The Gluten Free Gallery

National Chocolate Day

2011-10-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is National Chocolate Day!! It's time to celebrate!

Here are a few options for some delicious gluten-free goodies, all with some fantastic chocolate!

Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Chex Muddy Buddies

Cocoa Pebble Treats

Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Pie with Chocolate Crust

Enjoy! :)

More Ideas on How to Save on Gluten-Free Groceries

2011-10-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

So I just made my post about some gluten-free staples and how to find discounts, then went to check out my friends gluten free blog and today she had posted a link with a similar topic as well. So apparently being BFF we are on the same brainwave :) So for more ideas on how to save while shopping gluten-free, check out her post. She, as always, has some great ideas and tips!

More Gluten-Free Grocery Discounts and Savings!!

2011-10-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

In my previous post about Shopping both Savvy AND Gluten-Free I promised to give you some more tips on how to save money, and still get great gluten-free staples. Three gluten-free items I could not live without are Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, and Rice Noodles. Throughout my posts you will see many recipes using these three ingredients. They are basic ingredients I incorporate into a lot of my gluten-free cooking. And I have recently had my eyes open to these and numerous other gluten-free items available at most Asian markets.

At my chain grocery store a pound of Rice flour or Tapioca is typically about $4, sometimes even more. At a nearby Asian market 1 lb of Tapioca flour is only 89 cents!!! Talk about savings! Rice flour was less than $1.50 per pound. And now for Rice Noodles…at the grocery store I can usually get about a 14 oz box for typically $4 as well, at the Asian market I have found a wide variety of gluten-free stir-fry rice noodles for anywhere from 69 cents (for 16 oz.) to $1.69 (for 28 oz.). Such a steal of a deal!!

And the extremely wide variety of noodle types and sizes has inspired me to get creative and find some fabulous ways to include rice noodles into more meals…all of which have been loved by both gluten-free eaters and non alike. (I will post some of these recipe options in the near future.)

So I really want to recommend finding a local Asian market and checking it out! I have found some great snacks and treats as well that are rice based opposed to the commonly wheat based snacks found in traditionally American products. It has not only been fun and adventurous...it has also cut my grocery bill significantly!

Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix

2011-10-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have recently posted about Pamela's Gluten Free Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix, and how to purchase it at a discount. So I figured I should probably highlight some of my favorite things to do with the mix. First off Pancakes and Waffles...simple and delicious! Biscuits…amazing! And Chocolate Chip Cookies…fabulous, but of course me being me, I wanted to take them to an even higher level of deliciousness, what I am now going to call GABulous!! (corny?...yes!, cheesy?...of course!, Blameless self-promotion?...why not! :)

So here is what we will call Pamela’s GABulous Gluten-Free cookies….

½ cup butter or margarine
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 egg, large
1 tsp almond flavoring
1-1/2 cups Pamela’s Mix
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
½ cup butterscotch chips
½ cup chopped pecans

With egg beaters, cream butter and sugar. Add egg, then the almond flavoring. Beat together. Add Pamela’s mix, followed by chocolate and butterscotch chips, then the pecans. Mix thoroughly. Place spoonfuls of cookie dough on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Makes about 20 cookies. Bake on 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Original Version from recipe on the package:

½ cup butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 egg, large
1 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups Pamela’s Mix
1-1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

And as always, the best part about these cookies…easy! I know there are a lot of Gluten-Free gourmet bakers out there using 6 different flours and specialized sifting techniques, but when I am craving a sweet treat, I need easy, simple, and ingredients that won’t make me run around town finding the right specialty flours. And that’s what is so great about a versatile gluten-free baking mix…I stock up, have it on hand, and can just grab and bake, without having to have planned ahead, ‘cause let’s face it, sometimes the sweet tooth is calling, and just can’t wait two hours for an answer! So try the original or try my adaptation, and let me know what you think!

Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats Here I Come…

2011-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Look’s like Kellogg’s is catching up to good ole General Mills. They now have Gluten-free Rice Krispies!!

I can’t wait to try them. And if you don’t know where to find them, just click on this store locator.

And here is a recipe for a cute treat…I think I might make them into orange balls for Halloween pumpkins (just add orange food coloring to the marshmallow mix) and then make Jack O’Lantern faces with M&Ms.

I’m excited!!

Shopping Both Savvy AND Gluten-Free

2011-10-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

With Extreme Couponing, discount divas, and shopping websites a plenty, finding a way to save a buck or two is definitely on our minds, especially with the so called “economic downturn”…which basically just equates to less money in your pocket and higher prices at the store. And unfortunately, a lot of the manufacturer coupons do not consistently apply to gluten-free items. Because let’s face it, the more prepackaged, and preserved it is, the more likely it is to have traces of wheat, barley, or malt. So how do we as gluten-free consumers get our hands on grocery discounts on a regular basis?? Solution…Amazon.com. I have long been a lover of Amazon.com, some people might even say we are BFFs. I am all about their lightning deals, great discounts, free shipping, and convenience of delivery. Over the past year Amazon has increased their wide variety of delicious gluten-free groceries. And not only are they frequently cheaper than you can find at your local health food store, if you sign up for Subscribe and Save, you will save an additional 15%!! Not sure what on earth I am talking about? Let me break it down…

At my local grocery store Pamela's Gluten-Free Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix (which I LOVE) is regularly one 4lb bag for about $17.50. On lovely Amazon.com I can get that same bag for $12.75!!! And if I choose to do Subscribe and Save (where Amazon renews my order in an increment I choose (Which can be anywhere from monthly to semi-annually)), I save an additional 15% and that amazing versatile mix is knocked down to a highly discounted $10.84 per bag!!! That is about a 40% discount off my local grocer’s price! Now that is some savings to shout about!

Still not convinced?? Okay, try this example…who out there loves Glutino Gluten-Free Crackers? I know I do! They are by far my favorite crackers, but they are pricey!! At my grocery store the Glutino Gluten Free Cheddar Crackers are $4.99 for a pretty small box. I buy them, because I love them, but I always feel guilty that I paid that much money for them. But once again, Amazon has come to the rescue. They have these crackers for $3.33 each. But don’t forget Subscribe and Save, where I save an additional 15%...now these crackers are only $2.83 per box!! Almost half the price of my local store! Discount achieved and buyer’s guilt removed!

The same type of awesome discounts can be found with gluten-free breakfast bars, cookies, other baking mixes and the list literally goes on and on. Plus Amazon is good enough to send me emails whenever they have gluten-free sales because they know that’s something I like! So convenient! And how their great programs are setup I never pay shipping, get my items in a couple of days, and enjoy the great tastes and great savings. So whether your local store has poor gluten-free selections or just higher prices, I highly recommend checking out Amazon.com so you can get fantastic gluten-free specialty items, without giving up your entire bank account!!

I have a few other tricks up my sleeve on ways I put more Gluten-Free items on my shelves and still manage to keep more money in my pocket, but since this post is already extremely lengthy, check back next week and I will give you some more ways to cut your gluten-free grocery bill…after all, I am the gluten-free guru :)

(I added in some links to hopefully help illustrate the great gluten-free deals available)

Gluten-Free Awareness

2011-10-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

October is often recognized as Celiac or Gluten Free Awareness month, so in honor of this I want to share probably my all time favorite story of gluten-free ignorance. One of my best friends also follows a gluten free diet, so at her wedding reception she had two tables of refreshments. One filled with typical bite size treats, and a separate smaller table with a sign stating that these items were “Gluten-Free”. I admittedly was excited to try the delicious looking goodies, but my excitement was nothing compared to that of the couple behind me. They were ranting and raving how excited they were that all of these sweets were somehow “Glutton-Free” and therefore must be healthy versions! So they loaded…and I mean loaded… up on “glutton-free” brownies, “glutton-free” cake, and “glutton-free” cookies….10,000 calories later I did not have the heart to tell them that “Gluten-Free” was unfortunately not the same as “Glutton-Free”…hopefully they figured it out before their next trip to the grocery store….I can just imagine it….”Honey did you know these chocolate covered glazed donuts are glutton-free? I don’t know how they get purely healthy items to taste so good!” :)

Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Ever!!!

2011-10-19T20:47:00.001-07:00

So it's been a while since I last posted...this is a drastic understatement; it's been like a year, so what would be great enough to motivate me to return and make a new post??? The best Gluten-free sugar cookies I have ever in my life had the pleasure of eating! I was at my local grocery store walking past the gluten-free specialty section when these beauties of course caught my eye....

http://newgrainsglutenfreebakery.com/17-155-thickbox/sugar-cookies.jpg

Now maybe it is the fact that I have always been jealous of those delicious looking Granny B's cookies my co-workers and friends so effortlessly purchase out of vending machines or many other readily available locations, but something inside me shouted "Hallelujah!"...dramatic response? Of course! Look at these things! Now amidst my excitement, a small voice in my head was nagging that the taste would never live up to the appearance, that that creamy thick frosting could not possibly meet my expectations. But I bought my $1.89 cookie (reasonably priced for a fresh, gluten-free, 4" Sugar cookie) despite that nagging voice. I could barely wait to try it (okay now I just sound like a pig, but let's just say it was the inner child in me always wanting a gluten-free version of something I'd craved for so long)...anyway, so I bit into the soft delicious cookie and was truly amazed! Best Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie ever...no offense mom :)

So if you are lucky enough to be in Utah, here is a link to some locations you can pick one up:

http://newgrainsglutenfreebakery.com/16-utah

Not in Utah? Don't fret...they will ship!! :)

So thank you New Grains Gluten Free Bakery! I owe you one!

Reunited...and it feels so good!

2010-07-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

It’s been over a year since I last posted….pathetic I know. I have no excuses to give, no tragedies that sucked me dry of my time and energy, no exciting developments that preoccupied my days and nights. Time merely has slipped away and here I am wishing I had offered more gluten-free recipes, more insight, and more gluten-free recommendations. But, what can I say, shoulda, coulda, woulda. So starting fresh in this lovely summer month, I would like to submit a peace offering. A gluten-free recipe for a delicious crispety, crunchety, peanut buttery…oh wait that is a Butterfinger. Strike that. How about a recipe for a delicious chocolaty treat that satisfies both the need for a little crunch and a little peanut butter, not to mention a few other fabulous ingredients. I made this last week for a work celebration of Chocolate Day (July 7th) and it was a big hit! So here is my contribution to you kind readers, let me know what you think of my recent creation…

Gluten-Free Crispy Chocolate Squares

1 c. Sugar
1 c. Light corn syrup
1 c. Peanut butter
6 c. Cocoa Pebbles Cereal
6-oz. (Half a bag) Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips
6-oz. (Half a bag) Butterscotch chips

Mix sugar and corn syrup in a 3-quart saucepan. Heat and stir over low to medium heat until sugar is dissolved (it loses its grainy texture). Remove from heat.

Mix peanut butter into the saucepan, then pour mixture over Cocoa Pebbles in a large bowl, stir until Cocoa Pebbles are coated.

Pour into a buttered 8x8 or 9x13 pan. Melt together chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in microwave (usually cook for 1 minute and then stir until creamy) and spread evenly over the top. Let the chocolate cool and harden (probably takes 2 hours to fully set up).

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

HAPPY GLUTEN-FREE EASTER

2009-04-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! Here is an easy recipe for a simple, yet delicious gluten-free Easter treat....macaroon birds' nests.

You will need:

1- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1- bag shredded coconut (about 12 ounces)
1- bag pastel peanut M & M's
Food coloring optional (you can add a few drops to make the coconut brown)

In medium sized mixing bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients minus candy. Drop by spoonful onto a greased cookie sheet (should fit about twelve macaroons at a time). This will be your bird's nest. Bake on 375 degrees for about ten minutes, or until coconut is lightly browned and edges are getting slightly crisp. When done baking, let them set up for about two minutes before removing them from cookie sheet to cool on either wax paper or a plate. Let macaroons set up and cool for about 10 minutes, then lightly push a few pieces of candy into the center of the macaroon. And there you have your Spring nest and eggs. This dessert is cute, easy, and delicious...what more can you ask for when it comes to a gluten-free treat for Easter.

HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE QUESO

2009-03-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Many purchased queso dips are often thickened with flour, and so many homemade queso dips call for gluten-containing ingredients such as cream of chicken soup. Here is an excellent recipe for Homemade gluten-free queso. It is quick and easy, as well as delicious!

Queso Dip

2-CUPS DICED BAKED CHICKEN (ABOUT 6 TENDERLOINS OR 3 CHICKEN BREASTS)
2-CUPS CUBED PEPPER JACK CHEESE (CAN SUBSTITUTE WITH MUENSTER CHEESE IF PREFERRED)
1-8 OZ PACKAGE OF NEUFCHATEL OR CREAM CHEESE
1-7 OZ CAN DICED GREEN CHILES
GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS

In microwaveable dish, add cheese, cream cheese, chiles, and chicken. Mix together. Cook on medium heat in the microwave for 2 minutes; stir with a fork, put back in the microwave for 2 more minutes. Make sure cheese is evenly melted and all ingredients are mixed throughout. And that's it. Your scrumptious gluten-free queso dip is ready to serve.

This dip is so easy and turns out great! It also can be made then reheated. It's wonderful for snacks during sporting events, movie nights, or a great appetizer. Try it out and let me know what you think!

GLUTEN-FREE FISH STICKS

2009-03-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

The last time I had fish sticks was about 20 years ago, when I was just a kid. I did not know I had Celiac's yet and I still enjoyed many delicious gluten-filled foods. As a kid, Skippers (a seafood restaurant) was one of my favorite places to eat, and I loved fish sticks! Well I am happy to announce that I just finished a delicious lunch of gluten-free fish sticks. Ian's fish sticks contain no gluten, casein, milk, eggs, nuts, or soy. They are easy to cook; you just throw them in the microwave or oven (I recommend the oven for a crispier coating). I loved them! I had tried Ian's gluten-free chicken nuggets before, and found them also to be fabulous. The gluten-free fish sticks were just under $6.00 for a box which would make about two smaller meals. So, no, they are not ridiculously cheap or anything, but $3.00 for a lunch is not too bad. Plus, I am not going to lie, the pure sentimentality of finally being reunited with one of my childhood favorites was for me personally, a great selling point.

Ian's also tries to focus on nutrition and quality of food and even has a program for kids, to teach them how to make healthy food choices and to be more active. You can read more about it at:

http://www.imasuperfitkid.com/

So give these gluten-free fish sticks a try!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY GLUTEN-FREE TREAT

2009-03-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

On March 6, 2009 3:28 PM

Elizabeth said...
Do you have any St Patrick's Day treats you'd recommend?

Yes I do! Here is an easy recipe I have been playing with, which I think would make an excellent gluten-free St. Patrick's day treat. You will need:

1 pkg Cream Cheese or Neufchatel Cheese
1 large box Instant Vanilla Pudding (or 2 small boxes)...sugar free works great
1 cup Milk
1 14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
Green Food Coloring (or mix yellow and blue)
Fruit (about 6 cups or ten apples or two cartons of strawberries,etc-just to give you a frame of reference)
Nuts (about 3 cups)

With an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese with pudding and 1 cup milk until smooth. Next, you will add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of green food coloring and beat just until blended.

Chop fruit into bite size chunks or slices (apples, strawberries, grapes...whatever kind you prefer)....coat with lemon juice to avoid browning if the fruit is cut in advance.
Chop (or smash with a mug) nuts into small chunks (walnuts make a great flavor combo with fruit).

In a small ice cream dish or bowl, fill the bottom of the holder with the chopped fruit (about 3/4 cup), top with a scoop of the creamy pudding mixture(1/4 to 1/2 cup), then add a couple spoonfuls of nuts. Best when enjoyed right after assembly. Makes about ten servings.

This gluten-free dessert is sweet, creamy, and a great cool treat for welcoming in the spring.

Thanks for the question Elizabeth!

GLUTINO

2009-03-07T11:43:00.001-08:00

I have to sing out my praises for the brand "Glutino". Their gluten-free foods are so fabulous and delicious! The first time I enjoyed Glutino's gluten-free cookies was about ten years ago when my sister was serving an LDS mission in England. She sent our family a package, full of gluten-free wonders that were not easily available in the U.S, but were much more common in Europe. At the time I could not believe something gluten-free could be so delicious and with no bitter after taste! Now years later, I can find wonderful Glutino products even at my local grocery store...I love it! Given, these specialty items are often a bit pricier than I'd like to spend on non-necessities,(being similarly priced to that of gourmet cookies and crackers, that you don't usually find a generic form of), but they do tend to go down and down in price as they become more present in more and more stores. This last week I tried for the first time Glutino gluten-free crackers which come in Original, Vegetable, Cheddar, and Multi-grain flavors. They were about 5 bucks for a medium sized box (4.4 oz), but I absolutely LOVED them. I ate them with braunschwager (an acquired taste, I know), meats and cheeses, cream cheese, and plain. They were so excellent. I don't know what Glutino does differently but be it their delicious lemon wafers, chocolate cookies, or cereal, I think they are by far one of the best gluten-free brands when it comes to taste.....and hopefully the prices will continue to drop here and there (I usually just buy them when they go on sale, which seems to happen a lot). If you haven't tried this brand, then I recommend next time you are at a health food store or even your grocery store look for a Glutino product on sale, and treat yourself! It is worth it!

ENJOY VALENTINES' DAY WITH GLUTEN-FREE CREPES!!

2009-02-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Valentines' Day is a great holiday....it's a perfect time for fun treats and goodies, and a chance to do something nice for someone you care about and love. So if you want to win over that special gluten-free someone, or show them you care through a special treat, I have the perfect suggestion for you......CREPES!!

If you are not familiar, let me introduce you to the wonderful and versatile world of gluten-free crepes. The great thing about crepes is that there are so many ways to fill them and eat them. You can make dinner crepes, dessert crepes, breakfast crepes, and more.

SO.....here are some of my suggestions to make a spectacular homemade Valentines' Day dinner and dessert.

Basic Gluten-Free Crepes Recipe

1 & 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup rice flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt

Mix all the ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl with a metal whisk. Stir rapidly for about 3 minutes, batter should be smooth and liquid-no clumps.

Heat a 10 inch skillet on medium heat, coat evenly with cooking spray. Pan must be heated before putting in batter. Remove pan from heat, and pour about 1/3 cup of batter into center of pan, gently move pan around causing the liquid to cover the bottom surface of the entire pan. Crepes turn out best when they are evenly spread out and thin. Put pan back on burner and let cook until crepe is solid and no longer runny. Take a spatula and run it around the edge of the crepe so it is not sticking to the pan. Flip it, then cook on the other side for about a minute. Crepe should be a light creme color. I recommend using a non-stick pan. If you have trouble flipping the crepe, simply use a lid on the pan while cooking. This will trap the heat and cook the crepe all the way through, thus eliminating the need to flip the crepe. When crepe is fully cooked but before browned, take a spatula once again around the edge of the crepe in order to prevent sticking, then simply shake the pan and slide it out onto a plate. Lightly spray pan again and add more batter. This recipe makes about 6 good sized crepes. Crepes should be delicate and about 1/8 inch thick. Also, you may notice the dense rice flour will start to sink as the batter sits, so be sure to briefly stir it with the whisk before pouring out the next scoop of batter.

Once your gluten-free crepes are all made, it is time for stuffing them. There are so many options for delicious flavor combinations. Here is one of my personal favorites.

DINNER CREPES

Mix 2 cups shredded baked chicken
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of ginger (optional)
dash of salt

Combine ingredients and seasonings then heat in the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds or until cream cheese and sour cream are soft and runny. Stir the chicken and cream ingredients until chicken is evenly coated. (If you like more creamy crepes, add 1/4 cup more cream cheese, and 1/4 cup more sour cream). Take plate of crepes and spoon a couple of scoops down the center of the crepe. Then take shredded cheese (Monterey jack, or Colby jack) and sprinkle about a 1/4 a cup of cheese over the chicken mixture. Gently roll both sides of the crepe in so it resembles a burrito. Then take the stuffed crepe and place it face down(so the fold is on the bottom) of a glass 8 inch cake pan that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Repeat this process until all 6 crepes are side by side in the glass pan. Then take a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese and sour cream, heat until creamy, and then spread it on the top of the crepes. Cover with saran wrap or microwaveable lid and heat in the microwave for about 4 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted. These gluten-free crepes make a spectacular meal, and are really pretty easy to make. You just have to get the hang of making crepes. Once you have that down, you can make the crepes and stuff them all within 20 minutes. After Thanksgiving, I used my leftover turkey to make delicious turkey, cheese, and mushroom crepes that were fabulous! You can add crumbled bacon, diced zucchini, onion, peppers, mushrooms and much more according to your personal preferences (be sure to cook veggies prior to stuffing). These crepes also work well with ham instead of chicken, mozzarella cheese or medium cheddar.

DESSERT CREPES

While crepe is cooking, when it is about halfway done, sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips onto the crepe, they will sink in slightly. Do not flip crepe, just allow enough time for it to cook all the way through. Remove crepe from heat. Do not stack the crepes on top of each other. While crepe is still warm (or after reheating in microwave for about 30 seconds) take about 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and spread it across the inside of the crepe, thus spreading out the melting chocolate. Then scoop about 3 ice cream sized scoops of cool whip into a row going down the center of the crepe (or vanilla bean ice cream). Fold sides over and flip the crepe, so fold is against plate. Add a dollop of cool whip on top, and serve warm. These gluten-free dessert crepes are fabulous and super easy.

These gluten-free crepes are loved by both my friends and family who have to live-gluten free and those who don't. They make a special gourmet meal and dessert without a lot of fuss or hassle.

I also love making caramel drizzled crepes, and fresh strawberries and ice cream crepes....but we'll have to save those for another time. Let me know questions....I am here to help!

Happy Valentines' Day!

Gluten Free Recipes

2009-01-29T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the website of "LIVING WITHOUT", a magazine with great gluten-free recipes. I always love trying out new recipes and getting new ideas. So check it out!

http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes.html

I personally think I am going to have to try out the Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free German Apple Pancakes

http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes/feb_mar09_german_apple_pancakes.html

Yum!

National Pie Day-Gluten Free Style

2009-01-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

To my readers, whom I greatly appreciate, I must say sorry for the long absence of posts; it has definitely been a while since I have written. Between holiday preparations, out of town travelling, and a hectic work schedule, December and January have been pretty busy for me. But I do plan on getting back into a regular routine of posting. So hopefully you have not given up on me just yet :)

January 23rd is National Pie Day!!! It is a great day to enjoy some delicious gluten free pie. I of course would normally recommend my favorite gluten free pie....PEANUT BUTTER CREAM CHEESE PIE with a delicious CHOCOLATE CRUST which I posted about in October. But, considering the recent peanut butter recall, I think maybe I should recommend another delicious option.

It is an easy, no-bake, no-fuss, no gluten, CHEESECAKE PIE.

Filling:

1- 8 oz. package of softened Cream Cheese
1 cup Powder Sugar
1 regular sized tub of Cool Whip Free (less sugar, less fat, just as creamy and sweet)

With electric beaters mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth, fold in Cool Whip.

Pie Crust:

Option 1:

1 and 3/4 cup Crushed Gluten Free Cereal....Can be Rice Chex, Pooh and Tigger cereal, Cocoa Pebbles cereal, etc...whatever flavor you prefer.
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Melted Margarine

Stir crushed cereal and sugar in bowl until evenly mixed. Add melted margarine and stir thoroughly. Spoon into a pie pan, and pat gently in order to adequately spread out the mixture. Bake on 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Option 2:

1 and 3/4 cup of your Favorite Gluten Free Cookie crushed. Boxed cookies are generally more crisp and crunchy than homemade, and therefore work better...Mi-Del's gluten-free ginger snaps, pecan shortbread, or animal cookies will work great.
1/4 cup Melted Margarine

Thoroughly stir crushed cookie and melted margarine. Spoon into a pie pan, and pat gently in order to evenly spread out the mixture. Bake on 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Once crust is completely cooled, simply scoop cream cheese filling into the pie crust, spread, and refrigerate. It is good any time, but best if given the chance to set up for a few hours. This gluten free cheesecake is truly scrumptious! It's a great way to celebrate NATIONAL PIE DAY!!

HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE GRANOLA BARS

2008-12-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy recipe I came up with for some delicious chewy gluten-free granola bars. It takes less than 5 minutes to mix and only about 15 to bake. You will need the following:

2 cups gluten-free oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon

Stir dry ingredients together, then add:

1/4 cup melted margarine
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 medium eggs

Mix thoroughly until all the oats are coated and moist. Then fold in either

1/2 cup chocolate chips or
1/2 cup raisins

Spread evenly in a greased cake pan. Bake on 350 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes. Granola will be firm and light brown. Let set for 5 minutes, then cut into bars. To store them for later use, I like to take the completely cooled bars and spread them out on a large piece of saran wrap, then I just cut the wrap into squares and quickly individually wrap each bar. With less sugar than cookies or a lot of other snacks, I find these delicious gluten-free granola bars to be a great treat or hearty snack on the go. Plus, you gotta love all the health benefits of good ol' oats! So give them a try and let me know what you think.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

So I had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a delicious dinner. There was only one setback. I accidentally ate some gluten via a dessert. Come Friday night, I was pretty ill. It has been years since I have experienced that much pain from consuming gluten. But the experience reminded me of how much I have to be grateful for and how great some things work out in life. Not only was it a perfect time to get sick (the weekend, opposed to the busy work week), but also I was glad to think of how great my body usually functions. I also was able to turn to my mom (a fellow Celiac) who could fully understand all my complaints, whining, and symptoms. When she first got sick from Celiac’s they did not know what she had or why she was suffering so horribly. I am very fortunate to readily know I have Celiac’s and how to combat the troublesome affects of gluten. Also, I am no anatomy expert, but I do recognize how amazing it is to have intelligent bodies that can heal and recuperate as well as friends and family to help you when you are feeling down and out. My mom’s love, sympathy, and support just reminded me of how much I really have to be thankful for this holiday season. So overall, I was very thankful my holiday meal turned out how it did. In a way, it made my Thanksgiving that much more thankful and reminded me not to take some amazing things for granted.

KRAFTFOOD FOODS & FAMILY MAGAZINE

2008-11-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

My sister recently recommended that I subscribe to the Kraftfoods' free magazine. I believe it comes out quarterly(1 per season), and has some great recipes inside. So I thought I would just pass on the link to the instructions on how to subscribe. I love recipes and free things, so I was pretty excited about this. Just go to

http://recipe-board.kraftfoods.com/topic/Food-Family-Magazine/Where-Do-I/1700002653

and scroll to the bottom of the message board for complete and detailed instructions on how to sign up. You can also access past issues and recipes by clicking on the Food&Family Archive located at the top of the www.kraftfoods.com home page. All the recipes I looked at seemed very appealing because they look rather basic and straightforward, as well as delicious. So check it out, because after all, who doesn't love finding a good free magazine in their mailbox!

DISCO DANCING SANTA

2008-11-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

When I wrote my previous post about http://www.northpole.com/, I had not yet seen the DISCO DANCING SANTA on the site. Now that I have, I cannot in good conscience, not give a "shout out" to his greatness as well as the many other excellent features. So check out his skills :)

http://www.northpole.com/Clubhouse/DancingSanta/

HOLIDAY BAKING

2008-11-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

I love baking around the holidays. I enjoy making quite a variety of goodies to share with neighbors, friends, and family. So, I always enjoy experimenting and getting my hands on new recipes that I can try out. The following link is to a website that has hundreds of great recipes for the holidays.

http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/

This site contains recipes for many varieties of fudge, homemade holiday candies, main dishes, specialty drinks, and much, much more! Not all recipes are gluten-free, but there are still hundreds of great ones to choose from that are. This site also has some other fabulous features. It provides an easy way to share recipes with friends, fun games, activities, holiday email cards, etc. I personally found myself loving the "Trim a Tree" activity....so what if it is intended for kids. :) And I loved that you can have a Christmas story read to you. This is an excellent site for the whole family. With so many fun things to print off and games to play, www.northpole.com definitely provides some great holiday cheer!

AUNT JEMIMA SAUSAGE AND EGG SCRAMBLE

2008-11-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Aunt Jemima has a new line of delicious frozen breakfast meals, several of which are gluten-free. The Sausage and Egg Scramble is definitely my favorite. It is filled with diced peppers, onions, seasoned hash browns, and topped with cheddar cheese. This tasty meal is convenient, relatively cheap (about 2 bucks or less), and can be quickly heated up in 3 minutes. It is a great and easy frozen lunch option, so check it out!

SMOTHERED CHICKEN

2008-11-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been a week since my last post. It has been a hectic few days and a crazy time at work, leaving me with not much time for writing; but, I am hoping things calm down quickly so I can get back to my routine of daily posting. So as an olive branch to those I have neglected this past week with my delinquent posts, I offer a delicious gluten-free dinner idea that I like to call SMOTHERED CHICKEN. This fantastic meal can be varied in many ways to cater to your personal favorite flavors and tastes, and is really not very complex, yet is so full of flavor it comes off as a rather gourmet gluten-free dinner.

You will need chicken tenderloins (about 2 or 3 per person) or chicken breasts (generally 1 per person). These can be fresh meat or frozen. I usually use frozen because it is often cheaper and I have more time to decide when exactly I will be cooking it before it spoils. Simply cover cookie sheet with tin foil (not necessary, but it makes clean up so much quicker) spray with cooking spray and place chicken on sheet, preferably so it is not touching. I typically season with salt, garlic, and onion powder. But, feel free to use meat tenderizer, chicken seasoning, or whatever other seasonings you may prefer. Bake on 400 degrees. If fresh tenderloins, bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. If frozen tenderloins, bake for about 20 minutes. If you are using fresh chicken breasts cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. If frozen, bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You want chicken to be thoroughly done and no longer pink on the inside, but avoid over cooking, or it will become dry. (I usually have to cut a test piece in half to be sure.) While chicken is baking you can prepare the toppings for smothering. And this is where the variation and creativity come into play.

Option 1-In medium frying pan, heat chopped onions, red peppers, green peppers, and mushrooms in light oil, butter, margarine, or cooking spray. Stir frequently and cook on medium-low heat until onions turn brown and mushrooms shrink in size. When chicken is done, you will smother each piece with the cooked vegetables and then sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese on top. Place under broiler until cheese bubbles. Serve with oven baked potatoes, side of green salad, and corn.

Option 2-In the same manner, heat chopped yellow squash, zucchini, Roma tomatoes, and red onions. Place by the spoonful on baked chicken and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or Mozzarella. Place under broiler until cheese is browned. Serve with roasted red potatoes (chopped into small chunks, drizzled with butter, seasoned with garlic, parsley, onion powder, and salt, and baked in the over for about 45 minutes, while chicken cooks), and with a delicious spinach salad and vinaigrette.

Option 3-In a frying pan, heat diced green chilies, onions, green peppers, jalapenos (optional). Scoop cooked vegetables onto baked chicken, sprinkle Pepper Jack cheese on top, and then broil until cheese melts and bubbles. After cheese is melted, top with tomatoes or fresh salsa. Serve with a rice dish and black beans.

Option 4-Dice pepperoni and/or cooked Italian sausage. Chop olives and mushrooms (whatever you prefer). Remove baked chicken from the oven. Pour about an 1/8 cup of garlic herb spaghetti sauce (double check it is gluten-free), over each piece of chicken. Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese, chopped meat, and produce, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Broil. Serve with Caesar Salad and gluten-free garlic bread (I just buy white rice or brown rice flour bread, cover with spray butter, add garlic and parsley, broil for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown).

Option 5-While chicken is cooking, fry up some bacon (use turkey bacon for a healthier option). Chop and cook mushrooms and onions. Then, when chicken is baked, remove from oven and pour honey flavored BBQ sauce (make sure it is gluten-free) on each piece of chicken. Then put on the mushrooms and onions, followed by a slice of Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese over each piece. Top with crumbled bacon, and broil until cheese is melted. (Do not wait until cheese bubbles or bacon may get overcooked.) Serve with homemade french fries and a salad made of mixed greens or romaine lettuce.

Option 6-Now for those who really want SMOTHERED chicken this is the option I recommend... a definite crowd pleaser. While chicken is baking, cook bacon, then set it aside. Over medium-low heat, cook chopped onions, mushrooms, green peppers, red peppers, yellow peppers, and diced green chilies in spray butter or equivalent. When seasoned chicken is done, top generously with browned vegetables, followed by a slice of your choice of cheese. I recommend Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. Then cover chicken with bacon(one piece can usually be broken in half, and placed side by side to cover one chicken breast). Put under broiler until cheese melts. When it is removed from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh tomatoes and avocados (optional). This goes excellent with delicious garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus.

These several options can easily be modified to fit your personal palate by varying the vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. You can try Munster, Feta, or Sharp, etc, or you can even eliminate the cheese for a healthier option or to accommodate lactose intolerance. It will still turn out great. So be creative and experiment with some great flavor options! Smothered chicken is a terrific gluten-free dinner that requires no specialty items or substitutions and will easily be enjoyed by those of us who don't eat gluten and those who do. So do a little baking and then enjoy the amazing rewards of your labor and just let me know any questions or needed clarification.

CELIAC DISEASE FOUNDATION

2008-11-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

After my recent Albertsons post I was asked what exactly the Celiac Disease Foundation is. The following link is to a brochure created by the Celiac Disease Foundation. It outlines their mission statement, history, the basic symptoms of Celiac Disease, how you can get tested, and more info about their foundation. It is very informative and helps those less familiar with Celiac's understand the essential things they need to be aware of.

http://celiac.org/downloads/AreYouTheOneMAINbrochureHMSfinalJul_08.pdf

The Celiac Disease Foundation is a non-profit organization. They believe 1 out of 133 people are affected by Celiac's, and that 97% of people with Celiac Disease go undiagnosed. Thus, this organization is dedicated to informing, researching, and educating. You can find their site at

http://www.celiac.org/

HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE CORN DOGS

2008-11-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

I have never been a huge fan of hot dogs, but I always wondered if I would be a fan of corn dogs if I could eat them. Well one day my wonderful and loving brother experimented and figured out a way to make me amazing gluten-free corn dogs. So thanks to him, I can share this easy recipe with you now.

HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE CORN DOGS

1 cup Masa Flour (For those who don't know, it's made from corn and can be found in usually the Mexican Food aisle or baking aisle of your local grocery store. I recommend the Maseca brand...it is the cheapest one I usually find. A 4 to 5 lb. bag is roughly $2-$3)
1/4 cup sugar
About 1/4 cup water
4 hot dogs
Vegetable Oil

In a small bowl mix the masa flour and sugar. Gradually add water a few tablespoons at a time until mixture is consistently moist and malleable, but not runny or overly wet. Fill a small saucepan about 1/3 full of vegetable oil and heat on medium to medium low temperature. While oil is heating cook hot dogs in microwave for about 30 seconds. I recommend cutting them in half (so you have two chunks each about two inches long), so it cooks more evenly. Then take a heaping spoonful of the batter and coat the hot dog chunks by pressing the mixture around it, so it is completely covered. Place in oil, turning it as one side becomes brown. Once corn dog is evenly browned remove from oil and set on paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while still warm, and then let them cool slightly before eating. These corn dogs are crispy yet chewy and definitely dress up a hot dog into something fantastic. Everyone I have ever made these for (gluten-free eaters, as well as, gluten eaters) have absolutely loved them! You can make them with thicker or thinner coating depending upon your personal preference, as well as cook them longer for a more crispy result.

If you experience any difficulties making this recipe and you have problems with the batter falling off the hot dog troubleshoot the following possibilities:

-You might have put in too much water...easy fix--double the batch by adding more flour and sugar
-The oil might not be hot enough...I recommend putting a drop of batter in first, see if bubbles rise around it to know if oil is warm enough to start cooking
-Vegetable oil does tend to work better than canola or olive oil
-The hot dog needs to be pretty warm while molding the flour mixture around it

If you find your corn dog shell is getting too dark but is not cooked all the way through, try putting less batter around so it is thinner, and try turning down the temperature of the oil. That way it will not get as brown as quickly and will have more time to cook through.

I absolutely love these gluten-free corn dogs and will find myself craving them. Definitely give them a try!

AUTISM AND A GLUTEN-FREE DIET

2008-11-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have a good friend who recently worked with many children who have Autism. She would often discuss with me how almost all the students were on gluten-free and casein-free diets. She explained that most of the parents found that their children responded to gluten the same as if they were on a drug. This has greatly intrigued me and I have been doing some research on it for awhile, especially after the much publicized effects actress Jenny McCarthy said she found with her son and his Autism. There are a great deal of mixed emotions about Autism and how to best handle it. It is a very sensitive topic and I cannot say that I am even remotely an expert on it, or that my research for even my own personal opinion is anywhere near conclusive. The fact is the scientific research on a gluten-free diet in relation to Autism has only recently been embarked upon, so there is not strong enough of a foundation to say something is guaranteed to or to not work, let alone the fact that every case is unique and individual. However, the following link is an article I came across that I think does an excellent job in breaking down the theory behind those with Autism following a gluten-free diet. The "Healing Thresholds" site clearly illustrates the potential costs, effects, and likely questions, as well as including all the references from which their conclusions are based. Here is the link:

http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/gluten-free-diet

If you have a loved one with Autism, I suggest at least checking out this site and seeing what you think of the recent theory that following a gluten-free and casein-free diet will help alleviate the effects of Autism. There is still a great deal of research that needs done about this sensitive topic, but I believe it is important to be informed along the way.

Albertsons & Celiac Disease Foundation

2008-11-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Albertsons has a great program entitled, "Community Partners", through which you can earn money for schools or non-profit youth organizations, such as the CELIAC DISEASE FOUNDATION. Merely by shopping at ALBERTSONS and using your Preferred Savings Card, money is donated to the participating organization you choose. You can register to participate at the following link:

http://www.albertsons.com/cp/

You simply log in with your card ID number (found on the back of your Preferred Savings Card) and telephone number (I could not actually recall which past phone number I had signed up under, so I had to call a helpful customer service rep at (877) 932-7948, and she helped me get it updated so I could register).

Once you are registered, you can go to "Find a Partner", then type in the name of the foundation or foundations you would like to receive the contributions, and what percentage of the earnings you would like to go where. I personally designated 100% of mine to go to the Celiac Disease Foundation, but I would imagine there are many worthy causes as options. So, please, go sign up, even if you only shop at Albertsons a little, it is great you are helping an organization by just doing what you would normally do!

COOKBOOK RECOMMENDATION

2008-11-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

In a previous post I have recommended the gluten-free cookbooks created by Bette Hagman. I would also like to recommend another book I recently found at the public library. It is called, "Gluten-Free Quick and Easy," by Carol Fenster, PH.D. I have only barely started using this cookbook, but I already can see it is a great reference on gluten-free grains, menu ideas, and a list of many contacts and websites for gluten-free related associations and resources. Her book is also helpful in telling ways to properly stock your gluten-free kitchen in order to save time and be ready to cook a variety of gluten-free items, with all the essentials on hand. Now I fully recognize that not all of us can financially load up our kitchen with a wide variety of flours and seasonings. However, she breaks it down in a way that you can easily see what she suggests, then personally decide which items are the most cost-efficient ingredients to store for you and your needs. She also utilizes another great money saving tactic...to plan out meals ahead so you can buy an ingredient for one meal, as well as incorporating it into a future meal. Here is a link to check out the synopsis of her book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=l6PYAAAACAAJ&dq=gluten-free+quick+and+easy&ei=WXsSSbymD4OQsgOp9KCoBQ&hl=en

And if you are anything like me, you like owning cookbooks as a great reference guide and resource. However, if you are really like me, you also probably like testing out a cookbook before you purchase it. So, once you are on that site, you will notice on the right side a link to locating this book in a library near you. I figure, why spend the money if you have local resources available to you? So check it out, and let me know what you think.

MAGNIFICENT MACAROONS

2008-11-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a great recipe for an easy and delicious treat. And just like the EASIEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES EVER, this only takes a whopping 3 ingredients! I am always a fan of any recipe that only requires me to grab a handful of ingredients opposed to a long list of specialty substitutes and flavor masking items. Here is the recipe:

MACAROONS

1- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1- bag shredded coconut (about 12 ounces)
1- cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

In medium sized mixing bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients. Drop by spoonful onto a greased cookie sheet (should fit about twelve macaroons at a time). Bake on 375 degrees for about ten minutes, or until coconut is lightly browned. When done baking, let them set up for about two minutes before removing them from cookie sheet to cool on either wax paper or a plate. Let macaroons set up for about 5 minutes, and then enjoy! These great treats store well when covered and can be enjoyed for days after.

THAI KITCHEN RICE NOODLES AND MEALS

2008-11-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

When I was a sophomore in college, a good friend of mine introduced me to the wonderful world of Thai Rice Noodles. She made us a delicious meal of Pad Thai Noodles from Thai Kitchen products. I fell in love with their line, and found they carried many delicious foods and meal ideas. Their instant Rice Noodle soups come in a variety of great flavors; Thai Ginger, Bangkok Curry, and Garlic Vegetable are probably my top 3 favorites. I can throw these mixes into the microwave and have a great meal in just 3 minutes. Sometimes with the Garlic & Vegetable noodle soup I drain the broth and stir in some mozzarella cheese for a tasty variation. I also find a bunch of ways to use their stir-fry rice noodles. I often enjoy them with teriyaki sauce, stir-fry vegetables, and chicken. I also find the Thai Kitchen Pad Thai Noodle Meal Kit to be tremendously good. I had never experienced Thai food before these products, but now I am hooked, and love going to Thai restaurants as well as making these easy meals at home. Thai Kitchen is very gluten-free friendly; they clearly label their products and provide needed information. Below I have posted a link to their allergy information on their website, making shopping for their products easy and hassle free.

http://www.thaikitchen.com/allergyinfo.html

Also, almost every time I have purchased one of their items, it has a coupon inside, always a plus! These noodles and meals are easily found in most grocery store chains and health food stores, and are not overly priced. They are a great staple to keep on hand in your kitchen, and are loved by gluten-free and gluten eaters alike, preventing you from having to make two separate meals or tricky substitutions. So give them a try and enjoy their versatility!

GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS

2008-11-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

An important way to help yourself become more successful in switching to a gluten-free diet, is to try to have gluten-free snacks on hand for you or your kids. Constantly having accessible snacks in your purse, car, desk at work, etc, helps you to curb the impulse to eat gluten. I was acquainted to a girl who after being diagnosed with Celiac's still continued to eat random wheat items weekly. A lot of people I think run in to this discouraging problem but for a variety of reasons, so I asked her why she personally continued to do this. She explained she would get hungry and find that running to a vending machine or store, she could more readily just grab a flour based snack such as crackers or pretzels. She said she knew she was being lazy, but that it was just easier when she was already hungry to eat gluten. So we outlined a list of snacks she could easily have on hand to prevent being in this position, and that required no special trips to the health food store or expensive substitutes. Preparation is the key to prevention. And once she was really off gluten, she saw how differently she felt and knew it was definitely worth any preparatory effort. Here are some of the snacks I suggested to her and to you now:

Trail Mix
Nuts
--Not only are these two items great sources of protein, they have a long shelf-life and can easily be stored for quite some time.

String Cheese
Yogurt
--More great protein ideas.

Dry Cereal--I have actually kept a full box of cereal in my desk before, or sometimes on Sundays I will bag about 5 sandwich bags full of a variety of cereals for the week. And just throw one in my purse in the mornings, so I have it if needed.

Tortilla Chips--I do the same thing as the cereal, fill snack bags with them at the beginning of the week, and have them quick and ready to go with me.

Microwave Popcorn--Obviously not the most helpful snack while in your car, but great for a snack at the office; keep a box in your desk.

Fruit snacks
Fruit Roll Ups
Dried Fruit
Boxes of Raisins
--All of which can also be stored for months.

These are a few ideas that will healthily help your hunger subside while you get to a point you can eat a full gluten-free meal. I know it can be tricky, but don't sacrifice your health for the convenience of a granola bar or a vending machine burrito. Have some snacks or treats ready so you don't give in to the temptation to go back to eating gluten, even if it is done sparingly.

MY FAVORITE GLUTEN-FREE PIE

2008-10-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

With Halloween winding down, I realize Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which usually turns my mind to baking. I love trying out new recipes, as well as making my classic favorite dishes. Bette Hagman wrote several great books on gluten-free baking. Her talents continue to benefit the gluten-free community. My all time favorite pie recipe is one from her. It is a PEANUT BUTTER CREAM CHEESE PIE with a delicious CHOCOLATE CRUST. The complete recipe can be found at

http://books.google.com/books?id=ipb2MuTt0IsC&pg=PA152&dq=peanut+butter+cream+cheese+pie%2Bbette+hagman

Not only is this pie absolutely fabulous, it is fast and easy to make, and does not require tons of baking time, or specialty ingredients from the health food store, which makes it less expensive than a lot of other options as well. I usually even just use a chocolate gluten-free cereal, such as Cocoa Pebbles (bought on sale with manufacturer coupons) and then eliminate the additional cocoa powder in the recipe. Also, you can remove the coconut from the crust if you are not a fan, and the consistency will still turn out great. I also enjoy topping this pie with chopped peanut butter cups or drizzled chocolate syrup. I actually won a dessert baking contest, with this easy, no-fuss recipe. I highly recommend all of Bette Hagman's wonderful Gluten-Free Gourmet Cookbooks. My family and I checked out her original book from the library when we first started really baking and experimenting with gluten-free flours. She was quite the pioneer in this endeavor, and a great guide in the whole avoiding gluten process. So try her delicious recipe and check out more about her cookbook via the above link. There is some great and useful information posted.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T21:02:00.001-07:00

TRICK OR TREATING

2008-10-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was entertaining myself with some good ole reminiscing of Halloweens gone by, I was thinking of my past costumes and memories, when I suddenly remembered one of the first Halloweens I celebrated after finding out I had Celiac Disease. I had gone trick or treating, and as was my usual fashion, was sorting out my candy into various groups and categories. My siblings and I often spread out our candy and would trade/negotiate our take, getting the candies we favored, and attempting to con some poor sap into accepting the ones we despised, like those taffy shaped, chewy "Peanut Butter Kisses" that came in orange and black paper....we were not fans. Anyway, I remember spreading out my candy and being excited at how many fun size candy bars I had received, always prizing those as quite the specialty reward. When one of my well-meaning sisters came and told me I could not eat the Snickers any more because they had "whey" in them; she said that was made from wheat, so I could not eat them. I sadly believed her and traded away all my treasured Snickers, only to later find out that whey, though somewhat similar to the spelling of wheat, is in fact a milk product, and is perfectly gluten-free. Now, it might seem funny to make that mistake, but over the years I have repeatedly had so many people ask me if I was allergic to whey due to Celiac's. The answer is definitely "No." So all you gluten-free kids (and chocolate loving adults) out there, be sure to enjoy any Snickers you get your hands on this Halloween. Also be sure to enjoy 3 Musketeers, they were not always gluten-free, you know, so don't take those delightful morsels for granted. Butterfingers and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are also deliciously gluten-free. But stay away from Milky Ways, Crunch Bars, and Twix, all of which contain gluten. Any other candy questions, just let me know.....after all, no Halloween treat should be traded away unnecessarily! :)

MAKE YOUR OPINION HEARD

2008-10-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

I just completed a ten minute online survey all about gluten-free foods and shopping habits. I thought it was a good opportunity to make my opinion known about my frustrations and thoughts on cooking and buying gluten-free items. After completing the pretty quick survey, you also get a coupon code for an online retailer, whose White Bread Mix is gluten-free. So take a few minutes and let market researchers know what gluten-free products you want to see more of and what type of stores you'd like to find them at!

http://www.persuadableresearchsurvey.com/SurveyData/3865_TLRF/3865_TLRF.htm

GLUTEN-FREE LABELS

2008-10-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

After a recent shopping trip to Wal-Mart, I was reminded just how nice it is to shop the "Great Value" brand. So many of these Wal-mart brand products make shopping easy with BIG, BOLD labeling, stating that an item is "GLUTEN-FREE". Be it buying products like honey, canned goods, or apple juice it is nice to be able to make a quick decision on whether or not to make the purchase. In an overly processed-food society, where "hidden glutens" tend to sneak into the strangest of unexpected products, this labeling is a great assistant in living fully gluten-free. "Great Value" does of course still carry some products that are not necessarily labeled "GLUTEN-FREE", but still lack any foreseeable gluten. However, even with this, there is still a great advantage with the significant number of products that do have this extra information on the label. I definitely appreciate any additional labeling I can get, speeding along my grocery shopping, and helping me to not stumble upon an item that randomly contains an unexpected trace of gluten.

NEW GLUTEN-FREE FROZEN ENTREE

2008-10-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Many times in my hustle and bustle schedule I often find myself envious of gluten eaters who can run into the grocery store, pick up a frozen meal, take it with them to work for lunch, and voila...2-5 minutes later they are ready to go! Now given, these meals are not always the healthiest or the cheapest, but at least there is that fast and easy, frozen possibility when needed. I have found some specialty gluten-free prepared items that are indeed delicious, but often cost almost 6 dollars for a small helping and are not even carried in some major grocery chains. But to my relief I have recently, in this, the National Sausage Month, discovered that Jimmy Dean has now released a new sausage and scrambled eggs breakfast entree. I was surprised when I haphazardly read the ingredients expecting to find the common "contains: Wheat", yet found no such warning nor did I see any gluten containing ingredients on the list. The enticing meal comes in a divided tray, with cinnamon flavored baked apples in one compartment, roasted, seasoned potato hash browns in another, and the main part containing scrambled eggs with both sausage and cheese. Not only did I love the flavors in this meal, I loved that I found it on a quick lunch break-run to the store, could cook it in the microwave in 3 minutes, and that I got it for $1.95! Now sure that is not dirt cheap when compared to what I would have saved if I had planned ahead and brought a meal prepared at home, but all things considered, in my need for convenience, this saved me about $5.00 opposed to eating out. Not to mention, these frozen meals are packed with a great deal of protein to increase their nutritional benefits. So if you, like me, enjoy breakfast any time of the day, I highly recommend these frozen entrees. I just hope Jimmy Dean does not go the way of many companies who up and change their ingredients, randomly adding gluten where none is needed.
I have found these meals on sale for $2.50 at numerous grocery stores with a 55 cents off manufacturer coupon attached to the box, making it only $1.95. A fair price to pay for convenience. So give them a try and let me know what you think, afterall don't we owe it to ourselves to celebrate the National Sausage Month....who knew!

CHOOSING A DOCTOR

2008-10-22T17:58:00.001-07:00

I was recently asked about my experiences with doctors in regards to Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. I have had some doctors who did not even know what I was talking about when I listed it on my medical history, as well as ones that as soon as they saw gluten asked, "Oh, how long have you had Celiac's?" It can be intimidating and frustrating to locate a good doctor with needed experience in diagnosing Celiac Disease. So, I found this link that lists doctor referrals from people who have Celiac's. If you do not see a doctor in your specific area, but still need help, I suggest calling one of the doctors listed in your state or as close to you as possible and see if they can recommend someone good to go to in your area. Here is the link:

http://www.celiac.com/categories/Celiac-Disease-Doctor-Listing%3A-Recommended-by-Celiacs/

Also, if you know of a good doctor who is experienced with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance and is not listed, then post a comment with their information, and hopefully help someone else who is searching for some needed information.

DELICIOUS DINNER IDEAS

2008-10-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Growing up we often hassled with making two dinner meals. One meal for the three gluten-free eaters(which later became four), and a separate meal for the seven non-gluten free eaters. This was greatly influenced by the fact that it is generally cheaper to cook flour-based items, (so cooking gluten-free for three instead of ten was less expensive) and there were also limited gluten-free items available at this time. But those who have done this can testify, the cooking of two meals at once can often be stressful and tiring. It simply gets old fast. So here is a list of some of our family favorites, that require no substitutions or alterations for all your hungry eaters, gluten-free and non alike.

Teriyaki chicken salad
Be sure to use a gluten-free sauce; I recommend La Choy teriyaki sauce- La Choy is one of the few brands that carries both a soy sauce and teriyaki sauce that are gluten-free.

Tacos
Use soft corn tortilla shells, or hard taco shells. Fill with chicken, hamburger, or beans (if you desire taco seasoning, McCormick's taco seasoning is gluten-free)

Baked Potatoes
Top with your preference of broccoli, cheese, bacon bits(watch out for ones with wheat starch, look for soy based, or real bacon pieces). If you desire chili, Stagg and Hormel both carry some gluten-free chilies (make sure to always check the label since they not only have various flavors with varying ingredients, they also tend to change their ingredients from time to time)

Omelets
Filled with vegetables, meats, and cheeses-definitely a personal favorite.

Chicken Stir-Fry
Serve on brown or white rice. Steer clear from already seasoned stir-fry vegetables, they usually are prepared with soy sauce containing wheat, and once again, I recommend La Choy brand sauce.

Taco Salad
Use corn tortilla chips for the added crunch.

Red Sauce Enchiladas
Made with corn tortillas, and tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, etc, or just throw a gluten-free taco seasoning into the sauce.

Baked Chicken
Served with mashed potatoes, side of vegetables, and salad

Pork Chops
Served with applesauce, roasted garlic potatoes, and side of vegetables

Hopefully these are a few ideas that might come in use, and will lead you to think of more meal ideas that won't require any special substitutions or any acquired tastes of gluten-free flours. Let me know any questions or needed expansions of the various meals.

HELPING CHILDREN WITH CELIAC DISEASE

2008-10-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes as an adult it is difficult to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle and live with Celiac's. However, making that transition as a confused child is often worse. I remember in elementary school feeling almost embarrassed when I was trying to explain to kids why I ate rice cakes instead of bread, and the looks I would get. This might be a silly example of feeling out of place due to Celiac's, but sometimes it is hard as a child when you feel so different from those around you. I did not fully understand why I couldn't eat certain things and was often sad when going to birthday parties, or sleepovers, and other special events that often led to everyone eating delicious gluten-filled snacks. And if anyone ever called what I had as a "disease" opposed to an allergy, other kids often grilled me with awkward questions, or would ask me if they would catch it. So if you have a child who has Celiac's or who is trying to make the transition to a gluten-free diet, I want to recommend a helpful book I discovered at my local library. It is entitled, "Eating Gluten-Free with Emily: A Story for Children with Celiac Disease." It is written by Bonnie J. Kruszka, and illustrated by Richard S. Cihlar. I think this is a great book for children, as well as a great tool for parents, giving them some good ideas on how to help children cope with various scenarios that will inevitably come up.

BROWNIES-NO BKG SODA, NO BKG POWDER, NO GLUTEN!

2008-10-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

So after seeing Gluten Free Kay's comment about not being able to eat baking soda or baking powder, I felt inspired by a challenge. I decided why not play in the kitchen and see what I could come up with. A little experimentation, a little fun, and here is my new brownies recipe.

1/2 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
dash of salt
1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup gluten-free flour mix*
1 cup nuts (optional)

In 2 quart saucepan melt butter and chocolate chips over low heat. Stir in sugar, remove from heat. Add 4 eggs and beat on high for 2 and 1/2 minutes. Beat in salt and vanilla. Stir in flour, followed by nuts if desired.

Bake in greased 9x13 cake pan for 30 to 35 minutes, or when knife, poked in the center, comes out completely clean. Top will be a shiny lighter brown. In my opinion, they are best when served cool, (they continue to set up fully after cooking), or enjoy warm as a more gooey brownie.

*For the flour mixture I suggest one of the following options:

A blend of:
1/3 cup Tapioca Flour
1/3 cup Cornstarch
1/8 cup Sorghum Flour
1/4 cup Garbanzo Flour

or for a simpler version, try
7/8 cup White Rice Flour
1/8 cup Tapioca Flour

or use 1 cup of your preferred gluten-free flour mix.

These appetizing brownies were both delicious and a fun project, so thanks Gluten Free Kay for the inspiration!

CELIAC DISEASE

2008-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have encountered many people who are suffering from the symptoms of Celiac disease and yet they just think that is how life is, and how their body works, not knowing there is a way they could be much healthier, happier, and have so much more energy. So if you are struggling with digestive problems, body aches, migraines, fatigue or many other ailments, you might want to consider following a gluten-free diet. If you are wondering if you may have Celiac's or are like many who have been misdiagnosed for the problems they have, check out the following website

http://www.celiaccentral.org/

This is the home of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. You can click on their "Symptom Checklist" and see what applies to you, and whether you should consult a physician and be tested for Celiac's. However, being tested for Celiac's is unfortunately not 100 percent conclusive. I know people who have tested negative, yet their health drastically improved once they switched their diet. There is no need to keep living a life of pain that could be prevented with dietary changes, so look into it.

And, even if you do not have Celiac's, many glutenous grains can be hard on your body and difficult to digest. So your health may still improve by following a gluten-free diet; especially those suffering from chronic fatigue, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Many different factors such as high level stress, puberty, pregnancy, and other changes can trigger someone who previously could process wheat to no longer be able to. So, don't mistake past health for a rationale to ignore what symptoms you may currently be experiencing.

Life can still be great being gluten-free!

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY!!

2008-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Today, October 18th, is NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY! Celebrate the day with gluten-free goodness!

Cupcake Recipe

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
1 & 3/4 cups White Rice Flour
1/4 cup Tapioca Flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1 & 1 /2 teaspoons almond flavoring or vanilla
1 & 1/2 cups milk

In a large bowl mix eggs and softened butter on high speed for about 30 seconds, then gradually add sugar, followed by the almond or vanilla flavoring. In a separate bowl mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add dry mixture gradually to eggs, alternating with milk. Mix on high for two minutes, or until smooth. Put paper baking cups in a muffin tin. Fill paper cups half full, bake on 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes about 24-30 cupcakes.

Chocolate Frosting

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups powder sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tsp vanilla

With egg beaters, mix softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth, then add in powder sugar and milk. Mix until desired consistency, adding in more milk if necessary. Once it is fully mixed add the vanilla (if this is done before it is mixed, clumping of the sugar will occur).

Once cupcakes are cooled, add frosting and any desired decorations. Then enjoy!

Happy National Chocolate Cupcake Day!

NAKED BURRITOS

2008-10-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite meals to make is inspired by the restaurant Qdoba. At this Mexican Grill you can order what is called a "naked burrito". It is all the goodness of a burrito without the flour tortilla. Not only is this meal delicious and filling, it is easy to make at home and can be catered to your personal tastes.

I usually include the following ingredients:

Rice
Black Beans or Pinto Beans
Chicken or Beef
Cheese
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Sour Cream
Salsa
And occasionally guacamole

Portions just depend on how many you are feeding. When I have cooked this for a large group I usually cook the following per person:

1/2 cup of rice
1/2 of a chicken breast
1/2 cup of beans

Then I just let them add whatever amount of toppings they desire. I usually cook the rice in canned chicken broth with green chilies to add flavor. And you can use any variety of cheeses--Colby jack, Mexican blend, Pepper jack, etc. You construct your meal by starting with rice, then add your beans, followed by meat, then cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, then sour cream and salsa on top. I have suggested this easy meal for several work and social functions, simply assigning each participant an item to bring. Divide and conquer! It is quick, easy, and I have always been graciously complimented on what a splendid dinner. It is also great served with tortilla chips.

But sometimes it's just nice to have someone else make the food for you, so hopefully there is a Qdoba near you

http://www.qdoba.com/Locations.aspx

You can also join their "E-Club" for special offers, discounts, and freebies...I'm always a sucker for coupons!

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

2008-10-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

After a hectic work week, I decided to start off my hopefully relaxing weekend by treating myself to a delicious and easy treat--a homemade ice cream sandwich! I simply whipped up a quick batch of the EASIEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES EVER (refer to my October 15th post for recipe) then waited until they were completely cool, scooped a generous spoonful of vanilla bean ice cream on one cookie, then topped it with another cookie. And voila! A wonderful homemade ice cream sandwich, that took less effort than running to the store and buying a box...not to mention it was of course, gluten-free, and much cheaper than buying a specialty item. So, always try to be creative and think of new ways of varying something you may have had a hundred times before. The outcome can be both fun and surprising!

MORE TIDBITS ON SHOPPING GLUTEN-FREE

2008-10-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Reading the ingredients frequently is a must, even if it is a brand you trust or typically buy. For example, Kellogg's suddenly up and added wheat starch to their Corn Pops that had been gluten-free for years, so it is always smart to quickly peruse processed items' list of ingredients.

Another important thing to remember is just because something is "wheat-free" does not make it necessarily "gluten-free". Over the years I have had many friends who mean to be thoughtful and bring me a treat that is labeled "wheat-free" but unfortunately still have barley and oats. So be careful because even many health food stores have a wheat-free and gluten-free section combined, but they do not always mean an item qualifies as both.

I learned pretty young that unfortunately people with the best of intentions in catering to your dietary needs can still need some additional help to become fully aware. In third grade I had a friend who brought cupcakes to our class for her birthday. When she attempted to hand me one I declined, explaining I couldn't eat them; I couldn't eat flour. Her eyes and face beaming, she proudly told me she had made these herself and she did not put flour in them, so I could eat them. Well, as a third grader who did not exactly understand why I couldn't usually eat the treats my classmates enjoyed, I was ecstatic, especially since back then there really weren't any substitute gluten-free items for bread products. I thankfully took the cupcake and enjoyed every single bite! After class I rushed to her, and begged her to tell me how she made such a wonderful treat with no flour, so I could tell my mom, and we could make the recipe for my birthday. Once again she smiled so happily, and said all you have to do is buy a cake mix! Then you don't have to put any flour in!! My heart sunk, and later my stomach :) Looking back now, I still laugh, at her innocent thoughtfulness, and at my naive enthusiasm!

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

2008-10-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

I was recently emailed the following question:

"My mom can't eat gluten and I always have the hardest time reading the ingredient information to tell whether she can eat certain foods. What are some ingredients I need to steer clear of?"

Great question. Here is a list of some of the most basic ingredients to avoid when shopping gluten-free:

FLOUR
WHEAT
WHEAT STARCH
BARLEY
RYE
OAT FLOUR (OFTEN CONTAINS GLUTEN)
MALT SYRUP
MALT FLAVORING---This is an ingredient that often gets overlooked, but sneaks its way into many processed foods.

These are quick and easy items to spot when you know what to look for. Also many companies now print "contains wheat" at the bottom of the ingredients, so start there and then if that is clear begin reading all the other ingredients. It has definitely been a great advantage that many products are now labeled gluten-free right on the package to clear up any confusion. However, many food items do not say this, but still do not contain gluten. There are also a lot of products people don't generally associate with flour or bread products, but that contain gluten and are often overlooked in the scrutinizing process. These include soups (often thickened with flour), chili, condiments (this frequently happens with BBQ sauce ), taco seasoning mixes, chips, and a lot of pre-seasoned meats or vegetables. So keep an eye out, and pretty soon you'll become an expert at avoiding certain items.

EASIEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES EVER!

2008-10-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Cooking with gluten-free flours can often be temperamental. They sometimes turn out dense or grainy if you don't know exactly what you are doing. So when I am in a hurry or want to make a treat fast for any type of gathering I always resort to my great standby No-Flour cookies. That's right they have no flour at all, in fact, they only take 4 ingredients!

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter to 1 and1/4 cup peanut butter (depending on preference of thickness)
I don't recommend using reduced fat PB, it does not set up as well
1 cup chocolate chips

You beat the eggs (I even just use a fork for a quick beat), add sugar, mix, then add peanut butter, mix, stir in chocolate chips. Could it be any easier?! And so much less to clean up, no heavy duty mixer or egg beaters.

Drop cookies by the spoonful on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be getting brown on the bottoms and the tops will look a little hardened. Now, it's important to note that these cookies will look not quite done when you pull them out of the oven, but they set up more within a few minutes of being taken out. I let them sit on the cookie sheet for about two minute before I move them to either wax paper or a plate(they are too moist to really do well on a cooling rack). These cookies have always been a hit for me with those who are accustomed to eating without gluten and with those used to eating flour. And they keep so well, I almost even love them more the next day.

My other favorite thing about my specialty cookies is how I can easily vary the recipe.

Try leaving out the chocolate chips for a great peanut butter cookie.
Or use Reese's Pieces or M & Ms instead of chocolate chips.
Add nuts if you like, or toffee bits.
or try a Hershey's Kiss on top of the plain peanut butter cookie.

And my newest signature way of making these scrumptious cookies, is to mix 1/2 cup to a cup of McCann's Irish oats to the eggs and sugar. This adds a great texture variation from the original, and is a delicious flavor when combined with the PB and chocolate chips. I get more compliments on these quick and easy cookies then any other cookie I make, gluten-free or flour based. And I love that I only have to have 3 or 4 ingredients on hand to make a great cookie. Not to mention it is way CHEAPER than having to buy rice flour, tapioca flour, etc.

Give them a try and let me know any questions you encounter.

WHOLE GRAINS

2008-10-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

I love the questions I am getting via email and comments. Chances are if you are wondering about it, so is someone else! Beth asked me, " I have a question about Celiac's and the benefits of whole grains for heart health etc, what can gluten-free dieters do to get a lot of whole grains in their diet? Any ideas?"

Getting the health benefits of consuming whole grains is definitely a concern for gluten-free eaters, who cannot have the easier access of whole grained wheat flour or buying many products catered to whole grained goodness, which more often than not also contain gluten. However, getting the nutritional value supplied by whole grains is possible while still living gluten-free. One way I ensure I get these needed nutrients is by eating products made with whole-grained brown rice flour. Always try cooking with brown rice instead of white rice to maximize the nutrients you receive. When I make delicious homemade lasagna, spaghetti, pasta salad, etc I make sure I use whole-grain brown rice flour noodles as well. This way I am getting a lot more nutritional value than I would find in most corn or white rice products. General Mills also provides another easy way to ensure you get whole grains. They are dedicated to making whole grain cereals rich in fiber, low in sugar, and best of all gluten-free. Whether it be whole-grained corn or rice, they are a great source of heart-healthy ingredients, to start your day off right.

Another way to promote heart health and lower cholesterol is to eat oats. This can be tricky since most oats grown in the U.S. or Canada are exposed to cross-pollination with wheat, and therefore contain gluten. So I recommend McCann's Irish Oats. These whole-grain oats are a great source of fiber, contain no sodium, and no cholesterol. Many health food stores also sell gluten-free oats, but the nice thing about McCann's is they are reasonably priced, similar to that of regular oatmeal, and can be found at the regular grocery store, so I don't have to make a special trip.
Adding nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the oatmeal will also help lower cholesterol and will help benefit the heart as well.

I hope this has given you some ideas. Look for upcoming posts of recipes for homemade granola bars, oatmeal cookies, oatmeal cluster cereal, and trail mix!

COUPONS, COUPONS, COUPONS

2008-10-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

In response to my "Wonders of Rice Chex" post, a reader asked "I don't think my grocery stores have little black boxes in the cereal aisle. What should I do?"

This is such a great question, so I thought I would respond with a post, in case there are others wondering the same thing. There are several options to get access to these coupons, if you are not finding the red or black dispensers in your neighborhood grocery store. You can print many great and wonderful coupons online. Try

http://www.coupons.smartsource.com/

Here you can find great coupons. There is even currently a coupon for a dollar off select General Mills cereals, as well as one specifically for Trix (another whole grain gluten-free cereal).

Another great site from which you can print off coupons (and which actually right now has a coupon for $1.00 off when you buy two boxes of Rice Chex) is:

http://www.boodle.com/

These sites have a bunch of coupons for a variety of foods as well as non-edible items.

An additional way to get access to great coupons is by subscribing to your local Sunday paper. Almost all regional papers carry both Valassis and Smart Source coupon booklets. Red Plum booklets (also by Valassis) is often distributed through the newspaper as well. Often the cost of subscribing to a paper is marginal compared to the savings you can make. Many papers also offer programs of getting multiple copies of the Sunday paper in order to get multiple sets of the coupons at a discounted price.

I hope this helps, and thanks for the great question.

The Wonders of Rice Chex

2008-10-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Now that General Mills Rice Chex are gluten-free, the options of fun quick snacks that are easy to make and relatively inexpensive has increased. Many national grocery chains will often have all General Mills products on sale, combine these with manufacturer coupons and stock up while you can. I usually wait until Rice Chex go on sale for under $3, then use a coupon for 75 cents or a dollar off when you buy two. Then I stock up! Smart Source coupon vending devices (the little black boxes in the cereal aisle) often disperse General Mills coupons, so be sure to check them whenever you go down the cereal aisle then hold on to the coupons for a compatible store sale at Albertson's, Smith's, Safeway, Wal-Mart or whatever local chains you have. I have gotten cereal as cheap as 40 cents recently when watching Albertson's ten for $10, or ten for $15 sales, and then using manufacturer coupons at the perfect time. With economic hardships as apparent as they are, there is definitely a benefit to taking a little extra time to cut coupons.

For a variety of great tastes and easy recipes check out this link for great recipes made with Rice Chex cereal:

http://www.chex.com/Recipes/CategoryView.aspx?CategoryId=447&t=5

Muddy Buddies are definitely my favorite, but there are many varieties of great snacks and treats, a lot of which can be done in the microwave and kids love helping make. So check it out!

a FAST and EASY gluten free TREAT

2008-10-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick idea for a delicious gluten-free treat.

Cocoa Pebble Treats-- since Rice Krispies have gluten found in the malt flavoring, I love to make the same type of treat but with Cocoa Pebbles cereal instead. (There has been some debate whether or not Cocoa Pebbles are in fact gluten-free since it does not specifically say so on the box. Not all companies print that even if they are gluten-free. Most forums you will find agree there is no gluten in this cereal. And I have never had a problem from enjoying its chocolaty goodness.)

It takes:
1/4 cup Butter or margarine
10-12 ounces of Marshmallow (depending on how gooey you like them)
6 cups cereal (I have also done this with Fruity Pebbles and Dora the Explorer cereals, so try what ever variation suits your tastes)

Microwave butter and marshmallows on high setting for 1 minute in a microwave safe bowl. Stir together when almost melted. Microwave again on high for about 1 additional minute. Stir in cereal, mixing until well coated. Press into butter sprayed pan.

For those PEANUT BUTTER lovers such as myself, add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the marshmallow mix and lessen the butter or margarine to about 3 tablespoons. Melt the peanut butter along with the marshmallows for a delightful chocolaty peanut butter dessert.

Both gluten-free eaters and non alike will enjoy these scrumptious sweets!

Gluten Free Guru

2008-10-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

In today's world following a gluten-free diet has become a great deal easier than it was even ten years ago. With the evident benefits to those with Chronic Fatigue, Autism, and IBS, not to mention the obvious Celiac Disease, gluten-free items are more readily available even at the local grocery store. However, does this necessarily make living gluten-free suddenly easy? I think the answer is no. There are still a lot of questions that come up; it is still much more expensive to eat specialty gluten-free items, and cooking successfully without gluten can be both temperamental and tricky. But there are ways to live gluten-free and love doing it! Ways to enjoy tasty, inexpensive meals, and to avoid the all too common hidden glutens. I admittedly am not a doctor and do not know everything about Celiac's or about gluten. However, with twenty years of experience living with Celiac's, and through the help of great family members and friends I have figured out ways to make the most of living gluten-free. I think one of the most stressful things in life is being diagnosed with something or having a family member diagnosed and not knowing how to cope with it, or where to begin. That's where you need someone to turn to for assistance. By definition a "guru" is a person who is regarded as having knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area, and uses it to guide others. I figure you face challenges and have experiences so you can help someone else who faces a similar task. Hopefully the knowledge and trials I have gone through will be able to help you in some way. In the near future I plan on expanding this site to contain a great deal of useful and beneficial information, such as recipes, tips on shopping, and safe places to eat. So, feel free to email me at gabbytheglutenfreeguru@gmail.com and let me know what you are interested in hearing about or learning, or any questions you may have. And hopefully I will live up to the title of guru the best that I can.