November Product of the Month

I think one of the hardest things about being gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free is finding baked goods that don't taste dry, grainy, or like they are going to fall apart with the first fork placement. As I was strolling in the grocery store the other day (actually, I was wandering and my husband was doing the shopping) I literally almost ran into a fridge full of French Meadow gluten-free goods! (Seriously, though, I cut the corner too quick and almost hit my shoulder on the edge.) The first the that caught my eye was the gluten-free tortillas because I need more if I am going to make more sweet potato and black bean burritos. However, as it dawned on me that the whole refrigerator was gluten-free a little tiny box caught my eye. I had to stand on my tiptoes to see what was inside but it was worth the effort.

It was the cutest little cake! Not only was it gluten-free but it was dairy and soy-free too! The best part? It came with a coupon!

As soon as we returned home, I was very tempted to have my dessert first and my dinner afterward, however, my husband  made sure that I dined in the right order. The serving size is 1/3 of the cake and with good reason, it contains a lot of fat, so be aware of that fact. The cake did not crumble and the icing was soft. The first bite was amazing and it only got better from there! The bread portion was soft, not too heavy, and tasted just right! I am thrilled to know that for special occasions (or maybe times when I crave a slice of cake) I have a tasty new option!

Willy O's Gluten-free Pizza

Willy Olund has made it his passion to develop great tasting pizza. He used to give his siblings pizzas for Christmas gifts, however, when they became allergic to the majority of the grains he used, he had to figure out a way to make a different type of crust. His wife, Carla, who owns their store Willy O's Pizza and Grille in South Haven, MI, decided to open Willy O's Gluten-free products (a dedicated gluten-free USDA facility) in Holland, MI. With her help, Willy was able to produce a fabulous gluten-free pizza! So fabulous, in fact, that the gluten-free version has won several international awards. In 2010, The International Pizza Challenge held in Las Vegas voted his pizza number #1 in the United States and #2 Internationally and the Trofeo 2 Mari in Lecce, Italy voted his pizza #1 in America and he received the highest scores by any American as well.

The best part about Willy O's pizza? Even if you are not close to their store in South Haven, Michigan, Willy is happy to ship you some pizza! He even sent me a few in Alaska! They arrived looking perfect and they tested even better!

For more information about Willy and his amazing pizza check out http://www.willyos.com/

October Product of the month

After coming back from the Gluten-free Living Now Expo in Carmel, Indiana, I couldn't get this one product off my mind - or out of my mouth! Deborah Kaye's vendor at the Expo was kind enough to give me a box of her cookies. They looked like granola bars in a round shape but they taste so much better than any granola bar I have every tasted! Not only are they gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free but they are free of refined sugars. Each cookie is handmade, without flour, and only organic ingredients are used. The recipe has been in Deborah Kaye's family for three generations.
There are three flavors to choose from: oatmeal walnut, oatmeal raisin, and oatmeal chocolate pecan!
Visit her at http://www.deborahkayes.com/

Gluten-free Oats offer

Can you tolerate gluten-free oats? It’s estimated that 4-8% of gluten-free consumers cannot tolerate gluten-free oats.
My friend, Debbie Wheaton of the Not Even a Crumb™ Foundation, found a company in Montana (Montana Gluten-Free Processors) that grows, harvests, mills and packages a different species of GF oats that are very low on the allergen scale (and consistently test out at 1 ppm). She started eating them a month ago - with NO issues. The company is getting similar testimonials from around the country. They, (Montana Gluten-Free Processors) have asked Debbie to facilitate a nationwide focus group to determine if this is truly the Holy Grail of gluten-free oats.

If you or anyone in your group has had issues with gluten-free oats, I would love them to be a part of this focus group. The Processors will send free product and specific protocols for the group and they’ll also do a huge giveaway at the end. Check out their site to see their entire line of amazing GF mixes http://www.montanaglutenfree.com/

August Product of the month

Since Louisiana Chicken Pasta is my recipe of the month, I had to share the fabulous product that makes the tasty recipe casein-free! Being gluten-free is one thing but being allergic to soy and dairy as well, makes the challenge of living with Celiac Disease two times harder. So I was elated to find this product in the organic food store and I always have some of it on hand. My husband has grown to love my version of the Louisiana chicken pasta and requests it often.  The MimicCreme, along with the Manchego cheese that I use in place of the parmesan, gives this recipe the safety I need but the flavor we both love!

July Product of the Month

I just discovered these amazing cookies while visiting my in-laws. My moher-in-law, Becky, has a great little store near her home in Fairmont, MN that always has gluten-free gems. The Olive Pantry was the store that first introduced me to Udi's bread and I have never looked back! I was so excited when she found these cookies - they are not heavy or soft like most gluten-free cookies. They are crunchy and chocolately and I am convinced its impossible to eat just one!

June Product of the Month

Product of the Month!

June 2011 - These simple chips are my new weakness! I found them at Wal-Mart while out of town in Arkansas. I was hungry and they were only $0.99! They have a few simple ingredients and are gluten-free, dairy-free and kosher! If you are traveling for the summer these are great to throw in your bag or keep the kids quiet. Be careful though, they are addicting!

May product of the month

Having been diagnosed with Celiac disease at a later age, there are many things that my taste buds still remember but I know will make me sick. I met my best friend, Nicole, 15 years ago and one of our rituals when we have our annual girls trip is too eat Oreos by the pack. Since that is no longer an option for me I was desperate to find a replacement for the Oreos the last time we got together. What I found was Kinnickinick’s K-toos. They look similar to Oreos and have a wonderful taste! I was so excited when I found them I purchased several packs (and yes, we consumed them all). I no longer crave Oreos but when I am in the mood for chocolate wafers with vanilla, Kinnitoos hits the spot! Another great thing about them? They come in vanilla wafers too!

March Product of the Month

I think the hardest thing about going gluten-free is the withdrawal from bread. My doctor ( who has Celiac disease as well) once told me he thought it was worse than a morphine withdrawal. I still remember the taste of the breadsticks at Olive Garden or the soft dark rye from The Cheesecake Factory. However, challenges in a gluten-free life normal have solutions and once discovered it is a small victory (well, I tend to make a big deal out of them, so maybe not so small.) Udi's cinnamon Raisin Bread is one of those personal victories. I love it toasted with butter and honey or peanut butter. My biggest issue with it? It now comes in bagel form! Its my latest addiction!