The NEW 2012/2013 Edition of Cecelia’s Marketplace Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide is here! In observance of Celiac Disease Awareness month, a percentage of the proceeds from of the NEW GUIDE will be going to Celiac Disease Research Centers and nonprofit organizations in May 2012…All products have been re-verified Gluten Free and thousands of new products have been added.  Pre-publishing sales are going on right now (expected ship date: May 29).

The new version of this shopping guide now has 45,000+ verified gluten free items that can be found in local US grocery stores, and 3,000+ gluten free over the counter pharmacy items.

This easy to use 4.5″ x 6.5″ book now lists over 45,000+ thousand gluten-free products that are available nationwide. Popular brands like Heinz, Kraft, Del Monte, Frito Lay, as well as supermarket chains, such as Kroger, Wal-Mart, Publix, Safeway, Wegmans, Albertsons, Hy-Vee, Meijer, and more. Just pick a product, look it up, and all the gluten-free brands are at your fingertips. This comprehensive gluten-free food list has helped thousands of grocery shoppers that are on a gluten-free diet. This guide is designed for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity

If you are an experienced gluten free shopper, it may be a little more than you need, but even so, you may just find some brands you didn’t really consider were gluten free. For example, the chip section lists many commonly found brands that are gluten free by ingredient, but not necessarily marketed as gluten free products.

It’s pretty easy to see right away which breads are gluten free, if any, in your grocery store, but maybe you’d like help with things like seasonings, sauces and salad dressings. Turn to “S” and you have hundreds of products right at your fingertips! You don’t have to buy the expensive specialty seasonings when you know which Durkee or McCormick spices are okay. In case of ingredient changes, you still have to scan the label and check, but it’s easier than reading every bottle on the shelf or constantly calling manufacturers if you have a list you can start with.

Maybe is contains more than you want to know if you have your favorite GF items already scoped out, but if you are starting out or even trying to expand your horizons, this book is a great study guide until you get your bearings in the gluten free world.

Cecelia’s Shopping Guides are available in three awesome variations:

• Gluten-Free – All products listed are gluten-free and wheat-free.
• Gluten/Casein Free – All products listed are gluten-free, wheat-free, casein-free, milk-free, and lactose-free. Perfect for anyone on a gluten/casein free (GFCF) diet.
• Gluten/Casein/Soy Free – All products listed are gluten-free, wheat-free, casein-free, milk-free, lactose-free and soy-free.

I recommend this book all the time, and I also refer to this book often, and this new version is even bigger and better than the last!

Click here to buy the guide or see more information.

Click here to see my review of Cecelia’s Marketplace Easy 30-day Gluten Free Diet – not a fad, but an easy first 30 days of menus and recipes to get you started on your journey.

Click here to see my review of Cecelia’s Marketplace International Classics: Gluten-Free Mexican 

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.

In the South, my husband grew up on puddings of all kinds – bread pudding, tapioca pudding, rice pudding, so I grabbed that box and got started, knowing he’d love it. Since it was after 11 pm, I was thrilled to find it was so easy to come up with a late night tasty treat.

Three cups of skim milk and the contents of the box in the microwave for a few minutes and that’s it (They have stove top directions included as well)! I sprinkled with some cinnamon and we enjoyed a few bites of a warm, lightly sweetened, very creamy, easy and delicious late night treat. The rest went into pretty little glasses to enjoy cold the next day.

The New Orleans Style Rice Pudding Mix is one of the 19 Zatarain’s rice mixes that are gluten free (marked clearly on the front of the box), with more in development. (This mix is also MSG free, but not dairy free, in case you are wondering). Sometimes it’s just nice to grab a box and whip up something quick for a busy night!

The Gluten Free section of the Zatarain’s website has some amazing recipes, including one using the Rice Pudding Mix for Bananas Foster Rice Pudding. I’ll definitely be trying that one out soon!

These mixes are available at almost all US grocery stores and are often on sale. See the Bananas Foster recipe below and see my review of three other convenient, delicious and affordable mixes using some of their great recipes here.

Visit Zatarain’s Gluten Free Section here.

Bananas Foster Rice Pudding

Perfect for brunch or dessert, this rice pudding was inspired by Bananas Foster, a classic New Orleans favorite.
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Mix milk, 2 tablespoon of the butter and Rice Pudding Mix in medium saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

2. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Spoon rice pudding into dessert dishes. Rice pudding will thicken as it cools.

3. Meanwhile, bring brown sugar, remaining 4 tablespoons butter and cream to boil in small saucepan on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in extract. Top rice pudding with sliced bananas. Drizzle with sauce.

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: Zatarain’s is Gluten Freeville advertiser for the month of May)

Family entertainment center to pilot gluten-free pizza and cupcake in Minnesota store locations

MINNEAPOLIS, May 07, 2012 (Corporate Press Release:BUSINESS WIRE) — While pizza, dessert and soft drinks are all common favorites for adolescents, compliance with a gluten-free diet often excludes these food experiences from children and families when dining away from home. To accommodate guests with special dietary needs, Chuck E. Cheese’s has added gluten-free options to its menu. The new food items, which include a gluten-free pizza and chocolate cupcake, will begin testing at all Minnesota Chuck E. Cheese’s locations to gauge demand for future national availability.

“We’ve received an overwhelming response from families requesting that we add gluten-free products to our menu items for their kids who love to visit us but can’t enjoy a Chuck-E classic, pizza, because of special diet needs,” said Joe Elliot, Chuck E. Cheese’s vice president of research and development. “In light of growing concerns and sensitivity to this lifestyle, we listened to their feedback and wanted to provide options that better help everyone enjoy the full flavor of Chuck E. Cheese’s.”

Dining out safely remains a primary concern for food-allergic customers under strict dietary limitations. To avoid cross contamination or accidental exposure to gluten ingredients in Chuck E. Cheese’s kitchens, the personal cheese pizza, manufactured by USDA/FDA-approved, gluten-free facility Conte’s Pasta, will arrive to stores in frozen, pre-sealed packaging. The bake-in-bag pizza will remain sealed while cooked and delivered and until opened and served with a personal pizza cutter at families’ tables by the adult in charge.

Under the same procedure, gluten-free, chocolate fudge cupcakes naturally sweetened with fruits, vegetables and grains from Fabe’s All Natural Bakery will remain in pre-sealed, single-serve packaging through preparation and until opened and served at the table. To ensure high taste, integrity and quality standards are met before a national launch, testing these menu options helps Chuck E. Cheese’s deliver the same type of consistent, great-tasting food products that are expected from the leader in family entertainment and dining.

“From delivery to table, our procedures ensure that families can feel confident knowing their meal is completely within gluten-free guidelines,” said Elliott. “We’re happy we can provide a place ‘Where a Kid Can Be a Kid’ and enjoy great fun and food guilt- and gluten-free.”

Although these menu options are not available at every Chuck E. Cheese’s location at this time, the restaurant is evaluating the possibility of introducing gluten-free birthday parties and other special dietary products nationwide if test markets perform well. In addition to the successful launch of its new pizza recipe last year, Chuck E. Cheese’s plans to continue adapting its menu to offer dishes that accommodate the changing tastes, dietary needs and lifestyles of families all over the country.

See Conte’s Website.

See Fabe’s Website.

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

Corporate Press Release: May 7, 2012:

Domino’s Pizza consulted with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) to ensure its products and team member training meet the standards of the foundation’s GREAT Kitchens Amber Designation. NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens is an official credentialing program that has expanded to include restaurants offering gluten free products with varying kitchen practices, therefore suitable for those with gluten sensitivity under the Amber Designation.

Domino’s new Gluten Free Crust provides a great-tasting option for consumers who previously could not enjoy pizza from the recognized world leader in pizza delivery because of sensitivity to gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

“Many of our customers have asked for a gluten free crust, and Domino’s is excited to offer a product to customers with mild gluten sensitivity – as well as partner with the NFCA, which has been instrumental to our learning more about how to take this step,” said J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s Pizza president and CEO. “The prevalence of gluten sensitivity has become a real issue with significant impact on consumer choice, and we want to be a part of the solution. Now, the whole group can enjoy Domino’s with the addition of our new Gluten Free Crust.”

While Domino’s new Gluten Free Crust is appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity, Domino’s and the NFCA do not recommend it for those with celiac disease. Domino’s and the NFCA found that while the crust is certified as gluten free, current store operations at Domino’s cannot guarantee that each handcrafted pizza will be completely free from gluten.

“The NFCA is thrilled that Domino’s Pizza has developed a product that will improve the quality of life for many of the estimated 18 million Americans who are gluten sensitive,” said Alice Bast, NFCA founder and president. “Not only is Domino’s Gluten Free Crust a huge win for much of the gluten free community who can now get pizza delivered to their door, it’s also delicious. Customers aren’t going to believe they’re eating a pizza made on a gluten free crust when they try it. And the variety of fresh toppings that are available is a giant leap ahead.”

In an effort to remain open and informative about Domino’s Gluten Free Crust, Domino’s has created a video on YouTube that allows customers to decide whether this product is suitable for their diet, found here: www.youtube.com/user/dominosvids.

“Offering Domino’s Gluten Free Crust is a big step for us, and we wanted to make sure we were doing it right,” said Doyle. “Domino’s is doing that by partnering with experts at the NFCA and by empowering the gluten sensitive community with the information they need.”

Domino’s new Gluten Free Crust is available in stores across the U.S. in a small, 10-inch size only, and prices vary by store.

Domino’s pizza made with a Gluten Free Crust is prepared in a common kitchen with the risk of gluten exposure. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness supports the availability of Domino’s Gluten Free Crust, but cannot recommend the pizza for customers with celiac disease. Customers with gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming this pizza.

Ingredients: Water, Rice Flour, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Olive Oil, Evaporated Cane Juice, Tapioca Flour, Potato Flour, Fresh Yeast, Avicel, Salt, Calcium Propionate.

See Domino’s frequently-asked questions page about the pizza.

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!

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) April 24, 2012 Ted’s Montana Grill has been named “Best Gluten-Free Restaurant Chain” in the 2012 About.com Gluten-Free Readers’ Choice Awards, an online competition where About.com readers nominated and voted on their favorite gluten-free products and options. The restaurant company introduced its gluten-free menu in 2005 and added a new gluten-free Salt-and-Pepper Trout entrée this spring.

“Although we’re known for our bison specialties, we try to feature options for many types of dietary needs,” said Chris Raucci, corporate chef for Ted’s Montana Grill. “We’re proud to be recognized for our gluten-free choices and plan to continue enhancing our gluten-free menu to offer new products.”

The restaurant company continues to evaluate and enhance its gluten-free menu. One example is the new Salt-and-Pepper Trout, a healthy, lighter option for guests with just 650 calories per serving. This fresh, flaky fish is topped with a flavorful house-made salsa of roasted corn, tomatoes, cilantro and a hint of citrus, and served with sides of oven-roasted asparagus and vine-ripened, sliced tomatoes.

The rest of the gluten-free menu includes appetizers, salads, entrées, burgers, sides, desserts and even kids’ meals. Guests can start with an appetizer of Grilled Shrimp, choose from seven different salads with six dressings such as “Eggless” Caesar, enjoy one of eight entrée options, including everything from Bison or Beef Tenderloin Filet to Cedar Plank Salmon to Roast Turkey, and top it off with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, a hand-made milkshake or a float. The restaurants also offer 16 burger options without the bun (guests can also bring their own buns), made with naturally raised bison, Certified Angus beef or all-natural chicken, and served with a side of the popular gluten-free fresh-cut french fries. In fact, Jane Anderson with About.com Guide said it was Ted’s fries that “won a lot of the readers over.”

Visit http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com for a complete menu and list of restaurant locations.

About Ted’s Montana Grill
Ted’s Montana Grill is inspired by the Old West and a simpler time, when saloons served authentic food and drink to everyone, from cowboys to land barons, and genuine hospitality was a virtue. Ted’s is known for its time-honored American favorites, made 100% fresh, hand-prepared and served with pride – from traditional comfort food to special signature dishes. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ted’s Montana Grill was co-founded in 2002 by Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur, environmentalist and philanthropist, and award-winning restaurateur George McKerrow. Learn more at http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com, or find Ted’s on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tedsmontanagrill or on Twitter, @tedmontanagrill.

I received a few of Brad’s products to try out. So you know my official position on kale before reading my comments, if I had known they were sending Kale Chips, I would have politely declined. Yes, I understand that Kale is really good for me, but I’m just not a kale fan. Not until now that is. This non-kale lover has been converted!

Brad’s crackers and chips are gluten free, vegan, high in fiber, a good source of Omega-3′s, a healthy snack alternative for kids, rich in vitamins and enzymes and made out of fresh vegetables.

Brad’s says these amazing chips are “dehydrated below 115 degrees to preserve the nutrients and enzymes that aid digestion and keep you energized, you no longer have to feel guilty about indulging in your favorite snack!”

Why raw? Brad began his raw diet in 2006, overweight and out of shape. His health, weight, and energy improved and changed so much, that he stayed with it, and now has a mission to share the benefits of the raw diet with others, along with some great crunchy raw snacks.

Brad’s has 14 flavors of chips and crackers, and leafy kale.
Here are the three Brad’s Raw Foods that I tried, in the order that I liked them.

Vampire Killer - Brad's Raw Leafy Kale

Vampire Killer (Garlic & Vegan Cheese) – Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale*

This stuff is amazing. It’s crispy and addictive, and actually tastes awesome! I even feel a little healthier after a box of this stuff – no kidding.
INGREDIENTS: KALE, RED BELL PEPPER, CASHEWS, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, LEMON JUICE, SCALLIONS, NUTRITIONAL YEAST, GARLIC, HIMALAYAN SEA SALT

*2011 Winner of the Natural Products Expo East Most Innovative Product Award

Naked (Plain Vegan Cheese) – Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale
This is just as amazing and tastes very similarly cheesy and crunchy to the Vampire Killer flavor minus the garlic.
INGREDIENTS: KALE, RED BELL PEPPER, CASHEWS, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, LEMON JUICE, NUTRITIONAL YEAST, HIMALAYAN SEA SALT

Red Bell Pepper - Brad's Raw Chips

Red Bell Pepper – Brad’s Raw Chips
These are perfect for dips – very sturdy and rustic. You can taste each ingredient used for a very nice and healthy tasting veggie chip.
INGREDIENTS: CARROTS, RED BELL PEPPERS, FLAX SEEDS, SPROUTED BUCKWHEAT GROATS, SCALLIONS, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, GARLIC, HIMALAYAN SEA SALT, PAPRIKA, BLACK PEPPER.

Will I go completely raw? Probably not anytime soon, but I certainly will enjoy Brad’s raw crackers, chips and leafy kale whenever I can – and will feel a little better about myself in the process.

See the nutritional information for all Brad’s products.

Buy Brad’s online.

Check their store locator for a store near you.

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.