Kinda Real Gluten Free Food

Gluten in Medications Survey

2012-01-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Speaking of hidden gluten…did you know the NFCA is teaming up with St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions to study the effects of gluten in medications on people who follow a gluten free diet? (It’s legit, because the FDA is funding it!)

The NFCA is asking everyone who follows a GF diet to take a survey (see badge at right or click the link), which should take 4 to 15 minutes. Your responses are crucial, because once the data is compiled, the team will test certain medications for gluten. Looking forward, this study will certainly lead to better medication labeling. If you or a loved one have celiac disease or must eat gluten free, please take the survey.

Sneaky Gluten!

2012-01-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Most times, we know gluten when we see it. If you have Celiac disease (or otherwise can’t eat gluten), you know to avoid certain things like the plague: donuts, cake, pretzels, pasta, etc. But gluten is a sneaky little sucker and can end up in foods you would never expect. Like Twizzlers. Wheat in Twizzlers, whatever for? Who knows – it is, that’s all you need to know. Following is a list of other foods and items that may have covert gluten in them. As always, check ingredient lists, but beware: gluten appears in some lists under an alias. Be wary of malt, barley, vegetable proteins (hydrolyzed and textured), modified food starch, fillers, binders can all be/contain gluten. If you are really unsure, call the company that produced the food, or check their website.

Candy
Canned soups
Cereal
Condiments (BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Soy and Teriyaki Sauce, ketchup)
Cosmetic items, such as shampoo, conditioner, creams, gels, etc.
French Fries, frozen (especially flavored fries)
French Fries, restaurant (many fast food restaurants do not have a dedicated GF fryer; make sure to ask before you order.)
Ham
Meat, Deli
Meat, fresh (many steak restaurants use wheat in their steak seasoning)
Meat, frozen
Non-dairy creamer
Play-Doh
Protein Shakes
Salad dressings (dry packaged and bottled)
Spice Mixes (Dry meatloaf, taco, chili mixes)
Turkey (I got badly glutened a couple of years ago at Thanksgiving—it never occurred to me to check the label on the turkey!)
Vitamins
Wine Coolers (malt flavoring)

Yogurt

There are many, many more that I did not list. The bottom line is you have to be careful. Be diligent. Don’t ever assume that something is gluten-free. Celiac.com has super comprehensive lists of safe and unsafe products. Be sure to check them out before you go out grocery shopping or to eat. Good luck out there!

Gluten free holiday cookies, part 1

2011-12-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hey, check out my Examiner article about GF Bakeries in the

Philadelphia, PA, area!

Gluten free holiday cookies, part 1

www.landolakes.com

Happy Gluten Free Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is the time of the year when we stop and think about those things for which we are grateful. And yes, I’m so thankful for my family, my home, my job and my friends, and I will be sure to say that at Thanksgiving dinner. But there are some other things I’m thankful for that I want to share with you. Jump in if you feel moved!

I am grateful:

That Philadelphia brand Tastykake put out two types of chocolate chip cookies that you can buy right in the grocery store (if you live in the area.)
For Jules Shepard of Jules Gluten Free Flour for adding certified GF oats to her product line-up. Along with the flour, bread mix, cookie mix and grahams mix, now there’s nothing we can’t bake safely and yummily. (Is that a word? It is now!)
That the FDA is finally taking us seriously and is imposing strict rules for labeling GF products.
To Kellogg’s for launching gluten-free Rice Krispies which, while not quite as good as the original, are still “Snap, Crackle, Pop –Delicious!”
That the NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) exists. What an awesome source of support and information for celiacs.
To be able to have PBJ again. Therefore, I am so grateful to Udi’s and Rudi’s both, that they are putting amazing GF bread on our shelves.
That Big Lots has made GF shopping a little bit cheaper.
To all of the knowledgeable restaurant managers, chefs and waitstaff who really do try to learn what gluten is and how to avoid it.
For all of my readers and followers. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, good health and lots of love!

Gluten-Free Cake Pops!

2011-11-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

The hottest yummy trend these days is Cake Pops...adorable little balls of cake (duh!) on a stick, coated with a sweet confectionery glaze. For fun, check out Bakerella - the Queen of the Cake Pop. She has literally written the book on cake pops (see above), featuring some of the cutest, most creative cake balls. Just because you can't eat gluten, don't feel bad...some of the web's best GF bakers have come up with recipes for wheatless cake pops.

Glutenista

Gluten Free Diva

The Baking Beauties

Wheat Free Mom

Have fun! :)

Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Crackers

2011-10-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

Crunchmaster. A sadistic exercise machine designed to strengthen your abs?

Not quite. Crunchmaster is the apt name for some awesome crispy gluten-free crackers you can find right in your own grocery store or big box store. With varieties like Multi-Grain Roasted Vegetable or White Cheddar; Multi-Seed Rosemary and Olive Oil or Toasted Onion; or Artisan Four Cheese Rice Crackers, you can always find an exciting flavor perfect for snacking or enjoying with cheese or dip. My personal favorite is 7 Ancient Grains Hint of Sea Salt. These oven-baked crispies, made from brown rice, sorghum, quinoa, sesame, millet, flax and amaranth are a delicious change from the usual cardboard-tasting GF crackers. (It also comes in cracked pepper and herb.) All of Crunchmaster’s crackers are certified gluten-free, free of saturated fat and cholesterol and made with 100% whole grain.

Their chefs have been working hard developing delicious recipes using these

crackers, that are perfect for the holidays (or anytime, really.) Enjoy these recipes, with Crunchmaster’s compliments.

Crab Cakes with Creamy Cocktail Sauce

Crab Cakes

Ingredients

16 ounces crab meat, picked over and flaked

1 ½ cups finely crushed Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers Sea Salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

¼ cup minced green onions, white and green parts

½ cup mayonnaise, use divided

Juice of 1 lemon

Several dashes of hot sauce, use divided

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup cocktail sauce

Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

Combine crabmeat with ¼ cup cracker crumbs, eggs, green onions, ¼ cup mayonnaise, lemon juice, 4 or 5 dashes of hot sauce, salt and pepper, mix well. Pour remaining cracker crumbs into a dinner plate or shallow bowl.

Shape crab mixture into 12 cakes using ¼ cup mixture for each cake. Coat the crab cakes with cracker crumbs, lightly pressing the crumbs into the cakes. Place crab cakes on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted. Cook the crab cakes in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) for 3 – 4 minutes per side or until golden brown on the bottom.

Sauce

Whisk together the remaining ¼ cup mayonnaise with the cocktail sauce and 3 or 4 dashes of hot sauce.

Serve the crab cakes with the creamy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

Cranberry Brie with Crunchmaster Coating

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

2 tablespoons gluten-free flour

1 large egg, beaten

½ cup finely ground Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers Rosemary & Olive Oil

1 – 7 ounce round of brie

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers Rosemary & Olive Oil

Combine cranberries, sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes stirring occasionally and gently mashing the cranberries with the back of a spoon. Let cool.

Put the flour, egg and cracker crumbs on individual dinner plates. Coat the brie first in the flour, then the egg and finally the cracker crumbs, making sure it is completely coated. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the brie and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Place the brie on a serving plate and top with the cranberries. Serve with crackers.

Crunchmaster Mini Cheese Balls

Ingredients

1 heaping cup Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers Sea Salt

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups shredded)

2 heaping tablespoons mango chutney

¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder

Place crackers in food processor and pulse several times until ground into coarse crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a plate and wipe out the food processor. Add the remaining ingredients to food processor and process until fully combined. Roll tablespoonfuls of the cheese mixture into balls (a mini ice cream scoop works well) and then roll the balls into the cracker crumbs gently pressing the crumbs into the cheese. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Makes about 2 dozen, depending on size.

Gluten Free Mini Quiches

Ingredients

Gluten-free non-stick cooking spray

1 ¼ cups finely crushed Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers Rosemary & Olive Oil

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 – 10 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

1 roasted red pepper, cut into 48 small slivers

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a min muffin pan (24 tins) with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine the cracker crumbs and melted butter. Divide crumb mixture among the prepared mini muffin cups and press down firmly. Bake for 7 – 8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and add the chopped onion. Cook the onions until very soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Squeeze all the liquid out of the spinach, add to the onions along with the salt, pepper and nutmeg and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Divide the mixture evenly on the cracker crumbs. Divide the shredded cheese on top of the spinach mixture.

Whisk the eggs and milk together and spoon into the muffin cups; do not fill all the way. Top with the roasted red pepper slivers and bake until set and browned, about 20 minutes.

Makes 24 mini quiches.

Gluten Free Pecan Cranberry Tart

Ingredients: For Filling

1 ½ cup roasted* pecan halves, divided

2/3 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/3 cup dark corn syrup

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

pinch of salt

½ cup dried cranberries chopped

1 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)

* Roast pecans 5-10 minutes at 350°F. Remove from oven and cool.

Ingredients: For Crust

1 cup finely ground Crunchmaster® Original Multi-Seed Crackers

4 tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350°F. Finely grind the Crunchmaster® Original Multi-Seed Crackers in a food processor. In a large bowl, combine cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Mix until ingredients are well blended. Add melted butter and stir until the crumb mixture is thoroughly moistened.

Press crumb mixture firmly into a 9” deep dish pie pan, distributing mixture evenly throughout the bottom and sides of the pie pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

In another large bowl, combine sugar, egg, corn syrup, vinegar, butter, vanilla extract, tahini, and salt. Mix until smooth. Gently stir in dried cranberries and roasted pecans. Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.

Bake the tart about 30-35 minutes at 350°F. Filling will become golden. Cool before serving.

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients: Casserole

2.5 lbs sweet potatoes

2 eggs

1 teaspoon dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ginger

Pinch of nutmeg

Ingredients: Topping

½ cup finely ground Crunchmaster® Multigrain Crackers

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. In a large stock pot boil potatoes until tender, drain. Return potatoes to stock pot. Mash until smooth. Add eggs, 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix well.

Spray a 2 quart oval baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add potato mixture to dish and spread evenly. Set aside.

In a medium bowl combine Crunchmaster® Multigrain Cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/3 cup dark brown sugar. Mix well.

Top potato casserole with cracker mixture. Spread mixture evenly covering the entire top of the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil carefully and bake for 10 more minutes.

Serves 6.

Click here for a coupon to try Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Crackers.

Examiner article: Local (Philly) Mexican Restaurants

2011-08-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Gluten-free Choices at Local Mexican Restaurants

Luna Protein is a Satisfying Gluten-free Treat

2011-07-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Glutenistas!

You think just because you can't eat gluten you have to keep away from energy bars (or at least bars that don't taste like YUCK), right? Not any longer! Clif has just introduced a line of gluten free Luna bars especially designed for women that you are going to love! They taste so good, you might almost think you're being bad and eating a candy bar. But these little guys pack a nutritional punch, with 12 grams of soy/whey protein, 3 grams of fiber, lots of calcium, folic acid, iron, Vitamin D and antioxidants, all under a measly 200 calories. They come in 5 yummy flavors that will calm your cravings and satisfy your sweet tooth: Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough and Chocolate Cherry Almond. I had a hard time picking my favorite: I'm very partial to the Chocolate Peanut Butter, but it's been so long since I've had anything with the words “cookie dough” in it, I pretty much scarfed my Cookie Dough Luna Bar down in seconds. They're perfect for stashing in your desk at work or in your handbag. When hunger strikes and mealtime seems to be far, far away, these nougaty high protein bars are just the ticket to see you through. You can find Luna bars at most grocery and mass market stores (like Walmart and Target.)

And because I love you all so much, my faithful followers, and I want you all to try them, I'm going to throw a little giveaway for you! In one week, I will randomly choose one comment and send the author of said comment a package containing all of the above Luna Protein flavors. Cool, right? Here's what you need to do:

Be(come) my follower via GFC and leave me a comment telling me that you are with your name and email address.
In a comment, tell me what you think your favorite flavor might be.
Like KindaReal on Facebook (and leave a comment with your FB name/initials.)
Follow KindaReal on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (and leave a comment with the url.)
Subscribe to this blog via email (and leave a comment.)
Like Luna Bars on Facebook (and leave a comment.)

This protein-packed giveaway will end at 9:00 pm EST on July 28, 2011. I will notify the winner via email. Thanks!!!!

Snap, Crackle, & Pop go Gluten-Free!

2011-06-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

I recently got together with some old friends, and it was awesome! Maybe you know them, too: Snap, Crackle and Pop. Several years ago, when I was first diagnosed with this silly Celiac disease, I had to end my friendship with this zany trio, and a lot of other old pals from my childhood (Tony the Tiger, the Trix Rabbit, Cap'n Crunch and the Lucky Charms leprechaun, to name a few.) But thanks to Kellogg's, who recently released gluten-free Rice Krispies, the boys and I are once again sharing the breakfast table. These new Krispies are made from brown rice and they are just as great as you remember them to be. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure they'll make great Rice Krispie Treats, too.

Some other gluten-free surprises I've come across lately are Mike's Lite Hard Lemonade in lemonade and cranberry lemonade flavors, lots and lots of Zatarain's mixes (22 varieties!!!), Kikkoman just introduced a gluten-free soy sauce (YAY!), and California Pizza Kitchen now offers a gluten-free crust. Slowly but surely, my GF friends, the food manufacturers are listening to us. Keep demanding, don't settle. Who knows? Someday we may be able to walk into a McDonald's and order a GF burger.

Chill Out with Gluten-Free RelaxZen

2011-02-21T17:45:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have days where you are so tense, so stressed out, you just want to scream? But you can’t just hide under the covers; you have too much to do, right? That is the perfect time for a RelaxZen Day: a tiny little shot of vitamins, amino acids and herbs that works its magic by chilling you out, focusing you, but not making you drowsy.

Most of my days are exactly as I’ve described…at the end of the day, I’m wound tighter than a two dollar watch. But I usually just take a non-refreshing nap, and wake up even more stressed, because I haven’t gotten any housework done and I’m now behind the proverbial 8-ball.

RelaxZen sent me some samples to review, so I took some RelaxZen Day to work with me and tried it during a particularly rough afternoon. After about 15 minutes, I felt the stress-wrench easing up. By the time I got home, I was calm and able to do some housework and make a great dinner. It didn’t even occur to me to lie down.

RelaxZen Day contains Vitamins B6 and B12, both of which can help with stress and mental clarity. It also has a proprietary blend including L-theanine, L-threonine, GABA, Passion Flower Extract and Acai Extract. Oh, and by the way…all RelaxZen’s products are Gluten-Free!

It’s probably not at all surprising that I have trouble falling and staying asleep. Over the years, I’ve tried just about everything; over-the-counter and prescription medications, herbs, vitamins, homeopathic remedies, wine…you name it. Lots of things work, or work for a while, but Rx and OTC meds can be scary, and herbs are sometimes unpredictable, making waking up difficult and leaving me groggy for most of the morning.

RelaxZen makes a night-time product called RelaxZen Night. It contains the same ingredients as the Day product, with the addition of Chamomile extract and Pantothenic Acid. I drank a bottle (2.5 fl.oz.) of the pleasant berry-tasting RelaxZen Night and within 15 minutes, I was feeling calm and sleepy. I fell asleep pretty quickly and stayed asleep most of the night. The next time I tried it, I slept the whole night through and woke up easily. Needless to say, I love these products. It will be a sad day (or night) in my house when my samples are gone!

RelaxZen is a dietary supplement and conforms to all standards set forth by the FDA’s Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).

The FDA has not evaluated these claims. RelaxZen is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

RelaxZen has generously offered a case (6 shots) of RelaxZen Day and RelaxZen Night to one of our lucky readers. Just follow these simple steps:

Mandatory- First, visit RelaxZen and then follow Kinda Real Gluten Free Food via Google Friend Connect and leave us a comment telling us something interesting about RelaxZen products. (If you are already a GFC follower, great! - just let us know in your comment.)

Extra Entries – (leave a comment for each one-please make sure your email address is included)

Like RelaxZen on Facebook
Follow RelaxZen on Twitter
Follow KindaReal on Twitter

The giveaway ends on March 7, 2011, at 8:00 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Good luck!

KindaReal was given samples of RelaxZen products. All opinions are our own. Winners have 48 hours to respond to our email, after which time a new winner may be chosen.

Have a Gluten-Free Valentine's Day

2011-02-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out Gluten Free Works yet? You really should. Founded by Cleo and John Libonati, it is dedicated to "helping people get well, look good and stay healthy living gluten free." And right now, they've got some very sweet Valentine's info posted.

There's a gluten-free brownie recipe, gluten-free strawberry heart rice crispie bar recipe and even a heart-shaped pizza recipe from Terri Gruss, MS, one of their regular contributors. Jen Cafferty, founder of The Gluten Free Cooking Expo, shares a starter list of Valentine's candies that are gluten-free. And Jennifer Harris gives us a comprehensive Gluten-Free Valentine's Day Recipe Round-Up with some clever ideas and tons of GF links.

Be sure to sign up for Gluten Free Works' monthly Gluten Free Gazette so you'll always be up to speed on the latest research, GF news and delicious recipes.

Oh, and have a wonderful and healthy Valentine's Day! XXOO

Old El Paso Review & Giveaway

2011-02-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

Please check out my review of Old El Paso (it's gluten free!!!) on Mint Green with Envy and you could win an Old El Paso taco family dinner night prize pack! Tell Bridget that Trish sent you :)

Real Simple Loves Us!

2011-01-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

realsimple.com

One of my favorite days of the month is when my new issue of Real Simple magazine arrives. I just love looking at the beautifully spare photos and reading the super-helpful articles. I feel like there's nothing I can't accomplish with my Real Simple by my side!

Lately, Real Simple has been giving a nod to those of us who eat gluten-free. Very often, their recipes point out gluten-free ingredients or their articles actually list gluten-free products. I don't know why, but this makes me so happy. I love that they care. :)

Here are some examples:

Gluten Free Goodies - a fully GF list of fully GF products

Healthy Sweet Treats - more than half of which are GF

Real Simple's website is excellent as well. Try out the Enhanced Recipe Search, where you can filter out dietary considerations, like gluten.

If you haven't already picked it up, check out Real Simple. For a non-dedicated-GF magazine, they sure are GF friendly!

Don't forget to check out the Gluten Free Cookie Swap on Facebook!

2010-12-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

Hi, GF Friends!

Have you been to the Gluten Free Cookie Swap on Facebook? You have GOT to check it out - there are so many awesome gluten free recipes there, all tried-and-true. And there are prizes to be won!
And if you scroll way down and like my GF Pizzelle recipe, you will have the "prize" of my unending gratitude. :)

Happy Baking!

trish

Jules Gluten Free Giveaway

2010-12-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog at all, you probably know how much I lovelovelove Jules Gluten Free Flour and Cookie Mix (and Jules herself!) Well, now my friends, I'm going to give you a chance to win some Jules. I'm offering you a giveaway where you can win Jules Gluten Free Welcome Pack, which includes a 5 pound bag of her flour (ARV 19.95) and 3 awesome e-books.
Giveaway ends on December 11, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST

Here's how: Leave a comment for each entry.
Mandatory Entry:

This is easy. Just follow this blog via Google Friend Connect. If you already do, leave a comment telling me that (and your GFC name.)

Extra Entries:

Follow me on Twitter (or leave a comment with your @ name if you already do)
Sign up to receive emails from Jules' blog, Jules Speaks Gluten Free.
Check out Jules' Gluten Free Cookie Swap on Facebook and "like" a cookie recipe (leave a comment naming the cookie that you "liked". Good Karma points if you "like" my recipe; Gram and Pop's Gluten Free Pizzelles winkwink!)
Read any of my past blog posts. Come back and tell me something you learned.
Tweet (no more than once a day) about this giveaway. Leave me the Twitter url.

See? Wasn't that easy? And one of you will win enough gluten free flour to take care of all your holiday baking! Good luck!

Holiday Planner?

2010-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

(this post is a rerun. I also posted it on our other blog, Fuzziest Bunny Slippers.)

I have a question for all my cyber-buddies: do you use a formal planner (calendar, program, etc.) to get ready for the holidays?

I just realized that it's December 1 (duh) and I should be planning all of my baking and decorating and shopping, just so I don't end up on Christmas Day strung out and cranky.

I went over to FlyLady.net because back when I used to do her routines, I felt so much more organized and in control. But, OMGosh! - FlyLady expects you to have all your preparations DONE by Dec. 1! Yikes!!!!

Am I overthinking this? Is it as simple as a list and a calendar? (I just love to have everything mapped out for me, though!) I trust your opinions. What do YOU do?

Happy Gluten-Free Thanksgiving!

2010-11-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

It's almost that time again...time to gather with your family to cook your head off, eat until you're bursting and give thanks for all that you have. Since there are so many incredible gluten-free bloggers out there (and since I'm kind of lazy), I'm going to bring you the best of the best gluten-free recipes. I am thankful for all of these talented people who generously offer their best all the time.

The ever-amazing pair, The Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef, have lots of great recipes and ideas for a tasty Turkey Day. Try their savory gluten-free stuffing and dinner rolls.

Gluten Freeda's Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a perfect appetizer or side dish.

Gluten Free Mommy's take on Green Bean Casserole is sure to please everyone at the table, even gluten-eaters!

Photo of Chestnuts with Brussel Sprouts courtesy elanaspantry.com

Try The Gluten-Free Homemaker's Sweet Potato Casserole and Elana's Pantry's Chestnuts with Brussel Sprouts for some scrumptious side dishes.

Gluten Free Frenzy has these yummy Maple Sugar Cookies and Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free's Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake is gluten-free and sugar free.

Sugar Free Pumpkin Cheesecake by Simply Sugar and Gluten Free

The esteemed Cybele Pascal shares her Sweet Potato Pie recipe on Martha Stewart's Whole Living, which is not only gluten-free, but vegan, too. My buddy Jules, of Jules Gluten Free flour, offers this fun and informative Crash Course of a Gluten-Free Thanksgiving and Karina, the Gluten-Free Goddess, has lots of wonderful tips for having a safe, gf Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! Enjoy all the blessings this time of the year has to offer. And thank YOU for reading!

The Day I Felt Normal (sort of)

2010-11-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Having Celiac disease, or having to eat gluten-free for any reason, can make you feel like an outsider. You know how it is: You're at a party and someone offers you food. You have to say, "Um...do you know if that has gluten in it?" (then have to go through the painstaking process of explaining what, exactly, gluten is.) Or, with a look of longing, "No thanks. Allergies." (just to simplify things) Well, last week, for the first time in a long time, I felt normal. As in, "I can eat and drink whatever I see! Woohoo!" Read my Examiner post for my awesome day of normal-ness at the National Center For Celiac Awareness' Appetite for Awareness...

Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten-free Cooking Spree Part 3

2010-11-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

It was great seeing all the local restaurants and caterers at A4A, and the amazing gluten-free dishes they came up with! Click here to see who was there; there's even a wonderful recipe!

Grandma's Gluten-free Cannoli

by Grandma's Gluten-free

Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten-Free Cooking Spree part 2

2010-11-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

This year's Appetite for Awareness, which was held on October 24 at the Navy yard in Philadelphia, was an enormous success! Please see my Examiner posts to learn more...

Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten Free Cooking Spree, part 1

2010-10-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, my GF friends, this is just a teaser...I haven't had much time to post since Appetite for Awareness on Sunday, but I'm getting there. In the meantime, just to make you jealous if you weren't there, look at all the incredible gluten free swag I got at the event!

There were so many vendors, and they were so generous! It was a celiac's dream!

Stay tuned: more from the event coming up.

Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten Free Cooking Spree at Philly's Naval Yard

2010-10-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for lots of cool info from this year's Appetite for Awareness!

I can't wait to see what goodies they have in store for us!

Carrot Cake - Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free; not Taste-Free!

2010-10-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Recently, DD and I were craving something sweet. But she can't have sugar and I can't have gluten...what are 2 girls with needy sweet-tooths (sweet-teeth?) to do? If you're my DD, you come up with your own recipe!

Lizzie’s GF-SF Carrot Cake

Cake Ingredients:

3 cups Jules’gf flour
1¾ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cinnamon
5 eggs
½ cup agave nectar
¼ cup canola oil
3 cups carrots, grated
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts

To make cake:

In a large mixer bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, agave and oil.
Mix carrots, raisins and walnuts into wet ingredients.
Mix wet ingredients into dry.
Place batter into 2 well greased, 9 inch round or square cake pans. (Batter will be thick.)
Bake at 325° F for 35 minutes, checking frequently. (For some reason, ours cooks in 20 minutes!) Cake is done when pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes in pans on rack, then remove from pans and cool completely on rack.
Ice with Cream Cheese Icing (below)

Cream Cheese Icing

1 8 oz. brick of cream cheese, at room temp.
1 c. Splenda for baking
1 tsp. vanilla
Milk

Cream together cream cheese and Splenda; when smooth, add vanilla. If it’s too stiff, add milk, 1 tsp. at a time.

Win Katz Gluten Free Goodies!!!

2010-09-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Just leave me a comment telling me why you'd like to win $25 Katz Dollars and you could WIN!!! But hurry - contest closes at midnight, 9/12, EST.

Also, go to Katz Gluten Free to enter their $100 Katz Dollars giveaway!

Katz Gluten Free Desserts - Thumbz Up!

2010-09-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Back in February, I reviewed Katz Gluten Free. I still think about that fluffy Challah bread with fondness, especially after toasting yet another slice of dry, cardboardy gluten free bread.

Recently, Katz asked me to review some of their sweets. First, I dove into the Cinnamon Rugelach. Mmmm...crispy, sugary, cinnamony (is that even a word?)...I'm not Jewish but OY, these treats were delicious!

Next came the Chocolate Strip. I wasn't really sure what to do with this at first--is it bread? Is it dessert? Once I got over my confusion, I sliced it and shared it with my family. It is perfect with coffee or tea. Not super heavy or sweet like cake; more like a coffee cake, filled with just enough rich, dark chocolate.

The chocolate cupcakes arrived naked...all the better to frost them with, my dear! Try icing them with a thick vanilla buttercream, or a creamy peanut butter frosting. Not that they really need any covering...these rich, chocolate cakes can handle a simple dusting of confectioner's sugar.

Katz Gluten Free has tons more goodies on their site...check them out! I know you'll find some family favorites there - for everyone, not just the gluten free!

Quick! Get over to Katz Gluten Free for their Summer Dessert giveaway! You can win $100 Katz dollars! (Please tell them kindarealglutenfreefood sent you!)

Also, come back here later today for a chance to win $25 Katz dollars or a free sample pack.