For years I have admired Bleeding Heart Bakery in Chicago.  They are not just your typical bakery, with their edgier designs for their baked goods.  It is my type of place!  Just looking at their web site leaves me in awe.  Or maybe it is the fact that they offer chocolate covered bacon, and bacon chocolate cupcakes!!  I am not even a meat eater, but if it was a gluten-free option, I would be in line to try it!   Bleeding Heart now carries gluten-free cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies, however, not in the bacon variety.  They will also do special order gluten-free cakes.

Last week my good friend surprised me with some cupcakes from Bleeding Heart as a Halloween treat.  She had a huge platter of amazing looking cupcakes in amazing flavors (gluten-filled), and mine were kept to the side to avoid cross-contamination and looked just as delightful.  I was actually able to suppress any envy I had, because mine looked just as good.  The bakery does package them separately.

There were three gluten-free cupcakes, and they happened to all be chocolate. One had vanilla frosting, chocolate frosting and peanut butter frosting.  I am usually not a huge fan of frosting, but for the first time ever, I think it was my favorite part, it was a very rich butter cream that tasted extremely fresh.  The cupcakes had a nice rich consistency, not too airy, but not too dense.  I think the peanut butter was my favorite, followed by the vanilla frosting.

The next day, I decided to give them a call.  I wanted  to pick up a vanilla cupcake and taste-test one of those as well.  They explained to me that they only make chocolate since they are not happy enough with a vanilla recipe to want to sell it.  Fair enough.  I have tasted several good gluten-free vanilla cupcakes in Chicago, and I guess I will just have to go elsewhere if I want something other than chocolate.  It is a shame because the flavors they carry for the regular cupcakes are so unique, and from friends reviews, delicious.  Too bad they cannot carry these flavors over to the gluten-free cupcakes.  For a list of their regular flavors, can you see them here.  I want an horchata and Mexican hot chocolate cupcake!!

I went on to ask how they make the cupcakes to avoid cross-contamination.  Which usually I would ask before eating, but this time it was the wrong-way around.  I was a bit shocked at their response.  When I asked, the woman responded, “well, exactly how sensitive to gluten are you?”  This sent up an immediate red flag in my head.  She continued to say that she could not recommend them for some who was extremely sensitive.  Hmmm…but are they not advertised as gluten-free??  Why would they do this if they were not “safe”?  I asked how they were prepared., and she replied that they prepared the cupcakes together, at the same time, in separate areas and baked them in the same oven at the same time.  She went on to say if I wanted to place an order for some gluten-free cupcakes that were made safely, I could place an order and they could do it specially.  I was extremely disappointed by this response, especially that they are baked together.  Personally, I had no reaction, and I believe I would if it has been contaminated.  I know some other bakeries who make both gluten-free and gluten-filled goods will prepare and bake at separate times to try to minimize cross-contamination as much as possible.

In the end, the cupcakes were delicious, but I am not sure how comfortable I feel when a representative from there didn’t sound confident, herself, in the safety of the gluten-freeness.  I definitely didn’t have a reaction, but I should stress that you use your own judgment and ask question.

You are reading Gluten-free Cupcakes from Bleeding Heart Bakery, Chicago. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

Gluten-free Coconut Shrimp and Mac-n-Cheese

The Outback Steakhouse in Roswell, GA has become quite famous both in Atlanta and in cyberspace. People detour through GA during trips so they can enjoy the extensive, one of a kind gluten-free menu found only at this Outback location. Others drive from out of state at least monthly to enjoy ‘all things gluten-free’ at this special Outback Steakhouse!

Gluten-free Bloomin' Onion

Almost every single thing on the regular menu can be made gluten-free at this special Outback. They have Bard’s Tale and Green’s gluten-free beers. You can enjoy a gluten-free bun for sandwiches and burgers and the buns are actually good! Fried food menu options include chicken fingers, coconut shrimp, French fries, cheese fries and even the famous Bloomin’ Onion. You can order gluten-free pasta dishes at this location, including amazing mac-n-cheese!

Even though Tom Propp, the Outback owner created the amazing special gluten-free menu has moved on, the extended gluten-free menu hasn’t changed at all. In fact, they are working on adding some new items to it! Julie, the manager with celiac who got the gluten-free extended menu ball rolling, is still at the Roswell store and the new proprietor is excited to serve all the gluten-free patrons that have come to rely on this restaurant for safe delicious meals.

Gluten-free Key Lime Pie

At a recent gluten-free dinner club event, Outback served up cheesecake, key lime pie, and peanut butter pie – complete with gluten-free crusts. Though I was sick and missed the event, everyone who attended the gluten-free dinner reported that the food was out of this world delicious, as always. I’ve had the key lime pie before and it’s doubtful I’ve had a better version in the ATL – with or without gluten! For that reason, my vote is for key lime pie as the next dessert addition to the fabulous gluten-free menu!

Something that is really nice about eating at this restaurant is that the staff members understand that it’s not okay to pick croutons off a salad if it’s made incorrectly. They are not going to roll their eyes at you when you ask questions either. Instead they will make you feel like a cherished customer – which is as it should be. Without customers restaurants go out of business and many in the Atlanta are have done just that in the last year. Yet, this special Outback is not only surviving but thriving.     

If you can get to the ATL – you must try the most famous Outback in the world! If you are in the Atlanta area – or even in Chattanooga, and have not tried the Roswell Outback yet, there is no better time to do so. The only problem is that you will want to move to the area, once you’ve had the amazing food and most importantly, met the incredible knowledgeable and caring staff!

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French Meadow Bakery

Excerpt from the French Meadow Bakery press release:

A gluten-free, multi-grain bread is great news for those individuals with gluten intolerance,”  said Shelley Case, R.D., a leading international nutrition expert on celiac disease and author of Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide. 

“The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults consume 3 or more servings of whole grains each day to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other health concerns.  But this presents a challenge for those with celiac disease, because of their inability to tolerate the most common grains — wheat, rye, and barley.   As dietitians, our goal is help our clients overcome this challenge and meet the daily whole-grain criteria in creative ways with delicious product alternatives.” 

“This time of year can be especially challenging for those with Celiac Disease,” said Case, “The crisp autumn days of fall usher in seasons of festive gatherings focused on food, so it’s important to provide tasteful alternatives for those following a gluten-free diet.”

“People who have to adhere to a gluten-free diet must be able to identify products they can trust,” said Case. “Certified products can take the guesswork and worry out of buying gluten-free foods.”  

French Meadow Bakery’s gluten-free products are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and carry the seal of the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. Their gluten-free product line is also free from lactose, casein, peanut, tree nuts, and preservatives. The extensive gluten-free product line includes breads, pizza crust, tortillas, rolls, brownies,  cookies,  muffins, cakes, and cupcakes.

So far I’ve not spotted the French Meadow Bakery gluten-free cakes, muffins or cupcakes in the stores here. The frozen cookies and brownies are available at several stores here, including Whole Foods and I believe Return to Eden. We love the Brownie Bites and the new tortillas are incredible!

It will be interesting to taste these new offerings from French Meadow Bakery and see how well they taste, compared to my current favorites. The new breads are rolling out to Whole Foods locations nationwide, according to a company representative. You can also purchase the products from the French Meadow Bakery website. Please let us know if you’ve tried any of these new breads and if so, how you liked them.

You are reading French Meadow Bakery Rolls Out Gluten-free Breads Nationwide. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

Ranalli’s has always had great pizza and pasta and now they have introduced gluten-free pizza, pasta, lasagna and baked goods for dessert.  The baked goods are provided by one of my favorite bakeries of all time, Rose’s Bakery in Evanston, which is a 100% gluten-free facility.  The pizza, pasta and lasagna are cooked onsite in cookware designated for gluten-free items.

I was treated with a pizza, by friends, from there the other night.  The pizza crusts are brought in from an outside vendor and available in 12″ thin crust.  They come served on an aluminum pie pan so that you can be sure you have the correct pizza and it never touched the oven rack when baking.  All toppings available for the regular pizza are available on the gluten-free pizza, of course be sure to confirm they are gluten-free as well.  I enjoyed a pizza with green olives and artichokes and was amazingly surprised with the tasty, crunchy crust.  The crust tastes like a regular thin crust pizza, I had to check twice to be sure I was eating the right one.  I let my gluten-able friends have a piece and they all agreed it was pretty comparable.  One of my friends even preferred mine!  What I didn’t finish for dinner, I enjoyed the next morning for breakfast.

Currently, Ranalli’s is running a special of $9.99 for a 12″ gluten-free pizza with one topping.

You are reading Gluten-free Pizza & Pasta at Ranalli’s in Chicago. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

The staff member working at the salad section was very friendly and changed his gloves when I explained that I couldn’t have any bread crumbs touch my food. He also brought out the large bottles of salad dressing so that I could read the ingredients, and then poured my dressing from the bottle instead of serving from the line. He was very polite and helpful and I appreciated the great service! If you are a regular traveler, look for safe places that you can visit again and again.

I had a great meal complete with a salad, chips, and a drink. While is isn’t the biggest meal, it is better than the alternative for most gluten-free diners at the airport; a candy bar or bag of chips. Keep in mind that any chain restaurant found in the airport will have some changes from their regular menu because of the smaller kitchen size and perhaps different suppliers. Don’t assume that the same things that are gluten-free at the regular locations are also gluten-free at the airport locations. Checking ingredient labels is an easy way to be sure. A lot of places are willing to be helpful if you keep a kind attitude and explain the situation. Let them know that you are looking for ingredients that make you sick, and ask to “please read the label on the container.” Some places will have discarded the large container already, and in that case I simply avoid the food in question.

You are reading Paradise Cafe, Concourse B, Denver International Airport. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

Atlantis Natural Foods – Dunwoody location; offers many gluten-free products for store size, some things are only available there.

Ingles – NC based regional grocery store chain; growing gluten-free product offerings; maintains gluten-free list on website.

Kroger – GA based regional grocery store chain; extensive gluten-free selection in most locations; maintains gluten-free list on website;  first grocery chain to bring in the new gluten-free mixes from Betty Crocker in Atlanta.

Life Grocery– Marietta location; offers many gluten-free products, in house café offers some gluten-free menu items.

Natural Foods Warehouse – Two suburb locations; Duluth store offers best selection and pricing for suburb shopping; gluten-free products on shelves are marked with colored tags.

Nutrition Depot - Lawrenceville location has nice gluten-free section; no gluten-free tags on shelves but gluten-free items are in one section; decent frozen gluten-free food selection as well.  

Rainbow Foods – Decatur landmark for health food. Nice gluten-free selection; no gluten-free tags on shelves. 

Return to Eden – Atlanta location; offers largest gluten-free selection in the area; gluten-free tags on shelves; offers new gluten-free items monthly; only store to employ gluten-free product specialist and regular gluten-free tours; check website for details.

Trader Joe’s – National chain with several Atlanta locations; many ‘no gluten ingredient’ products; maintains no gluten ingredients list on website; many unique items available only at Trader Joe’s.

Whole Foods – National chain with several Atlanta locations; also owns Harry’s locations here; maintains gluten-free list on website.

Since people drive here from AL, TN and SC to shop for gluten-free foods, I’d say we have it pretty good here, in terms of gluten-free shopping. We can all complain about the prices for our food, even though prices here are much better than in smaller markets. But it’s not fair to say we can’t find some of the finest gluten-free products sold in this country right here in Metro Atlanta.

Personally, I find it aggravating at times to have to go to four stores to buy everything I need. Even with everything offered here, I still have to order a few items I can’t buy locally. However, having so many choices in the stores here certainly beats ordering everything online or going without. Luckily for all of us in the area, everything we need for holiday meals and baking is right here in the ATL. ’Tis the season to eat drink and be merry so enjoy your gluten-free holidays everyone!

Let us know where you buy your gluten-free foods in the comments below. By doing so, you might help someone else in your area that is struggling with getting through the holidays gluten-free.

You are reading Top 10 Stores for Gluten-free Shopping in Atlanta. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

In addition to its great strides in awareness, education and advocacy, the Celiac Center has developed several programs that benefit the celiac population free of cost.  Some of these include the Celiac Disease Information Hotline, where one can call 5 days a week with questions regarding symptoms, testing and diagnosis.  You can call Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. central standard time at (773) 702-7593.  Another program is the annual free celiac screening, which takes place in October, and provides free celiac blood screening for those at risk of developing celiac.  This is a hugely popular program and registration fills up quickly so it is important to sign-up as soon as registration open in September.  Experts and vendors are also on hand to answer questions.

One of the most fun programs the Celiac Center initiated is the free gluten-free care packages to those newly diagnosed with celiac disease.  This program began in 2001 and is available to anyone in the US, to you or a family member that has been diagnosed, by biopsy, within the last three months.  You may call the Center for your own bountiful care package.

I received my package earlier this year, and it was a welcome treasure to receive by mail.  It was a large basket full of gluten-free goodies wrapped just like a gift basket one would receive for the holidays, and it was all safe!!  Care packages include gluten-free food guides, support group information, coupons for gluten-free products and samples…many useful and yummy samples!!  Package contents may change from time to time depending on participating vendors.  A list of past and present vendors can be seen here.

Some of the items my package included were 2 packets of spicy Bhuja snacks (I think these were my favorite), Mary’s Gone Crackers, Erewhon cereal, Tinkyada pasta, Chébé bread mix, dip mix from Cali Fine Foods, a coupon for a free package of Bob’s Red Mill pizza dough mix, a copy of Living Without magazine and many more edibles.   I wanted to keep it all for myself, but my family enjoyed it all too.

Call the center for your free care package today!

You are reading Free Gluten-Free Care Packages for those Newly Diagnosed with Celiac Disease!. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

Storehouse Foods

The gluten-free products I sampled did not contian preservatives, MSG, artificial flavors or colors. These products offer both convenience and a very long shelf life. There are 2-serving pouches of many meals and soups so we tried the Black Bart Chili and the Mashed Potatoes & Country Gravy with Turkey.

The chili required two cups of boiling water which can be added to the pouch itself, or another container. After adding the water and stirring thoroughly, just cover and let stand for 12 minutes. The turkey meal requires a little more work, as the potatoes are mixed separately and then added to the meal. You need to let both the potatoes and gravy/turkey sit (covered for 12 minutes) before mixing them together.

We have no prior experience making such meals so we can’t compare it to any similar items, but each meal was very simple to make. The taste of the chili was surprisingly good, though there was a slight tangy flavor that was improved on by adding cheese and sour cream. The turkey dinner was pretty good and  though I’m not a big gravy person, the gravy in the meal was very tasty. After trying each meal, both my husband and I both preferred the chili between the two.

Storehouse Foods has a huge selection of shelf stable meals and snacks that are labeled gluten-free. For people who travel for work and really don’t enjoy eating out, these would be a great option to look into. Even though we love eating out and are not the target market for such products, I would take a couple of these meals when traveling out of the country. It would be fairly easy to find boiling water if you needed a safe meal in a pinch.

If an airline messes up and doesn’t have your pre-ordered gluten-free meal on a transatlantic flight, I’m pretty sure they would feel obligated to boil some water for you to make your own safe meal. Just remember to keep a meal in your carry-on bag and you’ll be set. Another obvious use for these meals would be for use in an emergency preparedness kit.    

Check out the extensive Storehouse Foods Gluten-free Menu: 

• GF Meatless Entrees
• GF Chicken Entrees
• GF Beef Entrees
• GF Hearty Soups
• GF Vegetables
• GF Side Dishes
• GF Breakfast
• GF Fruit and Desserts
• GF Basic Ingredients

If you think these meals might be something that fit your lifestyle and gluten-free needs, please enter a comment below for your chance to win a FREE meal to try yourself. Special thanks to Storehouse Foods for sponsoring this give-away for our readers!

You are reading Review: Gluten-free Shelf Stable Meals. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

If you have time to bake some treats to share with everyone, that’s great. The Betty Crocker gluten-free cookie, cake and brownie mixes are available nationwide, according to General Mills. There are many other mixes available – for every sweet treat you can think of. Simply Organic makes a carrot cake mix and Namaste makes the best spice cake mix in the world! Adding ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce gives that cake the perfect texture. We add raisins and nuts as well and if you like rum, add a little bit to the batter for an outstanding rum spice cake!

For those who don’t have time to bake, there are several ready made desserts that are gluten-free. Whole Foods has various frozen gluten-free desserts nationwide. In the Southeast region, there are the Gluten-Free Bakehouse cupcakes, pies and cookies and French Meadow Bakery Brownie Bites. The World’s Best Carrot Cake (gluten-free version) and They’ll Never Know Cake gluten-free mini cakes are also sold at Whole Foods in Atlanta.

Also, in the Atlanta market is a terrific gluten-free bakery line called Shabtai Gourmet. Natural Foods Warehouse in Duluth now carries several cookies from the line (found in the cookie aisle) and several of the dessert treats (in the refrigerated foods). We recently picked up our favorite treat from Shabtai – the Apricot Roll. This moist flavorful cake reminds me of the holidays for some reason. Return to Eden has both the Raspberry Roll and the Swiss Chocolate Roll and they will have a few more of these delicious sweet treats coming in during the holiday season. Return to Eden also carries the They’ll Never Know Cake gluten-free decorated cakes.

Trader Joe’s has two outstanding gluten-free desserts – creme brulee and Chocolate Mousse Collaboration. The Trader Joe’s creme brulee is truly decadent – the delicious custard is in a thin dark chocolate shell. The mousse dessert is totally amazing. There is a thin flourless cake layer on the bottom, a creamy and rich mouse middle and a thin layer of dark chocolate on top, dusted with cocoa powder. This dessert is gorgeous, tastes better than it looks and will impress the most finicky gluten eater you know!

There is something about the sharing of food that is comforting. It connects us in a way that is difficult to explain. If you attend party after party and don’t find one thing to eat, you will likely not enjoy yourself as much as other party goers. By making sure you have something to enjoy at such events, you can stop dreading having to go to them and actually join in the holiday fun. ‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry which is totally possible - even if you have to do it gluten-free!

What are your favorite gluten-free treats to share (or not) during the holidays?

You are reading Enjoy Gluten-free Treats This Holiday Season. This post is the property of Celiac-Disease.com © 2009.

In Atlanta, the Atlanta Metro Celiac group will host their famous  annual Thanksgiving Potluck on November 14th. The group provides drinks, meats and dressing and the guests bring dishes to share with others. Since many people have more than one food intolerance, an  ingredient list accompanies each dish to help everyone enjoy their meal without worry.

The first time you walk into such an event and see dish after dish of gluten-free food, it’s a bit overwhelming. It’s sort of like being in a dream that you never want to wake up from. Most people will not experience such a meal again during the holidays and that is why this event is so very special. From turkey and dressing to sweet potato casserole to pumpkin pie – there is gluten-free food galore. There are even gluten-free cream puffs from Jamie’s GF Kitchen at this event!  

The very first time I attended the AMC Thanksgiving event, I remember a beautiful young girl (young woman actually) asking me if I’d made the mini pecan pies. Based on her smiling face, I knew it was safe to admit that I had. Before I knew it, the girl gave me a huge hug and thanked me. She explained that she’d always loved pecan pie and she really loved my mini pies. Several years later I attended that young lady’s wedding – complete with incredible gluten-free food and cake!

Support groups are not something to be feared, but to be treasured instead. You will not only find help from others, you’ll likely make new friends in the process. It’s been proven in study after study that people who join any type support group fare much better than those who don’t. This is particularly true when it comes to those living gluten-free. Think about it. You don’t have to drink or take drugs to survive but you do have to eat – every single day of your life.

Some people like to pretend they don’t need help or that they don’t need special treatment but in fact, for most of us, that is simply not true. Every single meal, snack, work lunch or even a trip the movies involves preparation about what you can safely eat. It’s like having a second job for which there is no pay. Oh, and when you happen to mess up doing this job – you are likely to get sick. Do yourself a favor and join your local support group if there is one. If there isn’t a group, consider starting your own.

For those in the Metro Atlanta area, there are a few open seats left for the AMC Thanksgiving event. Please follow instructions on their website if you’d like to attend.  They request that people not show up without signing up on the event e-vite. The group leader needs to know the exact head count so they don’t overbook the event. Guests are required to bring a dish to share, complete with a list of ALL ingredients used.

If you’re in the middle GA area, check out the Thanksgiving Feast hosted by the Middle Georgia GIG support group. Details are posted on their website. The mission of this group is my favorite of any I’ve seen. Notice how they are educating health care professionals – priceless!

Our mission is to increase awareness by providing current, accurate, information, and education, as well as support to persons with gluten intolerance diseases, such as celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, their families, health care professionals and the general public in the Middle Georgia area.

The Alamo Celiac GIG support group in San Antonio is hosting their seventh annual Thanksgiving Dinner event on Saturday, November 21st. Guests are required to RSVP to Anne Barfield – annbarfield(at)satx.rr.com. Please check the calender page on the group’s website for full details.

In Holland, OH, the Gourmet Celiac Group is hosting a Holiday Cookie Exchange on November 17th. Please e-mail Rita at gourmetceliacgroup(at)yahoo.com if you’d like to attend this event.

Special thanks to all the Organizers and Volunteers that make these wonderful events possible!

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