There is now another breakfast option for the the gluten free world. This time it's custom made dry cereal processed in a dedicated gluten free facility.
On the website of Custom Choice Cereal (I like things that are straightforward) you can select the base from one of three choices - Cinnamon Granola, Corn Flakes, or Good Morning Flakes. Then you can continue to customize your cereal by adding from a long list of dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
There are many options and I won't explain them all or even tell you what's in Good Morning Flakes. You'll have to look for yourself. But suffice it to say, you can probably come up with something to your liking, whether or not you are gluten intolerant.
It is a well designed website that makes it simple to create your favorite cereal. And you can turn what would otherwise be some fairly empty calories into a more nutritious meal with options such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. The website also tells you exactly how much each step costs so you won't have to wait until end to find out, and you even get updated nutritional information with each addition to your product.
And to top it off you get to name your cereal. Now that might be the most popular aspect of the whole thing. I've no idea if you can upload a photo and have a cool custom made image on the cereal box, but wouldn't that be something!
Visit www.customchoicecereal.com.
Deschutes Brewery Gluten Free Foods!
Hi there. We've made it into the last few days until Christmas and I just made a major new discovery. The Deschutes Brewery in Portland has a gluten free menu and they are brewing a gluten free beer on tap! Wow. Now that is progress.
I had the beer and if you like bitter beers then it is for you. It definitely is a real beer. And the surprises kept on coming. They also make gluten free buns for their hamburgers and have other gluten free items.
And they have enough sense to tell you on the menu when fries, etc, are being cooked in oil used for other foods that do contain gluten.
I got so excited that I had an elk burger (they have regular hamburgers too), with the bun, without even thinking about whether or not it had dairy in it, my other food allergy. Maybe it was because of the beer. Anyway, I survived the experience.
You can see it for yourself at http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/brewery/brew-pubs/portland-pub/pdx-pub-menu/default.aspx.
I had the beer and if you like bitter beers then it is for you. It definitely is a real beer. And the surprises kept on coming. They also make gluten free buns for their hamburgers and have other gluten free items.
And they have enough sense to tell you on the menu when fries, etc, are being cooked in oil used for other foods that do contain gluten.
I got so excited that I had an elk burger (they have regular hamburgers too), with the bun, without even thinking about whether or not it had dairy in it, my other food allergy. Maybe it was because of the beer. Anyway, I survived the experience.
You can see it for yourself at http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/brewery/brew-pubs/portland-pub/pdx-pub-menu/default.aspx.
Udi's is Here
Udi's Gluten Free bread was just reported being seen at the Thriftway Greenwood Market on 85th and 3rd NW. The news is that it is fresh and delicious. I've had it and I would concur that it is the best store bought gluten free bread that I've had.
Check your local Thriftway. Central Market is also supposed to have it. And Whole Foods should have it soon if not already. This is great news because we need more competition in the shelf offerings for gluten free breads, and Udi's has raised the standard.
Unfortunately I don't believe that it's egg free (their website doesn't list the ingredients, but I seem to remember this). But it is dairy free.
Check your local Thriftway. Central Market is also supposed to have it. And Whole Foods should have it soon if not already. This is great news because we need more competition in the shelf offerings for gluten free breads, and Udi's has raised the standard.
Unfortunately I don't believe that it's egg free (their website doesn't list the ingredients, but I seem to remember this). But it is dairy free.
Jessica's GF Granola
Not long ago I got an email from Jessica asking me if she could send me some of her new gluten free products. Not being stupid, I of course said yes, right away! It turned out to be a better move than I had planned.
Jessica's Natural Foods has some new gluten free granola products coming out of Birmingham, Michigan. What I like about them most, other than the flavor choices, is that they have nice chunks in them. It's as if someone broke up a granola bar.
Her granola is exactly like you remember it. Not too hard like some of those early granola bars, but not soft either. It's very much a real granola, and it comes in three different flavors - Almond Cherry Granola, Chocolate Chip Granola (Very chocolaty. She didn't skimp here), and Vanilla Maple Granola.
I have a medical student here today and she just stated, "It's better than real granola." It's certainly a perfect trail mix or snack.
I'm not sure why it's taken so long for this to develop, but it's finally here. And a small Christmas request - Jessica, please make me some oatmeal raisin cookies next!
To learn more visit www.JessicasNaturalFoods.com.
Jessica's Natural Foods has some new gluten free granola products coming out of Birmingham, Michigan. What I like about them most, other than the flavor choices, is that they have nice chunks in them. It's as if someone broke up a granola bar.
Her granola is exactly like you remember it. Not too hard like some of those early granola bars, but not soft either. It's very much a real granola, and it comes in three different flavors - Almond Cherry Granola, Chocolate Chip Granola (Very chocolaty. She didn't skimp here), and Vanilla Maple Granola.
I have a medical student here today and she just stated, "It's better than real granola." It's certainly a perfect trail mix or snack.
I'm not sure why it's taken so long for this to develop, but it's finally here. And a small Christmas request - Jessica, please make me some oatmeal raisin cookies next!
To learn more visit www.JessicasNaturalFoods.com.
Fearless Baker Reginald Beck
Last week at our monthly meeting we had the pleasure of learning from Reginald Beck, owner of Fearless Bread.
Reginald focuses on producing really good artisan breads. He is a second generation baker and his wealth of understanding about bread making may surprise people in how much of it carries over into the gluten free world. He had some excellent insight into producing quality bread, whether or not it's gluten free. And I especially enjoyed his philosophy about baking and going gluten free.
One of his first tips was to focus on the yeast. If the yeast isn't any good then the bread won't rise well. Many of us know that is especially true with gluten free breads. He pointed out that it is very important to use real yeast, not the instant or small packages of yeast. And you can test your yeast by putting some in a little bit of warm water and leaving it for 5 minutes. If the water doesn't foam then the yeast isn't any good.
There were many more excellent tips that I, not being a baker, can't properly convey. Most importantly,as Reginald says, don't be afraid to make mistakes. I encourage you to visit his website and to take advantage of any classes that he offers. I am confident that you will come away a better baker of gluten free bread! Visit www.FearlessBread.com.
Reginald focuses on producing really good artisan breads. He is a second generation baker and his wealth of understanding about bread making may surprise people in how much of it carries over into the gluten free world. He had some excellent insight into producing quality bread, whether or not it's gluten free. And I especially enjoyed his philosophy about baking and going gluten free.
One of his first tips was to focus on the yeast. If the yeast isn't any good then the bread won't rise well. Many of us know that is especially true with gluten free breads. He pointed out that it is very important to use real yeast, not the instant or small packages of yeast. And you can test your yeast by putting some in a little bit of warm water and leaving it for 5 minutes. If the water doesn't foam then the yeast isn't any good.
There were many more excellent tips that I, not being a baker, can't properly convey. Most importantly,as Reginald says, don't be afraid to make mistakes. I encourage you to visit his website and to take advantage of any classes that he offers. I am confident that you will come away a better baker of gluten free bread! Visit www.FearlessBread.com.
Activia Loses Lawsuit
If you've been following my blog then you may have noticed an entry a year or two ago about Activia. Activia and DanActive are products of the Dannon Yogurt company, and they've been receiving a lot of heat for making unsubstantiated health claims about their products.
The Dannon Yogurt company didn't just claim that their product could cure medical problems, they even went so far as to make up new names for the bacteria found in their cultured products. Names such as Bifidus regularis and Lactobacillus casei Defensis were developed by overexcited marketing executives. No such bacteria have ever existed.
Fortunately science generally still prevails in our legal system and it was determined that they couldn't backup their claims. In a recent legal settlement (they wisely avoided going to court) they were forced to stop making health claims, to change the name of their bacteria back to their actual names, and to compensate consumers up to $100 per person.
Interestingly, the best article on the subject was published in Canada. You can read more about it at http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/yogurt+dandy+benefits+overblown/2309065/story.html.
The Dannon Yogurt company didn't just claim that their product could cure medical problems, they even went so far as to make up new names for the bacteria found in their cultured products. Names such as Bifidus regularis and Lactobacillus casei Defensis were developed by overexcited marketing executives. No such bacteria have ever existed.
Fortunately science generally still prevails in our legal system and it was determined that they couldn't backup their claims. In a recent legal settlement (they wisely avoided going to court) they were forced to stop making health claims, to change the name of their bacteria back to their actual names, and to compensate consumers up to $100 per person.
Interestingly, the best article on the subject was published in Canada. You can read more about it at http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/yogurt+dandy+benefits+overblown/2309065/story.html.
What's in the wax on apples?
Some of you who know me and have food allergies know that dairy, in particular casein, can be sometimes be found used as a wax on apples. I've often assumed that organic apples were generally free of wax, but I wasn't completely sure about it. This Q&A from the Inland Fruit Company website clarifies the situation.
Q: Wax On the Apples?
I recently purchased what was advertised as organic apples (your sticker was on the apple) and to my surprise I was able to scrape off a considerable amount of what seemed to be wax. Is this an acceptable practice on organic fruit? Please let me know ..........
A: Good question! I answer this question quite often. As you probably know, conventional fruit receives a light application of shellac wax that increases the shine and seals the apple to help reduce shrink. This process is required by the retail buyer to enhance the appearance of the fruit. If it were up to us we wouldn't wax apples at all. It's an expensive process and usually slows down production. For fruit to be certified organic, post harvest waxes are not accepted by the U.S.D.A. There are U.S.D.A. inspectors on site while the fruit is being packed to monitor the process. I can assure you there are no post harvest chemicals on your fruit! But.......there is wax on your apple. So what is it? (This is the part I enjoy) The wax that you have encountered is neither shellac nor carnuba. Thanks to mother nature, apples produce there own natural wax. Some apple varieties produce more than others. Unfortunately, we can't control the application or shine or we'd use it on all of our apples. Thanks for the question.
Q: Wax On the Apples?
I recently purchased what was advertised as organic apples (your sticker was on the apple) and to my surprise I was able to scrape off a considerable amount of what seemed to be wax. Is this an acceptable practice on organic fruit? Please let me know ..........
A: Good question! I answer this question quite often. As you probably know, conventional fruit receives a light application of shellac wax that increases the shine and seals the apple to help reduce shrink. This process is required by the retail buyer to enhance the appearance of the fruit. If it were up to us we wouldn't wax apples at all. It's an expensive process and usually slows down production. For fruit to be certified organic, post harvest waxes are not accepted by the U.S.D.A. There are U.S.D.A. inspectors on site while the fruit is being packed to monitor the process. I can assure you there are no post harvest chemicals on your fruit! But.......there is wax on your apple. So what is it? (This is the part I enjoy) The wax that you have encountered is neither shellac nor carnuba. Thanks to mother nature, apples produce there own natural wax. Some apple varieties produce more than others. Unfortunately, we can't control the application or shine or we'd use it on all of our apples. Thanks for the question.
Orgran Bread Mix and GF in Everett
This week a food expert told me about his favorite gluten free bread and it's one that I wasn't familiar with and you may not have heard about either. It is Orgran's Bread Mix. You might have a tough time finding this on shelves, but it's available through Amazon. They have a box of 8 for $38.
It is apparently very simple to make. All you do is add water and oil. This former restaurant owner states that it's the best gluten free bread that he has ever tried. And having been gluten free for many years he should know.
The mix contains sorghum, rice flour, corm starch and raising agents.
You might try to find it at the new store in Everett, WA. Janell's Gluten Free Market opened last week and got a nice big splash in the local paper. I noticed in the photo that she carries Orgran products, and if she doesn't already have their bread mix, she may be willing to carry it. Just ask.
I'm looking forward to meeting Janell and I encourage you to visit her store. Her website is www.JanellsGlutenFreeMarket.com.
It is apparently very simple to make. All you do is add water and oil. This former restaurant owner states that it's the best gluten free bread that he has ever tried. And having been gluten free for many years he should know.
The mix contains sorghum, rice flour, corm starch and raising agents.
You might try to find it at the new store in Everett, WA. Janell's Gluten Free Market opened last week and got a nice big splash in the local paper. I noticed in the photo that she carries Orgran products, and if she doesn't already have their bread mix, she may be willing to carry it. Just ask.
I'm looking forward to meeting Janell and I encourage you to visit her store. Her website is www.JanellsGlutenFreeMarket.com.
Back to Chicago...
in thought only. I have a pile of products and services that I learned about while in Chicago this summer at the Gluten Free Expo. I've shared some, and been wanting to share the rest with you and I've finally found some time. Not all of it is Chicago based, so anyone may find some worthy items.
Starting locally, DaLuciano's is wonderful Italian restaurant that has a gluten free menu. They are located in River Grove and their website is www.dalucianos.com.
A great resource in the Chicago area is LisaCooksAllergenFree.com. Lisa Williams is a specialist in cooking, dining and shopping with food allergies and provides an extremely practical service for people with food allergies. She'll work with you an virtually any aspect of living gluten free to help you live a healthier life. But it doesn't stop there. She also started Safe and Sound Dinners, a group dining experience for people who can understand each other. Her phone number is 1-773-665-0430.
Chicago also has Rose's Bakery, a 100% wheat and gluten free mecca in Evanston. Everyone at the conference I was at was raving about her bread. Visit www.RosesBakery.com or 1-847-859-2723.
Not to be outdone by any of the above, Susan Vess is a food coach and consultant, and author of Special Eats, an excellent cookbook for those avoiding both gluten and dairy. Her company is located in Wheaton and Lisle Illinois, and also supports three different groups that meet monthly in Wheaton and Naperville. For more information www.specialeats.com or call 1-888-682-3287. They also offer Cumin Clove, spice mixes free of gluten, dairy, soy and corn. Contact them for more information about the available options.
Loretta Hamelink offers Gluten Free Sensations, specializing in cookie, pancake and waffle mixes that taste like the real thing. Learn more at www.glutenfreesensastions.com.
Linda Simon of Kitchen Therapy is located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Her specialty is in helping people overcome their kitchen issues. I could use some help from her. I have all kinds of kitchen issues.
We've got Benevolent Kitchen in the New York area. Nicole Bubolo specializes in gluten free baking/cooking and provides hands-on cooking and baking courses for individuals or businesses. She can adapt to many needs, as can most of these fantastic people.
The Gluten Free Trading Company can be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As you can imagine, it's a store full of gluten free and hypoallergenic foods. They also offer mail order. And while you're there, ask about the local gluten free beer!
Andrea Kosinski of St. Louis, MO is the Chief Taste Office of Andrea's fine foods Gluten Free. Another excellent store for locating exactly what you need, and lots of it. I was born in St. Louis, so I should know.
And while we're in the neighborhood, the Bi-Staste Celiac Support Group in Illinois and Missouri. Visit www.bscsg.org.
Then there is Better Batter, a passionate family trying to simplify the world of batter mixes and the first place I've seen have little mini gluten free corn dogs.
And last but not least, Kettle Cuisine gluten free frozen soups. They should be available at Whole Foods and come in 10 different varieties. Visit www.kettlecuisine.com for more information.
I met most of the people mentioned above, and I can't speak highly enough about how friendly and helpful they were. It would have gotten tiresome if I had kept saying that in each line item, so I'm doing it here.
Starting locally, DaLuciano's is wonderful Italian restaurant that has a gluten free menu. They are located in River Grove and their website is www.dalucianos.com.
A great resource in the Chicago area is LisaCooksAllergenFree.com. Lisa Williams is a specialist in cooking, dining and shopping with food allergies and provides an extremely practical service for people with food allergies. She'll work with you an virtually any aspect of living gluten free to help you live a healthier life. But it doesn't stop there. She also started Safe and Sound Dinners, a group dining experience for people who can understand each other. Her phone number is 1-773-665-0430.
Chicago also has Rose's Bakery, a 100% wheat and gluten free mecca in Evanston. Everyone at the conference I was at was raving about her bread. Visit www.RosesBakery.com or 1-847-859-2723.
Not to be outdone by any of the above, Susan Vess is a food coach and consultant, and author of Special Eats, an excellent cookbook for those avoiding both gluten and dairy. Her company is located in Wheaton and Lisle Illinois, and also supports three different groups that meet monthly in Wheaton and Naperville. For more information www.specialeats.com or call 1-888-682-3287. They also offer Cumin Clove, spice mixes free of gluten, dairy, soy and corn. Contact them for more information about the available options.
Loretta Hamelink offers Gluten Free Sensations, specializing in cookie, pancake and waffle mixes that taste like the real thing. Learn more at www.glutenfreesensastions.com.
Linda Simon of Kitchen Therapy is located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Her specialty is in helping people overcome their kitchen issues. I could use some help from her. I have all kinds of kitchen issues.
We've got Benevolent Kitchen in the New York area. Nicole Bubolo specializes in gluten free baking/cooking and provides hands-on cooking and baking courses for individuals or businesses. She can adapt to many needs, as can most of these fantastic people.
The Gluten Free Trading Company can be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As you can imagine, it's a store full of gluten free and hypoallergenic foods. They also offer mail order. And while you're there, ask about the local gluten free beer!
Andrea Kosinski of St. Louis, MO is the Chief Taste Office of Andrea's fine foods Gluten Free. Another excellent store for locating exactly what you need, and lots of it. I was born in St. Louis, so I should know.
And while we're in the neighborhood, the Bi-Staste Celiac Support Group in Illinois and Missouri. Visit www.bscsg.org.
Then there is Better Batter, a passionate family trying to simplify the world of batter mixes and the first place I've seen have little mini gluten free corn dogs.
And last but not least, Kettle Cuisine gluten free frozen soups. They should be available at Whole Foods and come in 10 different varieties. Visit www.kettlecuisine.com for more information.
I met most of the people mentioned above, and I can't speak highly enough about how friendly and helpful they were. It would have gotten tiresome if I had kept saying that in each line item, so I'm doing it here.
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