Gluten-Free Search Engine

Gluten-Free Search Engine for Recipes. This is brilliant. I really wish I had thought of this. 

Gluten-Free Search Engine For Recipes

Simply type in the recipe category you are looking for and you will get a list of approved gluten-free websites and the related recipes.

Is KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce Gluten-Free?

A client recently asked me to check if KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce is gluten-free. BBQ sauce can contain wheat, barley or rye.  BBQ sauce can also contain white vinegar which many people who have Celiac chose to avoid. 

 

Is KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce Gluten-Free?

I went to the KC Masterpiece website and looked at FAQ's. Here is the responses: 

Do KC Masterpiece® products contain gluten?

Most of our products do not contain gluten. Products and ingredients made from grains containing gluten—such as wheat, rye and barley—will be clearly listed in the ingredient statement on the package label.

Are KC Masterpiece® products labeled "Gluten Free"?

Only products that have been verified to be gluten free will have a “Gluten Free” statement. However, not all products that are gluten free will have this statement while we are in the process of updating our labels. Please refer to the ingredient statement on package labels or contact us for clarification.

Do you provide a list of products that are gluten free?

We are always striving to improve our products’ quality and nutritional value and ingredient sourcing may change over time. For that reason, we do not provide gluten free product lists as they could quickly become outdated. The most up-to-date product information is on the package the product is purchased in.

How do you ensure your products are gluten free?

We have a program in place to support the use of the “Gluten Free” statement. Products listed as “Gluten Free” undergo scheduled testing. All suppliers provide assurance that there are no ingredients that contain or are derived from gluten-containing grains. Our products are manufactured in facilities with stringent allergen control programs to prevent cross contamination.

My favorite Gluten-Free BBQ Sauce is Robbie's.

 

Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins

Morning Glory Muffins are one of my husband's favorite muffins, so I have spent extra time tweaking this recipe. So far this jewel of a recipe is the best. This muffin is a combination of sweet and savory. It is rich with nutrients and fiber yet doesn't have that cardboard texture most high fiber muffins have. Give it a try and enjoy the deep flavors.

Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins

Ingredients:

Flour:  Combine the ingredients below for a flour mix or use 2 cups of King Arthur GF Flour

            eZG GF Flour Mix

            ½ cup almond flour

            ¼ cup of flax meal

            ½ cup brown rice flour

            ¼ cup coconut flour

            ¾ cup potato starch

            ADD to flour mix and whisk to aerate:

            1 ½ tsp of baking powder

            ½ tsp baking soda

            ½ tsp guar gum

•   1/3 coconut oil

•   1/3 cup of apple sauce
•   1/2 cup  organic cane sugar
• 
  1/4 cup natural brown sugar or coconut palm sugar
•   
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
•   
2 eggs
•   1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 
  1/2 teaspoon salt
• 
  1 cup finely grated carrots (2 small carrots)
• 
  1/2  cup finely grated zucchini (about ¼ of a zucchini)
•   1 tart apple, unpeeled, cored, and chopped
• 
  1/2 cup seedless raisins
•   1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Blend oil, apples sauce, cane sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs into a large bowl for about 1 minute to incorporate.  Add flour mix, cinnamon, and salt.  Stir to combine.  Add carrots, zucchini, raisins, orange zest, and apples to the sugar mixture and stir well.  Scoop batter into 12 paper-lined muffin tins and bake 20 -25 minutes








Inspiration by:  thepurepantry.com
Photo by: http://stalkerville.net/recipe/coconut-flour-morning-glory-muffins/

Disappointed at Red Robin Restaurant

I am so upset with the Red Robin Restaurant Chain that I have to share my experience with you. 

Red Robin in Costa Mesa, CA is NOT Gluten-Free Friendly!

My husband and I were at the mall last night and needed food. I remembered there is a Red Robin's across the street and had heard they have a gluten-free menu. Many gluten-free restaurant sites include Red Robin. The reviews are mixed. 

You can check out these sites for future at:

findmeglutenfree.com

glutenfreeguidehq.com

glutenfreetravelsite.com

glutenfreeregistry.com

So we went to the Red Robin across from South Coast Plaza in Santa Anna /Costa Mesa, CA.  I asked the hostess if they had a gluten-free menu and was informed that they don't have a hard copy of the gluten-free menu and I would have to go online to see it. I was told they have note card with a bar code so I can scan it and go to the site BUT they couldn't find it. 

Not surprising since the draws and cabinets were filled with "stuff". The chaos and dirt in the draws and cabinets, that can be seen so easily by the customers, was unnerving and I began to wonder what the kitchen looked like. 

I also wondered what people without smart phones would do in this restaurant, and so I asked. The manager happened to come to the front desk just as I asked and the hostess asked him. He said I could use their IPAD and walked way.  Left to my own devices and never having used an IPAD, I walked out of the place and plan to NEVER return.

If they are so unable to produce a gluten-free menu, how am I supposed to trust that they will serve me safe food. 

Please comment and let us know what gluten-free sites you use to find reliable gluten-free restaurants .

Love: Take Two

If you are following my blog then you or someone you love is probably on a gluten-free or restricted diet. You know only to well the challenges a restricted diet can bring. It can create the feeling of being overwhelmed and isolated. It can mean that eating out or taking in food is no longer an easy option. It means having to explain to your extended family & friends, over and over again. It takes time, work, and energy to live on a restricted diet.

It can also mean glorious and positive change in one's life. I have seen miracles when a person finds out that certain foods are affecting their health and then eliminates those foods. I have seen miracles occur when a mother takes gluten, dairy, soy, etc out of a child's diet. For example, the once out of control child has focus and self restraint again. I know children who were diagnosed as being on the spectrum of Autism and then with the power of food, supplements,etc (doctor guided) now live healthy, "normal" lives. 

I personally have seen the miracle in my family's lives as they have discovered what foods they can't tolerate and removed them from their diet. My daughter suffered from migraines since she was a young child. One month off of dairy (and following an alternative doctor's prescribed program) she stopped having migraines. It has been 5 years since she has suffered from migraines.

Love

To me this is true LOVE.  Devoting endless hours to helping a family member learn about, understand and live with food restrictions. Parents willing to do whatever it takes so that their child can live a healthy and happy life. Spouses/ partners altering their way of life to support those they love in their journey.  Taking care of yourself, so that you can live the best life you can.

LOVE is a gift we should be grateful for everyday! 


photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50624154@N00/3593589514">I ❤ NY</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

Celebrating Love

It is the time to kick of the Valentine Season, so I decided to use this platform to share some of my thoughts on the subject. 

February is an interesting month. In many parts of the country, it means cold, uncomfortable weather and the point in the winter season that feels like it will never end. Yet this cold, harsh time of years is the time that was chosen to celebrate LOVE.

Maybe this warm, romantic holiday was created to remind us of all the wonderful things life has to offer, like LOVE.

I, for one, do not think much of Valentines Day. I believe that if you are lucky enough to have love in your life then you should try to celebrate it everyday. I don't mean with flowers, balloons, cards etc. though that they are all wonderful. Just saying,  love should not be taken for granted and then appreciated 1day a year.

Love

Take a minute in your day to be grateful for the love in your life whether it is a romantic love, friendship love, family love and/or a pet that warms your heart. 

Photo by:  :  
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64306449@N06/12534319444">P2140034.jpg</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

Check Out Pamela's New Products

In Pamela's Products recent newsletter, they announced a new line of gluten-free Graham Crackers.
I am so excited about the upcoming Natural Products Expo West in March. I get to try all the wonderful new products and share them with you.

Pamela's New Gluten-Free Graham Crackers

 Photo from Pamela's newsletter

Sedona Restaurants: Take Two

The Golden Goose, Sedona, AZ

My apologizes, when I rewrote the blog post about Sedona I left out one restaurant, The Golden Goose. This quiet, out of the way restaurant is a gem. Though they are not listed as a gluten-free restaurant, they are one of the most accommodating places we went to. The server also has food allergies so was extremely attentive to my needs. Much of the menu can be made gluten-free and dairy-free. The menu is currently being revised to include specific gluten-free options.

I had lovely Citrus Glazed Basa Fillet.  The food was excellent and the atmosphere was relaxing and delightful.