Gluten Free Beat ®

Basketball to Support Celiac Disease Awareness!

2017-04-25T12:30:00.001-04:00

Want to support Celiac Disease Research and Lucas Rodriguez, an AMAZING high school student and Celiac diagnosed in 2013?

Lucas is starting an annual basketball tournament to raise money and awareness for Celiac Disease.

On May 20th, at Tamiami Basketball, he will be hosting a 32-team 3 on 3 basketball tournament with the intention of raising awareness to the people of Miami about this disease. 

To register for the basketball tournament - use the QR code on the image to the left, or contact 786-351-4441 for more information. 

He hopes to raise over $10,000 with our help. Please spread the word!!

You may donate to this great cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/3on3-celiac-awareness! 

Corn Dogs from Foster Farms, the best of an All-American Favorite (and Gluten Free!!!)

2014-11-02T15:37:00.005-05:00

If you're like me, one of the most difficult things about living with celiac disease is saying goodbye to some of your favorite childhood foods. Now imagine if you're someone who isn't suffering from celiac disease, but have chosen to adopt a gluten free lifestyle in order to support someone who has. If you're lucky enough to live with someone this supportive, then perhaps the only thing that makes you happier than finding a gluten-free version of one of your most-missed-foods, is when you can find one of theirs!

My husband loves corn dogs. In fact, judging by every birthday party, playground, fair ground and sporting event photo I have seen from between the ages of 2 and 20 something, I think it's safe to say he grew up on them.

We were lucky enough to discover Foster Farms gluten free corn dogs, and we both agree they're delicious! It turns out these delicious golden brown treats on a stick are but one product of an impressive gluten free line-up produced by Foster Farms.

Now, for those of you who are looking to stay away from red meat and/or pork products, the franks in the center are made from chicken, but still have that juicy, smoky, salty flavor that works so well with the sweet batter which surrounds it.

These corn dogs can be prepared in the oven, deep fryer or microwave. We tried all three ways and found that we liked the oven best. The corn dogs come having already been pre-fried and we didn't see too much difference between re-frying them and heating them in the oven. Obviously, the microwave was our least favorite method, but still very edible, and in a pinch perfectly good compared to other food-on-the-go options. We found that wrapping them in a moist paper towel does preserve the corn batter coating a bit more in the microwave.

On the corn dogs themselves, there is not much we can say other than these are really good corn dogs-- not good gluten free corn dogs, or good for gluten free corn dogs-- just really good corn dogs. The batter has a nice balance of sweet corn and honey which come together nicely into that fried corn bread texture which traps the moisture and savory flavors of the hot dog.

Our favorite topping was a spicy yellow mustard sauce we made by combining classic yellow mustard and tangy horseradish. For those of you who like the heat some mince jalapeno or a splash of tabasco really help create a sweet, savory and spicy masterpiece!

FDA FINALLY ISSUES DEFINITION OF "GLUTEN FREE"!!!

2013-08-02T11:01:00.001-04:00

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!! I can barely breathe; I'm so excited!!! FDA issued the update below today DEFINING Gluten Free (which us Celiac's have been waiting years for)!

My sincere hope is FDA will now test imported products that make "GLUTEN FREE" claims, and assure these companies are legitimately using the gluten free claim - and enforce and penalize those that are importing misbranded product and not correctly utilizing the gluten free claim! The "COMPLIANCE DATE" for this final rule is August 5, 2014. If you see products labeled "gluten free" you should be able to TRUST that those products legitimately do not contain gluten. Now, we have a standard. They will contain LESS than 20 parts per million of gluten.

This is a fantastic start!!! Here's what the FDA had to say, and the actual FINAL RULE is included as a hyperlink at the end.

FDA defines “gluten-free” for food labeling

New rule provides standard definition to protect the health of Americans with celiac disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today published a new regulation defining the term "gluten-free" for voluntary food labeling. This will provide a uniform standard definition to help the up to 3 million Americans who have celiac disease, an autoimmune digestive condition that can be effectively managed only by eating a gluten free diet.

“Adherence to a gluten-free diet is the key to treating celiac disease, which can be very disruptive to everyday life,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “The FDA’s new ‘gluten-free’ definition will help people with this condition make food choices with confidence and allow them to better manage their health.”

This new federal definition standardizes the meaning of “gluten-free” claims across the food industry. It requires that, in order to use the term "gluten-free" on its label, a food must meet all of the requirements of the definition, including that the food must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. The rule also requires foods with the claims “no gluten,” “free of gluten,” and “without gluten” to meet the definition for “gluten-free.”

The FDA recognizes that many foods currently labeled as “gluten-free” may be able to meet the new federal definition already. Food manufacturers will have a year after the rule is published to bring their labels into compliance with the new requirements.

“We encourage the food industry to come into compliance with the new definition as soon as possible and help us make it as easy as possible for people with celiac disease to identify foods that meet the federal definition of ‘gluten-free’” said Michael R. Taylor, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine.

The term "gluten" refers to proteins that occur naturally in wheat, rye, barley and cross-bred hybrids of these grains. In people with celiac disease, foods that contain gluten trigger production of antibodies that attack and damage the lining of the small intestine. Such damage limits the ability of celiac disease patients to absorb nutrients and puts them at risk of other very serious health problems, including nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, growth retardation, infertility, miscarriages, short stature, and intestinal cancers.

The FDA was directed to issue the new regulation by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), which directed FDA to set guidelines for the use of the term “gluten-free” to help people with celiac disease maintain a gluten-free diet.

The regulation was published today in the Federal Register.

Does Your Primary Doctor Speak Celiac? If so, SHARE!

2013-07-12T17:43:00.000-04:00

I feel like this guy when I think of continuing care for a Celiac. Maybe you feel the same, hence why I'm writing... We ALL have our crazy journey's before getting diagnosed with Celiac disease... My big question is... THEN WHAT?

So... You're on a gluten free diet... BUT, what about your continuing care???

I want to hear from YOU and want your recommendations.

Do you have a primary physician or nutritionist that's a rock star? If so, name drop here, and more importantly, SHARE WHY! Do you do testing every so often, do you check vitamin levels, what?

As I'm looking for a new primary doctor, I want one that speaks Celiac - that gets what my body has gone through and knows what to look out for during regular check ups to keep me on track. Suggestions welcome - rock stars only - and South Florida area.

If you're provider does something specific - SHARE and TEACH us - so we can bring this information to our doctors.

THANKS!!!

FREE CELIAC BLOOD SCREENING in SOUTH FLORIDA

2013-07-08T10:55:00.000-04:00

So impressed with this FREE celiac screening event - had to spread the word. You need to as well.

FREE Community-Wide Celiac Blood Screening

sponsored by the

South Florida Celiac Support Group

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013

Location: So. Florida Gastroenterology

Dr. Matthew Bromer

1325 So. Congress Ave, Suite 211 Boynton Beach, Florida

This screening is NOT for anyone who has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. This test is for:

at-risk individuals who have family members with CD
those with symptoms related to CD, or
individuals affected by other autoimmune disorders commonly associated with CD.

This is your chance to encourage your friends, neighbors, co-workers & family members to finally be tested.

In early September we will post info on how to make your appointment.

For additional info now you can e-mail Nancy Hoffman at HOKYMOM21@aol.com

Ina's - Not Just My Mom's Name

2012-11-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ina, aka the Breakfast Queen, in Chicago, Illinois knows all about being gluten-free accommodating. Yes, my mom's name is also Ina, so I was doubly intrigued to find out if Ina's was all I heard it was cracked up to be. Ina, a leader in the effort to ban artificial trans fats, opened up Ina's Kitchen in 1991. Ina understands and teaches cross contamination and is a hands on owner. Her menu has GF all over it to signify those options that are gluten free accommodating.

Rent or Nobu 57?

2012-11-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Nobu has 24 locations world wide. I was fortunate to dine at Nobu 57, in NYC. If I had to summarize the experience (and yes, Nobu is an experience) into one word, it'd be WOAH!! Expensive, oh yeah (but, what isn't in New York?)!! Worth it? Read on!
Read more »

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Get Um' in an ATM too!

2012-10-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sprinkles Cupcakes makes a delish' gluten free red velvet cupcake and a plethora of other (unfortunately non gluten free) cupcakes. I was recently in Chicago, and read rave reviews about their gluten free cupcake, so I had to try it for myself, right?!

Here are all the cupcakes, top left is red velvet

Gluten-Free Crepes Available for Catering - Exclusive Interview

2012-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

From miamicrepes.net

Chef Jonathan Bierley Sr. of Miami Crepes gave me some great news. Chef Jonathan said:

"more and more customers are asking for gluten free and vegetarian options. It is becoming the new food revolution that other caterers neglect. This is why I have dedicated a section of my website and my business to fill this void and to inform people of the gluten free choices that are out there in the world."

Chef Jonathan was kind enough to let me have ask him some questions about his new Gluten-Free catering - here's the dish:
Read more »

Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise - 5 Star Itinerary, 2 Star "Free" Food

2012-10-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

When booking a vacation, Celiac's have to be extra special careful. I LOVE cruisin' and happened to be going to Europe for work - so why not add some fun time too?!

I decided to try a Mediterranean Cruise. The Norwegian Epic lined up perfectly with my schedule. The itinerary was a dream. Seriously, doesn't this look amazing (the port of call were!)??
Read more »

Your Signature is Need for Gluten-Free Labeling Laws

2012-10-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

The American Celiac Disease Alliance is working diligently to urge the White House to force the FDA to create much needed Gluten-Free standards. They created the below message and Petition to the White House, and need 25,000 signatures for the Petition to be heard. Read below and sign if you agree that Gluten-Free standards are imperative for us Celiacs.

Cafe Abbracci - AMAZING Gluten Free Pasta with Bolognese Sauce

2012-10-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

Cafe Abbracci, in Coral Gables, a popular Italian restaurant, that will always have my business -- because they have the BEST gluten free pasta in the Gables. I've actually become an addict and have to have my Cafe Abracci gluten free pasta with old School bolognese meat sauce regularly. For $18, it's not the least expensive pasta - but, it's worth every penny. Cafe Abbracci carries gluten free pasta on site, and you get to choose your sauce. There are many pasta options, but I'm hooked on the meat sauce and can't even think of not having it. I'm always ecstatic when local restaurants step up to the plate and accommodate us Celiac's - I'm thrilled to have Cafe Abbracci as a scrumptious lunch and dinner choice.

Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats!

2012-09-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

Gluten Free Rice Krispies Treats! It's real! Kellog's has come through. Beware, not all supermarkets carry this gluten free cereal that you can easily turn into the most delicious gluten free treat. Make sure you speak with managers, fill out requests for Kellog's gluten free rice crispy cereal, and even write to headquarters offices - it's worth it.

Most Romantic Gluten Free Pizza & Gelato in the WORLD

2012-09-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

In Florence, Italy, of course! Le Botteghe di Donatello is a godsend. While on a Mediterranean cruise, we had a day stop in Florence - and I had to have Gluten Free Pizza in Italy!! I am ecstatic to have found this delicious magical place. They have indoor and outdoor seating - outdoor is more scenic and fun so we sat outside. What's amazing is on their outside gigantic menu, is a BIG MENU GLUTEN FREE sign!!
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Zonin Creates a Magical Italian Culinary Experience

2012-09-10T15:55:00.000-04:00

Casa Vinicola Zonin paired up with the Ritz Carlton at Miami Dade's Culinary Institute and created an Italian Culinary Experience. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of great Prosecco and wine. All courses were not gluten-free - Celiac's were not the intended audience, it was more about the decadent wine pairings and Ritz showing off their chefs capabilities to the audience.

Check out this layout, Miami-Dade offered their awesome venue, the kitchen was the main stage, and all attendees had our own sinks and a great view.
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Trapiche Room at JW Marriott - Sensory Overload

2012-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Trapiche Room is an intimate fine dining Mediterranean restaurant at the JW Marriott in Miami. Luckily, it also participates in Miami Spice from August 1 to September 30, giving diners an appetizer, entree and desert for $19 for lunch and $33 for dinner. Lunch is offered fro Mon-Fri and dinner is offered from Tues-Sat. This is not a quick meal - don't expect to be in an out in an hour, not that kinda place.

I was there for lunch. Service is unbelievable. I advised my server I was gluten-free and recalled JW Marriott being very accommodating. I asked if there was gluten-free bread. He immediately checked and brought back warm gluten-free goodness. It's a rarity to have gluten-free bread at a restaurant, I cherish these moments!!
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Rudi's Gluten-Free Tortillas!

2012-08-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Rudi's gluten-free bakery has outdone itself, again. Now, Rudi's is making Tortillas!!! There are 3 delicious flavors: Plain Tortillas, Spinach Tortillas and Fiesta Tortillas, each with 5 grams of fiber per serving, at $5.99. To get the gluten-free community excited about these Tortillas - Rudi's is giving away awesome prizes - check them out on Rudi's facebook page here - Prizes end on August 31. And... there's a $2 coupon from Rudi's waiting for you!

Here's how Rudi's describes their delicious Tortillas ...

Read more »

Gluten Free Spanish Style Tapas on South Beach

2012-08-20T15:13:00.000-04:00

Barceloneta, a Spanish tapas restaurant on South Beach is incredibly gluten free friendly and brings a whole new flavor to the Beach. You'll get a real flavor for Spanish tapas, and lucky you, they are delicious!! You'll have to get a closer glimpse of the menu. So many options - many of which I never tried before.

Yardbird, Southern Dining at its Finest!

2012-08-19T15:33:00.000-04:00

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, South Beach's new haven for southern comfort cooking, is a new hot spot on the Beach. For us gluten free folk, most of the menu is off limits, but, for those few items we are able to have, the ambiance may just be worth the trip.

Yardbird is on 16th and Lenox, just a block off of the well known Lincoln Road.

Outside, the Yardbird sign illuminates and you can typically see a packed house inside.

TTB Issues Interim Policy for Labeling Gluten-Free Spirits

2012-07-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

On May 24, 2012, U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued an Interim Policy on Gluten Content Statements in the Labeling and Advertising of Wines, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages (TTB Ruling 2012-2).

Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation that defines the term “gluten-free” (despite the GF communities outcry for one!).
Read more »

Mama Fu's asian house - Gluten Free Friendly

2012-06-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Mama Fu's, specializes in Asian inspired, made to order cuisine. The menu is diverse and, most importantly to me, they have an extensive gluten free menu! Mama Fu's is not a strictly gluten free restaurant, but, does advise that it takes precautions to deter cross contamination, and once you advise you are requesting a gluten free meal, your order is notated as such, and in my case, the chef was specifically advised to make extra sure all would be well for me.

Mama Fu's is a great lunch place, order at the front, grab a number and your meal is brought to your table. For dinner, its a little more formal, you can grab a seat and get table service. It's a great location for a quick, made to order Asian meal.
Read more »

Nutritionist & Gluten Free Specialist Hits a Home Run with Belly Hugs

2012-05-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Belly Hugs brings 100% organic and 100% gluten free goodness to Hollywood, Florida. Owned and operated by Dawn Michelle, a nutritionist who wanted to bring nutritional value to her client's and the rest of the world. I'm always thrilled to hear about new gluten free establishments and was extra pleased to meet Dawn Michelle in person and hear how she genuinely cared to help and how excited she was to have a venue to do so.

Gluten Free Hot Dog at the Marlin's Ball Park!

2012-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

The new Miami Marlin's stadium is a work of art. It wouldn't be Miami if there were not monstrous disagreements in regards to funding and building... But, most importantly, for a person like me who could not give a hoot about baseball, I am now excited to go to a game, and have the option of drinking a gluten free beer and eating a gluten free hot dog to boot!!

Morton's, the Steakhouse - NO LONGER Gluten Free Goodness!

2012-05-26T20:00:00.000-04:00

As of February 7, 2011 I was thrilled with Morton's. I wrote this stunning review below, and spent many a lunch and dinner enjoying Morton's. Until yesterday. I am still so incredibly ill from my meal at Morton's. To be honest I am pissed, disappointed, in incredible pain, and disgusted. I was at Morton's for a business lunch, had a caesar salad - no croutons, rib eye (specifically asked to verify the sauce and assure it was gluten free) with a baked potato (plain), and berries. Sounds harmless... But, no. One hour after leaving Morton's and me and the restroom bonded like I never want to bond with a restroom. Did I advise the server I needed a gluten free meal? Yes. Did I ask the server to confirm 100 times over that my meal would be gluten free? Yes. Was I served a gluten free meal? Who knows? Was I served food that gave me food poisoning? Who knows. All I do know is that my meal at Morton's is the cause of my severe pain. I understand Morton's is recently under new management. But, I still expect great service, including server's exceptionally trained in dealing with guests that have food allergies (which Morton's had in the past) and I expect quality food (when paying a decent price for a meal, you don't expect to be sick afterwards). I expected more from you, Morton's! I hope Morton's new management steps up and takes a hard look at proper training, the importance of understanding the severity of guests with food allergies and the importance of quality ingredients. Until Morton's shapes up, I don't plan on returning.

THUMBS DOWN!!!

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Morton's, the Steakhouse is a great place for Celiacs! Good salad, good steak and great berries = a wonderful meal! Morton's has a great gluten free selection. Best of all, Morton's has a special $109 steak and seafood for TWO menu! We chose this menu and enjoyed it, see our images below. For $109 for two people, you can enjoy a salad, steak, seafood, side and dessert. A lot of food! (I'm also allergic to seafood, so I just had the steak). Makes for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

I enjoyed my meal at Morton's, see the images here:

Caesar salad, sans croutons

Delicious filet!

Perfectly baked, baked potato!

Fresh berries, a perfect ending

THUMBS UP for Morton's!

Red Velvet GF Goodness??

2012-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Heartland Gourmet offer's gluten free baked mixes. I was shocked to find Heartland's "red velvet cupcake mix" at Marshalls for $3.99! I had to try it.