Can you have a gluten-free Thanksgiving? Really?

I have people ask me this question a lot.  I mean, what about the stuffing, the pie, the rolls?? What in the world do you eat? How do you survive the holiday??  Here's one way to survive http://www.delightglutenfree.com/how-to-survive-the-holidays-being-gluten-free#.UnvQa6XhF96

Another way is to start getting creative! There are so many more products out today than even last year, that can help you experience some of the same traditional food you might be used to.  I am going to list off some of those foods and attach links so you can view and decide if you want to try them or not.

Stuffing:
Products -
http://www.vitacost.com/glutino-gluten-free-stuffing-corn-bread-8-oz?csrc=GPF-PA-678523011096&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=678523011096&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=678523011096&gclid=CPbI4_-v07oCFQGe4AodPTIAbQ

http://www.vitacost.com/three-bakers-herb-seasoned-whole-grain-cubed-stuffing-gluten-free-12-oz?csrc=GPF-PA-817350010142&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=817350010142&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=817350010142&gclid=CO_g5Iiw07oCFQyg4AodTXoAHA

Recipes -
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/gluten-free-bread-stuffing
http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/sidedishes/a/top5glutenfreestuffingrecipes.htm
http://glutenfreegirl.com/2006/11/this-is-the-gluten-free-stuffing-we-will-be-eating/
http://udisglutenfree.com/recipes/udi-s-gluten-free-stuffing-recipe/

Dinner rolls:
Recipes -
http://mygluten-freekitchen.com/pull-apart-dinner-rolls-gluten-free/
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/gluten-free-high-fiber-dinner-rolls-recipe
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2011/03/gluten-free-dinner-rolls.html
http://www.pinterest.com/faveglutenfree/gluten-free-bread-recipes/

Products -
http://www.glutenfreepalace.com/Udi-s-Gluten-Free-Whole-Grain-Seeded-Dinner-Rolls-p/u3576.htm&cse=googleproductsearch&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=CSEs&utm_campaign=Udi's+Gluten+Free+Whole+Grain+Seeded+Dinner+Rolls,+8+Rolls+Per+Pack?gclid=CPrx_Y-007oCFQSk4AodVyEA3g

http://www.glutenfreepalace.com/Udi-s-Gluten-Free-Classic-Dinner-Rolls-p/u97651.htm&cse=googleproductsearch&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=CSEs&utm_campaign=Udi's+Gluten+Free+Classic+French+Dinner+Rolls?gclid=CK7SwoK007oCFVSZ4AoddCcAWg

http://www.glutenfreepalace.com/Gluten-Free-Large-Challah-Rolls-p/k9213.htm&cse=googleproductsearch&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=CSEs&utm_campaign=Katz+Gluten+Free+-+Gluten+Free+Large+Challah+Rolls?gclid=CO6dho-007oCFc2d4AodoV0ARA

Green Bean Casserole:
Recipes:
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/11/gluten-free-green-bean-casserole-recipe.html
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/gluten-free-green-bean-casserole/9b923d49-f27a-48c6-ad1e-1c190f857742
http://www.glutenista.com/gluten-free-green-bean-casserole-step-by-step.html
http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes/gluten_dairy_free_green_bean_casserole-2202-1.html
http://www.yummly.com/recipes/gluten-free-dairy-free-green-bean-casserole

I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to feel just a tad overwhelmed with all of this! So, I'm going to save the pie recipes for another day.  I have a feeling you're going to be very busy with the links I've posted!

I do hope you've had a great gluten-free day and please feel free to ask questions, leave comments or just say "Hi!"  Thanks so much!

Caroline

Watch out for gluten-free scammers!

I follow GlutenDude on facebook.  He usually has some pretty helpful information.  Especially for newbies to the gluten-free world.  Here's one that I really felt like I needed to share.  Please take the time to read this short blog and be careful who you give your money to!
http://glutendude.com/scams/do-not-do-business-with-lou-reyes-and-the-gluten-free-awareness-tour/

Websites, websites and websites!!

I'm guessing (if you read the title) that you'll know what I'm posting today!  Yep, a few websites for you to look around at.  The first one is about drinking coffee. http://www.celiac.com/articles/23445/1/Cautions-for-Coffee-and-Caffeine-Drinkers/Page1.html 

Now don't hate me for posting this, please! Remember, I'm just the messenger!  And to make up for that article, how about this one http://food52.com/recipes/24791-gluten-free-dinner-rolls  or even this one http://glutenfreehomemaker.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-recipes-2/?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer46997&utm_medium=facebook.

And I can't forget this one! http://www.glutenfreesaver.com/king-arthur-flour-deal.html  What a great deal for this month!! This is a great product, too!

And then, just in case any of you are suffering with hormone issues, like me, here's this one http://www.sheletthemeatcake.com/2013/11/7-ways-to-improve-your-hormonal-health-today/


Now is the time that you give yourself a chance to look around at these websites and then share them with those you know that are dealing having to live the gluten-free life! It doesn't have to mean no yummy tasting food!! And if you know someone recently diagnosed with say, Celiac or even gluten-intolerance, why not purchase the King Arthur flour for them? Now that's a grand idea!!

Hope you're having a great gluten-free day!!

See you again soon!

Caroline

Living Without email newsletters

Have you ever found yourself signing up to receive a free newsletter to your email, only to find that you never look at it? That has happened to me more times that I can count! But there is one email newsletter that I make sure I read when I receive it.  It's from Living Without, which is a magazine for people with food sensitivities and allergies.  And what makes the newsletter so nice, is that I receive a WEEKLY menu of what to feed my family!  Now that's what I call awesome!  Here's the link for this week's menu http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes/grilled_salmon_asparagus_eggplant_puree-1774-1.html?ET=livingwithout:e150054:160524a:&st=email&s=p_mealplanner090813

Check out that website and sign up to receive information, menus and recipes! You will be awfully glad you did.

Have a great gluten-free day!

Caroline

Just because it says "GLUTEN-FREE"....

Hello everyone!! It has been a busy few weeks.  I know most everyone's lives are busier than most of us would like, which is why I'm going to share something today that is easy to look past when we are extremely busy.

Last night, I was at a Whole Foods store.  I noticed a meatless alternative labeled "GLUTEN-FREE."  I grabbed it and almost walked away WITHOUT checking the back, but I instantly stopped myself.  In the ingredients section, it was clear that it was gluten-free, however, it then stated, "Made in a facility that processes wheat."  This caused me to put the item back into the freezer section and walk away.  Had I not been in a huge hurry, I would've stopped and said something to the manager.  And yes, I would've been polite.  It's just good for people to know the difference between gluten-free ingredients and actually CERTIFIED gluten-free.

So please remember to CHECK the back of the item when it says "GLUTEN-FREE" on the front.

Have a great GLUTEN-FREE weekend and I'll check back next week!!

Caroline

Pillsbury, I never thought I'd say this, but I love you!

I have been hearing that Pillsbury was coming out with gluten-free products, and I must admit I was hugely skeptical. I mean, they are kind of one of the main food companies and how is this really going to work? Will it really be completely gluten-free? 

Well, when I saw the pizza crust and the pie crust, and only for $4.99, I bought one of each. 

So what do I have to say about the products?? LOVED THEM!!  David, the celiac, loved them both! Loved the price and loved the products! Both products are certified by the Celiac Association, too!

I hope you're having a great gluten-free day!!! Let me know when you try these products how you like them! Would love to hear from you! 

Caroline

One of my favorite gluten-free companies!

Hi everyone! I don't know if I've shared this before, but I LOVE ordering gluten-free stuff online.  Granted, it does have it's set backs.  For example, there's no way to taste something you're ordering online.  I mean, you can't even smell it! Which brings us to the reason for this post today.  I have a website that I trust.  I trust with the taste of the product! And not just me, but my Celiac teenager! Here's the link to the site: http://go.referralcandy.com/share/Z8Z83GP  If you follow this link, you will receive 35% off your first order! And, you'll get awesome emails telling you about the daily deal.  Today's deal was donut holes! Which will be great for the first week of school and the craziness around it!  

So, whether you need to order for yourself, a family member, or you want to order for a friend, check out one of my fave's, Katz's, and let me know what you think! 

Caroline

And the blogs just keep coming! I LOVE IT!!

As usual, while scrolling on Facebook, I found a great gluten-free blog! http://www.noglutennoproblem.blogspot.com/2013/08/4th-annual-gluten-free-ultramarathon.html

There is so much information on here! And because the Celiac in my family is an athlete, I'm really super interested in this blog AND the book I noticed on the right side of the screen.  http://www.amazon.com/The-Gluten-Free-Edge-Nutrition-Performance/dp/161519052X/ref=lp_B001JPAH08_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1334185610&sr=1-7

That's all I have to share today! I hope you had a great week with the gluten-free way of life! Remember you're never alone and someone is always here for you! (ME!)

Talk to you soon!

Caroline

Eating to live

I often hear people make comments that they are going to die one day anyways, so they might as well eat the food they love, the food that tastes good to them.  Often, I don't even get a word in because they don't want to hear anything that could help them.  I have had someone tell me that there's no way they could ever eat a gluten-free diet, even if they had Celiac, because it just wouldn't taste good.  Really? That's like the person who just had a heart attack, eating a baconater every day and telling the cardiologist they just want to eat the food they want to eat.  Here's a reminder: IT'S JUST FOOD.  It doesn't care if you like it.  It doesn't care what you think.  It doesn't care how you feel.  It doesn't even care if it tastes good.  Our bodies are programed to like the tastes we expose it to.  I promise, you can change your taste buds.  It does happen.  It is possible.  And honestly, the food that could possibly cause serious harm to you isn't concerned whether or not your live or die.  IT'S JUST FOOD.  Now, before you clean my clock for saying this, I am well aware that we often have food at those times when we are with those we love.  Food brings people together.  It is the one thing that we often crave when we are having an emotional moment, whether a celebration or something heartbreaking.  But, again, it's only food.  If it really is about the relationships we are building, then shouldn't we be focused on people other than food? Shouldn't we care what we eat so we can be here to celebrate with those we love?

I'm sharing all of this with you because of a post I saw on a blog I follow.  Now you may already know about the Gluten Dude, I am pretty sure I've talked about him before, but he posted something today that really struck me.  So I'm going to share it with all of you.  Please watch it.  Think about it.  And remember, get a support group of those that listen, that care, that understand, that will help you and honestly, hold you accountable.  See, we are suppose to be truthful with those we love, which is why I'm sharing this with you.  Your life matters.  You matter.  Your life is more than that piece of food that could cause serious damage.  Again, IT'S JUST FOOD.
http://glutendude.com/celiac/cheating-on-your-gluten-free-diet/

Please know that I am here to help.  Just an email away.  Please, for your sake, take care of yourself.  You deserve it.

Caroline

Award winning gluten-free, dairy-free cake??

I follow quite a few gluten-free folks on Twitter and Facebook.  While scrolling along today on the Facebook feed, I noticed an a post by Cooking for Stella.  She states that her cake is not only gluten-free, but it's dairy-free, too AND it beat out other cakes that have gluten and dairy in them! Here's the link to the article: http://cookingforstella.com/2012/05/16/stellas-favorite-chocolate-chocolate-chip-cupcakes/.

This is a recipe I will certainly be checking out very soon!

Hope you all are having a great gluten-free day!!

Caroline

Sweet tooth

Do you ever have a craving for something sweet?? I know I sure do! I will tell you that my sweet tooth was WAY worse before I changed my eating habits. I still have little cravings (my neighbor can attest to that!) every once in a while, but before it was daily. Now it's about once every couple of weeks.  And mostly, I don't want anything sweet until I see or smell something sweet. 

What is a gluten-free eater to do when they get a craving? Especially if you're dairy free, that's even a bigger challenge! Well it just so happens, I decided to get creative today and I believe I came up with two yummy, sweet and healthy treats for that sweet tooth! I will give credit to the Happy Herbivore for her AWESOME recipes. She's really the creator of what I put together today.

The first one is made from corn tortillas (but you can use any gluten-free tortilla), brown sugar, a splash of vanilla, a little water, and apples. With my iron skillet on medium heat, I poured in about 1/8 cup of water with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and the splash, and I do mean a splash, of vanilla, into the pan. As everything began to melt together, I added the apples I had sliced. I mixed everything together for a few minutes, turned the heat down to low and began getting the pan ready. With a square glass Pyrex dish, I layered corn tortillas, part of the apple mixture, corn tortillas, part of the apple mixture, and finished with corn tortillas. Topping them with a little of the brown sugar mixture from the apples. (Here's something I realized when I wanted to top the corn tortillas, use a potato masher to cut up the apples if, like me, you forgot to do it BEFORE you added them to the iron skillet.)  With the oven set on 350, cook the layered apple dish for about 20 minutes. It's the perfect pair of sweetness with the apples and brown sugar! 

The next recipe was due to the iron skillet still having the brown sugar in it. I thought to myself, "Now I don't want to waste that!" With that thought, a tad more water and a sprinkle of brown sugar, I waited for the skillet to warm up. I grabbed a banana, peeled it, and sliced it right into the skillet. Moving it around with my spatula in order for the banana to soak up all of the brown sugar heaven happening, I moved the bananas to one side of the skillet and placed a Rudi's gluten-free tortilla on the other side, folded. I slowly opened the tortilla, scooted the bananas into the tortilla, and carefully turned the tortilla to the other side. I basically pick it up at the opening. Turning it is pretty easy, keeping the bananas in is the trick! But alas, after having to eat a couple of stray banana slices, I finally had my snack! I topped it with a glaze made from 1/2 powdered sugar and 2 TBSP non-dairy milk. I used about 1 TBSP as my topping. And I will say that it hit the spot!! 

Eating gluten-free doesn't have to feel like punishment when you can make treats like these!! 

Have a great gluten-free day!!

Change things up!

Sometimes our brains are so used to certain ways of doing things, that we don't even think to step outside the box. For example, there are certain foods we would consider "breakfast" foods. While, in actuality, they are only consider "breakfast" foods because, well, because we've been told they are. Why not fix something else for breakfast? I like having bean burritos. No kidding! I use corn tortillas, fat-free refried beans, and sometimes salsa. It's something I can throw together if I'm running behind. (Which is why I don't always use salsa! Can you imagine that mess???) And to throw something else your way, add a vegetable. Why not? Most of us don't get the amount our bodies need anyways. Just grab a couple of carrots while you're waiting on your coffee. 

I hope you're having a wonderful gluten-free day, wherever you are! And, as always, you're never alone in this! 

Caroline

Great gluten-free pizza!!

If you live in the Lynchburg, VA area, the Health Nut Nutrition is a great place to shop for gluten-free items. Because they are a small, locally owned store, there prices are just a tad higher than a large chain.  However, you've probably already figured out gluten-free stuff costs more. Today I purchased one of David's favorite pizza's. AND it's made in a gluten-free dedicated facility! I also found RAVIOLI that's gluten-free!!! I love this place!!! 

Lynchburg Target gluten-free yummies!!

Sometimes I like to just take a stroll down the aisles of stores and see what I can find that's gluten-free. Here are some pictures of the yummies I found at my local Target. 

Gluten-free grocery shopping 101

Hi everyone. I do hope you're having a wonderful gluten-free day. I know we certainly are. If you're wondering why, it's because of some new gf items I found at the Target store in Lynchburg, VA. I have posted a picture of the frozen burrito and frozen meals I found. I was also excited about the price. It's nice to NOT pay 4 to 5 dollars per burrito! And, as you'll notice, I found Tyson's gluten-free chicken nuggets!! I know!!!! That's exactly what I said when I saw them! And they have chicken strips, too!!! According to the Celiac in the house, they are AWESOME! Well, I'm off to find more gluten-free treasures! Have a great rest of your day and thank you for joining me today on this gluten-free adventure.

Caroline

What does a gluten-free breakfast look like???

Hi everyone! I have had a lot of questions lately about what does eating gluten-free look like? I thought I would tackle one meal at a time.  Because breakfast is the first meal of the day, that's where I have decided to begin.  Now, to begin, make a list of what you normally eat for breakfast.  If it's cereal or oatmeal, the good news is, there are plenty of gluten-free cereals out there and a few gluten-free oatmeal brands to choose from.  In the cereal isle of just about every grocery store is Chex cereal.  http://chex.com/Recipes/GlutenFree.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=chex+gluten+free&utm_term=gluten%20free%20chex%20cereal  And not to be left out in the gluten-free product race, Post cereals are joining along, too! http://postfoods.com/our-brands/pebbles/?gclid=CPrL9sug0rcCFSVk7AodCjgARg.  
And one of our favorite brands of cereals, that can usually be found in the organic section of regular grocery stores, is Nature's Path http://shop.naturespath.com/Gluten-Free/c/NaturesPath@GlutenFree.
And another brand found in the organic section is http://www.glutino.com/products/cereals/apple-cinnamon-cereal/ .  Their products are AMAZING! And so many to choose from!

Now, what about oatmeal? There are some brands that say "gluten-free" that are only gluten-free because of their ingredients, NOT because of anything else.  Meaning, there may be cross-contamination.  For those of you that have Celiac or allergies, this could be a serious problem.  Bob's Red Mill gluten-free products have been known to be a problem for those with these diseases.  Here are two articles that address this issue: http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/glutenfreegrains/f/Is-Oatmeal-Gluten-Free.htm  and http://www.celiac.com/categories/Celiac-Disease-and-Oats%3A-Are-They-Gluten%252dFree%3F/.  Being oatmeal loving people, we have look at the facts and decided to find those products that are certified gluten-free. This next product is one we LOVE!! It's one I have found at Kroger, Whole Foods and honestly, I've ordered in online when I can.  https://www.bakeryonmain.com/Products/Store/tabid/135/categoryid/8/instantoatmeal/Default.aspx?categoryid=8.  There are a lot of flavors and they are delicious!! 
The next brand is one found at Kroger, Whole Foods and online, also.  It's one I have sent with my son while he's hiking the Appalachian Trail.  He loves them, too!  http://www.glutenfreedafoods.com/oatmeal.html. 

Please take the few minutes to check out the links and see for yourself! Take a deep breath and remember, you're not going to have to go through this alone.  I am here.  And if it helps, fruits are gluten-free and a great way to start the day! And if you're concerned about fiber or getting the vitamins and protein you need (or your child needs), try making a smoothie with bananas, spinach (I promise you won't taste it!), a non-dairy milk of your choice, some kind of peanut butter (and if you're allergic use sunflower butter), a splash of cinnamon, a TBSP of honey or agave nectar, some blue berries, strawberries and maybe even a little bit of pineapple, some ice, and waa-laa, you'll have one healthy breakfast!!! And just to add to your benefit, 1 cup of spinach has 0.9grams of protein. A banana has 1.3 grams of protein.  One strawberry, just 1, has 0.1grams of protein (and no one eats just one!). Blue berries, well 1 cup has 1.1grams of protein.  And hold on to your hats, because a pineapple, well it has 4.9grams of protein!!!

So, there you go! You're set for a yummy gluten-free breakfast that will not only fill your belly, but feed your body the nutrients it needs to keep moving!!

Have a great gluten-free day!!  And as always, thanks for joining me!!

Caroline

There's an app for that!!

Oh boy! I realized that the website I just shared with you, the emeals one, has an app!!! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/emeals-meal-planning-grocery/id575756462?mt=8.
I have just downloaded it and will be trying the 7 day free trial.  If you have a smart phone, or even an itunes account, check it out! What do you have to loose??

Carry on and have a great gluten-free day!!

Caroline

No time to menu plan??? Here's a solution!!

Hello again everyone! Today must be my day to share helpful information because I found another website for those of you that are so super busy (like myself!) that while the idea of menu planning is great and all, you don't have time for it.  There's a website http://emeals.com/meal-plans/gluten-free/ that does it all for you! And, it has other menu options available, too! They have 3 meal options: 3 month subscription for $21, 6 month for $35, and the best deal is 12 months subscription for $58.  They also offer a Weekday Lunches menu for $4 a month that gives your 5 packable weekday lunches and a Healthy Breakfast menu that serves 4 people for $3 a month.  The other cool thing about this website is you get a detailed, and I do mean detailed, shopping list for the actual store you will shop at with detailed recipes for the items on the menu! That is super cool!!  I actually said, "Cool beans!" out loud at my desk when I saw this!! 

Well, I believe my job here is done for now.  Carry on and have a great gluten-free day!!!

Caroline

This website may become your best resource EVER!!!

While looking around Facebook today, I noticed one of those annoying ads on the side.  Except this time, instead of ignoring it, I clicked on it.  And was I ever so glad that I did!!  This website is so very helpful.  I wish there had been something like this 8 years ago!! If you're wondering how to go gluten-free, this website is a MUST!!!  http://glutenfreeresourcedirectory.com/uid/84202409-2cd1-44b8-9d08-b706028ae12d

Blogs, blogs, and more blogs!

One of the things I love to do, is to find other blogs to point you to. (The rhyming is completely accidental by the way!)  Anywho, I'm going to post a few links to other blogs that I visit on a regular basis.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! https://www.getmealplans.com/blog/2013/04/16/how-build-salad-jar/.

This next one has 25 top gluten-free blogs! WOOHOO! I've hit the jackpot!! http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/SkinnyScoop_Staff/top-25-gluten-free-blogs-of-2012.

Here's another: http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/
And one more before I go for the day: http://blog.julesglutenfree.com/

Have a great gluten-free day!!!

Caroline

Gluten-free sub sandwich?!?! WHAaatt! YES please!

Hey everyone! I wanted to share something with you that my son recently created.  Now I know that some of you are well aware of how Udi's bread isn't always free of, well, holes.  For those of you that don't know, their bread can have an entire piece with half of the piece of bread missing, just gone.  And yes, it is in the slices next to it.  Very frustrating, especially considering the cost of a loaf of their bread.  Anywhere from $5-$7.  But, while at a local health food store, The Health Nut Nutrition in Wyndhurst in Lynchburg, VA, I happened upon a loaf of Udi's gluten-free bread, but not just any bread, a baguette! I also found gluten-free chicken meatballs.  The look on David's face was priceless! After he baked the bread, he cut the loaf in half then cut each half long ways, as to make a sub sandwich.  He placed some shredded cheese and the meatballs he had warmed up on the sub and what do you know, but he had himself a sub! Because the bag of baguettes came with 2 baguettes, he made the same thing to take to lunch the next day.  He wrapped it in cling wrap and then warmed it up in the cling wrap the next day for lunch and sad it was AWESOME!! So glad to hear this!

So see, eating gluten-free can be done! It is possible to re-create some of your favorite foods.  And, as always, I'm here to help.  Feel free to send your questions and concerns my way!! 

Have a great gluten-free day!!

Caroline

Another cool website!

http://mykitchenshrink.com/baking-guide/


Hope you like the information as much as I did!!

It doesn't have to taste weird...

Just because something is gluten-free doesn't mean it has to be some weird concoction that tastes so strange you find yourself wondering if it's food at all!! One of my favorite items to purchase for my son is the donuts from http://www.katzglutenfree.com/Glazed_Donuts_Gluten_Free_p/1804.htm?utm_source=1+or+2+free+glazed+donuts&utm_campaign=1+or+2+free+donuts&utm_medium=email.