks and roots for flavor and natural color. They come in a raw cotton bag, which is actually a tea bag for your loose leaves, and in recyclable tubes – leaving no waste and very much cute, fun packaging. Of the 18 flavors, Chai Spice, Green Tea, Vanilla Bean, & Black Cherry (with a hint of red tint) are the ones I order for my female friends and family. Visit the HURRAW web site to order some or to read more about this cool product. Or check here to see if it’s sold near you.

Do It Yourself Gluten Free Food Gifts

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.

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

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.

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

Books & Magazines

Click here to see my book & magazine suggestions for the holidays!

Here are a few facebook friend gift suggestions:

Callie: “I would recommend Zum bars, an amazing soap made by Indigo Wild. All are gluten free, exception being the oatmeal bar. They are one of my favorite daily indulgences, and I was so relieved to know I could still use them after being diagnosed Celiac. Their fragrances are amazing, leaving the whole bathroom scented of them. I’m a ginger with extremely sensitive skin and they don’t dry nor irritate.”
Gabrielle: “I’m the author of a children’s Gf cookbook that makes a great family gift: The Kitchen Classroom www.kitchenclassroom4kids.com”

Michele: “If it must be food, make it dark Dove chocolate!
For friends GF or not, we prefer to give tickets or gift cards to places that they would like to visit or shop but normally don’t due to cost, like a museum, show or specialty shop.”

Donna: “I made some coconut clusters that require no baking. I call them clusters due to the fact I could not shape into balls. They are delish and gluten free.”
Recipe: Bake free Coconut Clusters

1/2 cup cocoa
3 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup coconut oil I also added a small amount of coconut crystals
1/2 cup agave

Combine the dry ingredients
Add the agave and coconut oil.
Mix well
I used a small ice cream scoop and made clusters on a sheet and freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes. Best kept either frozen or refrigerated.

Very tasty my 8 year old said yummm these are good and they are what, healthy??

Christina: “A must have on the Christmas List is a bag of creamy goodness cereal and a bag of granola from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tweedles-Gluten-Free-and-Healthy-Bakery/239772502751847?sk=wall&filter=2”

Chrissy: “I know a great Christmas idea…check out gfreeconnect.com….they offer all Gluten free samples and coupons in cute carepack’s!! Valued at over $120 for only $19.99!!”

Freddie: “Look to your local crafters and artists for unique gifts – these wonderful people have talents you wouldn’t believe, also it keeps the money in your town helping all.”

Any more gluten free gift ideas? Add them in the comment section below.

Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide: Books & Magazines

Nancy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:19:42 +0000

There is no shortage of great gluten free books and cookbooks that are worth reading. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but is made up of a few new cookbooks I’ve found that would make awesome gifts, and I had to include a couple of my favorite non cookbooks and magazines as well (in no particular order).

Just give the book, add it to a gift basket, or make one of the items in the book and give that as part of the gift, too.

Gluten Free Made Simple
by Carol Field Dahlstrom, Elizabeth Dahlstrom Burnley & Marcia Shultz Dahlstrom

Gluten-Free Made Simple is a beautiful gift-worthy cookbook. It’s heavy and colorful, full of tips, variations, nutritional information and photos on that fun, thick, glossy paper that makes such a nice gift book, in my opinion. This cookbook promises. “real food, for real people – real easy!” And it delivers. Icons helpfully indicate high protein, low fat, egg free, casein free, whole grain, or vegetarian. Many recipes include preparation photos for beginners, as well as tempting photographs of the finished dish. This book is 216 pages of over 100 easy-to-make gluten free dishes that I would be thrilled to receive as a gift! Click here to find out more about this book.

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

Another favorite gift book 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 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 brother and his wife who are vegan, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, sugar free. 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 as a gift! (FYI: This cute, healthy looking couple on the front are the authors) Click here to find out more about this book.

Cecelia’s Marketplace International Classics: Gluten-Free Mexican
by Dr. Mara Matison

Another gorgeous gift-worthy cookbook on that nice, heavy, glossy paper is Cecelia’s Marketplace International Classics: Gluten-Free Mexican from the same folks who bring you one of my all-time favorite gluten free books, Cecelia’s Marketplace Gluten Free Grocery Shopping Guide (see below). Dr. Mara Matison fills these 110 pages with many traditional and beautiful Mexican classics, with a full-page photo for each recipe. You’ll find sections for Appetizer, Soups, Sides, Sauces, Seasonings, Entrees, Desserts & Drinks. I think I’d combine this book in a basket with the Sangria ingredients (page 105), and maybe a CD of Mexican music, and it would be an awesome gift! Allergens for each recipe are clearly marked on the bottom of each page (or lack thereof, since these are super allergy friendly!) I just noticed their December bundle special – buy this book and the one below (Shopping Guide), and get the following: 1 GF Guide, 1 GF Mexican Cookbook, 2 GF Dining Out Cards, 10 Gluten-Free Safety Labels all for 20% off. Click here for details.

Cecelia’s Marketplace Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide
by Matison & Matison

This is one of my all-time favorite gluten free books. It’s not a cookbook, it’s a shopping guide. Yes, there are apps that show you what to buy gluten free at the grocery store, but this is my go-to book for what really is gluten free at the grocery store. It’s low tech, but dependable and easy to navigate what brands you can buy at your local non-specialty stores. It includes 37,000 + items – many are things you were buying before you went gluten free, and it’s nice to see that you can keep buying them. I recommend this book almost daily to someone and it’s perfect for you, if you are newly gluten free, for that grandparent who has a desire but not the know-how to host your gluten free kids, or for a for any friend who has just begun a gluten free diet. They have gluten free/dairy free and gluten free/soy free versions as well. I just noticed their December bundle special – buy this book and the one above (Mexican cookbook), and get the following: 1 GF Guide, 1 GF Mexican Cookbook, 2 GF Dining Out Cards, 10 Gluten-Free Safety Labels all for 20% off. Click here for details.

Mommy, What is Celiac Disease?
by Katie Chalmers

Here’s a fun gift for your child’s teacher, pediatrician, librarian, neighbor, church worker, grandparent – or for your child. I love this little book that explains the details of celiac disease in just enough detail and with the perfect analogies to convey education and understanding of your celiac child’s condition. It’s all presented from a positive perspective and encourages embracing the new adventure following a young child’s celiac diagnosis. GREAT BOOK! Click here to read my compete review of this book or visit Katie’s Website here.

The Healthy Edge Cookbook
by Amber Thiel & April Willer

Interested in Gluten Free Weight Loss? The Healthy Edge Cookbook was just sent to me by the authors, who after losing their mother to breast cancer, embarked on getting and helping others live The Healthy Edge Lifestyle. This book is a stand-alone cookbook, but is meant to be part of the 8-week online weight-loss/get healthy/coaching program. The first 2 weeks are free. There aren’t too many gluten free weight loss programs, so this one caught my attention. (90 out of 110 recipes are gluten free and low glycemic, and the chef’s section helps you convert the remaining ones.) With their online “transformation program,” you get a video on insulin resistance, and empowering audio, grocery and pantry lists, 14 day meal plan, fitness plan, recipes and much more. The book itself is sprinkled with before and after photos and testimonials of folks who’ve lost weight and improved their health on the program, and yes, it includes desserts, in case you’re wondering. The website claims, “The average results of an individual who completed The Health Edge lifestyle program released 9.16 pounds and 2.3 total inches in their waist and hips during the program.” It’s 157 spiral bound pages of glossy recipes and photos. Click here to find out more about the book and program. The book is on sale for the month of December.

The Healthy Edge has also created a Holiday E-book with 27 whole food based and gluten-free recipes. They are donating $2.00 of every purchase to feeding starving children. Their goal is to raise $2,000 before Christmas. Find out more here.

Gluten Free Magazines

I couldn’t do a gift-giving book guide without including my favorite magazines. Here are the ones I subscribe to and think any of these would make great gifts!

Living Without

The first great magazine that I found was Living Without, and I have continued my subscription since that first week of going gluten free. They say they are, “The magazine for people with allergies and food sensitivities.” Some great monthly resources for beginners are the Gluten Free Quick-Start Guide and Casein Free Quick Start Guide located in the back of the magazine. They explain the basics of what to eat and what to steer clear of. Once you get your first copy, take this page out of your future copies and pass it along to relatives to explain the basics to them! Living Without is full of interesting articles, helpful tips, medical information and awesome allergy-friendly recipes. Many of the recipes in my gluten free collection are out of this magazine. See more here.

Gluten Free Living

Gluten-Free Living is the second Great magazine I found for GFree lifestyle information and I’ve been a subscriber for years. They publish quarterly and claim to be “Leading the way to a happy, healthy, gluten free life.” This one also has a Basic Diet page for beginners near the back called “Is it Gluten Free?” They have a new products section, tips, recipes, medical research, ask the doctor, advice and lots of informative articles. I find this magazine is more celiac focused, but it’s still helpful if you’re gluten free for other reasons. See more here.

Delight Gluten Free

The third Gluten Free magazine I subscribe to is Delight Gluten Free. It is published quarterly and claims to be “THE magazine for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, food allergies & sensitivities.” This magazine has recently changed ownership and has definitely taken a step up in quality and content. You’ll find gluten free celebrity interviews, tons of recipes, tips, medical answers and much more.
See more here.

Easy Eats

This is a fairly new digital only magazine. Lots of fun articles and recipes, this “magazine” is a slick and easy to navigate bi-monthly publication is accessible from your computer, ipad, iphone or Android. The magazine’s editor-in-chief is Silvana Nardone of Slivana’s Kitchen, Rachel Ray Magazine, cookbook author, blogger & former bakery owner. Several well-known gluten free chefs and bloggers contribute. Find out more here.

Check out my OTHER GIFT IDEAS here: Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide

Note: Living Without and Cecelia’s Marketplace are current Gluten Freeville advertisers. I love them both so much, that I asked them to have a presence on my site, so that you would know about them!

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Made Easy

Nancy — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:28:49 +0000

Hosting a Thanksgiving 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.

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.

Empire Whole Turkey and Turkey Breast

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

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.”

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

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

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.

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 –

Pie Crust

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.

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 –

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.

Gluten Free Halloween: Candy Lists, Recipes & Tips!

Nancy — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:31:14 +0000

Some of you have been asking what to do about your first Gluten Free Halloween for a couple of months already! Pretty much unaffected by poor economic conditions in 2011, American consumers will spend more than $6.9 billion on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and that number climbs every year.

Don’t worry. If this is your child’s favorite holiday (or yours), they can still easily participate in the traditional trick or treating with a few simple guidelines. Here’s a collection of tips, ideas and gluten free candy lists to make your Halloween, should you choose to participate, a safe and happy one for your gluten free family members.

Tips for a Safe & Happy Gluten Free Halloween

1. Consider hosting your own gathering of friends so you can control the snacks – and make them all gluten free. There are so many great recipes to use, that no one even has to know.

2. Feed your children well before they leave the house so they are full and not tempted to snack before they get home.

3. Don’t allow anything to be eaten until it has been checked (that should be the rule whether or not your child is gluten free.)

4. Have your handy 2011 GF candy lists (below) nearby-but still always check labels yourself.

5. Make it known in advance that only gluten free candy will remain available for consumption so there is no conflict when you try to take away some old favorites. Some dentists in my area even trade uneaten Halloween candy for cash. Brilliant!

6. Have some fun, healthy gluten free snacks around so candy isn’t the focus

7. If a party is on the agenda that is not in your home, bring some gluten free snacks to share that you or your child can enjoy

Gluten Free Halloween Recipes

Here’s a collection of fun and spooky recipes from around the web. (Links are in purple type)

Peanut Butter Eyeballs

These nutty treats are dunked white chocolate and then decorated to look like bloodshot eyes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorating. A platter of different colored eyeballs would look splendidly scary at a Halloween party. Be sure to check out the video showing How to Make Peanut Butter Eyeballs!

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats with Tootsie Roll Stems

Use the standard Gluten Free Rice Krispie Treat Recipe, adding red and yellow food coloring. Tootsie Rolls are gluten free.

Check out some other spooky Rice Krispie Treats, just remember to buy the new Gluten Free Rice Krispies. The original version has gluten-containing barley malt as an ingredient.

Carmelized Garlic Cheese Spread

Who says that all the treats need to be sugary. This beautiful pumpkin shaped cheese ball will definitely be on my list for sometime this fall. This is coated with cheese flavored crackers – so either try it with Glutino or Schar cheese crackers, or try this great Gluten Free Copy Cat Cheez-it recipe. By the way, Galaxy Foods even has a new Dairy Free/Gluten Free vegan cream cheese alternative in case you want to give that a try. (I haven’t tried it yet.) Serve it with one of my favorities – Glutino, Blue Diamond Nut Thins or Crunchmaster crackers, and how about some celery, too.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds after your carving party. Roast them using this version for a nice, salty snack. By the way, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce is gluten free. Or try a sweet version using margarine or butter and some of these spices: cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg and/or pumpkin spice.

Sorbet Jack-O-Lanterns

Leave it Martha Stewart to come up with this cool little sorbet bowl. Carve and hollow out oranges and fill with mango, peach or orange sorbet. She’s even got a template if you’re artistically challenged. Find her instructions here.

Spider Web Snacks

Super cute webs with a little chocolate spider resting in the middle. Just make sure to use Glutino or Snyders Gluten Free pretzel sticks. Click here complete instructions. (FYI – Wilton told me that their meltable candies are gluten free if you want to go that route)

Spider Pops

I found this cute and simple idea on a blog called House of Baby Piranha. To make spider pops you need lollipops, black pipe cleaners and small wiggly eyes. Center the pipe cleaner around the lollipop stick making sure both sides are even and then twist them tight. Repeat 4 times to make 8 legs. Glue on the wiggly eyes. Bend the ends of the pipe cleaners so they look like spider>
FYI- Tootsie Pops are gluten free.

Boo-Nilla Shakes

Use any vanilla shake recipe after painting creepy eyes and mouth onto the inside of a glass with a clean paint brush and melted chocolate to make these ghostly treats. Use a dairy free recipe if you’d like or see Martha’s here.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cupcakes

These are my absolute favorite cupcakes – found in the Gluten Freeville Recipe section and submitted by Andrea Wyckoff. Add some festive decor and they’re moist and yummy for the classroom or the office party and no one will even suspect they are gluten free! They really are that good!

Gluten Free Candy Lists

Note: Candy companies frequently change manufacturing processes so please double-check the ingredients before consuming. These lists are only meant to serve as a guide. The following lists have some different items.

List of Gluten-free Candies
This list is from ehow.com.

Almond Joy
Altoids (not minis)
Andes Mints
Bazooka gum
Big League Chew (original, grape, strawberry)
Breath Saver mints
Bubblicious gum
Bubble Yum
Charleston Chew
Dubble Bubble gum
Dove
Hershey’s Kisses
Hershey’s (plain chocolate bars)
Hot Tamales
Ice Breakers gum
Jelly Belly
Jolly Rancher products
Junior Mints
Mike and Ike
Kraft caramels
Kraft Mini Marshmallow Snack Packs
Laffy Taffy by Willy Wonka
Lifesavers
Lifesaver Gummies
M&M’s Plain
M&M’s Peanut
Mounds
Necco Wafers
Nestle Milk Chocolate
Orbit gum
Payday
Pez
Pixie Sticks by Willy Wonka
Pop Rocks
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Reese’s Pieces
Snickers
Sour Patch Kids
Sugar Babies/Sugar Daddy
Sunkist chewy candies
3 Musketeers – original
TicTacs
Tootsie Rolls
Trident gum
York Peppermint Patty

Gluten-Free Halloween Candy Quick List 2011

Alison at Sure Foods Living spends lots of time each year contacting each of these companies to make sure her list is up to date. Since she’s happy to share it with the rest of us, here it is: Gluten-Free Halloween Candy Quick List 2011. (She’s given permission to link to it or print it for schools and friends, but please don’t post the list anywhere)

Allergen-Free Halloween Candy Quick List 2011

Click here Alison’s list of Allergen-free Halloween Candy for 2011. This list includes candies that do not contain gluten or the top 8 allergens (wheat, milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish) as an ingredient.

Allergy Safe Halloween Treat List from AvoidingMilkProtein.com and a second Allergy Safe Candy List from them.

Non-Candy Halloween Treat Ideas

Visit your local dollar store or party store for some great non-candy treat ideas. Most have good Halloween sections for the month of October. Make up a little goodie bag of fun activities and toys if you don’t want to give candy to your kids. These ideas came mostly from About.com

Mini boxes of crayons
Mini coloring books
Superballs
Mini bags of gluten free crackers/pretzels
Mini bottles of bubbles
Temporary tattoos
Stickers
Pencils
Halloween erasers
Mini granola bars (some of my favs: Larabars, ThinkThin, Bakery on Main, Zing)
Mini boxes of raisins
Halloween plastic stadium cups
Glow sticks or glow bracelets
Halloween magnets
Mini playing cards
Quarters
Juice boxes
Mini water bottles
Mini tubes of toothpaste
Mini pumpkins
Face paint crayons

Do you have any other great Halloween ideas? Add them in the comment section below!

100 Gluten Free School Lunch Ideas!

Nancy — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:35:46 +0000

7 Tips for Gluten Free Lunches

Buy a fun lunch box for smaller kids
Invest in sturdy, reusable containers for less waste
Get a good thermos and lunch size cooler or cooler bag to keep things hot and cold
Let kids help plan their own lunches to be sure they will enjoy what’s in it
Substitute Sunbutter (from sunflower seeds) if your child is in a nut free classroom or Barney Butter (Almond Butter) if they can’t have peanuts for peanut butter. They taste just as good, but are allergy friendly.
Remind small kids not to trade any food with friends and not to try anything from anyone else
Pack a treat – Even if it’s bite sized or an encouraging note or stickers. It’s hard work being gluten free at school!

100 Gluten Free Lunch Box Ideas

Some of these require a thermos to keep them warm, and some require an insulated bag to keep them cool.

Sandwich breads that work well for PBJ’s – Canyon Bakehouse, Rudi’s, Udi’s
Use Sunbutter or Barney Butter if you can’t use peanuts – all great substitutes, but your kids won’t really taste a difference.
Grilled cheese sandwiches – try cutting in half then in 3’s to make finger sandwiches
Anything on a Panini – cut in half or bite sized
Mini tea sandwiches on GF bread – cucumber cream cheese, pesto, apple, watercress, etc.
Waffle-wich – Gluten Free Vans Waffles or homemade, ham, sliced green apples with maple syrup for dipping
Stick-wich – GF Bread cubes, grape tomatoes, cheese and meat bites, lettuce – all on a stick, mustard for dipping
Banana Dog – GF Hot Dog Bun with banana, Sunbutter or Barney Butter and honey
Rudi’s fancier version of the Banana Dog – The Crunchy Monkey (this link downloads a PDF)
Polka Dot Sandwich – Strawberry cream cheese, raisins, banana slices
Gluten Free Deli Meats – Hormel, Boar’s Head, Dietz & Watson, etc.
Sandwich Petals, corn or rice tortillas for quesadilla’s
Sandwich Petals for Wraps
Lettuce Wraps (using Gluten Free Soy Sauce)
Leftovers from dinner in a thermos
Frito Pie in a thermos – GF Chili, Fritos, cheese
Hard Boiled Eggs
Deviled Eggs
Hot dogs- wrap in foil and slide it in a thermos (Many brands GF. Check labels) Rudi’s and Udi’s both have great GF hot dog buns
Veggie Burgers, such as Sunshine Burgers
Ian’s Corn dogs
Ian’s Fish Sticks
Chicken Nuggets – Ian’s or homemade, with honey mustard for dipping
Assemble your own tacos – choose your own ingredients w/hard shell or corn tortillas
Bean Salads – Here are some options
Quinoa Salad- Tons of options, here’s one.
Pasta Salads full of veggies/seeds with Italian Dressing or Pesto (I find Tinkyada GF pasta holds up best)
Mac and Cheese- homemade or Amy’s or Glutino
Baked Potato in a thermos – add favorite toppings, wrap in foil, and slide it in a thermos.
GF soups in a thermos – Here’s a bunch or try Amy’s, Kettle Cuisine, or homemade
GF Sushi – our Asian friends bring this to school all the time!
Salads
Spinach Salad with fruit and fruity dressing
English Muffin Pizzas – love Joan’s and Food for Life English Muffins
Leftover gluten free pizza
Mini Crustless Quiches
Go Picnic Meals (Similar to Lunchables, but most are gluten free – great for field trips)
Tuna Salad or chicken salad
Potato salad – great with Italian dressing instead of mayo
Delimex taquitos and tamales – click for specifics
Nachos
Fried Rice with veggies
Any Asian style Rice Noodle Stir Fry. Here’s one idea.
Burritos – GlutenFreeda or Amy’s Kitchen
GlutenFreeda Pizza Wraps (3 cheese and chicken pesto – in the freezer section)
Fresh Fruit- Grapes, apples, bananas, cantaloupe, oranges, Clementine’s etc.
Fruit Kabobs w/ yogurt dipping sauce
Dried Fruit – Raisins, Cranberries, Pineapple, Apples, Craisins, etc.
Dried Vegetables – Carrots, snap peas, roasted chickpeas, etc.
Freeze Dried Fruits – Sensible Foods (available at Costco sometimes)
General Mills Fruit Roll Ups & Fruit Gushers
Trader Joe’s Crispy Crunchy Apple Clusters
Trader Joe’s Sunflower Crepes
Popcorn or Mini-Pops (Popped sorghum), mix with parmesan or cinnamon for more fun
Mini popcorn balls (make your own, bite sized version) Here’s some recipes (Confirm all ingredients are gluten free)
GF Chex Muddy Buddies
Chex Mix – infinite variations. Here’s one.
Kinnikinnick S’moreables Graham crackers
Graham cracker squares – Jules GF Graham Cracker Mix (Roll out, cut in 1″ squares and top with cinnamon/sugar before baking. Great bite size snacks! Addictive!)
Home Made Trail Mix – Chex cereals, M&Ms, Nuts, pretzels, seeds, dried fruits
Granola – Bakery on Main, Udi’s, Glutino, EnerG
Homemade Nut Butter Energy Bars (Use Sunbutter or Barney Butter in place of peanut)
Cookies – Pamela’s, Kinni-Toos, WOW Baking Co, Glow Gluten Free, Nana’s, Glutino, Lucy’s, EnerG, etc.
Cookies – homemade (check the dessert section for lots of choices), Jules Mix, French Meadow Bakery Frozen Dough, Betty Crocker Mix
Brownies – GF Betty Crocker Mix, WOW Baking Co, The GF Cookie Jar, French Meadow Bakery (they even sell an individually wrapped version)
Krispie Treats made with Gluten Free Rice Krispies, Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles or GF Chex cereal
Dry cereal – EnviroKids Organic Gorilla Munch, Envirokids Peanut Butter Panda Puffs
Banana or Zucchini Bread
Udi’s Muffins (1/4 or 1/2 of an Udi’s muffin may be enough!)
Muffins – homemade
Mini cupcakes – use a GF mix or a good recipe
Chips – Many Frito Lay, Lundberg’s Rice Chips, Rice Works, PopCorners, Kettle Chips, Beanitos, Mediterranean Baked Lentil Chips, Chip’ins, etc
Ants on a Log – Celery with Sunbutter or Barney Butter and raisins
Sliced cucumber or jicama
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Carrots with dressing
Dips- Mustard, honey mustard, maple syrup, fruit yogurts, ranch dressing, nut/seed butters, honey, hummus, salsa
Pickles and olives
Nuts, Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
String Cheese, cheese cubes, sliced cheese
Buffalo Guys Mild Jerky – No Hormones added, Uncured, Skinless, Fully Cooked, No Preservatives. No MSG, Nitrates, Nitrites, or Fillers added.
GoGurt (Pack it frozen and it’s thawed by lunchtime)
Yogurt (Confirm label for ingredients)
Lara Bars , Glutino Bars, Think Thin Bars, Bakery on Main Bars, Zing, That’s It Bars, etc.
Rice Cakes – plain, flavored, or spread with peanutbutter, Sunbutter, Barney Butter or cream cheese or pizza toppings (Many rice cake brands/flavors are GF. Check labels)
GF Pretzels (Plain, or Glutino Chocolate or Yogurt covered)
Fruit Cups
Applesauce
Jell-O cups
Jell-O Pudding cups- most are GF or Kozy Shack pudding
GF Crackers – Blue Diamond Nut Thins, Crunchmaster, Mary’s Gone Crackers
Homemade Copy Cat Cheez-its – these are amazingly addictive!
Bagel with cream cheese or strawberry cream cheese – Udi’s or Joan’s bagels
Baked Sweet potato chips – slice thin and bake until crispy. Top with sea salt or cinnamon/sugar
Kinnikinnick GF Animal Crackers – KinniKritters
Kinnikinnick Donuts
M&Ms, or other GF snack-sized candy bars
Pies in a jar (Make any flavor of pie you like and use any GF pie crust mix)
Can of V8 or bottle of water
Note of encouragement from Mom and Dad

Always check labels to confirm gluten free status of products.

Have any other creative lunch ideas? Add them in the comment section below.

Parenting a Gluten Free Kid 101

Nancy — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:23:19 +0000

There are many challenges to raising kids, and then add to it raising gluten free kids, and the task can seem daunting. By staying positive and adventurous, you are passing on an attitude that will definitely pay off as well as building healthy bodies and great character in your gluten free little ones. Ours was a teen when he went gluten free, but I believe these principles can apply to all ages of kids. Here are a few things we have learned in our gluten free journey.

1. Focus on what they CAN eat, not what they CAN’T eat

I recently saw a t-shirt that said in large letters “I can’t eat THAT,” which was designed for celiac kids. While designed by an enterprising, all around awesome activist kid, that attitude does not seem to me to be the best approach for winning friends. I also heard of a woman whose boyfriend had broken up with her because he was tired of hearing what and where she couldn’t eat. He was probably really unsupportive, but we can glean something from her situation.

I’ve learned the best way to handle being on a limited diet from watching my own son. When he began his gluten free diet as a teen, we always made it a point to discuss his options, not his limitations, and he ran with that attitude and added a giant dose of grace for those around him.

When going out with his friends, if there’s nothing he can eat, he orders something to drink and eats when he gets home, but never complains. He never says, “You know I can’t eat PIZZA!” at a friend’s house – he just says “no thanks.” Once a group of friends made a special salad just for him because they knew he could not have the pizza, yet filled it with croutons unknowingly, he just said, “Thank you so much! How nice of you,” and picked up In-N-Out Burger (protein style) on the way home. If there’s a cookout at the beach, he has the option of bringing a couple of buns and a bag of chips to share, or eating before he leaves and enjoying the fellowship without the food. He works really hard to not make any gathering about him and his special diet, and I’ve never ever heard him say, “I can’t eat THAT,” or “I can’t eat THERE.”

If your kids are small, you can give them (and those who will come in contact with them) the great gift of not making it all about them whenever food is around. Teach them to look for options, not limitations, quietly and in a whisper with you, not a discussion that the whole group has to be a part of – the goal being, to eventually not discuss the food at all. Just figure out what you can eat and eat it.

2. Try new foods often

Congratulate kids for trying something new, even if they hate it. Don’t reprimand them for not finishing it or expressing that they don’t like something. Have you tasted some of this stuff?? Kids should not be punished for not liking foods that don’t taste good to them. We have simultaneously spit things out as we try them as a family, and we all get a good laugh about it. If the whole experimental gluten free meal is awful, don’t take it personally –treat it with humor.

Besides all the new grains and tastes to try, there are many fun, healthy, kid friendly gluten free products out there – and more are being developed all the time!

3. Allow kids to be part of the menu planning and cooking process

This is a win/win idea, because if they plan it and help cook it, they learn about planning their own meals and picking foods, plus they will complain less if it doesn’t turn out well. It will feel more an adventure to them if they have a part in the process.

4. Arrange your kitchen so kids know what they can eat.

If your whole kitchen isn’t gluten free, give them a shelf that is just their stuff – GF crackers, breads, cereals and snacks – and stock your refrigerator with fruits and veggies that are all gluten free. Wouldn’t you be discouraged if most of things in your kitchen were off limits to you? We just chose to make our whole kitchen gluten free so that nothing is off limits and every meal is 100% safe in our home for any gluten free person.

5. Buy well known brands for when their friends come over (if they can eat them) so they don’t feel “different.”

We turned our living room into a pretty awesome home theater – in part, so our kids’ friends would want to hang out at our house. Well, it certainly worked. Going along with that, we had to provide food for all the kids that come through. I keep a basket of individual sized Frito-Lay chips in there at all times and a basket of popular “fun size” candy bars that just happen to be gluten free.

My son can eat everything in there when his friends show up for movies or video games, but nothing says “Gluten Free,” or is strange to them, and we’re ready for a party day or night. It’s just plain kid food that they could probably find at their own house. And yes – we do eat healthy food at other times, but video game night is not necessarily the time for that Kids just want to fit in without calling attention to their areas of differences.

6. Handle the issue of treats in the classroom in advance.

There are several ways to address this problem before it is a problem. First, you can ask the teacher to notify you on days where food will be present in the classroom, so that you can send something with your child. Second, you can email the parents in the class or have the teacher send a letter from you asking that they notify you if they will be bringing treats. You can also have your child assemble a few of his favorite gluten free treats in a baggie to be held by the teacher for times when there are foods your child can’t eat. My experience has been that many schools and teachers are extremely helpful when they are aware of the issue.

When its your turn to bring something for the class, don’t bring health food or strange gluten free foods. (Just my opinion here!) Some favorite treats should be in your recipe file to pull out for class parties and friend gatherings – altered krispie treats or chex mix and even easy cupcakes and cookies out of Betty Crocker mixes (They pass the gluten-filled teenage test over here, so you know they’re pretty good.) Sliced apples and grapes are always good to bring to friend gatherings as well.

7. Focus on what they CAN eat, not what they CAN’T eat.

Number 1 on this list is so important that I decided to restate it again!

Teach kids to see options, not limitations. Help them see it’s not all about them when food is around and that sometimes they will have to wait to eat without complaining or ever announcing, “I can’t eat THAT!”

Have any other ideas about helping kids deal with living gluten free? Add them in the comment box below.

Gluten, Dairy AND Soy Allergies! Now what??

Nancy — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:29:50 +0000

Here's your yogurt, Jaime! Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free.

“Ok… so I have recently been informed of my Gluten, Dairy and Soy allergies…. SO NOW WHAT? I am finding it difficult to find food that does not have at least ONE of these ingredients… I am eating only veggies, fruits and lean meats.. My kids are dying for some other foods! HELP I miss my yogurt!”

I couldn’t answer Jaime’s question in one sentence, so I decided to gather some of my favorite resources to help her out – and YOU if you are in her situation. The answer is don’t worry Jaime! You can have everything you had before your allergies were diagnosed, but you’ll have to look around for different brands and resources that you can work with. There is nothing wrong with veggies, fruits and lean meats, but I understand why your kids want more! There’s even a good yogurt listed.

I may have missed some key resources and products, but these are ones that I buy. Please add more in the comment section below if you have any other ideas for Jaime or anyone else with her new restrictions.

Jules Gluten Free
There are endless websites and books with gluten free, dairy free recipes, but I always gravitate to Jules. Jules is an awesome baker, author, blogger, activist, diagnosed celiac and dairy free. Her simple and always awesome recipes can be found on her blog and in her books and are all gluten free and dairy free. She also has a product site, Jules Gluten Free where you can purchase her great, patent-pending flour mix (currently mostly all I use for baking), and her other wonderful baking mixes- no soy, no dairy. She also publishes great topical ebooks with tips and recipes and frequently offers them to Gluten Freeville friends just because she’s really sweet! If you sign up for her newsletter, you get specials on her products and free recipes sent to your email.

Living Without Magazine
Living Without is an awesome magazine that focuses on the gluten free lifestyle, but that’s not all! They also specialize in allergen free living in general, which means if you have to avoid dairy and soy, you’re in luck. There are lots of great recipes, tips, and advice on traveling, medical and diet issues, kids with allergies and much more. There is also an invaluable substitution chart that they are kind enough to link to online, which shows you how to turn any recipe into an allergen friendly one. Here’s the link: Substitution Solutions

Cecelia’s Shopping Guide
This is a must-have resource for newly gluten free folks. Get the version for Gluten free, soy free, dairy free if you must. It lists thousands of products that you can find in ordinary grocery stores that fit your requirements. You’ll be surprised how much of what you already buy is still doable!

Udi’s Gluten Free Breads
You won’t feel carb deprived once you locate some Udi’s Gluten Free breads! They have 4 or 5 types of sandwich breads, 4 types of muffins, pizza crust, bagels, cinnamon rolls, cookies, hamburger and hot dog buns and granolas. All of their gluten free products happen to be soy free and dairy free as well. (See the right side of the page for a $1 off coupon!) Use their store locator to find some near you.

Rudi’s Gluten Free Breads
Another great bunch of gluten free products that are free of soy and dairy. Hamburger and hot dog buns, sandwich breads, pizza crust. Use their store locator to find some near you, and print the $1 off coupon on the right side of the page before you go.

Joan’s Gluten Free Great Bakes
Joan’s has some of the best bready products you can find – the only trouble is that they are a little hard to find! She’s located in NY and has lots of retail choices in the north east, but we’re still waiting out here in California! Check their store locator to see if they’re available near you. They do ship, but the cost of shipping may scare you off. Use the Gluten Free/Dairy Free tab on their website and you’ll find crusty italian bread, the best bialys you’ve ever had, NY bagels, muffins and more. You buy most of her products as frozen dough and bake them fresh at home. Her new double chocolate muffins are unbelievable and are actually GF, DF AND soy free! Great stuff!!

LaraBars
Incredible flavors, simple vegan, gluten free ingredients. These bars have no soy or dairy – not even in the chocolate that they use. Chocolate Cookie Dough, Cashew Cookie, Coconut Cream Pie and much more!

Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss
This ice cream is Gluten, Dairy & Soy free, vegan – and very aptly named “Bliss.” They have unbelievable flavors and are available in many stores. Don’t worry if you don’t like coconut flavor. Coconut Ice cream and milk doesn’t taste like coconut.

So Delicious
Dairy Free Coconut Milk, Yogurt, Ice Cream and more.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze
Excellent milk substitute or just on it’s own. Less than 1/3 the calories of regular milk. Comes in Original, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors sweetened and unsweetened. Of course it’s great for baking and cereal, but I keep this stuff around for a glass now and then. I love it! Available in most grocery stores on both the shelf and in the refrigerator section. I even saw it at Target recently.

Rice Dream
Another great dairy free milk substitute. Suitable for baking or just drinking! In addition to Rice Milk, this company makes Almond Dream and Hemp Dream, as well as frozen dairy free desserts. (Some of these flavors aren’t gluten free. Read Labels)

Namaste Gluten Free Mixes
Namaste also prides itself on being allergy friendly – no soy, dairy or other common allergens in the mixes, and they’re really great! Cake mixes, waffle and pancake mix (this is the one I buy!), brownie mix, pasta meals (mac and cheese for example), cookie mix and more! Use their store locator to find them near you.

Amy’s Organic Foods
Pizza, Frozen meals, burritos, soups, cakes, and more. Their website has a symbol key by each product, many of which are GF/DF & SF. These products are available at many local stores. Use their store finder to find one near you.

Erewhon Cereals
It seems very difficult to find breakfast cereals without gluten and soy, but here’s a great choice! This companies makes some really good choices. The Strawberry Crisp reminds me a bit of Honey Bunches of Oats with Strawberries – real dehydrated strawberries and lightly sweetened flakes. Top with some Almond Breeze and you have a great GF, DF, SF bowl of cereal! Their products are organic with nice, simple ingredients, too.

Custom Choice Cereals
This is a great idea and definitely allergy friendly! You choose your flakes – Non-GMO and Organic (one choice is corn free as well), then your add-ins. Name your cereal so you can reorder it if you want, and they send you a bag of your personalized cereal to enjoy. Switch it up next time, or get the same thing.

Galaxy Rice Cheese
Most dairy free cheese substitutes are all soy. Galaxy is Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Soy Free and comes in several flavors like Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Swiss, American and more. It’s available in shreds, slices, grated toppings and blocks. Look for Rice in the cheese alternative or dairy section in natural foods stores or grocery stores. No cholesterol, trans fat or lactose.

Ener-G Foods
This company has great products if you have multiple allergies. They have an ingredient search feature on their website that allows you to search by foods you need to avoid. They have great cookies and bars, among other things, but unless you are also avoiding corn, get the other breads listed in this article. They also have an awesome egg replacer for baking if you are are avoiding those, too.

Tinkyada Pastas
Everyone has their own taste in pastas, but this is the one that I buy. They have lasagna noodles, spaghetti, penne, large shells, and much more – all made from rice. Many regular grocery stores carry this brand now. There’s no gluten, casein, soy, corn, egg or nuts.

Frito-Lay Naturals
These chips are gluten free, soy free, lactose free and MSG free. (Read the label of individual bags to be sure you’ve chosen one that fits your criteria.)

There’s much more that I’ve left off! Please add your ideas for other great products or resources that are gluten free, dairy free & soy free below.

Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new products we have found as a resource to you, the reader. Note: Udi’s Rudi’s & Living Without are current Gluten Freeville advertisers.

Poll Results: Why are you Gluten Free?

Nancy — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:41:22 +0000

Thanks so much to the 4,067 of you who have answered this poll as of this writing. I ran one last year as well, and it’s always surprising to see all the reasons people go gluten free and the myriad of symptoms and illnesses that seem to be exacerbated by, or caused by gluten!

Celiac is obviously the most publicized reason for a gluten free lifestyle, but that is by no means the majority of people who are gluten free – of those who visit this site, at least.

If you’d still like to register your vote, go on down to the bottom of the post to find it.

Here are the results as of 2 PM PST 6/23/2011 for 4,067 responses (multiple votes were allowed, but each person could only vote once.) Percentages are rounded. If lots more people take the poll, I’ll update this post at a later date. To see up to the minute results, click “view results” all the way at the bottom of the poll anytime after you have voted to see the numbers.

Here are the “other” write-in responses as of 6/23/2011, but I’ll leave the poll open for more to vote.

Depression
Endometriosis
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
crohns
wheat sensitivity
no more rosacea after going g/f!
autoimmune enteropathy
My son has autism and is on the GFCF diet.
PSYCHOTIC EPISODES
got in the habit after 5 years with my GF exGF, lol!
giving it a try to see if it helps me digest food better
Gluten Rash / Allergy
Hashimottos
Metabolic Syndrome
Dysautonomia
MS and eczema
iron deficiency
joint pain, racing heartbeat, weight gain; celiac not confirmed, but suspected
sore joints and muscles
DH
Doctor’s orders for cellular health.
on behalf of my daughter, who has Rett Syndrome. Our family is now nearly GF.
Gluten casues my sinus infections
severe wheat allergy causes anaphlaxis reactions in me
Daughter has Psoriasis
causes Osteoporosis
my 5 year old daughter has celiac
because of joint pain that is now gone!!
The blood type diet
seizures
I’m not but my daughter (migraines) and husband (UC) are
daughter is celiac, son has autism
have a small child who is a Celiac
joint inflammation
It made sleep apnea and a pinched nerve go away
anemia
Wheat intolerance
endometriosis
Epilepsy
Not diagnosed yet
daughter has celiac so family went gf
eczema
unexplained weight loss
My nutritionist recommends this way of eating
supporting my 11yr old gluten intolerant daughter
Crohn’s Disease
weight gain, fatigue
Eczema
Low Iron
Anemia
Friends feel much better and have inspired me.
Not sure yet, still trying to figure it out
my daughter has Celiac Disease
Inflamation
chronic body pain
Brain Fog
Son’s got celiac. He’s GF.
neurological issues
Wheat sensitivity
hoshimotos
Had depression too. Mother had RA and migranes, but doesn’t anymore!
just in beginning phase of losing gluten
I have MS.
vision problems
I’m hoping it will cure my achy joints, and muscle pains. I have 2 kids w/celiac
gastroparesis
Restless legs
Seizures
Bleeding Ulcer
also helps my G.E.R.D.
I was born this way
The 2 genes I have cause Parkinson’s and MS.
makes me feel like I have a hang over when I eat it
neuropothy nerve pain
headaches (non migraines)
bloating-from gluten Dr, says
Breastfeeding a baby with a gluten allergy.
Digestive problems
Depression
had arthritis
highly allergic to wheat
Gluten Ataxia
Hives
PCOS
Allergic to wheat
crohns disease
Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder,joint pains,hair loss,fractured teeth,
silent celiac disease
reduction in back and hip pain
Daughter is also Gluten Sensative
Lupus
was having stomach troubles, possible gall bladder
Infertility
Severe knee Pain goes away when I’m GF. Severe Bloating. Never been diagnos
Exercise Induced Anaphlaxis
Fatigue, skin rash, joint pain
I gave up all grains, but then found that I could no longer digest gluten.
tired of living in the bathroom and carting around a change of clothes
I am breastfeeding and my son had a reaction to the gluten in my diet
scleraderma, chronic fatigue syndrome
eating gluten free because my Bernese Mountain Dog is gluten intolerant
ulcerative colitis
dermatitis herpetiformis
i dont like it when my thyroid pops out its ugly
Osteoporosis
Acne
My kids are ADD and autistic. GF also helps their symptoms.

To register your vote on the poll, take a moment to check the box or boxes next to why you are gluten free. You can only vote once, but check as many boxes as apply, and if none apply, please write in the “other” answer. You can come back and click “view results” any time after you vote for up to the minute numbers.